Indigenous Winter School 2013

Indigenous Winter School 2013

 

Applications close Friday 12 April 20123

 

INFORMATION ABOUT WINTER SCHOOL

The UNSW Winter School is a fully supervised, week‐long residential program designed to provide Indigenous students in years 10, 11 and 12 with an opportunity to experience university life. The program is coordinated by Nura Gili and is sponsored by UBS who generously cover the costs for all participants.  
During Winter School, 150 students are introduced to tertiary studies in an area of their choice whilst also participating in university life with fellow Indigenous students from around the country. The Winter School aims to assist students in identifying their paths of interest, in turn clarifying the subject areas required for further study in that field. The one‐week program will combine expertise from the faculty, university and industry for an all-round comprehensive and unique experience. The program also aims to nurture the leadership, growth and development of all participants with a comprehensive, fun and engaging program of activities.
 
Subject areas offered for the 2013 camp are: Built Environment (including Architecture, Construction), Business, Education, Engineering, Indigenous Studies, Law, Medicine, Performing Arts, Science, Social Work and Visual Arts.
Who can apply?
Any Australian Indigenous student who is in year 10, 11 or 12 and who is aspiring to attend University is eligible to apply for Winter School.
Cost
The program runs at no cost to the student. Nura Gili arranges all travel for students outside the
Greater Sydney area and accommodation is in colleges on campus for the duration of the program. Dates and locationThe 2013 Winter School will be held from
Sunday 7th July to Saturday 13th July 2013 inclusive. The program is held on the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Kensington Campus in Sydney and is coordinated by Nura Gili, the University’s Indigenous Programs Centre.

What’s involved?The program runs for seven days and six nights and involves an extensive timetable which includes three full faculty days in the specific subject area, as well as academic sessions, cultural activities, excursions and night activities. All students who attend Winter School are expected to fully participate in all activities set down in the program. This will involve group presentations, team activities and possibly public speaking.  The days are completely full and as such, students are expected to be up at 6.30am and back in their rooms with lights out, at 10pm each day. Students over the age of 18 must comply with the rules set down for all other students who are not yet 18. Whilst Nura Gili acknowledges the legal age of such students, for the purpose of the program, there can only be one set of rules for everyone, as Nura Gili staff must maintain a consistent duty of care to each individual attending.

Who else is involved in the application?
Apart from the student section and the parent/guardian consent, the section on page 9 of the application must be completed by your School Principal. This is to ensure that your principal is not only aware of your application, but also that he or she is fully supportive of it.

How to apply
1. Discuss your application with school and parents first.

2. Print and complete the application form included in this document and sign the declaration on page 7.

3. Ensure your parent or guardian signs the declaration on page 8.

4. Return the document to your School Principal and ask him/her to complete page 9.

5. Have the person who helped with your application complete the school section on page 8.

6. Include a copy of your latest school report.

7. Ask your School to return the completed application, preferably by email, to Nura Gili. (Contact details are on the last page of this document.)


When to apply
For Winter School 2013, applications open in February and close on Friday the 12th of April.

NO LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Application progress All students will be notified of the result of their application by Friday 31st May.
 Questions or enquiries? Please contact Nura Gili on (02) 9385 1559 or email winterschool@unsw.edu.au

Birpai LALC Logo

Indigenous Sports Cadetship

Indigenous Sports Cadetship

 

Specified Period: 12 month contract (shift work, including evenings and weekends)
Salary: $47,134 p.a.
Reports to: Executive Producer, Sports
Background Broadcast Network initiative: FOXSPORTS, Nine Network, SBS Sports
SBS Sports, FOX SPORTS and Nine Network have come together to offer an Indigenous Sports Cadetship as a 12 month program commencing 2013. The Sports Cadet Program is offered as a part of SBS’s, FOX SPORTS and Nine’s participation in Media RING, the industry body working with the Australian Government to create jobs for Indigenous Australians in media organisations.

The program is designed to enable the Cadet to develop skills, experience and abilities in digital and broadcast journalism and production, with a focus on sports and will also include specific mentoring.

Each of the hosting organisations will contract the services of the Cadet for a period of four months; SBS Sports from January to April 2013, FOX SPORTS from May to August 2013 and the Nine Network from September to December 2013. Each organisation will have its own Duty Statement/Position Description and will prepare an employment contract outlining; specific duties, working conditions and practices; and each will be responsible for the payment of the Cadet’s salary.

