ACTCOSS Annual Report 2012-13

Contents

ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) ��1 Sector development �� 14 Acknowledgement of traditional custodians 1 Sector sustainability �� 14 Vision ��1 Training & development �� 15 Values ��1 Home and Community Care (HACC) �� 16 Goals ��1 Membership engagement �� 17 About ACTCOSS ��2 Publications & information sharing �� 17 2012-13 highlights ��2 Input to advocacy �� 17 President’s report ��3 ACTCOSS biennial conference 2012: Vision, Values, Votes �� 18 Director’s report ��4 ACT Community Sector Awards 2012 �� 19 ACTCOSS staff ��5 Member survey �� 20 Our evolving staff team ��5 Strategic Plan renewal �� 20 Advocacy ��7 Publications & media 2012-13 �� 21 Housing & homelessness ��7 Networks, working groups and seminars �� 22 Justice & corrections ��7 ACTCOSS General Committee �� 23 Social determinants of health ��8 ACTCOSS members 2012-13 �� 24 Poverty & exclusion ��9 National engagement �� 10 Reconciliation �� 11 Gulanga Program �� 11 Reconciliation Action Plans �� 12 Development of protocols for working with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples & communities �� 12 National & local events �� 13

ISBN 978-1-921651-76-2 (electronic version) © ACT Council of Social Service Inc. 2013 This work is copyright. Apart from use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Requests and inquiries should be addressed to: 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston ACT 2611 Ph: 02 6202 7200 Fax: 02 6288 0070 Email: [email protected] Website: www.actcoss.org.au i ACT Council of Social Service Inc. ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS)

Acknowledgement of traditional custodians

ACTCOSS acknowledges Canberra has been built on the land of the Ngunnawal people. We pay respect to their Elders and recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their ongoing contributions to the ACT community.

Vision

To live in a fair and equitable community that respects and values diversity and actively encourages collaborations that promote justice, equity, and social inclusion.

Values

ACTCOSS is committed to operating in a way that reflects its values and underpinning principles. These include a commitment to: • A human rights approach • A social justice framework • Social inclusion and participation • Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples • Collaborative and collective action • Sustainability

Goals

• A community in which all people have the opportunities and resources needed to participate in and benefit from social and economic life • A dynamic, collaborative and viable community sector • A well governed and managed peak body, representing a strong and diverse membership, and actively engaged with the groups we represent

Annual Report 2012-13 1 About ACTCOSS

The ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) is Strategic direction and corporate governance of the peak representative body for both community ACTCOSS is provided by the General Committee organisations providing services and support for comprised of respected leaders from our low-income households and for people experiencing membership. The staff are drawn from a wide disadvantage in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). range of backgrounds and contribute their skills ACTCOSS has been a voice for the ACT Community and knowledge to the social policy and sector since 1963. The role of ACTCOSS is to: development work of ACTCOSS. This work is also sustained by the talents, expertise and commitment • Provide a voice for and with people living with of numerous community-based networks. disadvantage and inequality ACTCOSS receives the largest proportion of our • Make explicit and pursue a social justice agenda funding from the ACT Government Community by leading policy research and advocacy Services Directorate (CSD). The Gulanga Program • Undertake community sector support and receives funding under the National Affordable development for a professional and influential Housing Agreement (NAHA), which is jointly community sector that is undergoing funded by the ACT Government and Australian significant reform Government. We also receive funding from ACT ACTCOSS is a membership-based organisation, with Health to support organisations and workers a diverse membership that includes other peak who provide services under the ACT Home and bodies, advocacy and consumer groups, service Community Care Program (HACC) which is a joint providers, mutual support and self-help groups as Commonwealth and State/Territory program. well as individuals who share our vision and values. Our advocacy and sector development are ACTCOSS is a member of the nationwide network of supported by financial and in-kind support from Councils of Social Service (COSS), that includes members, individual supporters and private sector each of the state and territory Councils and the organisations that share our vision and values. national body, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).

2012-13 highlights

Highlights during 2012 -13 include: • The rollout of increased individual consultancy to support community sector organisations with • Provision of 17 reports, submissions and governance and strategic planning publications • Refresh of corporate governance training to • Building advocacy partnerships across gender- align with the requirements of the Australian specific and specialist trauma services in Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, relation to funding cuts to housing and members’ needs and best practice homelessness services • Revision of the ACT Social Compact together • Advocacy to improve human rights and social with the Joint Community Government outcomes in the justice and corrections systems Reference Group • Running the biennial ACTCOSS conference • Increased public profile including through ‘Vision, Values, Votes’ broadcast media and building our social media • Expansion of our membership engagement engagement strategy • Building our partnership with Jobs Australia • Development of resources to support • Completing the Pre-qualification framework community organisations to respond better to which enables ACTCOSS to continue to the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and receive and seek Community Services Torres Strait Islander peoples Directorate funding

2 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. President’s report

It is a great honour and privilege to be sitting in the Jenny Kitchin, Director President’s seat for the 50th year of operation for of Community Services, ACTCOSS. I have been on the General Committee Anglicare ACT at various times over the past 25 years and have seen not only the organisation go through many changes but also the community sector. number of these areas to follow up with specific In all its permutations and challenges ACTCOSS training and seminars, always seeking to further has survived and thrived as an agency strongly strengthen capacity in the sector. advocating for its members and the community Engaging the membership has been and will sector more broadly. continue to be a focus of ACTCOSS’ thinking as Our new Director, Susan Helyar, has continued with we grapple with how to utilise the expertise of the comprehensive and far reaching work of Ros our consumers and agencies. Our policy forums, Dundas who left us at the end of 2013. Susan has a training sessions, information seminars, newsletters high profile with the ACT government working in and regular notices have attracted varying levels of partnership on community sector reform projects involvement and interest. We believe there are far and changes to funding programs. In a short time more ideas and input we can harness which we will her views have become actively sought by both continue to find ways of seeking. bureaucrats and Ministers. Concurrently she has The President’s work can only be done with also been a solid advocate for both citizens and an active General Committee and I thank the organisations in the areas of housing, income members, both current and outgoing, for their support, pay equity and community transport. input, expertise and wisdom. In addition I would Likewise, the media continues to see the Director like to thank the Executive team who have been as a key source of valuable commentary, enabling a wonderfully competent team from which Susan ACTCOSS to have a strong public voice on and I can draw advice. I also want to thank the many issues. staff for their tireless, quality work behind the ACTCOSS has been a key player in the ongoing scenes which has led to excellent publications, development of the Community Sector Leaders submissions, policy development and hosting Forum which has and continues to bring 40-50 of events. leaders of community sector agencies together Lastly ACTCOSS wants to thank all the workers in to hear about and discuss strategic issues facing services across the community for the wonderful the sector, e.g. values of profit versus not-for-profit work you do; and for consumers for the experiences agencies; the future of the community sector; the you share with us, which constantly drive us to try pros and cons of collaboration; and financing for and do things better and differently. social innovation. ACTCOSS has picked up on a

