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News & Resources
July 2023
In this newsletter, you’ll find News, Stories of Impact, Local Community Heroes, Research, Events and Career Opportunities from across Queensland.
A message from our CEO, Em James
This month NCQ and our sector are celebrating key milestones that represent the culmination of 4 years of work on highlighting the role and value of neighbourhood centres in disaster resilience. In July NCQ hosted our Growing Resilience Forum where we officially launched the Neighbourhood Centres State-Wide Strategy for Disaster Resilience. The event was at the 2023 Disaster and Emergency Management Conference on the Gold Coast, which we sponsored along with supporting over 20 neighbourhood centre workers to attend from all over Queensland.
Commencing with the Neighbourhood Centres Strategy for Drought Resilience in 2019, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland built upon this work by developing further strategies around Monsoon and Bushfire responses. Each strategy became more enhanced as they gathered together key insights from a total of 104 Neighbourhood Centres who have decades of experience in responding to natural disasters across the state. The overall State-Wide Strategy for Disaster Resilience brings together this frontline expertise, combined with insights from the COVID19 pandemic to identify ways the Neighbourhood Centre and Disaster Management sector may be enhanced to better respond to disasters into the future. Over 70% of Neighbourhood Centres have had input into this work.
Of particular interest to the disaster and emergency management sector is the concept of community-led resilience. While an emerging concept in the disaster management field, Neighbourhood Centres in Queensland have been experts in community-led initiatives since their inception in the 1970’s. Their unique community development focus combined with being geographically situated in the most disaster affected state in Queensland, makes them world leading experts in community-led disaster preparation, response and recovery. Events like the Growing Resilience Forum at the Disaster and Emergency Management Conference brings together the united symbiotic power of Neighbourhood Centres with Disaster Management sector in a manner that will benefit Queensland communities for decades and disasters to come.
I want to congratulate the NCQ team and the Neighbourhood Centre sector for their extraordinary work in this field and am so pleased that the sector’s critical role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery are being recognised in the wider disaster management sector. Our research and strategy are supporting both global and national recognition of Neighbourhood Centres in Queensland as world leaders in community-led disaster resilience. I have received many positive comments and correspondence from agencies and organisations both here and abroad who admire the grassroots professional approach of the sector and admire its advancement of knowledge and expertise in the field.
Neighbourhood and Community Centres Celebrate NAIDOC Week
In July, Neighbourhood and Community Centres right across Queensland celebrated NAIDOC week with an incredible range of innovative events, activities and programs that brought communities together.
- Picabeen Community Association hosted a special playgroup for NAIDOC week with children’s books featuring First Nations culture and authors. They also displayed beautiful NAIDOC Week bunting in their front office made by their Centres sewing group.
- Encircle Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre hosted a Konnecting Kids to Kulture program as part of their school activities. The program saw 25 children and adults embracing the rich cultural traditions of First Nations People and was supported by Community Elders Aunty Lauraine and Aunty Elaine who engaged the children in storytelling and dance activities.
- The team at Community Plus+ West End Community House attended the Golden Oldies hosted by Triple A to celebrate their community Elders.
- Charleville Neighbourhood Centre hosted a range of creative and active events throughout NAIDOC week including a NAIDOC netball competition, community march, Elders morning tea and park run.
- Prospect Community Services incorporated an incredible range of NAIDOC activities into their school holiday program. Children engaged in boomerang painting, banner making, eating damper, art and craft activities and cupcake decorating.
- Caloundra Community Centre celebrated NAIDOC with a fun event designed to bring community members together to share, learn, listen and deepen their understandings of First Nations culture. The event included First Nations workshops, an art exhibition, clapstick games, music, yarning circles, sacred geometry and chalk art.
Such fantastic efforts by every Centre who celebrated last week, bringing community together to celebrate, learn and acknowledge First Nations Peoples and cultures.
Slowing it down: Nundah NC discuss relationship building with First Nations Peoples and local community
“Slowly, slowly and gently, gently we worked on building trust and confidence that things will get done, that we could provide that support.”
A few weeks ago, we spoke with Cate and Sharon about their work with the local Noonga Reconciliation Group, their Reconciliation Action Plan and the work they have done around yarning and the upcoming referendum.
Sharon is the Coordinator of Northside Connect which includes Nundah Neighbourhood Centre. Cate is from Community Living Association, which is located just a block from the Nundah Neighbourhood Centre and both organisations have a long history of working collaboratively. Most recently both organisations supported Noonga Reconciliation Group in the planning and running of their Sorry Day 2023 event. Both Cate and Sharon are on the Management Committee of Noonga Reconciliation Group.
Cate and Sharon both highlighted how building relationships with the whole community is a process that takes time, consideration and heart.
The team at Nundah first began by exploring the relationships they wished to nurture in the community and considered the best way to move forward.
