Member & Community Calendar

For almost 50 years, not-for-profit organisation Family Planning Tasmania (FPT), has played a critical role in the sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community. FPT are a proud organisation that stands strongly for choice and believe that every individual has the right to live free of discrimination, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnic background, religion or disability.

FPT pioneered the right to access education and services for contraception in Tasmania; were a critical player in overcoming the outdated homosexuality laws in the late 1990s and today operate statewide clinical services and education programs to improve the community’s health.

As FPT enter a period of growth, brand expansion and business development FPT are seeking a new, strong leader to become their Chairperson along with new Directors. FPT's focus on community support extends to their Directors and FPT are proud to offer a development pathway which may include support for director professional development.

For a confidential discussion please call Cedric on 0414 698 906. The position description can be accessed via our website at fpt.asn.au/about-us/employment.  Please submit your expression of interest along with a CV to our CEO, cmanen@fpt.asn.au, by COB, Monday 30 November 2020.

Let us know your thoughts on Housing Connect services in Southern Tasmania. Your feedback will help us to continue to improve the experience of people accessing our services.

Find out more and complete the survey.

The Stakeholder Survey is open until COB, Thursday 19 November 2020.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, you will work closely with the ACOSS communications and policy teams to lead community mobilisation and engagement, particularly with people with lived experience of poverty and  disadvantage. 

The core purpose of your role is to support community empowerment and participation in ACOSS’s public advocacy and change work, including the current ACOSS Raise the Rate for Good Campaign. Your responsibilities will also include:

• Recruiting, training and supporting individuals to engage with national campaigns.
• Supporting people with lived experience to share their stories and expertise.
• Coordinating and facilitating campaign meetings and events.
• Strengthening relationships with national representative and people-based organisations.
• Supporting ACOSS to develop processes for proactively engaging with representative organisations.

Find out more and apply.

The Senior Campaigner will lead and effectively project manage the implementation of the existing Raise the Rate for Good campaign strategy at ACOSS. The Raise the Rate For Good campaign is a national campaign aimed at securing a permanent and adequate rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and related payments so that people can cover the basics and rebuild their lives. The campaign strategy spans four pillars, including changing the story about people who are unemployed, mobilising the community to take action, securing the support of key influencers & stakeholders, and persuading key political decision-makers to support the campaign.

This position will coordinate a cross-organisational team of communications, campaign, policy and operational staff to drive the campaign forward and ensure it succeeds in its goal to reduce poverty and inequality in Australia.

Find out more and apply.

We know our work is stronger with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences across our team, including lived experience of the issues we work on. People from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of colour and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position is a fixed-term contract to Monday 30 June 2021.

In November 2020, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the body that regulates consumer credit and financial services, released a report on the ‘buy now, pay later’ industry. 'Buy now, pay later' arrangements allow consumers to buy and receive goods and services immediately, and repay over time. ASIC’s report found:

• The buy now pay later industry is growing rapidly.
• About 20% of consumers are missing payments, so they incur missed payment fees and are reporting financial stress, and the number of consumers in this position is growing rapidly.
• There is a risk consumers are paying inflated prices under these arrangements.

While ASIC has powers of intervention for this industry, it supports self-regulation including through a code of practice. TasCOSS is wary of self-regulation by this and related industries. As we point out in a 2018 submission to a Senate Inquiry, 'buy now, pay later' and other consumer credit businesses can target customers in financial difficulties and there is evidence that they continue to do so even when there is clear evidence of financial and other harm.

Along with NILS Tasmania and Anglicare Tasmania, TasCOSS has advocated for much tighter regulation of the small consumer credit and consumer lease industries and strong consumer protections. Read TasCOSS's 2018 submission.

Moneysmart.gov.au explains how 'buy now, pay later' services work and gives some tips on what to look out for if you use 'buy now, pay later' services.

NILS Tasmania is an excellent alternative to expensive 'buy now, pay later options'. NILS Tasmania lends at no interest for essential items such as fridges, washers, furniture, education essentials such as computers and uniforms, medical and dental essentials and much more.