As part of the program, the Indigenous Sports Cadet will be rostered for monthly meetings with the Indigenous mentor, based at SBS/NITV. The Indigenous mentor will also coach management across the three networks to ensure a supportive work environment. The Cadet will also participate in each organisation’s performance management system and will be evaluated at the end of each four month contract.
Duty Statement
 
For the four months spent at SBS Sport in Sydney, the Cadet will work as a part of a team and be responsible for reporting, producing and/or researching sports content to the required SBS standards. The main tasks/responsibilities with SBS Sports will include:

1. Undertake and complete training courses as directed, including Broadcast Law.
2. Under the direction of the Executive Producer or other Journalists and/or Producers as required, perform and/or assist with reporting, producing, researching and other tasks for SBS sports programs, including television, online, web content, blogs and social media.
   
3. Develop an understanding of editorial practices and publishing cycles. 
4. Update social media and moderate user-generated forums.
5. Work as a part of the team attending film shoots and other on-location tasks.
6. Ensure that content produced complies with SBS’s Charter obligations, Codes of Practice, Editorial Guidelines and other relevant standards and formats (in collaboration with and/or under the direction of the Executive Producer and/or other Journalist(s) or Producer(s) as assigned).
7. Engage in clear and open communication with team members and uphold SBS values.
8. Other duties as directed.
9. Occupational Health & Safety: Comply with your OH&S responsibilities as outlined in SBS’s Health and Safety Management Arrangements (HSMA) (refer "Employees" in Attachment B of the HSMA).

Selection Criteria
Criterion 1 – SBS

• As an SBS Team Member demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic understanding of SBS’s Purpose and Values and a commitment to a safe, secure and diverse workplace.
• Demonstrate an understanding and alignment with SBS’s values and including an ability to contribute to a positive culture through:
• Being a positive representative or advocate for SBS;
• Constructive and appropriate interaction with others;
• Adopting a can do/will do approach; and
• Displaying a commitment to the team including OH & S, diversity and team work goals.

Criterion 2 – Journalism 

• To have completed, or substantially completed tertiary, trade or similar training.
• To have had material broadcast on television and/or radio and/or in print journalism and/or online or be able to demonstrate substantial efforts in this direction.
• To be able to demonstrate familiarity with sports programming, have good general knowledge skills, excellent sports knowledge, and display good news sense.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel, and email. Familiarity with use of social media and online platforms.
• Ability to work in accordance with a roster, undertake shift work, and be available to travel, if required.

Criterion 3 – Communication and Cultural Awareness  

• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and display determination, initiative and curiosity.
• Applicants must identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander descent (the filing of this employment opportunity is intended to constitute a special measure under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975).
• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, issues and affairs.

HEAL Program - Heart Moves

The programs are free and will run:

 

Birpai Lands Council

Tuesdays starting the 9/10/2012 for 10 weeks

10.00-11.00am

Bunyah Lands Council

Wednesdays starting 10/10/2012 - 10 weeks

9.30-11.30am

To register go to www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/livewell or call me on 65818 684 or maya.spannari@pmhc.nsw.gov.au - or fill in a hardcopy version (attached) and send it into Council.

We also have general classes running that anyone can attend – although some of them are already full. If these classes fill, there will be more running from Feb 2013 – through to December 2013.

See schedule below

Trainer	Day	Time	Location	Block 2 - commences	Comment	Availability at 17/9/2012
Heart Moves - Commencing the Week of 8/10/2012 through to week of 10/12/2012
Greg Gleeson	Monday	9.30-11.30	Wauchope Rotary Youth Hall	8-Oct	10 weeks	Yes - 6-7 spaces left
Greg Gleeson	Monday	1.00-3.00	Bellbowrie Street Port Macquarie	8-Oct	10 weeks	No - FULL
Shannon Jobson	Monday	2.00-4.00pm	Laurieton United Services Club - Seymour Street	8-Oct	10 weeks	Yes- approx 5 spaces left
Greg Gleeson	Tuesday	9.30am-11.30am	Laurieton United Services Club - Seymour Street	9-Oct	10 weeks	Yes - approx 4 spaces left
Greg Gleeson	Wed	9.30-11.30	Port Macquarie - Community health Meeting room 7	10-Oct	10 weeks	No - FULL
Greg Gleeson	Friday	1.00-2.00pm	Lake Cathie Community Hall	12-Oct	10 weeks	Yes - approx 3 spaces left
HEAL PROGRAM - Commencing the Week of 8/10/2012 through to week of 10/12/2012
Rhonda Coppin	Monday	9.30-11.30	Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre	8-Oct	10 weeks	No - program is full 22 people total
Shannon-Jobson	Monday	10.30-12.30pm	Rollands Plains Community Hall	8-Oct	10 Weeks	Yes - around 6 spots available
Kate Greener - HEAL maintenance upkeep program	Tuesday	10.00-11.00	Birpai Lands Council -Womens Group	9-Oct	10 weeks	Yes - about 10 spaces available
Kate Greener - New HEAL program	Wednesday	9.30-11.30	Bunyah Lands Council - group	10-Oct	10 weeks	Yes - about 15 spaces available
Rhonda Coppin	Thursday	11.00-1.00	Port Macquarie - Bellbowrie.	11-Oct	10weeks	No - program is full.

