Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Community Contributions

National Indigenous Television (NITV) and SBS invite communities to deepen their understanding of January 26 and what it means to be Australian through the programming slate, Always Was, Always Will Be. 

The Climate Council have compiled a top 5 list to help people commit to some resolutions that will help reduce Australia’s emissions, positively change the national conversation around climate change, and pressure decision-makers to take climate action seriously. 

A year-end review of the dramatic changes in Australia's labour market in 2020 has confirmed that the worst economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic were felt by Australians in relatively low-paid, insecure jobs.

Equality Australia has released groundbreaking research showing
overwhelming support among Australians for transgender Australians.

CHOICE has released the Take charge of 2021 Checklist - 5 simple things to improve your home, finances and life in 2021. Click here to view the list.

The Commonwealth Scholarships Program is offering vocational education and training scholarships to young Australians with disability.

Applications for the Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) 2021 leadership development program are now open. Click here for more information.

Community Conversations
2021 State of Reconciliation Report: Australia is at a tipping point

The 2021 State of Reconciliation in Australia Report assesses the current status of reconciliation and outlines some practical actions that need to be taken if we are to continue to progress the reconciliation process.

Reconciliation Australia, CEO Karen Mundine says the report shows the reconciliation movement is at a tipping point.

“Reconciliation must be about more than raising awareness and knowledge. The skills and knowledge gained must now motivate us to braver action. Actions must involve truth-telling, and actively addressing issues of inequality, systemic racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced."

The State of Reconciliation report’s focus of moving from safe to brave is supported by the year’s theme, “More than a word. Reconciliation takes Action” which urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

2021 State of Reconciliation in Australia summary and reports
From the Heart - Week of Action

From the Heart is starting 2021 with a 'Week of Action: The Time is Now' from the 25th to the 31st of January to respond to the Government's release of its Interim Voice Co-Design Report for public consultation.

From the Heart will release its submission to the Government's report on Thursday, 21st of January. The Week of Action (WoA) aims to encourage large numbers of individuals and organisations to make submissions in support of From the Heart's position.

During the WoA, From the Heart will host a series of #WoA activities on social media to raise public awareness about the consultation process, and provide how-to guides and resources on their website to help facilitate submissions to the Government.

Find updates on the campaign and participate in the #WoA activities by following: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Click here to register for the From the Heart WoA webinar
NACCHO housing for health position paper

Housing is a key determinant of health, yet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face a range of issues that prevent them from accessing housing that is affordable, adequate, safe and sustainable.

Overcrowding is increasingly prevalent, making household members further susceptible to the burden of disease, psychological distress and other health and wellbeing issues. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the importance of housing for maintaining health and slowing and stopping the spread of disease. Significant Australian, state and territory government leadership and investment is urgently needed to Improve housing and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Read NACCHO’s housing policy position paper in full
Finalists recognised for sustainability, gender equity, diversity and health achievements in inaugural HESTA Impact Awards

Eleven finalists were announced for the first-ever HESTA Impact Awards, recognising health and community services professionals taking positive steps to create a better world.

Finalist achievements covered sustainability, gender equity, health and diversity and inclusion initiatives, including a hospital-wide recycling program, health literacy sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and a free online career support program for women in need.

In the Team Innovation category, YWCA Australia’s Asista Program team is recognised for their life-changing work to help young women and girls in the child protection system build leadership skills and drive positive change.

Click here to see the full list of finalists
 
Community Sector Events
  • Co-organized with UNICEF, the Family-Friendly Policies Academy session will convene companies and experts to share their reasons and examples to illustrate the value of family-friendly workplaces and the varied ways businesses of all sizes can implement policies to support their employees with families - 27 January 2021 - Click here for more information and to register

  • Coming of Age in the War on Terror is the ground-breaking new book by award-winning author, scholar, and social commentator Randa Abdel-Fattah. Join Abdel-Fattah and Verity Firth as they explore the impact of a rising far-right, the discourse of Trump and Brexit, and growing partisanship on the lives and political consciousness of young people - 16 February 2021 - Click here to register
  • The pandemic—and the worldwide corporate transition to working from home that has accompanied it—has supercharged the demand for what Zoom sells: web conferencing software. Whether you and your organisation are just getting started with Zoom, or have been using it for a while and wish to build your knowledge and confidence in the use of the platform, this session is for you - 17 February 2021 - Click here to register
Community Sector Resources
  • The Settlement Council of Australia (SCoA) has developed 'The best of both worlds: A governance toolkit for organisations supporting migrant and refugee communities in Australia.' The toolkit has been developed to help settlement services and community organisations that support people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to settle in Australia. The toolkit is particularly aimed at smaller organisations, that might need some guidance to understand and apply the various laws, rules and regulations that govern organisations in Australia. You can access the toolkit here.
  • Beyond Blue has developed a website which will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community. Access the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service, linked here.
COSS Corner
The latest news from State and Territory Councils of Social Service

