Author: Coalition of Community Boards

  • Event: Community Services Futures Forum

     

    The Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) is hosting a forum on the future of Community Services.  We HIGHLY recommend all small and medium community organisations send a board member to represent them, and to pick up some useful information to assist with changes that are happening in the sector.

    QCOSS-Positioning-Forum-2013_Rego
    The first part of the forum will be held at Rydges Plaza SouthBank from 3.00pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 7 March 2013.

    The second session will focus on practical things you can do in your organisation to assist with change (date to be advised)

     

    RSVP:  By March 4th

    Click here for more information.

     

     

     

    Going to the forum?   Leave a comment below or get in contact and we can meet up at the event.

     

  • QCOSS: Community Services Industry Body discussion

    The steering committee looking at the viability of a Community Services Industry Body (CSIB), outlining what a potential body might look like and the role it may play in Queensland is seeking consultation on their proposals.

    It is important now that we develop a board level analysis of what WE as board members of community organisations feel would benefit our communities and the small and medium organisations that service them.

    Consultancy is now open and NOW is the time to read the Working Together Green Paper, the full report, and the CSIB FAQ’s and join us in an open discussion about the implications and opportunities that this project presents AND comment below.

    Here is a summary from QCOSS:

    • An industry body is proposed in the Working Together Green Paper that was commissioned by the Futures Forum.
    • A group of interested organisations decided to get together (independently of the Futures Forum) to investigate the idea of establishing an industry body further and they sought resources to engage a consultant to undertake the initial investigation.
    • The Industry Body would work on the “business of the business”.  Things like promoting the sector, IT systems, HR, IR, and business development would be in its remit. The CSIB Fact Sheet explains it in more detail.

    Members of the steering group which has commissioned the work to date are:

    • Carmel Marshall, Capricorn Community Development Association
    • Mark Henley, QCOSS
    • Anna Moynihan, UnitingCare Queensland
    • Wallis Westbrook, Health and Community Services Workforce Council
    • Trevor Carlyon, Carlyon and Associates (author of Working Together)

    The Coalition of Community Boards have shown interest in being involved in discussions, and will be approaching QCOSS and the steering group to discuss important factors that affect us all.

    Please comment below, so we can build a board level analysis of the issues and opportunities surrounding this proposal and work towards having a voice in the development of this.

    Key documents:

     

  • Social Inclusion Roundtable

    The Coalition of Community Boards was invited by the Minister for Communities, Child Safety, and Disability Services, the Honourable Tracy Davis MP to sit on the Social Inclusion Roundtable on Friday December 7th. (more…)

  • Question from Facebook re: Campbell Streamlines!

     

    A great topic to start discussion, this question came from Sean Cleary on our Facebook page

    (note: this discussion thread has been condensed, but no information has been ommitted)

    Campbell wants to streamline!! Please explain?? CoCB position or thoughts?

    I’m referring to Monday’s announcement re the streamlining of State contracts with NGO’s:-

    Second to last item here. I’m unsure if last item might also have a sinister subtext

    http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/6-months-jan-jun-13/health-community-development.aspx

    “Commence a review to streamline contracts with non government organisations (NGOs) reducing the number of individual contracts.”

    ..And presumably therefore reduce the number of NGO’s. Probably the same announcement – but looks like the Courier Mail might not have read all the way to the bottom in preparing for their coverage. No mention of these last two items.

    To start, the Coalition of Community Boards is not a peak body, rather a network of board members whom will have different views and ideas.  This question was put to our existing networks and an ethusiastic discussion has begun.  We would like to continue this dialogue here.
    [box type=”info”] You will need a valid email to submit comments. For transparency, please use your name, and the organisation for which you are a board member, or sign off with your interest in this discussion.[/box]

  • Secrets of Successful Boards seminar

    Secrets of Successful Boards seminar

     

    This  seminar is highly recommended by one of the Coalition Network, Roger Marshall who attended a similar event by OurCommunity.com.au in Melbourne last year. (more…)

  • Sunshine Coast Discussion Forum

     Are you a board member of a small to medium Sunshine Coast community organisation?

    Feeling frustrated with the state of the Queensland funding cuts?

    Worried about the future of your organisation?

    Want to contribute to the future of our sector?

    You are invited to join in a discussion join fellow board members to discuss how individually and collectively we can ENSURE the survival of our organisations and deal with the crisis we are facing.

    The host of this event is Narelle Poulsen, Vice President of Nambour Community Centre and guest Dr Ann Ingamells, from the Coalition of Community Boards.

    Date:  Wednesday 20th March 2013

    Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm

    Place:  Nambour Community Centre

    Contact:  0466211021 or admin@cocb.org.au

    Download Flyer (pdf version)

    Raising Our Voices Discussion Forum SunshineCoast

  • How can we do this?

     

    A great website Ross Wiseman from PeakCare QLD found on the QCOSS Bulletin with excellent examples of Community Organisations collaborating in the US. (more…)