|
|
|
|
|
PLEASE REGISTER HERE!
|
|
How Young People Fared in this Year's State Budget
|
|
|
Swings and roundabouts in this year’s State Budget. It includes investment of $29.8 million over four years to support initiatives to specifically assist young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Queensland. This is a small win for homeless young people. QYHC recognises the significance of this commitment and the much needed focus on housing in last year’s budget. However, with the rising housing crisis, demand is at an all-time high and supply is verging on non-existent for young people who are locked out of almost all housing options. This is a reality that intensifies with the current competition for access to basic housing. Continue reading
|
|
|
|
|
Integrated Framework of Housing with Support
|
|
Hosted by Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy (CHDE) and Queensland Youth Housing Coalition (QYHC), the Integrated Framework of Housing with Support for Young People Workshops were held face to face and on line in early June. In preparation for the Queensland Youth Housing and Homelessness Policy and Framework, Specialist Youth Homelessness Services, government departments and key stakeholders came together to discuss early intervention and prevention opportunities, housing and support and system reform to improve Queensland’s responses to young people who experience homelessness or are at risk. These forums were part of a broader engagement process that includes young people.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support for Young People in Care Extended to 21
The Palaszczuk Government has committed to funding the needs of vulnerable young people in care up to age 21 so they can be better supported as they take the major step to adulthood.
|
Until now, when a young person turned 19, their supports ended and they were left with no alternative but to leave care – which statistically is shown to be fraught with challenges. No parent would expect their young adult child to leave home half-way through their final year of high school, nor allow them to become homeless, not finish their education, or be left to fend for themselves without support at 19.
|
Giving these young people more meaningful opportunities to secure accommodation and take up tertiary education and training is vital if we want them to succeed. By extending support up to the age of 21, it is being said that they are not alone in taking those daunting first steps towards independence. This will be life-changing for many young people leaving care as the support will provide protection when transitioning from the care system to adulthood.
|
|
Image courtesy of Leanne Linard MP facebook
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charter of Rights for Parents Involved in the Child Protection System
|
|
|
The Charter of Rights for Parents has been developed for those involved in child protection matters. The Charter sets out the rights of parents in accordance with the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. Continue reading
|
|
Access a copy of the charter here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Refugee Week 2022: Healing
Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. Refugee Week provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the country. Refugee Week is a unique opportunity for us all to experience and celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities through theatre, music, dance, film and other events which take place all over Australia.
|
In 2022, Refugee Week was held from Sunday 19 June to Saturday 25 June and had the theme of healing. The theme of Refugee Week is important in that it raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees, promotes harmony and togetherness and broadens the impact of the week. Australia and the rest of the world have an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the reset button on how we behave towards one another. Mainstream and refugee communities alike can draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, to learn from each other and to move forward. Healing can occur through storytelling, community and the realisation of our intrinsic interconnectedness as individuals.
|
The Refugee Week website can be utilised by organisations and individuals to find resources to facilitate this healing. Now is the time to reflect and learn more about refugees and their experiences.
|
|
To access some useful resources, click here and here.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Gala
|
The Brisbane Northside Elders are holding their annual gala on Saturday 2 July 2022 starting at 6pm. The gala is being held at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club. Tickets are $60 and the dress code is semi-formal. This year’s gala theme “Heal Country” highlights the importance of embracing First Nations cultural knowledge and understanding of country as a part of Australia’s natural heritage. View the flyer here.
|
|
|
|
|
NAIDOC Week 2022
NAIDOC Week 2022 will be held from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 July. National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. It provides the opportunity for people to support and get to know their local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2022 is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
|
Everyone must continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders and our communities. Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together.
|
|
To learn more about NAIDOC Week, click here.
|
|
To find out about events happening in your local area, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Gunya Meta NAIDOC Event
On Wednesday 6 July 2022, Gunya Meta is hosting a NAIDOC 2022 Mini Career Expo.
|
It is being held from 10am to 12 noon at 81 Wembley Road, Logan Central. There will be a smoking ceremony, free sausage sizzle, information stalls and entertainment and music available.
|
|
To access the event flyer, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indigenous Mental Health: The Staying Deadly Survey is On!
