Great for new coordinators, committee members and community development staff. For Network West Members only.
Next tour scheduled for 27 April. 2 places left!! To register: Click Here For more info: Click Here
Key Network West Documents
Annual Report 2015 - 2016 Download Here Strategic Plan 2016-2019 Download Here
Social media
Regular updates on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up below
Don't forget to factor in 3% annual wage rise on 1 July and Equal Remuneration Order updated every 1 December.
Fixed term employment - reduced period of continuous fixed term employment to 2 years (previously 5 years)
Compassionate leave increased from 3 to 5 days
Long Service Leave - pro rata access to LSL at 7 years (previously 10 years)
Superannuation - increase super entitlements to 9.5% for all employees including those earning less than $450 per month
TOIL paid out on termination (new clause)
Car travel rate is lower (from 0.81 to 0.78c per km)
For a list of changes and copy of Agreement go to NHVic website: Click Here
Next wage increase
The next wage increase under the Agreement is July 2017 with 3% wage increase. Until then the current Agreement or Award pay tables apply, whichever is relevant in your organisation (see below for links to pay tables).
The Neighbourhood Houses and Adult Community Education Centres (NHACE) Collective Agreement 2017 is now ready for sign on.
(Please disregard if you are already signed on to NHACE CA 2016)
The opportunity to sign up to the 2017 version of the Neighbourhood Houses & Adult Community Education Centres (NHACE) Agreement is offered to organisations prevented from being included in the 2016 version due to late submission of paperwork. It will also be offered to organisations deemed ineligible due to having only one employee in the event that staff numbers have increased since the 2016 process.
There are no changes to the Agreement terms and conditions and the process will be a formality for organisations that have already made a decision to be part of the Agreement in 2016.
The first step in the process must be completed by 18 April. All relevant paperwork including a detailed outline of the sign on process and deadlines can be found on the NHVic website HERE.
Please note the deadlines outlined are not negotiable. Late paperwork will not be accepted.
Pay Tables - Jobs Australia
Jobs Australia have provided pay tables effective from 1 December 2016 for the 2007, 2008 and 2010 Agreements.
These changes are due to the implementation of the 5th instalment of the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) that adjusts the SCHCADS Award and Agreements based on that award each December till 2020.
These pay tables are for organisations on any one of the 2007, 2008 or 2010 Neighbourhood House Agreements.
The new pay tables for the 2010 Agreement are on the website HERE
And for the 2007 and 2008 Agreements HERE From NHVic Website
News and Updates
Hobsons Bay Community Centres Research Project Report - Launch
Commissioned by Hobsons Bay City Council and conducted by researchers Mark Brophy and Helen Rodd, with the help of the eight community centres in Hobsons Bay, this recently released unique and ambitious Report took over two years to complete.
The Report includes a comprehensive analysis and raises key questions in regard to Community Centre challenges, including their -
Resources to assist your organisation to be Child Safe
Victorian law requires organisations that work with children including Neighbourhood Houses, to meet the Child Safe Standards.
Resources to help work through complying with the Standards: Our Community / Moores Toolkit has examples of strategies and code of conduct and policy Click here to download For a sample Code of Conduct and Policy:Click Here
Data on Asylum Seekers (Bridging Visa E) within each suburb
Excellent data compiled by Greater Dandenong based on September 2016 figures, with the numbers of asylum seekers arriving in each suburb and a breakdown of gender, age and birthplace. Click Here
The Victorian government have expanded the Asylum Seeker VET Program for eligible asylum seekers to be exempted from residency criteria for participating in a Victorian Training Guarantee course. More info here
Premier's Active April - 30 minutes of physical activity a day
A great activity for Walking Groups and Neighborhood House participants.
Sign up for Active April and get benefits that include 10 free passes to YMCA or local government recreation facility, a 2 for 1 offer to Aquarium, discount on Cycling Victoria membership and more. To RegisterClick Here
ACNC - Registered Charity Tick
The ACNC has developed the the Registered Charity Tick for charities to show the public they are registered. Registered charities are not mandated to use the Tick, however those that wish to use it will need to accept the terms and conditions of use. More info:Click Here
Victorian State Disability Plan
For Absolutely Everyone 2017-2020
Skills and Jobs Centres - linking in with Neighbourhood Houses
The State Government has funded Skills and Jobs Centres. The Centres provide referrals and advice around job readiness, upskilling and retraining opportunities.
