Join a team that makes a difference
The organisation
Community Care Options has a proud 17 year record of providing case management and direct services to older people, people with a disability, people with Dementia and their carers, living in the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca areas. Our services focus on the empowerment, dignity and independence of our clients and their support network. With over 80 employees, the Organisation provides services to more than 230 people through a range of programs, and operates out of 3 local offices. For more information about the organisation see www.cco.net.au
We have current casual vacancies for Locum Case Managers.
Professionals and final year university students are invited to apply to join our casual register of staff. These positions suit people who want flexible work arrangements, in a well-respected and professional organisation. Locum appointments are available on a casual and project basis. Successful applicants will demonstrate a strong commitment to our values, and will be rewarded with a supportive work environment, ongoing professional development. These positions are paid under Cat 3 of the SACS (NSW State) Award.
Applicants must address all selection criteria outlined below. For a confidential discussion about the positions, contact Nicole Jut on (02) 66502006. Applications to itsupport@cco.net.au or by mail to: The Human Resources Manager, Community Care Options, P.O. Box 1382 Coffs Harbour 2450.
Applications are accepted at any time, however we have immediate vacancies and so applicants are encouraged to submit their application at the earliest opportunity.
Our Programs are funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
We are proud to be an EEO Employer.
MID NORTH COAST Community Care Options
~ Respect and value people as individuals
~ Strive to improve the quality of life of clients and carers
~ Are guided by an ethical framework
~ Operate in a professional way
~ Encourage creativity & initiative
Selection Criteria – Locum Case Manager
Demonstrated experience/skills:
1. Sensitivity towards people with disabilities, older people and their carers
2. Commitment to the rights of clients
3. Non-judgemental attitude
4. Degree in a people centred discipline or equivalent experience
5. Providing case management for people with complex needs
6. Assessing clients’ service needs
7. Understanding of, and commitment to EEO, OH&S and anti discrimination
8. Record keeping/report writing
9. Financial Management in a work context
10. Work effectively as part of a team
11. Work with minimum supervision
12. Excellent written and verbal communication
13. Confident computer user
14. Current unrestricted NSW Driver's license
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Co-Ordinator Position Coffs Harbour Support Services
Position Vacant:
Coordinator Accommodation Services (Ref CRD OP)
Salary: Up to SACS Grade IV (depending on skills, experience and qualifications)
Position Overview
This position oversees CHSS Outreach/Drop-In Accommodation Service. The project currently supports 16 people to live in their own homes within Coffs Harbour with flexible, person centred drop-in support. The program is delivered by an experienced and skilled staff team of 6 permanent part time staff plus casual relief staff.
People utilising support through this program range in age from 33 years through to 70 years. An initiative to better address the needs of people with disabilities as they age will be established under this program in early 2008. This will involve the establishment of an alternate accommodation framework provided through co-located units attached to 24 hour accommodation support for a small number of service users.
There is a real requirement to have a relationship and “know” the clients and families in this service to be able to anticipate their changing support needs and for the service and support to respond accordingly.
The position is full-time and operates from our main office at Garden Terrace, 9/6 Elbow Street, Coffs Harbour.
The organisation offers salary packaging and is FBT exempt.
Applications:
1. Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 12th October 2007. They must be received at CHSS offices in hard copy by this deadline.
2. Applications should be addressed to:
The General Manager
Coffs Harbour Support Services Inc.
PO Box 1484
COFFS HARBOUR
NSW 2450
3. Applications can be remitted by mail or alternatively may be hand delivered during office hours to Coffs Harbour Support Services Reception at Garden Terrace, 9/6 Elbow Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW. Electronic and faxed applications will not be accepted.
4. Applications should include contact names and numbers of 2 referees, with at least one of these being work related.
5. Applications should detail the position reference (CRD OPT)
6. Applications must address each of the selection criteria outlined below:
Essential:
ü Relevant degree or diploma (education, health, behavioural sciences, management) or a minimum of 6 years relevant work experience in community services.
ü Demonstrated understanding of the impact of disability on clients, their families, and planning of service provision.