 

For many Canberrans, Christmas and new year was a period of deep distress and anxiety because of the Federal Government’s cut to the Coronavirus supplement effective from the 1 January. ACTCOSS also expressed deep concern that a large number of newly built ACT Housing properties were left sitting empty for well over a year as bureaucrats wrangled over leasing models. Finally, we called on the ACT Government to ensure Stage 2 of the Light Rail is inclusive of Canberrans facing transport disadvantage and that there is transparency around funding for the project.

The WACOSS Conference, Finding Ground: Building a better way back together, is just over a month away, and early bird registration closes this week. Register by 5pm, Friday 22 January to save on your registration!

SACOSS invites people to the 550 Reasons to Smile survey on the lived impacts of cut to the Coronavirus supplement - something we must focus on while our country moves towards economic recovery. The survey has one question and your response, your words, will be part of the public advocacy which includes a human rights challenge, media and parliament.

QCOSS: It's a tough time of year for many people facing financial hardship, as budgets strain under higher summer energy bills and end-of-year and back-to-school expenses.  Join our Community of Practice on Living Affordability and Wellbeing with Financial Counsellor and Educator Lisa Simpson from UncommonCents and Gold Coast Financial Literacy Action Group to find out how a place-based approach could help better support people through financial stress. Join here.

NCOSS shares #ThankYouFromUs Thank you for keeping us safe, healthy and supported throughout an incredibly tough year! The community services sector has been a vital part of the emergency response to the Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. We thank you for your contribution and recognise the additional effort and dedication required to keep us safe, healthy and well through both the bushfires and the pandemic. View here.

VCOSS is seeking a 'Data and Research Analyst' to find data, crunch it, tell stories and change minds. Full or part-time. $86,035 – $98,796 (pro rata) in Melbourne. Are you ready to use your data, research and advocacy skills in the fight for social justice? See here.

TasCOSS: Community Consultation on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conversion Practices in Tasmania Are you an LGBTIQ+ Tasmanian who has experienced conversion practices? Do you have any knowledge of these practices in Tasmania? If so, the Tasmania Law Reform Institute (TLRI) needs to hear from you. You can share your thoughts by following these steps by Thursday 28 January 2021. Please contact Liam Dunn, Education Policy Officer, on (03) 6169 9510 or email Liam [email protected]

*TRIGGER WARNING*

NTCOSS has no words that adequately expresses our pain, shock and hurt for the news we have to share. The Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group (TWFSG) are in mourning for our sister. R.Rubuntja was killed on Thursday 7th January 2021 in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) outside the Hospital. Her partner appeared in court today charged with murder. R.Rubuntja was one of the founding Leaders of the TWFSG and President of Anthepe Town Camp. We grieve now and then we mobilise, we will continue. We will be inspired by our sisters' legacy, we will not let her be forgotten and then we will ask you to stand with us against family and domestic violence. Call here if you need help. 1800RESPECT at White Ribbon Australia.

Members in the Media
Smaller charities take the biggest hit during pandemic

Neil Venables from The Salvation Army, which had to suspend its Red Shield Appeal annual doorknock in May, said it had seen an increase in donations which had "positioned the organisation well to meet some of the increased needs and costs during these uncertain days"

Read here
'Disgusted': Community doubting sincerity of Sunrise apology

Family Matters Co-Chair Sue-Anne Hunter told NITV News she didn't see the pre-recorded apology as 'authentic'. 

SNAICC CEO Richard Weston said the comments that were made were "ill-informed" and "unworthy of any Australian media outlet".

Read here
Scrapping responsible lending laws a 'disaster' that could drown Australians in debt, consumer groups say

Fiona Guthrie, the chief executive of Financial Counselling Australia, said victims of domestic family violence, people with mental health problems and people with low financial literacy were at risk of being loaded up with debt they would struggle to repay.

Read here
 
Feature Tweet

A harrowing account of the treatment of First Nations kids in custody. No child belongs in prison. #RaiseTheAge https://t.co/yIiPdOlKBL

— NATSILS (@NATSILS_) January 19, 2021
Click here to see full tweet
 
We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the country on which we work, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

We recognise the right of all First Peoples around the country to self-determination.

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