DARU Update
14 February 2011
· IN THE NEWS
· EVENTS
· PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
· TRAINING
· SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
· FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
· PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
IN THE NEWS
Welfare Reform Anxiety
ABC Radio National, Life Matters, 10 February 2011
The Prime Minister's language, according to John Falzon from St Vincent de Paul, suggests a misunderstanding of many people's lives and the impact clamping down on DSP payments and other welfare reform measures would have.
To hear the John Falzon interview and the Friday Talk Back on the Cost of Living Pressures, visit the Life Matters webpage at http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/
Public Housing Waiting List Down Across Victoria
Minister for Housing, Hon Wendy Lovell MLC, Media Release, 8 February 2011
The number of Victorians waiting for public housing fell by 5.3 per cent or by 2,200 applications to 39,012 for the December 2010 quarter, Housing Minister Wendy Lovell announced today.
The reduction has been across most of Victoria, with the eastern metropolitan area recording a near eight per cent decrease in applications for public housing since September 2010.
Further falls occurred in the north western and southern metropolitan areas with declines of 6.5 per cent and 5.2 per cent respectively.
The general waiting list decreased 7.7 per cent in the quarter, yet the early housing waiting list increased 2.9 per cent and is now at 9,333.
Ms Lovell said there was still an enormous amount of work to be done to tackle the pressure on the public housing waiting list but the Baillieu Government was already delivering on its commitment to help families caught in Labor's housing affordability crisis.
To read the full article, visit http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/html/080211_003.html
Cut Wasteful Tax Breaks, Not Essential Programs or Income Support Payments
ACOSS Media Release, 7 February 2011
A delegation of leading community and welfare groups, including Australia's major charities, has arrived in Canberra to urge the Federal Parliament to include them in the decision making process in the response to the reconstruction of devastated communities in Queensland following the recent floods and Cyclone Yasi.
They are calling on the Federal Government to focus on cutting costs in the national Budget, such as removing tax breaks and concessions that unfairly benefit higher income earners instead of cutting essential programs and services.
And they warn the Government against any rash move to reduce the disability support benefit as recently flagged in media reports, saying that this would only exacerbate the hardship of people who are already among the most disadvantaged in society.
"Our call for Parliament to act quickly is motivated by the need to ensure that people receive the help they need to rebuild their lives and their communities," said ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie.
To read the full article, visit http://www.acoss.org.au/media/release/acoss_urges_parliament_to_pass_flood_levy
EVENTS
Setting The Scene for Wellbeing: Depression and Suicide Prevention Conference
When: / Friday 25 February 2011, 9:30am - 4:30pmWhere: / Robert White Hall, The Scots’ Church, First Floor, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne
Register: / Go online at https://ds.eventarc.com/1995. For phone assisted registration call 0457 038 834 or email .
This is an important conference for health care professionals, carers, and anybody interested in depression remedies; presented by Brainpower under the auspices of Brain Injury Matters Inc.
Topics covered include:
· Preventing and Managing Depression
· Avoiding Depression Related Suicide
· Setting the Scene for Wellbeing Forum
Keynote Speakers Include:
· Kerry Dawson, Lifeline
· Dr Edward Theologis, Consultant Psychiatrist, CBDATS
· Marcus Andrews, Counsellor and Family Therapist, Life Supports
· Headstart Program representative/s
· Carolyn McClenaghan, Brainlink Carer
· Rebecca Hogea, Masters Researcher
· Sandi Noble and Janet Karagounis, Network Coordinators, Uniting are Prahran Mission
· Ross Cottee, Brain Injury Matters Inc.
For more information, visit https://ds.eventarc.com/1995
Disability and Sexuality Forum
When: / Thursday 31 March, 2011, 1:00pm – 4:00pmWhere: / Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, cnr Bell Street & St Georges Road, Preston. Parking on site - (Melways Ref. 30 E1)
Register: / Complete the online form at http://www.field.org.au/events/forums/disability11/form.php or phone 03 8686 5622 or email
Cost: / $55 - full / $11 – concession
This thought provoking forum will explore the needs and desires regarding relationships and sexuality of people with a disability.
