ACTCOSS and Woden Community Service warmly invite you to the joint launch of their Reconciliation Action Plans, to coincide with International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.

The launch celebration will include a welcome to country, guest speakers, performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and a variety of traditional and contemporary foods.

• 10.30am – 12.00pm, Monday 9 August 2010
• Corroboree Park, Paterson Street, Ainslie ACT
• Cost: Free

Please RSVP by Thursday 5 August 2010 to Lisa on 02 6202 7200, or via email lisa@actcoss.org.au

Download the RAP Launch flyer (PDF 256KB).

ACTCOSS is hosting a community sector forum, providing an opportunity to meet, and question, federal election candidates for the Senate and House of Representative seats of Canberra and Fraser.

The forum is designed to allow community sector participants the chance to meet and engage with the candidates directly. Candidates will have the opportunity to discuss key issues in small groups. The groups will be rotated allowing as much interaction as possible across all participants.

• 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Monday 16 August 2010
• Room 8, Griffin Centre, Genge St, Canberra City
• Cost: Free

To register for this forum, please download the Registration Form (PDF 60KB) or call on 6202 7200.

A two day conference looking at developing social change through Diversity and Equality

• ACTCOSS Conference: 4 - 5 November 2010
• Diversity Ball and Community Sector Awards Presentation: 5 November 2010

The ACT Council of Social Service Biennial Conference is an opportunity to engage in leadership development, lively discussion on cutting edge ideas and practices, and to network with colleagues - sharing ideas and experiences.

More information and registration forms coming soon.

Download the Dates for Your Diary flyer (PDF 107KB).

As of 1 January 2010 there will be a new Award in place for Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services. This replaces the current ACT SACS Award. Download the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (PDF 253KB).

The final Award has changed from the draft version previously available. If you are currently operating on the SACS Award you will need to transition to the Modern Award from 1 January 2010. Changes to penalty rates and loadings commence transition from 1 July 2010. Classifications and wages are delayed in their implementation until 1 July 2011.

Read the factsheet Award Modernisation: What will it mean for COSS Members? Dec 2009 (PDF 49KB)

View the Australian Industrial Relations Commission Decision

Good practice standards for culturally appropriate community services

The Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit (CASAT) is a set of good practice standards developed to assist community service organisations improve the quality of their services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities and to improve the organisation’s knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Download the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit PDF (876KB) or Word document (128KB).