Annual Report
Illawarra Forum Inc ABN 95 589 148 519
106B Industrial Rd Oak Flats NSW 2529 PO Box 158 Oak Flats NSW 2529
Phone: (02) 4256 4333 Email: [email protected] illawarraforum.org.au
illawarraforum.org.au Contents
A Message from the Chair 3 CEO Report 4 About the Illawarra Forum 6 Vision and Mission 7 Organisational Structure 8 Projects 10 Snapshot - Mosque tour 12 Snapshot - Community of Practice - 13 Digital Engagement Snapshot - Careers Expo 2016 14 Snapshot - Make Health Happen 16 Snapshot - Members’ Breakfasts 18 Snapshot - Year in Brief 20 VOICE 24 INFLUENCE 26 LEADERSHIP 28 Statement of Financial Position 30
Acknowledgements The Illawarra Forum gratefully acknowledges the valuable work of our colleagues in community services organisations, making it an industry of which we are proud to be a voice, an influence and a leader.
We thank our members for their continued support and acknowledge that we wouldn’t be able to continue the work without the valued contribution of our funding partners, NSW Department of Health, NSW Family and Community Services and Australian Government Department of Health.
Thank you to all of the individuals and organisations who have helped make this such a dynamic and successful year for the Illawarra Forum.
1 A Message from the Chair The Illawarra Forum has a proud tradition of resourcing and supporting community service organisations in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and being a Voice, Influence and Leader for both the industry and local communities. The past twelve months has seen the Forum continue this tradition whilst strongly pursuing its strategic aims and objectives.
The community services industry continues to members, who left to enjoy new life experiences. undergo significant reforms across all sectors, I would like to thank them for their hard work. and a key focus for the organisation throughout Despite these changes, the Board’s stability and the year has been to maintain a watching brief flexibility continues to support the success of the over these changes, to provide policy analysis and organisation. understanding across a range of policy areas, and to liaise with our members to ensure the input I am proud to work with a skilled and dedicated we provide into policy development reflects the Board who are committed to the Illawarra Forum sentiment of the industry. and who work consistently to promote social justice in the region. I once again extend my sincere The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus said that “Change appreciation to my colleagues on the Board for is the only constant” and this is certainly true their ongoing dedication to this organisation, to this for our industry. And while the Forum has been industry and to the broader community. supporting organisations to translate policy into action, we have certainly not neglected our role On behalf of the Board, I’d like to acknowledge to analyse and to speak out about impacts for our committed and professional staff team; as well vulnerable communities. The organisation is rooted as the CEO Nicky Sloan, for her stewardship, her in social justice, and we remain committed to knowledge and her responsiveness to not only our promoting a just society by challenging inequality members, but also to the issues and challenges our and valuing diversity both in community service industry continues to face. We remain resolute in organisations and in individuals. Board and staff our efforts to keep the industry resilient and vibrant are united in their belief in the right to equitable in its pursuit of social justice and strengthening our treatment, in their support for human rights, and in communities. a fair allocation of community resources. Eleonore Johansson The Illawarra Forum too, is being impacted by Chair Nicky Sloan and Eleonore reform, and the Board has committed time and resources to securing the future of the organisation Johansson pictured at the by reviewing the internal structure and looking for Annual General meeting. opportunities to strengthen our financial position. It is important that the organisation remain strong and viable so that it is able to continue its support I am proud to work with a skilled for the sector in increasingly turbulent times. and dedicated Board who are committed to the Illawarra Forum This year has also been marked by some significant change in the composition of the Board of the and who work consistently to Illawarra Forum. At the last AGM we welcomed promote social justice in the two new Board members, bringing new skills and region. experience to the governance of the Forum, and during the year we also farewelled two Board
2 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 3 June, we hosted an Affordable Housing Breakfast in partnership with the Property Council. This CEO Report event brought together a great cross section of the Illawarra community, government, and business The Community Services Industry sectors to jointly discuss the affordable housing in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Reflecting back on the past twelve crisis within our region. is indeed fortunate to have such months, the key theme which emerges is a committed, experienced and Careers Expo: This year’s Careers Expo was once once again one of momentous change. again coordinated by the Illawarra Forum on behalf well-informed team working on The Illawarra Forum has not been of the Aged Care Illawarra Workforce Action Group its behalf. I am so privileged to unscathed by the changes and reforms (ACIWAG). The expo was a wonderful opportunity benefit from their passion and to help build a stronger and more vibrant workforce, knowledge, and so grateful for which have been impacting the whole raise the profile of the community services industry, their collegial support. attract new people to the sector, and provide them of the community services industry, and with information on careers and training programs. I am incredibly grateful for the strength, The A Good Day’s Work Careers Kit: a suite of flexibility and resilience which has been demonstrated by our Board innovative resources targeted at career’s advisors, and my wonderful colleagues as we adapt and change to suit the new school leavers, career changers, and organisations to attract new workers into the industry and build environment. the workforce of the future.
