News Articles

Community service courses starting February 27

20th Feb 12

Diploma of Community Services Work
Diploma of Child, Youth & Family Intervention

Give your community service career a boost in the new year and enrol in one of nationally recognised and government-accredited diploma courses. Accelerated courses, Saturday and evening classes available for existing workers in the community service sector (subject to demand). BCA National training group also offers recognition of prior learning.

BCA National is dedicated to equipping you with the skills, knowledge and ethical attributes to work at an advanced level with numerous career opportunities.

Either diplomas can gain students up to a year off the University of Sydney's Bachelor of Social Work.

Starts: February 27, 2012 (contact BCA National for the training schedule).
Where: Multiple locations in NSW including Pyrmont, Bankstown and Gosford; and QLD - Brisbane and Logan.
Duration: 12 months.
Prerequisites: Sufficient work experience OR the Certificate IV in Community Services Work.
Delivery Method: One face-to-face workshop per fortnight + online tutorials. Saturday and evening classes available, subject to demand.
Student Support: Yes. Expert trainer, email and phone support, and mentor program.
Course Materials: All materials provided including workbooks.

Study NOW, pay later! Both courses are VET FEE-HELP approved.

For further course information or to enrol today, please email Felipe on felipe@bcanational.com or call 1300 69 35 65.

Role Requirement Frameworks

15th Feb 12

LCSA Members can now access Role Requirement Frameworks. These are valuable tools which will enable your organisation to prepare for the transition to the modern award.

To access the Frameworks you need to log in as an active (ie financial) member and click here.

Advance Notice

16th Feb 12

The 2012 LCSA Conference will be held at the Citigate Central on 4th - 6th September 2012.

Conference Theme: Authentic Engagement

Suggestions for sub-themes, keynote presentations and workshops are welcome and should be made via email to brian@lcsansw.org.au.

.....and as we are getting very organised:

The 2013 LCSA Conference will be held on 27th - 29th August 2013.

Reserve these dates now.

FAST and National Stroke Week 2012

24th Dec 11

FAST - warning signs of stroke (Month of March 2012)
Planned advertising will occur in March, June and October this year however FAST activities will be run year round.
To support FAST advertising in March, the National Stroke Foundation is asking community groups to order a FAST activity pack online, click here. This pack will assist you in holding an activity or display that promotes the FAST message. You might want to distribute the FAST wallet cards to your members, or put the posters up in your club room. FAST resources are also available year round for you to order.
If you would like to participate in other ways or have any queries, please contact Jasmine Sison at jsison@strokefoundation.com.au or 03 9670 1000.
National Stroke Week (10-16 September 2012)
Online registrations for a Stroke Week pack will open in May. Community groups are encouraged to order a pack and hold an activity or display that promotes 1 in 6 during the campaign week and month of September.
More information will be sent prior to May, to inform you when registrations open. Save the date and watch this space!
For more information, please contact Natalie Forrestal at nforrestal@strokefoundation.com.au or 02 8404 4190.

Help in paying power bills

23rd Dec 11

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills and you live in NSW, you may be eligible for financial support.

Carolyn Hodge, Senior Policy Officer, Public Interest Advocacy Centre's Energy + Water Consumers' Advocacy program has prepared this article for neighbourhood and community centres.

Download it today and share it with your community.

Equal pay case and small community services organisations

23rd Dec 11

NCOSS will be consulting with small, generalist community services in regional NSW in February 2012.

These consultations will provide essential background information on the Equal Pay Case , cover some of the likely implications and find out what your organisation needs from the NSW Government to assist with the implementation issues.

Managers and Management Committee members of small community service NGOs are invited to register their attendance at the consultations in Dubbo, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Ballina, Queanbeyan or Narooma.

Download: Flyer with dates, locations and registration information

Child Protection Guide to Policy and Practice

21st Aug 11

This Guide provides policies that can be adopted by organisations as their agency child protection policies, and material providing practice guidance promoting good practice in child protection and wellbeing.
The Guide has been a collaborative effort between:

YAPA - Youth Action & Policy Association NSW
LCSA - Local Community Services Association
ACWA - Association of Children's Welfare Agencies
FamS - NSW Family Services Inc

with the unique expertise of our consultant, Bronwen Elliott. Development of the resource has been supported by the Department of Family and Community Services and the NSW Commission for Children and Young People.

