Agenda of Community Services Committee Meeting

ITEM 1 - APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow tendering of apologies for Councillors not present.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.g - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS LEAVE OF ABSENCE - 576339

Recommendation

THAT any apologies tendered be accepted and the necessary leave of absence be granted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for apologies is to be made.

ITEM 2 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow an opportunity for Councillors to declare an interest in any items to be determined at this meeting.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.g - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS AND STAFF DECLARATION OF INTEREST - 2014 - 576340

Recommendation

THAT the Declarations of Interest be noted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for Declarations of Interest.

ITEM 3 - DECLARATIONS FOR POLITICAL DONATIONS

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow an opportunity for Councillors to declare any Political Donations received.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.g - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS DECLARATION OF POLITICAL DONATIONS - 576341

Recommendation

THAT any Political Donations be noted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for Declarations of any Political Donations.

ITEM 4 - YEOVAL MEN'S SHED

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Yeoval Men's Shed has requested financial assistance from Council
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.4.1.c - Provide assistance to community groups
Annexures	1. Yeoval District Mens Shed - Donation request for connection to water and sewer at site
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT\SPONSORSHIP - DONATIONS\2014 - 576080

Recommendation

THAT Council consider a donation of the costs of fees and charges to the Yeoval Men’s Shed in accordance with its policy

Community Services Manager's REPORT

Yeoval Men’s Shed have acquired a block of crown land in Myrangle Street Yeoval to construct their workshop.

They have applied to Council to connect water and sewer to the site at an estimated cost of $3,075.00 made up of $600.00 water and $2,475.00 sewer and have written to Council seeking a donation to meet these costs.

Council policy relating to Men’s sheds is as follows:

For all requests for assistance from Men’s Sheds that have not previously secured more than minor assistance from Council, Council will:

1. Consider making donations of up to $1,500.00 to assist with establishment costs

2. Consider loaning funds to assist with establishment costs

3. Consider waiving fees and charges

4. Provide assistance in identifying grant opportunities

5. Provide limited assistance in writing Grant Applications

6. Consider requests to use Council owned buildings at favourable rates

7. Assisting them in lobbying for the support of other organisations

Their application falls into category 3 waiving of fees and charges and this organisation has not in the past received any significant contributions from Council. Council’s Community Business Development Officer has successfully assisted them and other Men’s Sheds in applying for grant funding through the Australian Government’s National Shed Development Program.

Funding from this program was recently announced for Yeoval $4,500 for tools and equipment, Manildra $3,000 tools and equipment, Cargo $1,500 tools and equipment and Cudal $6,250 for connection of services. There were only 105 successful applicants from across Australia and Cabonne made up 3.8% of these.

The Yeoval Men’s Shed is a voluntary organisation serving its members in the Yeoval Area and their projects will make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of its members and the Yeoval Community.

ITEM 5 - NSW CARERS (RECOGNITION) ACT 2010

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To advise Council of the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	3.2.2.a - Facilitate services for the aged
Annexures	1. Carers Recognition Act Carers Charter
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNMENT RELATIONS\LOCAL AND REGIONAL LIAISON\DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES - FACS - 576374

Recommendation

THAT Council implement the provisions of the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 in all aspects of its operations.

Community Services Manager's REPORT

The NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 was introduced to provide recognition of carers and to establish a Carers Advisory Council.

The Act requires that:

· Government departments and local councils make sure all staff are aware of and understand the Carers Charter.

· Staff in human service agencies reflect the principles of the Charter in their core business activities.

· Government departments and local councils consult with appropriate organisations or bodies that represent carers when developing policies that will impact on carers.

· Government departments and local councils develop human resources policies following consideration of the Carers Charter.

It is estimated that 12% of the Australian population are carers with 850,000 of these in NSW.

A carer could be a person caring for a family member with a disability or illness through to a friend or neighbour caring for an elderly person. Some Council staff members will be carers for people in their lives.

A carer is defined as a person who provides ongoing personal care, support and assistance to individuals who need it because of their:

· Disability

· Long term or life-limiting illness

· Mental illness

· Dementia

· Ageing

For Cabonne Council the implementation of the Act will entail ensuring all staff are aware of the Carers Charter, adopting Human Resources policies that are sensitive to the needs of carers who work for Council, ensuring that services provided are sensitive to and responsive to the needs of carers, consulting with bodies that represent carers when developing policies that may impact on them and reporting on the implementation of the Act in Council’s Annual Report.

