May 2009 Issue 16

Working with Children Check The Working with Children Check is a system that will affect many adults who work or volunteer in child-related industries. The check is different from a police check and is continually monitored for new relevant offences and findings. It’s another way we’re protecting Victoria’s children. To find out how and when it affects you visit: www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren or call 1300 652 879. Applications forms can be collected and lodged at participating Australia Post outlets.

$650 million Jobs Fund A new $650 million Australian Government Initiative to support and create jobs and skills development through projects that build community and social infrastructure. Priority will be given to projects in regions experiencing high levels of disadvantage and most affected by job losses. The Jobs Fund has the following three streams:

• Local Jobs - $300 million of funding is available over two years. Funding will be available for community infrastructure projects with a focus on the promotion of environment-friendly technology and heritage.

• Get Communities Working - $200 million of funding is available over two years. Seed capital will be available for self-sustaining projects which create jobs and provide activities and services to improve community amenity.

• Infrastructure Employment Projects - $150 million over two years. Projects under this stream will provide for investment in infrastructure projects which generate jobs in regions affected by the economic downturn.

Guidelines are available at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Pages/JobsFund.aspx for more information phone Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 1300 363 079. Applications close May 22nd 2009.

Play by the Rules Do you participate in a sport or are you involved with a sporting club? Do your club administrators, coaches, officials or players need assistance in further developing their skills, managing risk or creating an inclusive, safe and fair club environment? Do you need to gain an overview of your clubs legal requirements, discrimination, child protection laws or handling complaints? “Play by the Rules” may be able to help. If you would like further information please contact www.playbytherules.net.au

Transport Update

The North East Transport Connections Project continues to work on sustainable transport solutions across the North East. In Alpine Shire residents have started to see the benefits of this project with the introduction of additional V/line services, Omeo to Bright Alps Link service, Taxi- Link services to Wandiligong and Harrietville as well as the introduction of an Alpine Transport Options Booklet. This booklet contains general transport information as well as a list of all transport services available in Alpine Shire. Free copies are available at Alpine Shire Service Centres, Visitor Information Centres, libraries, Ovens & King Community Health Service, Alpine Health or you can view the booklet on line at www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au. For further information on the North East Transport Connections Project contact Bonnie Smythe, Project Worker on 03 5731 3506.

Alpine Liveability - Comment Sought

Community comment is being sought on Alpine Shire Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan – Alpine Liveability.

A key strategic document of Council this plan reflects the need for the environment in which we live to encourage and support wellbeing. The plan identifies four over arching themes; Sustainability, Community, Opportunities and Connectivity. The plan not only set the community wellbeing direction for Council it also promotes partnerships and common direction across government.

Copies are available at www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au, Alpine Shire Service Centres or by phoning 03 5755 0555. Comment must be to Alpine Shire by 22 May 2009.

Smoking – Some interesting Facts

Quit Victoria has released new data that reveals a key way to reduce smoking rates, and save money. Almost three-quarters of smokers (74%) say they would try and quit the habit if cigarette prices increased by 50% according to new research released today. The research, from the Cancer Council Victoria, also reveals 6 out of 10 regular smokers say they would smoke fewer cigarettes if tobacco prices were to go up by 50%. Increasing price by 50% would see a typical packet of 30 cigarettes retail at around the $20 mark. Apart from quitting smoking being one of the best things you can do for your health, it is also a great way to save money in tough financial times. A pack a day smoker can save almost $5000 a year by quitting. That’s more than two monthly mortgage repayments on the average Australian home loan.

Communities in Control Conference 2009 CRISIS, CATASTROPHE, COMMUNITY: REBUILD, RENEW, RECHARGE

Monday & Tuesday 15-16 June 2009 - Melbourne, Australia In times of physical, environmental and economic hardship, community organisations become more important than ever, providing a safety net for the injured, the grieving, the traumatized, the jobless, the homeless, the vulnerable; giving people a place to recover, to belong, to heal: providing help, support, hope, empathy and light relief.