On 16 November 2020, the Productivity Commission released its report into mental health. Last year, TasCOSS partnered with Mental Health Council of Tasmania to make a submission to the inquiry. Read TasCOSS's submission here.

The Productivity Commission made a number of recommendations, including:

• We would all benefit from an improved mental health system.
• Reform of the mental health system would produce large benefits:
  •  These are mainly improvements in people’s quality of life — valued at up to $18 billion annually.
  • There would be an additional annual benefit of up to $1.3 billion due to increased economic participation.
• To create a person-centred mental health system, Australia needs reforms that:
  • Focus on prevention and early help: early in life and early in illness.
  • Provide the right healthcare at the right time for those with mental illness.
  • Make sure effective services support recovery in community.
  • Provide seamless care, regardless of the level of government providing the funding or service.

TasCOSS welcomes the report and urges governments and other relevant bodies to adopt all of the recommendations.

Ticket to Play provides two vouchers up to $100 each towards club membership for children aged 5-18 years and listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or in Out-of-Home Care.

Vouchers can be used either both at one activity provider or at two different activity providers. 

Learn more about the program.

You are invited to participate in a free three-hour introductory training session about health consumer advocacy and engagement with Health Consumers Tasmania.

For Health Staff

9am-12noon, Tuesday 1 December 2020, Hobart Grand Chancellor

The morning session is directed towards health staff who wish to engage with health consumers for co-design or systemic improvements. We will talk about how to involve health consumer representatives in consultation and committee processes, and some of the engagement problems you might need to manage. Morning tea is provided.

Find out more and register.

For Patients, Carers and Community Members

1pm-4pm, Wednesday 16 December, Heart Foundation

This afternoon session is for patients, carers, and general members of the community who are interested in being a health consumer representative and advocating for a better health system. We will discuss the different opportunities available to partner with health services and participate in their consultation and committee processes, as well as what might be expected of you if you engage a formal role. Afternoon tea is provided.

Find out more and register.

Pre-reading for both sessions is provided online by coordinators of the Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support, University College, University of Tasmania.

Please confirm your attendance and any dietary requirements through the Eventbrite booking links provided above.

The Department is seeking expressions of interest from appropriately qualified persons for appointment as a Witness Intermediary for the Pilot Intermediary Scheme (the Scheme). Panel members are appointed by the Secretary of Justice after selection and the successful completion of Witness Intermediary training. Intermediaries are appointed on a sessional basis to provide expert advice and information to police, legal practitioners and courts.

A Witness Intermediary is a communication specialist who assists children and vulnerable adults to give their best evidence by identifying a witness’s communication capacities and providing advice on special measures to assist with a witness’s engagement with police and the criminal justice system. The Scheme applies to victims and witnesses of sexual assault and homicide related matters.

The primary aim of the Scheme is to improve access to justice for vulnerable people and reduce the potential for re-traumatisation associated with criminal investigation and proceedings.

Find out more and apply.

Eligibility requirements

The Department of Justice is seeking expressions of interest from:

• Speech pathologists,
• Psychologists,
• Occupational therapists,
• Social workers, or
• Other people with qualifications or appropriate skills in working with children or people with communication needs.

Are you an older Tasmanian who needs legal advice? Or are you worried about an older person you know? Legal Aid offers free, private and confidential legal advice, representation or referrals.

Legal Aid’s experienced and trusted lawyers can advise and assist you with: advance care planning; Guardianship Board matters — lifestyle and financial decisions; Powers of Attorney; pressure to pay money or hand over assets; family conflict; scams and fraud or other criminal matters; abuse or neglect of older people; protection orders; and any other issue that affects older people.

The final Legal Clinic for 2020 will be held on Wednesday 2 December 2020. Twenty-minute bookings are available from 10am.

Please note due to COVID-19 we are offering phone appointments only at this time. This will be our last clinic for 2020 with clinics resuming in February 2021.

To make a booking email admin@cotatas.org.au or call (03) 6231 3265 (appointments are essential).

