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Contents 1. This week in review

2. QCOSS news 2.1 Job opportunities at QCOSS 3. A Fairer Queensland 3.1 Perspectives on Regional Australia: Housing Arrangements – Home Ownership in Local Government Areas

4. Tips for your organisation 4.1 IT TIP: MS Excel 2007 – Format axis in charts 4.2 SD TIP: Governance in the new commissioning landscape 4.3 Community Door: Volunteers

5. General news 5.1 Getting Settled: Women Refugees in Australia 5.2 FECCA CALD Youth Employment Survey 5.3 Get involved and have your say in The Queensland Plan 5.4 Grow your Social Enterprise with finance for early stage development 5.5 Funding opportunity for community organisations: Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local ‘The Pitch’ small grants 5.6 Child protection courses 5.7 Become a Workplace for Wellness 5.8 Public Consultation: Queensland Mental Health Act Consultation 5.9 Young people aged 10-14 in the youth justice system 5.10 Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-For-Profit Organisations 5.11 Assistance for people with unpaid fines registered at SPER 5.12 Remote mentoring program to be delivered 5.13 Exploring trauma and care 5.14 The returns to literacy skills in Australia 5.15 Volunteers needed for Sunshine Coast Color Run event 5.16 Community Leadership Program 5.17 Improving responses to refugees with backgrounds of multiple trauma 5.18 Mental Health Week Achievement Awards

Register here!

Program summary Conference themes:

Navigating through service delivery approaches—innovation, place-based, service integration and collaborative practice.

How do we know we have reached our destination—identifying and measuring population and program outcomes?

Exploring different funding options—social enterprise, philanthropy, private sector partnerships, social financing.

Who’s on the road with you—building relationships with government, private sector, and community sector organisations?

Issue 30 – 14 August 2013

6. Events 6.1 Joint launch of training and resources for domestic and family violence 6.2 Cultural Competence workshops in September – Brisbane 6.3 Making informed decisions and better policy - why visualisation helps us 6.4 Community volunteer training and engagement program for over 60's 6.5 I am here 6.6 Under 1 Roof project report launch 6.7 2013 Workforce Innovation Awards Gala Dinner 6.8 International Religion Journalism Symposium 6.9 Southern Cross University 2013 Community Seminar Series 6.10 Innovate Symposium #3 6.11 How long is a piece of string? Interpreting ‘reasonably practical’ in WH&S law 6.12 Portable Long Service Leave? The McKell Institute Report 6.13 Super Human Resources Project: Access to pro bono HR specialists 6.14 The state of NFP workplaces in Australia: An HR perspective 6.15 Gifts to Community and Neighbourhood Centres now tax deductible 6.16 Other events on the QCOSS website

7. Australian Policy Online 8. Positions vacant on QCOSS website

Awards Gala Dinner

Winners of the 2013 Health and Community

Services Workforce Innovation Awards will be

announced at the Health and Community Services

Workforce Innovation Awards Gala Dinner at

Brisbane City Hall on Thursday 12 September

2013.

We thank our QCOSS State Conference Bronze sponsors:

Legal Aid Queensland Mission Australia

Bankmecu Churches of Christ Care

Digital Genius Business Solutions

For more information click here or contact

Donette Fanti on (07) 3004 6936 or conference@qcoss.org.au

1. This week in review

Hi everyone,

Recommissioning of Services

With recommissioning underway by various government departments it is clear that there will be greater benefits from a more coordinated approach by government. QCOSS is having conversations with various government departments about the need for a more coordinated approach to ensure better outcomes are achieved. We will keep you informed of our progress however in the meantime, if you identify areas where greater coordination could be put in to place, I encourage you to share your thoughts with Anne Curson at annec@qcoss.org.au

Open Government Policy Forum

This week I attended an Open Government Policy Forum hosted by the Premier. The forum’s purpose was to explore and discuss integrity and accountability issues with a focus on how to make Queensland’s integrity framework as strong and efficient as possible. Attendees were from a broad cross section of organisations and there was robust discussion and debate about the framework required. There is considerable conversation still required on this subject. People can feed into the process by reading the series of papers - information papers about Queensland’s integrity framework and completing Queensland’s integrity system survey . QCOSS will be providing feedback on the framework. For more information about the open government reform process click here.

Homeless Persons Week and Federal Political Parties

Last week there was very good media across the sector in relation to homelessness and the need to address the unacceptable high levels that exist. Late last week the Councils of Social Service (ACOSS and all state and territory organisations) sent a joint media release calling on the federal political parties to commit to a long-term commitment to the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Homelessness. The Queensland Government has indicated that they are willing to sign up to a four

year commitment to the NPA and we want the federal political parties to commit as well. This is about a continued commitment to halve homelessness by 2020.

Futures Forum

Last week the Futures Forum hosted Zoe Wilson from Department of Premiers and Cabinet and Helen Ferguson from Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services as they presented on the government’s focus on open data from the respective departments they work in. Next week we will distribute notes from the meeting to inform the sector of the topics discussed.

