Free Philanthropy Information Session for Community Organisations in Mildura

WELCOME

EVENTS

Social Firms Forum 2007

International Day of People with Disability

Eastern Region Disability Act Consultation Session: Planning Component Training

‘Rainbow Conversations’ GLBTI Human Rights Conference

TRAINING

Group Crisis Interventions

Working with Muslim HACC Clients

Advanced Group Crisis Interventions

Skills for Time, Stress and Workload Management

Grant Applications Workshop

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

‘More than Just Equipment’: Library and Information Needs of People with Disabilities

New VCOSS Manuals for Community Organisations

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Call for Nominations: Moreland Access Awards

IN THE NEWS

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Making Information Accessible

Labor Guarantees Fast Tracking of CSTDA

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

Fijian Disabled People’s Organisation: Community Development Officer

WELCOME

Hello, and welcome to the weekly update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.

DARU has been funded by the State government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon Granek, and a Project Administration Officer, Leah Hobson.

We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email Sharonor Leah.

EVENTS

Social Firms Forum 2007

When: 8:30 – 4:30 Thursday 15th November

Where: Fenix Conference Centre, 680 Victoria Street, Richmond

Registration: A PDF registration form can be downloaded here. For enquiries, contact Margie on 03 9445 0373 or .

Cost: $185 full, $85 concession

Social Firms Australia (SoFA) is a not-for-profit organisation developing social firms in Australia. SoFA is committed to improving the quality of life as well as the social and economic integration of Australians living with a psychiatric disability.
A social firm is a not-for-profit business enterprise whose purpose is to create employment for people with a disability. Modifications required for employees in need of support are built into the design of the workplace.
The Social Firms Forum 2007 will feature case studies from leaders in the hospitality industry from both social and commercial perspectives, plus practical presentations on social firms, finding and screening business ideas, funding, workplace modifications and much more.
Keynote speakers Gerard Higgins (CEO of Community Enterprises in Strathclyde, UK) and Jim Mullan (Enterprise Manager, Kibble Works, Scotland) will provide an international perspective on social firms.
There will also be a special performance by 'The Loose Kangaroos'.

Free Philanthropy Information Session for Community Organisations in Mildura

When: 10:00 – 12:00 27th November 2007

Where: Committee Room, Mildura Rural City Council, 1st Floor, 76 – 84 Deakin Avenue, Deakin Service Centre, Mildura

Registration: Please call (03) 9650 4400 (Monday – Thursday) to register. Bookings are essential.

This session will cover:

What is philanthropy?
How to get funding for your community projects
What are pro-bono services?
How can your organisation access free and low cost training, resources and support?

This session will be run by:

Christa Momot (Reichstein Foundation),
Fran Westmore (Donkeywheel Foundation),
Kirsty Allen (Myer Foundation),
Angela Savage and Kate Johnson (Victorian Council Social Service).

International Day of People with Disability

When: December 3rd 2007

Celebrating the achievements of people with disability!

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is part of a worldwide celebration that occurs on 3 December each year. The aims of the Day are:

To showcase the skills, abilities, contributions and achievements of people with disability
To promote a positive image of people with disability
To involve people with disability and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness of the Day

For more information on becoming involved, visit the Australian International Day of People with Disability website.

Eastern Region Disability Act Consultation Session: Planning Component Training

When: 9:15 – 1:30 December 4th 2007

Where: Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood

Registration:To reserve your place or find out some more information please contact Angela Rako at or 0434 364 605.

The Eastern Region Legislation Implementation Working Group would really like for you to attend a FREE half day consultation session on what training and information sessions they should offer in order to support you and your organisation to meet the requirements of the Disability Services Act 2006 planning component.
To be eligible to attend you must work in the Eastern Region for a Community Service Organisation.
What will YOU get out of attending the session?

The opportunity to put forward your opinion on what funded training this working party should offer within the Easter Region in attempt to support your organisation to meet the requirements of the Act

Brainstorm the design of future information sessions for Senior Managers, Change Agents, Chief Executives and Board Members.

Network with other organisations to put forward other ideas of how we can engage all types of services in future sessions with regards to planning and the Disability Services Act 2006.

‘Rainbow Conversations’ GLBTI Human Rights Conference

When: January 30th – 31st 2008

Where:MelbourneTown Hall

Rainbow Conversations is a human rights conference discussing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) issues in the Asia-Pacific region. It is part of the inaugural Asia Pacific Outgames, a multi-sport, culture and human rights event which will coincide with the Midsumma Festival (Melbourne’s premier gay and lesbian cultural and arts festival). Outgames will take place in Melbourne, Australia, from 30 January to 3 February 2008.
This exciting two-day event to be held at Melbourne’s historic Town Hall, will provide an open and friendly environment in which activists, academics and community members can explore GLBTI human rights issues across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas, information and expertise, and for the development and consolidation of Asia-Pacific GLBTI networks.

