ACTCOSS Annual Report 2007-08 - ACT Council of Social Service

President’s ReportMost of us consider ourselves lucky to live in a wealthy,privileged and connected community. We have highemployment, high incomes, high education participationrates, access to quality services and high levels ofcommunity engagement.However, most of us connected with the ACT Councilof Social Service know that the picture describedabove is not a reality for a significant proportion ofthe community. We also know and respond to theparticular responsibilities and obligations that flowfrom the experience of disadvantage within an affluentcommunity. We value the importance of the work ofACTCOSS, and its member organisations who supportand walk beside vulnerable members of our community.ACTCOSS and its members work to create a more equaland fair community, where all its citizens have access tothe same resources, opportunities and successes. Wework to create a community in which human rights anddignity for all is cherished and nurtured.2007-08 has been a year in which ACTCOSS can be proudof the work that it has done to achieve these ends. Thishas occurred through our policy and advocacy work, aswell as our sector development activity.Advocating for change is a key area of work for theorganisation. The policy and advocacy team has workedtirelessly in responding to the call for submissions,supporting ACOSS in its responses to FederalGovernment reviews and very significantly developingThe Fairness Challenge – the ACTCOSS ElectionStatement in the lead up to the ACT election in late2008. In this work, ACTCOSS has engaged with membersto ensure that the on-the-ground experiences ofservice delivery is reflected in calls for systemic change.ACTCOSS will continue to see it has an importantcontribution to make in ensuring that the voices,experiences, and impacts on Canberra’s most vulnerablecitizens are considered when developing policies, newprograms and new approaches. This will continue tobe supported through activities including supporting anumber of consumer based networks and coalitions.Supporting the sector we work in has also beena significant element of ACTCOSS’ work over thelast twelve months. The provision of training anddevelopment seminars, the support of networks andindividual organisation support have all been ways inwhich the organisation has contributed to supportingthe professionalism of this important sector. Theongoing viability of the community sector continues tobe a key priority for ACTCOSS as we witness the impactsof under-resourcing, undervaluing of staff who workto support low income families and individuals. Wecontinue to argue that this must gain greater priority toensure that the sector that supports the community notonly survives but thrives and develops.ACTCOSS has a responsibility to show leadership andbe a role model in the way it operates. It has beena pleasure to participate in an organisation where acommitment to ongoing quality has seen the GeneralCommittee review its policies and procedures, and hasled to the development of policy positions in a range ofimportant areas. Over the year, we have also seen a relocationof our officeThe most satisfying element of being involved in thework of ACTCOSS is working with a range of peoplewho are committed and working for this common goalof creating an equal and fair community. I continue tobe humbled and inspired by my colleagues who aremembers of the General Committee who dedicatetheir time freely and generously despite busy lives andamazing contributions in their ‘day jobs’. Similarly, thestaff go way beyond the requirements of their job anddaily display dedication, professionalism, creativity andtenacity in working in demanding, complex and everchanging roles. I would particularly like to acknowledgethe work of the Director, Ara Cresswell who over herfour years with the organisation displayed a commitmentand passion creating a more equal community.Rebecca VassarottiACTCOSS President

Education and LiteracyIn 2007 ACTCOSS commenced a major project to research the roleof the community sector in promoting adult literacy in the ACT.This Adult Literacy Project was funded by the CommonwealthGovernment’s Adult Literacy National Project.The project was developed on the basis that many communitysector service users have lower levels of literacy skills, and thatcommunity organisations’ access to this group could help topromote a greater take-up of literacy education opportunities.A key focus of the project is to identify options for partnershiparrangements between community organisations and literacyeducation providers that would attract more people to improvingtheir literacy skills. The project also aims to identify barriers to thetake-up of literacy education opportunities in Canberra.The project involves a review of the relevant literature to identifywhat is known about barriers to adult literacy generally, andalso to identify current professional thinking on good practicearrangements for delivering adult literacy education. There is aparticular focus on identifying good practice community sectoradulteducation partnership strategies in this area. Consultationswith various ACT stakeholders were also commenced.While the ACT is generally regarded as a highly educatedcommunity, an early finding of the project was that around 80,000Canberrans are estimated to have insufficient literacy skills tocope with the demands of day to day life. It is clear also, that onlya small proportion of this group take up learning opportunities toimprove their skills.The project commenced in December 2007 and is scheduled forcompletion in August 2008.ACTCOSS acknowledged the distress experienced by many inCanberra at the Government decision to close a number of ACTschools. Once the final decision had been reached, however,ACTCOSS advocated that the school facilities should be retainedfor community use. The Council was pleased to note that asignificant proportion of the facilities were earmarked for useas community facilities, with funding being set aside to upgradevarious sites for this purpose.

