Editors Picks
25 June 2023
VENUES REMINDED TO MINIMISE HARM
LIQUOR & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has reminded venues in NSW to comply with gaming harm-minimisation requirements after discovering ATMs with credit card withdrawal functions at two Sydney venues. The Gaming Machines Act 2001 prohibits hotels and clubs with gaming machines from having ATMs with credit access. The Wentworth Hotel and the Earlwood Hotel were issued directions to remove the credit card functions from their ATMs. L&GNSW inspectors were able to withdraw money from credit accounts
25 June 2023
SUPPORT FOR INSURANCE SCHEMES
THE NSW Government faces a $669M bill to support the state's insurance schemes, which have been mismanaged under the previous Liberal-National administration. The emergency funding aims to protect injured public sector workers and address issues such as historic liabilities for child sexual abuse, natural disaster damages, and workers' compensation claims. The funding injection highlights the challenges inherited by the Minns Government and adds to the budgetary pressures. The reforms seek to improve return-to-work rates and create a financially sustainable workers' compensation system.
25 June 2023
INCREASED PROTECTION FOR RETAIL WORKERS
THE NSW Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that proposes stronger penalties for individuals who assault retail workers. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Retail Workers) Bill 2023 includes three new offences in the Crimes Act. The reforms aim to address the high rates of abuse and assault faced by retail workers, with penalties ranging from 4 to 11 years' imprisonment depending on the severity of the assault. The government is committed to supporting workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace, sending a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.
Featured
20 June 2023
NEW PURPOSE-DRIVEN EDUCATION ALLIANCE
Delivering for aspiring and early-stage SMEs
COMMUNITY Broadcast Network (CBN) and BREED Australia have teamed up to design and deliver a suite of successful business education and mentoring programs aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs and SMEs.
COMMUNITY Broadcast Network (CBN) and BREED Australia have teamed up to design and deliver a suite of successful business education and mentoring programs aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs and SMEs.
17 June 2023
GRANT FUNDING FOR CHANGE MAKERS
RESEARCH reveals that lack of funding for the Australian not-for-profit (NFP) sector is resulting in less effective operations, and reduced impact amongst communities in need. As a result, philanthropic support of vital community projects is now increasingly important to address these critical funding pressures.
IMB Bank Community Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IMB Bank. It has donated more than $11.5M over 24 years to more than 850 grassroots community organisations and projects, expanding services and addressing the needs of locals – at times when they need it most.
In 2023, the Foundation is offering $700,000 in grant funding for community change-makers across NSW, ACT and Melbourne.
For community champions heading local charity projects in their area, grant funding can be the leg-up that drives real and profound change, improving the lives of many.
Ahead of its 2023 funding submission deadline on 16th June, IMB Bank Community Foundation has shared helpful grant application tips:
Research grants available – There are a number of grant funding programs available. The NSW state government offers grant funding for not-for-profits for rebuilding, community outreach, environment and more. Funding from the corporate sector, such as that offered by IMB Bank Community Foundation, is another avenue that NFPs can investigate to fill the funding gap.
Know what you want to do with the funding - Review past projects to understand the types of projects that have been supported in the past to help draft your application. Know what it is you want your project to do – who will you be helping, what local need will it addresses, how will it benefit locals? Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Sort documentation and images – Compile relevant documentation to support your application and have supporting evidence such as statistics about local challenges, the needs of community members, or evidence of success with similar projects.
Be the community change-maker – Champion the work that your group or project has achieved and the benefits to the community. Highlight real local successes as a result of your efforts and ways in which new funding will boost future expansion, participant experiences, or forms of sustainable progression.
Get in quick and before the deadline – Avoid applying on the last day. Unexpected events may occur – there might be technical glitches, other priorities may arise, or you simply don’t have the time to input the extra detail that will make your application stand out. Most grant funding organisations understand that complications can arise at the last minute. If you come across a hurdle or have any questions, be sure to reach out via phone or email to explain your situation. However, as a general rule, take note of deadline dates and apply well in advance.
If you think your project can make a difference in your community, seek out grant funding to take it to the next level.
Community groups can apply for 2023 IMB Bank Community Foundation grant funding through IMB Bank Community Foundation via www.imb.com.au/community
Applications close 16 June 2023. Get more tips and hints on applying for grant funding with the IMB Bank Community.
17 June 2023
RECONNECTING LIVES - ONE TAX DEDUCTION AT A TIME
A LEADING drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in NSW has launched an urgent appeal for funding, leading up to the end of the financial year.
Tax deductible donations form a vital support for Odyssey House NSW and contribute to transforming the lives of those affected by drug and alcohol dependence.
Odyssey House NSW acting CEO David Kelly says substance dependence is a serious condition which people often need professional support to overcome. Without support, individuals and families find it far more difficult to break the generational cycle of addiction.
“Our services are designed to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals and families impacted by drug and alcohol use,” Mr Kelly said.
In the 12 months to June 2022, 40 percent of Odyssey House NSW clients from all programs needed support to manage a dependence on alcohol. Almost half (45%) of clients in Odyssey’s residential rehabilitation programs reported a dependence on methamphetamines.
“We know that supporting clients to withdraw from alcohol or drugs can be the simple part,” Mr Kelly said. “The harder part of a person’s recovery journey is working through the underlying factors that make people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.
“Our case workers work with our clients to address the underlying factors – such as co-existing illnesses and mental health concerns, traumas, and stresses in their lives.”
Mr Kelly said funds received from the appeal would support Odyssey to hire more case workers across its residential rehabilitation and community programs. Case workers work closely with clients to develop personalised treatment plans that meet each client’s needs and goals.
“Without our case workers, there is no Odyssey. They are the heart and soul of what we do. They help reconnect individuals to lead the positive lives they desire, and reconnect families and communities.
“Please use the opportunity of the end of the financial year to donate to Odyssey. However large or small, you’re helping us to make long-lasting changes in people’s lives.”
Donate by 30 June to Odyssey House NSW via https://give.odysseyhouse.com.au/tax23
About Odyssey House NSW
Since 1977, Odyssey House NSW has developed extensive trauma informed rehabilitation programs to provide education and support for those wishing to address the physical, mental, social, and economic harms related to their substance use.
The organisation's team of professional staff help clients identify and address the underlying causes of their substance use such as trauma, domestic violence and mental health issues — to improve their wellbeing, parenting skills, family relationships, social connections, numeracy, literacy and employment prospects.
Odyssey House NSW’s programs include withdrawal services; one-on-one assessment and treatment by psychologists and counsellors; group therapy; residential rehabilitation; and free education at Odyssey College.
Odyssey has developed 19 holistic rehabilitation programs and a network of 13 residential and community sites across Greater Sydney, the NSW Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains.
As part of treatment, clients can be referred to receive free education at Odyssey College, which is registered with the Department of Education. The college provides structured learning in subjects from mathematics to art and vocational training to help clients embrace opportunities for lasting change in their lives.
People seeking support to recover from alcohol or drug dependence can refer themselves or others to Odyssey House NSW by calling 1800 397 739 (select option 2) or email referral@odysseyhouse.com.au
13 June 2023
DOCTORS WANT ALCOHOL DRINKING REGULATED
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has criticized the influence of the alcohol industry on government health strategy. The RACGP called on the Albanese Government to prioritize community safety and wellbeing over the interests of Big Alcohol. This follows research that found industry submissions to the National Alcohol Strategy consultation relied on dubious evidence, exaggerated the benefits of moderate drinking, and downplayed the link between alcohol and violence. RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins urged the government to regulate the alcohol industry similar to the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need for unbiased public health policy and protection against misleading industry tactics.