ü Excellent communication skills – both written and oral – and the ability to use these skills in liaison and negotiation with a range of stakeholders
ü Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete in own time)
ü Current NSW Drivers Licence
ü Demonstrated Competence in use of MS Office, internet and email
ü Proven Financial Management skills (Proven ability to develop and manage budgets).
ü Ability to interpret financial reports (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss analyses)
ü Understanding of and commitment to Ethical Practice and Equal Employment Opportunity and OH&S
ü Knowledge of contemporary management practice and experience in provision of direct supervision.
Desirable:
ü Experience in successful management of disability programs and projects
ü Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment
ü Knowledge and understanding of disability service system in NSW, particularly in Northern NSW
ü Knowledge and experience in administration of DADHC funded services
7. Further information on CHSS can be found on www.coffssupport.com
If you require further information after reviewing the material provided in this Information Kit, you may contact Jill Smith (Operations Manager) or John Costello (General Manager) on 02 66 511 526.
Interviews:
1. At least 3 working days notice will be provided to applicants selected for interview.
3. Interview will be conducted by a panel comprising at least 3 panel members.
Unsuccessful Applicants:
1. Applicants who have not been short-listed for interview will be advised in writing within 21 days of the application closure date.
2. Applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their interview within 10 working days.
Successful Applicants:
1. Successful applicants will require a Federal and NSW Criminal Record Clearance. This is undertaken by CHSS at the organisation’s expense.
2. Successful applicants will be appointed subject to a satisfactory probationary period of 3 months.
3. Permanent employment is also subject to a satisfactory physical assessment.
Coordinator Accommodation Services (Ref CRD OP)
Salary: Up to SACS Grade IV (depending on skills, experience and qualifications)
Position Overview
This position oversees CHSS Outreach/Drop-In Accommodation Service. The project currently supports 16 people to live in their own homes within Coffs Harbour with flexible, person centred drop-in support. The program is delivered by an experienced and skilled staff team of 6 permanent part time staff plus casual relief staff.
People utilising support through this program range in age from 33 years through to 70 years. An initiative to better address the needs of people with disabilities as they age will be established under this program in early 2008. This will involve the establishment of an alternate accommodation framework provided through co-located units attached to 24 hour accommodation support for a small number of service users.
There is a real requirement to have a relationship and “know” the clients and families in this service to be able to anticipate their changing support needs and for the service and support to respond accordingly.
The position is full-time and operates from our main office at Garden Terrace, 9/6 Elbow Street, Coffs Harbour.
The organisation offers salary packaging and is FBT exempt.
Applications:
1. Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 12th October 2007. They must be received at CHSS offices in hard copy by this deadline.
2. Applications should be addressed to:
The General Manager
Coffs Harbour Support Services Inc.
PO Box 1484
COFFS HARBOUR
NSW 2450
3. Applications can be remitted by mail or alternatively may be hand delivered during office hours to Coffs Harbour Support Services Reception at Garden Terrace, 9/6 Elbow Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW. Electronic and faxed applications will not be accepted.
4. Applications should include contact names and numbers of 2 referees, with at least one of these being work related.
5. Applications should detail the position reference (CRD OPT)
6. Applications must address each of the selection criteria outlined below:
Essential:
ü Relevant degree or diploma (education, health, behavioural sciences, management) or a minimum of 6 years relevant work experience in community services.
ü Demonstrated understanding of the impact of disability on clients, their families, and planning of service provision.
ü Excellent communication skills – both written and oral – and the ability to use these skills in liaison and negotiation with a range of stakeholders
ü Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete in own time)
ü Current NSW Drivers Licence
ü Demonstrated Competence in use of MS Office, internet and email
ü Proven Financial Management skills (Proven ability to develop and manage budgets).
ü Ability to interpret financial reports (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss analyses)
ü Understanding of and commitment to Ethical Practice and Equal Employment Opportunity and OH&S
ü Knowledge of contemporary management practice and experience in provision of direct supervision.