Victoria Polytechnic run Skills and Job Centres at Footscray, Sunshine and Melton campuses More infohere or Denise Hanaphy-Shearer deniseanne.hanaphy-shearer@vu.edu.au
Gordon TAFE run Skills and Job Centre at their Werribee campus (24 Watton St, Werribee) on Wednesdays More info Erika Williams P:5225 0700 ewilliams@gordontafe.edu.au
Showcasing NH Good Practice
Movie night & Community Fair - Rockbank
On 17 February, Rockbank Community Network and My City My Say in Rockbank hosted a movie night and community fair. Around 10 departments from the Melton Council had an opportunity to talk to over 250 residents and share their ideas. Activities included a skating demonstration, dance workshop, family races, Taekwondo, Fitness Mantra followed by the movie, Eddie the Eagle.
The aim of the event was to bring together the newly settling residents of Rockbank with those who have been there for many years. It was great to see the residents from the new estates connecting with the residents of Rockbank Township.
It was a wonderful combination of music, dance, food, laughter, fun activities and everyone ready to talk – and listen.
Have you got a great project to share? Please send a short description of the project with a photo to: info@network.net.
Upcoming Events & Training
Planning and running effective Annual General Meetings (AGMs) Brimbank Council
Facilitated by Non Profit Training. FREE workshop designed to assist community groups to plan and run effective AGMs.
Date: Tuesday 4 April: 5.30-8pm Venue: Westvale Community Centre: 45 Kings Road, St Albans For more info:Click Here
Project Management Essentials
Community Groups Training - Melton Council
This FREE session covers how to develop a project plan, build a project budget and using project tools.
Date: Wednesday 5 April: 6pm-9pm
Venue: Caroline Springs Library: 193 Caroline Springs Blvd, Caroline Springs For more info:Click Here
Community Grants Information Session - Wyndham Council
Date: Thursday 6 April: 6.30pm-8.30
Venue: Wyndham Civic Centre: 45 Princes Hwy, Wyndham For more info:Click Here
FREE Grant Writing Workshop - Wyndham Council
Date: Monday 10 April: 6.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: Wyndham Civic Centre: 45 Princes Hwy, Werribee For more info:Click Here
Network Meetings for Managers of Volunteers - Volunteer West
A FREE monthly meeting of volunteer Managers and Coordinators from across the western metro region. An opportunity to come together with other volunteer managers to problem solve, celebrate successes and discuss issues relating to volunteering. After each networking session there is a free training session facilitated by an experienced trainer on each topic. (Lunch provided)
Thursday 12 April, 10.30 am – 12:00 pm,
Followed by free training: 12.30pm-2.30pm Strategic Planning for Volunteer-Involving Organisations
Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Rd, Avondale Heights
Wednesday 24 May, 10.30 am – 12:00 pm,
Followed by free training: 12.30pm-2.30pm Volunteer Management Essentials
Westvale Community Centre / 45 Kings Road, St Albans
Friday 9 June 12.30 pm – 2:30 pm,
Followed by free training: 12.30pm-2.30pm Circle of Support and Social Connection – Inclusion Melbourne
Wyndham City Council, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee
How to run effective committee meetings
Brimbank Council Community Governance Program
Facilitated by Non Profit Training. FREE workshop on how to run productive meetings including: templates for agendas and minutes, decision making in meetings and what happens between meetings.
Date: Tuesday 18 April: 9.30am-12pm Venue: Westvale Community Centre: 45 Kings Road, St Albans For more info:Click Here
Brimbank Community Leadership Program
For people aged 18 years and older who live, work or study in Brimbank who would like to increase their community leadership skills. An eight session program that begins on 10 May.