MHFFTas is pleased to launch its parallel programs of online and face-to-face peer support, called Safe Spaces.

Safe Spaces are held online fortnightly via Zoom, as well as monthly in Hobart, St Helens, Launceston and Burnie. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 2 December 2020.

Safe Spaces are an opportunity for the friends and family of someone with a mental illness to share their experiences with others who understand the ups and downs of supporting a  loved one affected by mental ill health. We will also host guest speakers and share relevant videos or podcasts from time to time. Our chats are open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Tasmania and supporting a person with mental ill health.

• The Online Safe Space runs once a fortnight on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm-8pm. Find out more and register.
• The Face-to-Face Safe Spaces run monthly in Hobart, St Helens, Launceston and Burnie. Find out more and register.

Radio for and by powerful people with disability, sharing their experiences of making a difference and how you can too.

An initiative of Clarence City Council’s Clarence Access Network (CAN) Forum.

Contributors: Disability Voices Tasmania, Tasmanian Health Service (Health Promotion), Job Life Employment, At Work Australia, Rural Alive and Well Tasmania, Tasmanian Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) and NDIS Mission Australia.

Supported by Hobart FM.

29 October 2020 — 17 December 2020, Thursdays 10:30am on DAB+ digital radio at 96.1FM and 92.1 FM or stream at Tune In or at hobartfm.org.au.

29 October 2020:

• You Can Ask That! — four people with different disabilities Paul, Tony, Kate, Duncan discuss the use of language, access and inclusion

5 November 2020:

• Rural Alive and Well (RAW) ‘Wise Minds’ — RAW’s Pete Owen and Amity Deans discuss mental health and training
• Changing Lives through Employment

12 November 2020:

• At Work Australia’s Derek Hagstrom, in discussion with Clive about his journey back to work
• Sport for All

19 November 2020:

• Morgan Kent from Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) in discussion with Joe Chivers, a local athlete

26 November 2020:

• Young Leaders, Inclusive Communities
• Keren Franks from Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) and Lottie, a YLOT participant, discuss with Lisa Stafford from Queensland University of Technology the importance of including young people in the discussion and planning of inclusive communities

3 December 2020:

• Conversations on International Day of People with Disability
• Fiona Strahan from Disability Voices Tasmania in conversation with three people on what International Day of People with Disability means to them

10 December 2020:

• Accessible Housing ‘My Story’
• Lee Jordan talks about how he made his home accessible and the importance of universal design

17 December 2020:

• Homelessness and Disability
• A conversation with services supporting people with disability who experience homelessness

Further information about the program can be found at ccc.tas.gov.au.

What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)? Benefits of ACP and explaining these to patients/clients/residents. Understanding capacity and when an Advance Care Directive (ACD) would be used.

Legalities of ACD and substitute decision-makers. Substitute decision-maker — options and considerations. What should you include in an ACD

Palliative care framework and ACP/ACD — case studies/scenarios. How to start/have a conversation about end of life care wishes. ACP and considerations for specific populations (i.e. Tasmanian Aboriginal, CALD/LGBTIQ). Tools to assist in writing an ACD — have a go at writing one for yourself.

Find out more and register.

Free half-day training in suicide alertness skills for the friends and family of someone with mental ill health. Four basic steps to create a life-saving connection will be taught. If you support someone who struggles with their mental health, you are more than welcome to attend.

This training is widely used by professionals and the general public.

Find out more and register.

Mental Health Families and Friends Tasmania offers free peer support groups for family members and friends of someone with mental ill health.

You can join us online or in-person (face-to-face). We chat about the ups and downs of supporting someone with mental ill health. Our groups are called ‘Safe Spaces’. We also host guest speakers from time to time.

The Online Group: We meet every fortnight on Wednesday night from 6:30pm-7:30pm. We use Zoom and you can sign up to the group online. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 4 November 2020.

The Face-to-Face Groups: We meet once a month in Hobart, Launceston, St Helens and Burnie. You can register for a face-to-face group session online. Our next meetings are in early November.

Find out more and register.