Mark Henley

CEO

2. QCOSS news

2.1 Job opportunities at QCOSS

Homelessness Regional Planning and Coordination Officer – Mt Isa

Salary $79,284 + 10.25% super (prorate)

Part time 0.5 FTE (The position is funded until 30 June 2014)

Mt Isa

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is the peak body for approximately 600 welfare and community sector organisations in Queensland. Our vision is for a Queensland free of poverty and disadvantage and our purpose is to be a leading force for social change to eliminate poverty and disadvantage. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land, and the importance of self-determination and an end to disadvantage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We strongly support reconciliation.

The role involves:

1. Working with local government and non-government organisations in the sustainment of the Mount Isa Homelessness Community Action Plan (HCAP)

2. Working with a partnering government coordinator to facilitate and convene meetings and actions that progress the implementation of the Mount Isa HCAP

3. Contributing as a member of a state-wide HCAP programme and promote the Queensland Council of Social Services strategic directions as required.

We are looking for a candidate with the following:

Demonstrated understanding of homelessness policy, program and service responses, and a capacity to share that understanding effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Experience in building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with a wide range of people and organisations with a stake in delivering services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Demonstrated capacity to lead people, projects or programs that achieve results for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and organisations delivering services to them.

Demonstrated commitment to social justice, QCOSS values and the rights and interests of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Note: This position will require some travel within Queensland and overnight stays in Brisbane and requires a high level of cultural competence.

FIND OUT MORE: The position description and selection criteria can be found on the QCOSS website www.qcoss.org.au (Jobs Tab). Please send your cover letter addressing the selection criteria (no more than two pages please) and resumé to jobs@qcoss.org.au. For additional information please contact Ruth Toomey on (07) 3004 6914 or email jobs@qcoss.org.au. Closing date Wednesday 21 August 2013.

Coordinator – EMBRACE culture in kindy program

Salary $85,359 + 10.25% super

Full-time - subject to funding (three funding granted to 2015)

Nundah, Brisbane

The EMRACE culture in kindy program is a new initiative and collaborative partnership between QCOSS and the Multicultural Development Association (MDA), and is funded through the Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment.

The program has two key objectives:

1. To facilitate community awareness and promote access and participation to kindergarten program's for children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

2. To address barriers to kindergarten participation by supporting and resourcing community organisations to engage families in programs and activities which support access to early learning.

We are looking for a candidate with the following:

Demonstrated experience and success in planning, developing, and managing complex projects involving multiple partners and stakeholders, delivering project outputs and outcomes, including financial management.

Proven management skills in forging a team based approach and providing leadership, supervision and support to a diverse multifaceted team.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with proven ability to develop strong and effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, including initiating and sustaining networks.

Demonstrated understanding of the early education and care sector and children’s services.

Demonstrated understanding and experience in the cultural considerations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.

Commitment to social justice, QCOSS values and the role of early intervention in delivering better outcomes for Queenslanders, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.

Note: This position will require some travel within Queensland and requires a high level of cultural competence.

FIND OUT MORE: The position description and selection criteria can be found on the QCOSS website www.qcoss.org.au (Jobs Tab). Please send your cover letter addressing the selection criteria (no more than two pages) and resumé to jobs@qcoss.org.au. For additional information please contact Tina Fairley on (07) 3004 6903 or email jobs@qcoss.org.au. Closing date Friday 23 August 2013.

Project Officer Professional Support - Townsville

The Indigenous Professional Support Unit (IPSU) is a program funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to deliver services under the Inclusion and Professional Support Program and is a project of the Queensland Council of Social Services. QCOSS is currently seeking a Project Officer to deliver high quality professional training, support, advice and resourcing to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander childcare services throughout Queensland.

The successful candidate will have:

Experience working in a children’s services environment. A minimum 2 years early childhood education qualification or recognised school aged care qualifications is required.

Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of in-service training and/or other forms of professional support. A workplace training and assessment qualification is preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of regulations, acts and awards, including the quality improvement & accreditation system, which apply to childcare services in Queensland.

High level interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including the capacity to interpret and present complex concepts in an understandable format suitable for a wide range of audiences and use technology to deliver messages.

Commitment to QCOSS values and a high quality education for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

FIND OUT MORE: Position description and selection criteria can be found on the QCOSS website www.qcoss.org.au (see Jobs tab). Please send your cover letter addressing the selection criteria and resumé to jobs@qcoss.org.au. Closing date 30 August 2013.

3. A Fairer Queensland

3.1 Perspectives on Regional Australia: Housing Arrangements – Home Ownership in Local Government Areas

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the first issue of Perspectives on Regional Australia – Home Ownership in Local Government Areas based on the 2011 Census data.