The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research is currently conducting a mental health survey in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community. They are looking to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the community over the age of 18 who live in South-east Queensland to participate in the survey. There are no other restrictions on who can participate, they want to recruit people from all walks of life, with or without mental illness.
|
The Staying Deadly Survey is a mental health survey that is helping to determine how many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are living with mental disorders, what mental health services they use, and the barriers to accessing care. Although there have been two national studies on mental health, none of these have looked specifically at Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mental health. This is the first time this kind of research has been done with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living in an urban community in South East Queensland.
|
|
|
Winners of 2022 Qld Reconciliation Awards Announced
Celebrating 20 years, the Queensland Reconciliation Awards honours the many inspiring initiatives and projects advancing reconciliation across the state. These businesses, community organisations and groups, educational institutions and government agencies go beyond their core business to champion reconciliation.
|
Some of the 2022 Queensland Reconciliation Awards category winners include:
|
- Community – Hinchinbrook Shire Council for Hinchinbrook Indigenous Literacy Project
- Education – Blackwater State High School for Blackwater State High School Reconciliation Action
- Health and wellbeing – The Pass the Fire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for The Boss Boxing initiative
|
To read more about the winners and their stories of success, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have Your Say on the Increased Cost of Living
If you have read or watched the news over the last you few weeks, you have undoubtedly been swamped with stories about the increased cost of living. Around the country we are seeing increases in everything from petrol to gas and electricity. We are all aware that people on income support will be hit hardest by these price increases. However, those stories are not receiving nearly enough media coverage. We know that many members of our community struggling to get by on income support have already been forced to make impossible decisions between keeping their power on or buying groceries. The continual increase in the cost of living will only make life harder.
|
In response, the ‘Raise the Rate’ campaign has created a ‘cost of living’ survey to capture data on the experiences of people on income support. This data can then be provided to journalists as evidence and ensure that these stories are being heard.
|
|
Calling all people who are currently struggling to get by on income support. Please take 5 minutes to complete an anonymous survey and ensure that your experiences are being covered by the media.
|
|
|
Calling Young Queenslanders!
The Palaszczuk Government is calling on young Queenslanders to put their hands up and help shape how Queensland delivers for their future.
|
Applications are open for Queenslanders aged between 12 and 25 years old to apply for the new Youth Engagement Strategy Group. This group will help develop a strategy on how the state government listens to and delivers for young people. Young people deserve a seat at the table and are being encouraged to make their voices heard.
|
Up to 20 positions will be made available in the group, with members to help inform the development of a new youth strategy for Queensland. Young people with lived experience, a strong understanding of the key issues currently facing their peers and that have strong networks with whom they can connect are urged to apply.
|
Young people are invited to express their interest by completing a nomination form and submitting a brief statement in response to the selection criteria. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 1 July 2022.
|
|
To find out more and submit an application, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QDN Y Online Peer Support Group is on!
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 first Tuesday of the month from 4pm to 5:30pm on zoom – with the next group being held on 5 July 2022. The topic of this session is the upcoming federal election. There will be guest speakers from the Australian Electoral Commission in attendance to discuss voting, elections and paid opportunities to help out on election day!
|
|
|
|
|
Winter School Holiday Fun
With the winter school holidays upon us, here are some free or low cost ideas to keep young people entertained in Brisbane:
|
- Plan a day out using the Brisbane app; download it here
- Check out the Council’s School holiday events calendar here
- The best winter holiday boredom busters here
|
July marks the first anniversary of Victoria Park/ Barrambin's opening as public parkland. There’s plenty to see and do at the park during the school holidays. Check out what’s on offer here.
|
|
|
|
|
Basketball Program
Free basketball clinics are currently being provided for First Nations young people every Saturday. These clinics are being held at Camira Community Hall from 1pm to 3pm and Richlands East State School from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. The clinics are open to young people aged 12 to 17 years and you are encouraged to bring someone along if attending.
|
|
To access the flyer for this program, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Nature Freedom Programs
Nature Freedom is all about inclusion, creating positive and meaningful access and opportunities for participation in the natural environment and employment for young people living with a disability and/or mental health issues.