Forum content will include:
· Barriers and issues facing people with disabilities in the area of sexuality and suggestions on how disability service providers can respond to these issues
· Accessing the Sex Industry (this is only one aspect of the forum) - this includes barriers and realistic expectations for people with diverse abilities
· Research outcomes regarding the sexual and relationship needs of people with physical disabilities
· Establishing relationships and current resources available
· Existing policies outlining the provision of support in the area of sexuality and relationships
For further information about forum content please contact Josie Prioletti on 0438 846 584.
Communicate, Participate, Enjoy! - Solutions to Inclusion Conference - 2011
When: / 21-22 March 2011Where: / Darebin Arts Centre, Preston, Victoria
Register: / Download and complete the Registration Form at http://www.scopevic.org.au/index.php/cms/frontend/resource/id/536/name/Participants%20Registration%20form.doc
The program will include keynote addresses, workshops and presentations. It offers a stimulating program and a choice of concurrent sessions.
The conference will provide participants with practical strategies to facilitate the active inclusion and participation of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in every day activities and life choices.
For full program details and information about key note speakers, visit http://www.scopevic.org.au/index.php/site/whatweoffer/communicationresourcecentre/educationtraining/trainingworkshops/communication
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Aids and Equipment Program Redevelopment Newsletter
Number 16, February 2011
The Aids and Equipment Program Redevelopment newsletter has progress updates on key issues of the project.
The newsletter can be downloaded at http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/supports_for_people/living_in_my_home/aids_and_equipment_program/aids-and-equipment-program-redevelopment#newsletter
For more information about the Aids and Equipment Program, visit http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/supports_for_people/living_in_my_home/aids_and_equipment_program
VCOSS Noticeboard
8 February 2011
VCOSS is the peak body for the social and community services sector in Victoria, with more than 450 members working to address poverty, disadvantage and inequality.
In this issue:
· Quick notes from Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO
· VCOSS at work - floods, levy, NRAS cuts, state budget, policy planning, energy, accessible transport, urban policy, Ben Bodna Award, rural and regional training
· Sector at large - not-for-profit regulator, free award workshops, legal aid, volunteers survey, disability advocacy
· 2011 ACOSS National Conference coming up - ACOSS national conference March 29-30, VCOSS Congress Aug 5
· VCOSS in the news
· What's on and about
To read Noticeboard online or to subscribe, visit http://email.agentcommunicate.com/t/ViewEmail/r/86D89CC526584EC7/7A498EE4C36EEA75C9C291422E3DE149
New DARU Online Events Calendar
DARU is pleased to announce the addition of an Events Calendar feature on our website. The Events Calendar provides a centralised repository for all events relevant to the Disability Advocacy sector such as:
· Professional development opportunities
· Member meeting dates and AGMs for disability advocacy agencies and networks
· Conferences
· Forums and consultations
As well as being a useful resource, the Events Calendar can also assist when planning events to ensure that dates don’t clash with other events, maximising potential participation. Searching events is easy too as you can list events by date, agency, title and date, with just one click.
Visit the new DARU Events Calendar at http://www.daru.org.au/ecalendar/calendar/index.chtml
You can contribute an event by clicking the Add an Event to the calendar link and completing the online form. All fields have help notes, making it quick and simple to fill in. We look forward to hearing about your events in 2011.
TRAINING
Managing Difficult Calls
When: / Tuesday 8 March 2011, 12:30pm – 4:30pmWhere: / Treacy Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville (Public transport and low cost all day parking are nearby)
Register: / Complete the Registration Form, available at http://www.field.org.au/infocast11/cherry/Enrolment-Form_Difficult-Calls_2011.doc and return to David Cherry.
Cost: / $150.00 (Inc. GST
The workshop will cover:
· Preparing for difficult calls
· Managing the caller who is: acutely distressed; aggressive; bewildered or confused
· Coping with complaints
· Simple, effective stress management techniques to use while on the phone
· Looking after yourself after difficult calls
The workshop will be run by David Cherry, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist. David has provided training in this area for over 5000 people, including staff in call centres. Detailed notes will be provided. There are no role plays in this workshop.
