Mid Coast Communities

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Welcome to this issue of Your Voice, the newsletter for communities and Community Services on the mid north coast of NSW. Did you know October is Mental Health Month? Did you also know that around 45% of Australians will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime and if they don’t, will most likely know someone that does? Across the mid north coast there are many community events taking place to promote October’s Mental Health Month. In our Coffs Harbour office we are gearing up for 2 events – Breakdown The Stigma (a Coffs Harbour headspace initiative) and the Coffs Coast Zombie Walk! What better way to get people (and in particular young people) learning and talking about mental health wellbeing then for services and the community to combine efforts to put on fun events like these! See below for more information on these events but to get you inspired, here is a video of 2015’s Zombie Walk! According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “mental health is the state of well-being in which every individual with their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community”. This year’s theme is “Learn and Grow” and encourages us all to learn more about mental health and how to take action to improve our mental wellbeing. WayAhead, the Mental Health Association of NSW, reports there is “still a lot of stigma and confusion around the topic and that’s where learning and growing comes in”. They say it’s important to make sure that as many people as possible know what mental illness looks like and what can be done to treat it – even if it’s not an issue for you right now, it might be one day, either for you or someone you know. Check out WayAhead as they have some great resources as well as a calendar of events happening across NSW. As usual, this issue is jam-packed full of information, resources, news and opportunities. Enjoy! Sue Currie Team Leader: Families and Communities

ISSUE:
October, 2016

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The Big Picture


		The NCOSS Pre-Budget Submission is ready. Endorse it today! NCOSS has now completed its 2017-18 Pre-Budget Submission. This year’s submission is the result of extensive work from NCOSS members around the state and of feedback from people experiencing and at risk of poverty in our state. View the submission here.
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		Youth Action is Coming to a Region Near You! 18 November \| 9:30am - 2:30pm \| Port Macquarie Youth Action will be meeting with the new FaCS Executive Director to pass on your feedback and advocate for the great youth services in the region. This is your chance to make sure the local youth sector is heard loud and clear before local TEI planning gets started! Click here to register your interest.
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		Promote Healthy Living by Sharing your 'Healthy Life, Healthy You' pic and WIN! The Mid North Coast Local Health District has launched a photographic competition to get Australian communities thinking and talking about what good health means to them. There are over $45,000 worth of prizes to be won. Categories include: Primary School \| High School \| Mobile and Over 18s. Visit the Competition website by clicking here. For queries about the competition guidelines and how to enter email your query to: yourhealth@ncahs.nsw.gov.au
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		Productivity Commission Inquiry into Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services The purpose of this report is to seek feedback from participants on the Commission’s preliminary findings, and any further issues that should be considered before the public release of the study report in November 2016. View the report here.
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		NCOSS says.... time to look at next steps for the Social and Affordable Housing Fund Last week it was great to see a bill introduced to see the Social and Affordable Housing Fund entered into legislation and $1.1 billion in funds dedicated and ring-fenced for social and affordable housing projects as part of that process. Click here to view NCOSS eNews Issue 18, Volume 3 \| 29 September
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Mid Coast Communities News And Events


		'WOW' Women of The World 2016 15 October \| 10:00am - 5:00pm \| Boambee Creek Reserve Mentoring the younger generation, handing over from Elders to Youth. Come along for the day and experience workshops, performance, fun and connection. Click here for more information.
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		Promoting the Wellbeing of Young People Masterclass 4 November \| Coffs Harbour \| Less than 1 month to register! We have 3 incredible guest workshop facilitators for our inaugural regional masterclass! Check out what they will be presenting (below) to make it easier to choose which 2 workshops you would like to attend! Please share with your networks and support the message that wellbeing is an essential building block for us all! Workshop Overviews: Dr Tim Sharp \| Anna-Louise Bouvier \| Therese Joyce Like our Facebook Page, view the flyer or click here for more details including registration!
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		Zombies to Hit Coffs Streets in Support of Mental Health 15 October \| 10:30am - 2:00pm \| Norm Jordan Pavilion (Coffs Harbour Showground) Not long now to the 2016 Zombie Walk which is being held to promote Mental Health Month (and to have fun of course!) The Walk will be a blast – so come along and join the fun! There will be Special Effect Artists available and following the Walk, which is approximately half the length of last year’s walk, Synapse will be playing live from 12:30pm to 2:00pm and Key Employment are putting on a free BBQ. Registration for the event is $5 per person, which can be paid on the day. Find out more by visiting Nexus HQ’s Facebook Page! Click here to view the poster - print out, display and share! And check out the 2015 Zombie Walk here!
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		Positioning Organisations for New Environments Training Facilitated by Michelle Lindau, the training will prepare you for the new world of NDIS and the changing environments emerging as the aged care reform continues to roll out. Developed for Case Managers, Coordinators and Team Leaders, the training will be held in Coffs Harbour and Kempsey and is suitable for either Disability or Aged Care Services. Click here to view the full flyer. Click here for details and registrations.
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Community Services