Read More about the Guide here

Download the Guide here

Places available in March Book now !

13th Feb 12

• Thurs/Fri 8 and 9 Mar and 15 and 16 Mar 2012 Family Group Conferencing (Accredited)

• Thursdays 15,22 and 29 Mar 2012 Clinical Supervision

• Fri 16 Mar 2012 (rescheduled from Jan 27) Helping Your Child with Primary School (to run groups with parents)

• Mon 19 Mar 2012 Engaging Men In Family Based Programs

• Mon/Tues 19 and 20 Mar 2012 Accidental Counsellor at Campbelltown

• Tues/Wed 20 and 21 Mar 2012 Community Development -Theory and Practice (Accredited)

• Fri 23 March 2012 Strengths Based Therapeutic Work with Children

• Wed 28 March Working With Addictions in Child and Family Work

• Wed 28 March Domestic Violence Awareness for Frontline Workers

See www.ifp.nsw.edu.au or call us (02)88300755 or email info@ifp.nsw.edu.au

Engaging Men in your programs

24th Aug 11

The workshop will explore the importance of the fathers’ role in family services and how programs can engage and support this opportunity.

The workshop focuses on:
• Understanding what men might want when accessing community services
• Using strengths based approaches when working with men
• Engaging men in child protection issues and family based programs
• Exploring skills used to work with men in a non-threatening way and modelling effective, respectful and inclusive communication when working with men
• Working with fathers to increase their engagement in their children’s lives
• Engaging fathers using the father inclusive practice and the generative framework
• Effective ways for female workers to work with men.

Your trainer Andrew King is a consultant trainer and program developer in group work, working with men and strengths based practice.

Date: Friday 9th September 2011
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Cost: $198
Location: 146 Marsden St , Parramatta
Email: info@ifp.nsw.edu.au
Tel No: 02 8830 0755

Working with Addictions in Child and Family Work

8th Feb 12

The Institute of Family Practice (IFP) draws on a history of recognised contemporary practice to develop and deliver skills based training programs in human and community services that are targeted and grounded in solid practice.

IFP offers consultancies in professional development and qualifications in your workplace or at our IFP training rooms located in Parramatta. These may be short and long courses, nationally recognised and non accredited.

Our 2012 courses are advertised on our website at www.ifp.nsw.edu.au under Counselling, Family Dispute Resolution and Professional Development Calendar (by month). Courses which may be of interest include:

• Accidental Counsellor
• Working with Addictions in Child and Family Work
• Managing Angry Adolescents Differently
• Domestic Violence Awareness
• Working with the potential for violence when Working with Young People
• Group Work with Children
• Strengths based Therapeutic Work with Children
• Introduction to Strengths
• Helping Your Child with Early Learning
• Keeping Children Safe

For information about any of our courses call (02)88300755 or email info@ifp.nsw.edu.au

Exciting Opportunity for a Cadetship/ Scholarship for Aboriginal and T

8th Feb 12

UnitingCare Unifam and the Institute of Family Practice are using funds provided by the Attorney General’s department to offer scholarships and/or cadetships to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people interesting in working in the family relationship sector in family counselling, family dispute resolution, intake or family advisor roles. Scholarships are available from IFP that will pay all tuition for Diploma of Counselling, Vocational Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling, Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. Classes will be held in IFP’s training rooms in Parramatta.

Cadetships are also available within Unifam. These are full or part-time (depending on the applicant’s choice), will be located at one of Unifam’s offices and will be an opportunity to apply the skills being learnt or honed in the course. It is also possible to apply for the cadetship alone if applicants already hold an appropriate qualification and want to move into individual couple and family counselling or family dispute resolution or interested in intake roles within an FRC or Unifam.