Our members are the backbone of our organisation, Despite the changes to our organisational structure, We continue to fulfil our role of Influence as we and I thank you all for your continued support as we and the loss of some key personnel, the Illawarra represent our local Industry on numerous advisory strive to fulfil our role as the region’s peak body. Forum has steadfastly continued to work towards panels, boards, and consultative bodies as well as our three strategic directions: Voice, Influence, in our meetings with government and business My grateful thanks to our Board for their vision and Leadership. Indeed, these three directions representatives, local politicians, and NSW and and leadership. We are indeed fortunate to have drawn from our corporate vision underpin all of our Federal Ministers. This year, for the first time, we attracted such a talented and knowledgeable group activities, and guide us in our work, our decision- also held Industry Breakfasts which focussed on of representatives to provide strong governance and making, and our planning. raising awareness on important issues amongst our guidance. Particular thanks to our Chair, Eleonore members, and on influencing key representatives Johansson for all she does for me and for the Our role as Voice for our members and our from other sectors. organisation; and for generously sharing her time, communities continues to be increasingly important her wisdom, and her boundless energy. at a time when change is widespread, and when We see our role as a Leader for our industry locally many organisations and individuals feel targeted as one of servant leadership, and as such we Finally, my most sincere admiration and thanks and disempowered. Over the past year, the team seek opportunity to be guided by our members, to the team at the Illawarra Forum. To reflect at the Illawarra Forum have researched, consulted and responsive to their needs. As part of our on the year is to marvel at the incredible output and written submissions, issues papers, media leadership role, we have continued to resource from such a small team, and to realise what can releases and policy responses across a vast range and support our members, to provide relevant be achieved when passionate and dedicated of policy areas. We have also appeared at NSW and up to date information, and to support individuals work together. The Community Services and Australian government parliamentary inquiries social justice in our region. We maintain a strong Industry in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven is indeed to give a voice to the issues which impact on our commitment to building expertise in community fortunate to have such a committed, experienced region and our industry. services by providing development and capacity and well-informed team working on its behalf. building activities to help our members prepare I am so privileged to benefit from their passion for the future, as well as professional development and knowledge, and so grateful for their collegial opportunities for boards, managers, and staff of support. community organisations. It has once again been a busy and challenging Our members are the backbone Some of our major activities over the past twelve year for all of us at the Illawarra Forum as we of our organisation, and I thank months include: work to pursue our mission to support community organisations, promote expertise and innovation, you all for your continued Industry Breakfasts: Our first forays into breakfast foster industry development, and promote social support as we strive to fulfil our meetings were very well attended, and highly justice across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. role as the region’s peak body. successful. In September, the first breakfast offered the opportunity to explore the new education and training landscape after the introduction of Smart and Skilled, in a targeted and compact format. In Nicky Sloan CEO
4 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 5 About the Illawarra Forum
Our Vision To be the Voice, the Influence and The Illawarra Forum is the peak body working for the Leader supporting the community community services and organisations in the Illawarra services industry and our communities. and the Shoalhaven. It supports community organisations, promotes expertise and innovation, fosters industry development and pursues social justice in the region. Its Our Mission membership consists of organisations and individuals that Support community organisations provide community services. Promote expertise and innovation Foster industry development Pursue social justice in the region As a broad based regional peak organisation, the Illawarra Forum takes up issues across program areas that impact on the region’s communities.
WE ARE THE
The Forum’s roles include:
• Building expertise in community • Representing the community services services industry • Resourcing and supporting • Promoting the wellbeing of community service communities organisations • Pursuing policy that supports social justice
6 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 7 Illawarra Forum Organisational Structure Nicky Sloan - CEO
Operations Debbie Sarah members Managers Littlehales Wilson
Office Manager Patricia Cachia board
Community Sarah Gadd Katie Fox Resource & Communication & Sector Development Development Officer Eleonore Johansson - Chair Development Officer Southern Youth & Family Services
Marlene Calleja - Vice Chair Warilla Neighbourhood Centre Sector Support Aged & Disability Service System Danna Nelse - Treasurer Development The Rail Neighbourhood Association Simone Stuart Jane Crowe Natalie Lance Thomas NSW HACC Development Brajkovic Development Officer Development Officer Officer Training & (Southern Highlands) Martin Millgate - Secretary and Team Leader Development Officer Individual Member
Daphne Olsen Deborah Byrne Grant Vukasinovic Ali Larkin Joni Braham Dave Samantha CareWays Community Baptist Community Services Greenacres Aboriginal Access Aboriginal Access Lawrie Officer Officer Robinson Disability Services Multicultural Access Enablement Project Officer Implementation Officer Ian McClintock Larissa Daniel Tenant Donna Warrigal Australian Community Participation Brotherson Support Organisation Resource Service Coordinator
Tessa Christine Racar Special Parsons Happen Coordinator and Training & Projects Project Officer Development Officer