Therapeutic and Community Responses to Suicide and Despair 17 October \| 9:00am - 4:00pm \| Port Macquarie In our work with people it is challenging when suicidal thoughts and feelings are relentless and ongoing. This workshop is designed to explore ways of responding that are therapeutic and encourage a stronger connection to life for those we work with . Click here for more information or to register for the workshop.
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		Family Relationships Skills Program FREE Courses for Parents New courses for term 4 include; Calmer Kids \| Strong Arms Soft Hands, A Fatherhood Workshop \| 'Yes, I Can Say No' Assertiveness Workshop Click here for more information on these courses.
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Momentum Learning Services Opening 28 September 2016 Specialising in behaviour-based early intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorders and other development disabilities. Book your free 30-minute consult now! Click here for more information
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		Evidence-based Mental Health Forum 20 October \| 5:30pm - 7:30pm \| Coffs Harbour This meeting with demonstrate new methods of multimedia engagement in keeping with the 2016 October Mental Health Month theme Learn and Grow. Click here to view the flyer. Click here to register.
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Governance Effectiveness Training for Boards, Committees, Branches and Managers Our fresh and contemporary program will assist Managers and Members of Boards, Committees and Branches better understand roles, responsibilities and requirements and improve strategic thinking, organisational leadership and working relationships. Training is being run in various locations throughout October-November with Registration cost $180+ GST. Click here for more information.
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		Our Community Matters - Edition 5 This issue will include topics such as; Seven rules for work-life balance, Commonwealth Bank looks at clean and green energy-efficient loans, the introduction of a new coaching and mentoring program for new and aspiring not-for-profit leaders. All this and a whole lot more! Click here to read more.
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		Bridging the Gap Community Services Inc. Click here for more information on the Men's Resource Centre and Women's Services.
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Youth Health Forum 9 November \| 8:30am - 12:30pm \| Coffs Harbour Health Campus This is a professional development opportunity with the topic 'When a parent has a mental illness and/or drug and misuse issue: overcoming adversity'. Click here for more information
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		An Introduction to Working with Individuals Who Have Self-Destructive Behaviour 1 & 2 December \| Taree Safe in Oz aim to give workshop participants an insight into the headspace of a person who participates in self-destructive behaviour/s in order to better understand their 'real' world and life experiences. Click here for more information. Click here to register for the workshop.
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		Breaking the Ice in Our Community 20 October \| 6:00pm \| Panthers Port Macquarie The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is hosting a series of forums around NSW to help you and your community get the facts about crystalline methamphetamine or 'ice' use. Click here for more information.
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Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 3-4 November \| 9:00am - 5:00pm \| Port Macquarie This training is open to Youth Workers aged 18 years and over. Each participant will receive a certificate of attendance as well as support materials. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Click here to register.
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		Join Other NFP Leaders at One Of These Enlightening Business Development Events 18-20 October \| Sydney NFP Programme Evaluation Forum Strengthening ongoing funding through effective data collection and measurement Click here for more information or to register. 29 November - 1 December \| Sydney NDIS Business Transformation Strategy Adapting commercial business models for profitability and growth. Click here to view the flyer or register for the training.
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Seasons for Growth: Program for Children Beginning 18 October 2016 \| 4:00pm - 4.45pm \| Interrelate Coffs Harbour Seasons for Growth uses the imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of grief. It aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children who are dealing with significant life changes. This free 8 week program has three different levels depending on the child's age. Click here to view the full flyer, find out dates and contact details.
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Promoting Inclusion


