Wednesday, 7 October 2020
Community Contributions

A deadly yet entirely preventable heart disease taking the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is finally on the verge of elimination thanks to new research. 

CHOICE has analysed thousands of policies and found that many of the biggest health funds are selling some policies that offer terrible value for customers. Read more.

October is Mental Health Month and as part of the 2020 World Mental Health Day campaign, Mental Health Australia is encouraging everyone to make a promise to "Look after your mental health, Australia."

Save the Children has renewed its call for greater support for children affected by bushfires and other disasters following the release of a new report on displacement during the Black Summer fires.

Pat Turner, AM CEO NACCHO and Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks addressed the National Press Club with the speech: The Long Cry of Indigenous Peoples to be heard - a defining moment in Australia. Read the transcript.

Since March 2020 the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Community Foods team have packed and delivered an incredible 11,332 (and counting) culturally appropriate food packs for people seeking asylum who need extra support right now. Click here to see what items are still most needed.

Community Conversations
Anti-Poverty Week: 11-17 October

Anti-Poverty Week is the week following the Budget (11-17 October). This year the week is focusing on the #EverybodysHome and #RaisetheRateforGood campaigns. For a complete list of events taking place, including state, territory and local events, please click the link below.

See all Anti-Poverty Week activities
Report reveals acute need for improved services and more housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

The unique experiences and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people have been revealed in Mission Australia’s new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Report: Youth Survey 2019.

In response to the report findings, Mission Australia has joined forces with Professor Tom Calma AO to call for more culturally and age appropriate support services co-designed and delivered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, as well as more social and affordable homes, so they are properly supported to improve their social and emotional wellbeing, achieve their goals and thrive.

Read more here
New Breaking Poverty Podcast

The Smith Family has launched a new podcast ahead of Anti-Poverty Week 2020. With one in six Australian children and young people living in disadvantage even before the outbreak of COVID-19, Breaking Poverty explores the challenges of poverty and how education offers a lasting solution to the problem. The two-episodes feature the voices of young people and their families who share their unique and inspiring stories. Subscribe to Breaking Poverty via the button below, or where you listen to podcasts. Then listen, review and share amongst your networks. #BreakingPoverty

Subscribe to the podcast
Supporting mental health and wellbeing:
Australia Post partners with Beyond Blue

At a time when mental health and wellbeing has never been more important, Australia Post and Beyond Blue have formed a national partnership to help Australians stay mentally well and build stronger, more connected communities. The partnership seeks to make mental health and wellbeing part of everyday conversations and connect people to the support and information available through Beyond Blue.

Learn more about the partnership
McKinsey's capability building programs

McKinsey is offering a suite of one-day programs for leaders of purpose led organisations in order to prepare them for the challenge of leading successfully. McKinsey invite organisations to nominate seasoned and rising leaders for our upcoming programs:

  1. INSPIRE | Manage teams with resilience and self-awareness. Designed for rising leaders. We’re looking for 5-10 participants per organisation for a one day virtual program to be held on Friday 30 October.
  2. Mission Delivery | Grow strategic capacity to deliver your mission effectively and sustainably. Designed for seasoned leaders. We’re looking for 2-3 nominations per organisation for a one day virtual program to be held on Friday 16 October.

These programs are offered on a fee-waived basis to leaders currently working in a purpose led organisation. 

Learn more
 
Community Sector Events
  • Professor Megan Davis will deliver CPD's third John Menadue Oration - speaking on the theme: ‘Can Australia Deliver?’ The event will take a big picture view of 2020, encompassing our COVID-19 response, the increased spotlight on Indigenous incarceration, and the future of the Uluru Statement from the Heart - 15 October 2020 - Click here for information
  • The Measuring Australia's digital divide: Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2020 launch will showcase the fifth year of findings of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index - a national measure of digital inclusion - 22 October 2020 - Click here to register
  • Acquiring Donors Online - the Evolution of 2 step lead gen teaches organisations how to evolve digital fundraising and donor acquisition strategies - 27 October 2020 - Register here