2009FebruarySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 5 6 710:13WorldWetlands Day8 9 10 11 12 13 1401:49NationalMulticulturalFestival beginsCIT Term Onebegins, RandomActs of KindnessWeek beginsSydney Mardi GrasFestival begins15 16 17 18 19 20 2108:3722 23 24 25 26 27 2812:35University SemesterOne beginsNationalPancake DayAsh Wednesday- Lent begins(Christian)National Sunniesfor Sight Daywww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Corrections and Justice2007-08 has seen important changes in the ACT in the area ofCorrections and Justice as the opening of the new ACT Prison, theAlexander Maconochie Centre is imminent.ACTCOSS has continued its involvement with the ACT CommunityCoalition on Corrections, a coalition of organisations andindividuals that have an interest in justice and the rights of thosewho are incarcerated. ACTCOSS representatives have attendedregular meetings to discuss issues about the new prison and toformulate proposals to the ACT Government that will improvethe functioning of the centre, will assist in the prison meetingits goals and objectives and will contribute to positive outcomesfor prisoners. Using the Coalition for input and consultation,we prepared a submission on the Corrections Health Plan andcompleted a report on prevention, diversion and rehabilitationfor Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, as well asattending a number of forums and consultations about the needsof prisoners and the new prison.ACTCOSS has also continued to support the ACT Women andPrisons Group, which provides an opportunity for women withlived experience of the criminal justice system to come togetherwith other interested women and share information, advocate forthe rights of women prisoners, and provide support to those ACTwomen currently incarcerated. ACTCOSS has provided secretariatsupport, assisted in drafting funding applications, arrangingforums and other assistance as required.ACTCOSS has advocated on a number of other issues related tojustice and corrections including the human rights of juveniles inthe justice system, methods of involving community organisationsin crime prevention and rehabilitation (including holding a forumwith Legal Aid to build relationships between Legal Aid and thecommunity sector), the tribunals review in the ACT and the needsof families of people who are incarcerated.

2009MarchSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 5 6 718:46Clean Up AustraliaDay8 9 10 11 12 13 1413:38World Day of PrayerSydney Mardi GrasParadeInternationalWomen’s DaySeniors WeekbeginsCanberra Day(public holiday),CommonwealthDayInternational Day ofAwesomeness15 16 17 18 19 20 21International BrainAwareness Weekbegins St. Patrick’s Day Vernal equinoxHarmony Day,Week of Solidaritywith the PeoplesStruggling againstRacism and RacialDiscriminationbegins, Naw Ruz(Baha’i)22 23 24 25 26 27 2804:4803:06World Water Day29 30 31Earth HourNational YouthWeek beginswww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Human RightsACTCOSS has continued to engage in advocacy for a community inwhich human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Over2007-08 we have continued to advocate for the inclusion of social,cultural and economic rights in the ACT Human Rights Act.Specifically, we have prepared submissions to a range ofaudiences on a number of human rights issues, including theprovision of paid Parental and Maternity Leave in Australia andways to lessen the pay gap between men and women in theworkforce. Through these submissions, and other policy, wecontinue to advocate on the topic of work/family life balance.A key focus has been the opening of the new ACT prison, theAlexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). The Government hasrepeatedly stated that the prison will operate within a humanrights framework. ACTCOSS has been involved (through theACT Community Coalition on Corrections, the AMC CommunityReference Group, the ACT Women and Prisons group andattendance at multiple forums) in the formulation of policy andthe call for change in a number of areas, to ensure human rightsstandards are met. Examples of areas include throughcare, postrelease housing, and support for prisoners with mental illness.Similarly ACTCOSS has been concerned to ensure that the newBimberi Youth Justice Facility (BYJC) operates under a humanrights framework, in particular, addressing issues raised in theHuman Rights Commission audit of Quamby Youth DetentionCentre. Some of the issues ACTCOSS has raised have included theneed for education programs for young people in BYJC, culturalawareness training for staff and the provision of counselling andsupport to families of young people in BYJC.Within the organisation, ACTCOSS continues to work towardsensuring human rights standards are met. We have engagedin an ongoing review process of existing policy and proceduresto ensure they are contributing to the ethical framework andoperation of the organisation.