ITEM 6 - REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Council has received requests for donations from Bravehearts and the Canowindra Domestic Violence Committee.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.4.1.c - Provide assistance to community groups
Annexures	1. Bravehearts - Support for White Balloon Day - 12 Sept 2014 2. Canowindra Domestic Violence Committee - printing of Coaster with anti-violence message 3. Cowra Domestic Violence Coaster
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT\SPONSORSHIP - DONATIONS\2014 - 576711

Recommendation

THAT Council:

1. Donate $100 to Bravehearts; and

2. Donate $350 to assist the Canowindra Domestic Violence Committee produce promotional coasters provided that the Love Bites project proceeds.

Community Services Manager's REPORT

Bravehearts is a Queensland based organisation that promotes child safety from physical and sexual abuse. Their major fundraiser each year is White Balloon Day which will be held on 12 September this year.

They believe that by promoting community awareness of this serious problem that the incidence of this can be reduced. They request Council’s support in fundraising and promoting White Balloon Day.

More information can be found on their website www.whiteballoonday.com.au

The Canowindra Domestic Violence Committee has requested Council to consider a $500.00 donation to assist them to print approximately 2,500 drink coasters with an anti-domestic violence and sexual assault message for the local area.

This project gains effectiveness through the participation of young people in designing a drink coaster for their own area. A similar coaster produced by students at Cowra from last year is attached as a sample of what can be done.

The design to be used will be created by year 10 students participating in the "Love Bites" program to be run at Cowra and Canowindra High Schools. This program is facilitated by local Department of Health Staff to educate them in both Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault issues.

The coasters designed by students will be distributed to local hotels, clubs, wineries, and coffee shops.

The committee hopes to conduct the Love Bites Program at Canowindra High School with funding from the NSW Office of Women.

ITEM 7 - REGIONAL WELLBEING SURVEY

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Council has been forwarded the results of the 2013 Regional Wellbeing Survey
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.2.d - Engage with community to determine future needs & objectives
Annexures	1. Regional Wellbeing Survey_information for partners_5Aug2014
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\PUBLIC HEALTH\MONITORING\HEALTH ISSUES - 576697

Recommendation

THAT Council become an in kind partner for the Regional Wellbeing Survey.

Community Services Manager's REPORT

The Centre for Research and Action in Public Health from Canberra University has written to Council advising that it has been conducting surveys across Australia to determine the community wellbeing characteristics of each region and seeking a partnership with Council.

There were 87 people from the Cabonne LGA who participated in their 2013 Regional Wellbeing Survey. These people responded to letter box drops and survey forms distributed by local community organisations.

The response rate was low on a per capita basis and because of this the results can only give a general indication of community wellbeing.

Average responses from participants for the Cabonne area are as follows:

· General Community Wellbeing was rated as being 5.2 out of 7.

· Satisfaction with life as a whole 70 out of 100

· Satisfaction with personal relationships 63 out of 100

· Satisfaction with personal health 70 out of 100

· Feeling a part of the Community 57 out of 100

· Feeling secure about the future 57 out of 100

The above data was sourced from the 2013 Regional Wellbeing Survey, Central West NSW region data table, version 1.01 June 18 2014. Further information may be found at www.regionalwellbeing.org.au

The Centre seeks a partnership with Council in conducting a Regional Wellbeing survey this year, reaching more people and refining their data collection methods.

The Centre offers multiple options for partnership ranging from promoting the survey locally, through to becoming a full funding partner.

The most attractive option at this time appears to be that of an in-kind partnership which would entail consultation regarding the survey and assistance in distributing it to participants. The cost of this can be contained using existing contacts and promoting through a variety of media.

ITEM 8 - HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE UPDATE

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To update Council on Home and Community Care matters
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	3.2.2.b - Promote services within Cabonne
Annexures	1. Strategic Plan
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\COMMUNITY SERVICES\SERVICE PROVISION\HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE - FOOD SERVICES - 576929

Recommendation

THAT Council approve the HACC Strategic Plan.

