ACTCOSS continues to work with our members, other peak bodies, ACOSS, the ACT Government and the Federal Government to advocate for people experiencing disadvantage during COVID-19. We are communicating regularly with the ACT Government and welcome input from all members. Here are some of the things we are advocating for:
- Temporary stop to evictions
- Safety in group homes
- Welfare and rights of people in the Alexander Maconochie Centre
- Protecting the human rights of vulnerable groups in clinical settings
- Establishing a hotline for isolated people requiring emergency food and other relief
- Flexibility on contract requirements for the community sector during COVID-19, including:
- Suspension of KPIs and outcomes to allow for adapting to new conditions
- Removal of penalties for non-compliance with contracts arising from the COVID-19 emergency
- Allowing flexibility in how funds are used to support our community safely
- Freezing government reform and new tendering processes.
Sharing information and coordinating advocacy on COVID-19: ACTCOSS will continue to host regular teleconferences for members. Let us know about any gaps or issues affecting your organisation, or any services that require increased funding to meet demand. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or updates about what is happening in the community sector.
ACTCOSS office closed from Thursday 26 March 2020: Staff will continue to work from home. Please contact us via email. The general office email address is actcoss@actcoss.org.au.
Thank you for all your important work to support the Canberra community.
|
|
 Dr Emma Campbell
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
There are 3 job notices this week.
Would your organisation like to advertise? See the end of eNotices for more details.
|
|
|
|
Be sure to check out the Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander dates of significance & events below!
|
|
|
Health information on COVID-19
The ACT Government is encouraging everyone to stay up to date on developments through the website and social media channels:
24-hour phone line: People who are concerned and want further information on the virus can also call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accessible information:
|
|
Sector updates during COVID-19
|
|
Accessing services during COVID-19
|
|
Resources to help you navigate COVID-19
For organisations & workers
For members of the community
|
|
ACTCOSS endorses open letter to Australian governments on COVID-19 and the criminal justice system
ACTCOSS has joined more than 360 justice and health advocates have signed an open letter urgently calling on Australian governments to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres. Read the open letter
|
|
ACT Government must allow community services flexibility in responding to COVID-19 crisis
Media release, 24 Mar 2020: ACTCOSS is calling upon the ACT Government to reduce the administrative burden on community service providers as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Read the media release
|
|
Community COVID-19 rescue package welcomed
Media release, 20 Mar 2020: ACTCOSS has welcomed key elements of the ACT Government’s rescue and stimulus package announced today in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Read the media release
|
|
Report shows ACT community services already struggling before COVID-19 crisis
Media release, 20 Mar 2020: Government support for the not-for-profit (NFP) community service sector in the ACT is failing to keep up with demand for services, foster collaboration and allow for advocacy. This is a key finding from the Australian Community Sector Survey prepared by the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney in collaboration with the Councils of Social Service of Australia and supported by Community Sector Banking. Read the media release
|
|
Scrutiny of Government progress welcomed
Media release, 18 Mar 2020: ACTCOSS has welcomed last week’s public hearings on government services by the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB). The annual hearings provide an opportunity for scrutiny of ACT Government programs by ATSIEB. Read the media release
|
|
Reconciliation Peer Network Meeting - 21 May
If your organisation is working on a RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) or on reconciliation initiatives and activities, please join this meeting.
ACTCOSS also encourages interested organisations in the sector to join the Reconciliation Peer Network group to develop connections and network amongst other organisations working on reconciliation. For more info please contact Anna Cirocco on 02 6202 7234.
When: Thursday 21 May 2020, 10am to 11.30am
Where: ACTCOSS Hub Meeting Room, 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston. Free parking. NOTE: May become a telco/video conference.
Cost: FREE!
