Apologies: Alisha Mcdonald (Rural Access), Cathy Brooker (Interchange)

Chair: Jasmine Crutchfield

Present: Sara Cox (SGHS), Theresa McDonough (LCHS), Megan Perks (Yooralla First Base), Karen Chugg (BCCHS), Sam Whiteman (BassCoast Shire Council), Barbara Look (SGSC), Dan Poynton (GippSport), Kris Kane (BCCHS)

Apologies: Alisha McDonald (Rural Access), Cathy Brooker (Interchange)

ITEM

DISCUSSION

ACTION

Welcome & Introduction of New Faces / Kris Kane – Flexible Funding, Disability Planner, Futures for Young Adults, Support for Older Carers, Individualised Support Package reviews.
Barbara Look – Community and Strengthening team. Transport Logistics, Learner Driver Program.
Sam Whiteman- Bass Coast Home and Community Care, Respite Care.
Karen Chugg – Best Start Facilitator.
Best Start, BassCoast Community Health. Karen Chugg / Project worker for Best Start. Looking at service development for 0 to 8 year olds. Work to a steering committee of community service providers. Over the next 3 or so years have two focus (priority) areas 1. Parent Support and 2. Oral Health.
Has begun a parent support working group that had their first meeting the week prior. Would like to work this group to discuss from the disability service sector how they can work to improve/ target these issues from the disability service perspective. 15 min brainstorm workshop. Focusing how the Assets/Barriers currently in the community regarding these issues. And what sort of messages should be communicated, and how should they be communicated to target groups.
Community Expo- Barbara Look / Barbara Look- over the last month has been putting together a ‘mini expo’ (Thursday 24th of November) of general service providers and the next network meeting for the South Gippsland ‘SPIN’ (Service Provider Information Network), which was established early in August. The event coincides with the Australian Government mobile buses (centrelink) being in town, and the thought that the network members could also have the opportunity to showcase their services to the public as well as have the opportunity to network with each other. For Barbara the proposed ‘Community Expo’ is roughly around the same time the next (after 24th Nov) SPIN Network and thought it could be of benefit to again provide another showcasing opportunity for SPIN Network members.
An evaluation will be developed for the general public to complete at the ‘mini exp’ regarding ideas around what other things they would like information on.
Community Expo / Discussions: Barriers.
* Breadth of Expo: who is it going to involve, all community and service provides covering every facet of support, health and well being?
* How will the Expo engage the public? Entice them in with freebies?
* A large Expo will require a large venue?
* Bigger event, larger costs, greater planning required.
* Funding.Where will the dollars come from, grants for events rarely cover wages for planning.
* BassCoast residents would be unlikely to travel to Leongatha (South Gippsland) and vice versa for such an event.
Discussion: Solutions.
* Bring back the size of the expo, simply focus on the providers that submitted an expression of interest. Focus back on ‘Respite’, ‘Carer Supports’, Positive and Enjoyable Experiences.
* Hold the expo in Leongatha and then duplicate the expo in Wonthaggi the following day.
* Market to target audience, promotional materials can be developed by organisations and share printing costs. Utilise service providers media sources to promote in local papers, newsletters ect.
* Provide lunch to service providers and a free Afternoon Tea to the public. Catering by Yooralla First Base at a fee.
* Feedback Mechanism. Provide an opportunity for the public to highlight what other things they would like to know about.
* Expo date pushed to the first week of May, late Feb/March timeline is tight, services close down over Christmas/New Years and Jan and Feb are BUSY!
Other ideas:
* Have a “mobile” ‘mini’ expo that travels to the towns. (Requires a big commitment from service providers).
* Have an information van/trailer that can be transported around the region.
Respite Network member Jodi Best had previously raised her hand to support the network to find funding for an event and potential for the GSHS Health Promotions officer to take a lead roll. Since the previous meeting Jodi has resigned from her role at GSHS. / * South Gippsland Shire has donated $1000 to the expo! 
* All services that submitted an expression of Interest will be invited to attend the next meeting in February. The next meeting will be held at Council Chambers for the opportunity to view the venue where the expo can be held.
* Sara to confirm date (can’t be last week of Feb), when council chambers are available
* Sara to confirm availability of Venue in May?
* ContactCommunity College Gippsland Leongatha Campus and check out their facilities.
*Sam Whiteman to suss out suitable venue in Wonthaggi.
Other Business / DON’T FORGET INVERLOCH BEACH FESTIVAL – DEC 3rd INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILIY. SouthCoast Access Alliance. /
Next Meeting / To Be Advised. February 2011.

Respite Provider Network Minutes Proforma 2010