8 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 9 Illawarra Forum Projects
Community Sector Representation Sector Support and SPECIAL PROJECTS Development The role of Illawarra Forum as a representative Development- Service Happen Project Community Sector Development activities are for the community services industry is a core part System Development of our activities as the regional peak body. Social The aim of this program was to encourage people funded by NSW Family and Community Services (Aged and Disability) - Community Services through the Community policy analysis and representation remain a core who live in social housing communities within the Builders Renewable funding program. part of the activities of the Illawarra Forum. Our The Illawarra Forum is proud to support the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), commitment to social justice underpins all of this Aged Care and Disability services in the Illawarra, who are at risk of or who have chronic disease Through this work we develop and implement work, and we work hard to keep our members Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands region through to engage in physical activity, healthy eating, and strategies to fulfil the Illawarra Forum’s role as up to date with relevant information and best the services we provided as part of the HACC smoking reduction. a regional peak organisation, resourcing and practice, and facilitate processes for organisations Development Project and now the Sector Support supporting community organisations to build to feedback to government on social policy and and Development program. The program ran a number of activities including capacity and capability in a number of ways government programs. theraband classes, walking groups, smoking including The Illawarra Forum hosts a number of cessation sessions and healthy eating workshops. All development positions that aim to support of the activities were designed to provide ongoing • Skills and Training Programs, in which we offer Illawarra South East Tenant the aged and disability sector through capacity benefits after the end of the program. training and individualised support for board Participation Resource building activities, network support, training, and members, managers, and staff working in the Service (TPRS) information provision. community services industry. Health Justice Report The Illawarra South East Tenant Participation The Sector Support Development Officer aims Illawarra Forum was commissioned by Illawarra • Community Sector Capacity Building, the Resource Service (TPRS) is funded through NSW to improve the capacity of Illawarra CHSP and Shoalhaven Partners in Recovery (ISPIR) to activities we provide, in which we build Department of Family & Community Services CCSP organisations to better meet the needs of identify ways in which the health and justice organisational and individual capacity in Housing NSW to work with social housing tenants their target population. The Development Officer sectors could work together more effectively in pertinent areas. This includes facilitation of and applicants across the region by providing supports and assists in resourcing HSP /CCSP the region. The report outlined a proposed model organisational planning and information about information, advice, skills programs, coordinated services, facilitates information flow, represents including information sharing, co-location, referral changes to policy and legislation. services delivery, community engagement activities service providers and consumer groups, empowers pathways and building trusted connections. The and departmental liaison. service users and liaises with Department of Health, implementation plan, which linked back to the • Sector Planning and Consultation, where and NSW Family and Community Services on a Health Justice Partnership Toolkit, focussed on the TPRS has had another successful year delivering we facilitate local agencies to work together range of issues including planning. better utilisation of existing resources within the programs to tenants across the Illawarra and South to identify gaps and strengths, identify service system around the proposed model. opportunities for collaborative practice, and East. TPRS works with a number of established The Aboriginal Development Officer works with facilitate cross-sectoral planning. This includes tenant groups, as well as community housing CHSP and CCSP organisations to improve access our member breakfast events, as well as policy providers, and local service providers in order to to services for people from an Aboriginal or Torres Secret Berkeley consultations and communities of practice. make its activities and programs accessible. Some Strait Island background. Photography Project of the activities conducted over the past 12 months • Resource Development which involves the include; First Aid courses, Food Cents workshops, The Multicultural Access Project Officer works with The Secret Berkeley Photo Project provided free development of resources highlighting current NBN information sessions and tenant forums. We Illawarra and Shoalhaven organisations to improve photography workshops with a professional best practice, regional statistical information have also been actively involved in the Collective access to their services by people from culturally photographer for people living in Berkeley to take and other useful resources. The Forum has 2518 project in Bellambi which has included and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. pictures of where they live in order to build capacity developed a range of issues papers, fact sheets extensive community consultation and safety audits. of community members and enhance community and other useful resources, as well as providing The CHSP /CCSP Training Program is a service which cohesion. a large range of useful external resources on the provides subsidised training for funded community Illawarra Forum website. care organisations and staff in the Illawarra, and The photography exhibition was officially launched Shoalhaven and contributes to the Illawarra Forum in October at Warrawong Library where the Annual Training Calendar. photographers, their families, friends, and members of the community joined them to view the pictures and to celebrate the ‘secret Berkeley’ in which they lived.