 

Unpaid Fines and Work and Development Orders

WDO 

Unpaid Fines and Work and Development Orders

 

Are some of your clients struggling to pay off fines?

Unpaid fines can really hurt. They can result in increasing debt, loss of driver licence and car registration, a portion of wages being taken by the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO) or property being taken by the Sheriff.

For people who are unable to pay, fines debt can also impact on their health and wellbeing, their relationships and their ability to find employment. It can even lead to further offending and prison.

Now there is a simple and practical way to support people to be free of their unpaid fines and the negative consequences that go with them.
What is a Work and Development Order (WDO)?WDOs allow people to clear their fines through unpaid work, courses or treatment. WDOs are made by the SDRO. A person can only get a WDO if their application is supported by an "approved organisation" or an "approved registered health practitioner".

As soon as a WDO is approved all enforcement action stops and licence sanctions are lifted.

Who is eligible for a WDO?
The WDO scheme is available to anyone who is having trouble paying off their fines because they are homeless, have a mental illness, intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substances or because they are experiencing acute economic hardship.
What sort of activities can be undertaken by WDO participants?The scheme is very broad and many different activities can be undertaken as part of a WDO. They include: 
• Unpaid voluntary work

• Medical or mental health treatment

• Educational, vocational or life skills courses

• Counselling and therapy

• Financial counselling

• Drug and alcohol treatment

• Mentoring programs (if under 25)

• Case management

• Any combination of these activities

Fines are worked off at different rates depending on the activity. For example, unpaid work reduces the debt by $30 for every hour worked. A medical or mental health treatment plan, or drug and alcohol treatment, will reduce the debt by up to $1000 a month, as long as the client complies with the plan.
"The ability for clients to undertake activities to work towards satisfying their debt is motivating…It’s a double win for the client. They get to work off their debt without being further financially compromised and they are more receptive to valuable interventions to address their significant barriers.
WDO provider
Unpaid Fines andWork and Development Orders How can our organisation get involveThe best thing your organisation can do to help clients with fines debt is to become an approved organisation or approved registered health practitioner. So that more clients benefit from the scheme your organisation can apply for approval on behalf of all the services within your organisation.
You may in fact already be providing services and activities that would satisfy the WDO criteria. Or you may be case managing clients who are undertaking eligible activities with other service providers.

Signing up is a quick and simple process. Reporting and record keeping requirements are minimal and straightforward.

If you want to become an approved WDO provider contact the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice on (02) 8688 8099 or email wdo@agd.nsw.gov.au for an application form.

What do approved organisations have to do?
Here’s what approved organisations need to do if they are supporting a WDO client

Step 1:
Assess whether the client is eligible for the WDO Scheme
Step 2:Develop an activity or treatment plan with the client
Step 3:Submit the client’s WDO application to the SDRO via the online portal
Step 4:Provide and/or supervise activities or treatment undertaken by the client
Step 5:Keep records required by the SDRO eg. documents that support your client’s eligibility, a copy of their WDO application and details of their compliance with the WDO activity
Step 6:Complete a monthly report on the client’s progress via the SDRO’s online portal

What if my client can’t or isn’t eligible to do a WDO?
 