Annual Report 2012-13 3 Director’s report

In 2013 ACTCOSS marks fifty years of bringing Susan Helyar, Director people across Canberra together to advocate for ACT Council of Social social justice in our city and our nation. The staff Service Inc. team continue to build ACTCOSS’ proud record of sharing hard truths about the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable Canberrans, advocating to decision these organisations to maintain their strength and makers in government, in services, in the business relevance in a changing environment and grow sector and in the community more broadly to pay their role in building our community, in political attention to the concerns we raise, and building debate and in the economic life of Canberra. the strength, capacity and connectedness of We have also had many things to celebrate in 2012- organisations that support people all over our city 13. We saw many of the advocacy priorities outlined to live life with dignity. in our Election Strategy and Budget Submission This year could be described as one of continuity adopted by the new government elected in through change, with many fond farewells and October 2012. Our conference was described by warm welcomes. Through significant leadership members as the best ever. We secured funding to changes, the General Committee and the staff team extend the work of the Gulanga Program. We saw have kept ACTCOSS functioning well—progressing funds flowing to organisations with the lowest key pieces of work, sustaining our engagement wages to support implementation of the Equal with members and supporting new team members Remuneration Order that recognised the work to settle into their roles. Thank you. of staff in the sector had been undervalued. We This year has also been one of renewal. We supported preparation in the ACT for the launch of renewed our primary funding agreement and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. We have began the journey towards outcomes-based expanded partnerships with peak bodies, members funding arrangements, away from activity-based and sponsoring organisations. requirements. We revised our ACT Budget analysis This annual report provides clear evidence that report and forum. We consulted with members over the last twelve months we have successfully about renewal of the ACTCOSS Strategic Plan. We strengthened our foundations and are well placed reviewed our communications with members, to sustain and expand our work on behalf of our embedded a new management team and refreshed members and community. our suite of training and development resources. There have been many challenges facing community sector organisations—providers, consumer groups, peaks and citizen associations— over the past twelve months. All our member organisations, as diverse and unique as they are, face an operating environment that is complex. Many organisations have limited capacity to deal proactively with the global, national and local factors that are driving change. Our advocacy related to operations of community-managed organisations continues to be a vital part of our agenda. We maintain this focus because we believe community-managed organisations provide essential and unique mechanisms for people to come together to express their views, share their concerns, have their needs met and articulate their aspirations for the future. It is vital we support ACTCOSS staff planning day 2013

4 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. ACTCOSS staff

Director Deputy Director Gulanga Program

Susan Helyar Roslyn Dundas Wendy Prowse Kiki Korpinen Keith Brandy Julie Butler (from Feb 2013) (until Dec 2012) (from Apr 2013) (until Apr 2013)

Policy & Sector Development Project Officers

Adele Williams Nadia Osman Natalie Oliver Mike Duval-Stewart Julia Gilchrist Admir Meko (until Jun 2013) (until Sep 2012) (Nov 2012-Mar 2013) (from May 2013) (from Apr 2013)

Organisational Services

Our evolving staff team Lisa Wells Suzanne Richardson In December 2012, Roslyn Dundas moved on from her role as Director to take up a role in a national peak body. Susan was very grateful Ros returned to ACTCOSS when she started in February 2013 to provide advice and guidance. Kiki Korpinen, Deputy Director, filled the role of Director for several months, nurtured the staff team and advised the General Committee through the transition period between Directors. Kiki too provided valuable advice and guidance to Susan as she took up her role. In April 2013 Kiki moved to the Deputy CEO role in the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. This move recognised Kiki’s leadership of reconciliation work in ACTCOSS and the sector more widely. We value our continued professional engagement with Kiki in her new role. Wendy Prowse joined ACTCOSS in April 2013 in a temporary role initially, and was appointed Deputy Director in July 2013. We also enjoyed welcoming two project officers to our team, Julia Gilchrist and Admir Meko, who worked with us during this critical lead-up time to launch the National Disability ACTCOSS staff planning day 2013 Insurance Scheme in the ACT in 2014.

Annual Report 2012-13 5

Advocacy

Housing & homelessness

Affordable housing and homelessness services A number of ACTCOSS members were affected by have continued to be a key policy and advocacy the reduced Commonwealth National Affordable issue for ACTCOSS over the past 12 months. Key Housing Agreement (NAHA) funding to the ACT, submissions during this time include: especially gender and trauma-specific services. A key part of our response to these funding cuts was • A submission on the Homelessness Bill 2012 analysis of the cuts on access to, and quality of, (August 2012) services for women and children leaving violence. • A joint submission with ACT Shelter and Reducing homelessness and increasing access to Youth Coalition in response to the Housing affordable housing will improve social outcomes ACT Operational Guidelines Review in many domains. As we said in our submission on (September 2012) funding cuts through NAHA: • Comment on the Review of Current Properly funding the housing and homelessness Homelessness Costing Structure: Proposing support system is a social justice issue. In a Alternative Costing Model Options Consultation city as wealthy as Canberra it is unacceptable Paper (December 2012) that we have around 1785 people who do not • A submission on the Letters of Offer to have a home to call their own. Homelessness is Non-Government Providers of Housing and profoundly damaging to mental and physical Homelessness Support Services (June 2013) health and to a person’s life chances. Well- ACTCOSS knows that more can be done to reduce resourced homelessness support services homelessness. Our advocacy has focused on that can respond well to diverse causes and the need for a whole-of-government approach impacts of homelessness can support people to to reduce poverty, improve access to affordable transform their lives for the better, and in turn housing and support to organisations working transform our city into a place where everyone with people living with domestic violence, mental has the right and the opportunity to live a life of health and alcohol and drug problems with a key safety, dignity, respect and fulfilment. focus on prevention, early intervention, effective crisis response and support for recovery.

Justice & corrections

ACTCOSS has continued to play a key role and peoples on reducing over-representation in the maintain a high level of engagement on justice justice system. and corrections issues. This year has seen a ACTCOSS worked with two other peak number of key successes such as the rollout of organisations (the Alcohol, Tobacco and other the Throughcare Program which commenced in Drug Association (ATODA), and the Mental Health April 2013 and effective advocacy following the Community Coalition ACT (MHCC)) and consulted submission on the Human Rights Audit of Conditions with the Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres of Detention of Women at the Alexander Maconochie Strait Islander Elected Body to provide a submission Centre (October 2012). We have valued our dialogue on the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and with the Aboriginal Justice Centre on how to work Constitutional Affairs Inquiry into the Value of a collectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Annual Report 2012-13 7 Justice Reinvestment Approach to Criminal Justice • Increasing public safety in Australia (March 2013). The submission strongly • Reducing expenditure on prisons recommended adoption of a justice reinvestment approach in reform of criminal justice and social • Reinvesting savings in measures that help to service funding arrangements and encouraged use achieve the preceding aims of the ACT as a trial site. We also commented on the Strategic Framework We argued this approach would reduce human for the Management of Blood-Borne Viruses in and financial costs in the community and improve the Alexander Maconochie Centre 2012-2014 outcomes for people at risk of entering, or with a (October 2012). history of involvement in, the justice system by: ACTCOSS has continued our partnerships through • Intervening early to address the social the Community Integration Governance Group determinants of offending behaviours (CIGG), ACT Court Stakeholder Forum Meetings and Crime Prevention and Community Safety • Reducing imprisonment rates and the growth Forum Meetings. of prison population (including, and particularly for, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population)