Register online
|
|
|
Reconciliation
[POSTPONED, NO NEW DATE YET] Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Education Program, 20 Mar, 9.30am to 4.30pm $330-$390
[POSTPONED from 24 April to 20 Aug] Strategic Indigenous Awareness with Grant Sarra, 24 April, 9.30am-4.30pm, $300-$360
[POSTPONED from 1 May to 16 Oct] Cultural Awareness on Country Tour with Richie Allan, 1 May, 9am-4.30pm, $540-660
[GOING AHEAD, pending review] Reconciliation Peer Network meeting, 21 May, 10am to 11.30am, FREE!
Other learning & development events
[CANCELLED] Cross-Sector Information Session: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Focus, 26 Mar, 10am to 11am, FREE!
[POSTPONED from 7 April to 25 Aug] Opening up Equality in the ACT: The New Discrimination Grounds, and Beyond, 25 Aug, 9.30am to 1pm, FREE!
Peer network events
[CANCELLED] ACT Social Enterprise Peer Network meeting, 21 Apr, 5.30pm to 7pm, FREE! See ACTCOSS website for future dates
[GOING AHEAD, pending review] ACT CASP Peer Network meeting, 12 May, 10am to 11.30am, FREE!
|
|
Relief as 6-month supplement extended to students, concern for groups facing destitution and advice on contacting Centrelink
ACOSS media release, 24 Mar 2020: ACOSS welcomes the passage of both stimulus packages through the Parliament last night, highlighting more will be needed. Read the media release
|
|
Extension of stimulus measures to vital community services sector welcome, larger rescue package needed
ACOSS media release, 22 Mar 2020: ACOSS has welcomed the extension of small business cashflow support to community services and charities in the second stimulus package, announced today, but highlights that a larger rescue package is needed, with community services on the frontline of responding to the COVID-19 health and social crisis. Read the media release
|
|
“Huge relief” with crucial doubling of Newstart
ACOSS media release, 22 Mar 2020: The increase to the Jobseeker Allowance, formerly known as Newstart, and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment, through the introduction of a temporary coronavirus payment of $275 per week, announced by the Federal Government today is welcome and absolutely vital. Read the media release
|
|
ACOSS, COSS network and ASU Covid-19 community sector rescue package recommendations
ACOSS media release, 21 Mar 2020: The Councils of Social Service (COSS) Network and the ASU are calling on the Federal Government to support the community sector to respond to the COVID-19 health, social and economic crisis. Read the media release
|
|
As impact of coronavirus grows, survey shows vital community services sinking with demand
ACOSS media release, 20 Mar 2020: Government support for the not-for-profit community service sector is failing to keep up with demand for services, allow advocacy and foster collaboration finds the Australian Community Service Sector, released today, as the impact of the coronavirus on the sector rapidly unfolds. Read the media release
|
|
Government must act now on the many, diverse calls for ongoing Newstart increase for everyone locked out of paid work
ACOSS media release, 19 Mar 2020: In the face of severe downturn, ACOSS reiterates the broad, immense support for an ongoing increase to Newstart and related payments, calling on the Government to include in its second stimulus package an increase to Newstart and other allowances, of at least a $95 per week, so that everyone who is getting locked out of paid work can cover the costs of essentials. Read the media release
|
|
Join our Week of Action soon: 20 to 26 April
The federal government announced a $750 once-off lump-sum payment for people on Newstart, Youth Allowances, and other income support payments as part of its economic stimulus package. However we need a permanent $95 per week raise.
1. Organise a photo with our sign (pdf) to post to social media with the #RaisetheRate hashtag. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, and others to join you, if you can, and make an event out of it. Let us know if you are organising something.
2. Are you currently on Newstart or Youth Allowance? Would you be interested in speaking to media about it? Contact Raise the Rate community organiser Pas Forgione (pas@acoss.org.au, 0444 590 297 or 02 9310 6216) if you are keen.
3. Ask to meet with Senator Zed Seselja to discuss why Newstart needs a raise. See his office details or contact him via email senator.seselja@aph.gov.au or Facebook or Twitter. You can sign up and use our lobbying guide.
