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PLEASE REGISTER HERE!
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Delivering Social
Housing Services
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Social housing is rental housing that is funded, or partly funded, by the government. It is available to eligible Queenslanders who cannot access or sustain a tenancy in the private rental market. This audit examines whether social housing is effectively managed by the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy (the department) to meet the needs of vulnerable Queenslanders.
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Read the Auditor-General’s Report 1: 2022–23 here.
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Housing is in the News
Housing affordability is an issue that is impacting the nation. With soaring house prices, rental hikes and a shortage of homes, it’s a national priority.
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Read the following articles:
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- Housing ministers meet to address soaring prices and rents - here
- Housing ministers to meet to tackle affordability and homelessness - here
- The five regional area where property prices will keep rising: Report - here
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Charity survey finds one in 20 Australian teens polled became homeless for first time during COVID pandemic - here
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) families and communities to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children. Every year on 4 August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their support for our First Nation children whilst learning about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every child.
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Each year events are held across the nation in workplaces, schools and communities, often in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities. The theme for Children’s Day 2022 is 'My Dreaming, My Future.’
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Register your event here. Access resources here.
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QShelter Goes for Gold
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In releasing their Go For Gold Report this week, QShelter hightlighted that Brisbane 2032 is an opportunity to achieve a new benchmark in delivering legacy benefits through international events. Q Shelter can imagine a future where Brisbane and Queensland are heralded world-wide for seriously changing the platform of knowledge driving legacy benefits for the future. Queensland’s reputation for fairness, inclusion and innovation could be amplified if early legacy planning pursues the most important ideals to reduce homelessness, address housing supply issues and embed sustainable opportunities for economic participation by vulnerable people.
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Dreams and Visions: Yarning with Young People in Detention
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The IMHIP- Youth research project was developed in response to the high rates of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) young people who experience detention. The main aim of the project is to co-design a culturally responsive model of social and emotional wellbeing care for First Nation young people who experience detention by yarning those in detention centres. More information is available here.
Read sharings from yarnings here.
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QATSCIPP
Data Summary Released
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QATSCIPP has released Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in the Queensland Child Protection System 19/20 Data Summary. This document was produced by bringing together data about First Nation children’s involvement with different parts of the child protection system. The document features an infographic highlighting key data insights and trends to raise awareness and spark discussions about critical issues relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Child Placement Principle. Read the report here.
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NATIONAL HOUSING WEEK 1 – 7 AUGUST
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Stories Open Your Heart and That’s Where Change Begins
SOME HAPPY DAY is a new independent feature and social impact film which aims to change perceptions of homelessness, raise awareness, and inspire action and behavioural change.
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The film follows Tina (Peta Brady), a homeless woman in desperate search of a better life, who meets Frances (Mary Helen Sassman), a social worker with troubles of her own. Over a single day their lives interweave, revealing unsettling connections that lead to change and redemption.
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For director, writer and producer Catherine Hill’s first film is a passion project, inspired by her 20-year experience working as a case manager and crisis worker with marginalised and often street homeless men and women. The film is self-funded and self-distributed with a core focus of creating impact within the entrenched issues of homelessness in our community. Read more here.
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SOME HAPPY DAY will debut on SBS On Demand on August 1 and will be available on the Some Happy Day website from August 8.
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The campaign to Raise the Rate for Good is key to reducing poverty and inequality in Australia. The goal of this campaign is to raise Australia’s social security safety net to keep people out of poverty. This requires an income of at least $70 a day.
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Key recommendations include increasing the base rate of JobSeeker Payment so everyone can cover the cost of the basics; indexation of payments in line with wage movements at least twice per year; and increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50%. The campaign recently conducted a cost of living survey, the findings of which will be available soon.
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You can take action by signing up to the campaign, calling your Federal MP or writing a letter to the editor.
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Join the Campaign
Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to address the housing crisis that is pushing more Australians into housing stress. Everybody’s Home is all about working together to call on Australian governments to bring balance back to the system, so that everybody has a place to call home.
