Latest Training Sessions

Community Industry Group is proud to release a short video revealing the reality of life for people experiencing homelessness in bushfire impacted areas across South East NSW. “So much of the focus during and after the bushfires has been on people whose homes were destroyed. But this video raises awareness of those people who were not lucky enough to have a home before the fires, and who are finding it even more difficult to find a safe, secure and appropriate place to live now they are competing with insurance companies for scarce rental properties,” commented Nicky Sloan, CEO. The Homelessness in South East NSW video can be accessed here and an accompanying Fact Sheet here. The South East NSW Bushfire Crisis – Impact, Response & Recovery Report is available here.

The latest newsletter is out now! It is full of community service news and events, positions vacant and professional development opportunities. Check it out here: http://communityindustrygroup.org.au/news/newsletters/ To subscribe to our fortnightly e-newsletter sign up here: http://communityindustrygroup.org.au/subscribe/ If you are a member of Community Industry Group you can send us your events for inclusion.

On 19 June 2020, the Fair Work Commission handed down their annual wage review decision. The Commission decision is that minimum wages in modern awards will be increased by 1.75% from the start of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020 for Group 1 Awards (SHCADS is a Group 1 Award). While community organisations are only too happy to increase staff pay, there is no doubt that, without funding to cover it, the decision will put added pressure on community sector budgets. Especially since the rate of indexation for NSW funded programs did not cover the previous annual wage review. Community Industry Group has written to the NSW Treasurer and to the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services requesting an immediate increase in funding for all NSW government funded community services to enable them to pay the increase and continue to deliver services to their […]

Every older person has the right to: Control and access their own money Choose to see family and friends when they want to Attend appointments without another person present Have access to clean clothing, food and their own medication Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect in their own home and within their community. Unfortunately, some older people’s rights are not respected and they are not safe. This is called older person abuse. Older person abuse is defined as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to another person. To find out more please take our free micro-course here: http://communityindustrygroup.org.au/whats-on/online-training/  

On 25 July 2019, the Senate referred an inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and related payments and alternative mechanisms to determine the level of income support payments in Australia to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report. The committee tabled its report of the inquiry in the Senate on 30 April 2020. The report is available here. Community Industry Group worked with members and other stakeholders to research and write a submission, and we are pleased to note that many of our assertions and recommendations have been included in the report. The Report includes 27 Recommendations, most of which are for further areas of Inquiry or review. Recommendation 2 perhaps sums up the findings best: The committee recommends the Australian Government immediately undertake a review of the income support system to ensure that all eligible income support recipients do not live in poverty.

Community Industry Group is pleased to announce that it has released a report outlining the impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires on community organisations, and on vulnerable individuals, families, and communities in South East NSW; as well as two video resources highlighting the issues and responses for aged services providers, and the impact of trauma. “Throughout the bushfire crisis and beyond, community service organisations have been on the ground providing support to affected individuals, families and communities,” said Community Industry Group CEO, Nicky Sloan. “From alert to evacuation to post-fire recovery, providers across a range of sectors including aged care, disability, child and family, homelessness and more have witnessed and experienced first-hand the successes and challenges of disaster recovery.” To read our full media release click here. To view our report and resources click here.

We invite you to attend our first online Regional Aged Care Forum on Wednesday 20 May 2020. It’s free! To view the agenda click here. Book your place here.  

Unprecedented is a word I generally detest. I find it has been so overused and hackneyed that it has often lost its meaning. However, life in the time of COVID-19 is truly unique, and the word ‘unprecedented’ has never been more relevant. The Board and Staff of Community Industry Group send our thoughts and good wishes out to all of you. We know that, as is often the case, many of the measures and restrictions now in place are impacting our most vulnerable community members the hardest. We know that our members and colleagues in community service organisations are working hard to continue to support your clients and communities. Despite the current restrictions, Community Industry Group continues to support your work. Although many of the team are working from home, the office is still open with limited team members on site, and strict safety protocols in place. Like many of […]