Take a look at our website or email Zoe and Grace at project.officer@mhfamiliesfriendstas.org.au for more information.

Do you have a passion for delivering amazing client outcomes? Can you dive right into the detail without being overwhelmed? Have you got experience in delivering projects, programs or community events?

We're looking for a Sector Development Project Officer to support the delivery of activities that will build the capacity and capability of our sector. And what does this mean?

It means providing support to the ATDC’s Sector Development Manager in the development and delivery of engagement activities, including short-term projects and the ATDC’s calendar of events and forums. This role is diverse in that you might be coordinating a training event one moment, and then conducting some research for a discussion paper next, then spending the morning leading a project working group, then drafting an event report in the afternoon, and then finishing off some admin tasks.

Needless to say, this is a diverse, busy and engaging role.

This position requires someone with a passion for delivering amazing client outcomes, who can dive into the detail without being overwhelmed, and is adaptable and enthusiastic. Your success will rely heavily on your ability to prioritise and plan your work, communicate professionally both with stakeholders and through written word, and operate with a level of autonomy.

Planning and delivering small projects and events are central to this role, so applications from individuals experienced in delivering projects, programs or community events are welcomed.

Find out more and apply.

Applications close 9am, Monday 7 December 2020.

Lifeline Tasmania is now recruiting full time, part time and/or casual trainers and counsellors to join the Training and Support Team. We’re looking for highly-motivated, flexible and passionate people to deliver a range of accredited and non-accredited training courses and/or brief intervention counselling support.

More information is available now, on our website, and we’re accepting expressions of interest over the next two weeks.

Find out more and apply.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 7 December 2020.

• Understanding compassion fatigue and burnout.
• Why self-care matters.
• What is self-care.
• What does self-care look like in practice?
• Developing a self-care plan.

It is vital that we understand what self-care is as well as its importance, when engaging in contexts of palliative and end-of-life care or healthy grieving as a response to loss.

Self-care is an important part of everyday life for us all. We each take care of ourselves as best we can in our daily activities and to maintain personal health and happiness, whilst also functioning at an optimal level in our professional endeavours.

Find out more and register.

Healthy Tasmania is hosting a series of online sessions.

Each 90-minute session is free and will include:

• Local insights from specialist presenters,
• Question and answer sessions,
• In-depth group discussions; and
• Practical ideas you can use to promote health and wellbeing.

Register now for upcoming sessions on:

• Wellbeing in our work — ways to embed mental health promotion and prevention — Wednesday 14 October 2020
• Strong partnerships — working from a partnerships model — Wednesday 28 October 2020
• Engaging with community — working with communities in planning, designing and doing — Wednesday 11 November 2020
• Telling your story — Wednesday 25 November 2020
• Seeing the big picture — working in a systems-thinking way — Wednesday 9 December 2020

For details about sessions and presenters and to register visit the Healthy Tasmania website.

Health Consumers Tasmania is a community organisation that seeks to lift the voices of people who use health services.

We are hosting consultation meetings around the state with patients, carers and community members on how you would like to see the Tasmanian health system improved.

After the meetings we will develop a submission to the Minister for Health seeking to put forward our community's perspective on health reform.

We are doing this work in response to the Minster for Health's recently released discussion paper "Our Healthcare Future", available at health.tas.gov.au/ourhealthcarefuture. It would help if you can look at the paper, but if you can't or find it too difficult don't let that stop you from participating.

Please note, to be COVID-19 safe we need to limit the number of people that attend face-to-face meetings, so please do register for a ticket in advance.

Find out more and register.

And if you can not come on the day but would still like to let us know what you think please send us an email at kate@healthconsumerstas.org.au.

Over one week in February 2020 nearly 80 people in Tasmania responded to a flash-survey Engender conducted on men and violence demonstrating an overwhelming passion for improving the way that we respond to men who engage with services or seek help for violence and abuse.