Adequate housing contributes to individual and collective well-being, providing shelter, security and, in the case of home ownership, a store of wealth. For many Australians, owning a home has long been seen as “the great Australian dream”. Compared to other OECD countries, Australia has historically had high rates of home ownership. However since the 1990s, as other countries experienced an increase in home ownership rates, Australia has experienced a decline. Home ownership rates are affected by many factors, from the availability of land and housing, investment and construction levels, to changes in the population, people’s economic circumstances and preferences about where people want to establish a home.

Across Australia, many regional plans have reported a range of concerns relating to housing availability and affordability, including shortages of public housing, rental housing, student accommodation and housing for seasonal workers; limited land for new housing developments to match population growth; and a need for more suitable housing for elderly residents.

Like the range of housing issues faced by regions, rates of home ownership vary markedly across Australia, and in some regions, these rates have changed in ways that are quite different from the national averages. This article is the first in a series of three articles which use Census data to explore home ownership and rental rates across Australia, in the states and territories, and in Local Government Areas (LGAs). This article focuses on home ownership rates (including homes owned outright plus those owned with a mortgage).

ABS reports:

Just over two-thirds (67 per cent) of Australian households owned their home (with or without a mortgage) at the time of the 2011 Census

Tasmania recorded the highest home ownership rate of all states and territories (70.4 per cent) and the Northern Territory the lowest (46.2 per cent)

Of all the LGAs in Australia, Golden Plains and Nillumbik, both in Victoria, recorded the highest home ownership rates, with 88.5 per cent and 88.4 per cent respectively.

LGAs with low home ownership rates were mostly located in the Northern Territory and far-north Queensland

QCOSS’s A Fairer Queensland campaign sets out five priorities and nine related actions that overlay our work. Priority three is affordable housing.

To support the A Fairer Queensland campaign sign up on the website.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

4. Tips for your organisation

4.1 IT TIP: MS Excel 2007 – Format axis in charts

When plotting negative values into a chart the axis labels can get obscured by the content. Follow these steps to move the labels below the negative data:

right-click the x-axis to display the Format dialog

in Axis Options change the default Axis Label Next-to-Axis to Low.

An alternative is to set the value at which the axis crosses the Y axis to a value less than or equal to the smallest value in your data.

right-click the Y-axis to display the Format dialog

in Axis Options change Horizontal axis crosses from Automatic to Axis Value and add the less than or equal to the smallest value in your data.

For a more detailed manual click the link below.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

4.2 SD TIP: Governance in the new commissioning landscape

New Philanthropy Capital and The Clothworkers’ Company recently held a seminar for trustees to understand more about the new commissioning landscape in the United Kingdom. The report that came out of this seminar provides some valuable advice, which is relevant to organisations impacted by the recommissioning process here in Queensland.

Attendees explored risks and opportunities, and their role as trustees in steering their charity through this complex and changing environment. This report highlights key themes discussed during the seminar, looking at recent changes in commissioning, the consequences for charities, and how they can best respond.

It includes learnings from other trustees as well as advice on combating the challenges of the current landscape: Competition, Collaboration, Proving value, and new risks. It then provides tips for charities with corresponding ‘Questions trustees could ask’. The tips and questions cover: Know the law; Get your bid right: Consider collaboration; Plan ahead: ‘Diversify your income: and Prove your social value.

FIND OUT MORE: Read Governance in the new commissioning landscape.

4.3 Community Door: Volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial part in the support and running of community organisations. About 700,000 non-profit organisations operate in Australia, of which about 35,000 employ staff. The remainder are mostly small organisations entirely dependent on the voluntary commitment of members. The management and development of volunteers and volunteering is key to the sustainability of a skilled and involved volunteer workforce.

QCOSS, in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, have developed a resource to assist community sector organisations with effective volunteer recruitment and management. You will also find links to online volunteer databases, peak bodies and government agencies.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

5. General news

5.1 Getting Settled: Women Refugees in Australia

The plight of some of the world's most vulnerable refugees is highlighted in a new publication Getting Settled: Women Refugees in Australia. The booklet raises awareness of the issues and challenges that highly vulnerable refugee women face in their settlement journey. It contains the personal stories of a number of refugee women who have settled in Australia and have gone on to make a significant contribution to their communities and to the broader Australian society. It also provides examples of

good practice approaches to service delivery, many of which were contributed by Humanitarian Settlement Services Providers.

During the last program year (2012-13), Australia granted more than 1600 ‘woman at risk’ visas to vulnerable refugee women and their families. This figure represented almost 14 per cent of the offshore refugee program and was the largest number of ‘woman at risk’ visa grants since the visa was established in 1989. Next year will mark 25 years of settlement in Australia for this particular caseload.

FIND OUT MORE: Download the booklet here.

5.2 FECCA CALD Youth Employment Survey

The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) is the peak national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA's role is to advocate, lobby for and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community. This survey is designed to gain feedback from culturally and linguistically diverse young people (between 15 and 24 years of age) about their experiences in finding sustainable work in Australia. This survey will close Monday 12 August 2013.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here to complete the FECCA CALD Youth Employment Survey.

