Queensland Shelter Ebulletin: 12th March 2010

Local Government Inquiry

The Local Government Association of Queensland are conducting a public inquiry into whether Queensland needs a population policy to guide its future growth.

Submissions will be accepted up until 31 March. Go to http://www.populationinquiryqld.com.au/ to view the discussion paper.

The Inquiry process also involves a number of public hearings, including:

•Townsville: Monday, March 15 from 10am to 3pm at Rydge's South Bank
•Brisbane: Tuesday, March 16 from 10am to 3pm at Rydge's South Bank

We encourage people to attend these sessions and highlight the importance of housing in regards to population policy. Some points to consider are:

•An analysis of 2006 Census data showed the need for an additional 251,000 affordable rental dwellings for lower income households nationally.

In Queensland, this would represent a shortfall of approximately 62,750 dwellings which is further exacerbated by migration.

•Housing needs to be well located – close to transport and services.
•Recent media and community backlash over proposed affordable housing projects and the need to combat the attacks on tenants.
•How population projections are used to plan infrastructure and resourcing.

We are also keen to hear from anyone who attended the Dalby or Bundaberg hearings to date. Please contact Noelle Hudson on 07 3831 5900 or email spo@qshelter.asn.au
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OSHS Issues Register

Queensland Shelter maintains an issues register on the policy and operational dimensions of the One Social Housing System. We raise issues whenever relevant in our ongoing representations to the Department of Communities, but have also agreed to provide quarterly updates on the issues register. Please send your issues to Kate Cowmeadow om@qshelter.asn.au by 24 March for inclusion in this update. You can also phone Kate on 07 3831 5900.
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Harmony Day Picnic

Carers’ Queensland is holding a Harmony Day Picnic at the New Farm Park rotunda this Wednesday 17 March between 12 and 3 p.m. to celebrate cultural diversity and the launch of their CALD carer’s program.

You can learn how to samba, take part in an African drum workshop, set off in search of inner peace through Tai Chi, or inner health through reflexology, play soccer, or enjoy the belly dancing while feasting on a smorgasbord menu of crepes, canapés, salmon vol-au-vents, Mediterranean falafels, Thai Spring rolls and more.

Nearly 20 Service providers have registered their interest in setting up stalls on the day. Everyone is welcome to come and encouraged to bring as many CALD community members and clients as possible.

Contact Mekita, Claudia, or Tanya at Carer’s Qld on 1800-242-636 for more information.
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QCOSS Forums 2010

Each year QCOSS engages its members and stakeholders in a number of policy, advocacy and collaboration forums across the state as part of its ongoing commitment to represent the views of the sector.

The free half-day forums will give you and your organisation:

• the opportunity to comment on social issues faced by your community and provide recommendations on how to best address them

•a chance to provide input into QCOSS’s future policy positions, including the 2011-12 Budget Submission

•an invaluable opportunity to network with other people and organisations within your region and

•advice on increasing advocacy and collaboration within the sector.

For dates, times and locations for the forums please visit http://www.qcoss.org.au/Article.aspx?type=policy&id=4949
For more information, contact the QCOSS office!
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Health and Community Services Workforce Innovation Awards

These new awards seek to develop a broader understanding of the importance of workforce innovation, planning, management and development across the health and community services industries.

They continue a tradition of recognising, valuing and celebrating good practice by showcasing innovative strategies used by organisations to build the capacity of their workers and enhance services to their clients.

To read more or nominate your organisation please visit http://www.workforceinnovation.org.au/
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Upcoming Branch and Network Meetings

Logan/LANARTA Housing Interagency Meeting –Thursday 18 March, 9.30 a.m. Housing and Homelessness Services, Station Road Woodridge.

Homeless Task Force ¬2 p.m. Friday March 26 Qld Shelter 515 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill.
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Queensland Shelter PO Box 214, Spring Hill 4004
Ph: (07) 3831 5900 Webpage: www.qshelter.asn.au
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