2009MaySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday31 1 213:22 06:44World NoTobacco DayStarlight Day,May DayFair Trade Fortnight3 4 5 6 7 8 914:02World PressFreedom DayInternationalMidwives DayWorld Red Crossand RedCrescent DayBuddha Day- Visakha Puja -Vesak (Buddhist)10 11 12 13 14 15 16Mother’s Day17:26National VolunteerWeek beginsInternational Dayof Families, LoudShirt Day17 18 19 20 21 22 2322:11World Day forCultural Diversityfor Dialogue andDevelopmentInternational Dayfor BiologicalDiversity24 25 26 27 28 29 30Week of Solidaritywith the Peoples ofNon-Self GoverningTerritories beginsNational Sorry DayNationalReconciliationWeek beginsAustralia’s BiggestMorning TeaAscension ofBaha’u’llah (Baha’i)Odd Socks Daywww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Sector DevelopmentThe sector development role of ACTCOSS is to strengthen andsupport an effective, cohesive and dynamic community sectorin the ACT, and to assist the sector to meet the challenges ofchanging community need. ACTCOSS aims to do this throughproviding information, developing resources, building networksand offering subsidised training to workers and organisations.Our role in supporting community organisations in the ACThas been greatly enhanced by the structural changes withinACTCOSS across 2007-08. This change have enabled communityorganisations and individuals to draw on the experience andknowledge of staff involved in both sector development and policywork and has provided a broad perspective on the issues andchallenges facing our sector.We have worked toward sustainability and growth of the sectorthrough delivering “Raising The Standards” training, focusingon the continuous improvement of organisation’s policies,procedures and practices. We also continue to support the workof volunteer Management Committees through Governancetraining workshops.The ACTCOSS website’s Organisation Information Kit continues tobe updated and has been reformatted to enable easy access forthe community sector to information that support sustainabilityand growth of organisations.ACTCOSS partnered with a variety of consultants to providetraining in specific areas such as marketing and promotionand staff management skills. This has enabled the communitysector to access specialists in these fields, increasing our sharedknowledge.ACTCOSS consultancy services have been accessed byorganisations for information on strategic planning, humanresources, governance and funding. It has been a privilege to workwith a wide range of organisations to support them to meet thesechallenges.

2009JuneSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1304:12Mabo DayInternationalDay of InnocentChildren Victims ofAggressionWorld EnvironmentDay, UniversitySemester One endsQueen’s Birthday(public holiday)14 15 16 17 18 19 2008:15World Day AgainstChild LabourWorld Blood DonorDay, Refugee WeekbeginsInternational Men’sHealth Week beginsWorld Dayto CombatDesertificationand DroughtWorld Refugee Day21 22 23 24 25 26 2705:35Drug Action Weekbegins, JuneSolstice28 29 3021:29Red Nose Day,International Day inSupport of Victimsof Torture, CIT TermTwo endswww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Health and AgeingACTCOSS has continued to advocate for health care delivery in atimely, accessible and affordable manner to all people regardlessof their social, environmental and economic status. The poorerhealth status experienced by people living with disadvantagerepresents grave health inequalities within our community. Asocial determinants approach to health that acknowledges theimpact of factors such as housing, income and education on aperson’s health status is required for better community outcomes.ACTCOSS has also continued to advocate for further resources tobe invested into promotion, prevention and early interventionhealth strategies, which continue to be under resourced.In 2007-08 ACTCOSS has provided comment on a number ofhealth documents including, Access Health and the ACT Women’sHealth Plan. ACTCOSS has also continued to be involved with anumber of health networks, working groups and forums.ACTCOSS has continued to advocate for the needs of our rapidlyageing population. As the population continues to age, increasingpressure will be placed on our health care services as consumersexperience more chronic conditions and higher rates of disability.Older people also face continued difficulties in covering the costsof living and barriers to accessing appropriate public transport.ACTCOSS supports policies and strategies that promote active,productive and healthy ageing focusing on the abilities of olderpeople and the valuable contribution that they offer to thecommunity.ACTCOSS continues to facilitate the Home and Community Careand Disability Services (HACC-DS) Network. In 2007-08 theNetwork met regularly to discuss issues that affect HACC and DSsectors in the ACT. The Home and Community Care and DisabilitySectors are under increasing pressures to assist a greater numberof consumers with more complex needs. The Network held asuccessful Annual Sector Planning Day where the implementationof a HACC Single Access Point in the ACT was discussed. TheSingle Access Point is an initiative from Federal Governmentthat aims to simplify the process of entering HACC services forconsumers. A number of seminars and workshops were alsotailored to the needs of the HACC and DS sectors. These seminarswere well attended.

2009JulySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1119:22School Term TwoendsNAIDOC Weekbegins12 13 14 15 16 17 1819:53WorldPopulation Day19 20 21 22 23 24 2512:35School Term Threebegins, UniversitySemester TwobeginsNational StressDown Day26 27 28 29 30 3108:00CIT Term Threebeginswww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