For more information, visit the Melbourne Outgames website.

TRAINING

Group Crisis Interventions

When: 9:00 – 5:00, 15th & 16th November 2007

Where: The Downtowner, 66 Lygon StreetCarlton

Registration: A Word version of the registration form can be downloaded here.

Cost: Members - $460 (inc GST), Non Members - $495 (inc GST)

Thistwo-day course (formerly known as Critical Incident Stress Management: Basic) presents the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention program.

This includes education, individual support, small group defusings and debriefings, demobilisations and crisis management briefings. Content includes the assessing and planning of appropriate support. This is a skills based workshop that prepares participants to provide crisis interventions.

Working with Muslim HACC Clients

When: 9:30 – 12:30 Monday 19th November

Where: ADEC, 175 Plenty Road, Preston

Registration: RSVPs due by 9th November. For more information, contact the ADEC Education Unit on (03) 9480 1666.

Cost: $30

Tasneem Chopra will speak on the general topic of understanding elementary principles of Islam which will inform workers on how to work effectively with Muslim clients and some general do’s and don’ts in dealing with Muslim HACC clients.

Advanced Group Crisis Interventions

When: 9:00 – 5:00 19th & 20th November 2007

Where: The Downtowner, 66 Lygon StreetCarlton

Registration: A Word version of the registration form can be downloaded here.

Cost: Members - $460 (inc GST), Non Members - $495 (inc GST)

The advanced TWO-DAY course (formerly known as Critical Incident Stress Management: Advanced) broadens the knowledge basis of Critical Incident Stress interventions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Content includes crisis intervention response to difficult and complex situation (eg line-of-duty death, suicide of a worker) and to large-scale incidents/ disasters. Advanced defusing, debriefings and crisis management briefings are considered. Applicants must have attended Group Crisis Interventions (or a CISM Basic course).

Skills for Time, Stress and Workload Management

When: 9:30 – 4:00, Wednesday 21st November

Where: William Angliss Centre, Level 5, 555 Latrobe Street, Melbourne

Registration: A PDF version of the registration form can be found here. For more information, contact Gavin Podbury Consulting on (03) 9486 6755 or via email.

Cost: $385 (inc GST)

Content

Time Management Tips,Techniques & Strategies
How to get better organised
Skills for prioritizing your work & effort
Organizing paperwork and files
Skills for dealing with people who interrupt your day
Skills for managing telephone ramblers & complainers
Tips for remaining calm including a wonderful/safe technique aimed at INSTANTLY lessening stress and relieving anxiety

Grant Applications Workshop

When: 2:00 – 5:00 23rd November

Where: Main Theatre, William Angliss Centre, Level 5, 555 Latrobe Street, Melbourne

Registration: A PDF registration form can be found here. Registration forms can also be completed online.

Cost: $95.00. Fees must be paid by 16th November.

It's the answer to all your grantseeking questions. Learn the nuts and bolts and the top 50 secrets for easily winning more grants for your community organisation. Find out how to drastically increase the number of grants you can apply for without pushing yourself (and your community organisation) into an early grave.

YOU WILL LEARN

The best ways to present your proposal - tell the story of your project and your group to the greatest advantage
How to develop your statement of need - choosing data to support your project proposal
How to develop an "organisation template" - to save time in writing applications
How to humanise your story - presenting a compelling picture
How to navigate the grants landscape - sorting out which grants are best for your project
How to write a proposal - every word matters; style, treatment and content
Making friends and long-term relationships with grantmakers - managing relationships, acknowledging funders
Giving the grantmaker what they want - how to tailor your proposal for multiple grantmakers
Creating winning project plans & realistic budgets - ensure project plans and budgets get the proposal across the line
Meeting different requirements from different sources - different levels of government, philanthropic and corporate

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

‘More than Just Equipment’: Library and Information Needs of People with Disabilities

This report presents the results of a research project commissioned by Vicnet, a division of the State Library of Victoria. The research explores the library and information needs of people with a disability, particularly in relation to the internet.
Data was gathered through targeted surveys of three groups: people with a disability, carers, and Victorian public library staff. The questionnaire responses and analysis, as well as a supporting literature review, were documented in the report by The Equity Research Centre.
While the main focus of the surveys was on use of the internet in public libraries, broader non-internet related issues around access, the built environment and customer service were also prominent.
Some of the key themes outlined in the report include:

Challenges in ensuring internet access facilities can meet the needs of library users with a disability;
Accessibility of online catalogues, data bases and library websites;
Training, support, and awareness raising for library staff to provide services and source appropriate equipment for people with a disability;
Potential for library staff to have greater awareness of and networking with community resources such as local disability groups and support networks;
Issues about going to, getting in, getting help and being comfortable at the library.