  • Join Tanya Plibersek, Tim Soutphommasane, Adrian Pisarski, and Verity Firth in imagining a better Australia, with a stronger economy, a fairer society, and a more environmentally sustainable future in UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion 'Upturn: A better normal after COVID-19' webinar - 5 November 2020 - Register here
Community Sector Resources
  • Researchers have helped develop national guidelines to minimise healthcare workers’ risk of acquiring and spreading infection while examining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with respiratory symptoms. Read the guidelines.
  • Australian Unemployed Workers Union has prepared a set of graphics and other resources to provide clear information about current rules with resumption of Mutual Obligations. Click here for the overview.
  • Australian Progress launched a new economics resources hub - bringing together recent reports, research, articles and webinars - to help support your work to secure major economic reform and policy decisions in favour of government spending on people, public services and sustainable industries. Click here for hub access.
  • The Disability Information Helpline provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Helpline can assist families, carers, support workers and services. The Disability Information Helpline is free, private and fact-checked. Phone: 1800 643 787 (If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677). 

COSS Corner
The latest news from State and Territory Councils of Social Service

NTCOSS released its 29th Cost of Living Report. The Northern Territory has seen significant improvements in cost of living pressures, along with free child care and free public transport for several months during the pandemic. The NT has also seen a decrease in rent and fuel prices, but the effects are not felt equally. Long term policy reform is needed to improve cost of living pressures in the NT, for households doing it tough. 

SACOSS’ Paying to Work study found 70% of waged poor workers surveyed used their own phone or internet services for work – often without reimbursement. Read more on the SACOSS blog. To learn more about Waged Poverty, register to attend the Working To Make Ends Meet: Energy, Water and Telco virtual conference (Nov 24).

The Change Your Impact 2020 program concluded last week. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, a fantastic, hybrid program was delivered which challenged thinking and promoted strategic advocacy. TasCOSS is already looking ahead to next year. If you're looking to get involved as a mentor or participant, you can register your interest for the 2021 program online.  

NCOSS will be releasing new work with NATSEM on patient experience of health services in NSW. The report highlights the disparities in how people access and experience GPs, specialists and dental services across NSW and will be launched shortly. Watch for updates on our social media channels: Twitter: @_NCOSS_  Facebook: @NSWCouncilofSocialService LinkedIn: @NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) 

In an update this week, the WACOSS Conference is going ahead in February 2021, with the revised theme Finding Ground: Building a better way back together, and the Community Services Excellence Awards nominations are now open until 5pm, Friday 13 November 2020.

ACTCOSS, ACT Shelter and the Community Housing Industry Association ACT (CHIA ACT) have responded to the housing announcements of the three major parties contesting the 2020 ACT election. Shelter is fundamental to public wellbeing and Canberrans understand that rental affordability, insecure tenancies and homelessness are affecting too many people in our community.

With so many consumers feeling the financial pinch due to the COVID-19 economic crisis, the need to get the best value when buying groceries has never been so great. Unit pricing can help you budget, compare, and ultimately save money. Read QCOSS’s blog here. 

VCOSS is pleased that the Victorian Government has announced the COVID-19 hardship support payment will double, from $400 to $800, for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. This applies to people living in VIC with limited income or savings, who are on temporary or provisional visas, or are undocumented migrants.  Our friends, our neighbours who may not be "from" here but are proud to call Victoria their home.

Members in the Media
JobSeeker coronavirus supplement to be wound back tomorrow, despite warning from charities

Brianna Casey, Foodbank Australia CEO, and Kasy Chambers, Anglicare Executive Director discuss JobSeeker supplement changes and impacts on people currently receiving these payments.

Listen here
Morrison warned process for Indigenous "Voice" at risk of failure

Senior Aboriginal leader Pat Turner (NACCHO) is warning the government its process for designing an Aboriginal Voice is at risk of failure.

Listen here
Federal budget to focus on youth: Treasurer

Joseph Borlagden, principal research fellow, Brotherhood of St Laurence, discusses the budget's potential focus on youth.

Listen here
 
Feature Tweet

“This Budget makes the lives of rich people easier while poor people feel the brunt of again being left behind by the Government” - @NeritaWaight #Budget2020https://t.co/vIr5wKsWTv

— NATSILS (@NATSILS_) October 6, 2020
Click here to see full tweet
 
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