PovertyOne of ACTCOSS’ most fundamental objectives is to advocate onbehalf of low income households and people experiencing povertyin the ACT. These groups are highly vulnerable to increases inbasic costs of living – such as housing, food, transport and utilities.Across all areas of its work, ACTCOSS places particular focus onthe impact on people experiencing financial disadvantage.With Canberra’s reputation as an affluent community, theexistence of poverty is generally hidden and under-appreciated. Asa contribution to Anti-Poverty Week, ACTCOSS, with the supportof a University of Canberra Industry Collaborative Research Grantand in partnership with a number of community and governmentorganisations, commissioned a study - Characteristics of LowIncome ACT Households. The study was carried out by theNational Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), andcreated a profile of Canberra households that were in the lowest20% of income-earners nationwide.The report found that 13.6% of ACT households fell intothis lowest income quintile. It also found that these poorerhouseholds were likely to be older; headed by women; not in thelabour force, reliant on government benefits; or composed ofsingle people. The study has highlighted that there is a significantdegree of poverty in the ACT, and has drawn a picture of wherethese households are located and their typical characteristics.During Anti-Poverty Week, ACTCOSS also convened a SenateCandidates’ Forum, which called on ACT Federal Senatecandidates to demonstrate their commitment to reducing povertyin the ACT.During 2007-08, ACTCOSS made a number of submissions onissues that affect people in poverty. Chief among these was ourdetailed annual submission to the ACT Government regarding the2008-09 Budget, canvassing a range of issues that impact on lowincomeCanberrans. Other submissions addressed arrangementsfor energy retail regulation, the social impacts of waterrestrictions, public housing changes, a review of ACT Governmentconcessions, and a review of the ACT Residential Tenancies Act.

2009AugustSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday30 31 12 3 4 5 6 7 810:55Horses’ BirthdayInternationalFriendship Day,National Tree DayNational Aboriginaland IslanderChildren’s Day9 10 11 12 13 14 1504:55International Dayof the World’sIndigenous PeopleInternationalYouth Day16 17 18 19 20 21 2220:01VietnamVeterans’ DayChildren’s BookWeek begins,Ramadan begins(Islam)23 24 25 26 27 28 2921:42www.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Transport and UtilitiesAcross 2007-08 ACTCOSS continued to advocate for the needs ofdisadvantaged Canberrans to be considered in the ACT’s responseto climate change. Research has shown that climate change islikely to disproportionately affect disadvantaged households andpeople living on low incomes.As a result ACTCOSS has completed submissions to Governmenton a range of issues, including:•••Social Impacts of Water Restrictions;Concessions Review; andA Feed in Tariff for the ACT.A particular concern has been the rising costs of fuel and utilities,including electricity and water, and its disproportionate effecton disadvantaged and low-income households. During 2007-08 ACTCOSS commissioned research from NATSEM, examiningthe expenditure patterns of low-income households in the ACT,including on transport and utilities, to ensure there is reliable andaccessible data available on the changes in expenditure patternsin recent times.2008 saw the implementation of the ACTION buses Network 08changes. Whilst ACTCOSS has supported increases in bus servicesand the number of accessible buses travelling the routes, wehave continued to voice concerns that some areas are not equallyserviced by public transport, particularly those areas on the cityfringes where lower income households are more concentrated.ACTCOSS also continues to participate in the Planning andDevelopment Forum, ESCC Stakeholder Meeting, and attendevents such as the launch of the Climate Change Strategy and theconsultations surrounding the Social Impacts of Climate Changereport (of the ACT Community Inclusion Board).

2009SeptemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 502:02Wattle DayFred HollowsFoundation Day6 7 8 9 10 11 1212:16Father’s Day,National ChildProtection WeekbeginsNationalThreatenedSpecies DayInternationalLiteracy Day13 14 15 16 17 18 19International Dayfor the Preservationof the Ozone LayerAustralianCitizenship DayTalk Like a PirateDay, Clean Up theWorld Weekend,Software FreedomDay, Rosh Hashanah(Jewish) 19-2020 21 22 23 24 25 2604:4414:49Eid al Fitr- Ramadan ends(Islam)International Dayof PeaceBe An Angel Day,Autumnal Equinox27 28 29 30School Term Threeends, Universitybreak beginsWorld Heart Day,Yom Kippur (Jewish)www.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Community Sector ViabilityIn 2007-08, community sector viability and the challengescommunity organisations in the ACT face has been a particularfocus of ACTCOSS’ work. We have provided input to Governmenton issues such as:•••Pricing Principles;The 2007 Report of the ACT Skills Commission; andReview of Philanthropy.Over the 6 months to July 2008, ACTCOSS employed a projectworker to undertake a major project on Community SectorViability in the ACT.The project involved the preparation of 3 issues papers toreview the relevant literature and reports on sector viability, aswell as initiatives in other states. The issues papers formed thebackground for two community workshops which were held inMay and June, on the topics of Financial Viability and WorkforceDevelopment. Over 50 participants attended the workshops, fromboth large and small organisations from a wide variety of sub-sectors. A small number of interviews were also conducted withindividual organisations who are seeking to address particularareas of viability.30 recommendations came out of the project, and were outlinedin the final report. The recommendations included some thatcould be implemented at a Government level, some that wouldrequire implementation by the community sector as a whole, andsome that are achievable within individual organisations.ACTCOSS has also continued to take a lead role in the PeaksForum, attended by community sector peak organisations in theACT, and attend meetings of the Joint Community GovernmentReference Group (JCGRG), which has engaged in work anddiscussions around areas including:•••Pricing principles for Community Services;Portable long service leave for the community sector;Raising awareness of the Social Compact among theGovernment and community sector.