Unless your client contacts the SDRO and makes alternative arrangements to resolve their fines debt, further enforcement action is highly likely. You should contact the SDRO to discuss the options available for your client.
"This is my chance to be a cleanskin. It all balances on the WDO. It means my life."
WDO participant
Legal Aid NSW WDO Service

Mid North Coast region

Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, WDO solicitor (02) 6651 7897 or 0407 947 728rebecca.findlay-debeck@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Linda Chapman, WDO Support (02) 6651 7897 or linda.chapman@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Legal Aid NSW offers information sessions to organisations interested in becoming approved WDO providers. General enquiries: wdo@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Free legal advice on fines is available at your nearest Legal Aid NSW office. For more details go to www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

State Debt Recovery Office

www.sdro.nsw.gov.au

WDO Hotline
1300 478 879 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

SEFA Innovative Lending

This document aims to give you an overview of how we lend and the criteria we are looking for. If, after reading through this document, you decide we are right for you; simply fill in our application form, add the requested information and we will take it form there. If you have any questions please do not hestiate to call us on 02 9240 3603.

 

What is SEFA?

 

Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA) is a new organisation found as an international alliance between European Social Bank Triodos and a number of Australian partners including Community Sector Banking, Macquarie Group Foundationand the University of Sydney.

 

SEFA is committed to making a difference through providing loans to Socail Enterprises and organisation exclusively committed to positive social change.

SEFA has a $20M fund that consists of $10M Australian Government grant and matching funds from the Private and Philanthropic sectors.

We are dedicated to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing organisations who are trying to do something different.

 

Whether you are running a not-for-profit with potential for income generation, developing a business with social objectives, or developing a community based renewable energy scheme, we have the knowledge and commitment to advise on the benefit a loan might make to your organisation.

 

Every loan application is assessed on its merits.

Applying for a loan
Should I apply?

 

We only lend money to businesses and not-for-profit organisations with clear social, environmental or cultural aims.

In addition, SEFA has been developed to support the development of social enterprise which means having a viable business proposition that will generate income to support social and community outcomes.

 

All borrowing from SEFA is individually managed, and your Loan Manager will be on hand to answer your questions and ensure your loan is working for you.

We specialise in lending to less conventional organisations, and as such, rather than measuring your application solely against fixed criteria, we use our experience and judgement to assess it.

How do I apply?

Applying for a SEFA loan is straight forward. Contact details are on this information sheet.

1. Complete an application form and provide us with background information about your organisation, the purpose of the loan and a copy of your business plan.
2. We will meet with you to talk things through and gain a clearer picture of your business goals
3. We will assess your application and if we approve, send a written offer that clearly shows all terms and conditions of the loan. If we do not approve the loan we will inform you.
4. If you think the loan offer is right for you, to accept the offer, sign and return it.
5. We then complete the formalities which will include you signing a Letter of Loan Offer and meeting all pre-conditions.
6. Once this is all completed we will release the funds.

Straightforward applications can take as little as six weeks to process. Complex applications can take longer, however, we’ll keep you informed at every stage, so you know how your application is progressing.

Loans at a glance
What we lend money for

Because each loan application is individually assessed, there are no fixed set rules on what you can ask us to support. Typical loans are used for everything from buying or renovating property to paying for large items of equipment or machinery, providing working capital, refinancing a business or funding a specific project.

In certain cases, we can also consider flexible repayment terms, including restructuring your loan if your circumstances change.
 
Banking and overdraft facilities may be able to be additionally offered through SEFA shareholder, Community Sector Banking (Bendigo Bank) at their discretion.

How much we lend?

We generally lend between $50,000 and $1 million. Maximum amounts available may vary from the above policy due to loan type, security or location.
Interest rates

We offer competitive interest rates (reviewed by SEFA from time to time and are often based on low to mid-level commercial loan rates). We can usually offer you one of the following:

• Bill rate linked – a rate that changes when the Reserve bank makes rate moves.
• Fixed rate – a rate that is fixed for an agreed period of time, to give you assurance about the cost of borrowing

Security

In general, we expect all our loans to be fully secured. This security can be against property, assets that you own, or contracts with reliable customers.

In some cases, we can consider other types of security such as guarantee communities,
where a group of people agree to guarantee a certain amount of your loan. You could also have one or more larger guarantors.

