News From ConnectGroups

From the EO's Desk

I thought it would be interesting for those support groups which are registered charities; including public benevolent institutions and health promotion charities to be aware of the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission (ACNC) and what direct impact and implication it will have on them.
The ACNC was established in May 2011, as part of the regulatory reform agenda whose key role will be that of a statutory office - holder (Commissioner) who will regulate charities. Its main objective will be to protect and enhance public trust and confidence in the sector through increased accountability and transparency. The ACNC will officially begin operation on 1 October 2012.
“The ACNC is intended to be a one-stop shop for charities to streamline their regulatory and reporting interactions with government agencies. Key red tape reduction measures are intended. Further work will be done to clarify reporting requirements for individual charities so they are prepared for the revised reporting date of 1 July 2014.”
If you would like more in-depth information as to the role of the ACNC kindly refer to their newly released - ACNC IMPLEMENTATION REPORT which can be found at the following link –
http://acnctaskforce.treasury.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=publications/implementationreport/html/index.htm

Antonella Segre

Join us for our annual “National Self Help and Support Groups Awareness Day – ‘United Voice of Compassion’“ on Wednesday 5th September 2012 at the WA State Library Theatre. This will be one of four events celebrated nationally in collaboration with our Eastern States sister organisations.
This year we have incorporated an interactive networking session “Sharing Stories & Towards Good Practice” which will showcase Self Help and Support Groups good practice models. We will also be launching two new initiatives which will impact favourably on Self Help and Support Groups.
Our annual Expo of 30 Self Help and Support Group Associations will run throughout the day at the Perth Cultural Centre with the inclusion of Local Musicians busking for Self Help and Support Groups!. If you are interested to run a stand on the day please download the EOI here .
Scholarships are available for rural and regional members to attend the event. Scholarships will cover all travel and accommodation costs. Application form can be found here.
The event will be officially opened by the Minister for Child Protection; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering and Women’s Interest, the Hon. Robyn McSweeney.
RSVP by Monday 13 August 2012 on 9228 4488 or ivi@connectgroups.org.au

WA Special Families – Facilitation Workshop

WA Special Families, Kalparrin and ConnectGroups, in true community collaboration, conducted an all-day facilitation workshop at ConnectGroups on 21st May. This workshop was, alongside some Kalparrin staff members, attended by Mothers of children with special needs. This wonderful and enthusiastic group of women are all volunteer group facilitators for WA Special Families regional groups, holding regular coffee meetings for support and friendship. We commend them for their great work and wish them every success with their groups.

Invitation to a Forum Exploring the Impact of Mandatory Sentencing Legislation on People with Mental Illness

ConnectGroups has received an invitation from the Mental Health Advisory Council to attend a forum exploring the impact of mandatory sentencing legislation on people with mental illness. We are opening the invitation to consumer representatives.

Date:   Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Time:   8.30 (for registration and coffee) 9:00 am – 2:00pm
A networking lunch will be provided 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue:  Technology Park   2 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley
RSVP:  Friday 29 June through ConnectGroups on info@connectgroups.org.au

When you RSVP could you please advise your contact details and whether you have any dietary requirements.