Your Help WA needs your support
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We need your support for Your Help WA - a campaign that is calling for adequate funding of the community services sector in Western Australia.
There are many ways you can get involved:
Organisations who have been involved, or would like to get involved and show support for the campaign can have a logo placed on the Your Help WA website. Email a 500px X 500px logo in .jpeg or .png format to contact@yourhelpwa.com.au
WACOSS, CEWA, and representatives from the working group continue to advocate on behalf of organisations with the Department of Finance, Department of Treasury, and the Department of Communities, particularly around the methodology of the supplementary funding allocation, announced by the State Government in 2019.
Federal ERO Advocacy
Simultaneously, advocacy around the Federal ERO is continuing in partnership with the Australian Council of Social Service and the COSS network across Australia. Each COSS is holding meetings with Federal Minsters throughout their respective states and territories. ACOSS received correspondence from Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston on the matter, which you can read here. The COSS Network will meet next week to discuss further advocacy.
Failing to build appropriate wage levels into base funding will continue to squeeze sector finances, and many leaders of community service organisations may need to reduce or cut back on FTE staff on the ground, which would contribute to a reduced capacity of frontline services.
WACOSS will continue to keep you updated on the progress of our advocacy.
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WACOSS in joint call for Climate Action in WA
WACOSS has joined more than 30 organisations calling for more action on climate change in Western Australia. WA remains one of only two states in Australia with no renewable energy target, and the only state with significant growth in carbon pollution.
CEO Louise Giolitto said “Climate change is already impacting the people made most vulnerable in our community. For people who are sleeping rough, for people struggling to pay the bills, when you throw in another heatwave or cold snap, it pushes people to their absolute limit. The State Government’s climate policy needs to ensure that we are doing our fair share to both support those most at risk and working towards rapidly reducing our emissions contributing to the climate crisis.”
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Nominations open for the Community Services Excellence Awards
Celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions made by organisations and individuals in the community services sector, and the significant differences they make to our communities.
There are six categories that recognise organisations, and two award categories that recognise individuals and their exceptional work in the sector.
Nominations are open until 5pm, Friday 6 March 2020.
Tickets to the Awards start from just $45 and can be purchased as part of the conference registration process.
The awards are a partnership between WACOSS and the Department of Communities, with major support from Lotterywest, and sponsors Hesta, Hope Community Services, Beyond Bank, and Parkerville Children and Youth Care.
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Celebrating International Women's Day
This year, International Women's Day is on Sunday 8 March 2020. WACOSS is holding a members event, in partnership with ANSON, to acknowledge and celebrate women’s leadership across the not-for-profit sector, and the Honourable Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services, along with Christina Matthews, WACA CEO, will be guest speakers at the event.
To support International Women's Day, organisations and individuals are invited to get involved and share resources, change your email signature block, back the campaign on social media, and share your message of support for #GenerationEquality
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Upcoming training and workshops across the Pilbara
Throughout February and March there are a range of different workshops available in the Pilbara, Karratha, Hedland, Newman, Onslow and Tom Price.
Learn more about Strategic Planning, Governance, Outcomes Measurement, and Finance.
These capacity-building opportunities wouldn't be possible without the support from the Pilbara Development Commission and Lotterywest.
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The Future of Work Symposium at Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre
Louise Giolitto presented at the Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre Future of Work Workshop last week, on the Climate Change Symposium Panel.
Climate change is already having a greater impact on people living in poverty and disadvantage, people with disabilities, children, older people, and low-income households, simply because they have fewer protections - they are often the hardest hit, have less access to resources, choice, power and connections to adapt and recover, particularly after a natural disaster.
The impact on services is already evident, with greater demand for immediate relief, which we have seen after the recent bushfires. Failing to halt climate change will lead to greater poverty and inequality.
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WACOSS Boardroom and hot desk available for hire
Members of WACOSS can take advantage of a new membership benefit, FREE short-term hire of the Board Room, and hot desk space, at the WACOSS Office in West Leederville. The Board Room can accommodate up to 20 people, and includes wifi access, television, AV and videoconferencing facilities, a computer, whiteboard, Clickshare wireless projection (project your laptop screen onto the monitor), and a conferencing phone. Non-members are welcome to hire the Board Room for a fee. The Hot Desks are a great option for members visiting from regional and remote WA looking for a central space to work in between meetings, or on a short-term basis.
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