Desirable:
ü Experience in successful management of disability programs and projects
ü Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment
ü Knowledge and understanding of disability service system in NSW, particularly in Northern NSW
ü Knowledge and experience in administration of DADHC funded services
7. Further information on CHSS can be found on www.coffssupport.com
If you require further information after reviewing the material provided in this Information Kit, you may contact Jill Smith (Operations Manager) or John Costello (General Manager) on 02 66 511 526.
Interviews:
1. At least 3 working days notice will be provided to applicants selected for interview.
3. Interview will be conducted by a panel comprising at least 3 panel members.
Unsuccessful Applicants:
1. Applicants who have not been short-listed for interview will be advised in writing within 21 days of the application closure date.
2. Applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their interview within 10 working days.
Successful Applicants:
1. Successful applicants will require a Federal and NSW Criminal Record Clearance. This is undertaken by CHSS at the organisation’s expense.
2. Successful applicants will be appointed subject to a satisfactory probationary period of 3 months.
3. Permanent employment is also subject to a satisfactory physical assessment.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Screenlinks Activities
Do you have a teenager who needs something to do over the school holidays?
Always looking for someone to shoot film/video of your event, sporting competition, school play or the like? Then sponsor a teenager to learn the skills to become your clubs’ videographer.
ScreenLinks – New Courses – taught by Industry experts
So You Want To Make Your Own Short Film...? Introduction to Short Filmmaking
A 3 day script to screen workshop for young people aged 13 - 18 years
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Tues Oct 2, Weds Oct 3 & Thurs Oct 4
ETC - Coffs Harbour80 Grafton Street
$290
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Tues Oct 9, Weds Oct 10 & Weds Oct 11
ETC - KempseySuite 8, 41 Belgrave St
$290
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Frid Oct 12, Sat Oct 13, & Sun Oct 14
Port Macquarie – Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Pacific Drive
$290
Screenwriting Courses for 17 years and above
COURSE NAME
DATE
VENUE
COST
Introduction to Screenwriting
Sat Oct 13 & Sun Oct 14
ETC – KempseySuite 8, 41 Belgrave St
$180
Introduction to Screenwriting
Sat Nov 3 & Sun Nov 4
ETC – Bellingen1 Church Street
$180
Screenwriting Workshop Intensive – the Next Step
Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11Sat Nov 17 & Sun Nov 18
ETC – Coffs Harbour80 Grafton Street
$395
Go to www.screenlinks.org for full information and course details.
BOOK & PAY NOW! - LIMITED PLACES
email: info@screenlinks.org
phone: 02 6648 3980
Christina Hyde
Manager
Always looking for someone to shoot film/video of your event, sporting competition, school play or the like? Then sponsor a teenager to learn the skills to become your clubs’ videographer.
ScreenLinks – New Courses – taught by Industry experts
So You Want To Make Your Own Short Film...? Introduction to Short Filmmaking
A 3 day script to screen workshop for young people aged 13 - 18 years
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Tues Oct 2, Weds Oct 3 & Thurs Oct 4
ETC - Coffs Harbour80 Grafton Street
$290
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Tues Oct 9, Weds Oct 10 & Weds Oct 11
ETC - KempseySuite 8, 41 Belgrave St
$290
Introduction to Short Filmmaking for Youth
Frid Oct 12, Sat Oct 13, & Sun Oct 14
Port Macquarie – Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Pacific Drive
$290
Screenwriting Courses for 17 years and above
COURSE NAME
DATE
VENUE
COST
Introduction to Screenwriting
Sat Oct 13 & Sun Oct 14
ETC – KempseySuite 8, 41 Belgrave St
$180
Introduction to Screenwriting
Sat Nov 3 & Sun Nov 4
ETC – Bellingen1 Church Street
$180
Screenwriting Workshop Intensive – the Next Step
Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11Sat Nov 17 & Sun Nov 18
ETC – Coffs Harbour80 Grafton Street
$395
Go to www.screenlinks.org for full information and course details.
BOOK & PAY NOW! - LIMITED PLACES
email: info@screenlinks.org
phone: 02 6648 3980
Christina Hyde
Manager
Holiday Activities
School Holiday Fun With
STARTTS
Come and have some fun. Activities include
Pet Porpoise Pool.
