Victorian Council of Social Service

A warm welcome to our newest VCOSS member — Southside Justice. Southside Justice is a free legal service for people on low-incomes living in the Port Phillip, Stonnington and Bayside areas. It used to be known as the St Kilda Legal Service, and was established as one of Victoria’s first community legal centres. It has now been helping people access justice for more than 50 years. You can learn more at southsidejustice.org.au Mel Dye | Maie Gibney | Juanita Pope | Deborah Fewster | Ryan Sheales | Libby Buckingham

ICYMI: VCOSS' submission to Plan for Victoria made waves in the Herald-Sun last week. Plan for Victoria is a rare opportunity to reshape and reimagine Victorian communities, and must be a plan to deliver more liveable, resilient and thriving communities for future generations. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g2muWfaA Read more on our submission here: https://lnkd.in/gfkm7xab

It was fantastic to be out at the Foster Care Association of Victoria event today to celebrate Foster Care Week, and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to improve the system - especially in regards to raising the carer allowance in Victoria. Congratulations to our member organisations and their workers who received nominations for the Commitment to Supporting Carers Awards.

While it's important to pose the question and start the conversation ("R U OK?"), there are also some great resources available for workplaces - including posters, guides and presentations - to help you ask the question in a safe and supportive way. Check out the industry-specific resources as well, all at https://lnkd.in/e6jSyHm

The Victorian government is delivering a new Victorian Committee for Families of Children with Disability, and parents and carers of Victorian children with disability aged up to 18 years are invited to apply. This is an opportunity for parents and carers of children with disability to provide feedback to the Victorian Government on policies, programs and services and ways to improve outcomes for children with disability. The committee will discuss topics such as education, child and family services, disability supports, healthcare, and community inclusion such as sport and recreation. Applications close 10 am, Monday 7th October More info: https://lnkd.in/g5Sirq-z

It mightn't surprise you to know that people on Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and related payments are cutting back on meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. But did you realise that 51% are skipping meals altogether? ACOSS' latest report, based on a survey of 760 people receiving income support payments, also found that 92% of respondents said that the low rate of income support harmed their mental health, and 84% said it harmed their physical health. Australia has one of the lowest income support payments among wealthy nations. The government must urgently lift these payments to a liveable level. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gYjdnD7z

Planning is a powerful tool. It’s much more than a set of rules determining how things are built. Planning is a process to decide what we value and the kind of society we wish to live in. VCOSS has just submitted our recommendations to the 30-year Plan for Victoria - a rare opportunity to reshape and reimagine Victorian communities. We seek to address housing targets, create sustainable and livable communities, promote justice and social change - and acknowledge that all planning is taking place on Aboriginal land. Read: https://lnkd.in/gfkm7xab

The latest edition of our sector newsletter, Amplify, is out now. Find out what VCOSS CEO Juanita has been up to on her jaunt around Victoria; read the latest reports and submissions; and take the next steps in First Nations leadership and allyship at a new summit. Subscribe and catch up on past editions here: https://lnkd.in/gUcJkMfB

We're excited to be supporting the upcoming 2024 First Nations Leadership & Allyship Summit taking place in Naarm/Melbourne on 13-14 November.   This event will bring together current and emerging First Nations leaders to share their stories, learnings and advice with peers and others on the path to leadership. Presenters will include Professor Marcia Langton, Nova Peris, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, broadcaster Stan Grant, VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher, First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-Chair Ngarra Murray, Yoorrook Justice Commission Deputy Chair Sue-Ann Hunter and more.   Running concurrently across four states, this summit has been designed to shine a spotlight on the excellence and strengths of First Nations leaders, reflecting on themes of healing, resilience, reconciliation, and Closing the Gap. (And if you're a VCOSS member, ask us how you can access a discount 😉) Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMA4ndtT

📖 ECCV is proud to launch "The Digital Divide," our new research report examining how the push to go digital is impacting older people from migrant communities. The report outlines the digital exclusion many seniors, especially those from multicultural backgrounds, face as more and more systems and support services go online. Culturally appropriate training and support, including the engagement of bicultural workers and trusted multicultural organisations, is needed to help older Australians become digitally literate. Alternatives to digital connection, however, remain crucial as research shows that there are significant numbers of older seniors who will never become digitally literate. Continuing to provide paper-based, phone-based, and in-person options remain crucial, as is the need to resource multicultural organisations, community leaders, services and media to inform and engage with culturally diverse seniors. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g-V9dAeY