Blind Citizens Australia State Convention 15 & 16 October \| Coffs Harbour This year's convention is built upon the principles of My Choice and My Way for people who are blind or vision impaired. Click here for more information.
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Living Well With Cancer 15 October \| 9:15am - 3:30pm \| Cavanbah Centre This program is designed for people living in challenging life circumstances to learn and share about the importance of self-care and elements that build resilience. Click here to view the flyer.
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		5000th NDIS Participant Plan in ACT A mother of two is the 5000th participant to be handed her first NDIS plan. This event was attended by the Hon. Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services and NDIA Chair Bruce Bonyhady. To read this story and more in the recent newsletter click here.
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		Port Macquarie - Disability Info Support Hub Every 3rd Tuesday of Month \| 1:00pm - 2:30pm \| Port Macquarie Library Come and join the Disability Information Support Hub to informally discuss disability related issues you and your family are facing and to connect with others. Click here to view the flyer.
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Saltwater Real Conciliation Women's Camp 23 - 25 November \| Saltwater National Park The camp aims to create gender equality in opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in the Manning Valley, Hastings and Great Lakes areas and beyond, through networks, education, prevention and exercising ones human rights. Click here for more information or to register for the camp.
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		Communities for Children Click here to view the September Newsletter
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		Reclaim The Night March 21 October \| 6:30pm - 8:00pm \| Town Green Port Macquarie We all have a right to feel safe in our community. Put on your walking shoes and bring your friends and family and join us - together we can make a difference! Click here to view the flyer.
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Kempsey Builds Sharing and Encouraging Educational Futures Campaign for Their Children Lead My Learning campaign will be released across the Kempsey community offering supportive resources to playgroups, childcare centres and related services over the next six to nine months. Click here to read more about this fantastic campaign.
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		DAT Office Release and eLearning Available Now The DAT is an innovation that revolutionises the ease and speed of creating accessible documents in Microsoft Word. Click here for more information or to download the DAT.
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Family Fun Day - 'Picnic in the Park' 6 October \| 10:30am \| Westport Park Join in for fun picnic activities including races, prizes, sausage sizzle and much more. Click here to view the flyer.
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		Communities for Children Communities for Children is a collective of local organisations providing services that support the health and wellbeing of children and families. Click here to view the Newsletter.
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Coffs Coast Accessibility Expo Thursday 20 October \| 10:00am - 2:00pm \| Coffs Harbour Coffs Home Mods is looking for stall holders that provide assistive aids, equipment and technology, organisations providing assistance and information, sporting groups that are inclusive, and health professionals/allied health providing information and assistance for those with a disability. Click here to find out more information. Follow this link to book a stall.
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		Breaking Bread Free lunch - 7 days a week! Click here to view the Welfare Assistance Directory.
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VoiceUp Trauma Webinar Recording This webinar is part of the Healthy Minds Webcast Series, titled 'Healing Trauma' and is well worth a watch. For those who missed the webinar it's not too late - you can view a copy by clicking here.
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Victims of Crime Information Sessions 10 October \| 10:00am - 2:30pm \| Coffs Harbour 11 October \| 9:30am - 2:00pm \| Port Macquarie Do you provide services to victims of crime? Please join us for an information session on services and support for victims of crime. Click here for more information on the Coffs Harbour session \| Or here for information on the Port Macquarie session.
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		Disaster Recovery Training 12 November \| 9:00am - 3:00pm \| Kempsey This course prepares you to volunteer, under the Anglicare umbrella, should our assistance be required in times of disaster. For more information on this training course click here.
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My Wardrobe Rules Saturday 29 October 2016 \| 10:00am - 2:00pm \| Taree \| A Unique Fundraising Event Wanted - quality, stylish garments and accessories Click here to find out further details.
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		Career Start Applications open 3 October and Close 31 October 2016 Career Start is designed to provide experience in the workplace to people who are blind or have low vision. Graduates may have previously experienced barriers in entering the workforce. Career Start is a 12 month program consisting of a nine month paid placement within Vision Australia and a three month paid placement with an external employer. Click here to find out more information.
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		Australian Network On Disability The 2016 International Day of People with Disability theme is announced. We look at how big brands are showcasing diversity through advertising. There is information on a new resource helping employees access assistive technology and digital accessibility information. And, we highlight AND members recognised in the 2016 National Disability Awards. All this among much more. Click here to read on.
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Carers Day Out Tuesday 18 October 2016 \| 10:00am - 2:30pm \| Boambee East Community Centre Free fun, food, prizes and gifts. Places are limited, register now! Registration - Carers NSW 6650 0512 RSVP by 7 October for catering purposes. Click here for more information.
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		Break Down the Stigma Friday 7 October \| 2:00pm - 10:00pm \| Coffs City Centre Break Down The Stigma is A FREE and ALL AGES alternative music festival in the Coffs City Centre that aims to increase awareness about youth mental health issues and the support that is available. Click here to find out more.
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		An Update on Current Youth Drug Trends 17 November \| 4:00pm - 6:00pm \| Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour This information session will sort out fact from fiction on current youth AOD trends in Australia on a range of both legal and illegal drugs. Click here for more information.
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		Whats on at My Choice Matters! Another busy month including: - a wrap-up of the NSW CID conference - 'Get More Skills' workshops across the state - Plenty of other events across the state Click here to visit the newsletter.
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		ACON News - October 2016 If you're wanting to have some fun October brings us Bello Homo Muster in Bellingen and HalloQueen in Port Macquarie. There is also Stress Less Day at Kempsey TAFE and a new Bobby Goldsmith Foundation case worker in the area. Click here to read more.
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Kempsey Legal Advice Clinics Free legal advice available for everyday problems, family law problems or criminal law problems. Click here to find out more.
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		Autism Talk Tuesday 8 November 2016 \| 6:00pm - 8:00pm \| Coffs Harbour Jetty This talk is suited to parents, family members and carers of young people with Autism, however all carers of a person with Autism are welcome. Follow this link to view the flyer.
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Disability & Aged Care News