10 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 11 SnapshotIllawarra Forum 2015-16 SnapshotIllawarra Forum 2015-16
Mosque tour Community of Practice - Digital Engagement
In February 2016 the Sector Support and Development Multicultural In December 2015 the Illawarra Forum partnered with NSW Access Project organised a tour of Wollongong’s mosques. Department of Family and Community Services Illawarra Shoalhaven District to hold the inaugural meeting of the At Gwynneville Mosque the attendees had the The bus then took everyone to Bilal Mosque in Community of Practice - Digital Engagement. opportunity to meet the Imam, Sheikh Abdul Fattah, Cringilla, where Gary Ismail gave a comprehensive and were given an overview of the workings of seminar on the Islamic Faith which also included the Mosque. Dr. Munir spoke about some of the an opportunity to observe prayer time. This was A Community of Practice is a group of people Social media training is often requested by principals of the Islamic Faith and a lively question followed by lunch, also provided by the Mosque. meeting together to develop members’ skills and Illawarra Forum members and it is now essential and answer session ensued. to build and exchange knowledge. Communities of for organisations to be able to engage with both The 15 participants were very positive about the practice are unique in that they are driven by the clients and stakeholders online. Facilitating the Participants availed of the opportunity to visit and were appreciative of the hospitality shown needs and wants of the members. They rely on Community of Practice is a way to build on training, interact with Muslim community members over to them by both Mosques. active membership, and encourage members to and to provide organisations with the chance to refreshments provided by the Mosque. set topics and participate in planning to make the grow and develop their online presence. experience relevant, dynamic and useful. A small but enthusiastic group set the initial Terms The Digital Engagement Community of Practice is of Reference for the group and chose the first topic for anyone who wants to increase the capacity of ‘‘What can Social Media do for Me?’’ Other topics their organisation to engage online (with clients, have included ‘Crowd Funding’ and ‘How to use “...wonderful insight into Islam” funders or the general public). This includes social Digital Marketing to Engage your Clients’. media, web presence, videos, webinars etc. The opportunity to become involved in this Community The Digital Engagement Community of Practice now of Practice is open to individuals and organisations has a membership of 52, with participants selecting from non-government, government, business and the topics and attending the sessions that are community. relevant to their organisation.
“...It was interesting to learn why there are certain rituals when praying”
12 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 13 SnapshotIllawarra Forum 2015-16
Careers Expo 2016
Following the success of the inaugural event, a Careers Expo was held in April 2016 as an initiative of the Aged Care Illawarra Workforce Action Group (ACIWAG).
Membership of ACIWAG includes the Illawarra Forum, representatives of Aged & Community Services NSW & ACT (ACS), TAFE Illawarra, State Training Services, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Regional Development Australia Illawarra. The key objectives in hosting the Careers Expo were to: • help build stronger and more vibrant Aged Care, Community Care and Disability Services by From left to right, Stephen Jones providing opportunities for employers to fill their MP, Gareth Ward MP, Sharon Bird current and future job openings, MP, Nicky Sloan CEO Illawarra • attract new people to the sector and provide “I think there were some really good outcomes, them with information on careers and training particularly in terms of profile raising and media Forum, Mark Sewell CEO Warrigal programs to help them prepare for their future coverage, and the ability to spread the word in Aged, Community and Disability Services, and that the Aged & Disability sectors have brilliant opportunities for rewarding and diverse careers”. • assist attendees to find gainful employment and identify career opportunities in the Aged, And attendees also gave very positive feedback Community and Disability Services sector. “Great Information, very friendly” The event featured 28 exhibitors from across the Illawarra, some with vacant positions to fill on “Great Expo, Good Initiative!” the day, and others looking to their future staffing needs. The diversity and quality of the exhibition “I’ve been able to talk to a number of organisations stands reflected the skills and expertise required for re aged care/disabilities to find out what options I the workforce. can look into further”
Feedback on the quality of attendees and outcomes ACIWAG and the Careers Expo is a fine example of in terms of applications was very good. collaboration and cooperation across sectors.
“I spoke to many stakeholders who thought the Expo made some excellent profiling issues re the sector and the amazing collaboration between employers intrigued many in the media. Illawarra Forum coordination was outstanding, this is what excellence in sector support looks like! Well done everyone!”.