|
All of Nature Freedom’s 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.
|
|
Find out more and register for upcoming events here.
|
|
|
Join QShelter’s Day of Dialogue
QShelter is providing an opportunity to nominate to be one of 20 leaders from the Q Shelter CEO and Leaders’ Forum to join a Day of Dialogue with community leaders and champions. Q Shelter will provide support to a number of delegations around the State to foster dialogue on housing solutions and to explore opportunities for collaborative partnerships.
|
- The Q Shelter CEO and Leaders’ Forum will meet online in August to prepare
- The Day of Dialogue will take place in October
- The November CEO and Leaders’ Forum will involve dynamic presentations from people who participated in the Day of Dialogue to identify future opportunities for collaboration on solutions.
To express your interest in this opportunity, click here.
|
|
QShelter’s Policy Submission 2022-2023
|
|
QShelter’s Policy Submission for 2022-2023 which reflects on the input from the CEO and Leaders’ Forum in late 2021 is now available. This submission invites a focus on upstream strategies to ensure a pipeline of housing while working to prevent the next generation of homeless people emerging.
|
To read this submission, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
YOS Accommodation
Vacancies and Support
|
Youth Outreach Support currently have a number of vacancies in their supported long term accommodation at East Brisbane.
|
The eligibility criteria are:
|
- 18-25 years old
- single accommodation (one bedroom unit)
- Working or studying 3+ days per week
- Low income earner or on Centrelink benefit
(If employed total income must be below
$30 000)
- Low to moderate needs and willing to work with a case manager to achieve goals and long term sustainable housing. (Not eligible if coming direct from crisis situation)
|
Access the YOS Program flyer here. Access the YOS Accommodation Application Form here.
|
|
|
|
|
Apply Now for 2023 Qld Day Sponsorship Program
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, right across the state, 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.
|
|
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. Learn more here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help Your Clients Find and Keep A Job with Maxima
|
As a Disability Employment Services provider, Maxima provides specialist support and assistance to anyone living with a disability, injury or health condition to help them prepare for, find and maintain employment.
|
Maxima can support clients with:
|
- Goal setting and career planning
- Work readiness and preparation
- Sourcing, gaining and maintaining work
- On-the-job and off-site support
|
Maxima has two programs that are specifically useful for young people. One of these is a School Leaver Program that provides support to plan a pathway into employment whether that is a part-time or full-time job, traineeship or apprenticeship. The other program is a pilot Road 2 Work program that will be commencing soon. The Road 2 Work Program will provide support in completing logbook hours to obtain your driver’s licence and gaining access to a motor vehicle.
|
To learn more about the support that Maxima can provide, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Zig Zag is hiring!
Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre are currently seeking a skilled and experienced practitioner for the permanent position of Team Leader across our three funded Sexual Assault Support and Prevention Programs (Wider Brisbane, Brisbane South West, and Brisbane North regions).
|
The position requires a skilled intersectional feminist practitioner with significant experience in the provision of supervision and support of staff; coordination and evaluation of all funded program activities; and sexual assault support and prevention program development to ensure ethical, respectful and accountable practice in services to young women aged 12 – 25 years.
|
Tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, or behavioural sciences, or related area are essential; and post-graduate qualifications will be highly regarded. This permanent position is part time, 64 hours (8 days) per fortnight, and is paid at the QCSCA Award Level 6 with above Award conditions. The position is primarily based at Camp Hill with travel to our service sites in Richlands and Nundah.
|
|
Applications close at 9am on Monday 18 July 2022. For more information about how to apply, click here.
|
|
|
Skilling Queenslanders for
Work Program
Jabiru are starting a pilot program – Skilling Queenslanders for Work - in Redland Bay. It is Government funded, so it has no cost to participants. It is open to all individuals seeking training and employment support that have a passion for working with children as it focuses on a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care. It also includes work experience and individual support to develop life and employment skills to overcome barriers and build connection with a network of potential employers.
|
Enrolments are currently open and there are still places available. There will also be a second round commencing on 5 September 2022.
|
|
To access the program flyer and find out more about how to enrol, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
BABI is hiring!