2009OctoberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 317:10International Dayfor Older PersonsCIT Term Threeends4 5 6 7 8 9 10Daylight Savingsbegins, MentalHealth Week begins19:56Labour Day(public holiday),InternationalTenants Day, WorldHabitat DayNational StressLess DayWorld MentalHealth Day11 12 13 14 15 16 17Anti-Poverty Weekbegins16:33School & CITTerm Four begins,University resumesWorld Food DayInternational Dayfor the Eradicationof Poverty18 19 20 21 22 23 24We Are One DayUnited Nations Day25 26 27 28 29 30 3111:42Universal Children’sDay (ACT)National BandannaDay, Reclaim theNight, UniversitySemester Two endsHalloweenwww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Housing and HomelessnessACTCOSS recognises the critical importance of safe and securehousing as a foundation for people’s health and wellbeing.Over the past year, the ACT situation as regards housing andhomelessness has actually worsened. The rising cost of housing,a tightening rental market, and a continuing decline in thepublic housing stock continue to reduce housing options for ACTpeople and particular those experiencing financial and otherdisadvantage. The ACT Government did not provide for additionalservices, support or accommodation for homeless people in the2007-08 budget and this has added to the pressure on existingSAAP services. The lack of exit points from SAAP services to morepermanent housing options represents a worsening scenario.ACTCOSS continues to advocate for the housing needs ofdisadvantaged people. In September 2007, ACTCOSS made asubmission on the ACT Government’s Public Housing ChangesDiscussion Paper, commenting on the likely negative impacts ofmany of the proposed changes on the target group. Overall, it wasdisappointing to note the Government’s approach of reducingaccess to public housing rather than providing more of it to meeta clear need.ACTCOSS also provided comment on proposed changes to theResidential Tenancies Act 1997. ACTCOSS was concerned toensure that vulnerable tenants were protected by the legislation.Issues covered included rental auctions, protection from eviction,unreasonable rent increases, and standards of accommodation.ACTCOSS continued to take part in community sector housing andhomelessness forums, such as the SAAP Joint Pathways Forumand ACT Shelter. ACTCOSS also continued to facilitate the SAAPemail network.To celebrate the success of the battle to secure the NarrabundahLongstay Park for its residents, ACTCOSS, together with SoftlawCommunity Projects Ltd, published Our Park Our Community, acollection of stories about residents of the park.

2009NovemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 5 6 706:14Family &Community Day(public holiday),Melbourne Cup Day8 9 10 11 12 13 1402:56National RecyclingWeek begins Remembrance Day World Kindness Day World Diabetes Day15 16 17 18 19 20 2106:14International Dayof ToleranceUniversalChildren’s DayWorld Hello Day22 23 24 25 26 27 2808:3929 30International Dayfor the Eliminationof Violence againstWomenEid al Adha (Islam)www.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Indigenous ProjectThe Circles of Our Life, Dale R. Huddleston, 2008ACTCOSS recognises that Indigenous Australia ranks with someof the world’s poorest countries on almost every social indicatorof well being, and that this state of affairs is unacceptable. Webelieve that the deep disadvantage and high levels of povertyexperienced by Indigenous Australians can only be properlytackled through a process which fully involves Indigenouspeople through full consultation, meaningful engagement andemployment.ACTCOSS is committed to ensuring the ongoing employment ofIndigenous workers on our staff team. In 2007-08 this includedtwo Indigenous Sector Development Officers. The officers provideadvice, resources, support, and information on a range of issuesrelevant to community sector organisations. The workers activelyengaged in the community sector and provided links between thesector and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians.Workers regularly visit services, and provide consultationsincluding sitting on interview panels, as well as facilitating bimonthlynetworking meetings for Indigenous workers. ACTCOSSalso facilitates an email network where information on the sector,services, and training are distributed.Throughout the year, ACTCOSS presented eight sessions of‘Aboriginal Culture, History & Heritage’ Training. The trainingis well attended by the sector and feedback is very positive: “Iwas looking for guidance in approaching Aboriginal people. I gotanswers and learned a lot.”ACTCOSS held an ‘Introduction to NAIDOC Week’ morning tea toprovide organisations with information on the history of NAIDOCand encourage the sector to participate in local activities throughthe week.In partnership with the Aboriginal Justice Centre, and involvingwide consultation with the ACT Indigenous community, ACTCOSSproduced a significant report: Circles of Support: TowardsIndigenous Justice: Prevention, Diversion and Rehabilitation. Thereport examined reasons for Indigenous over-representationin the justice system, identified existing mainstream andIndigenous crime prevention and diversion initiatives in the ACT,highlighted gaps in service provision and unmet need and maderecommendations for change.We continue to advocate that the ACT Government investsand values Indigenous programs and commits to ensuring thatcommunity services are able to meet the needs of Indigenouspeople.

