Food and Housing
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Men and Boys
The Man Walk is now walking in your area!
The Man Walk Australia is a not-for-profit association which promotes and supports men’s physical, social and mental wellbeing.
The Man Walk is a simple concept designed to strengthen communities, build social capital and combat isolation. We do this by connecting men to walk, talk and support in a positive and inclusive environment. There is no judgement, pressure or expectations. Simply turn up when you feel like it, walk with a group of like-minded blokes, and be a part of The Man Walk community.
We are passionate about supporting Men’s health and wellbeing and we want to spread the word throughout your community. Help us to connect men, strengthen communities and combat social isolation throughout Australia.
Man Walks currently in your local area:
Location: Albion Park Rail
Starting Point: Bakers Delight Carpark
Start Time: 6:00pm
Duration: 45 – 60mins
Days: Wednesday
For more information about The Man Walk, or to start a new Man Walk in your location:
Website: www.themanwalk.com.au
Womxn and Girls
We want to hear from women and non-binary people over the age of 18 to participate in the we YWCA Speak Survey
We want to hear from YOU! We are inviting women and non-binary people in all their diversity over the age of 18 to participate in YWCA’s first We Speak survey, a collaboration with Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology(BEST)at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
We Speak explores women’s lived experiences of leadership, civic engagement, housing and economic security and health, to inform postgraduate research, policy and advocacy, and programs and services for women.
We know that leadership isn’t just about CEO positions or being on a board or in politics. It’s also about values, behaviours, communities and the leadership you live.
Economic security isn’t just about having a job. It’s also about underemployment, income support and whether the money you do earn allows you to keep up with rising costs of living.
We know that housing security isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s also about whether your home is safe, secure, affordable and appropriate for your needs.
We need to hear from you, to help shape policy, advocacy and programs that value the experiences of women and non-binary people in all their diversity.
This short but important online survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. When you fill in the survey you will also have the chance to share in a $1000 total prize pool (10 x $100 vouchers) by opting in and providing contact details prior to 5 September 2020.
Click HERE or copy and paste the URL https://www.ywca.org.au/wespeak2020/ to start the survey.
Open to all States in Australia.
Health and WellBeing
Seeking Expressions of Interest for Consumer Representatives Southern Illawarra Hospitals Group
How would you design a Health Centre?
ACON is exploring options for a Centre that would provide specialist health care for people in our communities.
We want to make sure that people are at the heart of this service. No matter where you live in NSW we want to ensure that you can access this service through in-person appointments or via telehealth.
We’d like to hear from you. We invite you to please share your thoughts on what good health care looks like for you.
Click here to have your say in the design of the potential Health Centre.
Link to copy & paste if that’s easier:
https://www.123formbuilder.com/form-5610745/ACON-Health-Centre-Survey
COVID-19
How we’ll rebound from this pandemic with Communities in Control
In a normal year, Our Community would already have hosted Australia’s best and biggest annual community sector event, back in May. But 2020 is no normal year.
Communities in Control will take place online on 16-17 November, with virtual conference technology so good you’ll be able to taste the mints. Experience the buzz and share in the feel-good vibes that Communities in Control is renowned for: meet other delegates at random, join a break-out session, chat, check out the exhibits, and tune into a line-up of speakers who’ll open you to new ideas and leave you hopeful and inspired.
With the theme Connection, Creativity, Community: Finding Hope in a Climate of Crisis, Communities in Control is the elixir you need right now. Tickets are $250 (inc GST) for both days – less if you bring friends.
Community Industry Group wants to hear from the people of Australia
Community Industry Group is conducting a survey to gain an understanding of how people keep connected when they’re struggling on insufficient income.
The impacts of social isolation have become a major concern since restrictions have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. But for many people living on low-incomes, such as those with part time or casual positions, or people receiving income support payments like JobSeeker, it can be difficult to participate in social activities. Clothing, food or ticket prices can be out of reach for many people and even having friends over for dinner can be outside of the budget.
We want to hear from as many people as possible. Attached is a poster for your centre or organisation to print and put up on the noticeboard to encourage visitors to take part.
It is anonymous and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIGSIS2020
Take your AGM online without the strife
Annual General Meetings are essential business for not-for-profits.
But COVID-19 means that this year, more organisations than ever will be going “virtual” with their AGM.
Whether you’ve held yours already or you’re among the thousands of community groups and not-for-profits taking advantage of a time extension, our latest help sheet contains free, practical advice to keep your organisation ticking.