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Building more social and affordable housing and providing immediate relief for Australians in chronic rental stress are critical steps to ensure ongoing stability and prosperity for all Australians.
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This Homelessness Week (1-7 August 2022), the Everybody’s Home campaign is calling on the public to act. Seeking a meeting with your local MP and requesting they sign a social housing pledge is one step. Access the pledge here.
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Find out more and join the campaign here.
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Online Launch
Across Australia rising rents and low vacancy rates are pushing more people in to homelessness, exacerbating what was already a homelessness crisis. We know young people are particularly vulnerable in this current competitive market. To address the key issues driving rising homelessness, and to respond effectively to prevent homelessness where possible, a national plan to end homelessness is essential.
The good news is that that the new Federal Government has committed to developing a national housing and homelessness plan. This Homelessness Week, Homelessness Australia will discuss what is needed in the plan to end homelessness in Australia.
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Join to hear from the new Minister for Housing and Homelessness.
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This online event is happening on Monday 1 August 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm (AEST). Register here.
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Latest Poverty and
Inequality Report
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The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has partnered with UNSW Sydney to undertake a five year research and impact collaboration to sharpen the national focus on poverty and inequality in Australia. Their latest report ‘The wealth inequality pandemic: COVID and wealth inequality. Build back fairer, report 4’ has just been released. One of the key findings in this report was that wealth inequality increased sharply from 2003 to 2018, then decreased somewhat in the pandemic. Rising house prices diluted overall wealth inequality, as housing is spread more evenly across the population than other kinds of wealth but locked younger people and those with low incomes out of home ownership. Read the report here.
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Housing First Principles for Australia: Webinar Series
Register for the first of a series of free fortnightly webinars about the Housing First Principles for Australia. Dedicated Australian Housing First expert practitioners will introduce each principle, explore what they look like in practice and reflect on some of the challenges in delivery Housing First programs.
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The sessions will be held fortnightly, commencing on Tuesday 2 August from 1:30pm to 2:00pm (AEST).
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How can people who are homeless stay safe in disaster?
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During National Homelessness Week, the Homelessness-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (HIDRR) Project is raising awareness about the disaster risks faced by people experiencing homelessness in emergencies. Join the webinar to hear the findings so far and how you can be involved.
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The HIDRR project is bringing together people with lived experience, housing and homelessness service providers, and local disaster management. The aim is to co-design tools and collaborative processes that can be used for disaster planning and preparedness for people experiencing homelessness and the organisations that support them at each phase of disaster.
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This webinar is being held on Tuesday 2 August 2022 from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Register here.
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Wear It Purple Day
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Wear It Purple Day will be on 26 August 2022 and strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Wear it Purple was established to show young people across the globe that there was hope, that there were people who did support and accept them, and that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
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Register Now
The National Housing Conference is being held in Canberra from Monday 8 August to Wednesday 10 August 2022. There is the option to join the conference online. There are many repercussions for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness to discuss after the pandemic and natural disasters have hit the nation. The topics to be covered include:
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- Are COVID responses the building blocks for a national plan to end homelessness?
- Closing the Gap on housing outcomes for Indigenous Australians
- Is the climate crisis an impending homelessness crisis?
- Unhoused - a game changing media campaign
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Community Youth Space Launch
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BABI Youth and Family Service is launching its Community Youth Space on Thursday 18 August 2022 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Join them for an afternoon of fun activities and food. Access the flyer here.
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Our Journey
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'Our Journey' is a celebration of refugee spirit and courage in spoken word, world music, dance and film on Sunday 21st August. To participate in Multicultural Queensland Month in August, you are invited to La Boite Theatre for an afternoon of music, dance food and craft stalls as well as the screening of the animated documentary film 'Flee'.
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WOMEN’S SAFETY
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Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce
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The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce has released its second report – Hear Her Voice 2 – on the second part of its work examining and reviewing the experiences of women and girls across Queensland’s criminal justice system. The taskforce focussed on two strands of the experience of women and girls in the criminal justice system – victims of sexual assault and accused persons/offenders – and has made 188 recommendations. A summary of key findings and the report are here. Read Hear Her 1: Addressing coercive control and domestic violence across Queensland, here, here and here for the three volumes.
