A happy week for NDIS!
A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will commence operation in Australia from July 2013 in up to four locations across the country.
At Monday’s historic national rally to ‘make NDIS real’, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the Federal Government will provide their share of funding for the NDIS, and launch the sites.
While this announcement is a major win for NDIS campaigners and caring families around the country, Carers Victoria maintains that questions remain in regards to ’state involvement, funding sources, and timelines’.
National Campaign Director for Every Australian Counts, Mr John Della Bosca said another important step in the long road to the NDIS had been taken with this commitment to launch the NDIS in up to four locations next year.
“While there has been a lot of very positive support for the NDIS in Canberra our supporters have been anxiously looking for some signs of action – some sign that the NDIS was finally on its way,” he said. Read more…
Last week, the UnitingCare Community Options Chief Executive, Scott Sheppard, the Government can’t deliver on this agreement unless it provides adequate funding now. “We commend and support the leadership and commitment of the State Government for driving the reforms to our sector and for an NDIS, but unless this is funded in the next budget, people with a disability and their families will be put at risk, lose direct supports and suffer further reductions to their quality of life,” he said.
“The current system is already broken and, without adequate funding, is at risk of plunging into a death spiral that it will not recover from, either under a NDIS or any other policy reforms…it will have dire consequences not only on people’s lives but also on other already stretched and under resourced services such as health, education and the justice system.”
—-Sources: Carers Victoria, http://www.carersvic.org.au/; UCCO, www.uccco.org.au
Feedback on recent Advocacy Day at the Victorian Parliament
The UnitingCare network organisations among the 65 delegates who met with 55 MP’s were UnitingCare Community Options, Wesley Mission Victoria, Hotham Mission UnitingCare – Asylum Seekers Project and the UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania Unit (UCVT).
The focus of the day was outlined in the VCOSS document “Sustaining the Frontline” which was released recently. The key points covered are:
- That the sector is already very efficient and more efficient than government as demonstrated in the 2009 Allen Consulting Report and the 2007 Productivity Commission Report. Additional productivity would require capital investment.
- The current indexation of 3.14% ends with the current DHS agreement in June 2012. If we are to factor in CPI and Wage Indexation, the Allen Consulting Group formula would see the current requirement is 3.58%. The acceptance of that formula by government is sought.
- Improved whole of government coordination will facilitate better service delivery – as highlighted in the Protecting Victoria’s Children Inquiry report (Cummins Report)
- Continued reduction of red-tape, streamlined grant processes and compliance will assist both government and the sector
- Government requested to fund a comprehensive study with the sector of the economic and social contribution of the community sector.
Minister Wooldridge addressed the group at the commencement of the day. Her messages were:
- This is a very tight budget, so do not expect growth or new programs;
- Any indexation achieved in this new agreement will be a bonus – do not expect anything like 3.14%;
- Focus is on reform and breaking down the silos in government and the sector to achieve effective responses to individuals and families (Services Connect; DHS restructure);
- Working through the priorities in the Cummins Report;
- Strongly supportive of NDIS – Victoria taking leadership in six of the eleven areas being worked on re implementation;
- Sector reform – 961 organisations funded for a myriad of programs. Need to work collaboratively towards sustainability and greater equity of access;
- Equal Pay decision – awaiting final Fair Work Australia order – reiterated $200M provision made by state government. Unclear if federal programs funded “via” the states will be funded appropriately.
Connections UnitingCare latest updates now available electronically
The Connections UnitingCare Autum Newsletter features many informative new and updates about the agency, the wider UnitngCare Network and the social sector generally including:
- Information on the Commonwealth’s Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policy and Practices and recent statements by the Unting Church and UnitingCare agencies;
- A ‘Thank You’ message addressed to its Christmas Food & Gift Appeal supporters;
- A reminder news item about the bestchance Multicultural Festival which will be hosted in partnership with Connections UnitingCare;
- Reflections on the agency’s Pancake Day event in February;
- A story on Connections Chinese Family Services and its first-time participation in the local Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival;
- and other interesting info on services, programs and events.