Covering the twin themes of good governance and good technology, our AGMs help sheet covers:
- AGM essentials and how to prepare for a successful meeting
- Choosing a tech platform
- Setting up your virtual AGM
- Notifying members
- Conducting a trial run and hosting the meeting
- Sharing documents and screens
- Voting
- Meeting security
- A case study from a first-time “Zoomer” organisation
- Extra online resources
READ MORE: How to make your online AGM a success
Diversity
I’m delighted to share some upcoming events with you, Trans Pride in a Pandemic, a four-part online forum series for trans and gender diverse people and our allies.
Developed in partnership by ACON and Trans Pride Australia with funding support by the City of Sydney. Every forum is free and all speakers are paid. Register for one, some or all forums.
Forums will take place on a Thursday between 6-7pm and include:
- Trans Resilience :: Coming out of COVID-19 – 10 September
- Trans Rights :: Protection and Justice – 24 September
- Femme Queen, Faafafine, Bakla :: Decolonising the T with Bhenji Ra – 8 October
- Gender Euphoria :: A New Narrative – 29 October
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/323717362343689/
Registration page: www.acon.org.au/tpp
DIGITAL SUPPORT SURVEY, NOW OPEN
The Digital Peer Support survey gathers information about how LGBTQ+ young people support each other and themselves through digital and social media. It also explores how these practices relate to mental health and wellbeing. This survey is part of a larger study that aims to inform Australian mental health policy through evidence of LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health experiences and peer support practices.
To participate in this survey, you must be:
- based in Australia;
- aged 16-25 years; and
- part of the LGBTQ+ community (I use this acronym because it’s recognisable, but as the + suggests, this includes a wide range of gender and sexual identities).
Who’s doing this research?
My name’s Paul Byron and this is part of my postdoctoral research project undertaken at the University of Technology Sydney. I have a history of researching digital and social media, along with LGBTQ+ young people’s wellbeing and peer support. You can read more about my research on my UTS staff profile.
About the survey
The survey is anonymous and participation is voluntary. You will not be asked to share your name or provide any information that reveals your identity. The survey has been approved by the UTS Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: ETH20-5087).
The survey can be found at https://digitalpeersupport.com/take-the-survey/
Keep track of research findings
If you want to receive updates about the research project and its findings, you can subscribe to the research blog.
Other opportunities to get involved
I also plan to interview LGBTQ+ young people (aged 16-25) between December 2020 and March 2021. Interviews will follow up on key findings from this survey, and participants will receive a gift card for their participation. Interviews will be conducted online. If you wish to register for an interview, please fill out the short form at the end of the survey. If you would like to be interviewed without doing the survey, please subscribe to the research blog to receive a future announcement about this.
Funding and Resources
New Grant Finder
Please be advised that the Community Industry Group (CIG), with the support of Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), has launched a Grant Finder to provide the sector with a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities. This free service means you will keep up to date on all new regional funding opportunities.
Register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help you apply for grants.
The site also lists available Grant Writers if you require additional help.
We hope that this resource helps you better navigate the diversity in the funding landscape.
Each year Shellharbour Council provides funding to assist local sporting, cultural, educational, health, welfare and other groups who have a demonstrated community need. This funding is also available to meet requests for ‘in lieu’ or ‘in kind’ contributions.
The first round of donations for the 2020/2021 financial year is now open. Applications can be made by completing and returning the attached application form by 4.30pm Friday 16th October 2020 to council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
More information on this funding can be found on our website https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/living-here/grants-and-donations. I have also attached our policy for your reference.
Please note that the total value of donation in any one financial year to any one organisation may not exceed $2,000. In addition to this, latest Annual Financial Statements must be provided for all requests over $1,000 to enable the request to be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact Community Connections on 4221 6007.
Safety
Help is Here
You may have seen the Help is Here campaign advertising over the past couple of months. It’s a campaign from the Department of Social Services to ensure all Australians affected by domestic and family violence and abuse know where to seek help, when they need it.
The Prime Minister announced the campaign on 29 March this year, to support Australians experiencing domestic and family violence due to the fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic.
The advertising, which will run nationally until the end of September 2020, directs audiences to national telephone and online counselling services 1800RESPECT and MensLine Australia, as well as relevant state and territory services – and aims to reassure those affected by domestic violence that their experiences are not acceptable, and that help is available.
Help spread the word
The stakeholder materials page on the Department of Social Services website also has a selection of materials you are welcome to use, including:
- television commercials, including Indigenous and Auslan versions
- posters in various sizes
- a web tile and banner
- bumper stickers and window decals
- social media content, including static images and 6 and 15 second videos.