2009DecemberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 518:31World AIDS DayInternational Dayfor the Abolitionof Slavery6 7 8 9 10 11 1211:14International Dayof People withDisabilityCIT Term Four endsInternationalVolunteer Dayfor Economic andSocial DevelopmentInternationalAnti-Corruption Day13 14 15 16 17 18 1923:02Human Rights DayInternationalMigrants Day,School Term Fourends, Hijra (IslamicNew Year)Hanukkah (Jewish)12-1920 21 22 23 24 25 2604:36InternationalHumanSolidarity DayDecember Solstice27 28 29 30 31Christmas Day(public holiday)Boxing DayBoxing Day(public holiday)New Years Evewww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

ACTCOSS General CommitteeExecutive Committee Attendance ApologiesPresident (from November 2007)Vice President(until November 2007)Rebecca Vassarotti,YWCA of Canberra11/11 0President (until November 2007)Ex-Officio Member(from November 2007)Robin Brown, Associate Member 4/11 2Vice PresidentTim Moore,Institute for Child ProtectionStudies, Australian CatholicUniversityVice President(from November 2007)Rod Little,Associate MemberTreasurerPeter Sutherland,Softlaw Community ProjectsSecretaryCathi Moore,Associate Member9/11 25/7 09/11 27/11 2Ordinary Members Attendance ApologiesKim Sattler, UnionsACT 3/11 1Chris Johnston, Associate Member 8/11 1Fiona May, Associate Member 9/11 2Ordinary Members Attendance ApologiesPhillip Gleeson, ADACAS 4/10 2Robert Jansen, Galilee(from February 2008)Kym Duggan, ADACAS(from November 2007)Chris Redmond,Woden Community Service(from November 2007)Shannon Pickles,St. Vincent de Paul(from November 2007)4/7 14/7 26/7 15/7 2Graeme Evans, Associate Member 11/11 0Gordon Ramsay,Kippax Uniting ChurchCarrie Fowlie,Youth Coalition of the ACTDawson Ruhl, Marymead Childand Family Centre, and CYFAACT(from November untilDecember 2007)Soozie Gillies, NgunnawalAboriginal Corporation(until November 2007)Jodie Stanley, WWDACT(until November 2007)Deborah Pippen, Tenants’ UnionACT (until November 2007)Jo Bowen, Belconnen CommunityService (until November 2007)7/8 08/11 11/2 10/5 02/5 22/5 33/5 2In memory of our friendPhillip GleesonACTCOSS wishes to acknowledge the loss of PhillipGleeson, who passed away unexpectedly in July 2008.Phillip has devoted a lifetime to being a voice for thevoiceless, steadfast and unyielding in speaking up for hisgoals of fairness, compassion and respect for everyone.A powerful voice in the ACT community sector, Phillip’snew red scooter was always in the thick of the action.Among his many roles and campaigns, Phillip was anactive member of the ACTCOSS General Committee,where he inspired us with his commitment, passion andinsights. We will miss a fine friend, an exemplary socialjustice advocate, and a genuinely touching, warm andgentle human being. Our deepest condolences go toPrue and to Phillip’s family.- The ACTCOSS Staff and General Committee