National Dementia Behavior Management Services Announced Two associations have been selected to deliver a national dementia behavior management service. Click here for details.
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		Reduced cost of some Medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Millions of consumers will be able to access more affordable medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 01/10/2016. The reductions are the result of the PBS Access and Sustainability Package reforms which passed through Parliament last year. Click here for the announcement. Click here for price reductions and fact sheets.
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Building Capacity Workshop 26 October \| 9:30am - 4:30pm \| CEX Coffs Harbour This workshop will benefit families and professionals working with teenager's on the Austism Spectrum. Click here for more information.
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		MDS Newsletter - October 2016 Click here to go to the Service Portal and view this months latest news.
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		Advocating for Better Aged Care Services Advocates and consumers are being encouraged to have their say to help inform the design of future aged care advocacy services that focus on individual advocacy support. Click here for the details.
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Media Release from the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care - Ken Wyatt AM, MP Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, MP has today announced the appointment of David Tune AO PSM to lead the Aged Care Legislated Review. Click here to view the media release.
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		Increasing Choice in Home Care Webinar - Update on Amendments to Legislation Webinar 6 October \| 2.00pm AEST The legislative amendments give effect to the home care reforms announced by the Government in the 2015-16 Budget. The changes start on 27 February 2017. Click here to access the webinar and for more information.
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Good Reading


		Redfern Legal - September 2016 Edition Bringing you legal updates and developments from our key practice areas and news of the work of Redfern Legal Centre. Click here to read on.
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		Information For Aged Care Providers - Issue 2016/18 This issue will cover areas such as; Feedback on the National Aged Care Quality Indicator Program, Industry alert on KA524 bed poles, increasing choice in Home Care webinar, Dementia and Cognition Supplement in home care, upcoming webinars and much more. Click here to read on.
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Social Change And Community Engagement