5.3 Get involved and have your say in The Queensland Plan

Queensland is a great state and the state’s future is full of opportunity. The Queensland Plan will outline a shared vision for the next 30 years and identify local and state-wide priorities. It will harness the collective wisdom of Queenslanders and guide future activities delivered by all levels of government, business and the community. Now is the time to have your say and share your views to shape the 30-year vision for Queensland! All Queenslanders are invited to provide their thoughts and ideas to help ensure Queensland remains a great place for generations to come via and online survey.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

5.4 Grow your Social Enterprise with finance for early stage development

Are you a social enterprise that has been operating for less than 3 years? Do you have a well thought out business idea or a documented business plan, the passion to follow it and the evidence of trading history or financial forecasts? Foresters has finance options tailored for early stage social enterprise to grow and develop. $300,000 is available for a variety of loans including commercialisation of Intellectual Property, business purchase, business development, equipment, marketing, website development, program delivery, human resources and any other worthwhile purpose.

Organisations must be a social enterprise, demonstrate an ability to service a loan, and be seeking loan finance for business development purposes, in order to be considered.

FIND OUT MORE: Applications are available online and open until 16 August 2013.

5.5 Funding opportunity for community organisations: Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local ‘The Pitch’ small grants

The Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local has announced ‘The Pitch’ small grants for 2013/14. They are offering community organisations the opportunity to apply for the next round of small grants to deliver a short-term project of practical ideas to change healthcare that address health issues for four identified priority population groups: sexual health needs of young people, men’s health, areas of healthy ageing and women’s health.

FIND OUT MORE: Submissions of 200 words or less are due 16 August. For more information click here.

5.6 Child protection courses

Sunshine Coast TAFE has a wide range of courses ideal for working in the child protection community, government agencies or residential facilities. These courses are delivered online giving you the flexibility to study from anywhere in Queensland. Click on the hyperlinks below for detailed course and enrolment information.

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Child Protection)

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Family Support)

Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential and Out of Home Care)

Diploma of Child Youth and Family Intervention

This course is for experienced child protection workers in community or government agencies or in residential facilities.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit the Sunshine Coast TAFE website or phone (07) 5457 1328 to discuss your study options.

5.7 Become a Workplace for Wellness

The Workplaces for Wellness website guides you through 5-Steps to develop a workplace wellness program. You can tailor a wellness program to suit your workplace and meet your employees’ needs. Whether you are just starting out or building on an existing program, everything you need is here.

You can register your workplace to become a Queensland Workplaces for Wellness member. As a member you have access to more than 30 resources to support and guide the implementation of your workplace wellness program. 5-Steps to workplace wellness will guide you from start to finish - from gaining management support through to evaluating your program. Membership is free.

FIND OUT MORE: Register your workplace or subscribe to eNews to keep in touch with all the latest workplace wellness news.

5.8 Public Consultation: Queensland Mental Health Act Consultation

The Department of Health is undertaking a review of the Mental Health Act and is seeking input from stakeholders. Two rounds of public consultation will be undertaken for the review. In the first round of consultation, the public is invited to identify areas for improvement in the legislation. The feedback, and the results of the research undertaken by the review team, will subsequently be used to prepare a consultation paper on potential legislative amendments for a further round of public consultation. HCQ will circulate this consultation paper to its consumer network when it’s released.

FIND OUT MORE: Submissions are due by Friday, 23 August 2013. For more information click here.

5.9 Young people aged 10-14 in the youth justice system

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report titled “Young people aged 10-14 in the youth justice system 2011-12”. While there are only a small number of young people in this age range involved in the youth justice system, research indicates that this group are at risk of developing problems later in life. A concerning finding was that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 10-14 were 23 more likely as non-Indigenous young people to be on a community based youth justice order, and 25 times as likely to be in youth detention.

FIND OUT MORE: Download the report.

5.10 Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-For-Profit Organisations

AuSAE are pleased to advise that ACU Executive Education are offering a Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-For-Profit Organisations for the first time in Brisbane beginning in late August 2013.

The unique industry-leading program, which has been designed to address the challenges facing the third sector, aims to create dynamic, capable leaders with the resilience to embrace the evolving NFP landscape and take organisations to the next level. Providing a pathway into Masters Programs, this specialised leadership experience has received rave reviews from participants across the third sector.

To celebrate the launch of the program in Brisbane, AuSAE are excited to announce ACU are offering 5 scholarship opportunities (valued at 50 per cent of the total course subject enrolment costs) for participants interested in this transformational learning experience.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please contact Gillian McCaughey on (02) 9739 2837 or gillian.mccaughey@acu.edu.au.

5.11 Assistance for people with unpaid fines registered at SPER

The Community Engagement Team (CET) at State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) provides assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged people who have unpaid fines registered at SPER.

The CET aims to reduce the financial burden on debtors who do not have the capacity to pay their fines registered at SPER.

The CET offer flexible options including: fine option order, reduced payment plans, good behaviour order, and temporary suspension where appropriate.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here or contact a community officer on 1300 131 510 or email SPER.CETearn@osr.treasury.qld.gov.au.

