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A MESSAGE FROM NCOSS CEO

Joanna Quilty

Dear All,

The holidays now feel well and truly over and we are all back in the thick of it. There’s a lot to keep track on as we work together to improve the lives of people in NSW.

On Tuesday morning we launched the Building Great Communities Campaign. The campaign has been developed by an alliance of 18 community organisations and asks all political parties to commit to increasing investment in the community sector in the lead up to the NSW election. We have a joint campaign website that provides further information, resources and includes a policy tracker. You can find the website here along with a video release here. Add it to your favourites to keep track of the commitments made by the major political parties.

Last week I attended the Ministerial Forum on Financial Hardship and Homelessness. The Forum brought together leaders from across government, the private sector, specifically utility services and experts in homelessness and financial inclusion.

The Forum showcased how some big businesses are responding to their customers experiencing financial hardship. It was fantastic to discuss how government, business and the social and community service sector can work together to increase uptake of financial inclusion products, and there was a strong consensus that collaboration is key. While making rebates accessible to those that need it is important, this in itself will not increase financial inclusion in NSW. To be financially included you need to have financial products and services, social capital, financial knowledge and behaviour and most importantly economic resources. It is essential to acknowledge that there are many other policy levers available to state and federal governments to reduce the cost of living for low income households and help them gain economic resources.

As I write this the Final Report of Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry has just been released. We all hope that the recommendations will lead to lasting change in the culture and practices of this sector; including more responsible lending and the end of predatory behaviour targeting vulnerable people.

You can keep track on what NCOSS and the alliance is doing via our social media platforms. Please join us and post what you are doing. Don’t forget to tag us in your local election campaign activities.

Be well

- Joanna Quilty, NCOSS CEO

NCOSS News & Events

NCOSS Sector Development Training Opportunities 2019

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NCOSS is pleased to present its 2019 (Quarter 1) learning and development opportunities, a combination of ‘tried and tested’ topics as well as a first offering. As the sector continues to move into 'new ways of doing things', there has never been a more exciting time to learn from one another. These highly-participatory training sessions are great opportunities to exercise peer reflective learning, evidence-informed problem-solving, and outcomes-driven discussions. Click HERE for more information about the upcoming March training sessions and to register.

Financial Inclusion Network Launches 2019 Election Platform

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NCOSS is a member of the NSW Financial Inclusion Network which has just released its priorities for the 2019 State Election. Two million Australians experience severe or high financial stress, with one in five reporting that they cannot raise two thousand dollars in an emergency. The Financial Inclusion Network highlights the issue of financial exclusion in NSW and calls for the incoming Government to adopt a whole of government approach to address financial exclusion, invest in building financial resilience and develop financial inclusion. You can read the full platform HERE.

Uniting Publishes Paper on Creating a Connected and Inclusive NSW

Uniting has published a policy paper setting out their vision to create a society in NSW that is inclusive, connected and just. Inclusive, connected and just: our vision for NSW outlines concrete, achievable solutions to ensure that some of the most marginalised people in our communities do not miss out on the benefits of a strong economy. Uniting are also calling for a serious commitment to address the entrenched disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with strategies shaped in partnership with Aboriginal communities. You can read the full paper HERE.

StandByMe Calls for Ongoing Funding for Disability Advocacy

Our final big event before the election is a rally - Sunday 24 Feb from 11am to 12pm in Martin Place in the Sydney CBD. The rally will be a chance to come out in force - to show politicians and the media that disability advocacy is essential and that the people of NSW want to know that it is here to stay. The event will call on all parties to #StandByMe. To help with numbers can you please email and advise how many people you will bring to the rally on the day ([email protected]) or click on the link below to register individuals directly HERE.

icare Foundation Opening a $4M Funding Call for Innovative Ideas

Applications are open for a share in $4 million of funding from the icare Foundation available to anyone with an innovative idea to improve the quality of life for people living with a serious injury. Applications are open for four weeks from Monday 21 January until Friday 15 February 2019. Interested parties can register to attend an information session on 6 February at the Start Up Hub on York Street, Sydney. Click HERE for more information.

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Community Services News & Resources

Close the Gap Day - 21st March 2019 - Life expectancy widening?

National Close the Gap Day sheds light on the many issues that still surround the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. ANTaR says Australia’s universal health system has been failing First Australians for far too long.

The term 'digital divide' is usually used with reference to those who can't afford or use technology easily. So how did three of the big four banks found themselves on the wrong side of Apple Pay recently?

The NSW Electoral Commission is seeking 10,000 staff to fill a range of jobs at the 2019 State election on March 23, particularly in Western Sydney. Roles are available for election day, as well as up to 8 weeks prior for some administrative roles. No prior experience necessary & training is provided.

NSW high schools are now able to choose if and how they ban mobile phone use. What does this mean for their student's learning potential?

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Professional Development Events

Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) Conference - 27 Feb-1 Mar 2019, Melbourne

Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) Conference
'Your Time is Now!'
27 February-1 March 2019
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

QPASTT

Australia & New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference
27–29 March 2019
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

More information and registration

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In Brief

Youth Solutions are looking for young people aged 18 – 25 years to complete a survey and give as many young people as possible the opportunity to have their say. The survey is anonymous, takes 5 minutes and there is the potential to win a $200 JB Hi-Fi voucher. You can take the survey here or via Facebook.

NSW Legislative Council Workshop – 13 March. Register now for a free workshop being held in Sydney to learn about the parliamentary inquiry process and how to maximise your impact.

Justice Connect - Board Inductions for Not-for-profits – Tuesday 12 February Our popular Board Induction webinar is ideal for new board members or those looking for a refresher on their roles and responsibilities. Register here.

Youth Solutions are looking for young people aged 18 – 25 years to complete a survey about alcohol consumption and give as many young people as possible the opportunity to have their say. The survey is anonymous, takes 5 minutes and there is the potential to win a $200 JB Hi-Fi voucher. You can take the survey here or via Facebook.

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