4. Write a letter to your local paper about why Newstart and Youth Allowance need to be raised. You can use our guide, along with some useful materials on our website.
|
|
[NOTE] COVID-19: Check in with event organisers
Due to health advice around COVID-19, many community sector events and meetings are being postponed, cancelled, or alternative arrangements made. While eNotices tries to keep up-to-date, this is a fast-moving situation and the information in eNotices may not be accurate by the time you read it.
Please contact the event organiser to check what's happening with events you're interested in.
If you see anything in eNotices which needs updating for the next edition, please contact us on 02 6202 7200 or email communications@actcoss.org.au. Thank you.
|
|
Supporting use of the Parent and Family Engagement Implementation Guide: free webinar - 1 Apr
When schools, families, and communities engage in regular, ongoing and purposeful interaction, it has a positive impact on student outcomes. This webinar will take you through a resource to help school leaders and educators strengthen and embed strategies to improve family engagement in learning within their communities.
When: Wednesday 1 April 2020, 12pm to 1pm
Where: Legal Aid ACT, 2 Allsop Street, Canberra City
Register online
|
|
National Reconciliation Week: 27 May – 3 June
The anniversary dates which mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW) are significant milestones for reconciliation: 27 May - the 1967 Referendum, and 3 June - the High Court Mabo decision. While Reconciliation Australia have always encouraged people to come together during NRW, any organisations or networks planning events will need to reconsider these at this time in light of the latest advice from Federal, State, Territory and Local authorities.
Reconciliation Australia encourages everyone to think differently and creatively about what you had planned; take your events online, and join in social and digital media conversations. Of course reconciliation doesn’t just happen one week every year, so you may also wish to postpone your planned event.
Online resources, including downloadable educational and activity resources, will be available soon. Our theme for #NRW2020 – In This Together – is now resonating in ways we could not have foreseen when we announced it last year, but it reminds us whether in a crisis or in reconciliation, we are all #InThisTogether.
|
|
Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm accepting referrals
The Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF) has re-opened and is accepting referrals. It is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men aged between 18 to 40 years.
The NBHF provides a place of healing, whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recovering from alcohol and other drugs addiction and misuse will feel safe and supported by the traditional custodians, community leaders/elders, respected role models, as well as cultural healers to make ongoing and meaningful changes in their lives.
If you would like to refer someone to the NBHF, please contact Adrian, Charmaine or Wynetta on 02 6237 6700 or email them at NBHF@act.gov.au. For matters concerning the development and operations of the NBHF, please contact Lefan on 0409 910 824.
|
|
Residential and home care fees and charges updated
The Quarterly Review for Residential Care and Home Care com into effect on 20 March 2020. Care recipients and providers will receive letters letting them know if there is a change to a care recipient’s fees and charges or if a refund may be due. More info:
|
|
Contribute to decision making
Find consultations and other ways you can contribute to decision making.
|
|
|
[Closing soon!] Draft plan for the gas network for 2021-2026
Evoenergy has released its draft plan for the gas network for 2021-2026. The final gas plan will have implications for the affordability, safety, and reliability of gas supply in the ACT.
Evoenergy are seeking feedback by 2 April 2020. Feedback can be sent directly to consumerfeedback@evoenergy.com.au
ACTCOSS will be making a submission to Evoenergy on the draft plan, focusing on impacts for people living on low incomes and experiencing disadvantage in the ACT and for not-for-profit community organisations. If you intend to make a submission, or if you would like to provide any input into the ACTCOSS submission please contact Geoff Buchanan, Senior Policy Officer, on 02 6202 7222 or geoff.buchanan@actcoss.org.au.
|
|
|
Commonwealth Government consultations
Please see the Parliament of Australia's website for a list of all current Senate, House and Joint Committee inquiries accepting public submissions.