14 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 15 Illawarra Forum 2015-16 • Individual consultations, support and referrals to Overall the project was a huge success with medical and community services including GPs, many participants making small changes that will Snapshot dieticians and pharmacy ultimately benefit their health and wellbeing. • Health messages through games and trivia Overall the project was a huge success with questionnaires at groups and outings many participants making small changes that will ultimately benefit their health and wellbeing. • Quit smoking support group
• Social gatherings to invite more tenants to participate e.g. Neighbour Day morning tea, bus trip to local apple orchards Mirko who has had a stroke 18
• Participation in events promoting health years ago attended the six week In October 2014 the two year healthy living program was established messages: Open Day in the Garden, Kids Fest, theraband program to improve May Activity Day. as a partnership project between NSW Health Illawarra Shoalhaven the strength in his arms and legs. Local Health District (ISLHD) and the Illawarra Forum. Activities were conducted across the district from Bulli to Nowra. The project partnered with He also came to the coffee shop With ISLHD Health Promotion resourcing the Participants identified the keys to successful Warrawong, Berkeley and Port Kembla Community with his wife which was a big step project, Illawarra Forum employed a part time engagement as: low cost, participant lead, based Centres to deliver projects as well as linking into Healthy Living Project Officer, who delivered the within existing tenants groups, social engagement, programs provided by Barnardos, CareSouth and for him as he has tended to be project with the support of Illawarra and South East support to build confidence, fun, learn new things the PCYC. socially isolated since his stroke. Tenant Participation Resource Service and ISLHD and help with maintaining positive healthy lifestyle Over 400 residents participated in the range Health Promotion. The project officer also worked changes. of healthy living activities. Tenants groups and closely with local NGOs such as neighbourhood associated programs mainly used water as a first centres who provide a range of services to local Activities included: choice at group gatherings with water flavoured communities. • Six walking groups using pedometers, drink with herbs and fruit. Healthy eating options were bottles, hats, and prizes as incentives. Two promoted at tenant groups and social gatherings Objectives of the Project tenants trained as Heart Foundation Walking with the focus on increasing fruits and vegetables, • Connect and strengthen tenant communities Group leaders drinking tap water and reducing sugary food and through group activities drinks. • Eight group exercise programs - Gentle • Improve health literacy exercise, Therabands and fit boxing of 6- 8 weeks duration; facilitated by accredited fitness • Increase levels of weekly moderate intensity trainers as tasters to bridging mainstream physical activity and levels of healthy eating community participation
• Reduce sedentary behaviour • Four outdoor fitness equipment ‘Come and Try’ sessions • Increase smoking cessation attempts • Healthy eating sessions including label reading, • Increase awareness and engagement of supermarket tours, Stir it Up demonstrations residents with health service providers and Healthy BBQ’s at Men’s group. (mainstream services) and community based services • Four 6 week Healthy Cooking on a Budget programs A range of engagement activities were shaped around the existing interests and resources of • Three community gardening programs the tenant groups and focused on healthy living activities that also serve to build community • Three social community lunch or dinner connections and capacity. The activities reached programs with community organisations tenants of all ages including families, adults and • Over 20 Health information sessions discussing seniors. The majority of participants were adults not diabetes, tobacco use, stroke, women’s health, in the work force. CPR and basic first aid, basic health checks
• Promotion and referral to the Get Healthy Line and Quit Smoking Lines
16 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 17 SnapshotIllawarra Forum 2015-16
Members’ Breakfasts This year Illawarra Forum launched their series of Member Breakfasts. The series offered members opportunities to learn more about issues and programmes affecting the community services industry. They were organised in partnership with organisations from other sectors and enabled contributions from a cross section of the Illawarra community.
Education & Training; Navigating Affordable Housing the new landscape The Affordable Housing Members’ Breakfast held in June was hosted jointly with the Property Council. The On the 23rd September 2015, the Illawarra breakfast brought together a large cross section of Forum held the first Members’ Breakfast at the the Illawarra community, government, and business Wollongong Golf Club. The members’ breakfast sectors to discuss access to affordable housing, which offered the opportunity to explore the new regularly comes up as the most pressing concern for education and training landscape after the our members and their clients. introduction of Smart and Skilled. Over 65 people attended the breakfast, with many of them arriving Over 100 people attended the event at Wollongong bright and early, undeterred by the 7:30am start. Golf Club and heard about approaches to the affordable housing agenda within this region,and Short presentations were made by: across Australia. • David Harris, Training Services Manager, State Training Services Speakers included: • Dianne Murray, Institute Director, TAFE Illawarra • Sebastian James, Director Housing, Disability and • Kerrie Smith, Training and Operations Manager, Home Care Services, NSW Department of Family WEA and Community Services • Tony Keir, Regional Manager, Australian Business • Nicola Lemon, Chair, Power Housing Australia Centre, Apprenticeship + Traineeships. • Jennifer Macquarie, Director, Fountaindale Group • Joan Ferguson - CEO The Housing Trust An interesting Q&A was chaired by Nicky Sloan and participants were free to leave the Golf Club at • Nick Murdoch - Director Ecoblue Developments. 9:00am and start their day. The Members’ Breakfast The speakers prompted diverse and interesting Nicky Sloan CEO Illawarra Forum received positive feedback with participants questions from the floor relating to everything from appreciating the knowledgeable presenters and the with the panel from the Affordable financing models to environmental sustainability breakfast format that is unusual in the community challenges. The event received excellent feedback. Housing Members’ Breakfast. services industry. Further work on the affordable housing agenda continues in conjunction with the Property Council.