Five major recommendations are contained in the report:

More support for library staff so they can effectively handle adapative and assistive equipment and provide a better ICT services for people with a disability.
More funding for libraries to provide the necessary equipment.
Introduce benchmarking to ensure all library websites and online resources meet accessibility requirements.
Improve physical accessibility to public libraries (again through benchmarking), including design issues within library buildings and getting people to libraries.
Introduce a formal process where public libraries are required to respond to the Disability Discrimination Act.

If you would like to make comment on the research findings and contribute to future discussions on the topic, please contact Colleen McCombe at Vicnet on 03 8664 7001 or .

A PDF version of the document can be downloaded here, and a text version is available here.

New VCOSS Manuals for Community Organisations

Victorian Council of Social Service & Victoria Law Foundation have developed NEW resources for your community organisation.

Community Management

Good management is at the heart of safe and happy workplace.

This plain language manual is an invaluable introduction and reference for management group members about the roles and responsibilities of management and the keys to running an effective and efficient organisation. The book includes:

an explanation of the differences between governance and management
detailed information on specific areas of responsibility
handy tips and reminders for improving management practice
samples of widely-used forms, agreements and policies.

ISBN 978 1 876045 62 3, Paperback, 297 x 210mm (A4), 108 pages, RRP $30.00 (incl. GST)

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures help make a workplace run smoothly by ensuring staff and volunteers know how things are done and how decisions are made. They provide guidelines for resolving conflict and minimising risk and they enable staff to get on with the job of delivery quality services.

This book identifies a broad range of policy areas that your organisation may need to consider. It includes sample policies with tips on how to adapt and implement them.

It also recommends a set of key policies that your organisation should have in place as a minimum to ensure good governance and management.

ISBN 978 1 876045 63 0, Paperback, 297 x 210mm (A4), 136 pages, RRP $30.00 (incl. GST)

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Call for Nominations: Moreland Access Awards

Closing date: 20th November 2007

Moreland City Council is currently seeking nominations from businesses, individuals and services that have been actively involved in breaking down barriers to access for people with disability living in Moreland.
Awards will be presented in the categories of:

Physical access;
Service delivery;
Innovation;
Council initiative;
Business.

The Moreland Disability Access Awards were launched in December 2002 to recognise achievement and enhance Council's role in promoting disability access and equity within the municipality.
The awards publicly recognise organisations, businesses and individuals in Moreland that promote access to people with disabilities. The awards raise community awareness about disability access and equity.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from Moreland Council’s website, and can be emailed to Eugenia Grammatikakis, Access and Equity Officer at

For more information, phone Eugenia Grammatikakis on 9240 1225.

IN THE NEWS

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Making Information Accessible

ACCC Press Release, 29th October 2007

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today announced a range of initiatives to assist consumers with disabilities to access ACCC services.

"In recognition of the importance of communicating information in a

manner that ensures access to all Australians, the ACCC's consumer guide Know how to complain: stand up for your consumer rights is now available in large print, audio and

Braille versions.” ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.

"The ACCC will also provide access to people with hearing or speech impairments by using the National Relay Service (NRS). This will allow people with hearing and speech impairments to contact the ACCC."

Read the full media release online here.

Labor Guarantees Fast Tracking of CSTDA

ALP Media Statement, 30th October 2007

A Rudd Labor Government will guarantee services for people with disabilities and their carers – and provide certainty.

A Rudd Labor Government would ensure $962 million allocated by the Coalition for accommodation, respite and in home support is brought back into the Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) and available to the States and Territories on a dollar for dollar matching basis. This approach would result in an injection of $1.9 billion in funding for people with a disability.

The full text of the media release can be found here.

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

Fijian Disabled People’s Organisation: Community Development Officer

Closing date: 25th November 2007

Australian Volunteers International is seeking a suitable qualified Community Development Officer. The position is with the Fijian Disabled People's Organisation (FDPA) in Suva starting in March 2008 for 2 years.
The objective of this role is to improve the lobbying capacity of the organisation and strengthen its networks with key stakeholders and the duties will include preparing funding proposals and assisting in implementing the strategic plan for FDPA.

To be considered for this role you will need:

qualification in Community Development or related degree,
experience of preparing funding proposals and
knowledge of an understanding of the issues impacting the disabled in developing countries.
Qualifications and experience in the field of disability is highly desirable.

All positions respond to the needs expressed by local communities and volunteers work in partnership with local people. Successful applicants receive airfares, accommodation and living allowances, training, visas and medical insurance.

Further Information

Refer to thejob advertisement for further details about the position.
All enquiries to Erika Drury:
Tel: +61 3 9279 1729 or
Email:.