In August 2020, the Defendant Health Liaison Service convened an innovative workshop in Campbell Town to explore the potential of various government and non-government agencies to work together to develop or modify treatment/intervention programs for people who use violence within the Tasmanian landscape. Once again, this occasion demonstrated the tremendous appetite within Tasmanian services to develop better ways to address men who use abusive behaviour.

No to Violence are renowned for their expertise and training on working with men who use violence and have tailored a workshop specifically to the Tasmanian setting. This two-and-a-half hour live webinar will introduce key approaches to pivoting men towards the change journey and showcasing five discussion tools. The workshop will be held on Thursday 10 December 2020, marking the end of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism (25 November 2020 to 10 December 2020 — “Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”).

Find out more and register.

The workshop is fully subsidised and will be held online.

Radio for and by powerful people with disability, sharing their experiences of making a difference and how you can too.

An initiative of Clarence City Council’s Clarence Access Network (CAN) Forum.

Contributors: Disability Voices Tasmania, Tasmanian Health Service (Health Promotion), Job Life Employment, At Work Australia, Rural Alive and Well Tasmania, Tasmanian Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) and NDIS Mission Australia.

Supported by Hobart FM.

29 October 2020 — 17 December 2020, Thursdays 10:30am on DAB+ digital radio at 96.1FM and 92.1 FM or stream at Tune In or at hobartfm.org.au.

29 October 2020:

• You Can Ask That! — four people with different disabilities Paul, Tony, Kate, Duncan discuss the use of language, access and inclusion

5 November 2020:

• Rural Alive and Well (RAW) ‘Wise Minds’ — RAW’s Pete Owen and Amity Deans discuss mental health and training
• Changing Lives through Employment

12 November 2020:

• At Work Australia’s Derek Hagstrom, in discussion with Clive about his journey back to work
• Sport for All

19 November 2020:

• Morgan Kent from Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) in discussion with Joe Chivers, a local athlete

26 November 2020:

• Young Leaders, Inclusive Communities
• Keren Franks from Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) and Lottie, a YLOT participant, discuss with Lisa Stafford from Queensland University of Technology the importance of including young people in the discussion and planning of inclusive communities

3 December 2020:

• Conversations on International Day of People with Disability
• Fiona Strahan from Disability Voices Tasmania in conversation with three people on what International Day of People with Disability means to them

10 December 2020:

• Accessible Housing ‘My Story’
• Lee Jordan talks about how he made his home accessible and the importance of universal design

17 December 2020:

• Homelessness and Disability
• A conversation with services supporting people with disability who experience homelessness

Further information about the program can be found at ccc.tas.gov.au.

Applications are now open for the Festive Season Charitable Quick Response Grant.

The Community Christmas Quick Response Grant has been adapted to provide the most benefit and this has been identified as vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the community who are in most need during the festive season and especially this year due to the effects of COVID-19.

The Festive Season Charitable Quick Response Grant from the City of Hobart will fund charitable organisations and groups for activities that support disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Funding of up to $1,000 is available to organisations and groups wishing to undertake activities that address need and share the spirit of compassion, generosity and connectedness during the festive season.

A total of $10,000 is available in this grant commencing from 16 November 2020 for projects that are delivered in the period from 1 to 31 December 2020. The grant round will close once the funding pool has been fully allocated or 11 December 2020, whatever comes first.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application with two weeks of their application being submitted.

For further details go to hobartcity.com.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Christmas-Grants.

What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)? Why ACP, end of life realities and benefits of ACP.

Advance Care Planning and Advance Care Directives (ACD)

When are advance care plans used. Who should have an ACP? Legalities of Advance Care Planning in Tasmania. The Tasmanian Advance Care Directive — new form 2020.

Guiding your care. Understand substituted decision-making options in Tasmania. How to start difficult conversations — putting into practice ACP: a vital part of palliative care.

Find out more and register.

AHURI invite you to participate in a national research project on housing policies and practices affecting older (age 55 and over) Australians on lower incomes. We are investigating whether existing housing options adequately address the needs of this group, and whether there are alternative models that could be developed further. 

The research is funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI). It is being conducted by a team from the University of South Australia, Curtin University and RMIT. 