Sexual Health
Click HERE to get your free bag of 144 condoms for your service from Play Safe Pro.
Or copy and paste the URL https://pro.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/order-resources/
Has a sexual health related topic come up amongst clients at your service?
- Would you like to have up to date information on sexual health?
- Want to know how to access free condoms and sexual health resources?
- Would you like to be part of the Condom Dispenser Project?
We are offering 30-45 minute Get Frisky Not Risky as part of your team meeting, planning day or scheduled sexual health session via Zoom. We can cover topics such as chlamydia, contraception & referrals.
Sessions are presented by Naomi Viret & Kaitlyn Middleton, Health Education Officers from the
www.caddyshackproject.com and are available on Tuesdays Wednesdays & Thursdays.
See what other people say about our health education sessions.
Email Naomi.Viret@health.nsw.gov.au or Kaitlyn. Middleton@health.nsw.gov.au to book in!
Funding and Resources
NSW COVID-19 Domestic & Family Violence Funding Tranche 2
Domestic, family and sexual violence services have had to respond to changes in service delivery, complexity or demand of their program resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSW Government is inviting frontline organisations which are experiencing increased demand in services as a result of COVID-19 to apply for a share in grant funding.
The NSW Government is looking to fund:
- Organisations that demonstrate an understanding of, and experience in working with people experiencing sexual, domestic and/or family violence.
- Initiatives that target communities or areas of key interest, like prevention or early intervention.
- Initiatives that relate to NSW Premier’s Priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending, including working with perpetrators and/or with victim-survivors.
The grant program aims to support sexual, domestic and family violence services to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19, including by assisting services to:
- Adapt service delivery, for example by making service adjustments or modifications to respond to changing client needs or social distancing requirements.
- Expand service delivery, for example by increasing capacity to deliver more services to more clients.
- Introduce new services, in accordance with demand arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- provide a direct and frontline service to people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual, domestic and family violence; or provide services or programs for perpetrators, as part of their overall service delivery model; and
- be established in NSW and operational.
Eligible applicants may include not-for-profit organisations including community organisations and/or faith based organisations.
Applicants that received funding under the recent Commonwealth Government and NSW Government stimulus packages are eligible to apply. However, priority may be given to:
- applicants that did not receive such funding.
- Services which assist Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities (including people on temporary visas), people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ community.
- Initiatives which relate to the NSW Premier’s Priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending, including working with perpetrators and/or victim-survivors.
Applications close: 23 September 2020.
More information and application. – https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding
Contact: WomenNSWGrants@facs.nsw.gov.au
Mercy Foundation Grants to End Homelessness 2020 EOI
The Mercy Foundation Grants to End Homelessness are available for seeding initiatives, services, projects, advocacy and research that will contribute to the goal of ending homelessness by supporting permanent housing, housing first and permanent supportive housing solutions.
Projects that focus on ending and preventing older women’s homelessness and women who experience chronic homelessness are priority areas for the 2020-2021 program. Grants range from $5,000 up to $50,000 for any one year, with grants likely to be averaging $20,000-$30,000.
Applicants must be a legal entity, such as an incorporated association or company. If not, the applicant will need to be auspiced by an appropriate organisation.
The Mercy Foundation has an Expression of Interest Form (EOI) process. If your EOI is successful, you will then be invited to submit a full application and proposal form.
EOI closes: 2 November 2020.
More information and EOI form – https://www.mercyfoundation.com.au/social-justice-grants/grants-to-end-homelessness/
Contact: 9911 7390.
NSW Youth Opportunities 2020 Grants
The NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.
Projects funded under the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need, through to design, project delivery and final review and recognition. There is strong evidence to show that programs and initiatives designed with young people rather than for them are more likely to achieve better outcomes. Organisations applying for funding must have spoken with young people and involved them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.
Applications close: 21 September 2020.
More information and application – https://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/grant-applications-2020
Contact: Anthea Wilson, Department of Communities and Justice, 8753 8430 or youth@facs.nsw.gov.au
Scanlon Foundation 2020 Community Grants
This year, the Scanlon Foundation Community Grants will fund projects that support the transition of migrants into employment. Projects should consider the experience of migrants and of receiving communities and aim to nurture positive outcomes. All submissions are also expected to empower new arrival communities and develop cross cultural connections.