Social determinants of health

The social determinants of health (SDoH), as In 2012-13 we began a more detailed conversation identified by the World Health Organisation, are with ACT Medicare Local, with the aim of building the conditions in which people are born, grow, a stronger partnership around delivering better live, work and age. These conditions are shaped primary health care to people in the ACT who are by broader social, political, cultural, environmental disadvantaged and vulnerable. and economic factors including the distribution of ACTCOSS has been involved in a number of power and resources at local, national and global networks and forums that contribute to our levels. The SDoH approach to policy acknowledges understanding and engagement in health the role external factors such as employment, advocacy, including the ACT Medicare Local education, housing, transport and social inclusion Population Health Reference Group, the ACT have on one’s health. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy Throughout the year ACTCOSS has remained Evaluation Group, Canberra Living Conditions engaged and has continued to use the framework Sector Development Working Group and Forum of SDoH in our policy advocacy. In October 2012, which is focused on the issue of hoarding and ACTCOSS submitted a joint response as part of the squalor, Volunteering ACT’s Inclusive Volunteer COSS Network on the submission to the Senate Program Working Group, and the ACT Mental Standing Committee on Community Affairs on Health Promotion, Prevention and Early Australia’s domestic response to the WHO Commission Intervention, Implementation and Evaluation on Social Determinants of Health report ‘Closing Working Group (PPEIIEWG). the gap within a generation’. In this submission we stated that: We believe Australia requires an approach to health that starts where health starts, not just where it ends. Socially, economically and environmentally responsible public policy and action by government, community and private sectors underpins our health and well-being. Reducing poverty and inequality so that all individuals and communities can participate in and benefit from social and economic life improves health and wellbeing for everyone.

8 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Poverty & exclusion

Poverty and exclusion are both a cause and consequence of disadvantage and vulnerability. ACTCOSS has maintained our long engagement in local and national public discussion about these issues. This year the ACT began implementation of a comprehensive tax reform agenda that picked up on many of the recommendations about state, territory and local government tax reform from the Henry Tax Review of 2010. ACTCOSS welcomed this decision, because: • Building a sustainable revenue base for the ACT Government will enhance the capacity of the ACT to meet community needs now and in the future • Improving the redistributive capacity of the tax system should contribute to reducing the tax burden on lower-income households and sharing the wealth that is generated in our economy • Shifting revenue collection away from transactions and focused instead on generating revenue from wealth creation will make the tax system more fair • Reducing levies on essential goods and services should cut the costs of living—for example, removing the levy on insurance premiums will contribute to improving the affordability of risk protection The Spring edition of the ACTCOSS newsletter was framed around the topic of Poverty with a particular focus on: • The challenges that 30 per cent of families who are in the lowest income quintile face if they need to raise $2000 for an emergency • Factors that contribute to creating and continuing poverty such as poor health, unaffordable and inappropriate housing and not completing education • The impact of unemployment and/or limited income • The household stress that occurs from low income households paying high utility costs ACTCOSS participated in a number of events during Anti-Poverty Week including the major event held at the Press Club in which the major political parties outlined ‘What we all need to do to make this community free of poverty’.

Annual Report 2012-13 9 Another important event during Anti-Poverty Week particular attention to the pressures that many was the launch of the ACTCOSS Cost of Living Report. Canberrans face who live on inadequate income Costs of living are a concern for many people, but support payments, especially people who are we know that most households in Canberra have studying, unemployed and single parents. enjoyed increased income that outstrips increases This report has provided a firm foundation for in costs of living. The ACTCOSS report focused advocacy throughout 2012-13, and has informed on the disproportionate impact of costs of non- media commentary, policy analysis and responses discretionary expenses such as housing, utilities, to emerging social and economic issues. food, transport and health care in households in the bottom 40 per cent income quintiles. We paid

National engagement

So many of the causes of poverty and inequality The COSS Network has: maintained a strong relate to Federal Government responsibilities. The national presence on issues such as housing COSS Network brings together the Council of Social and homelessness, tax reform, cost of living, an Service organisations operating in every state and increase in the Newstart Allowance, and the territory across Australia to advocate collectively for impact of climate change on the vulnerable and the social and economic reforms that will reduce disadvantaged; facilitated information about the poverty and inequality. Over this year work has ACNC and NDIS; and promoted the Constitutional focused on the campaign to raise the Newstart Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Youth Allowances, and speaking out against peoples as our first peoples. reduced income support for single parents and The collective voice of the COSS Network continues their children, so people out of work can access the to highlight the persistent problem identified in resources they need put a roof over their heads, the ACOSS Poverty in Australia research published feed and clothe themselves, and get around as they in October 2012. This research found that 12.8 try and find paid work. We also collaborated on per cent of Australians are living below the developing the ACOSS Federal election campaign, internationally accepted poverty line. Some key including ‘key asks’ that should be undertaken statistics from this research are: within the first 100 days of the new government. • Over a third (37 per cent) of people whose main income is social security are living below the poverty line, including 52 per cent of people in households on Newstart Allowance • Two thirds of people on Newstart Allowance have been unemployed for more than a year • There are almost 600,000 children living in families below the poverty line • 14 per cent of women were below the poverty line compared to 12 per cent of men • 26 per cent of adults living in households below the 50 per cent poverty line came from a non- English speaking country The reports and submissions provided and supported by the COSS Network identify the continued need to advocate that everyone be afforded the basic human right of an adequate standard of living. Single parents payment rally, Parliament House, 2012

10 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Reconciliation

Gulanga Program

The word ‘Gulanga’ is derived from the Ngunnawal downloaded from the ACTCOSS website over 200 language and means ‘we too, including you’. The times this year. Organisations can receive support Gulanga Program continues to build as a centre from the Gulanga team to implement the CASAT of excellence promoting reconciliation. It has within their workplace and also have access to continued to provide support to ACT community the CASAT Examples of Good Practice/Areas of organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Improvement which assists agencies to identify areas Islander workers in the sector. for improvement. The CASAT is also presented as part of the quality improvement training on Raising The Gulanga Program has provided regular the Standard which is part of the ACTCOSS sector training around Aboriginal Culture, History and development program. Heritage delivered by Kerry Reid-Gilbert (Kuracca Consultancy) and Appreciation of Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness delivered by Benny Hodges (Wis-Wei Consulting). In response to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Seminar held in April 2012, the Gulanga Program developed a set of six good practice information sheets on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and retention, and to complement this has now developed training sessions on the Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and also Racism in the Workplace. These have been very Woden Community Service, winner of reconciliation hamper favourably received.

