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The Big Picture
 
 

NCOSS

NCOSS eNews with the latest from the community sector. Click here. 
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Be part of National Child Protection Week

Children do best when life is on an even keel and their parents have the support they need. By being kind to parents, supporting family-friendly policies, and building connected communities, we’re all helping to give Australia’s children the best start in life.

National Child Protection Week is all about celebrating the many ways – big and small – that everyone in the community can make a difference in the life of a child. Most importantly, we need to recognise that parenting is like sailing a boat; it takes skill and practice, anyone can encounter rough waters from time to time, and we can all do our bit to help build the safe harbours and lighthouses that all families need.

This National Child Protection Week (1 – 7 September), NAPCAN is making it easier than ever for everyone to get involved in creating better lives for children.

To get started, visit www.napcan.org.au. You’ll find lots of simple resources so you can:

 - pledge your support (and add your logo to the website)
 - download posters and tip sheets
 - organise information sessions for your staff
 - run craft activities for children
 - engage your local community
 - list your events or find events to attend
 - share social media.

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MCC News & Events
 
 

Invitation to join Working Party 

Mid Coast Communities, MNC Local Health District and a number of organisations are working together on events and initiatives for Child Protection Week 1-7 September.

If you would like to join the working parties for any of the locations below or be involved in the events during the week please contact our Community Development Team via cdo@midcc.org.au

The locations for the week will be:

 - Coffs Harbour
 - Nambucca, Bellingen, Dorrigo
 - Macksville, Bowraville
 - Kempsey
 - Port Macquarie
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Tickets On Sale Now!

Saturday, 7 September 2019 | 10:00am - 6:00pm | Coffs Harbour Education Campus

We are getting close to the big event now. The special guests have been confirmed and planning is in full swing. Come along and join in the fun of this all-inclusive event. As always the Cosplay competition will be held. We can also announce that there will be guest speakers on panels, tabletop games, children's entertainment, LARPing, and much more. 

Buy your ticket online now! 

Check us out on facebook | or keep up to date on the Nexus Con website.
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Financial Wellbeing Service

The Financial Wellbeing Service is available in the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree and Great Lakes areas of NSW.

This free and confidential service assists people in financial crisis to manage their immediate situation in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity whilst improving their financial capability.

For more information about:
- who we assist
- eligibility criteria
- how we can assist
- operational hours and location

...visit our website.  

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Amplify Music Program

Thursday, 05 September 2019 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Groundworks Youth Centre, Earl St, Coffs Harbour

Amplify is a youth music program for 14 to 24-year-olds. Everyone is welcome, so come along to meet other musicians, play and record music under the mentorship of a professional musician. 

Find out further information here. 
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Be Young and Proud (BYP)

Tuesday, 20 August 2019 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Groundworks Youth Centre, Earl St, Coffs Harbour

Be Young and Proud (BYP) is on the first Tuesday of every month. It provides a safe place for LGBTIQ+ young people and friends to meet and talk, find out what's on, and build a strong community. 

If you have any questions please call Zena at Groundworks: (02) 5632 4020

Read the flyer here.
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We Did It! 

As part of the Get Connected Toormina initiative Mid Coast Communities was a successful recipient of the Community Capital Infrastructure Grants Program!

Get Connected Toormina received a grant of $64,700 towards further renewal works worth $129,400 at Toormina Skate Park. Coffs Harbour City Council and Mid Coast Communities have previously worked together to repair and resurface the skate park, improve lighting and begin the installation of CCTV cameras.

This latest funding will complete further upgrades to the site, including the creation of an additional plaza-style skate area, connecting footpaths, platforms, stairs, planting and a noticeboard.

By beautifying the area, it is hoped that the skate park will be used by more people, resulting in a reduction in anti-social behaviour at the skate park and a greater sense of community. Young people will be involved in the project design and in activities such as a community art project on the tables surrounding the skate park.  The improvements have already seen positive results with more people and families using the facility.

If you'd like to get involved in the Get Connected Project or join the working group please contact our Get Connected Toormina Community Development Officer Rhiannon via rhiannonmitchell@midcc.org.au 
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Coffs Harbour Child Protection Week Event

Thursday, 5 September 2019 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | PCYC, Coffs Harbour

National Child Protection Week is coming up soon! Members of the Coffs Harbour Child and Family Interagency have come together to put on a great event.  Everyone is welcome to come along for a fun morning of activities, a free lunch and more!

Read the flyer here. 
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Community Services
 
 

NOMINATIONS OPEN!

Child Protection Week Awards 
 

As part of Child Protection Week 2019 across the Mid North Coast, we are launching a number of individual and organisational awards to celebrate people who are doing great things in this space.