Cost: FREE Venue: St Albans Community Centre: 1 Princess Street, St Albans Applications Close: 24 April 2017
For more info:Click Here or download flyer
Top Tips for Managing Volunteers - Wyndham Council
Presented by Justice Connect Not-for-Profit Law
Does your community organisation engage volunteers? Make sure you understand the legal issues in managing them! This popular session steps participants through the components of a successful and legally compliant volunteer program. Date: Wednesday 26 April: 6.30-9.30pm
Cost: Free Venue: Tarneit Community Learning Centre: 150 Sunset Views Boulevard, Tarneit For more info:Click Here
Our Community Webinar - Questions your Board needs to ask abour finances
This webinar will walk you through the questions your board needs to ask about the finances in order to make the best decisions, avoid problems, and fulfill your mission. Date: 27 April: 12pm
Cost: $88 for Webinar + "More Than Money" or $55 for Webinar only Register Here
Neighbourhood House Week - 8 May - 14 May 2017 'Belonging'
Promotional items for NH Week are available on NHVic website here.
If you have a story you'd like to share with NHVic, email Karen@nhvic.org.au
Grants Writing Session
Community Groups Training - Melton Council
This FREE session includes how to write a grant application, ideas for funding and funding sources available for groups.
Date: Tuesday 16 May: 5.30-8.30pm Venue: Melton Library and Learning Hub: 31 McKenzie Street, Melton For more info:Click Here or Ph: 9747 7200 or alexandram@melton.vic.gov.au
NHVic Conference 'Belonging' - 18 & 19 May, Creswick
Venue: RACV Goldfields Resort: 1500 Midland Highway Creswick For more info and accommodation options:Click Here
Communities in Control Conference - Our Community 'What Makes Healthy Communities? People have the power!'
When: 29-30 May 2017 Where: Moonee Valley Racecourse: McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds Cost: $325-$385 More info:Click Here
Jobs Australia - Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management Training Calendar
Click Here for training Jobs Australia offer for the January - July 2017 period
Calendar of Events - OurCommunity
For a comprehensive calendar of events for the year Click Here
Upcoming Grants
Enterprise Fund - Sage Foundation
To support organizations who are looking to generate further income, create new initiatives or enhance existing activities. Grants of between $5000 and $35000 will be awarded. Target groups: young people (under 25), women and girls and military veterans and addressing on the following areas:
Health and wellbeing
Education
Diversity and inclusion
Entrepreneurship
Applications close: 5 April 2017
More info: Click Here
Wyndham City Council Grants
Community Grants - Information Session
This session will help kick start you into the world of grants. It will assist you to understand what grants are available and what you need to think about when putting in a grant application. Date: Wednesday 5 April Where: Saltwater Community Centre: 153 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook Register HERE More info: volunteers@wyndham.vic.gov.au Ph: 9742 0777
Identity, Inclusion and Connection Grant
Projects are expected to contribute to ‘a sense of community identity, inclusion and connectedness between Wyndham residents’ and to ‘a resilient community that supports good mental health and emotional wellbeing’. These grants are up to $5,000 Available quarterly
More info: Click Here
Neighbourhood Grants
These small scale projects or events will build positive connections between neighbours, celebrate communities and/or creatively enhance local shared spaces. Applications for up to $1,000 by incorporated community groups/clubs/organisations with great project or event ideas are welcomed for this grant category. Individuals can also apply to connect neighborhoods. Now Open. Closes at the end of each month. Website:Click Here
Community Pathway Scholarship Grants
Scholarships for young people under 26 years old to help ‘pave the way’ for young sportspeople, artists, community leaders and students to pursue, and further develop, their strengths and aspirations to become community role models, leaders and community minded artists, or just to strive to reach their best potential. Grants of up to $500 are available. Now Open. Closes at the end of each month. Website:Click Here
Multicultural Festivals and Events grants - Multicultural Commission
Grants are available to organise multicultural festivals and events ranging from small grants ($10 000) to larger grants ($100 000). For events taking place between 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.
Not for profits and local governments are able to apply. Applications Close: 10 April 2017 More info:Click Here
Hobsons Bay Quick Response Grants - Open
These Grants are an opportunity for groups and organisations to apply for funding for unexpected or emerging projects which do not fit within the annual Community Grants Program timelines. Applications Close:12 April (or before if funding pool is exhausted prior to this date) For more info:Click Here
NAB Grants Program
Two streams of funding available:
- Domestic and Family Violence Support Grant
- Financial Shocks Support Grant
Eligibility: Charities (DGR not required) Applications Close: Friday 21 April More info:Click Here
The Channel - Brave Representations
The Channel is seeking expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who need funds to support their vision of growing representations of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sex characteristics in Australian culture - the arts, media and beyond.