Beading. Big Banana. BBQ’s and more.
October 2nd-5th
Grades 4-6
Call STARTTS 66509195 Lisa or Denise
Monday, September 10, 2007
Child Protection Week
Celebration of Child Protection Week
Coffs Harbour Child Protection Interagency Committee has invited 60 schools and preschools in the Coffs LGA to join them in celebrating Child Protection Week through the children’s expression of artwork depicting the theme “what makes me feel safe in my community”.
This artwork from all children at our own preschools and schools will be displayed during Child Protection Week from Monday 3rd Sept to Sat 8th Sept at the Coffs Harbour Palms Shopping Centre upstairs stage area.
The Celebration of Child Protection Week will occur at 10am in this area to promote the theme of this years CP Week: “Kids Come First in our Community”.
Various guest speakers will discuss the need of Child Protection in our own community and provide a wonderful opportunity to view the incredible artworks from our talented children.
Face painting will be available for children as well as information on services available in the community to assist families and their children feel safe within our community.
Unfortunately child abuse and neglect is Australia’s greatest social problem and it happens because people are often reluctant to become involved. Child friendly communities will help children to be seen and heard and our local Child Protection Interagency has taken the theme for this year in Coffs harbour to be “Kids Come First in our Community”.
In child friendly communities, everyone accepts that the safety and well being of children is everyone’s responsibility. We need to encourage that everyone is involved and together we can make a positive difference in the lives of children within our community.
Coffs Harbour Child Protection Interagency Committee has invited 60 schools and preschools in the Coffs LGA to join them in celebrating Child Protection Week through the children’s expression of artwork depicting the theme “what makes me feel safe in my community”.
This artwork from all children at our own preschools and schools will be displayed during Child Protection Week from Monday 3rd Sept to Sat 8th Sept at the Coffs Harbour Palms Shopping Centre upstairs stage area.
The Celebration of Child Protection Week will occur at 10am in this area to promote the theme of this years CP Week: “Kids Come First in our Community”.
Various guest speakers will discuss the need of Child Protection in our own community and provide a wonderful opportunity to view the incredible artworks from our talented children.
Face painting will be available for children as well as information on services available in the community to assist families and their children feel safe within our community.
Unfortunately child abuse and neglect is Australia’s greatest social problem and it happens because people are often reluctant to become involved. Child friendly communities will help children to be seen and heard and our local Child Protection Interagency has taken the theme for this year in Coffs harbour to be “Kids Come First in our Community”.
In child friendly communities, everyone accepts that the safety and well being of children is everyone’s responsibility. We need to encourage that everyone is involved and together we can make a positive difference in the lives of children within our community.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Australia Fair
Dear All,
The media response to the launch of the Australia Fair report, A fair go for all Australians: International Comparisons 2007 has been extensive. The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Treasurer and Minister Brough have all had to respond to the findings of the report in the media today.
There has been coverage in most major papers across the country and radio and television interviews. The online coverage includes: The Australian, The Age, SMH, Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Western Australian, News.com.au and Bigpond. The News Limited sites (Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and news.com.au) all had at least one link to a Sky News video which is a 2 minute story on the report and poverty in Australia.
Here is the link to the news.com.au article: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22332336-5007133,00.html which has the story and a great video clip to the report.
Today would be a good day to email your networks and get them signed onto the Australia Fair – to that end I set out below the text that has been sent to the existing Australia Fair supporters.
New Australia Fair report shows Australia is slipping behind
If 1 in 10 Australians are living below the poverty line, is Australia Fair?
You may have seen reports of the new Australia Fair report in the news today, which you can read on www.australiafair.org.au. The report tracks poverty between 1994 and 2004 and finds that the number of Australians living below the poverty line has grown over that time.
The report also looks at how Australia’s performance compares with other rich countries.
It’s not fair that Australians are struggling with essentials such as high housing and dental care costs.
Have you sent the email on dental funding yet? It’s not too late to send it now.
Take a few steps to help make Australia fair for all.
Step 1: Log onto www.australiafair.org.au to have your say.
Step 2: Get your friends to get onto Australia Fair’s website.