Click the link here to view the categories and nomination form to nominate yourself, a colleague, your own organisation or an organisation you admire.

ENTER NOW

 
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Expression of Interest - Family Fun Day 

Wednesday, 9 October 2019 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Bain Park Wauchope

Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre is holding a Family Fun Day. The aim of the day is to provide families with:

- free activities
- a free BBQ
- information about services.

We are asking for expressions of interest from organisations wanting to take part in this event. If you are interested click here.

For more information please contact Regina Evans at the Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre on 02 6586 4055
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Social Determinants of Health - Webcast Series 

Monday, 19 August 2019 | 2:30pm 
 
We'll be discussing:

- how to map health risk factors by socioeconomic position
- ways to disrupt disadvantage and further self-determination
- innovative ways to provide care to people across socio-economic borders

Find out more...
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R U OK? Day Event

Thursday, 12 September 2019 | 11:30am - 2:00pm | CHEC - The Gathering Space 

R U OK? Day is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs. 

This year, headspace Coffs Harbour is working together with the Senior College, TAFE and SCU to hold an event at CHEC in the Gathering Space.

There’ll be music, food, prizes and some fun activities.

If your service is keen to attend please send an email to Gary Maher, headspace Coffs Harbour Community Engagement and Development Officer: gmaher@genhealth.org.au  to register your interest.
For more information call 0488 499 720

Follow link for event flyer.
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2019 National Family Group Conferencing Forum

30 September & 1 October 2019 | Bankstown Sports Club | Either day $35 or both days $600

The Family Group Conferencing Forum brings together FGC practitioners and services who provide FGCs to focus on the benefits and challenges for finding and reconnecting families who are engaging in the FGC process, and explore strategies to improve outcomes for families. 

Click here to register or find out more information. 
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DVNSW Conference 2019 

Save the Date - 5 & 6 September 2019 | Teachers Fed, Sydney

Tickets for the DVNSW Imagining a World Without Gendered Violence Conference are live and can be purchased here. 

For further information including early bird and members prices, as well as a program of topics click here. 
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2019 NSW Youth Action Awards

On October 1, 2019 we will be holding the 7th Annual Youth Work Awards at Rydges World Square, Sydney.

It's time to nominate colleagues in the sector to recognise their outstanding work with young people, and also time to get tickets to attend the celebrations. 

Nominations close Friday, 16 August 2019. 

Nominate now! 
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Emotional Management for Children and Teens with ASD

Friday, 13 September 2019 | 9:30am - 4:00pm | Sawtell RSL Club

Children and adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty with the comprehension, expression and regulation of emotions, resulting in high levels of anxiety, stress, anger and/or depression, and subsequent effects on family, teachers, friends and peers. Through several decades of working with children and adolescents with ASD, and their families and schools, Michelle and Tony have discovered, developed and evaluated emotion management strategies based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy that have proven to be effective in assisting children with ASD to learn about and manage their emotions, from anxiety to love and affection.

To find out more, including how to register, click here. 
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8th SNAICC National Conference

2-5 September 2019 | Adelaide Convention Centre 

Join us to discuss our challenges and share our knowledge and experiences in raising happy, healthy and confident children in our communities. Situated in the southern lands of the Kaurna people at the Adelaide Convention Centre, this conference is also a chance to celebrate and experience the richness and culture of South Australia’s local communities.

Register online here. 

View the program here. 

For further details including travel and accommodation subsidy support visit the conference site here.  
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Promoting Inclusion & Wellbeing
 
 

Wellness Walk

Be quick, register now and save! Early bird prices are available until Sunday, 25 August 2019

The event is comprised of two different distances; a 6km walk over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or 2km walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

After the walk, participants are invited to enjoy lunch and live music on the picturesque lawns of Government House, overlooking Sydney Harbour!

There will also be prizes, face painting, giant lawn games, interactive displays and information stalls for further mental health resources.

Register Now!

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ABC Heywire 2020 Competition Launched

The ABC is calling on people aged 16-22 to share their experiences of life in regional Australia for the opportunity to be featured on the ABC and win a life-changing trip to Canberra for the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in February 2020.

Anyone with a story to tell about life outside of the big cities is encouraged to enter, with entries of any medium accepted, including text, video, audio and photo. The competition officially opens on 24 July 2019.

Forty winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Regional Youth Summit and will take part in workshops. The Summit gives winners an opportunity to inspire each other, develop ideas and share stories to help make life in regional Australia even better.

Past winners have used Heywire as a springboard to make positive change in their communities by exploring issues around agriculture, mental health, youth employment, disability and strengthening culture, just to name a few. 