Come together with the leaders of communities across Australia, along with local, state and federal government officials, business leaders and all those who think about or care about Australian communities. Speakers Include: 2009 Australian of Year Prof Mick Dodson, Wendy Harmer, Eddie McGuire, Prof Len Syme, Major David Eldgridge, Gail Kelly, Richard Watson, The Hon Joan Kirner AM, Clare Martin and more... For Details visit www.ourcommunity.com.au/cic2009 or call 03 9320 6800.

e-Strategy Guide for your non-profit organisation

http://www.e-strategyguide.gov.au/home may be useful resource for Community groups. E-strategy is designed to help your organisation create its own useful presence on the web and make the most of ICT (information and communications technology).

An organisation's 'e-journey' begins by simply going online. Once there, you find possibilities for online business: promoting, fund-raising, transacting online.

Community Skillsbank

A way for Volunteers and Community

Organisations to connect and exchange skills.

Phone 03 57231388

Country Football Netball Funding Program

The next round of the Victorian Government - Country Football Netball Program closes on 30 May 2009. The program provides funding support to assist grass roots country football and netball clubs and umpiring organisations to develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations. Guidelines are available from Department of Planning and Community Development 1300 366 356 or visit www.grants@dpcd..vic.gov.au. Applicants must discuss their project with Alpine Shire Council, Recreation and Leisure officer, Stephen Henderson on 03 5755 0524.

Funding Opportunities

TITLE

DESCRIPTION

FUNDING

MORE INFORMATION

CLOSING DATE

Victorian Volunteer Small Grants-Bushfire Relief

Help volunteers and local community organisations provide volunteer emergency relief in fire affected communities.

Up to $5,000

Department Planning Community Development www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Emergency Volunteer Support Grants-Bushfire Relief

Practical help to volunteers and local community organisations providing emergency relief in fire affected communities.

Up to $20,000

Department Planning Community Development www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Victoria Volunteer Small Grants

Support volunteer organisations to attract new volunteers through improved equipment.

Up to $5,000

Department Planning Community Development www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Sponsorship-Programs and Events

To support programs and events through sponsorship.

Various Department Planning Community Development www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Country Action Grants Scheme

Increase capacity of community sport and recreation organisation.

Up to $5,000

Department Planning Community Development www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Peter Brock Foundation

Funding for a variety of community programs for areas of need.

Various Peter Brock Foundation

www.peterbrockfoundation.com.au

Ongoing

BP Vouchers For Volunteers Program

For not-for-profit volunteers who use a vehicle to undertake volunteering activities.

BP fuel vouchers

BP

www.talkstoppedlongago.com.au/v4vhome.html

11 May 2009

Emergency Family & Community Grants

To distribute emergency aid grants to fund community based activities and to meet immediate household needs of rural families in drought affected areas

$3,000 Max per grant

Contact: Country Women’s Association

Phone: (03) 6426 7235

Website: www.daff.gov.au

Ongoing

Country Football & Netball Program

Funding to assist country football and netball clubs to develop facilities in particular areas of need including football, netball and umpire facilities, shared community, club and social facilities, multi use facilities or lighting

Up to $60,000

Contact: Department Planning & Community Development

Phone: 1300 366 356

Website: www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au

Ongoing

Small Grants for Small Rural Communities

Small grants for small rural communities.

Various FRRR- Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Ph: 1800 170 020

www.frrr.org.au.

September 2009

Seeds of Renewal Program

To fund small, rural and regional not-for-profit organisations that have projects and activities that aids the growth of their community.

Up to $10,000

FRRR- Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Ph: 1800 170 020

www.frrr.org.au.

June 2009

Local Sporting Champions program

Provides assistance for junior sportspersons competing at an official national sporting organisation competition.

Up to $500 individual $3,000 team

Australian Sports Commission

www.nationalgeographic.com.research/

02 6214 1111

Ongoing

If you would like information included in this bulletin please send details to

Helen Vey, Community Officer – Health & Wellbeing Mail: PO Box 139, Bright 3741 Email: helenv@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: (03) 5755 0540 Fax: (03) 5755 1811