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Groups for Women
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Women’s Health and Equality Queensland (WHEQ) offers free healing centred and trauma-informed support and therapeutic groups for women who have experiences of violence across their life span.
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Owing to the predicted winter surge in the numbers of COVID-19 cases within the Brisbane community, WHEQ have expanded the delivery types for Term Three groups. They are now providing face to face, online and outdoor group options to offer greater socially distanced options. Some of the groups on offer include: Say Yes To You, Financial Wellbeing and You, Shark Cage and The Blossom Group.
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Learn more here. Access group schedule here.
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National DFV Publications
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Broad consultation has been undertaken to inform the development of the draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
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Read the consultation reports here.
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Also released this month: “The Choice – violence or poverty: Domestic violence and its consequences in Australia today.” Read here.
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2022 Queensland
Child Protection Week Dinner
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Tickets are selling fast for this popular annual event to celebrate child protection in Queensland.
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Opening the Door Project
The Opening the Door project aims to support people with disability to achieve choice and control with their housing options by:
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- Developing and sharing online resources.
- Holding forums designed to share information and gather experiences
- Supporting existing and establishing new peer networks.
As a part of the project, The Queensland Disability and Housing Forum is commencing with a series of free events.
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More on the project here. Register for events here.
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CQUniversity Festival of Change
CQUniversity wants to change the world for the better – and through social innovation, our students, staff, academics, and communities are all driving the transformation. The Festival of Change is CQUniversity’s free social innovation festival, designed to celebrate and inspire change making and is being held from 1st to 12th August. In 2022, the Festival of Change will focus on transforming communities, developing social enterprise, growing resilience, and driving sustainable change.
Register here.
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Working with Children who are Experiencing or Engaging in Bullying Behaviour
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Childhood bullying is a complex social issue and our understanding of bullying dynamics has evolved over time. It is important for practitioners to understand children’s knowledge and perspectives on childhood bullying so that they can better support them.
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This webinar is designed to support practitioners to:
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- understand how childhood bullying impacts on child mental health
- understand the importance of prevention and early intervention in limiting the effects of childhood bullying in adulthood
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This webinar is being held on Wednesday 10 August 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm (AEST).
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Enabling Social Supports for Humanitarian Migrants
This free webinar will explore the current challenges and opportunities for supporting recently arrived humanitarian migrants to build social and community connections. Hear from a diverse panel of speakers who will discuss the benefits of social support in the early stages of resettlement to long-term mental health and wellbeing.
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This webinar is being held on Wednesday 3 August 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm (AEST).
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QCOSS Conference 2022
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Registrations are open for the 2022 Conference: Power and Politics of the Care Economy. It will commence with a welcome event on 6 September at GOMA. Boasting dynamic presenters and special networking events, the main event will be held at
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Sofitel Brisbane Central on 7 and 8 September.
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QShelter Learning Exchange
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You are invited to register for QShelter’s learning exchange. This series will be held online on the first Tuesday of every month – from 2 August 2022. These sessions provide a space for housing and homelessness and other support services to discuss challenges, exchange ideas and find out about resources. This session is being run in collaboration with the Queensland Alliance on Mental Health with the topic being ‘Mental Health and Housing.’
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Women and Change’s Grant Applications Are Opening
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Women and Change’s Grant Application process begins on 1 August 2022. Any non-profit charity with DGR status can apply for the $50,000 Grant.
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The application process consists of two steps.
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- An Expression of Interest round, closing in August each year.
- A full application process for shortlisted applicants finalised by mid-October.
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Find out more here. Access an EOI form here.
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2023 Queensland Day Sponsorship Program
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The Queensland Day Sponsorship Program encourages Queenslanders to celebrate Queensland Day (6 June) in a way that reflects the unique culture, heritage and aspirations of their own community. Each year Queenslanders mark this annual celebration of our people, places and achievements with festivals, markets, art initiatives, parades, family fun days or an event unique to their community.