BABI Youth & Family Service is recognized as a leading organisation for the provision of high quality housing, employment, educational and social inclusion programs for young people in the Bayside area. BABI currently has a vacancy for a part-time Youth Worker in its Wynnum Office. The position is a fixed contract for 12 month with a high possibility of extension.
|
This position requires an experienced individual who can demonstrate youth engagement and community development skills. The youth worker will support young people to successfully and safely participate in Linx Youth Space, deliver group work, youth and community events, living skills projects and school holiday programs.
|
The role would suit a skilled worker with a minimum of diploma level qualifications in the youth work, community or human services field. A minimum of two years’ experience in working with at-risk young people, preferably in a not-for-profit agency environment is also required. Experience working with or a desire to work alongside at-risk young people is essential. The position is paid in accordance with the Queensland Community Services and Crisis Assistance Award – State 2008 (TPEO) at Level 4.1.
|
|
Applications close at 12pm on Thursday 14 July 2022.
|
|
To find out more information and for instructions on how to apply, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centrelink’s New Employment Services Program
|
|
|
From July 4, Jobactive - the Australian government's main employment services program - will be replaced by a new service called Workforce Australia Employment Services Provider. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) describes it as a new "front door" service, aimed at helping people keep a job, change jobs or create their own job.
|
|
There are new changes to the way jobseekers will have to complete mutual obligations. A new Points Based Activation System (PBAS) has been introduced, which will replace the current system where jobseekers are required to submit 20 job applications a month. Through the PBAS, jobseekers will need to accumulate 100 points a month in order to continue receiving payments.
|
|
|
|
Points can be earnt by completing job applications, attending interviews and attending online learning modules. To learn more about the changes, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
oneplace Community Services Directory moving to AskIzzy
A reminder that Oneplace Community Services Directory is closing on 30 June 2022. After oneplace closes, Queensland families can continue to access details of community services through Infoxchange’s national online directory, Ask Izzy.
|
|
The Ask Izzy website is powered by Infoxchange’s national database, which includes 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.
|
To access AskIzzy, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Victim Information Register
This register informs eligible people about important events in the sentences of those adult offenders they have registered against, according to the Corrective Services Act 2006. You can apply to be on the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) victims register to be kept informed about the person if you meet the criteria of an ‘eligible person.’ Information is only given for offenders who:
|
- have been sentenced to an offence
- are ordered to a period of imprisonment for that offence
- are under the supervision of QCS (either in a correctional facility or supervised by Community Corrections).
You can apply to be added to the register as an eligible person for an adult offender if you are:
|
- the actual victim of a violent or sexual offence that an adult offender either
- has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment for (unless it is a wholly suspended sentence)
- is a supervised dangerous prisoner sexual offender
- if the victim is deceased, an immediate family member of the victim of a violent or sexual offence
- the victim’s parent or guardian—if the victim of a violent or sexual offence is under 18 or has a legal incapacity
- a person who has been subject to domestic violence and the offender has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment for any offence.
You may also be considered for the victims register if you can demonstrate:
|
- a documented history of the offender’s violence against you (e.g. a current or expired domestic violence order)
- that your life or physical safety may be endangered by your connection to why the offender was imprisoned (e.g. if that person gave evidence against the offender in court).
|
Access the Victims Register Application form here.
|
|
|
|
|
Nominate Now for 2023 Australian of the Year Awards
The Australian of the Year Awards gives Queenslanders the opportunity to nominate individuals who show courage and inspire us to make our own contribution to a better Australia. All it takes is one nomination to recognise the significant achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians who are making a positive difference within their community and across the nation. Nominations can be made across four categories:
|
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (those aged 65 years or over)
- Young Australian of the Year (those aged 16 to 30 years)
- Australia's Local Hero.
|
Nominations close Sunday 31st July 2022.
|
|
To read about past recipients or for further information about how to nominate, click here.
|
|
|
Safe and Connected
Futures Program
The Safe and Connected Futures Program helps young people to improve relationships with family members to prevent homelessness. Support is provided to young people and their family members to build skills in:
|
- Communicating effectively
- Improving connection
- Resolving conflict
- Managing emotions
Support can be provided to young people aged 12-25 who are living at home with family but are at risk of leaving or have recently left. It is essential that both the young person and their family members are engaged so that relationships can be strengthened to enable the young person to keep living at home or be supported to live independently.