Get your entries in via the Heywire website by 16th September 2019. 
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TAFE NSW Open Day 

Open up a whole world of possibilities at TAFE NSW Open Day, 9am – 1pm, 14 September 2019. Whether your future lies in Business, Leadership and Management, Information and Technology, Community Services, Hospitality or other career areas, you’ll discover the perfect course to get your career where you want it to be. Be ambitious and be at TAFE NSW Open Day.

Register now | Find out more 
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What's happening at headspace in August 

As always there is plenty to do at headspace Port Macquarie. Click on the links below to find out about each activity.

August 2019 calendar

Yoga for Beginners 

Rainbow Youth Social Group 

Keep Your Cool 

CHORDS Learn to play guitar

ArtSPACE
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Nominate now for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards

There are many exceptional women in NSW who deserve to be recognised. Acknowledge a woman in your life who has made a significant contribution in her community, has demonstrated excellence in her career, or is an inspiring role model. It could be your cousin, your friend, your manager, your colleague or your peer. 

Nominations close at 11:59pm on Friday 25 October 2019!

Nominate Now!

Visit Women NSW or email Women of the Year Awards for more information.
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Sip 'N' Doodle 

15 & 21 September 2019 | 10:00am | Chop N' Chill Cafe, Port Macquarie 

A group where people can come, relax, meet some new people and most importantly colour in.

Find out more on the fb page here. 
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Mindfulness Meditation for Mental Health Carers 

Wednesdays August - November 2019 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Port Macquarie

To attend contact Claudia at Mission Australia by email on richardsonc@missionaustralia.com.au or call 0408 265039.

Read the flyer here. 
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Stepping Stones - A two-weekend course in Port Macquarie

September 21-22 and 28-29 | 9:30am - 4:30pm | Port Macquarie Community College

There are no rights or wrongs. You don’t have to do it alone, nor do you have to remain helpless. Learn new skills to help cope better and survive this journey intact.

Members $40 | Non Members $70

RSVP by Friday, 13 September 2019 - Limited spaces, bookings are essential.

Find out more here. 

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Nextwave Regional Youth Film 

2019 Workshop Tour Begins!

This year we'll be reaching more schools than ever, because we've opened up the competition. For our fifth year, we've decided to up the ante, and are now taking submissions from anyone aged 10-25 living in a regional part of Australia (not open to 'city slickers'). 

Your 2019 short film entries need to be under 6 minutes in duration, should be inspired by the theme of Discovery and creatively include the item Game. 

What will you be discovering? A new place? An amazing invention? Or something even more out of the ordinary...?

And what does the word 'game' mean to you? Playing a board game with your family? Being 'game' to try to do something new? Playing tricks on someone? Or..... just staying up too late playing video games? 

Keep reading..
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A Celebration of Diversity in our Community

Sunday, 22 September 2019 | 10:00am - 3:00pm | Riverside Park, Kempsey 

If you are interested in having a stall on the day please contact Hayley on 0401 057 230.

Read the flyer here. 
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The Incredible Years Program

Tuesdays, 3 September - 19 November | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Port Macquarie

This free program supports families of young children to manage challenging behaviour in a positive way. It is designed for families with children aged 3-8 years of age.

Click here to find out more. 
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8th National Men's Shed Gathering

10 - 12 September 2019 | Morphettville Racecourse, Adelaide

The Australian Men's Shed Association is holding their 8th National Men's Shed Gathering in Adelaide, SA, and it's expected to attract over 300 delegates. It aims to promote the community of Men's Sheds throughout Australia and the contribution Men's Sheds make to their own community. 

The 2019 Gathering, themed 'Our Community', will include traditional content such as information on Men’s Shed operations, but there will be a strong focus on acknowledging and celebrating the community of Men’s Sheds and the impact they have on community capacity building. Men’s Sheds are not isolated, standalone community facilities but rather an activity that is well enmeshed into their community network.

Find out more. 
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Disability & Aged Care News
 
 

Update on residential aged care funding reform 

Residential Aged Care Funding Reform Trial

The department will trial a new assessment framework for residential aged care funding in late 2019 and early 2020. Between 5,000 and 10,000 aged care residents will be assessed using the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) tool as part of the trial. Find more information on the AN-ACC tool here.

More information
Find a factsheet on the trial, including information about participating, on the department’s website.

Consultation Paper
The department would also like to thank everyone who submitted feedback to the consultation paper. We value the time and effort you put into crafting your submissions. We received over 90 submissions. This feedback will inform ongoing policy formulation for residential aged care funding reform.
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Data upload for CHSP 'grandfathered clients'

The My Aged Care Provider Portal will opened on 22 July and will remain open until 11.59pm AEST 23 October 2019 for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to upload the grandfathered client data collection template.

CHSP providers should have completed the data collection template with as much client information as possible. If providers do not have access to a client’s Medicare number or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) number or Centrelink Reference Number (CRN), all other client information should still be entered into the data collection template.