The training offered complements the Cultural During NAIDOC Week ACTCOSS invited community Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit (CASAT) service organisations to participate in a survey on for community organisations which is a key ‘What does reconciliation mean to your workplace?’ component of the Gulanga Program. The CASAT Seventeen responses were received with Woden continues to be a popular resource. It was Community Service providing the winning entry, receiving a basket of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources. We have valued our dialogue with Reconciliation Australia this past year, in which we have explored opportunities to share development of reconciliation resources and support to the community sector. The ATSIComSec Network, which has 43 members, meets bi-monthly and provides a peer-support and information-sharing forum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers employed in the community sector. The meetings include guest speakers, presentations from workers and networking. The email component of the network continues to provide regular information to Aboriginal and Torres Elders’ photo day Strait Islander Network members.

Annual Report 2012-13 11 The Gulanga Program is jointly funded by the Directorate who will be providing funding for the Community Services Directorate (via the National program to expand into this sector as of July 2013. Affordable Housing Agreement) and ACTCOSS ACTCOSS welcomes this recognition and looks self-generated funding. The success of the program forward to growing the Gulanga Program across the has been recognised by the Children, Young People community sector. and Families Program in the Community Services

Reconciliation Action Plans

ACTCOSS continued to focus on strengthening our own engagement and reconciliation practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, individuals and organisations including the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. These relationships, along with the work we carried out collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, add enormously to our understanding of community needs and expectations, our analysis of social and economic policy and our advocacy messages. We thank all organisations and individuals for their generosity in sharing their knowledge. ACTCOSS has also been steadily been working through our 2010-13 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We have made some progress towards the goals we set and in the second half of 2013 will begin development of our second generation RAP. ACTCOSS has worked alongside a number of organisations to overcome the causes of division and inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and others in the ACT, including through the use of the Cultural Awareness Self- Assessment Toolkit. We also facilitated a number of sessions for the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug sector around reconciliation, workforce, recruitment and cultural awareness.

Development of protocols for working with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples & communities

At the ACTCOSS conference we hosted a plenary Islander Elected Body), and Paula McGrady-Swan workshop on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Nguru Program Coordinator, Canberra Rape Crisis engagement. This hands-on workshop investigated Centre), we undertook a world-café-style dialogue how community organisations can better in groups to explore our challenges and ideas. engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander This workshop affirmed the need for, and fed into, consumers, workers, and communities. After the development of protocols for working with presentations from Brendan Church (Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Justice Centre, and ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.

12 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. The aim of the protocols development process Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body) was to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait successfully guided the process, ensuring content Islander communities to put forward their views on development and feedback from community and effective and appropriate engagement, rather than individual stakeholders was carefully documented governments and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait and accurately reflected in the protocols tool. Islander peoples stating how they will engage with The writing up of the protocols was provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ACTCOSS with ongoing support from Kiki Korpinen through the compilation of numerous ACTCOSS worked with Aboriginal and Torres draft versions. Strait Islander community organisations and individual members of ACT Aboriginal and The draft protocols were sent to the Secretariat to Torres Strait Islander communities to draft the the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected protocols. Kim Davison (Gugan Gulwan Youth Body for their consideration. Aboriginal Corporation) and Diane Collins (ACT

National & local events

ACTCOSS supported Relationships Australia to Since 2006 ACTCOSS has sponsored the NAIDOC provide training opportunities specifically designed award for the Canberra and District Aboriginal and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers. In Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Worker of April, Raven Sinclair (Gordon First Nations, Southern the Year. The award recognises workers who are Saskatchewan, Canada) presented on accountability providing links between their organisation and as a paradigm for effective cross cultural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, communication, as well as discussing the notion or who have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait of ‘presence’ as a self-care strategy. In June, Barbara Islander communities through their work in the Wingard (Dulwich Centre Foundation) presented on community sector. lateral violence. ACTCOSS congratulates Harold Chatfield as the Staff at ACTCOSS participated in a number of 2012 NAIDOC Canberra and District Aboriginal events during NAIDOC Week and Sorry Day, and Torres Strait Islander Community Worker of including the Bridge Walk. We have used our social the Year. Harold has been a resident of the ACT for media platforms and weekly e-notices to promote over 20 years and is a key member of the Street to and support engagement in the Recognise Home Program which is run through the St Vincent Campaign, encouraging all Australians to support de Paul Society. Congratulations Harold, we all Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres appreciate the important work that you do. Strait Islander peoples.

Welcome to Country by Aunty Janet, ACTCOSS NAIDOC Week morning tea

Annual Report 2012-13 13 Sector development

The past 12 months have seen significant changes in service provision and policy reforms at both a territory and national level. ACTCOSS believes that we have an important role in shaping the social service system that operates in our city and region, and service providers need support to respond to consumer expectations, maintain current levels of service provision and to evolve to meet increasing demand and complexity of needs.

Sector sustainability

ACTCOSS continues to play a key role working ACTCOSS has taken a leadership role in the Joint with consumer groups, service providers and Community Government Reference Group, with the government to identify risks to the sustainability of Director as co-chair in 2012 and Darlene Cox (in her services provided to the community and respond to role of Vice-President) being co-chair in 2013. We emerging needs. Peak bodies are uniquely placed have worked with the JCGRG on revising its Terms to provide information, that government would of Reference to sharpen and strengthen its work to otherwise be unable to access, about the positive promote effective relationships across government and negative impacts of the changing environment and the community sector. on the strength and capability of the service systems Through the Community Sector Reform Advisory which people in Canberra value and rely on. Group, we have advocated for public sector reform ACTCOSS has been working with organisations that will enhance consistency of administrative and government around the critical need to invest processes across portfolios, match compliance to in resources that assist both service providers and risk, get rid of duplication in delivery of data, and service users to operate effectively in the rapidly reduce unnecessary reporting. We have supported changing environment. ACTCOSS continues to the work of the team in the Community Services advocate and work with both government and Directorate who have facilitated dialogue with the non-government funders to reduce unnecessary sector on red tape reform and led collaboration administrative, reporting and compliance tasks that with the Federal Government on harmonising take resources away from assisting our community. legislation across jurisdictions. In the coming year we look forward to this investment of time and The community sector has been investing its own resources delivering real improvements in public funds through the Community Sector Reform sector administration. fund and ACTCOSS has played a key role working alongside government to ensure the benefits from The Community Sector Reform Levy of 0.34 per this investment will be realised for contributing cent on all CSD funding agreements has created organisations, and be sustained well into the future. a pool of funds to support development of resources that will be made available to community In May 2012 The Social Compact, which is the organisations to access consultancy support and relationship framework between the ACT other resources to build the strength and resilience Government and community sector, was revised of their organisation through this significant period through the Joint Community Reference Group of changes in regulatory settings and funding (JCGRG) and launched. A commitment was made arrangements. ACTCOSS has worked hard to by both sectors to work collaboratively to achieve ensure these funds are used effectively. We have common goals using this framework. In January also pushed for transparent reporting back to the 2013, ACTCOSS and the Community Services contributing organisations on the allocation of Directorate piloted a training program to inform these funds. In the coming year we will continue workers across both sectors about the importance of to work as closely as we can with government to the principles outlined in The Social Compact. Since ensure a good return to the community of this then the training program has been revised and will investment in sector development. be implemented further in the coming year.