|
|
To access the program flyer, click here.
|
|
To access the program referral form, click here.
|
|
|
|
New Podcast: Responding to Complex Developmental Trauma
|
|
Complex developmental trauma can affect children’s lives in many ways. It can have an impact on development and may lead to poor long-term outcomes if not addressed. These impacts also present many challenges for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners.
|
Effective trauma-informed practice requires a comprehensive understanding of the signs and effects of complex developmental trauma. Practitioners also need the skills and confidence to have protective conversations with children and their families.
|
In the first episode of this podcast, there is a discussion with Kathryn Lenton of the Australian Childhood Foundation who draws on her extensive clinical experience as a social worker and counsellor to discuss key understandings and practices for effective trauma-informed practice.
|
|
To listen to this podcast, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Community Connect – Stay Informed in the Lockyer Valley
The Community Connect Newsletter keeps community groups and their members up-to-date and informed with:
|
- Funding Opportunities
- Youth and Community Service Updates
- Community Events and Workshops
This monthly newsletter is issued by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council Engagement and Communications Team. Click here to subscribe.
|
The Lockyer Valley Community Directory website provides up-to-date information for community organisations who provide services in the Lockyer Valley area.
|
Popular categories include:
|
- education,
- child services,
- information and counselling,
- health services,
- volunteering,
- community centres, halls and facilities; and
- accommodation services.
|
To access this directory, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Students Conference – Book Now!
Calling all educators, youth and social workers, guidance officers, health and mental health professionals, innovators, leaders and change-makers who are committed to a radical reimagining of education. Arethusa College is proud to launch their second ‘For The Students’ conference being held on 14th and 15th July 2022 at Cloudland, Brisbane.
|
Join Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s best known Adolescent and Child Psychologists and other expert speakers to deepen your understanding, knowledge and practices around having all young people valued and successful.
|
|
To find out more information, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Register for National Housing Conference
The National Housing Conference is returning to being face-to-face in 2022. It is being held in Canberra from Monday 8 August to Wednesday 10 August 2022. There is also 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:
|
- 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
|
To register for the conference, click here.
|
|
To view the full program, click here.
|
|
|
Register for 2022 QCOSS Conference
Registrations have opened for the 2022 Conference: Power and Politics of the Care Economy. It will commence with a welcome event on 6th September 2022. Then the main event will be held at Sofitel Brisbane Central on 7th and 8th September 2022.
|
With dynamic presenters and special networking events planned, book now for some thought-provoking sessions.
|
|
To register for this event, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q Shelter Learning Exchange
|
You are invited to register for QShelter’s learning exchange. This series will be held online on the first Tuesday of every month – the next one being on 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. Click here to register.
|
|
|
|
|
Resources from Children’s Health Qld Virtual Summit
|
In May, Children’s Health Queensland Virtual Summit: A Lot Going On: An Adolescent Summit on Complex Social Needs was held. This summit included expert speakers who explored how adolescents encounter their services and the challenges they face when working with this group. Organisational initiatives that seek to improve young people’s health and social trajectory were also shared.
|
Presenter PowerPoints as well as recordings of presentations from the day are now available. To access these, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Calling for Case Examples: Changes to the Queensland Criminal Code
|
|
|
|
New legislation requires every adult in Queensland to report information relating to child sexual offences committed by an adult in relation to a child under 16 years of age to the Queensland Police Service. Failure to do so is punishable by 3 years in prison. The Queensland Criminal Code (Child Sexual Offences Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020 received assent in Parliament on the 14 September 2020 and commenced in Queensland on the 5th July 2021.
|
|
Following information and practice forums across the Youth, Women’s and Sexual Assault sectors a Working Group has been formed to further assist organisations in implementing this legislation.
|
|
If anyone has feedback or case examples to share please contact the working group via Lorraine on: 0448 073 463 or Lorraine@qyhc.org.au.
|
|
To read more about the Laws targeting sexual offences against children, click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