Grants are looking to actively support people into employment, working directly with individuals who are unemployed, and may include those that have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19, or business failure or are recent graduates from school or university.
This year’s community grants will provide funding up to a maximum of $25,000 for a 12 month project. The community grants are eligible for all locations across each state of Australia.
Expressions of interest can be made by Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) eligible organisations.
Applications close: 18 September 2020.
More information and application – https://scanlonfoundation.org.au/grants/
Contact: foundation@scanlonfoundation.org.au
Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19
The Australian Government Department of Health’s Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 Grants are designed to assist approved Residential Aged Care providers, approved National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) providers and approved Home Care providers to minimise the risk of infection to aged care workers, residents and other consumers of aged care service. Examples of eligible workforce costs under SACWIC are those that will support eligible workers:
- who normally work at multiple residential aged care facilities, but will be working solely at the facility being applied for;
- who are not to work because they have been experiencing COVID 19 symptoms, have been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, require testing or are subject to self-isolation or quarantine requirements;or to undertake training in the event a skills gap arises from where existing workers are not to work due to experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or are subject to self-isolation or quarantine requirements.
Importantly, the guidelines require that employees work at the site where they usually work the most hours, or where they will be able to work the most hours over the eight week period.
More information and application – https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=00B5399B-056F-8A5A-3699BB7A96BF6B03
Close Date & Time: 31-May-2021 2:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Pride Foundation Australia 2020 Small Grants Program
The Pride Foundation Australia Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by individuals, organisations and/or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs. Grants are up to $500, and the project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident, or a community group that is operating in Australia.
- Applicants need only be a group of people with a common interest.
- It is preferred that individuals / groups apply through an auspice organisation, but it is not a necessary requirement.
- Applications for funding beyond $500 will not be considered.
Examples of eligible activities include but are not limited to funds towards:
- Venue rental for meetings or social events
- Advertising and marketing costs for events
- Speaker’s fees
- Artist’s fees
- Website maintenance costs
- Website hosting fees
- Catering costs for community events
Applications close: 13 September 2020 and 6 December 2020
More information and application – https://pridefoundation.org.au/pages/small-grants/
Contact: info@pridefoundation.org.au
Macpac 2020 Fund for Good Grants
Macpac are passionate about protecting the environment and its wildlife; having a lasting positive impact on people’s lives through the outdoors; and supporting the communities to which they are connected. The Macpac Fund for Good is their way of giving back, and helping those committed to creating long-term change for the good of people and planet.
They award between $2,000-10,000 grants to those organisations who align with their ideals.
The groups they support fall into one of three areas:
- Adventure-Based Social Development
- Environmental Projects
- Ethical Manufacturing
If you are part of a not-for-profit organisation working on environmental and social causes related to the outdoors, then you may be eligible for a Macpac Fund for Good grant. Your activities need to be based in New Zealand or Australia, or their territories.
2020 closing dates: 31 July; 31 October.
More information and application – https://www.macpac.co.nz/fund-for-good.html
NSW Quality Learning Environments (QLE) Program
The Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program aims to support eligible early childhood education services to improve their learning environments to positively impact experiences and outcomes for preschool aged children. It allows not-for-profit community preschools (centre based and mobile) and not-for-profit long day cares to apply for grants of up to $15,000 (ex GST). Grants can be used to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments. This may include quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of services impacted by bushfire and recent severe weather events or other emergency situations such as COVID-19.
To be eligible for funding through the 2020 QLE program, a service must meet the following criteria:
- be a not-for-profit community preschool (centre-based or mobile) or not-for-profit long day care (as identified in the National Quality Agenda IT System or where other sufficient evidence is provided upon request; and including local government managed services) operating in NSW
- be an approved early childhood education and care service under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations or the Supplementary Provisions Act
- deliver an early childhood education program designed by a degree qualified early childhood teacher in accordance with The Early Years Learning Framework under the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education
- be registered, or be willing to register, with The Department of Education (the department)’s Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS)
- accept and comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Early Childhood Education Grants Program.
Applications close: 25 September 2020.
More information and application – https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/quality-learning-environments-program
Contact: 1300 755 426 or ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au
CAGES Foundation Community Grants for Aboriginal Controlled Organisations
CAGES Foundation’s community grants are only made available to Aboriginal controlled organisations. They have been designed to respond to discreet needs and are usually for one year only. Past community grants have been used to support operational needs (including professional development), evaluation work, strategic development initiatives, cultural milestones, equipment and resource needs. Grants of up to $50,000 are considered and they are distributed on a rolling basis to better respond to critical need.