Applications are strongly invited from UC CYPF staff. Any questions about the scholarship or cadetship or both please ring Kim Wilcox on 88300755 or contact Kim kwilcox@ifp.nsw.edu.au

Applications close 27 February 2012; the Counselling qualifications start in March; FDR in May.

Also see Professional Development Calendar Jan – May 2012 at www.ifp.nsw.edu.au

What's happening @ Belmont Neighbourhood Centre?

23rd Jan 12

Term 1 Workshops- bookings essential for all courses and programs

NEW U3A Course- helping your Grandchildren with homework.
NEW Justice of The Peace service available Mon, Wed– Fri 9am to 2pm
NEW BNC Op Shop each Wednesday afternoon 1-3pm by donation
6th Feb; Basic Computer skills Class– cost $20 for 4 week s 1-3pm
Starts 13th Feb ; Lifeskills for blokes! Kitchen basics. A fun, no pressure , hands on class including lunch. Cost $10 . 2nd & 4th Mon each month
NEW 14th Feb; ARE YOU A PARENT STRUGGLING WITH YOUR TEEN? Parenting information group with a different gust speaker each week. 7pm start, Cost $10 for 7 weeks group & includes light supper
NEW 15th Feb; “New Year...New Job?” 5 week job ready course with ES recruitment. Cost $20 for 5 weeks; 11-12.30- includes morning tea
NEW 2nd March; Compost basics; Free workshop in the Community Garden 9.30am start
YOUTH WEEK 13-22nd April– Get involved… Get Connected & Join the planning group now. Email your interest to info@bnc.asn.au

MDS Training

20th Jan 12

MDS Training (RTO Registration Number 70215) provides high quality training and assessing.
We are proud of our services to business, organisation and individual students.
We provide nationally recognised qualifications including:
BSB40807 Cert IV Frontline Management
CHC40508 Cert IV Mental Health
CHC40308 Cert IV Disability Work
TAE40110 Cert IV Training and Assessment
BSB51107 Diploma of Management
CHC50108 Diploma of Disability

MDS Training also provides support with training needs analysis and customised in house training.

We also have training available in:
• Restrictive Practices
• Challenging Behaviours
• Managing staff with a Disability
• Disability Awareness
• Recruiting, Selecting and Inducting Staff
• Managing and Supervising staff

For more information please call Erin De Rooy on 02 4621 8400.

Law for Community Sector Workers 2012 - Sydney Metropolitan

19th Jan 12

Legal Aid NSW provides free workshops for staff, volunteers and board/committee members of NSW community organisations as a part of Law for Community Sector Workers program. These workshops cover many areas of law including family law, employment rights, mental health and various other topics. All workshops are delivered by experienced lawyers and are free of charge.

These workshops are held in Sydney, Bankstown, Parramatta, Newcastle, Maitland, Gosford, Wollongong, Dapto, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith. Legal Aid NSW will enclose a copy of the workshop calendar for your area for February to July 2012 for your convenience.

Registration is essential. To register for a workshop or obtain more information, please call Legal Aid NSW on 02 9219 5879 or email cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

February Groupwork

10th Jan 12

• Couples Communication Skills – a 3 week ongoing group (with free childcare) for couples who are parents of children aged 0 -12 years on Saturdays 10am – 12.30pm on 4th, 11th and 18th February, limited spaces, booking essential
• Stress less for Men – a 3 week ongoing group for men on Thursdays, 5.30 – 7pm on 9th, 16th and 23rd February
• Tools to Help Babies Flourish – for parents of children aged 0 -12 years(with free childcare) on Wednesday 15th February 10am – 12.30pm, booking essential
• TimeOut for Mums – Jewellery Craft – for Mums of children aged 0 – 8 yrs (with free childcare) Monday 20th February 10am – 12noon
• Older & wiser – Common Experiences of Ageing – with free morning tea, Wednesday 22nd February 9.30 – 11.30am, booking essential

ABCD Facilitator Training Workshop

24th Dec 11

Inspiring Communities is excited to announce Asset Based Community Development facilitators’ workshops to be held in Sydney in April 2012.

The workshops will be facilitated by Ted Smeaton, keynote speaker at LCSA's last annual conference.