Step 3: You can tell decision makers and the media about a fair go for all Australians.
Many thanks to those of you who assisted in the report.
Cheers
Andrew Johnson
Executive Director
Australian Council of Social ServiceTel: 02 9310 4844
Fax: 02 9310 4822
The media response to the launch of the Australia Fair report, A fair go for all Australians: International Comparisons 2007 has been extensive. The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Treasurer and Minister Brough have all had to respond to the findings of the report in the media today.
There has been coverage in most major papers across the country and radio and television interviews. The online coverage includes: The Australian, The Age, SMH, Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Western Australian, News.com.au and Bigpond. The News Limited sites (Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and news.com.au) all had at least one link to a Sky News video which is a 2 minute story on the report and poverty in Australia.
Here is the link to the news.com.au article: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22332336-5007133,00.html which has the story and a great video clip to the report.
Today would be a good day to email your networks and get them signed onto the Australia Fair – to that end I set out below the text that has been sent to the existing Australia Fair supporters.
New Australia Fair report shows Australia is slipping behind
If 1 in 10 Australians are living below the poverty line, is Australia Fair?
You may have seen reports of the new Australia Fair report in the news today, which you can read on www.australiafair.org.au. The report tracks poverty between 1994 and 2004 and finds that the number of Australians living below the poverty line has grown over that time.
The report also looks at how Australia’s performance compares with other rich countries.
It’s not fair that Australians are struggling with essentials such as high housing and dental care costs.
Have you sent the email on dental funding yet? It’s not too late to send it now.
Take a few steps to help make Australia fair for all.
Step 1: Log onto www.australiafair.org.au to have your say.
Step 2: Get your friends to get onto Australia Fair’s website.
Step 3: You can tell decision makers and the media about a fair go for all Australians.
Many thanks to those of you who assisted in the report.
Cheers
Andrew Johnson
Executive Director
Australian Council of Social ServiceTel: 02 9310 4844
Fax: 02 9310 4822
Thursday, August 2, 2007
AAS Funding
Hi All
Just to let you know that the next AAS funding round is due to open this Saturday 4/8/07 and closing on Wednesday 5/9/07.
All information and application forms are available and will need to be submitted online at www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/aas
All applicants will need to discuss their project concept with either myself on Ph: 66484831 or Raechel Squires Ph: 66484839 here at Council and be provided with a registration number before they can access the online form.
Regards
Kathy Abell
Just to let you know that the next AAS funding round is due to open this Saturday 4/8/07 and closing on Wednesday 5/9/07.
All information and application forms are available and will need to be submitted online at www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/aas
All applicants will need to discuss their project concept with either myself on Ph: 66484831 or Raechel Squires Ph: 66484839 here at Council and be provided with a registration number before they can access the online form.
Regards
Kathy Abell
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Community Care Meeting
COFFS HARBOUR COMMUNITY CARE MEETING
Tuesday 7th August 2007
10am -1pm
Coffs Exservices Club meeting room
Vernon St., Coffs Harbour
(change of venue - regular venues all booked)
RSVP for catering purposes
proposed agenda:
10:00 service updates, information exchange
10:45 update from the working group - infrastructure planning
accommodation / premises survey
11:10 morning tea
11:30 Kristina Cooke, Economic Development Unit and Jenni Eakins, Manager Community Services, Coffs Harbour City Council
12:00 prep. for DADHC 3 year planning cycle
- DADHC Needs ID Form
- new statistics, ABS
- mapping of Coffs Harbour LGA Community Care Services
1:00 close meeting
Please find attached DADHC needs ID Form as distributed at the February and May 2007 meetings.