Find a copy of the newsletter HERE.
‘A Commencement Service of Prayer and Blessing for 2012?
Stonnington Region Uniting Churches invite you to ‘A Commencement Service of Prayer and Blessing for 2012‘.
– For the life of the Congregations and Uniting Care Agencies in the Stonnington Region. A time of thanksgiving, affirmation, blessing and covenant –
Speaker: Rev David Pargeter, Executive Director of the Commission for Mission, UCA Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
When: Sunday 19 February 2012, start 5pm
Where: Toorak Uniting Church, 603 Toorak Rd, Toorak
Refreshments will follow the service.
Participate in VAADA Consultations on Victorian Government Alcohol and Drug Strategy
Please find below information from the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) about their upcoming consultation process for the Whole of Victorian Government Alcohol and Drug Strategy.
VAADA is keen to hear a range of views from across the Victorian community, especially from the community sector (not just those directly involved in delivery alcohol and other drug services).
Engage in these consultations and forward to all of your members/networks
“Dear Friends, The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is asking all Victorians to provide feedback and ideas on how the harms associated with alcohol and drugs can be reduced. We urgently need your help to disseminate information on this extended opportunity for consultation on the Whole of Government review of Victoria’s Alcohol and Drug Strategy widely through all your networks. We attach by way of further information an information letter and project flyer. Means of participation are outlined below:
Add your comments and ideas to the discussion forum at http://your-say.net.au/ Alternatively email us on info@your-say.net.au with your comments, ideas or personal stories Participate in one of a series of focus groups being undertaken in metropolitan Melbourne in February. Exact times and locations are yet to be determined, however if you, or any of your clients wish to participate, please and preferably send an email to info@your-say.net.au or call 9412 5600 to register your interest.
There is only a small window of opportunity to contribute, with the consultation taking place between 23 January and 19 February 2012.”
Benefits of Funeral Insurance
Death is a harsh fact of life. While we cannot evade the death but we can surely prepare for it by investing in Funeral Insurance. It is a policy that offers a quick payment on the death of an insured person. Usually, funeral costs involve casket cost, funeral director’s service fees, disbursements and cremation fees. Though your loved ones will always want the best for you, funeral insurance can go a long way in helping them cover the cost of your cremation. With the help of this insurance, you can save your family from digging into their own pockets for your funeral. This insurance helps your family after your death to meet expenses related with funeral. Funeral insurance can also be used after your death to meet any outstanding bills, phone bills, car loans, mortgage repayments. Premiums on funeral insurance policies are paid on the basis of the current funeral costs. You can be sure that when your final time comes, your family will not be required to pay for anything. Thus, you can stay assured that your loved ones will be financially secure after your death. With all the expenses covered by this insurance, your family can arrange a funeral with all love and respect you deserve.
Making sure that your family does not suffer from a financial crisis after your death is certainly a good idea, but you have to be very careful before investing in any funeral insurance product. Have a look at below check-list before you buy a funeral policy:
Check-list:
- Have a detailed research on various funeral insurance products to avoid being ripped off overcharged. It is better to have a clear idea of what type of funeral services you would want. The more clear you are about your needs and budget, the less likely you are to be overcharged by the insurance company.
- Do not hesitate in asking for a full breakdown of costs. Make it a point to ask for receipts before you pay the last payment. This will ensure that your family does not pay up doubly after your death for your funeral.
For more information on funeral insurance, visit https://www.moneysmart.gov.au
UnitingCare Wodonga Christmas Appeal & latest newsletter
UnitingCare Wondonga’s Christmas Appeal is in full swing. Find out about it in the agency’s latest newsletter and on their website.
The 2011 Christmas Gift Appeal was launched on 21 November outside Target at Wodonga Centro. The project has been a joint undertaking of UnitingCare Wodonga and St Stephen’s congregation since 1999.
In this edition you can also find more information on the Cuppa & Chat program, the Gardening Group, the Monday Cooking Group and the Christmas Day Lunch.
Read more about these news items in the latest newsletter edition.