Ted has over twenty five years’ experience in strength based community building, organisation and policy development. He works in Australia and internationally assisting communities, organisations, agencies and governments to come up with innovative ways of stimulating community, social renewal and social inclusion. While based in Australia, Ted is an international faculty member of the ABCD Institute at the University of North Western Chicago USA, and Chairperson of the ABCD Asia Pacific Network.

For further information and registration form click the link below:

ABCD Workshops 2012

New resources on fencing and boundary disputes available on LawAssist

22nd Nov 11

Resources for people involved in fencing and boundary matters have been added to the LawAssist website. There is information about things to consider when building, fixing or replacing a fence, including information about options if neighbours can’t reach agreement. The site also provides information for people who have applied to the Local Court or Local Land Board for Fencing Orders and has step-by-step guides to preparing for hearings as well as sample forms and instructions. The resources also include a specific section devoted to boundary disputes.

LawAssist is a website developed by LawAccess NSW. You can view the new fences materials at:

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/LawAccess/ll_lawassist.nsf/pages/lawassist_fences

If you have any questions about LawAssist or would like to provide feedback about the site, please contact Rita Bhattacharya on (02) 8833 3104 or Rita_Bhattacharya@agd.nsw.gov.au.

more groups early 2012

15th Nov 11

Please find attached flyers for 2 more groups coming up early 2012:

• Grief – a workshop for those grieving on Saturday 17th March 1.30-4.30pm with afternoon tea
• ‘In Charge of My Money’ – a 3 week ongoing group to help people manage their money – 2nd, 9th and 16th March, 9.30am – 12 noon

groups and workshops coming up early 2012

7th Nov 11

Please find attached flyers for FREE groupwork/workshops Richmond Community Services have in early 2012 as follows:

• Tools for Parents – “Tools to Help Babies Flourish” - for Hawkesbury parents/primary carers of children aged 0 – 12 years, on Weds 15th February 10am – 12.30pm with free childcare
• Tools for Parents – “Couples Communication Tools” – a 3 week ongoing group for Hawkesbury parents/primary carers of children aged 0 – 12 years on Saturdays 4th, 11th & 18th February with free childcare
• Stress Less For Men – a 3 week ongoing group for men on 9th, 16th & 23rd February, 5.30 – 7pm
• Older & Wiser series - 8 sessions of morning and afternoon teas for those 60 and over - commencing with “ Common Experiences of Ageing” on Weds 22nd February 9.30 – 11.30am with free morning tea.
• “Managing The Bull” – a free 6 week ongoing group for teens in years 7 – 10 at High School who are being bullied - on 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th March and 5th April

RAGE facilitator training, Suicide Prevention , MAAD, Helping Your Chi

27th Jan 12

• RAGE facilitator training (Postponed from Tues 31 Jan until Tues 24 April)
Learn how to run ‘RAGE’ (Renavigating Anger and Guilty Emotions) a six session anger management course for kids aged between 11 and 17. RAGE is a strengths-based solution focused program that is hands on, practical and also fun for kids.
• Suicide Prevention (Wed 8 Feb)
This workshop will equip you with both skills and knowledge for working directly with people who are suicidal, as well as family, friends and significant others who are affected by an attempted or
completed suicide. The program will focus on assessment of level of suicidality and safety planning.
• Managing Angry Adolescents Differently (Thurs 9 Feb)
This one-day workshop equips parents, carers, teachers or anyone working with angry adolescents with the skills to understand their anger and manage them proactively. It was created in response to requests from parents of teen participants of RAGE groups and service providers working with adolescents.
• Helping Your Child with Primary School (Fri 16 Mar)
This one-day training for facilitators explores the 6-week community parenting group work
program, ‘Helping Your Child with Primary School’. The program targets all parents/carers
who have children of primary school age (5-12 years old). The program covers all the
essential issues that are of interest and concern for parents/carers in helping their children
with school.

To book in or for information on any of our courses January-April 2012, please call (02)88300755 or 88300747 or go to www.ifp.nsw.edu.au