Najjia HadzicMid North Coast Home and Community Care Development OfficerMNC Regional Council for Social DevelopmentPO BOX 496 Macksville 2447 NSWph: 6568 4040 mob: 0429 404 330 fax: 6568 3113email: mnchacc@mncrcsd.com.au
Tuesday 7th August 2007
10am -1pm
Coffs Exservices Club meeting room
Vernon St., Coffs Harbour
(change of venue - regular venues all booked)
RSVP for catering purposes
proposed agenda:
10:00 service updates, information exchange
10:45 update from the working group - infrastructure planning
accommodation / premises survey
11:10 morning tea
11:30 Kristina Cooke, Economic Development Unit and Jenni Eakins, Manager Community Services, Coffs Harbour City Council
12:00 prep. for DADHC 3 year planning cycle
- DADHC Needs ID Form
- new statistics, ABS
- mapping of Coffs Harbour LGA Community Care Services
1:00 close meeting
Please find attached DADHC needs ID Form as distributed at the February and May 2007 meetings.
Najjia HadzicMid North Coast Home and Community Care Development OfficerMNC Regional Council for Social DevelopmentPO BOX 496 Macksville 2447 NSWph: 6568 4040 mob: 0429 404 330 fax: 6568 3113email: mnchacc@mncrcsd.com.au
Anti- Discrimination Meeting
AINTI-DISCRIMINATION WORKSHOPS
Coffs Harbour City Council's Multicultural Reference Group are inviting interested parties to attend free Anti-Discrimination workshops being held at the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, 28 August, 2007.
Session 1 : commencing 9.30 a.m. will be targeted at service providers, local business, government organisations and agencies.
Session 2 : Commencing 1.30 p.m. will be targeted at the needs of the multicultural community, including new arrivals, students and the general public.
Each session will run for approximately 2 hours concluding with a short questions and answer segment.
Claire Williams, Community Education Officer, from the Anti-Discrimination Board will be conducting the sessions.
Morning and afternoon tea provided.
For more information or bookings please contact Susan Clarke on 6648 4833. LIMITED SEATS SO BOOK EARLY.
This imitative sponsored by Coffs Harbour City Council and the Anti-Discrimination Board of New South Wales.
Coffs Harbour City Council's Multicultural Reference Group are inviting interested parties to attend free Anti-Discrimination workshops being held at the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, 28 August, 2007.
Session 1 : commencing 9.30 a.m. will be targeted at service providers, local business, government organisations and agencies.
Session 2 : Commencing 1.30 p.m. will be targeted at the needs of the multicultural community, including new arrivals, students and the general public.
Each session will run for approximately 2 hours concluding with a short questions and answer segment.
Claire Williams, Community Education Officer, from the Anti-Discrimination Board will be conducting the sessions.
Morning and afternoon tea provided.
For more information or bookings please contact Susan Clarke on 6648 4833. LIMITED SEATS SO BOOK EARLY.
This imitative sponsored by Coffs Harbour City Council and the Anti-Discrimination Board of New South Wales.
Homelessness
Homelessness in NSW – some facts and figures
• In the middle of a cold and wet winter, across New South Wales, around 27,0001 people are homeless. They sleep in parks, under bridges, with friends or strangers, in vulnerable situations. Across NSW about only 15% of homeless people are lucky enough to get a place in a crisis refuge.
• In NSW, the percentages of where homeless people are sleeping are: - 45% with friends and relatives - 29% in boarding houses - 15% in SAAP accommodation - 11% in improvised dwellings and tents
• Of the almost 27,000 experiencing homelessness, 39% are women. These can be single women as well as women and children escaping domestic violence.
• 46% of those who are homeless are under 25 and almost 10,000 are under 12. Young people experiencing homelessness are often running away from families characterized by poverty, violence and drug and alcohol abuse.
• Indigenous people are more likely to experience homelessness than other Australians. Two percent of the population identified as Indigenous at the 2001 census, but 16% of clients in homeless assistance services were Aboriginal in 2001-022.
• Contrary to popular belief there are homeless people in regional areas:
- 39 people in every 10,000 are homeless in Sydney.
- 47 people in every 10,000 are homeless in NSW Regional areas.
• The Demand for SAAP Accommodation by homeless people 2004-053 report shows that NSW has the highest turn-away numbers of any State and Territory, with 58 potential clients and 33 accompanying children with valid requests for immediate accommodation being turned away each day.
• Across Australia more people with valid requests for immediate accommodation were turned away than were accommodated by a crisis refuge. Only one in two people with a valid request for accommodation received it, and three out of five accompanying children were turned away4.