5.12 Remote mentoring program to be delivered

A mentoring program will be delivered in Cairns by the Newman Government for remote early childhood educators where they will have the opportunity to learn from leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. This program has been developed as an expansion of the Remote Indigenous Professional Development Workshops, which aimed to enhance the understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework for remotely-located educators.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

5.13 Exploring trauma and care

A new paper is available online that examines the effects of trauma and how it can be overcome. Inter-generational and direct trauma from childhood can have severe and lasting effects, however there are appropriate interventions that can help alleviate these. Early childhood services can adapt their practices and programs to aid in the healing of traumatic experiences.

FIND OUT MORE: The paper is available online here.

5.14 The returns to literacy skills in Australia

The financial return to training and how it varies with qualification level has been the focus of much research. This study goes a step further and investigates the relationship between literacy skills and the incomes of workers in the Australian labour market and whether this varies with level of education. The findings show that both educational qualifications and literacy skills are positively associated with income. Additionally, within broad education levels (university-level qualifications, vocational education and training qualifications and no post-school qualifications), income also increases with skill level.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

5.15 Volunteers needed for Sunshine Coast Color Run event

SunnyKids is the charity of choice for the inaugural Color Run Sunshine Coast on 13 October 2013 at Stockland Park. 130 volunteers are needed for the event. It’s a great opportunity to promote your organisation to the expected 20,000 strong crowd, while having some fun and helping out SunnyKids.

FIND OUT MORE: Contact Michelle Buth at SunnyKids on (07) 5479 0394.

5.16 Community Leadership Program

The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) has received funding from the Australian Government, Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) under the Settlement Grants Program to run the Community Leadership Program. The program aims to increase community self-reliance by supporting leaders and others, from new and emerging communities, to link with established communities, increase their knowledge of advocacy and association governance. The communities include: Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Bhutan. The ECCQ will conduct free training to support community leaders and strengthen their own capacity to enable them to build their own communities.

FIND OUT MORE: Contact Lilly Matich at lillym@eccq.com.au or phone 3844 9166.

5.17 Improving responses to refugees with backgrounds of multiple trauma

This practice monograph brings together five contributions from writers who are recognised for their expertise and experience working with refugees who have histories of trauma, including torture, sexual violence and domestic and family violence.

The contributions provide practice information and tools, underlining the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and the need for multi-agency responses. This monograph will contribute to ongoing dialogue within services and agencies about ways to better listen to and support women who have come to Australia seeking asylum or safety.

FIND OUT MORE: Download the paper here.

5.18 Mental Health Week Achievement Awards

Open Minds presents the 2013 Mental Health Week Achievement Awards (the Awards). The Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievement of individuals, groups, organisations and businesses devoted to improving the understanding and awareness of mental health in the Queensland community.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

6. Events

6.1 Joint launch of training and resources for domestic and family violence

The Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) and the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (CDFVR), CQ University invite you to attend the joint launch of their respective new initiatives.

RAILS will formally launch their new training program designed to assist workers supporting clients with applications under the family violence provisions in the Migration Regulations 1994. The training will be rolled out in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Emerald, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Brisbane following the launch. A free morning tea will be held to celebrate the launch and the inaugural training session will follow, to conclude in the early afternoon.

CDFVR will jointly launch a suite of new resources to assist workers supporting clients with applications under the family violence provisions in the Migration Regulations 1994. The resources will complement the RAILS training.

When: 8:45 for 9:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday 21 August 2013

Where: Legal Aid Queensland, Ground Floor, 44 Herschel Street, Brisbane

FIND OUT MORE: Click here. RSVP by Friday 16 August 2013 by emailing admin@rails.org.au or phone 3846 9300.

6.2 Cultural Competence workshops in September – Brisbane

Partners in Cultural Competence (PiCC) are holding a number of workshops during the month of September. These workshops are for individuals and organisations interested in developing cultural capabilities, effective cross-cultural communication and more effective client service outcomes. PiCC trainings are developed for all levels of cultural competence.

Culturewise Practice:

This 1-day workshop introduces you to the latest approach in developing cultural competence. It shows you how to expand your perspective and develop your capabilities to engage in meaningful ways with others.

When: 9:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday 24 September 2013

Working with Professional Interpreters:

This half-day workshop empowers participants from all levels of government, organisations and businesses working in Language Other than English with crucial skills and helpful strategies to apply when working with interpreters across languages/cultures, and achieve desired results, including accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality and other ethical concerns.

When: 9:30am to 1:00pm, Wednesday 11 September 2013

Providing Culturally Responsive Services:

This 1-day workshop provides participants with insights, knowledge and skills to interact more effectively with a culturally diverse public.

When: 9:00am to 4:30pm, Wednesday 25 September 2013

Diversity Leadership:

This 1-day workshop provides participants with the insights and skills to move from an awareness of diversity to engagement in creative processes that result in effective and meaningful outcomes.