 CHSP providers need to upload the completed data collection template and input service information for each client into the provider portal. A Quick Reference Guide is available to help providers with this process.

Detailed information explaining the grandfathered client data collection exercise was provided in the 27 June 2019 letter to CHSP providers.
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Join the online Carer Forum

An online network of support for carers across New South Wales. The Carer Peer Connect discussion forum provides space for carers to express themselves with confidence, where they will be understood and accepted by other carers with similar lived experience. 

Access the forum here | Learn more
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Social ChANge And Community Engagement
 
 

Connecting Communities Conference 

26-28 August 2019 Wollongong

Meet the speakers.

Visit the conference site and register today for Early Bird offers. 
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Funding Opportunities 
 
 

Community Infrastructure Grants

 The Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 is now open and closes on 27 September 2019 – this is for community infrastructure with a project value of $50,000 or more. This might include playgrounds, community halls, sporting and recreational infrastructure, etc. Anything that improves the amenity and liveability of the community.  It is a fully funded program meaning no matched contribution is required.  On saying that, any contribution looks favourable.  This year also has a strong focus towards youth and includes funding for programs as well as youth supported infrastructure. 

For more information click here. 
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Local Schools Community Fund

The Australian Government is providing $30.2 million in 2019–20 for the Local Schools Community Fund (the Fund), with up to $200,000 available for each federal electorate. The Fund will benefit students and assist schools to meet their priorities through the contribution of funding for small scale projects and their associated costs.

The Fund is open to all schools—government, Catholic and independent.

Schools can apply for funding for one project between $1,000 and $20,000. Where a school is composed of multiple campuses, the school or campus may submit an application for each campus to fund a project between $1,000 and $20,000. Continue reading...

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Community Building Partnership Program

Community Building Partnership Program – opens on 2 September and closes on 27 September - Similarly, this fund is also about community infrastructure that is also fully funded if you are an incorporated not for profit organisation.  (Councils must contribute at least 50% to any application it makes). The fund traditionally has a sweet spot for funding of between $20,000 - $30,000 per project and a number of organisations in the Bellingen Shire over the years have been successful.  I would suggest looking at previously funded projects to get an idea of the types of projects that apply and are successful. 

For more information click here. 
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Junior Landcare Grants

Junior Landcare Grants are now open until 6 September 2019 - Schools and other eligible organisations can apply for Junior Landcare Grants to assist with environmental projects. Funding is for $1,000 per project with more than 500 grants on offer.

For more information click here. 
 
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Scholarship Support for Women's Leadership Development 

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is offering scholarships of up to $7,000 per person to support women's leadership development. The scholarships are part of a national initiative supporting the increased presence of women in leadership roles across key industries. 

Scholarships are available at three management levels: 

1. Experienced senior and executive leaders can apply for a $7,000 partial scholarship to assist their participation in the Advanced Leadership Program.
View the Advanced Leadership Program brochure here 

2. Mid-level managers can participate in the Executive Ready program. (2019 Scholarship applications are now closed for this program).
View the Executive Ready Program brochure here 

3. Early career managers can apply for a $4,500 partial scholarship to assist their participation in the Leading Edge Program.
View the Leading Edge Program brochure here
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Sisters of Charity Foundation Community

The Sisters of Charity Foundation provides charity grants of up to $15,000 to eligible applicants. The Foundation delivers practical, real world support to smaller “grass-roots” organisations that can’t find help from more traditional sources. Once accepted as an eligible applicant, the Foundation works closely with you and your organisation to understand exactly what is needed, so they can ensure you receive the best quality outcomes.

Applications close: 30 September 2019.

More information and application 

Contact: JudyChristie foundationadmin@rscoffice.com or 9367 1211.
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Good Reading
 

Enjoy the read...

1. Leep - August 2019

2. CYDA eNews

3. ProBono News 

4. Pathways Australia 


5. NCAT Legal Bulletin 

6. Council for Intellectual Disability eNews 

7. Department of Health - Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2019/9

8. Department of Health Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2019/10

 
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Disclaimer

The material and information included in the Mid Coast Communities electronic newsletter are provided as a service to subscribers and do not necessarily reflect endorsement by Mid Coast Communities.

Mid Coast Communities is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by outside sources. In addition, linked sites are not part of the Mid Coast Communities newsletter. The site owners, not the newsletter publisher, own the intellectual property rights to the material on the linked sites.

Mid Coast Communities does not accept any liability to any person or organisation for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided on this website or within the Mid Coast Communities newsletter. The information on the newsletters and the website is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

We encourage subscribers to pass the information along to colleagues and other interested parties. Please credit this e-newsletter as the source.
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