18 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 19 SnapshotIllawarra Forum 2015-16 Governance Poster - What is my role in the organisation? Illawarra Forum designed a poster for community services which identifies the roles of board, YEAR IN BRIEF management and staff/volunteers.. It is useful to assist all parties to clearly see their role and how it fits into the bigger picture. This poster is available Illawarra Forum sources and Roadmap for the Future of on the website. develops a range of resources Community Services and publications to build capacity The Roadmap continues to and improve outcomes for inform much of the work of Illawarra Forum. A Progress communities. Resources are Report was produced available to members and the after consultation with public through the Illawarra the Industry to update the Roadmap Action Plan. The A Good Day’s Work Forum website. Progress Report highlights Illawarra Forum produced a series of videos and innovative initiatives from Fact Sheets which highlight the range of career Illawarra Forum the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. opportunities in Aged and Disability Services. Aged, e-newsletter Community and Disability Services are the fastest Illawarra Forum Website growing employers in Australia. Hundreds of new Illawarra Forum issued 36 e-newsletters this year workers are needed each year to meet the growing Illawarra Forum website has been refreshed to including 6 special bulletins on the Workforce demand. Planning and Development Forum, a Pre-Election provide up to date, relevant and easy to find Bulletin, Consultations on Targeted Earlier information to its members. The website received Intervention Program, Residential Tenancies Act, 10,251 hits this financial year. Below are some and Domestic Violence and Gender Equality examples of the information contained on the website. Fact Sheets Fact Sheets are produced on hot topics or new and emerging themes in the community services industry. Illawarra Forum produced 4 fact sheets to add to their collection available on the website. They are focussed on: • Governance Resources for board members • Finance Resources for board members Training - a comprehensive listing of all the • Social Enterprises Illawarra Forum Training sessions. • Effective Referrals in community services Fact Sheets - a range of fact sheets for the community services industry. Topics include Governance, Partnerships, Grant Writing and Collective Impact. Resources - a selection of resources that are produced in and relevant to the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Interagencies - An up to date list of interagenices in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Submissions; a record of the consultations and submissions completed by the Illawarra Forum including full submissions when available.
20 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 21 Illawarra Forum 2015-16 Policy, Submissions and • Attendance at consultation and submission to Responses Human Rights Commission- Issues Paper: People Snapshot with a disability • Appearance at Senate Standing Committees • Briefing paper for MP’s on regional priorities for on Community Affairs- Inquiry into Impact on pre-budget submission. service quality, efficiency and sustainability of recent Commonwealth community service • Submission to and Appearance before the NSW tendering processes by the Department of Social Government Point to Point Transport Taskforce YEAR IN BRIEFcontinued Services • Participant at workshop hosted by Gareth Ward • Appearance at Australian Governments- MP and Department of Premier and Cabinet on Legislative Council’s Inquiry into Vocational Illawarra Shoalhaven Youth Employment. Collaborations and education and training in NSW • Submission to the Senate Standing Committees Partnerships ABCD -Community Affairs on the Future of the Aged Network Aboriginal Media Care Sector Workforce Disability Forum Age Care Illawarra • State and Federal Budget analyses - ABC Illawarra, Workforce Action Group (ACIWAG) • Submission to Senate Finance and Public i98 & Wave FM Aged and Community Services Administration Committee – Domestic Violence NSW & ACT Ageing Carers’ Network and gender inequality • ABC Illawarra radio interviews- workforce Alzheimers NSW Anglicare Argyle development, refugee issues, housing Neighbour Aid • Submission on the Statutory Review of the Community Housing Barnardos Batemans affordability and the impacts of proposed and Social Support Residential Tenancies Act 2010: Discussion Paper Bay Mens Shed Berkeley Development changes to superannuation. Program Northern Assoc Bluescope Steel CALD Coordinator’s • Submission to Public Accounts Committee- Illawarra Meals on Wheels Meeting CareSouth Catholic Care Digital Inquiry into the Management of NSW Public • Illawarra Mercury, Wollongong Advertiser & Northern Engagement Community of Practice Housing Maintenance Contracts Wave FM- Inequality in Australia and the Cost of Settlement Community Care Collective Community Living Reports Services NSW Dept • Submission to Department of Family and Care Issues Forum Dementia Network Industry: State Training Services Community Services- Targeted Earlier Digital Business Hub Elders Social Group • VOX FM – joined Mark Sewell to speak about NSW Dept Premier and Cabinet Intervention Programs – Sector Consultation workforce opportunities on The Conversation Electricity & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) NSW Fair Trading PCYC PICAC Red Paper Response Hour End of Life Working Party Ethnic Community Cross Regional Development Australia Services Cooperative Ethnic Communities Council • Submission to Standing Committee on Social Illawarra Regional HACC Forum Scope • Filmed a ‘fitness’ clip to promote the Making NSW FACS Flagstaff FONGA Grand Pacific Health Issues - Inquiry into Service Coordination in Access Shellharbour Council Shelter Healthy Normal project promoting the Green Connect Greenacres Disability Services Communities with High Social Needs NSW Shoalhaven Aboriginal Community importance of workplace wellness. Healthy Communities IACBWG IDEAS Illawarra Alliance Interagency (SACAI) Shoalhaven • Submission to Department of Social Services Aboriginal Council Illawarra Aboriginal Disability Aboriginal Network of Disability Services - Review of the National Disability Advocacy • The Secret Berkeley photo exhibition at Action Group (IADAG) Illawarra Area Managers (SANDS) Shoalhaven Council Shoalhaven Framework Warrawong library. Group Illawarra Disability Alliance Illawarra HACC Forum Shoalhaven Homelessness • Attendance at consultation and submission Legal Centre Illawarra Regional Community Interagency Southern Cross Community to Human Rights Commission- Issues Paper: Development Consortium Inc. Illawarra Housing Southern Youth and Family Employment discrimination against older Shoalhaven Local Health District Illawarra Services Stir it Up Sydney Water Customer Australians Multicultural Service Low Income Energy Council TAFE Illawarra The Housing Efficiency Project Consortium MAP Trust The Kiama Dementia Friendly Network Multicultural Communities Alliance The Multicultural Network The Council Illawarra Multicultural Property Council of Australia - Illawarra Advisory Committee Navitas Branch University of Wollongong NCOSS Regional Forum – Community Reference Group NCOSS Sector University of Wollongong-Faculty of Development Forum Social Sciences UOW Sustainable Building Research Centre Warrigal Wollongong Council Wollongong HACC
22 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 23 Voice Marketing Media Illawarra Forum has a dual role as The Illawarra Forum considers its team members • State and Federal Budget analysis - ABC and the work they do in the community as our Illawarra, i98 & Wave FM the Voice for Community Services greatest marketing tool. • ABC Illawarra radio interviews- workforce in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. • Illawarra Forum website received 10,251 hits. development, refugee issues, housing The first is to ensure services are affordability and the impacts of proposed • Attendance at a large number of meetings, changes to superannuation. aware of policy changes and issues. forums etc. The second is to ensure the voice • Illawarra Mercury, Wollongong Advertiser & • Extensive use of social media sites in promoting Wave FM- Inequality in Australia and the Cost of of the Community Services industry the work of the Illawarra Forum and its Living Reports is heard at all levels of government members. • VOX FM - joined Mark Sewell to speak about and that decision makers are aware • Distributed 36 Illawarra Forum newsletters and workforce opportunities on The Conversation of the needs of our region. bulletins to over 500 subscribers. Hour • Presentations to a wide variety of groups and • Filmed a ‘fitness’ clip to promote the Making conferences/ forums. Healthy Normal project promoting the Connecting Informing importance of workplace wellness. Illawarra Forum facilitates connections between The Illawarra Forum continues to provide up to • The Secret Berkeley photo exhibition at industry sectors and services in order to date information on the major issues affecting the Warrawong library. collaborate and achieve mutual goals. industry and the wider community in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. The Illawarra Forum does this • Affordable Housing Breakfast in partnership through its participation in groups, presentations with the Property Council (Illawarra) with over and facilitation. 100 attendees including architects, developers, community service providers, education and • HACC regional forums and Community Care Government. Forums.
• Coordination of 2016 Careers Expo for careers in • Participation in the ‘refresh’ of UOW Strategic aged and disability services with over 1000 jobs Plan as part of Community Reference Group. available. • Developed submission on the NSW Senate • Production of Health Justice Network report and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into service implementation plan to increase collaboration coordination in communities with high social and improve client outcomes. needs.
• Tour of Wollongong Mosques with a seminar • Feedback to evaluation of the FaCS One Place on Islamic Faith to build connection and process and outcomes. understanding across faiths. • Representing the region at Sydney Water • Development and delivery of workshops on Customer Council meeting. ‘Engaging with NSW Government’ • Ongoing tenant meetings to provide tenants • Member of Bluescope Community Reference with information relevant to their tenancy. Committee. • Development of a variety of factsheets on • Coordination of the Illawarra Social Housing relevant topics. Tenants Forum in partnership with The Housing Trust.
