The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) Reform Directions Information Sessions have now concluded in Greater Western Sydney. Four sessions were held across Greater Western Sydney: Liverpool, Penrith, Springwood and Blacktown. Anthony Shannon, Acting Director of Families & Place, Programs & Service Design, NSW Department of Family & Community, presented on the TEI Program Reform Directions at each session and took questions from attendees. The presentation explained the implementation timelines (see image below) and the TEI reform directions which are: Improved outcomes for clients for clients of TEI services Create a service system continuum grounded in evidence – informed practice Target resources to those with the greatest needs Facilitate district decision-making on the design and delivery of local services Increase flexibility so that the clients are the centre of the system. Some of the key points which came out of the presentation...

WSCF developed a video resource to assist aged care providers, particularly those funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), in unpacking proposed reforms. The Aged Care Sector Committee released the aged care “Aged Care Roadmap” in April 2016, to provide advice on future directions for aged care. The Roadmap’s aim is to generate discussion across the aged care sector and Government regarding future reforms. It is the most informative document available, painting a picture of what the future of aged care could look like as aged care reforms continue to unfold. WSCF’s two-minute video introduces the “Aged Care Roadmap” in a simple format. The video ends with a “clickable content”, highlighting the nine key areas (“destinations”) of reforms, and including executive summaries of each “destination”. The video also includes a web link to the original Roadmap document, for those...

On Friday 5 August 2016, Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF), brought together market leaders from Businesses, Community Organisations and Government at the Blacktown Energy Initiative (BEI). BEI created a networking opportunity to bridge the gap between Businesses and Community Organisations, as well as enabling and encouraging the formation of inter-organisational partnerships. Ultimately, the BEI has begun the mobilisation of a localised collaborative movement. BEI’s aim is to shape Blacktown’s own strategic path for Collaborative energy saving, towards a “local vision” of the future. BEI also aims to identify where transferable benefits will emerge for the local community. The BEI was facilitated by WSCF, a regional ‘think tank’ advocating for excellence and collaboration towards community resilience and well-being in Greater Western Sydney. The event was kindly hosted by Western Sydney Institute of TAFE at the Nirimba Green Skills Hub, whose state...

Following the Family and Community Services (FACS) Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) Program Reforms in late 2015, WSCF led a series Sector Roundtable consultations. A Greater Western Sydney Leadership Group was developed to provide advice on WSCF recommendation areas which have since developed into the Greater Western Sydney Industry Led Initiatives. While the TEI Reforms have been the catalyst for these initiatives, they have the capacity to support services across the sector navigating complex change. The Greater Western Sydney Industry Led Bootcamp for Organisational Readiness shall support agencies in navigating reforms, enhancing advantageous opportunities and encouraging effective responses within a complex environment. The Greater Western Sydney Blueprint on Place-Based Integrated Services will lay design work around delivering place based integrated services. The Blueprint will provide guidance for investment into robust structures that support a rapidly growing region with continuing social and...

BOOK LAUNCHED BY WHITLAM INSTITUTE & WESTERN SYDNEY COMMUNITY FORUM WITH THE HON LINDA BURNEY Western Sydney Community Forum and the Whitlam Institute proudly in partnership launched the landmark book; The Planning, Funding and Community Action: The Area Assistance Story. The Hon Linda Burney graciously launched the book. Academics, representatives from community organisations, local and state government were all in attendance. The Area Assistance Scheme operated from 1979-2006 in regions like Western Sydney, where there was rapid growth. Endowing the community services with millions of dollars over almost 30 years. The Area Assistance Story summarises this iconic history and highlights the ongoing legacy of Area Assistance Schemes’ outcomes in communities across Western Sydney, through its analysis of organisational case studies as well as through collating individual interviews.  As many of the authors are quick to point out, this book serves...

“Language is to empower because it is to communicate” (J Tobin 2016, Darug Language and Culture Class, 30 August). The Darug Language and Culture Class is beneficial for learning the reality about Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective and working in collaboration to share that knowledge with others.

The Rights Talks held by the Australian Human Rights Commission are a chance to discuss human rights issues. As human rights and social justice underlie the work of the community sector, it is important to be aware of current concerns and what position the commission will take in addressing such concerns.

Abstract: “Women are at greater risk of poverty and disadvantage than men … Women have less financial security and remain underrepresented in the workforce …” (NCOSS 2016).The Summit produced solutions to reduce gendered poverty and as a peak body for the sector it is our role to be informed and inspire innovation in this movement to achieve economic empowerment for all women. Phillipa Nagy and Malaina Lo attended the Summit on 17 August 2016 hosted by NCOSS. The theme of the summit was economic empowerment for women within financial literacy, employment, superannuation and housing. The event was attended by various leaders from Business, Government, academia and the community sector to name a few. Premier Mike Baird sent his apologies, but made an announcement of his support of the summit and pledged a contribution of $100,000. The keynote speaker, Lisa Witter (Co-founder...