Criteria:
- Gifts from the community grants stream are for Aboriginal controlled organisations responding to an immediate need.
- Activities will be focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the first five years of life.
- Any activity must be community endorsed.
- All organisations must have DGR1 tax status.
Applications close: 30 September 2020
More information – https://cagesfoundation.org/how-we-work/
Application formContact: 9051 2411
Australian Geographic Society 2020 Sponsorship
Each calendar year the Australian Geographic Society offers sponsorship of up to $10,000 to scientific, conservation, environmental and adventure projects. Australian scientists, community organisations and individuals developing projects in Australia and abroad are welcome to apply.
Each application will be assessed against the following criteria:
- What is the aim of the project/event?
- How will the project/event benefit the local community/Australians?
- Is the project consistent with the aims of the Society?
- How will the recipient communicate the goals of the project to a wide audience?
Round 2 closes: 30 November 2020
More information and application – https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/society/sponsorship/2019/12/apply-for-sponsorship/
Contact: society@ausgeo.com.au or 9136 7214
Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Special Circumstances Grant Opportunity
The Australian Government’s CCCF Special Circumstances Grant Opportunity is designed to support continuity of child care, in particular in disadvantaged or vulnerable communities. This grant is to support approved service providers to keep facilities open, those who are at risk of permanent closure and to support the set up new community services. It applies where a service is:
- at risk of closure due to an unforeseen event or circumstance, such as a natural disaster, or extreme weather event,
- at risk of permanent closure due to another event or circumstance, where that closure would result in a lack of suitable child care for the community, or
- seeking to commence a new service in a community where another service has closed, resulting in a lack of suitable child care. Child care services who are approved for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) are eligible to apply for funding where there is a financial need in order to continue to provide child care in the community.
The amount of funding provided to applicants will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the activity being funded and the circumstances of the applicant. Applicants can apply for funding more than once, for example where they have been impacted by more than one unforeseen event, such as bushfire and flood.
There is no deadline. Applications for funding under the CCCF Special Circumstances grant opportunity may be submitted at any time.
More information – https://www.education.gov.au/cccfspecialcircs
Contact: 13 28 46 or enquiries@industry.gov.au
Budget Direct Sponsorships 2020-2021
Striving to make a difference in your local community but need a financial leg-up? If your organisation is eligible, you can apply for a Budget Direct sponsorship of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000. This one-off cash donation can be spent as your organisation sees fit. Budget Direct support organisations who:
- provide local or statewide community services
- run community awareness and education programs
- promote health and wellbeing (e.g. sports clubs)
- advocate for road safety
- provide emergency services
- support in need or at-risk Australians
- help build strong, vibrant communities
Round closing dates: 30 September 2020; 31 December 2020; 31 March 2021; 30 June 2021.
More information and application – https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/about-us/sponsorships.htm
Contact: sponsorship.support@budgetdirect.com.au
Special Disaster Grant – Bushfires
Disaster recovery grants of up to $75,000 are now available to primary producers in LGAs affected by the NSW bushfires that have occured from 31 August 2019.
Primary producers are now able to access the Special Disaster Grant – Bushfire of up to $75,000. See the Special Disaster Grant – Bushfires for more information.
Small Business and not-for-profit organisations can now access the Small Business Disaster Grant of up to $50,000. Please see the Service NSW website for further information.
More information available here – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires
Check website for closing dates as they vary in different locations.
IGA Community Chest
Through IGA Community Chest and associated programs, we’ve raised well over $86m to help local communities.
Every day across the country* IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. It could be in response to a major event like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s.
The money is raised in a number of ways but predominately through the purchase of products with an IGA Community Chest logo on the label or ticket.
When you purchase a product with the IGA Community Chest logo printed on the label a percentage is credited to that store’s IGA Community Chest account.
More information available here – https://www.iga.com.au/community-chest/
Closing date: Ongoing
Transition to Independent Living Allowance
Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a payment of up to $1,500 to help eligible young people cover some basic costs as they leave out-of-home care.
Young people aged between 15 to 25 years who are leaving or have already left formal out-of-home care may be eligible for the TILA. TILA is also for young people who continue to live with their foster carers after their care order expires.
The payment can be used to buy items such as a fridge or couch, pay for counselling, education and training courses, medical expenses, a drivers licence or any other items or services agreed between the young person and their case worker.
More information available here – https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/benefits-payments/transition-to-independent-living-allowance-tila
Closing date: Ongoing