The Stimulus Packages passed recently have a strong focus on supporting business, something which is very important at a time of falling demand. But community service organisations are struggling with the opposite problem, for many, demand is on the rise. While we are pleased to note the extension of the Business Continuity funding to community organisations, what we really need is long term increases to program level funding. For many community organisations, demand has been steadily increasing over recent years, as people living on low incomes fall further into poverty and despair. The recent bushfire and flood disasters have placed further pressure on their already strained resources, and demand is already escalating as the impacts of the coronavirus are experienced. As a major employment sector across the region, increasing funding for community service organisations will increase employment and also stimulate the economy. The other initiative which we would have liked […]

A note on Jobkeeper Payments The legislation surrounding the Jobkeeper payments of $750 per week for each employee will go before Parliament today. The Australian Government has announced that $130 billion will be available over the next six months to support businesses and charities/not for profits to retain jobs or retain connections with their employees so they can be re-employed when conditions improve. Most workers at risk of losing their job (or who have lost it since 1 March) will be eligible for a $1500 per fortnight JobKeeper Payment – paid to their employer who will pass it on to the employee. JobKeeper is a flat rate payment for all workers in organisations that meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of their employment status or actual hours of work. Employers will top up the payment for workers who remain employed and who earn more than $1500 per fortnight. Payments will be able to be […]

Last week, both Stimulus Packages announced by the Federal Government were passed through Parliament. The Packages include: A $750 one-off payment for social security recipients, including pensioners and concession card holders to be paid late March – mid April. A payment of $550 per fortnight as a Coronavirus Supplement to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment (formerly Newstart), Youth Allowance jobseeker, Youth Allowance student, Abstudy, Austudy, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit. This Supplement will begin in late April for six months. A second $750 one-off payment for everyone who receives a social security payment but who is not eligible for the 6-month supplement to be paid in July. People who currently receive a social security payment will automatically receive the extra supports they are eligible for. So if you or your clients are already receiving a social security payment, you do not need to contact […]

Community Industry Group welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a six month moratorium on evictions as a result financial distress from COVID-19, but cautioned that measures must be taken to ensure that both tenants and landlords are not left with crippling debts. “The moratorium will be incredibly reassuring for people who are struggling to meet their rental payments,” said Nicky Sloan, CEO of Community Industry Group. “People are feeling particularly anxious at the moment, and with concerns about further job losses and reduced income, some certainty about keeping a roof over their heads will provide a sense of calm in the face of overwhelming unease.” Community Industry Group are concerned, however, that the announcement comes without any supports such as rental subsidies or rent assistance. “The Prime Minister’s announcement was somewhat oblique as to how the moratorium will be implemented,” Ms Sloan added. “He has just asked tenants and landlords […]

Our fortnightly newsletter is full of community service news, positions vacant and training opportunities. Sign up here to have it delivered straight to your inbox http://communityindustrygroup.org.au/subscribe/ Check out the latest news here.      

The second stage of the Federal Government’s Stimulus Package holds the first acknowledgement that the $40 a day paid to job seekers under the Newstart Allowance is insufficient to support a reasonable life. As part of the Package, Government will increase the Jobseeker Allowance (formerly known as Newstart), and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment, through the introduction of a temporary coronavirus supplement of $275 per week. Community Industry Group welcomed the announcement, but cautioned that the fight to increase Newstart and Youthstart is not over. The temporary payment, which will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance jobseeker, as well as to recipients of Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit will only be in place for the next six months. “There is no doubt that effectively doubling Newstart and Youth Allowance for six months will make an enormous difference […]

The Department of Health are providing up-to-date and authoritative information and advice on COVID-19 for the health and aged care sector. The site also includes resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and healthcare managers. Click here for more information. Click here for a stop the spread poster from NSW Health to put up in your workplace or home.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) unsolicited proposals for bushfire affected providers Australia’s bushfires have been devastating for many and the Department of Health has advised they wish to recognise the ongoing effort of CHSP providers in assisting with the bushfire response and recovery in affected areas. The department is aware the bushfires may have significantly impacted providers’ ability to deliver CHSP services. As such, they would like to remind CHSP providers they may submit an unsolicited proposal for additional grant funding where the provision of services has been significantly impacted. This is for existing CHSP providers and services only and is not available for new services. CHSP providers may submit a business case outlining the following: • summary of how the bushfire has directly impacted CHSP service delivery • capacity for ongoing management of the funds • information about relevant service types • requested funding amount for the unsolicited proposal […]