[Closing soon!] Cooperative workplace and industrial relations, closes 26 Mar 2020
[Closing soon!] Future of the Volunteer Management Activity, closes 27 Mar 2020
Strengthening the civil compliance and enforcement framework, closes 3 Apr 2020
Unifying the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia, closes 4 Apr 2020
Homelessness in Australia, closes 9 Apr 2020
Lessons to be learned in relation the Australian bushfire season 2019-20, closes 9 Apr 2020
NDIS Workforce, closes 14 Apr 2020
Services, support and life outcomes for autistic people in Australia, closes 14 Apr 2020
The National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s initial advice, closes 30 Apr 2020
Inquiry into the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific, closes 18 May 2020
Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, closes 29 May 2020
General issues around the implementation and performance of the NDIS, closes 30 June 2020
|
|
|
[NEW!] Resilient Australia Awards 2020
The Resilient Australia Awards celebrate projects and initiatives that capture disaster resilience in action across Australia. Community based organisations play a pivotal role in disaster awareness, response and community connectedness.
Submit across 6 categories – local government; school; community; business; government and photography. Read more and nominate. Applications close 18 May 2020. For more info call 02 6251 4060 or email events@volunteeringact.org.au
|
|
2020 Volunteering Awards, Canberra region
Following a summer of bushfires and storms, where volunteers have been key to emergency response, community support and rebuilding, now is the time to recognise our volunteers.
Held during National Volunteer Week, the Volunteering Awards acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contribution of volunteers who willingly give their time and skills to our community around the Canberra region.
Read more and nominate. Applications close 6 April 2020. For more info call 02 6251 4060 or email events@volunteeringact.org.au
|
|
[NEW!] Individual Capacity Building Grant Round 2020-2021
The Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Individual Capacity Building (ICB) grant round has up to $85 million for projects up to two years. These projects will enable systematic, nationwide access to peer support, mentoring and other skills-building for people with disability, carers and families.
Read more and apply. Applications close 2pm 22 April 2020. For more info contact 1800 020 283 (option 1) or email support@communitygrants.gov.au
|
|
[NEW!] 2020/2021 Indigenous Sports Grant Program (ISGP)
In 2020 the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council has taken over administration of the ACT Indigenous Sports Grants Program.
Read more (pdf) and apply (pdf). Applications close 30 June 2020. For more info contact Sharon.brown@wbacc.gov.au or call 02 4442 1029
|
|
[Extended] Supporting women’s safety and participation grants
The Women’s Safety Grants, totalling $100,000, will support projects to reduce violence against women and their children. The Participation Grants, totalling $80,000, will support innovative projects that improve the status of women and girls in the ACT.
If you have an innovative idea or proposal to assist women in the community to feel safe, respected and reach their full potential, you should apply. Both individuals and community organisations are encouraged to apply.
Read more and apply. Applications close 30 March 2020. For more info call 02 6207 8830 or email communityparticipation@act.gov.au
|
|
[Closing soon!] Seniors Grants
The Seniors Grants Program provides funding for projects that promote seniors as valued members of the ACT community and enable their active participation in community life.
The Program has a particular emphasis on supporting projects which address the elder abuse, enhanced social inclusion and the needs of diverse seniors, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse seniors.
Read more and apply. Applications close 30 March 2020. For more info call 02 6207 8830 or email communityparticipation@act.gov.au
|
|
[Closing soon!] Veterans Grants
The primary aim of the Veterans Grants Program is to support veterans and their families' wellbeing and social inclusion.
To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families might be considered collectively or separately as the focus of the grant application.
Read more and apply. Applications close 30 March 2020. For more info call 02 6205 4286 or email communityparticipation@act.gov.au
|
|
[Closing soon!] 2019-20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations can apply for Cultural Grants to support cultural Integrity, and /or Leadership Grants which support community leadership.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals can also apply for Scholarship Grants to support your engagement in learning and positive generational experiences.
Read more and apply. Applications close 31 March 2020. For more info call 02 6207 9784 or email communityparticipation@act.gov.au
|
|
Have you got a great idea? YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants Program
Applications are now open for the 2020 YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants Program. This program provides grants of up to $2500 to support women and girls in the ACT, including female-identifying people, and non-binary people, to pursue their passions and improve our community.
No idea is too small: if you think it’s a worthy project, why not apply?