ACTCOSS MembersMember OrganisationsAbbeyfield Society ACT Inc.Aboriginal Justice CentreACT Council of Parents & CitizensAssociationsACT Critical Incident Stress ManagementInformation Service Inc.ACT Deafness Resource CentreACT Disability, Aged & Carer AdvocacyService Inc.ACT Down Syndrome AssociationACT Hepatitis Resource Centre Inc.ACT Mental Health Consumer NetworkACT Pallative Care Society Inc.ACT Playgroups Association Inc.ACT ShelterAIDS Action CouncilAlcohol & Drug Foundation, ACT Inc.Anglicare Canberra and GoulburnAustralia Mon Association Inc.Australian Association of Social WorkersACT BranchAustralian Catholic University, Institute ofChild Protection StudiesAxis Inc.Barnardos AustraliaBelconnen Community ServiceBeryl Women Inc.Billabong Aboriginal CorporationCalwell Community CentreCanberra & Q’yan ADD Support Group Inc.Canberra Blind SocietyCanberra Community Arts Front Inc.Canberra Fathers and Children ServiceCanberra Men’s CentreCanberra One Parent Family SupportCanberra Preschool Society Inc.Canberra Rape Crisis CentreCanberra Youth RefugeCare Financial Counselling Service and theConsumer Law Centre of the ACTCarers ACT Inc.CentacareChildrens Services Resource &Advisory ProgramCitizen’s Advice BureauCommunities @ WorkCommunity and Public Sector UnionCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Housing CanberraCommunity Programs AssociationCompanion HouseComputing Assistance Support andEducation Inc.Conflict Resolution Services Inc.CYFAACTDirections ACTDisability Services AustraliaDomestic Violence Crisis ServiceDoris Womens Refuge Inc.Environmental Collective HousingOrganisation Inc.Families & Friends of Drug Law ReformFamilies ACT Inc.For You & Me Inc. Club Workshop forthe DisabledFusion AustraliaGalileeGROW - ACTGungahlin Regional Community ServiceHavelock House Association Inc.Health Care Consumers Associationof ACT Inc.Home Help ServiceInanna Inc.Justice ActionKarinya HouseKoomarriL’Arche GeneseretLifeline Canberra Inc.Lone Father’s Assoc.Marymead Child & Family CentreMenslink Inc.Mental Health FoundationMental Illness Education ACTMental Illness Fellowship of the ACTMigrant Resource CentreMulticultural Womens AdvocacyMultiple Sclerosis Society of ACT Inc.Ngunnawal Aboriginal CorporationNoahs Ark Resource CentreNorthside Community Service Inc.Oasis Youth Residential ServiceParentline ACT Inc.Parents Without Partners ACT Inc.Pegasus Riding for Disabled Inc.People with Disabilities ACT Inc.Post and Ante Natal Depression Support &Info. Inc.Prisoner Aid (ACT) Inc.Queanbeyan Community HousingQueanbeyan Multilingual CentreRelationships Australia Canberraand RegionReligious Society of Friends Inc.RSI & Overuse Injury Assn of the ACT, Inc.Salvation Army - Divisional HeadquartersSelf Help Organisation United Together Inc.Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT Inc.Shareability Inc.Sharing Places Inc.Softlaw Community Projects LimitedSt. Vincent De Paul SocietySuperannuated CommonwealthOfficers Assoc.TandemTAS Housing Inc.Technical Aid to Disabled (ACT) Inc.Ted Noffs FoundationTenant’s Union (ACT)Toora Women Inc.Tumladden Medium Term YouthAccomodation Inc.Unions ACTUniting Church in Australia - Presbytery ofCanberra RegionUniversity of Canberra Students Assoc. Inc.Victims of Crime Assistance LeagueACT Inc.Vision AustraliaVolunteering ACTWarehouse CircusWelfare Rights & Legal CentreWoden Community Service Inc.Women with Disabilities ACTWomens Centre for Health Matters Inc.Women’s Electoral Lobby - ACT BranchWomens Legal Centre (ACT Region) Inc.Youth Coalition of the ACTYWCA - Housing Support UnitYWCA of CanberraAffiliate MembersQueanbeyan City CouncilAssociate MembersC. AnstedH. BayesR. BrownJ. CartyR. DargavelJ. Della RodolfaS. EllermanG. EvansP. FitzgibbonM. FlynnP. GleesonJ. GrahamC. HertelL. HodgsonA. HollowayC. HutchinsC. JohnstonM. JolyD. JonesP. KendallJ. KitchinR. LittleD. LucasA. McLaughlinC. MooreJ. MoranK. NeillK. O’HaraB. PamphilonS. PartridgeR. PolglazeR. RefshaugeM. RichensB. SeddonC. SettleL. ThomsonF. TitoL. TroupeI. UssenkoI. Von EgloffsteinG. WeirE. WensingJ. Woodwww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

Networks and Working GroupsACTCOSS Committees,Advisory Groups andNetworks• ACTCOSS General Committee• Community Coalition onCorrective Services• Community Food Forum• Community Policy Network• Home and Community Care/Disability Services Network• Home and Community Care/Disability Services Working Group• Indigenous Community WorkersNetwork• Peaks Forum• Various Electronic Networks• Human Rights Network• SAAPNet• RTSNet• Governance NetworkExternal Committeesand Forums• ACOSS Board• ACT Collaboration• Alcohol, Tobacco & Other DrugStrategy Implementation Group• Anti-Poverty Week SteeringCommittee• CIT Faculty Advisory Committee• Commonwealth Emergency ReliefAdvisory Committee and Forum• Community Development (CD)Network ACT and Region• Community Recovery Sub-Committee• COSS Directors• CSP Forum• Essential Services ConsumerCouncil Stakeholders Meeting• Gambling AdvisoryReference Group• Human Rights Community Forum• Joint Community GovernmentReference Group (JCGRG)• Joint Pathways Meeting• Legal Aid Commission• Mental Health Providers Network• Planning & Development Forum• Police Advisory Board• SAAP Forum• Shelter Forum• Training Providers Network• Transcultural Mental HealthNetwork• UC Community DevelopmentCourse Advisory Committee• Vocational Education & TrainingAdvisory Group (VETAG)• Women and Prisons• National Consumer Roundtableon Energy• ACT Courts Stakeholder ForumACTCOSS Seminarsand Workshops• Aboriginal Culture, History& Heritage Training31 August 200719 October 200730 November 200722 February 20087 March 20084 April 200830 May 200813 June 2008• Enhanced Team Functioning28 September 2007• Managing Challenging Behaviours11 April 2008• Media Skills Workshop2 May 2008• Nutrition for Diverse Communities27 June 2008• Positive Feedback Culture1 November 2007• Performance Management15 February 200814 March 20083 April 2008• Raising Profile – Raising Revenue20 June 2008• Raising the Standard Training20 September 200725 October 200712 March 20082 June 2008• Recruitment and Retention16 April 2008• Risk Management Training23 May 2008Governance Series• Principles and Practice ofGood Governance2 November 200721 February 20083 May 2008• Legal Obligations – theIncorporations Act and More9 November 200728 February 200817 May 2008• Strategy, Culture and CoreDocuments16 November 20076 March 200831 May 2008• Effective Meetings: MakingThem Work23 November 200713 March 200814 June 2008