When: 9:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday 17 September 2013

Communicating Effectively Across Culture:

This 1-day workshop enables participants to take personal responsibility for communicating in meaningful ways with diverse clients and colleagues. It provides insights, understanding and skills to communicate more effectively with people who are non-fluent English speakers, and includes the when, why and how to engage professional interpreters.

When: 9:00am to 4:30pm, Thursday 19 September 2013.

FIND OUT MORE: Click here for more information. All workshops held at ECCQ House Gumbaya Room, 253 Boundary Street, West End. Cost of each workshop varies.

6.3 Making informed decisions and better policy - why visualisation helps us

Merry Branson, Assistant Statistician, Customer Services Branch at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will be speaking about putting evidence into evidence based policy, and exploring how visualisation can help improve the reliability of advice concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of policy settings and possible alternatives. There are a number of benefits to be reaped from advanced visualisation tools. Since the tools are intuitive and easy to use, even novice analysts can uncover complex relationships and understand where to focus their attention to derive insights. We can also reduce dependence on IT staff by making staff self-sufficient when it comes to analysis and reporting. When information is thoughtfully visualised anyone can take advantage of it to gain strategic insights, make informed decisions and achieve better outcomes.

When: 2:00 to 3:00pm, Tuesday 27 August, 2013

Where: ABS Queensland Office, Level 3, 639 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

FIND OUT MORE: To register your interest in attending this seminar please send a confirmation email to queensland.statistics@abs.gov.au by Friday 23 August. If you are interested in this topic but

are unable to attend the live stream, please let the ABS know as they can advise when the recorded seminar becomes available for viewing on the NSS website.

6.4 Community volunteer training and engagement program for over 60's

The Spectrum Organisation has received a small grant under the Productive Ageing through Community Education Program (PAtCE) Program to develop a project to facilitate ongoing volunteering opportunities in the local area for seniors (60+). The project aims to facilitate the development and co-ordination of a locally based volunteering network, run for and by local seniors. An information session about the project will be held:

When: 10:30am, Wednesday 28 August, 2013

Where: 10 Leanne Crescent, Lawnton

FIND OUT MORE: Contact Abby McGurk on Abby@spectrum.org.au or phone (07) 3881 3310.

6.5 I am here

This is a not to be missed opportunity to see I am here on stage – a unique theatre show that tells the stories of six young people from refugee backgrounds. I am here is a youth-driven project, that draws on the personal stories of the actors, the diverse communities they represent, as well as displaced people of many ages, backgrounds and cultures that have, through extraordinary circumstances, come to call Brisbane their home.

As young leaders in their respective cultural communities, the artists involved are passionate about reaching out to other young leaders across the city – why not bring a group of young people you work with? This is an amazing personal and professional development opportunity for anyone who works with or wants to further understand the stories of young people from refugee backgrounds.

When: Sunday 1 to Tuesday 3 September 2013

Where: Queensland Multicultural Centre, 120 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

FIND OUT MORE: Click here for details about ticket prices and session times.

6.6 Under 1 Roof project report launch

Under 1 Roof will launch their project report documenting the outcomes of a funded Service System Development and Support initiative. The launch will include detailed information about project outcomes as well as presentations acknowledging help and assistance given to Under 1 Roof.

When: 10.45 for 11:00am to 12:00pm, Thursday 29 August 2013

Where: New Farm Bowls Club, 969 Brunswick Street, New Farm

FIND OUT MORE: For more information phone 0400 196 492. RSVP to contact@under1roof.org.au.

6.7 2013 Workforce Innovation Awards Gala Dinner

Each year the Workforce Innovation Awards recognise creative and strategic efforts made by organisations, collaborations and individuals to overcome workforce challenges and deliver quality outcomes for communities and individuals in Queensland’s health and community services industry. The presentation of the 2013 Workforce Innovation Awards is being held in conjunction with the Queensland Council of Social Service's 'Redefining the Roadmap' State Conference on 12 and 13 September.

When: 6:30 for 7:00pm, Thursday 12 September 2013

Where: Main auditorium, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane

Dress: Cocktail / evening wear

Cost: $120 per person or $1100 for a table of 10. Includes presentation of the awards, two course dinner, drinks and entertainment.

FIND OUT MORE: RSVP Friday 6 September 2013. Register now. For further information and tickets, visit click here.

6.8 International Religion Journalism Symposium

Sponsored by the Griffith University Multi‐Faith Centre and the International Association of Religion Journalists, the inaugural International Religion Journalism Symposium will showcase Australia’s capacity to lead in the Asia‐Pacific region by bringing in journalists from around the world to share their experiences with and learn from local journalists. Religious freedom, human rights, and inter-religious relations are among the most contested values today. Journalism needs to be expert in the reporting and analysis of religion as it relates to the political and social realities of specific regions, religions and issues. Some of the best minds in religion reporting will be in Australia to help us consider how best to cover today's most controversial issue: religion.