		Games Development Course + Loads More Events! Introduction to Game Development Saturday 8 October 2016 \| 9:00am - 3:00pm \| Coffs Coast Community College Build a game from start to finish in this one day course. Learn the basics of HTML5 and JavaScript development, creating and finding sounds and images, and tricks of the trade to build your own video games. Click here for further details. Game Developers Unite Friday 15 October 2016 \| 4:00pm - 6:30pm \| Innovation Centre Do you love games or virtual reality? Ever dreamed of making something awesome or are you already creating your masterpiece? Come along to the next event and share your passion. RSVP to Hans: 0456 997 897 or hans.vet@hotmail.com Pitch Your Passion Thursday 20 October 2016 \| 5:30pm - 7:30pm \| Sawtell Yes that's right an evening pitch! We have lined up 3 awesome local entrepreneurs to share their passion so we can help them reach for the stars. Find out more here.
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		The 5 Stages of Community Life The five stages of community life help explain why some communities move faster and others slower when it comes to change. Learn more by clicking here.
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		Building Better Business Support Until the 31st October, Social Traders is looking for enterprises to take into our Crunch Startup Accelerator and to include into our Social Investment Portfolio. Read the full press release here. Read the full newsletter here.
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		Save Your Seat Upcoming CSI Events Click here to visit the website and see whats available.
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Funding Opportunites


		New Grant Opportunity FundAbility has been developed in partnership with Northcott and the Department of Family and Community Services. The program offers small grants for NSW based events/activities and community facilities to become more inclusive for children and young people living with disability. Click here to visit the website and view the application details and form.
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Connecting youth services and young people on the mid north coast.

Contact Us

Call: 02 6651 1788
Mid Coast Communities
PO Box 799,
Coffs Harbour,
NSW, 2450

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ISSUE: October, 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

The NCOSS Pre-Budget Submission is ready. Endorse it today!

Youth Action is Coming to a Region Near You!

Promote Healthy Living by Sharing your 'Healthy Life, Healthy You' pic and WIN!

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services

NCOSS says.... time to look at next steps for the Social and Affordable Housing Fund

'WOW' Women of The World 2016

Promoting the Wellbeing of Young People Masterclass

Zombies to Hit Coffs Streets in Support of Mental Health

Positioning Organisations for New Environments Training

Therapeutic and Community Responses to Suicide and Despair

Family Relationships Skills Program FREE Courses for Parents

Momentum Learning Services

Evidence-based Mental Health Forum

Governance Effectiveness Training for Boards, Committees, Branches and Managers

Our Community Matters - Edition 5

Bridging the Gap Community Services Inc.

Youth Health Forum

An Introduction to Working with Individuals Who Have Self-Destructive Behaviour

Breaking the Ice in Our Community

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Course

Join Other NFP Leaders at One Of These Enlightening Business Development Events

Seasons for Growth: Program for Children

Blind Citizens Australia State Convention

Living Well With Cancer

5000th NDIS Participant Plan in ACT

Port Macquarie - Disability Info Support Hub

Saltwater Real Conciliation Women's Camp

Communities for Children

Reclaim The Night March

Kempsey Builds Sharing and Encouraging Educational Futures Campaign for Their Children

DAT Office Release and eLearning Available Now

Family Fun Day - 'Picnic in the Park'

Communities for Children

Coffs Coast Accessibility Expo

Breaking Bread

VoiceUp Trauma Webinar Recording

Victims of Crime Information Sessions

Disaster Recovery Training

My Wardrobe Rules

Career Start

Australian Network On Disability

Carers Day Out

Break Down the Stigma

An Update on Current Youth Drug Trends

Whats on at My Choice Matters!

ACON News - October 2016

Kempsey Legal Advice Clinics

Autism Talk

National Dementia Behavior Management Services Announced

Reduced cost of some Medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Building Capacity Workshop

MDS Newsletter - October 2016

Advocating for Better Aged Care Services

Media Release from the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care - Ken Wyatt AM, MP

Increasing Choice in Home Care Webinar - Update on Amendments to Legislation

Redfern Legal - September 2016 Edition

Information For Aged Care Providers - Issue 2016/18

Games Development Course + Loads More Events!

The 5 Stages of Community Life

Building Better Business Support

Save Your Seat Upcoming CSI Events

New Grant Opportunity

Contact Us

WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS?

ISSUE:
October, 2016