14 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Training & development

The community sector is incredibly diverse in size, ACTCOSS develops our learning and development capacity, capability and service models. ACTCOSS is calendar around the needs of the sector and over proud to work alongside organisations of all sizes, the past year has offered training on human rights from the very large to the very small. ACTCOSS has and public authorities, professional boundaries, provided individual consultancy, group seminars working with vulnerable people, managing change and individually tailored training to our members (in partnership with Jobs Australia) and working with and other community organisations over the the Trans and Intersex community (in partnership past year. There has been a growing demand for with A Gender Agenda). individual consultancy around governance, risk The Human Resource Network is a face-to-face management, business and strategic planning, quarterly meeting facilitated by ACTCOSS. The change management, conflict resolution and network provides an opportunity to discuss quality improvement. shared interests and to work together around ACTCOSS continued to deliver regular training key challenges such as sector reforms and the on building cultures of continuous quality building of human capital within organisations. improvement, using two tools developed for the The generosity of members to share systems and ACT community sector—Raising the Standard resources is to be congratulated as this will continue and the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit. to build the capacity and capability of the sector. Our governance training was delivered in group Over the past year, 121 organisations accessed sessions and via individually-tailored workshops sector development activities provided by ACTCOSS for boards and management committees. We have with evaluations informing us that 98 per cent of also provided one-on-one consultancy sessions respondents rated overall satisfaction of excellent for member organisation CEOs to work through or good and 2 per cent of respondents rated overall specific issues and challenges. satisfaction as neutral.

Annual Report 2012-13 15 Home and Community Care (HACC)

ACTCOSS has continued to work with the Home ACTCOSS has coordinated information forums and Community Care sector (HACC), facilitating on recruitment and retention, consumer directed and providing secretariat support for HACC care and bariatric care. A project was undertaken Network and Working Group meetings throughout around improving the linkages between hospital the year. The monthly network meetings continue social workers and HACC services to address gaps in to be a very successful forum with attendance communication, barriers to accessing services and growing year on year and averaging 25 people continuity of care between the health care sector per event. A special thank you to all the members and community sector. Our aim was to reduce the on the HACC Working Group who provide risk of frail older people and people living with their ideas and support to make the networks disabilities being discharged from hospital without such a success and also the to the community proper support. service organisations who so kindly offer to host In May 2013 ACTCOSS facilitated a HACC Executive networking meetings. Forum with leaders from the ACT HACC and ACTCOSS has worked closely with executives, Disability Sector. This forum identified concerns management and frontline workers to identify key that needed to be raised with the Commonwealth concerns and risks to continuity and viability of and ACT Government related to implementation of service options for older people and people living both the Living Longer Living Better and National with disabilities in the ACT. One particular event Disability Insurance Scheme policy and funding was a planning day in 2012 which identified key reforms, such as: issues such as: • The need for consistency of ACT/ • Flexibility in service delivery to ensure clients Commonwealth administrations processes don’t fall through the gaps during this • Better communication with service providers transitional phase including timely feedback on the data reported • Strategies to capture data on clients who are to funding bodies outliers of the new service framework to inform • Flexibility of use of resources across over/under future service provision 65s, with a differentiated approach across the • Enhanced collaboration and partnerships three years of transition to the new frameworks between services with an aim of accurate funding and service • Information on consumer directed care models targets by 2015 • Exploring new business models These key messages have been shared with our non-government advocacy colleagues working • Recruitment and retention of staff with the Federal Government on disability and • Flexibility and compliance in relation to the aged care reform. We continue to work with the funding allocation split to services that support ACT Government to facilitate engagement of people over and under 65 years old Commonwealth officials regarding these issues.

LET’S PUT SOMETHING IN HERE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIPS TOOLKIT??? AND THE OIK???? WHAT OTHER REOURCES HAVE WE DEVELOPED?????

16 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Membership engagement

Publications & information sharing

We continue to review and improve our are learning, where we are going and what we need membership services, and have reorganised to focus on in the future. the timing and focus of communications with ACTCOSS has hosted forums on key topics such as ACTCOSS members, to increase opportunities for the ACT Election, ACT Budget, justice, homelessness, feedback and advice on ACTCOSS activities and human rights, and human resources. We have member experiences. We continue to publish convened meetings of the ACT Peaks, Home and the weekly ACTCOSS notices via email and have Community Care & Disability Services, and Aboriginal over 1000 subscribers. Our e-notices provide an and Torres Strait Islander Community Sector network. important platform for sharing what ACTCOSS is ACTCOSS also provides auspicing support to the working on and offering our members, for seeking Community Development Network (CD Net) and input to our advocacy and sector development the Community Sector Leaders Forum. A full list of work, and keeping our readers informed about the networks, forums and committees that ACTCOSS what is available in terms of learning and participates in can be seen on page 22. development, research and collaboration. Our quarterly newsletter the ACTCOSS Update focused on the following topics in 2012-13: • Poverty • Collaboration and engagement • ACTCOSS and peak bodies • Delivering on the promise of choice and control We value the contributions members make to our quarterly newsletter, because they support members to share our commitment to positive social change and collectively reflect on what we ACTCOSS Post-Budget Forum

Input to advocacy

ACTCOSS conducts its own research to inform Submissions, reports and resources the organisation our formal submissions, other publications and develops are (wherever appropriate) made publicly public commentary on social and economic available on the ACTCOSS website and can be issues in Canberra. However, input from member provided in hard copy on request. organisations and individual members is Consultations are carried out on policy matters such essential if we are to offer unique and useful as the annual ACT Budget as well as the follow up input to the public debate and decision-making ACTCOSS Budget Snapshot, which is presented processes. By bringing these perspectives into directly following the ACT Budget announcement. our advocacy work, we ensure issues affecting Advocacy on housing and homelessness, justice and people living with poverty and excluded from corrections, climate change, health, issues impacting their community, and the community-managed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities services that work with them, are represented and organisations, and community sector viability have clearly, respectfully and effectively. all benefitted from member input over this past year.