For more information, contact David Cherry and Associates Pty. Ltd on phone 5427 1378 or email .
SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
Applications Open to Deliver Leaders for Tomorrow Program for People with Disability
Media Release, 8 February 2011
The Australian Government is encouraging organisations to apply to run a new national leadership program for people with disability.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said applications were open to organisations or consortiums of organisations to deliver the new Leaders for Tomorrow program.
Leaders for Tomorrow is a new national program to help people with disability become leaders in business, the community and government through mentoring and leadership development.
"The successful applicant will develop individual leadership development plans for all participants in the Leaders for Tomorrow program. This may include goal setting, team building, governance, communication, implementing change and problem-solving."
The program is expected to provide about 200 people with disability with up to 12 months intensive leadership support, including a mentorship program where people work with mentors in their field of interest.
Senator McLucas said the Leaders for Tomorrow program would help equip participants with the tools to become leaders and help them overcome barriers into work and education.
Applications close on 11 March 2011
To read the full article, visit http://www.janmclucas.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/appl_open_leader_tomorrow_08022011.aspx
For information on the Leaders for Tomorrow program, visit
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/ndsi/Pages/leaders_for_tomorrow.aspx
Interested in a Public Transport Working Group?
VCOSS is proposing to host a meeting in early March to discuss the formation of an Accessible Transport Working Group. This idea came from the Accessible Transport Forum hosted by VCOSS in December 2010, where participants generally supported a role for VCOSS in helping co-ordinate advocacy on this issue.
The proposed meeting would likely consider:
· Whether there is sufficient interest and commitment to form an active working group on accessible transport
· What activities and purpose the group might have
· What type of structure and support might be required for the group to operate
If you are interested in participating, contact Llewellyn Reynders, Transport and Disadvantage Policy Analyst on 03 9654 5050 or email .
For more information on the forum held in December, view the summary report in a variety of formats at http://www.vcoss.org.au/
or visit Channel VCOSS on Youtube to watch the video of the Minister for Public Transport's address. http://www.youtube.com/user/ChannelVCOSS#p/u/13/oolKTg89Ps8
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Ben Bodna Award
This annual Award is made in the memory of Ben Bodna (1935 – 2008), a passionate supporter of the rights of people who were disadvantaged. Ben’s commitment to addressing issues of disadvantage never wavered. He believed in the capacity of well supported communities to redress issues of social exclusion.
The Award aims to advance knowledge and effective practice in the fields of social justice, community, disability or bio-ethics.
Applications will be accepted from individuals and not from organisations. Applicants must reside in Victoria and intend to use the grant in Victoria. Applications must be received at VCOSS by 29 April 2011.
For more information about the application process and nomination criteria, visit http://www.daru.org.au/events/items/2011/02/362151-upload-00001.doc.
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
ABI Sector Coordinator
· Part Time – 0.8 (8 day fortnight)
· 12 month contract
· Thornbury location
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit of Melbourne Citymission aims to provide quality services and advocacy for people with an acquired brain injury to maximise their opportunities, to freely make choices and to participate in the community.
The ABI Sector Co-ordinator will implement and manage a co-ordinated approach to ABI Case Management across the Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
In this role, you’ll focus on improving access to services for people who have an ABI through activities including:
· Providing a high quality client focussed response to referrals for ABI Case Management
· Allocating eligible clients to relevant ABI Case Management providers
· Providing information, support and advice to people with an ABI, their carers and service providers
· Playing a key role in advocating, negotiating and influencing change through active participation in governance group meetings
To be successful in this role, you’ll be a confident communicator who is skilled at building effective relationships. You’ll have strong negotiation, influencing and advocacy skills. You’ll bring either relevant qualifications or direct experience within the Community, Health or Education sector, along with a sound knowledge of the Disability Act.
Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check.
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria as outlined in the position description, available at:
http://www.melbournecitymission.org.au/content/download/1870/12800/file/ABI%20Sector%20Case%20Management%20Coordinator%20Nov%202010.pdf
Applications close at 5pm on 23 February 2011.
For more information regarding this role, contact Therese Christofas on 9487 9241.
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 an Administration Officer, Natasha Brake.
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 .
Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members. Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.