24 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 25 Influence Submissions and Appearances: Empowering Illawarra Forum aims to represent • Appearance at Senate Standing Committees The Illawarra Forum provides capacity building on Community Affairs- Inquiry into Impact on for community organisations, the development and build the Community Services service quality, efficiency and sustainability of peer support groups, and the provision Industry in the Illawarra and of recent Commonwealth community service of professional development to staff and tendering processes by the Department of Social organisations. Shoalhaven. This includes developing Services • 175 training, information and capacity building submissions on policy areas that • Appearance at Australian Governments- sessions with over 2900 attendees. Legislative Council’s Inquiry into Vocational • Coordination of Illawarra and Shoalhaven under reform, providing professional education and training in NSW development opportunities to staff Managers Taskforces to enable local community • Submission to the Senate Standing Committees services leaders to share knowledge, skills and working within the industry and -Community Affairs on the Future of the Aged address pertinent issues. Care Sector Workforce promoting innovation and quality • Coordination of Community Care Collective • Submission to Senate Finance and Public • Coordination of Social Procurement Working improvement in service provision. Administration Committee – Domestic Violence Group and gender inequality • Establishment and coordination of Digital • Submission on the Statutory Review of the Engagement Community of Practice Representing Representation at: Residential Tenancies Act 2010: Discussion Paper • Development of numerous factsheets and • Ageing Client Carer Disability Network • Submission to Public Accounts Committee- The Illawarra Forum continues to represent the resources including Governance poster, social Inquiry into the Management of NSW Public community services industry in the Illawarra • Kiama Dementia Friendly Alliance enterprise factsheet. and Shoalhaven on key groups and develops Housing Maintenance Contracts • Shoalhaven Dementia Network • Distribution of translated documentation in submissions and papers on a range of issues • Submission to Department of Family and • Community Home Support Program meetings 8 languages about the Aged Care Complaints coming out of the all levels of Government. Community Services- Targeted Earlier Commission. • Multicultural Access Project Network Intervention Programs – Sector Consultation Member of: • NCOSS Sector Development Paper Response • NCOSS Regional Forum • Shoalhaven Homelessness Interagency • Submission to Standing Committee on Social Building Issues - Inquiry into Service Coordination in • TAFE Illawarra Advisory Council. • Illawarra Refugee Issues Forum The Illawarra Forum builds the community services Communities with High Social Needs • Sydney Water Customer Council • QUANG- Queanbeyan Interagency sector in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region • Submission to Department of Social Services • Forum of Non- Government Agencies • Barrack Heights Round Table through one to one mentoring with managers, - Review of the National Disability Advocacy strategic planning, support and training for Boards • Regional Development Australia Illawarra Board • Illawarra Interagency Framework and assistance in the development of policies and • Bluescope Consultative Committee • Dementia and Aged Care Eurobodalla • Attendance at consultation and submission procedures. • Aged Care Industry Workforce Action Group to Human Rights Commission- Issues Paper: • NDS Provider Forum • Facilitation of reviews and planning with: (ACIWAG) Employment discrimination against older • Disability Workforce Committee - Southern Highlands Community Transport • Primary Health Network Community Advisory Australians • Eurobodalla Aged Care - Aboriginal Community Development Committee. • Attendance at consultation and submission to Organisations • Monaro Regional Interagency • Kiama Dementia Friendly Alliance Human Rights Commission- Issues Paper: People - Northern Illawarra Meals on Wheels • ACS Regional Meetings with a disability • UOW Community Reference Group - Committee Against Domestic Violence • Community Care Issues Forum • Briefing paper for MP’s on regional priorities for - Shoalhaven Women’s Resource Group • Energy + Illawarra (Low Income Energy pre-budget submission. - 2 local organisations working with CALD Efficiency) steering committee • Illawarra Aboriginal Disability Access Group groups • Shoalhaven Aboriginal Community Alliance • Submission to and Appearance before the NSW • Review panel for the Stronger Communities - Group of local services wanting to develop Services Government Point to Point Transport Taskforce Grants consortium • Participant at workshop hosted by Gareth Ward • Social Procurement Working Group • Shoalhaven Aboriginal Network of Disability Services MP and Department of Premier and Cabinet on • Development and promotion of Careers Toolkit • Communities for Children Steering committee. Illawarra Shoalhaven Youth Employment. promoting careers in the aged and disability • Shoalhaven Disability Forum. services industry for school leavers and young people. • Participation in the development of a new degree course to be offered by TAFE Illawarra from 2017.
26 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 27 Leadership A key pillar of our strategic plan is to provide leadership in the Community Services industry by 2900 inspiring, sustaining and changing People Training practices. This year heralded attended175sessions significant reform across all sectors of the Community Services industry. Illawarra Forum worked hard to support services through this change to ensure the provision of 36 high quality sustainable services to Newsletters their clients. 289 Inspiring Changing People attended the Aged and Disability • Presentations to TAFE students to discuss • Support of innovative community development Careers Expo systemic advocacy and explain how Illawarra practice through Collective Impact Steering Forum works to represent organisations and committee and Collective2518 working group. communities across the region. • Development of training packages in Consumer • Development of Digital Engagement Community Directed Care and Person Centred Planning 14 of Practice. approaches. Policy papers, submissions and • Refugee Awareness training session at • Training and information sessions to workers appearances Shoalhaven Arts Centre within the disability sector on the move to the NDIS. 540 • ReThink Respite service development People attended Tenant consultation in conjunction with UOW looking at • Training and information session to workers and Participation Resource Service improving attitudes, beliefs and uptake of respite individuals and the My Aged Care reforms. 25 events and information sessions for people living with dementia and their carers, Strategic in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. planning and development Sustaining sessions
• Strategic review of the first year of the Aged Care Industry Workforce Action Group (ACIWAG). • Providing recommendations and action planning to improve cross sector collaboration between 10,251 Health and Justice Service providers. Visits to the Forum web site • Member of Collective ISD steering committee meeting and working group on progressing Collective impact within the region, and particularly the 2518 postcode.
28 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 29 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 31 illawarraforum.org.au Annual Report
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