1 Chamberlain, Chris. Counting the Homeless 2001: Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2001), SAAP National Data Collection Annual Report 2001-02, Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cat. No. HOU 61 2
3
4 Australian Institute of Health & Welfare 2004. Demand for SAAP assistance by homeless people 2002-03: a report from the SAAP National Data Collection. AIHW cat no. HOU 110. Canberra: AIHW (SAAP NDCA report. Series 8).
• Across Australia family groups were turned away in high proportions from crisis refuges. This was highest for couples with children and couples without children, where only one in five requesting groups were accommodated (81% were turned away). Sixty-four per cent of single people with children requesting accommodation were turned away.
• Despite recording the highest number of homeless people in the 2001 Census, NSW has not developed a homelessness strategy5. HomelessnessNSW.ACT is calling for the NSW Government to develop a Homelessness Strategy to ensure a better coordinated response to homelessness. Being homeless is a complex issue, created by the failure of a variety of service systems. Homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless are affected by common themes that include social exclusion, an ineffective service system, lack of access to housing that is affordable to people on low incomes and a lack of support and supported accommodation services.
5 Chamberlain, C and MacKenzie, D, Australian Census Analytic Program, Counting the Homeless 2001, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Catalogue No. 2050.0
• In the middle of a cold and wet winter, across New South Wales, around 27,0001 people are homeless. They sleep in parks, under bridges, with friends or strangers, in vulnerable situations. Across NSW about only 15% of homeless people are lucky enough to get a place in a crisis refuge.
• In NSW, the percentages of where homeless people are sleeping are: - 45% with friends and relatives - 29% in boarding houses - 15% in SAAP accommodation - 11% in improvised dwellings and tents
• Of the almost 27,000 experiencing homelessness, 39% are women. These can be single women as well as women and children escaping domestic violence.
• 46% of those who are homeless are under 25 and almost 10,000 are under 12. Young people experiencing homelessness are often running away from families characterized by poverty, violence and drug and alcohol abuse.
• Indigenous people are more likely to experience homelessness than other Australians. Two percent of the population identified as Indigenous at the 2001 census, but 16% of clients in homeless assistance services were Aboriginal in 2001-022.
• Contrary to popular belief there are homeless people in regional areas:
- 39 people in every 10,000 are homeless in Sydney.
- 47 people in every 10,000 are homeless in NSW Regional areas.
• The Demand for SAAP Accommodation by homeless people 2004-053 report shows that NSW has the highest turn-away numbers of any State and Territory, with 58 potential clients and 33 accompanying children with valid requests for immediate accommodation being turned away each day.
• Across Australia more people with valid requests for immediate accommodation were turned away than were accommodated by a crisis refuge. Only one in two people with a valid request for accommodation received it, and three out of five accompanying children were turned away4.
1 Chamberlain, Chris. Counting the Homeless 2001: Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2001), SAAP National Data Collection Annual Report 2001-02, Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cat. No. HOU 61 2
3
4 Australian Institute of Health & Welfare 2004. Demand for SAAP assistance by homeless people 2002-03: a report from the SAAP National Data Collection. AIHW cat no. HOU 110. Canberra: AIHW (SAAP NDCA report. Series 8).
• Across Australia family groups were turned away in high proportions from crisis refuges. This was highest for couples with children and couples without children, where only one in five requesting groups were accommodated (81% were turned away). Sixty-four per cent of single people with children requesting accommodation were turned away.
• Despite recording the highest number of homeless people in the 2001 Census, NSW has not developed a homelessness strategy5. HomelessnessNSW.ACT is calling for the NSW Government to develop a Homelessness Strategy to ensure a better coordinated response to homelessness. Being homeless is a complex issue, created by the failure of a variety of service systems. Homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless are affected by common themes that include social exclusion, an ineffective service system, lack of access to housing that is affordable to people on low incomes and a lack of support and supported accommodation services.
5 Chamberlain, C and MacKenzie, D, Australian Census Analytic Program, Counting the Homeless 2001, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Catalogue No. 2050.0
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