May 7
Welcome – new CEO Deb Tsorbaris
This week we have welcomed Deb Tsorbaris to her new role as CEO of the Centre. Deb takes over at a significant time for the Centre and our sector as a whole, with major reforms underway, the Royal Commission commencing and a range of other challenges to navigate.
While welcoming Deb, we must also thank Kevin Larkins for his work as interim CEO. In the future Kevin is likely to be seen working with others in the sector through his various consultancy roles.
2013 continues to offer numerous opportunities and challenges for our sector. The State Budget announcement promises increases in funding for out-of-home care, including more therapeutic foster care placements (details below).
We are pleased to see this investment and will continue to work with our members, policy makers and sector to ensure we meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
Royal Commission Forum
Last week the Centre and VCOSS jointly hosted a forum to help community organisations prepare for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. More →
James Anglin
This month the Centre is bringing Dr James Anglin to Australia, where he will share his vast expertise at a number of events.
These events include the Centre’s Breakfast Policy Forum and Master Class on May 17th.
Working With Children checks
The Department has recently clarified the need for residential and foster carers (including adult members of the household with a parenting role) to hold a Working With Children check.
This requirement extends to teachers and Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police officers.
State Budget – vulnerable children and families
The Minister for Community Services has announced that $91 in funding for out-of-home care will be included in the 2013 State Budget.
The Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Strategy has also been released, which the Centre welcomed.
Learning and Development
The Centre is offering a number of valuable training opportunities over the coming months, with places still available for Budgeting and Financial Planning and Foundations of Board Governance.
Get in quickly if you would like to attend.
Future Directions of Permanent Care and Adoption
In May 40 adoptive and permanent carers attended a consultation session at the Centre to guide the Department’s Future Directions in Permanent Care and Adoption project.
Media Update
Media coverage over recent weeks has continued to focus on the Royal Commission, with the State Budget also featuring in recent days.
Resi ROCKS
The Centre is pleased to announce that Resi ROCKS is booked to capacity.
Resi ROCKS 2013 will feature Dr James Anglin (University of Victoria, Canada), Robyn Miller (DHS) and comedian Dave O’Neil as master of ceremony.
Look out for photos and more in the next Centre Piece.
VOCAT & Family Violence Workshop – 30th May
The Women’s Legal Service Victoria is offering a one day workshop for family violence workers wanting to get the best results for clients through the Victims of Crime Assistance process. It is a practical workshop with lots of tips, tricks and opportunities to share experiences and expertise.
Details and registration information are available here.
Couche Survey
Couche and Associates – Organisational and Leadership Development Executive Coaches – are conducting a study providing comparative and detailed information on job roles and remuneration packages for senior positions within the community services sector.
If you are interested in participating or receiving a copy of the report, please see here for more information.
Early Years Awards
The Victorian Government has called for nominations for the Early Years Awards.
These awards provide opportunities to celebrate the people and services that consistently go above and beyond to ensure Victoria’s children have the best start to life.
Guidelines and nominations forms are available here.
Centre/VicServ forum
In mid-April the Centre and VicServ co-hosted a forum focusing on Working With and Understanding Youth for Integrated Service Delivery in the Community. More →