“[We asked ourselves] what are the key relationships we need to be putting more time and work into? What are the key local networks? And it always came back Noonga.”
“[We then considered] How can we support instead of just steam rolling or starting something ourselves? How can we support this people’s organisation to actually achieve what they need to do?”
NCQ's Growing Resilience Forum
NCQ's Growing Resilience Forum wrapped up a few weeks ago. It was an incredible day and we were delighted to see over 100 people from Neighbourhood and Community Centres and the Disaster Resilience sector coming together to share their expertise and insights on disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery in Queensland.
"A fantastic day of sharing of ideas, knowledge and community at the grassroots."
"Hearing neighbourhood centre staff tell their stories and bring to life the four priorities of the strategy."
"Today I was well informed of Neighbourhood Centres, thank you. Great information sharing. Great to see a lot of people in the room on the same page."
NCQ sponsored places for rural and regional Neighbourhood and Community Centres to attend the forum to ensure a broad range of perspectives and insights were included in the event.
"Sponsoring the regional Neighbourhood Centres to be a part of the forum and have the opportunity to voice the barriers, boundaries and complex needs on country."
We were so excited to have the opportunity to recognise the incredible contributions and tireless work of NCC's in the disaster resilience space.
If you weren't able to make it to the Growing Resilience Forum you can now watch the official launch of the Neighbourhood Centres' Strategy for Disaster Resilience and read the full strategy.
Meet Emma Dederer, Community Connect Worker at Live Better Monto and this month’s Local Community Hero!
The Community Connect Worker (CCW) program is part of a Queensland Government funded initiative as an extension of the Neighbourhood Centre Program. Community Connect workers focus on connecting local people with services, supports and social connection between community members.
“Community connection is so important, it’s about making sure people know they’ve got someone, some group or somewhere they can go without judgement,” explains Emma.
Emma has been the Live Better Monto’s CCW for the past 18 months. However, she has been a natural community connector for many years.
When speaking with Emma, you can hear how much she genuinely cares for the people in her community. She brings thoughtfulness to her role, remembering the important and seemingly small details about people’s lives while working to make sure that the people who visit her, know she’s listening deeply. This was evident as she described her Centre’s Christmas Hampers of Hope initiative.
“The Neighbourhood Centre does Christmas Hampers of Hope every year and it was really nice to be able to put some of my clients’ names down to possibly receive a hamper if the funding was available. I was grateful that all of my clients were chosen. When talking to people you get a bit of knowledge about them, what they like and dislike, so I was able to individualise the hampers a bit.”
“I remember one lady was talking in passing about how she went out into the rain one day and her feet got wet because her gumboots had a hole in them, so I made sure there were a pair of gumboots in her hamper.”
NCQ launches the Queensland Neighbourhood Centres' Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2023-2026
NCQ officially launched the Queensland Neighbourhood Centres' Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2023-2026 during our Growing Resilience Forum on July 10. The Strategy is the result of many years of ongoing work and collaboration with the NCC sector and offers a strategic plan to strengthen the resilience of Queensland’s local communities facing COVID-19, flooding and rainfall events, drought, bushfires and other disasters. The publication provides an evidence base on the role and the significance of the contribution of Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCCs) in delivering disaster preparation, response and recovery in Queensland.
If you weren't able to make it to the Growing Resilience Forum, you can now watch the official launch of the Strategy.
Queensland Service Navigators Update
Pictured: Fiona Muller, Patrick Sisley, Jeffery Chong, Suzanne Favaloro, Karen Rollinson, Maureen Yeow, Yitka Sima, Jo Sullivan, Melinda Mcinturff, Cliff Radford, Sian Finn.
NCQ has been working alongside NCCs and the Queensland Government’s Community Recovery Team to support the establishment of the new Service Navigators program in NCCs across flood-impacted communities. Service Navigators participated in a focussed workshop at NCQ’s recent Growing Resilience Forum and also attended the Australia New Zealand Disaster Management conference. They continue their shared learnings at Kingston East Neighbourhood Group (KENG) with training in the Resilient Homes Fund.
The Resilience Homes Fund is the first household resilience program of its kind to be offered in Australia, and was developed after the 2021-2022 floods. The program is supporting flood-affected homeowners to repair, retrofit, raise, demolish or extend their homes. Expressions of interest for flood-impacted households eligible for the Resilient Homes Fund close on July 30, 2023.
Truth, Healing & Reconciliation Forums
The Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce is hosting two discussion to provide information about the National Redress Scheme and institutional child abuse. The Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce will complete its 5-year term in December 2023.
These forums will be the last opportunity for people who have experienced institutional child abuse, their support services and organisations to provide advice to the Taskforce about the Queensland Government's implementation of the reforms arising from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about the National Redress Scheme, and the supports and services available to people with lived experience of institutional abuse.