Annual Report 2012-13 17 ACTCOSS biennial conference 2012: Vision, Values, Votes

ACTCOSS held its biennial ACT community sector conference on 25 and 26 September 2012 at Rydges Capital Hill, Forrest. Framed around the theme ‘Vision, Values, Votes’, the conference explored how the community sector engages with political discourse and current issues impacting on people experiencing disadvantage. Over 100 community sector workers, consumers, government representatives, and ACTCOSS members attended 1 each day. The conference was sponsored by CHC Affordable Housing and the ACT Government Community Services Directorate. Guest speakers included Robert Fitzgerald, Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for- profits Commission (ACNC) Advisory Board, who engaged us on the topic of the ACNC and sector reform. Dr Helen Watchirs, ACT Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner, spoke about human 2 3 rights in the ACT, including in corrective services and the Alexander Maconochie Centre. Andrew McCallum, CEO of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies, spoke about children’s welfare and evidence-based approaches to policy making. A presentation and discussion workshop explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, and finished with an inspiring talk from Dr Sam Prince on his work at One Disease at a Time and 4 5 ‘following your dreams’. Other workshop topics included the National 1. Plenary session 2. Guest speaker Dr Robert Disability Insurance Scheme, affordable housing, Fitzgerald sector viability and reform, The Social Compact and 3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait collaboration, media for a social purpose, and social Islander engagement workshop return on investment. 4 & 5. ACT Election candidates for the mystery box Q&A Another key event included seven ACT Election 6. Guest speaker Dr Sam Prince candidates from five different parties who 7. Bangouraké, Master drummer participated in the mystery box Q&A session. Each 8. ‘Does Canberra care?’ comedy candidate drew a random question out of a box of debaters 6 questions collected from attendees and then had ten minutes to provide a response. Attendees enjoyed entertainment from the Jumpin’ Gateway Singers choir and Bangouraké (Mohamed Bangoura), Master drummer from Guinea, West Africa. The conference finished with a comedy debate addressing the topic, ‘Does Canberra care?’ After side-splitting arguments from each side, the audience decided that ultimately, yes, Canberra 7 8 does care.

18 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. ACT Community Sector Awards 2012

At the conference ACTCOSS presented its biennial ACT Community Sector Awards, celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of community sector organisations and individuals. The winners of the awards were: HESTA Healthy Workplace Award: Ivette Gonzalez (ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)), for her research and introduction of ‘Healthy Heart Walks’ to the ADACAS workplace.

Partnership Award: Expanding Naloxone 1 Availability in the ACT Committee for providing expert guidance and support to develop Australia’s first overdose management program that provides naloxone on prescription to potential overdose victims. Partners include Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA); Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service; Alcohol 2 Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT; ACT Medicare Local; Burnet Institute; National Drug 1. HESTA Healthy Workplace Award winner, Ivette Research Institute; ACT Ambulance Service; ACT Gonzalez, ADACAS Government Health Directorate; Pharmacy Guild of 2. Partnership Award winner, Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT Committee Australia (ACT Branch); Families and Friends for Drug 3. bankmecu Little Feet, Big Steps Award winner, Law Reform; and Interchange General Practice. Street Law bankmecu Little Feet, Big Steps Award: Street Law 4. Embracing Change Award winner, Scouts Australia, ACT Branch for its small team’s tremendous work providing legal 5 & 6. ActewAGL Minor Miracle Award winner, Chris advice and advocacy on a range of legal issues to Stockman, UnitingCare Canberra City, and highly people experiencing homelessness. commended, Katherine Wills 3 Embracing Change Award: Scouts Australia, ACT Branch, for pioneering a move from a manual, paper-based financial consolidation system to a cloud-based technology, thereby making fundamentals easier, management more transparent, and decision making improved. ActewAGL Minor Miracle Award: Chris Stockman (UnitingCare Canberra City), for organising the first Homeless Connect event in Canberra, which assisted people experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation to find out about and access 4 community services in a comfortable environment. Highly Commended: Katherine Wills for her dedication to supporting her brother and his wife, both with intellectual disabilities, to fully experience and participate in their new parenting roles. Congratulations to all award nominees and winners!

5 6

Annual Report 2012-13 19 Member survey

ACTCOSS conducted a member survey during and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures are November and December 2012. The survey was recognised, respected and fulfilled in all activities handed out at the Annual General Meeting and of the sector, and facilitating development posted to all members. It asked about the opportunities through training and individual services and benefits ACTCOSS provides, and support. Some opportunities for enhancement were stakeholder awareness, satisfaction, and identified in promoting understanding, consultation preferences across ACTCOSS advocacy and and cooperation amongst organisations, including sector development priorities. government bodies. Of the benefits ACTCOSS provides to members, Fifty per cent or more of respondents supported stakeholders most valued being kept informed prioritising sector development in these domains: about community sector news, and the access to • Quality standards advice and consultancy services. • Cultural awareness and training According to respondents, we were doing well in advocating for and promoting issues around • Leadership housing, justice and corrections, and the social • Risk management determinants of health. There was some support for • Strategic planning improving our focus on social equity in debates on • Collaboration and partnerships climate change mitigation and abatement strategies. • Managing staff Fifty per cent or more of respondents supported ACTCOSS focusing on the following social issues: • Policy and procedure development • Working with multicultural communities • Justice and corrections • Housing affordability Most respondents indicated they were aware of our services and would use them in the • Financial stress future. All respondents were satisfied with the • Human rights communications they received from ACTCOSS. • Reducing homelessness Overall, stakeholders were happy with ACTCOSS’ • Mental health performance in 2012, with one respondent • Costs of living summing it up: • Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait ACTCOSS has performed extremely well in 2012, Islander peoples during very challenging climate in relationships of community organisations and government. We • Services for multicultural communities have felt connected and strongly represented by • Transport Roslyn and Kiki and the whole team of ACTCOSS. For our sector development work, responses When nobody spoke out for fairness and effective suggested we were doing well in all areas, consultation, ACTCOSS did! Thank you! particularly in ensuring the rights of Aboriginal

Strategic Plan renewal

Consultation with members to develop the ACTCOSS Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 commenced in the second quarter of 2013 in preparation for the launch of a refreshed Strategic Plan at the AGM in November 2013.

20 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Publications & media 2012-13

Publications Comment on the Review of Current ‘ACT Council of Social Service appoints Homelessness Costing Structure: new Director’ – 9 Jan 2013 Community Transport Project, Proposing Alternative Costing Model ‘Youth homelessness matters’ – Jun/Nov 2012 Options December 2012 Consultation 10 Apr 2013 Care Planning in ACT HACC Funded Paper, Feb 2013 ‘One step forward, two steps back’, joint Organisations, Sep 2012 Joint Submission with ATODA release with Youth Coalition of the Vision 2012: ACTCOSS Election Statement, and MHCC ACT on the Senate ACT on Gonski Reforms – ACT Legislative Assembly Election Standing Committee on Legal and 15 Apr 2013 2012, Sep 2012 Constitutional Affairs Inquiry into ‘Secure future, but not for all’, 2013 ACT Cost of Living Report, Oct 2012 the Value of a Justice Reinvestment Federal Budget – 15 May 2013 ACT Council of Social Service Annual Approach to Criminal Justice in ‘Tough times ahead balanced by Report 2011-12, Nov 2012 Australia, Mar 2013 targeted investment’, 2013-14 ACT Formalising Partnerships Toolkit, Submission on The Human Rights Audit Budget – 4 Jun 2013 ACTCOSS Edition, Feb 2013 of Conditions of Detention of Women ACTCOSS Budget Priorities, Mar 2013 at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, Media outlets ACT 2013-14 Budget Snapshot, Jun 2013 Jun 2013 2CA Comments, submissions & Submission on the Letters of Offer 2XX Community Radio to Non-Government Providers of ABC 666 Radio policy statements Housing and Homelessness Support Australian Doctor Magazine Submission on the Homelessness Bill Services, Jun 2013 Canberra FM news (106.3 and 104.7) 2012, Aug 2012 The Canberra Times Comment on the Community Gardens Newsletters WIN News in the ACT: Draft Site Selection Criteria Update Issue 61, Spring 2012 – Poverty for Future Locations Discussion Paper, Update Issue 62, Summer 2012-13 – Aug 2012 Collaboration & engagement Comment on the Review of the ACT Update Issue 63, Autumn 2013 – Mental Health (Treatment and Care) ACTCOSS & peak bodies Act 1994 First Exposure Draft – Draft Update Issue 64, Winter 2013 – Amendment Bill, Oct 2012 Delivering on the promise of more Comment on the Strategic Framework choice & control for the Management of Blood-Borne Viruses in the Alexander Maconochie Media releases Centre 2012-2014, Oct 2012 ‘Vision required to earn votes’, ACT Comment on the Review of the Gambling Election 2012 – 24 Sep 2012 and Racing Control (Code of Practice) ‘Community champions gaining Regulation 2002, Dec 2012 recognition’, ACT Community Sector Comment on the Development of a Awards 2012 – 25 Sep 2012 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait ‘Living costs loom large’, ACT Cost of Islander Health Plan Discussion Paper, Living Report – 18 Oct 2012 Dec 2012

