State Government launches Family Violence Action Plan In an effort to address family violence in Tasmania, the State Government has committed an additional $25.57 million in funding over the next four years to implement Tasmania’s first Family Violence Action Plan. Shelter Tas welcomes the plan, which recognises housing as critical in the response to family violence. The Government will invest $2 million in additional crisis accommodation, $2.4 million to lease 50 rental properties to provide supported housing, and $4 million in additional counselling and support for children and adults affected by family violence. To view the Safe Homes, Safe Families action plan click here.
Natasha Stott Despoja, Rosie Batty and Premier Will Hodgman (L) with Karen from Huon DV Service, Lynette from Jireh House and Jacinta from CatholicCare, at the Family Violence Action Plan launch.
Homelessness Prevention Week Activities 2015 Devonport High School was voted this year's winner of the H.E.L.P. Film Festival, as part of Homelessness Prevention Week (HPW) 2015. An impressive effort by Devonport High, the film explored the theme 'who is homeless?' in the strongest way, as well as the impact homelessness has on young people. The cast and crew showed real insight into the experience of being young and homeless. Congratulations to Devonport High on their great effort!
HPW commenced on one of the coldest days in winter with snowfall across the State, which unfortunately led to the cancellation of the planned Housing Connect walk. However, the weather was perfect for Anglicare's BBQ at the end of the week. Plenty of locals and service representatives, as well as the Mayor of Glenorchy, Kristie Johnston attended and a great time was had by all. Thanks to everyone involved in HPW for making it such a valuable and fun occasion in 2015.
Pictured below - H.E.L.P film festival winnners, Devonport High School (L) and Anglicare's HPW BBQ (R).
Annie Kenney Official Opening Annie Kenney Young Women's Emergency Accommodation Service recently opened its new premises. The organisation, which has operated since 1978 has moved to new premises, which will provide improved facilities - including heating in all bedrooms and a dedicated room for art activities. The pictures below show staff, residents and invited guests (including Minister for Human Services, Jacquie Petrusma) at the opening.
Factoid of the Week I Social Housing in Tasmania
Since 2010 Tasmania has increased the number of social housing dwellings per 10,000 people - more than any other mainland state.
Reform of Federation Issues Paper 2, Roles and Responsibilities in Housing and Homelessness
Media Releases
Homelessness Prevention Week 2015 Shelter Tas, 31 July 2015. Click here.
Family Violence Action Plan Welcomed Shelter Tas, 13 August 2015. Click here.
Housing a critical need for those fleeing family violence Minister for Human Services, 14 August 2015. Click here.
Boost to accommodation and counselling services for family violence victims Minister for Human Services, 13 August 2015. Click here.
Launch of new Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania website Minister for Justice, 12 August 2015. Click here.
Rosie Batty inspiring Family Violence Action Plan Premier, 4 August 2015. Click here.
Taking action to reduce alcohol and drug harm Minister for Health, 20 July 2015. Click here.
Research and Articles
How you can help prevent homelessness (audio) 936 ABC Hobart, 3 August 2015. Click here.
Strategically using public housing assets could transform our middle suburbs Australian Policy Online, 31 July 2015. Click here.
Talking Point: Mission grants permission to give to hungry The Mercury, 7 August, 2015. Click here.
Homeless Face ‘Inhumane’ Treatment ProBono News, 4 August 2015. Click here.
Australians less likely to survive home ownership than Britons The Conversation, 3 August 2015. Click here.
Family violence a major cause of homelessness, royal commission hears ABC News, 21 July 2015. Click here.
Forcing ice users into rehab won’t solve the problem – here’s what we need instead The Conversation, Wednesday 12 August, 2015. Click here.
Experts dispel myth of ice epidemic Sky News, 11 August 2015. Click here.
Events and Training
Working with the potential for violence Groupwork Solutions will deliver a workshop on 'Working with the potential for violence' from 9:30am - 4:30pm on Wednesday 26 August at the Riverview Room, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart. The workshop will look at a variety of practical, common sense principles for the prevention and diffusion of violence against community welfare workers in a variety of community based settings. For more information or to register click here.
Family and Gender Violence and the Limits of Law Reform Her Excellency Professor the Honorable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania, will present this year's Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture at UTAS on the topic of 'Family and Gender Violence and the Limits of Law Reform'. The lecture will be held at the Stanley Burbury Theatre, Sandy Bay Campus, UTAS at 6:00pm on Tuesday 1st September. For more details or to register click here.
Engaging men in family based programs Groupwork Solutions is running an 'Engaging men in family based programs' workshop on Wednesday 14 October in Campbell Town. The workshop allows workers, organisations or networks of services to provide more effective programs to men and families and will explore the importance of the fathers’ role in family services and how programs can engage and support this opportunity. For more information or to register click here.
International Childhood Trauma Conference 2016 - Early Bird Registration Register now for the 2016 International Childhood Trauma Conference to be held in Melbourne from Monday 6 June - Friday 10 June 2016. The Australian Childhood Foundation are offering a Super Early Bird Rate of $279 (GST inclusive) for registrations received before Thursday 10th September 2015. For more information or to register click here.
"New Life" Charity Gala Dinner Pathways Tasmania will host the "New Life" Charity Gala Dinner from 7:00pm on Saturday 22nd August at the C3 Convention Centre, Anglesea Rd, South Hobart. Last year, the Gala Dinner raised more than $80,000 with funds used to engage, support and mentor vulnerable young men to help them reach their full potential by building character and making positive choices. For more information or to book click here.
Other News
Building Safe Communities for Women Grants Program The Australian Government is inviting applications for projects under the Building Safe Communities for Women and their Children grant funding round, which is open to local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local governments. Building Safe Communities for Women and their Children grants are designed to support communities to develop and implement practical solutions to reduce violence against women and their children in their own community; to help prevent this violence into the future; and to make a positive difference for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Building Safe Communities for Women and their Children grants can also be used to better understand the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in the community. Total funding of up to $4 million is available from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2017. Applicants can apply for one-off time limited funding of up to a total of $150,000 over two financial years. For further information click here or phone 1800 625 136. Applications close Thursday 27th August 2015.
Stronger Communities Programme The Federal Government has launched a new grants program called the Stronger Communities Programme to fund small capital projects in local communities. Each electorate in the country will have $150,000 to distribute in 2015/16 and another $150,000 in 2016/17. To be eligible, your organisation must be a legal entity with a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and be:
a community based not-for-profit organisation in its own right that is not owned by a state or territory government; or
a local government body.
To be eligible for funding a project must:
be for capital purchases/activities
seek a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $20,000
match the grant funding dollar for dollar (either in cash or kind such as labour)
contribute to an improvement in local community participation and cohesion and contribute to the vibrancy and viability of the community.
Click herefor more information or contact your local electorate office.
Ansvar’s Community Education Program Ansvar’s Community Education Program provides grants up to $50 000 for programs supporting Australian youth which fall under two categories:
Empowerment and Education: Programs within this category must provide opportunities to develop positive values that lead to healthy lifestyle choices and a positive contribution to our community.
Outreach Programs: Programs within this category must support youths who are at risk or are already experiencing difficulties (such as drug and/or alcohol abuse) through rehabilitation and/or skills training.
Thanks to all contributors for their submissions and feedback to the eNews. As content comes from many different sources, views expressed are not necessarily those of Shelter Tas. We welcome your input to the eNews - please send suggestions or articles to comm@sheltertas.org.au for consideration.
