The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is pleased to release today a new report revealing the interrelated nature of poverty and disadvantage, highlighting key areas in Queensland which need to be addressed with better targeted programs, policies and investment.

QCOSS’ Queensland’s wellbeing 2016 report pulls together a broad range of data that helps paint a clearer picture of where government and community could concentrate their energies and investment in order to help break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.

We all know that poor outcomes in one area of a person’s life can put them on a path to poor social and economic outcomes, impacting not only the individual, but their family, their community and of most concern generations to come.

This report includes data regarding individuals and families and is based on seven key domains: 
•    safe
•    healthy
•    adequate standard of living
•    strong personal relationships
•    community connections
•    achieving in life
•    secure for the future.

QCOSS believes that this report will be of great value to people working in the social services sector, as well as researchers and policy makers, to clearly see the interconnectedness of issues such as violence in the home against women, children and older people; poor education and health outcomes for people in disadvantaged, rural and remote areas; youth unemployment; electricity disconnections; and low kindergarten attendance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to name just a few.

The QCOSS Queensland’s wellbeing 2016 report is designed to view, measure and help track the wellbeing of all Queenslanders, while also helping us to pinpoint areas of poverty and disadvantage, and to give us the evidence base we need to change our responses to change people’s lives for the better.

You can read the media release here.

You can read the report here.

Stanwell recently partnered with Women’s Legal Services (https://www.wlsq.org.au) to assist Queensland women, particularly those in the rural and remote areas in which we operate, to access professional advice about domestic violence and family law.

 Women’s Legal Services recently launched a helpline video that provides information around their service and relevant statistics: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h6biyc0wc0b9cz5/Helpline%20Video%20%28FINAL%29.mp4?dl=0

Better communication skills builds confidence in both the work environment and in personal relationships.

Communication skills are a focus of every meeting, as we practise our impromptu speaking, prepared speeches and present different segments each meeting. Feedback on how we presented ourselves and our talk is kind and gentle, appropriate to the level of confidence that the speaker already has. Leadership skills are developed as individuals complete roles at the meetings, or take on bigger responsibilities. Everything is self-paced and we have mentors to support the members.  The organisation provides manuals and educational materials to support members on both the communication and the leadership pathways.

For more information on Toastmasters in general, I have included the link to the Toastmasters International website, https://www.toastmasters.org/

For details about our own club here in the South Burnett, I have attached our link, http://southburnett.toastmastersclubs.org/

Our club meets on the 1^st , 3^rd and 5^th Thursday of each month (except over the Christmas vacation period) at the Kingaroy RSL.  The meetings start at 7pm and finish at 9pm. There is no cost for guests.

Please feel free to encourage your clients to come to a meeting or two. It might be just the thing they need to take them on the next step of their journey. We are a friendly group, just turn up and you will be welcome.

We are running a special Speechcraft Course starting April 14^th to May 5^th, which provides a more intense learning experience, as a lot is crammed into the four weeks. Cost is $80 . This might be of interest for those who want to get a quick boost to their public speaking skills. RSVP is April 7^th.

If you have any questions at all, or would like to direct people to us, please feel free to call me on  4163 6236 or 0418 156 547.

South Burnett.com have posted a fantastic article about Gumnut Place! To read the article CLICK HERE

We are currently looking for eligible persons interested in the Ready For Work Program.

The Ready for Work Program

Ready for Work is a program for young people aged 15 to 24 years who are job ready and in need of minimal assistance to gain access to local employment. The program will be a rolling start of 8 weeks with a focus on resumes, cover letters, cold canvassing and alternative media marketing tools to promote your skillsets and provide immediate recruitment opportunities.

If you would like more information about how and when you can start this program contact Deborah on 0429 613 889 or email deborahe@sbctc.com.au.

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

The Ration Shed will hold its Reconciliation Fun Run on Sunday 15 May 2016. For more details see the flyer below.

The March / April edition of the CROSB Newsletter is now available. To view CLICK HERE

Do you want to provide feedback on the support you receive from CTC?  

As part of our certification requirements, CTC is participating in an audit for a range of our services during the week commencing 11 April 2016.   We are keen for the auditors to talk with the people we support.   If you would like to provide feedback and have received support from any of the following programs in the last three months, please contact your support worker or email stacey@sbctc.com.au to organise an interview time.    You can provide feedback in person, by phone or just agree to your file being reviewed.   The auditors are bound by confidentiality and do not use any names or other identifying factors in their report.

The following services are being reviewed

☐        Youth Services (Fusion)  - Tuesday 12 April

☐        Next Step After Care – Tuesday 12 April

☐        Family and Child Connect – Tuesday 12 April

☐        Renew Intensive Family Support – Tuesday 12 April

☐        Domestic Violence Service – Tuesday 12 April

☐        Safe Haven – Wednesday 13 April

☐        Wondin-dee – Wednesday 13 April

☐        Partners in Foster Care – Thursday 14 April

☐        Gumnut Place – Thursday 14 April

☐        Residential Services – Friday 15 April

There is also an opportunity to be involved in the Opening or Closing briefing.

☐        The Opening briefing is on Monday 11 April at 8.30am

☐        The Closing briefing is on Friday 15 April at 3.00pm

If you would like to attend either the Opening or Closing briefing, please contact Janet at janet@sbctc.com.au

South Burnett CTC is currently looking for a good neighbour for Heritage Lodge Nanango. To view the position description please CLICK HERE.