When: Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October, 2013

Where: Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre, Nathan Campus

FIND OUT MORE: Click here.

6.9 Southern Cross University 2013 Community Seminar Series

Building on last year’s seminars on successfully navigating the audit culture, Southern Cross University’s (SCU) 2013 seminar series showcases innovation in the human services sector.

The series is hosted by the School of Arts & Social Sciences and the SCU Community Reference Group.

Innovating for better Indigenous service delivery

When: 4:00 to 7:00pm, Thursday 29 August

Innovation in Community Services with people experiencing poverty

When: 4:00 to 7:00pm, Thursday 3 October 2013

Children

When: 4:00 to 7:00pm, Thursday 7 November 2013

People with disabilities

When: 4:00 to 7:00pm, Thursday 5 December 2013

FIND OUT MORE: Register here. For more information click here. All sessions are free of charge, and will be held in Room B6.25, SCU Gold Coast, Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga. Light refreshments provided.

6.10 Innovate Symposium #3

Volunteering Queensland is holding its third annual Innovate Symposium. Early bird registrations close on 2 September so get in quick to secure a spot! The symposium will showcase innovative ways to engage and work with communities. Join practitioners, community leaders, grassroots activists, researchers and students over two exciting days to:

Discover and challenge the values and beliefs critical to community building and practice

Translate theoretical knowledge into a set of tools that enable innovative, engaging and creative practices

Develop community development practices that encourage collaboration and capacity building

Apply these practices and tools in order to transform organisations and communities

Sustain this change to create resilient communities and adaptive organisations.

When: Thursday 21 and Friday 22 November 2013

Where: Griffith University EcoCentre, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan

Cost: Early bird rate of $200 for small organisations, $250 for universities, corporates, other non-

profits and community organisations. Individuals who are unwaged and working in community initiatives can apply for a special discounted rate.

FIND OUT MORE: Read about the symposium, see presenters or view the session plan. Early bird registrations close on Monday 2 September.

6.11 How long is a piece of string? Interpreting ‘reasonably practical’ in WH&S law

The Commonwealth Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 passed in Parliament on 6 June 2013 and some changes took effect on 1 July 2013. It covers three groups of amendment: bullying in the workplace, flexibility arrangements and transfer to a safe job whilst pregnant. But the term ‘reasonably practical’ is new to Workplace Health and Safety law, and will require some interpretation. Kemp Strang Lawyers have written ‘How long is a piece of string? – ‘reasonably practicably’ guidelines released by Safe Work Australia’ to help provide some clarity.

This introduction to the Safe Work Australia Guide can be accessed without charge after free registration with Mondaq.

FIND OUT MORE: How long is a piece of string? Register for a Mondaq login. Download Safe Work Australia Guide to the Model Work Health and Safety Act, Oct 2012

6.12 Portable Long Service Leave? The McKell Institute Report

The McKell Institute Report released on 14 June 2013 makes the case for a national portable ‘long service leave’ or ‘accrued employment leave’ scheme. The combination of longer working lives but greater turnover in employment may make this advisable. Fewer than one in four employees are now staying with the one employer for the required decade.

FIND OUT MORE: The Case for a National Portable Long Service Leave Scheme in Australia.

6.13 Super Human Resources Project: Access to pro bono HR specialists

Specialists in corporate volunteering, Goodcompany, joined forces with the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) to launch the Super Human Resources Project.

The project encourages human resources (HR) professionals to volunteer their time and skills to community organisations. ‘HR skills are in hot demand for projects such as developing staff satisfaction surveys, mentoring, writing or reviewing position descriptions, OH&S policies, HR policy review, and change management’.

FIND OUT MORE: Super Human Resources Project.

6.14 The state of NFP workplaces in Australia: An HR perspective

Maxxia is a provider of workplace benefits in Australia and part of the McMillan Shakespeare Group. Their study of NFP workplaces was released in June 2013. The Maxxia study, thought to be the first of its sort in Australia, looked at several key human resources issues:

Which employees are attracted to NFPs and their reasons for leaving

The key drivers of employees’ intentions to stay

The impact of size and potential ‘corporatising’ of large NFPs and impact on retention of staff

Key drivers of employer and job satisfaction within the NFP sector

Factors that may improve NFP recruitment models

FIND OUT MORE: Not-for-Profit Sentiment Study.

6.15 Gifts to Community and Neighbourhood Centres now tax deductible

The Australian Government has passed legislation that establishes a national tax deductible fund for Neighbourhood Houses. This has been done by the inclusion of Australian Neighbourhood Houses &

Centres Association (ANHCA) Inc into the table of specific welfare and rights recipients in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

Over the next few months ANHCA will establish the mechanism to provide a national fund which will enable neighbourhood centres through ANHCA, to:

Take donations for which the donor or philanthropic body wishes to claim a tax deduction; and

Apply for grants provided by philanthropic bodies and foundations which require DGR (tax deductibility) status

This doesn’t mean centres should not pursue Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status independently. ANHCA and state peak bodies will continue to lobby for access to PBI status for Neighbourhood Centres. In the meantime the ANHCA fund will provide a much needed and previously denied avenue and opportunity for fundraising.