Over the last ten years, our Great Ydeas grants have helped more than 60 local women and girls to progress projects including establishing a podcast, launching a public awareness campaign, running empowering programs for girls, attending a conference and launching a social enterprise.
Read more and apply by 6 April 2020. For more info call 02 6185 2000.
|
|
 Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander dates of significance & events
|
|
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: Deaths in custody
15 April 1991
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody submitted their final report.
|
|
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: Australian Football
17 April 1993
AFL player Nicky Winmar’s gesture to the crowd challenged racism in sporting arenas and across the nation.
|
|
Tips for your organisation
|
|
Individual and workplace resilience
Building resilience personally and organisationally is vital for responding to challenges and change. A resilient work team provides a healthy and productive environment. A resilient individual can manage high levels of pressure and stress. It’s about learning to behave, think and act differently. It requires effective leadership, team cohesion, mutual support, recognition of progress, open and honest communication and a work/life balance.
|
COVID-19 crisis comms best practice
COVID-19 has the potential to significantly impact nonprofits of all types. It is critical for NFPs to establish clear lines of communications with their employees, volunteers, program participants and communities. This COVID-19 comms checklist (pdf) can help you identify key communications best practices and actions surrounding the coronavirus.
|
|
Review of Children and Young People in the ACT (pdf)
Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing, ACT Government, March 2020
The main issues facing young people (results from people under 25 years) are: coping with anxiety or stress 67%, school or study problems 32% and experiencing bullying 27%. The top three main obstacles from all respondents were wait for access (52%), affordability (52%) and stigma (35%).
|
|
Consumer experiences of looking for information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (pdf)
Health Care Consumers' Association, March 2020
HCCA conducted a survey for any consumers in the ACT or surrounding areas who have looked for information on COVID-19. The results of this survey is being fed directly to ACT health services to assist them to improve the messaging to consumers. If you have any feedback or questions about this survey, contact kathrynbriant@hcca.org.au
|
|
Child protection Australia 2018-19
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, March 2020
267.4 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children out of 1,000 in the ACT are receiving child protection services, compared to 26.5 non-Indigenous children per 1000. Overall, the ACT has a comparatively low rate of all children in the child protection system, but has comparatively high numbers of children under 1 year old on substantiated notifications.
|
|
Social housing exit points, outcomes and future pathways: an administrative data analysis
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute , March 2020
Social housing is increasingly seen by governments and many tenants as just one part of tenants’ broader housing pathways (be it a safety net, stepping-stone, or springboard). This research provides a new national evidence-base on pathways into, within, and out of social housing tenancies to assist understanding of entry and exit patterns, and housing and non-housing outcomes.
|
|
3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Sep 2019
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australia's population grew by 1.5 per cent during the year ending 30 September 2019. The population at 30 September 2019 was 25.5 million people, following an annual increase of 371,100 people. Natural increase accounted for 37.5% of annual population growth, while net overseas migration accounted for the remaining 62.5%.
|
|
6202.0 - Labour Force, Australia, Feb 2020
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australia's trend unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1 per cent in February 2020, for a third consecutive month. The trend monthly hours worked decreased by less than 0.1 per cent in February 2020 and increased by 0.8 per cent over the past year. This was lower than the 20 year average annual growth of 1.6 per cent.
|
|
 Job Notices
For a small fee, your community organisation can submit a job notice to appear here in ACTCOSS eNotices and on the ACTCOSS website.
[Closing soon!] Executive Assistant to the CEO - Community Services #1
Applications close: 27 March 2020
[Closing soon!] Assessment and Support Coordinator - Woden Community Service
Applications close: 29 March 2020
[Closing soon!] Recruitment and HR Officer - Belconnen Community Service
Applications close: 30 March 2020
|
|
|
|
Event advertising in eNotices: Do you have a conference, training course, fundraising function or other event with an entry fee that you'd like to advertise in eNotices? For a small fee we can include events relevant to the community sector. Spaces are limited. Please contact communications@actcoss.org.au for more information. Free events do not incur a fee.
|
|
|
|