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Organisations are invited to apply for sponsorship of up to $15,000 for initiatives celebrating Queensland Day (6 June), held between Saturday 3 and Sunday 11 June 2023. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 31 August 2022.
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Qld Government’s
Concession Finder
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With the cost of living continuing to rise, is highlighting the concessions that are available to people who hold different concession cards. Discounts and subsidies for dental and optometry costs, car registrations, electricity and housing costs are some of the concessions that are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $6.8 billion package in the 2022-23 Queensland State Budget. Find out more here.
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Nature Freedom Programs
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Nature Freedom is all about inclusion, creating positive and meaningful access and opportunities for participation in the natural environment. It’s also about employment for young people living with a disability and/or mental health issues.
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Their programs are designed with a focus on the lived experiences of young people with disabilities and/or mental health issues, co-design, accessibility, and inclusiveness. Various events and activities are offered both indoors and outdoors in locations around Brisbane City, Moreton Bay and Logan. The programs are all about getting together to help each other experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.
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Find more information and register here.
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Use Ask Izzy Now
A reminder that Oneplace Community Services Directory has now closed. Queensland families can continue to access details of community services through Infoxchange’s national online directory, Ask Izzy.
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The Ask Izzy website has information about more than 400,000 support services across Australia. Ask Izzy is free to use and its search feature functions similarly to oneplace’s. Ask Izzy is used by the public, as well as professionals in the community services sector to connect people in need with support.
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Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS)
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The YHARS After Care Brokerage Service provides individualised support to young people aged 17-21 years who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The aim of the program is to assist in the transition of vulnerable young people into safe and affordable accommodation through brokerage funding. This financial support for accessing services and essentials leads to them achieving greater independence and stability. More information is available here.
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WORKSHOPS/TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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QDN-Y Online Support Group
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Queensland Disability Network is inviting young people with a disability living in Queensland to participate in their QDN Y online peer support group. This support group will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 4pm to 5:30pm on zoom – with the next group being held on 24 August.
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Learn to Cook Easy, Cheap
and Healthy Meals
Nutrition Education and Skills Training (NEST) is a free cooking and nutrition program designed to help participants to make lasting changes for better health. It also assists with saving money on your food budget.
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The Mt Gravatt Community Centre will be running a Youth NEST Program for young people 14-18 commencing on Tuesday 4 October 2022.
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Access the program flyer here.
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Paid Traineeships in Construction Available
There are currently paid traineeships available in Wynnum at the Wynnum Table Tennis Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity as assistance is provided with completing a Cert I in Construction, purchasing some work clothes and PPE and obtaining work experience and paid opportunities upon completion.
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Challenge Employment
Training Opportunities
Challenge Employment has several ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ pathways coming up. These all include the chance to obtain a certificate at no cost as well as work experience. Courses range from engineering to supply chain operations.
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Gays and Greys Workshops
Picabeen Community Centre are holding workshops for inclusive intergenerational connections where participants can create, learn and grow. The workshops are open to all genders, sexualities, identities and allies aged 12 and over.
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These workshops will be held on Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, commencing in term 3 and running through term 4 until 23 November 2022.
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Access the program flyer here.
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Free Training in
Individual Support
ECCQ is seeking expression of interest for Cert III Individual Support. The training will commence on 3 August 2022 and will be delivered TWO days a week for 16 weeks including the 3 weeks of vocational placement. This training is 100% free for eligible participants.
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Free Training in Retail
SCIPS is offering school leavers the chance to obtain their Cert II in Retail Services as well as gain industry experience. The program is commencing in early August and will involve 3 days of study and 2 days of work experience each week.
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Achieving Career
Engagement Program
The Achieving Career Engagement (ACE) Program works with community members to support and develop their employability whilst also building language, numeracy and digital literacy skills. ACE will link participants with employers and mentors to assist them to find, change or re-engage with employment.
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This program is offered at no cost, with sessions being held in Annerley and Sunnybank.
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Access the program flyer here.
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