Community Services Manager's REPORT

HACC Advisory Committee

The HACC Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, 20 August. At this meeting it was agreed that the prepared 2014-2015 Strategic Plan be approved. The proposed plan is attached for the Committee’s approval. Once approved the Coordinator will determine who is to be involved in each set task and the completion dates. This document will then be reviewed at the bi-monthly Advisory Committee meetings.

At the committee meeting a motion was also passed to cease the hydrotherapy program that HACC have been trialing. HACC took this program on board after the Canowindra Health discontinued it. Clients have been paying $3 for transport with lunch and pool entry at their own expense. Whilst it is a beneficial program for exercise and social support, it is not a financially viable program for HACC to continue providing. A meeting will be held with the Community Health Manager to discuss alternative options for this program.

Community Visitors Scheme

One of HACC’s long standing volunteers, Cyril Denney, has decided to retire from the Community Visitors Scheme at the age of 92. Cyril has been visiting at Prunus Lodge at Molong. To show appreciation for all that he has done, HACC will be discussing with Prunus the possibility of holding a morning tea to congratulate Cyril for his many years of service.

Work Placement Student

Tiffany Kent is currently studying Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE. As part of her study Tiffany must complete 60 hours of work placement. These hours will be performed with HACC during the next four months.

Item 8 Community Services Committee Meeting 2 September 2014

Item 8 - Annexure 1

CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN

CRITICAL ISSUES

1. VOLUNTEERS

· Recruit volunteers especially younger people

· Succession planning

2. CHARTER

· review and update our terms of reference

· document person-centred approaches

· review quality systems

3. INCREASED COMPETITION

· identify competitors

· explore marketing strategies

· identify alliance opportunities

4. FUNDING

· explore other sources of funding

· Use a risk management approach when considering expenditure

5. CLIENT NEEDS

· assess community needs

· Link to enablement approaches eg hydrotherapy

6. GOVERNANCE

· develop a succession planning plan

· outline roles and responsibilities

· build skills and knowledge

· address risk management processes

CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Date
CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Next Review
GOAL 1		GOVERNANCE To have a strong and informed governance structure that guides the strategic direction of the service and ensures all obligations are met.

	Strategies		Action	Who	When	Comment
1	Develop a succession planning plan		Identify people in our comunity
			Develop a marketing approach to attract people to the Committee Outline features and benefits of being on the committee
			Prepare an induction kit for potential and new members
2	Address risk management processes		Organise training in risk management processes
			Utilise a risk management approach to decision-making
3	outline roles and responsibilities to develop skills and knowledge		Develop a management Committee manual

CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Date
CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Next Review
GOAL 2		Sustainability and Development To have a strong, sustainable service that develops and changes in response to the needs of clients and the community.

	STRATEGIES		Action	Who	When	Comment
1	Explore funding sources		Seek feedback on funding that was missed out on
			Explore ways of recouping money
			Identify parameters of Commonwealth Home Supports Program Funding and due dates

2	Develop a marketing strategy to show we are competitive in the marketplace/ community		Identify the features and benefits of our service
			Develop an advertising strategy using different mediums




CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Date
CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Next Review
GOAL 3		Operations and Infrastructure To ensure the service has appropriate resources and systems to consistently provide high quality services

	STRATEGY		Action	Who	When	Comment
1	review and update our terms of reference / Charter		Review and rename target group to · reflect changing names with main funding source
			· document person-centred approaches used by the service provider
2	review quality systems		Document all quality systems to reflect continuous improvement strategies and comply with standard 1.5 of Community care Common Standards

CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Date
CABONNE COUNCIL HACC SERVICES ACTION PLAN				Next Review
GOAL 4		Workforce Management To have a strong, skilled and well-supported workforce (staff and volunteers)
STRATEGY
	Objective		Action	Who	When	Comment
1	Increase volunteer numbers		Identify needs of volunteers and canvass volunteers according to those needs Eg shorter stints – 3 months
			Short ads in newspapers for specific jobs
			Develop a strategy with Centrelink and job network providers and VCW to ensure suitability of Centrelink volunteer referrals
			Develop a strategy to canvass for volunteers among parents on benefits once their youngest child is at school
			Develop links with schools for volunteering opportunities
2	Seek assistance from VCW’s new Regional and Liaison Officer to assist with recruitment strategies		Contact Amy on vmp@binc.org.au
3	Help volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities		Provide training and mentoring to new and potential volunteers especially those new ro volunteering – contact Kinga at voltraining@binc.org.au