Facility Fees

SEFA normally charges between 1% and 1.5% of the value of your loan to pay for the cost of arranging the facility. If there are legal or other costs involved in getting security for the loan – like a property valuation – you’ll be responsible for paying this yourself.
Decision making

We will always aim to be honest with you. SEFA will not be in a position to approve every loan application. We will endeavour to give you reasons for any decision made. However this is at the total discretion of the SEFA Loan Team.
                                                                                                                                                                               Mentoring and Education
 
Our experience has shown us that business mentoring and education lead to highest repayment levels among borrowers. This in turn encourages best-practice management leading to increased business viability and higher social and community outcomes. SEFA encourages business mentorship and education programs for co-workers.

In some cases we may want to see a commitment to participate in some training as part of the loan approval process.

Next step and Contact details

Happy with what you’ve read here? You can call our lending team for further information or complete the application form which can be obtained from our web-site.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Written applications should be sent to: PO Box R1345 Royal Exchange, NSW 1225

E-mail: loans@sefa.com.au

www.sefa.com.au

Our office is at:
Level 1, 18 Bulletin Place
Sydney 2000

P: 02 9240 3603

 

Community Benifits Scheme - Funeral Grants

NSW Aboriginal Land Council – Community Benefits Scheme

Funeral Grants to NSW Aboriginal People

Under Section 108 of The Aboriginal Land Rights Act, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) is able to

provide community benefits scheme.Funeral Assistance

NSWALC has adopted guidelines for grants it will make to provide financial assistance in relation to the

costs of funerals of Aboriginal persons in New South Wales.

A Funeral Fund was established in 1991

‐1992 and membership of the fund was opened up to all NSW

Aboriginal people. Members were required to pay an annual membership fee. Following a court order,
membership of the Funeral Fund was closed in February 1994.
As members of the fund had paid membership fees in the expectation that they would be given assistance
with funeral expenses, NSWALC has determined that’s persons who were financial members when the
Funeral Fund closed are entitled to a funeral grant of up to $5000.
NSWALC has also determined that any NSW Aboriginal person who was not a member of the Funeral
Fund is entitled to a funeral grant of up to $1000 to assist with covering the costs of the funeral.
Grants will be paid directly to funeral service providers under this community benefits scheme.

Applying for a Funeral Grant – Members

NSW Aboriginal Land Council can provide a grant for funeral costs of up to $5000 for members of the

Funeral Fund.

This may include such costs as:

• Funeral parlour service fee

• Basic coffin / casket

• Cemetery / cremation fee

• Removal fee from hospital or place of death to local funeral parlour

• Clergy and organist fees

• Death Certificate and / or doctor’s certificate for cremation

This does not include such costs as:

• Headstones, plaques or grave markers

• Return of body from one town to another for burial

• Floral tribut• Radio or newspaper announcements

• Cost of additional cars

• Viewing fees

To apply for the funeral fund grant on behalf of a member, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete the Claim form (Attachment A) and return via post to the New South Wales Aboriginal

Land Council.

2. If you are unsure of the deceased person’s member number or to confirm if the deceased person

was a member, please contact the Administration Officer on (02) 9689 4489.

3. The following documentation is required in order to process a funeral grant for a member:

A. Original Funeral Invoice

B. Copy of Death Certificate / Coroners report / Medical Cause of Death certificateApplying for a Funeral Grant – Non

‐Members

To apply for the funeral fund grant on behalf of a non

‐member, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete the Claim form (Attachment A) and return via post to the New South Wales

Aboriginal Land Council.

2. The following documentation is required in order to process a funeral grant claim for nonmember:

A. Letter of Confirmation form provided by the Local Aboriginal Land Councils (Form B)

signed by an office bearer and stamped with Common Seal.

B. Funeral Invoice

C. Copy of Death Certificate / Coroners report / Medical Cause of Death certificate

Funeral Assistance to Aboriginal people with Non

‐Aboriginal Spouses

NSWALC has determined that any NSW Aboriginal person who has a Non

-Aboriginal spouse will be

entitled to up to $1000 to assist with covering the costs of their spouse’s funeral.

Please send all funeral documentation to the following address:

NSWALC Funeral Grants

PO Box 1125

Parramatta NSW 2124

Once we received the Claim form and all supporting documentation, it may take up to 6

‐8 weeks to

process the application. Applications for Funeral Grants are submitted to Council for approval. Should we

required any further documentation in order to process your claim, we will notify you as soon as possible.

Please note that submitting an incomplete application may cause delays in processing your funeral grant

Attachments & Form

A. Funeral Fund Claim form

B. Letter of Confirmation form