Two grants available: The Haring $10 000 (require DGR), The Hampton Grant: $5000 Expressions of Interest Close: 21 April 2017 More info:Click Here
NAIDOC Week 2017 Local Grants Round
Aims to support activities being held during NAIDOC Week (2-9 July) that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to our country and society. . Applications Close: Thursday 27 April For more info:Click Here
Digital Literacy for Older Australians - Federal Government
The Australian Government is inviting applications via an open process to apply to deliver services under the Strengthening Communities /Community Development Participation / Digital Literacy for Older Australians (DLOA): National Network Manager from 1 June 2017 to 30 June 2020. Funding will be offered to one organisation as a result of this process. Applications Close: Friday 28 April More info:Click Here
Environment Grants - Hobsons Bay City Council
Provides financial assistance to local community organisations and groups for projects that meet an environmental need in the community. Groups can apply for up to $2,000. Applications Close: Friday 19 May 2017 For more info:2017-18 Environment Grants Programor Suzette Rodoreda, Environmental Engagement Officer on 9932 1000.
Bank of Melbourne - Neighbourhood Fund
Supports local charities and programs that deliver sustainable benefits to Victorian communities. The Fund allocates cash grants in funding rounds with a focus on charities that receive little or no government funding. DGR Status required Applications Close: Round 2: 9 June, Round 3: 15 September More info:Click Here
Men's Shed - Funding Round Open
New build grants of up to $60,000 are available to:
construct a new men's shed
redevelop an existing men's shed
co-locate a men’s shed within a multifunction community facility or hub.
Refurbishment grants of up to $30,000 are available for:
modifications to meet health and safety and/or disability access standards
modifications to meet public access needs
modifications to increase shed capacity
refurbishments to expand activities based on community demand
Eligibility: Incorporated not-for-profit organisations and local councils Information session: 11 April Applications Close: Friday 16 June More info:Click Here
For a comprehensive list of upcoming grants
Download Funding Centre Grants March Newsletter Here
Resources for Grants
The Victorian Government grants directory enables you to search for government grants and assistance within the state of Victoria. Find here the community, education, legal and business grants or financial assistance which are available to you.
Australia's largest, free searchable listing of nation-wide grants and funding programs for community based and not-for-profit organisations.
The online Funding Centre seeks to lead the fundraising knowledge revolution in Australia through the provision of low-cost or free information and tools, including online and hard copy materials and face-to-face training.
Network West Website - contains useful resources and support for Neighbourhood Houses in the western region. Click here to go to further information re: funding and grants
Grants Open All Year Round
For a list of grants open all year round Click Here
Resources
CLICK ON THE LOGOS & IMAGES BELOW TO GO DIRECT TO THE SITE
Neighbourhood House Web Libraryprovides a library of resources, samples and templates for the Neighbourhood House Sector. It incorporates an innovation section with links to successful sector projects and social enterprises which can be used for inspiration or as a place to research possible collaboration.
'Every Day You Learn Something' mini book – learning in Adult and Community Education (ACE) and Neighbourhood Houses
The book tells the stories of participants in Neighbourhood Houses, of the formal and informal learning with which they engage. The stories reveal the transformative nature of the participants’ engagement with the Neighbourhood Houses.
Wyndham City Council has created a new tab on their website called ‘Not-for-Profit Resources’. Here you will find up to date information from various peak bodies on various topics
Justice Connect - Not-for-profit Law offer legal advice, information and training for not-for-profits. Their information hub also has excellent resources on governance, compliance, seeking funds, tax and disputes and conflict.
Our Community provides advice, connections, training and easy to use tech tools for people and organisations working to build stronger communities.
The Not-For-Profit People site brings you best practice ideas, case studies, opinions and resources for not-for-profit professionals working on HR, management, volunteer management, leadership and strategy.
Connecting Up provides information, products, resources and programs in the area of tech support. It runs online webinars, workshops and forums to assist not-for-profits and provides discounts to IT related software and equipment.
Office for the Community Sector produces free resources and tools to assist organisations in areas such as workforce development, governance and compliance.
The ACE Disability Network provides advice, support and training to Victorian adult community education providers. Click on the image to access free online training modules for 'working with people with a disability'.