ACTCOSS Staff and VolunteersDirectorAra CresswellDeputy DirectorLlewellyn ReyndersManager Sector DevelopmentChristina Ryan(until December 2007)Policy and Sector DevelopmentMaria JenkinsLes CoeSusan Abbott (from November 2007)Julie ButlerCaterina Giorgi (from January 2008)Suzanne Lawson(from January 2008)Brooke McKail (from March 2008)Liz Argall (until October 2007)Fiona Styles (until July 2007)Erin Barry (until December 2007)Lea Collins (until July 2007)Jacqueline Phillips(until February 2008)Organisational ServicesRichard DuckettAnna Tito (until February 2008)Lisa WellsChristopher Day (until January 2008)Suzanne Richardson(from January 2008)VolunteersChris AnstedDavid Bastinwww.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT

ACTCOSS Publications 2007-2008Publications• ACTCOSS Annual Report 2006-2007• ACT Community Sector EmergencyCoordination Plan, August 2007• Home and Community Care(HACC) Sector Day Report,October 2007• Characteristics of Low Income ACTHouseholds, October 2007• HACC Planning Day 2008 Report:Implementing a Single AccessPoint, June 2008Comments, Submissions,and Policy Statements• Social Plan Progress Report,July 2007• Composite Consultation Paper onthe National Framework for Non-Economic Distribution and RetailRegulation, July 2007• Strategic Review of HealthPromotion Grants Program2008-09, July 2007• Consultation Draft on Stage4 Water Restrictions: SocialImpacts, July 2007• Options for reform of theStructure of ACT Tribunals,August 2007• Access Health, August 2007• Public Housing ChangesDiscussion Paper, September2007• ACT Government ConcessionsPolicy Review, October 2007• Corrections Health Plans,October 2007• A Drop-in Centre for PeopleExperiencing Homelessness: DraftFeasibility Study, November 2007• Review of Philanthropy in the ACT,November 2007• ACT Skills Commission InterimReport, January 2008• Feed-in Tariff Discussion Paperand Electricity Feed-in (SolarTariff) Bill 2007, February 2008• The Review of the ACT MentalHealth (Treatment and Care) Act1994, March 2008• Pricing Principles for CommunityServices in the ACT, April 2008• Residential Tenancies Act 1997,April 2008• Snapshot of the ACT Budget 2008-09, May 2008• National Health and HospitalReforms Commission, May 2008• Maternity and Parental Leave,June 2008• Shared Services: Issues andOptions, June 2008• Funding: Issues and Options, June2008• Workforce Development: Issuesand Options, June 2008Newsletters• Update Issue 41, Spring 2007– Disability• Update Issue 42, March 2008– Community Arts• Update Issue 43, Autumn 2008– Ageing• Update Issue 44, Winter 2008– Alcohol and Other DrugsDates and information in this reportwere correct at the time of printing– November 2008.Design, layout and illustrationby Suzanne Richardson,Communications and MembershipOfficer at ACTCOSS.Media Releases• ACTCOSS – Opening Our Doors, 27August 2007• New Book Celebrates theNarrabundah Longstay ParkCommunity, 26 September 2007• Invest Budget Surplus in a MoreEquitable Canberra, 5 October2007• New Data on Low IncomeCanberrans, 15 October 2007• Senate Candidates go Head-to-Head on Poverty, 17 October2007• Is Australia Fair?, 14 November2007• Investment in CommunityFacilities will Benefit Canberra’sMost Vulnerable, 5 May 2008• Budget Initiatives will Strengthenthe Community, 7 May 2008ACTCOSS thanks Breakout DesignPrint Web for their generous supportin the printing of this annual report.

2010 CalendarJanuaryS M T W T F S31 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30FebruaryS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728MarchS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31AprilS M T W T F S1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30MayS M T W T F S30 31 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29JuneS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30JulyS M T W T F S1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31AugustS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31SeptemberS M T W T F S1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30OctoberS M T W T F S31 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30NovemberS M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30DecemberS M T W T F S1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31www.actcoss.org.au | Ph: 02 6202 7200 | Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip ACT