Queensland Shelter Ebulletin: 20th May 2010

ICHO Update

Queensland Shelter attended the Symposium on service delivery reform to reduce Indigenous disadvantage in Rockhampton on the 13th and 14th May. Convened by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Human Services Coalition, the Symposium brought together a vast range of interested and dedicated representatives from service providers in health, education, housing, legal, child protection and family support. There were a number of presentations given, and panel and plenary discussions convened, with Mick Gooda, the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner attending for the 2 days and providing valuable input and insight into reforms needed to overcome Indigenous disadvantage. The Hon. Karen Struthers attended on the final day, making closing remarks, acknowledging the vast range of services provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organisations. The Coalition is expected to release a report on the outcomes of the Symposium, and the future direction of the sector.

Following the Symposium, Q Shelter convened the first meeting of the State-wide Executive Working Party of Indigenous community housing organisations at Q Shelter on 18 May. Attended by members of the working party and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Human Services Coalition, the agenda focused on key themes such as growth of Indigenous housing organisations, the possibility of linking in strong wrap around support services in the provision of housing, and also key goals to achieve over the next 3 months including taking a delegation to Canberra to bring Queensland specific issues facing ICHOs onto the national agenda.

If you have any questions regarding Q Shelter’s work in this area, please do not hesitate to email Kate Langdon at policykl@qshelter.asn.au.
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Review of the DV and Family Protection Act

The Department of Communities is reviewing the Domestic Violence and Family Protection Act as part of the Queensland Government’s five year strategy to reduce domestic and family violence 2009-2014 - “For our sons and Daughters”. Queensland Shelter will be lodging a submission based on the findings of the Queensland Shelter Women’s Housing Network’s Domestic Violence research project.

If you would like to contribute towards Queensland Shelter’s response please either email comments to policypm@qshelter.asn.au or contact Peter Mengede on 3831-5900. The consultation closes on 31 May.

More information on the review, and details of remaining public consultations, are available at http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/violenceprevention/review-consul....
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Friends of the Lady Bowen Precinct

This week, Queensland Shelter, Roma House and BRIC all hosted a lunch for residents and staff in the Lady Bowen Precinct.

This is part of a strategy being implemented to make for a friendly neighbourhood for all residents and workers.

While this lunch was for a limited group, we hope to host more events in the future which cater for other organisations and residents who are interested in a friendly Spring Hill community.

Keep an eye on the Queensland Shelter website for more information.

Many thanks to the residents who took part in the lunch!

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Logan Real Estate Breakfast

The Logan Housing Interagency Group held a successful Real Estate Networking Morning Tea at Logan Diggers Club on Wednesday 19 May, with over 50 network members and real estate agents attending.

Speakers included Janet Arber, the Senior Residential Tenancies Authority policy officer discussing proposed changes in tenancy database legislation, Janet Maroney of the STARH program on supporting at risk tenants, Sue Hawthorn of Housing and Homelessness Services on the soon to be introduced Logan Rent Connect program, with Beenleigh Realtor Sue Sproates rounding out the presentations with a real estate perspective.

The event not only helped improved relationships between the private and community housing sectors but also served as a great opportunity for informal interagency networking with Logan City Council, housing and homelessness services, and agencies from outside the Logan area such as Micah Projects. Qld Shelter thanks participants for supporting their network and looks forward to being a part of future events.
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Improved rights may reduce homelessness

National Shelter and the National Association of Tenant Organisations presented A Better Lease on Life to Minister Plibersek last week. The report outlines a reform agenda to improve tenant’s rights frameworks across Australia. If the Commonwealth can negotiate better tenant rights with the States we can reduce Australia’s high levels of homelessness and improve tenant security.

The report is available at http://www.qshelter.asn.au/national-shelter-current-work/improved-rights...
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Homeless to Home Healthcare Forum

A forum on the connection between the health, housing and support needs of chronically homeless people will be run by Micah Projects on June 11 from 10am. International, national and local speakers will share their experiences and the results of a survey of the healthcare needs of Brisbane’s rough sleepers.

Spaces are limited for this event, so registrations are required.

More information is available at http://www.qshelter.asn.au/event/2010/homeless-to-home-health-care or by contacting Micah on 3029 7000
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Budget Breakfast

QCOSS in conjunction with Queensland Shelter and a number of other organisations will host its annual budget breakfast on Friday 11th June 2010 from 6.45am – 9am.
Confirmed speakers for the event include Queensland’s Treasurer, The Hon. Andrew Fraser and the Minister for Housing and Community Services, The Hon. Karen Struthers.

Registrations for the breakfast are required, and be quick because this event always sells out fast!

The registration form is available at http://www.qshelter.asn.au/event/2010/qcoss-budget-breakfast
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