FIND OUT MORE: Read the full ANHCA media release here.

6.16 Other events on the QCOSS website

(click on the event name for the weblink)

Brisbane

20 Aug Finding Magic Moments - making a difference with young people

22 Aug Level 1: Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

30 Aug Human Rights Vs. Restrictive Practices | Brisbane

3 Sep Family Ties - working with kinship and relative carers

4 Sep Accredited JP(Qual) & C.Dec Training | Woolloongabba

7 Sep Accredited JP(Qual) & C.Dec Training | Woolloongabba

10 Sep Growing and Developing Social Enterprise | Woolloongabba

10 Sep Going Further with a Strengths Approach | Runcorn

12 Sep QCOSS State Conference 2013 | Brisbane

12 Sep Level 2: Intermediate Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

12 Sep 2013 Workforce Innovation Awards Gala Dinner | Brisbane

13 Sep Keeping Hope Alive – vicarious trauma and emotional wellbeing in...| Brisbane - venue tba

13 Sep Keeping Hope Alive – vicarious trauma and emotional wellbeing in...| Brisbane - venue tba

24 Sep 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Woolloongabba

4 Oct Level 3: Advanced Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

8 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Woolloongabba

9 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Woolloongabba

11 Oct Level 1: Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

15 Oct The Road to Change - effective case planning for active intervention

24 Oct Level 2: Intermediate Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

5 Nov Effective Recording for Child and Youth Work

5 Nov 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Woolloongabba

6 Nov 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Woolloongabba

7 Nov Level 3: Advanced Strengths-Based Practice | Runcorn

4 Dec Wired For Life | Runcorn

Central Queensland

11 Apr First Aid Training - Ongoing 11 April to 31 Dec 2013 | Allenstown

4 Sep 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Emerald

13 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Mackay

9 Nov 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Rockhampton

Darling Downs

5 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Newtown

Far North Queensland

19 Aug 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Cairns

21 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Cairns

Gold Coast

9 Nov 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Labrador

Moreton Bay

5 Oct 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services - Justice of...| Morayfield

North Queensland

16 Sep 30942QLD Course in Providing Community Justice Services | Condon

Queensland wide

21 Mar QCOSS Calendar of Events 2013

Southwest Queensland

28 Aug South West QLD Regional Workforce Development Forum | Middle Range

Sunshine Coast

14 Sep Accredited JP(Qual) & C.Dec Training | Tewantin

Wide Bay Burnett

27 Aug Accredited JP & C.Dec Training | Hervey Bay

7. Australian Policy Online (www.apo.org.au)

(click on the article name for the weblink)

Understanding software for program evaluation

Invisible care: access to Carer Payment and Carer Allowance by Victorian carers of a person with a mental illness

People with mental health disorders and cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system: cost-benefit analysis of early support and diversion

Developing capacity through partnerships

Impact of climate change on health and wellbeing in remote Australian communities: a review of literature and scoping of adaptation options

ACOSS reconciliation action plan: 2013 to 2016

Election 2013 youth survey - issues and policy

Your rights at retirement: a guide to making decisions and navigating your entitlements in later life

Cost of alcohol abuse to the NSW Government

2013 Wesley report: homelessness and the next generation

Design and implementation of the liveable cities program

Linking disaster resilience and urban sustainability: a glocal approach for future cities

Australian child protection system failing migrant and refugee children

Get niche: Instagram, tumblr and Pinterest for nonprofits

Vote Compass

Information and research for policy and practice: Online survey now open

8. Positions vacant on the QCOSS website

(click on the event name for the weblink)

North Queensland

Director (Community Legal Service) | Closing:16 Aug

Homelessness Regional Planning and Coordination Officer Mt Isa | Mount Isa | Closing:21 Aug

Project Officer Professional Support | Closing:30 Aug

Rural and Remote Home Care and Respite Services Coordinator | Ravenshoe | Closing:3 Sep

Brisbane

Family Support Workers | Closing:16 Aug

Family Support Workers | Closing:16 Aug

Resource Worker - Housing Support Services | Closing:19 Aug

Resource Worker - Homestay: Early Intervention Tenancies Worker | Closing:20 Aug

Project Support Officer - Sector Development | West End|Closing:23 Aug

Coordinator - EMBRACE culture in kindy program | Nundah/Brisbane|Closing:23 Aug

Support Planner - Focus Consultancy | Closing:23 Aug

Logan

Housing First Worker | Slacks Creek | Closing:19 Aug

Outside Queensland

Social Worker - Foster Care Support | Botany | Closing:23 Aug

Far North Queensland

Board Member/Director | Cairns | Closing:30 Aug

Gold Coast

Support Facilitators (Partners in Recovery) | Closing:31 Aug

Support Facilitators (Partners in Recovery) | Closing:31 Aug

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