Community Industry Group mentoring program is based on best practice principles and features tools to guide a safe and effective mentoring program for individuals, teams or organisations. Mentoring is not a new concept, often occurring spontaneously as informal relationships. In recent years, as growing numbers of people have recognised the power of mentoring, more community organisations, businesses and governments are launching formal mentoring initiatives. The Community Industry Group program has been designed specifically for the community services sector. Features: • A half day training session for prospective Mentors and Mentees. • Mentor and Mentee matching through a questionnaire and evaluation process. • Support throughout the twelve month mentoring relationship. • No cost to participate if you are a member. • Graduation and networking events. To take part in the program you must attend one of the following training sessions. Tuesday 10 March 2020, 30pm for a 1.00pm start –4.30pm, Warilla […]

Community Industry Group is proud to present this brand new mentorship program designed specifically for our members in the Community Services Industry. We invite you to attend the launch event on Thursday 27 February. Book your space now! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/community-industry-group-mentoring-program-for-members-official-launch-tickets-94088590507

There is no doubt that the beginning of 2020 has brought a great deal of stress and sadness for many. Our heartfelt wishes go out to everyone, especially those who have been personally affected by these devastating fires. Many of our local community service organisations have been working hard to support the individuals, families, and communities which have been impacted. We recognise the enormity of the work done by community workers and volunteers to offer the practical support, and the personal support needed by so many impacted by the crisis. We recognise that these services will be needed for many months and years ahead, as we support communities through the crisis, the recovery, the rebuilding, and the future resilience-building phases to come. There are many resources available to assist across all of these phases and it can seem a little overwhelming, so we have collated many below to help you […]

We invite you to the Port Kembla Community Masterplan Presentation. Monday 17 February 2020, 4.30-6.00pm at 7-11 Flagstaff Road, Port Kembla. Click here for more information.

Our new address is Lot 26 Mortlock Avenue, Port Kembla. Our postal address is PO Box 6, Lake Heights NSW 2502. Our phone number will remain the same (02) 4256 4333. Click here for a Google Maps link to our new location.    

We are moving to a new office soon and as a result have several spare desks that we can’t take with us. We are offering them for free to a good home! Please note: You need to remove the desk or desks yourself from our office in Oak Flats and there is a stairwell. They can be dismantled. You are welcome to inspect the desks but must make an appointment by calling our office on (02) 4256 4333. You can take one or many. First in basis. Desks will need to be removed during office hours at a prior agreed time and date. Please click here for more information.

On 25 November 2019, the Government announced that an additional $496.3 million would be spent on 10,000 home care packages across 2019-20 and 2020-21. This included: 3,000 level 3 packages 2,500 level 4 packages in 2019-20 and; 2,000 level 2 packages 2,000 level 3 packages and; 500 level 4 packages in 2020-21. The net impact of these changes is that around 44,000 additional packages at a cost of around $2.7 billion have been allocated to the program over the forward estimates since July 2018 There were 28,638 home care approvals in the September 2019 quarter. This was 7.1% (1,893) more than the approvals in the September 2018 quarter (26,745) The 118,050 people in care at 30 September 2019 represented a 10.6% (11,343) increase from 30 June 2019 (106,707) and a 30.2% (27,404) annual increase from 30 September 2018 (90,646) 48,100 home care packages were released during the September 2019 quarter, […]

We are moving to a new office soon and as a result have several spare desks that we can’t take with us. We are offering them for free to a good home! Please note: You need to remove the desk or desks yourself from our office in Oak Flats and there is a stairwell. They can be dismantled. Some desks are available immediately and some are not available until after 28/1/2020. You are welcome to inspect the desks but must make an appointment by calling our office on (02) 4256 4333. There are also a couple of small drawer units also available. You can take one or many. First in basis. Desks will need to be removed during office hours at a prior agreed time and date. Please click here for more information.