Participation in the research involves taking 5-10 minutes to complete a short online survey.

Find out more and complete the survey.

Your responses will not be linked to your name and you may choose not to answer any question if you wish.

The survey will be accessible until Saturday 12 December 2020.

Are you a family/friend of someone with mental ill health and passionate about supporting them and helping yourself? Then we need you!

Mental Health Family and Friends Tasmania are seeking Expressions of Interest for our new Lived Experience Advocacy Group. If you become a member, costs for your time attending meetings and transport will be covered.

For more information and an Expression of Interest form, please contact Alison at advocacy@mhfamiliesfriendstas.org.au or 0436 414 482

Expressions of Interest close Wednesday 16 December 2020.

You are invited to participate in a free three-hour introductory training session about health consumer advocacy and engagement with Health Consumers Tasmania.

For Health Staff

9am-12noon, Tuesday 1 December 2020, Hobart Grand Chancellor

The morning session is directed towards health staff who wish to engage with health consumers for co-design or systemic improvements. We will talk about how to involve health consumer representatives in consultation and committee processes, and some of the engagement problems you might need to manage. Morning tea is provided.

Find out more and register.

For Patients, Carers and Community Members

1pm-4pm, Wednesday 16 December, Heart Foundation

This afternoon session is for patients, carers, and general members of the community who are interested in being a health consumer representative and advocating for a better health system. We will discuss the different opportunities available to partner with health services and participate in their consultation and committee processes, as well as what might be expected of you if you engage a formal role. Afternoon tea is provided.

Find out more and register.

Pre-reading for both sessions is provided online by coordinators of the Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support, University College, University of Tasmania.

Please confirm your attendance and any dietary requirements through the Eventbrite booking links provided above.

Radio for and by powerful people with disability, sharing their experiences of making a difference and how you can too.

An initiative of Clarence City Council’s Clarence Access Network (CAN) Forum.

Contributors: Disability Voices Tasmania, Tasmanian Health Service (Health Promotion), Job Life Employment, At Work Australia, Rural Alive and Well Tasmania, Tasmanian Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) and NDIS Mission Australia.

Supported by Hobart FM.

29 October 2020 — 17 December 2020, Thursdays 10:30am on DAB+ digital radio at 96.1FM and 92.1 FM or stream at Tune In or at hobartfm.org.au.

29 October 2020:

• You Can Ask That! — four people with different disabilities Paul, Tony, Kate, Duncan discuss the use of language, access and inclusion

5 November 2020:

• Rural Alive and Well (RAW) ‘Wise Minds’ — RAW’s Pete Owen and Amity Deans discuss mental health and training
• Changing Lives through Employment

12 November 2020:

• At Work Australia’s Derek Hagstrom, in discussion with Clive about his journey back to work
• Sport for All

19 November 2020:

• Morgan Kent from Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) in discussion with Joe Chivers, a local athlete

26 November 2020:

• Young Leaders, Inclusive Communities
• Keren Franks from Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) and Lottie, a YLOT participant, discuss with Lisa Stafford from Queensland University of Technology the importance of including young people in the discussion and planning of inclusive communities

3 December 2020:

• Conversations on International Day of People with Disability
• Fiona Strahan from Disability Voices Tasmania in conversation with three people on what International Day of People with Disability means to them

10 December 2020:

• Accessible Housing ‘My Story’
• Lee Jordan talks about how he made his home accessible and the importance of universal design

17 December 2020:

• Homelessness and Disability
• A conversation with services supporting people with disability who experience homelessness

Further information about the program can be found at ccc.tas.gov.au.

Safe Spaces are an opportunity for the friends and family of someone with a mental illness to share their experiences with others who understand the ups and downs of supporting a loved one affected by mental ill health.

We will also host guest speakers and share relevant videos or podcasts from time to time. Our chats are open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Tasmania and supporting a person with mental ill health.

Find out more and register.

End of Year Offer: Book child safety training for 2021 for your staff by 18 December and save by securing this year's prices.