Annual Report 2012-13 21 Networks, working groups and seminars

ACTCOSS committees, Prequalification Workshops for Professional Boundaries April 2013 Community Organisations (delivered Multiple Enterprise Agreement (MEA) advisory groups jointly with CSD) - 3 sessions Forum (with Jobs Australia) - Jul & networks Oct 2012 2012, Nov 2012, February 2013 Raising the Standard - Sep 2012, Nov MEA Enterprise Bargaining Forum: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 2012, Mar 2013, Jun 2013 Follow up forum for employers (with Community Sector Network Riding the Boundaries - Nov 2012, Jobs Australia) - Feb 2013 (ATSIComSec) Apr 2013 Meet the Candidates Forum (ACT ACT Community Sector TRANSforming Service Delivery Election), ACTCOSS conference Communications Network Workshop - May 2013 ‘Vision, Values, Votes’ - Sep 2012 (CommsNet) The Social Compact (pilot) - Jan 2013 ACT Community Sector Policy Network External committees ACT Peaks Forum Gulanga Program ACTCOSS General Committee 1 Day Appreciation of Torres Strait & forums ACTCOSS RAP Working Group Islander Culture and Awareness * convened by government ACTCOSS Weekly Community Sector Training - Nov 2012, Mar 2013 ACT Courts Stakeholders Forum* Notices (ACTCOSSNotices) 1 Day Bi-Cultural Awareness & Inclusion ACT Disability Advocacy Network Community Integration Governance Workshop for ACT Aboriginal & ACT Health Healthy Workplaces Group Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Group* Home and Community Care/Disability Sector Workers (with Relationships ACT Health Promotion Grants 2012 Services Network (HACCDS Net) Australia) - Oct 2012 Celebration Forum* (funded by ACT Health) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ACT Indigenous Elected Body Home and Community Care/Disability Engagement, ACTCOSS Conference Community Forum Services Working Group (funded by ‘Vision, Values, Votes’ – Sep 2012 ACT Medicare Local Population Health ACT Health) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group Homelessness Network (Hnet) Recruitment and Retention - Jul 2013 ACT Mental Health Promotion, Human Resources Network Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Prevention and Early Intervention, Human Rights Network Training - Aug 2012, Nov 2012, Apr Implementation and Evaluation Justice Network (Jnet) 2013, Jun 2013 Working Group (PPEIIEWG) Accountability as a Paradigm for Effective ACT Ministerial Council on Women Auspices Cross Cultural Communication (with Forum Community Development Network Relationships Australia) - Apr 2013 ACT Shelter Forums (CDNet) Human Rights Obligations for ACT ACT Women’s Services Network* Community Sector Leaders Forum (CSLF) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ACT Work Safety Council Community Organisations - ACT NDIS Sector Readiness Forums COSS network Sep 2012 AMC Throughcare Governance Group* ACOSS National Conference Lateral Violence (with Relationships AMC Women’s Advisory Group* ACOSS Policy Forums Australia) - Jun 2013 Anti-Poverty Week Committee COSS Climate Change Network Racism in the Workplace - 2 sessions Dec and events COSS Communications Network 2012, Jun 2013 ASU Pay Equity Information Sessions for COSS Directors Forums Employees COSS Transport Network Building Better Boards: ATOD Strategy Evaluation Group* COSS Health Network The ACTCOSS Governance ATSI Community Workshop – Transport Workshop Program Burrunju Art Exhibition & Cultural ACTCOSS seminars Board Basics and Legal Obligations - Oct Exchange & workshops 2012, Feb 2012 Canberra Conversations – Centenary Financial Management - Nov 2012, Aug Forum Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Sector 2012, Mar 2013 Canberra Living Conditions Sector Reconciliation Workshops - (3 Development Working Group sessions in 2013) Home and Community Care and Forum Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Bariatric Care Seminar - Jun 2013 CDNet Working Group Commission Basics - Jun 2013 Canberra Hospital / HACC System CIT Centre for Health, Community and Fair Dismissal: Minimising the Risks of Interface - May 2013 Wellbeing Advisory Committee* Unfair Dismissal and Adverse Action Consumer Directed Care - Mar 2013 Close the Gap Day Claims (with Jobs Australia) - Recruitment and Retention - Feb 2013 Close the Gap Seminar – What Works to Nov 2012 Increase Indigenous Employment Formalising Partnerships Workshop - ACTCOSS forums Co-design Forum presented by Feb 2013 The Australian Centre of Social ACT 2013-14 Post-Budget Forum for the Human Rights Obligations of ACT Innovation Community Sector - Jun 2013 Community Organisations - Aug Community Integration Governance HACC Executive Forum - May 2013 2012, Nov 2012 Group (co-chair and secretariat) CDNet New Worker Forum - Mar 2013

22 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. Community Recovery Sub Committee* Indonesian Delegation Study Tour on Problem Gambling Assistance Fund Community Sector Reform Red Tape NGO role in civil society Advisory Committee* reduction forum* International Women’s Day events Reconciliation Action Plan reference Community Sector Reform Advisory Joint Community Government groups Group* Reference Group (co-chair in 2012)* Reconciliation Australia RAP Showcase Community Services Forum* Joint Pathways* Social Impact Measurement Network Community Transport Working Group Justice Health in Australia Forum Alliance CRCC Nguru Program Meeting Marymead Men’s Forum Throughcare Governance Group* Crime Prevention and Community Mental Health Community Coalition UN Declaration Forum - What it means Safety Forum* Quarterly Forum for the ACT Dinner with Danish Ambassador and Mental Health Professionals Network Weston Community Hub meetings delegation from Danish Social Policy NAIDOC Week events Women and Prisons Group Ministry National Apology events Working With Vulnerable People Disability Quarterly Forum* National Mental Health Commission Checking System Implementation Early Intervention Forum (Families ACT) Breakfast Advisory Group* Gambling Advisory Reference Group* National Refugee Week events Youth and Family Sector Election Forum Gambling Trial Oversight Committee* National Year of Reading Steering Youth Homelessness Matters Day events Healthy Workplace Advisory Committee and events Youth Housing and Homelessness Committee* North Canberra Community Council Forum Homelessness Forums* Nguru Alliance Committee Various community sector annual Inclusive Volunteering Advisory Older Persons Week events general meetings Committee Planning and Development Forum*