Please RSVP by C.O.B Friday 4 August 2023 for catering purposes at taskforce.secretariat@cyjma.qld.gov.au
Southside Community Forum
Date: 23 August, 2023
Time: 9.30am - 2.30pm
Location: Beenleigh Events Centre, Function Room 3. Kent St, Beenleigh.
Brisbane Community Forum
Date: 30 August, 2023
Time: 9.30am - 2.30pm
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, A2 Room. Glenelg st, South Brisbane
The sessions will include:
Information about the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse with Mr Robert Atkinson AO, APM
The National Redress Scheme: Eligibility, options, and support services available for Redress applicants including Knowmore; Link-Up; Lotus Place
Panel Discussion with Taskforce members: Stories, impacts and recommendations moving forward; options available after application including Direct Personal Response Facilitators, Counselling and Psychological Care and Redress Support Services
Who will be there?
- The Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce:
The Taskforce is chaired by Bob Atkinson and is made up of 10 members, some who have lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse. It was established to provide opportunities for people with lived experience of institutional child abuse and their support networks to provide advice to Queensland Government about implementing the reforms from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
- Knowmore Legal Service:
Knowmore is an independent service that provides free, independent legal advice and support to survivors of child abuse, including information about redress or compensation options
- Redress Support Services:
Redress Support Services, including Micah Projects (Lotus Place) and Link-Up QLD, will be available on the day to provide information and support to people seeking information about making an application to the National Redress Scheme.
Flanno for a Farmer Fundraiser
Flanno for a Farmer is a brand-new Drought Angels fundraising initiative that’s all about recognising and celebrating the incredible work of Australian Farmers.
"Most farmers would give the shirt off their own backs if it meant helping someone in need. It’s because many have seen hard times and understand that a simple gesture can make a world of difference. Flanno for a Farmer is just that, a great way to let Aussie farmers know that we’ve got their backs. On Friday August 25 you can join thousands of other Aussies donning their flanno in their workplace, school, and community! For one day Australia will turn flanno and raise much-needed funds for Aussie farmers in need.
We would love
you to help us spread the flanno fever by signing up a corporate team and helping us raise funds for farmers in need."
- Drought Angels Australia
How to Sign Up:
- Register under your name at www.flannoforafarmer.com.au and register your corporate team at the same time.
- Spread the Word via socials and email to your colleagues and raise funds for our Aussie farmers! (Click on Resources - Flanno for a Farmer 2023 to look at our Fundraising Guide)
- Wear your Flanno on Friday August 25th and share your photos online with the tags @droughtangels and #flannoforafarmer
If you have any questions, reach out to Mitch Witherington at Drought Angels:
mitch@droughtangels.org.au
The Toolkit - Tools for Community Monitoring and Evaluation
This toolkit has been developed to support communities to plan, deliver and evaluate community programs and enable organisations to make sustainable and positive change in the community.
The toolkit utilises a yarning circle framework for community collaboration and engagement, and is separated into 3 parts with simple steps and frameworks for program evaluation.
The "Yes" and "No" Campaign pamphlets, annotated and fact-checked by Guardian Australia
In the lead up to the Referendum on the Voice to Parliament it is vital to engage in conversation with community and continue self-learning. The Guardian Australia has fact-checked the recently released 'Yes' and 'No' campaign pamphlets and provided informative annotations to give more context to each side of the debate.
Passing the Message Stick
Passing the Message Stick is a report about building public support for self-determination and justice, paving the way for long term, systemic change. The report is the result of 2 years of research exploring the message sharing and interpretations of messaging about First Nations Peoples and issues throughout Australia.
It is an incredible report that explores messaging in depth from a range of contexts. It also provides clear, comprehensive and strong advice about how to communicate about First Nations Peoples whether this be organisationally or personally.
"We can overcome this challenge by repeating shared foundational messages, from which we can tailor narratives that build support for issues from law reform and justice, to climate, health, land rights, housing, treaties, truth and justice commissions and more."
Career Opportunities
Chief Executive Officer
Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania
Applications open: 19 July 2023
Applications close: 16 August 2023
Team Leader and Senior Practitioner - The Way Back Support Service
Communify QLD
Applications open: 21 July 2023
Applications close: ASAP
Care Finder Brisbane North
Communify QLD
Job posted on: 7 July 2023
Applications close: ASAP
Community Development Officer
Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre
Applications close: 4 August 2023
Upcoming dates of recognition or celebration
30 July International Day of Friendship
30 July National Tree Day
1 - 31 August Multicultural Queensland Month
4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
12 August International Youth Day
12 - 20 August National Science Week
19 August World Humanitarian Week
21 - 27 August National Skills Week
25 August Wear it Purple Day
NCQ acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the Country; we pay our respects to their Elders, ancestors, land and seas.
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