Be prepared for 2021 and take action to ensure your organisation is effective in keeping children and young people safe from harm whilst meeting relevant state and national legislative requirements.

Why choose Child Wise training for your organisation?

We provide a complete and effective learning experience that is:

• Deeply engaging and interactive, supported by practical activities, scenario-based learning and group discussions,
• Evidenced based and underpinned by nearly 30 years of pioneering experience in the child safeguarding field; and
• Delivered by highly qualified and experienced trainers, our virtual classrooms are very interactive and limited to a small class of up to 20 participants to allow for shared group learning.

Our child safety training programs can be delivered in-house at your organisation, if you wish to train groups of staff face-to-face* or in a virtual classroom environment.

* Offered within COVID-19 restriction requirements applicable in each state. Terms and conditions apply.

Contact us at 1300 244 539 or email info@childwise.org.au and get in early to secure your preferred dates and times for January and February 2021.

Mental Health Families and Friends Tasmania offers free peer support groups for family members and friends of someone with mental ill health.

You can join us online or in-person (face-to-face). We chat about the ups and downs of supporting someone with mental ill health. Our groups are called ‘Safe Spaces’. We also host guest speakers from time to time.

The Online Group: We meet every fortnight on Wednesday night from 6:30pm-7:30pm. We use Zoom and you can sign up to the group online. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 4 November 2020.

The Face-to-Face Groups: We meet once a month in Hobart, Launceston, St Helens and Burnie. You can register for a face-to-face group session online. Our next meetings are in early November.

Find out more and register.

Take a look at our website or email Zoe and Grace at project.officer@mhfamiliesfriendstas.org.au for more information.

Tasmanian employers have the opportunity to build up the literacy, numeracy and digital skills of their workforce with up to $50,000 available through the latest round of 26TEN Employer Grants.

The 2020-21 26TEN Employer Grants round can be used to help employers and peak bodies build the literacy, numeracy, and digital skills of their paid and volunteer workforces.

They will also be used to build an understanding of adult literacy issues in their industries and assist supervisors and managers to support workers who need better literacy and numeracy skills to do their jobs well.

Helping businesses improve the clarity of communication in workplaces, making sure work documents and workplace signs are written in plain English, and that employees have the digital skills they need to communicate, are other focuses of the grants.

26TEN projects provide a powerful boost to all other improvement and development programs underway.

26TEN is helping more Tasmanians get the skills they need for life and work by bringing together business, community and government to work together to take action on adult literacy and numeracy.

Find out more and apply.

Applications close 5pm, Friday 12 February 2021.

On 27 August 2020, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Training Jeremy Rockliff announced an independent inquiry into the Department of Education’s responses to child sexual abuse in Tasmanian Government Schools.

The inquiry will examine and report on the adequacy of existing legislation, policies, practices and procedures utilised by the Department of Education to minimise the risk of child sexual abuse within Tasmanian Government Schools.

Inquiry into the systems of the Department of Education Terms of Reference (PDF, 214.4 KB)

The inquiry welcomes the views of any interested parties, including survivors, and invites public submissions. Written and oral submissions can be made to the inquiry and support to make a submission can be provided.

Submissions provided to the inquiry will inform the report prepared by Professor Smallbone and Professor McCormack.

Making a submission

Written submissions to the Inquiry into the Education Department’s Response to Child Sexual Abuse are now open and must be received by COB, Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Submissions can be forwarded to inquiry@justice.tas.gov.au or mailed to:

The Independent Inquirers, Education Inquiry, GPO Box 825, Hobart Tasmania, 7001.

Study Tasmania in partnership with the Hobart City Council has launched the International Student Support Quick Response Grant. The grant provides funding of up to $2,000 to support community organisations and groups to deliver activities, projects, programs and initiatives that assist international students with response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The form is now live and the key links for the grant are below:

• Guidelines: hobartcity.com.au/files/assets/public/community-programs/grants/documents/international-student-support-guidelines_fin.pdf
• Application Form: hobartcity.smartygrants.com.au/QISS2021






Applications close 12midnight, Monday 31 May 2021.