ACTCOSS General Committee

Executive Committee Attended Apologies Ordinary Members Attended Apologies President Camilla Rowland, Karralika 7/7 0 Jenny Kitchin, 10/10 0 Programs (from Nov 2012) Anglicare ACT Dee McGrath, Carers ACT 3/7 1 Vice President (until Nov 2012) (from Nov 2012) 0/4 1 Rod Little, Associate Member Emma Street, Anglicare ACT, then Vice President Associate Member (resigned 3/8 3 Simon Rosenberg, Northside 10/10 0 May 2013) Community Service Emma Walter, 7/10 3 Treasurer Woden Community Service 1/10 6 Tania Tahana, Associate Member Fiona MacGregor, YWCA of 5/7 1 Vice President (from Nov 2012) Canberra (from Nov 2012) Secretary (until Nov 2012) Hannah Dawes, DIRECTIONS ACT 6/10 1 0/4 1 Darlene Cox, Health Care (until Nov 2012) Consumers Association Jo Cochrane, Communities@Work 3/10 0 Secretary (from Nov 2012) Liz Howarth, Citizens Advice Ordinary Member (until Nov 2012) 5/10 3 4/4 0 Cheryl Pollard, Tandem Respite Bureau ACT (until Nov 2012) Michael Brown, Canberra 2/4 1 Ordinary Members Attended Apologies Men’s Centre (until Nov 2012) Amber Bootle, Associate Member Nathalie Maconachie, Asthma 1/4 1 6/7 1 (until Nov 2012) Foundation ACT (from Nov 2012) Amy Kilpatrick, Associate Member Paul Cubitt, National Brain Injury 0/4 1 2/7 1 (until Nov 2012) Foundation (from Nov 2012) Brendan Church, Aboriginal Justice Sandi McGowan, Marymead Child 4/7 0 6/7 0 Centre (from Nov 2012) and Family Centre (from Nov 2012)

Annual Report 2012-13 23 ACTCOSS members 2012-13

Member Organisations Carers ACT Inc. Havelock House Association Inc CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn Health Care Consumers Association of 2XX FM CHC Affordable Housing ACT Inc. A Gender Agenda Citizens Advice Bureau Home Help Service Aboriginal Justice Centre Communities@Work Inanna Inc. ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Community and Public Sector Union Indigenous Community Volunteers Associations Community Connections Justice Action ACT Critical Incident Stress Companion House Karinya House Management Information Computing Assistance Support and Karralika Programs Inc. Service Inc. Education Inc. Koomarri ACT Disability, Aged & Carer Advocacy Conflict Resolution Service Inc. L’Arche Geneseret Service Inc. DIRECTIONS ACT Life Without Barriers ACT Down Syndrome Association Disability Services Australia Lifeline Canberra Inc. ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre Inc. Diversity ACT Community Services Lone Fathers Association ACT ME/CFS Society Inc. Domestic Violence Crisis Service Marymead Child & Family Centre ACT Medicare Local Doris Women’s Refuge Inc. Menslink Inc. ACT Mental Health Consumer Environmental Collective Housing Mental Health Community Coalition Network Organisation Inc. Mental Health Foundation ACT Palliative Care Society Inc. Families & Friends for Drug Law Reform Mental Illness Education ACT ACT Shelter Families ACT Inc. Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria Advance Personnel Family Drug Support Migrant and Refugee Settlement Advocacy for Inclusion Foster Care Association of the ACT Inc. Services of the ACT Inc. AIDS Action Council Fusion Australia Multicultural Women’s Advocacy Inc. Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug GROW - ACT National Brain Injury Foundation Association ACT Gungahlin Regional Community Service National Sorry Day Committee Inc. Anglicare ACT Argyle Community Housing Ltd Asthma Foundation ACT Australia Mon Association Inc. Australian Association of Social Workers ACT Branch Australian Catholic University, Institute of Child Protection Studies Autism Asperger ACT Inc. Barnardos Australia Belconnen Community Service Beryl Women Inc. Billabong Aboriginal Development Corporation Calwell Community Centre Canberra & Q’yan ADD Support Group Inc. Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy Canberra Blind Society Canberra Fathers and Children Service Canberra Institute of Technology Student Association Canberra Japan Club Inc. Canberra Men’s Centre Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) Inc. Canberra Police Community Youth Club Inc. Canberra Preschool Society Inc. Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Canberra Youth Residential Service Capital Community Housing Inc. Care Financial Counselling Service and the Consumer Law Centre of the ACT

24 ACT Council of Social Service Inc. NationsHeart Christian Community Tandem Respite Affiliate Members No Sweat Fashions Ltd Technical Aid to the Disabled (ACT) Inc. Legal Aid ACT Noah’s Ark Resource Centre Ted Noffs Foundation Northside Community Service Ltd. Tenants’ Union ACT Parentline ACT Inc. The Cancer Council ACT Associate Members Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Inc. The Salvation Army - ACT & Sth C Ansted R Little People with Disabilities ACT Inc. NSW Division L Bochenek D Lucas Picking Up the Peaces Toora Women Inc. A Bootle K Lyttle Post and Ante Natal Depression Support Tuggeranong Link Community Houses R Brown R McGowan & Info. Inc. & Centres J Carty A McLaughlin Prisoners Aid (ACT) Inc. Unions ACT D Collins C Moore Pure Focus Inc. Uniting Church in Australia - Presbytery A Cresswell J Moran Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre of Canberra Region J Donnelly K Nicholson Regional Development Australia ACT UnitingCare Disability S Ellerman K Oddy Relationships Australia Canberra and University of Canberra Students G Evans P O’Flaherty Region Inc. Association Inc. M Flynn B Pamphilon Religious Society of Friends Inc. Victims of Crime Assistance League J Graham R Refshauge RSI & Overuse Injury Assn of the ACT, Inc. ACT Inc. C Gyngell A Rowe SEE-Change Inc. Volunteering ACT L Harris Z Sanusi Self Help Organisations United Warehouse Circus Inc. M Heales C Settle Together Inc. Welfare Rights & Legal Centre C Johnston E Street Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT Inc. Woden Community Service Inc. P Kendall T Tahana Shareability Inc. Women with Disabilities ACT A Kilpatrick F Tito-Wheatland Sharing Places Inc. Women’s Centre for Health Matters Inc. J Kitchin G Weir Softlaw Community Projects Limited Women’s Electoral Lobby - ACT Branch K Korsch E Wensing Southside Community Services Inc. Women’s Legal Centre (ACT Region) Inc. J Lintern J Wood St Vincent de Paul Society Youth Coalition of the ACT Superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ YWCA of Canberra Association

Annual Report 2012-13 25