Davyn de Bruyn

"Accessing reliable and trustworthy information enables citizens to make informed decisions about everything – from voting, to making purchases, to staying safe online, to accessing health advice and services. Australians must urgently update their media literacy skills to suit the online environment." Good article, but I remain increasingly concerned about these sorts of findings and our over-reliance on social media for our news as a nation #digital #literacy #online #education #socialmedia #misinformation #disinformation #publicpolicy

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For the last 5 years Support Coordination pricing has been frozen, risking the closure of essential services and leaving participants at risk. It's time for this to change. This decision is indefensible. Immediate action is needed! We call on the NDIA to increase prices for support coordination (level 2 and 3) at least in line with wage increases in the Disability Support Worker Cost Model. #4abetterNDIS #SupportPeopleWithDisabilities #SupportNDISregisteredproviders

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For all the social entrepreneurs in the ACT...

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Are you passionate about enhancing the wellbeing of your team in the child and family services sector? Then this webinar is for you! Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your team's wellbeing and enhance the overall effectiveness of your services. Secure you spot today and be part of this transformative discussion #evidence #staffwellbeing #webinar PeakCare Queensland UnitingCare Queensland Southern Cross University

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Upcoming Changes to the NDIS You Need to Know About From 3 October 2024, the NDIS will see significant updates aimed at making the system clearer, fairer, and more consistent for participants. Changes include a new definition of supports, updated budgeting, and stronger oversight. AFDO is here to help you navigate these updates and ensure your voice is heard throughout this process. 👉 Read more about the upcoming changes and what they mean for you: https://buff.ly/4dyLN5U #NDIS #DisabilityAdvocacy

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Yet again, a chronic failure by the system supposedly designed to support Aussies with disability. Again, the NDIS Delegates are declining fundamental support to people - the Delegates are overruling assessments, reports FCAs developed by actual QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS. To this day, after years of requesting, no one can provide information relating to the the Delegates skills or Qualifications or how on earth they have been authorised to decline supports - based on what? Their interpretation of the NDIS Guidelines? Their lack of understanding or knowledge of a persons disability and needs? Their inability to understand a FCA, OT Report, Psych report, etc. They don’t speak or meet the person they’re being given the responsibility or authority to provide funds. Step up Mr Shorten - you’ve been made aware of all these critical issues for years - you’re still in the NDIS role until February - get your staff trained to actually care and be effective in their roles rather than having people with disability fighting until their last breath to be heard.

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"Lost and unsure, I found a community with purpose, vision, and values that mirrored mine. It awakened a forgotten self, pushing me beyond limitations. Dreams I deemed impossible became my reality. With education, experience, and support, I'm embodying the change I craved. This supportive environment allowed me to rediscover myself and envision a brighter future. I'm taking action, seeing results, and feeling truly welcomed. Gaining new skills through training has bridged the gap to my goals. Banksia Academy's encouragement transformed my outlook from uncertainty to a future brimming with possibilities. Financially independent is no longer a distant dream; I'm measurably on track. With secure employment, I'm contributing to both local and online communities. Every aspect of my life – relationships, health, finances, career – is experiencing a positive shift. Thrilled, grateful, and inspired, I embrace this evolving work landscape, forging a path that hopefully inspires others." ~ Anonymous Banksia Academy Member. Are you a Community Centre or Case Worker supporting women fleeing domestic or family violence? We're here to support you and your clients. What your clients will have access to:   🤝 Connection: A supportive community with access to well being support and community connection. 👩🏻‍💻 Skill Development: Digital skills training programs designed to empower women with new skills aligned to the future of work. 🌱 Personal and professional development:  Masterclasses with a focus on whole person well being and returning to work. 💰 Employment Opportunities: Pathways to employment opportunities with us or opportunities connecting women with supportive employers.   By referring women to Banksia Academy, you open the door to a brighter, more secure future for them and we need your help to reach those who need us most. 💜 Make a Referral Today: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gKKYD6cd #caseworker #communitycentre #refuge #womensrefuge #peace #womenincrisis #referralpartner #domesticviolence #DFV

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Discover how the Homelessness Prevention & Diversion Fund (HPDF), created by A Way Home WA, is transforming housing stability for unaccompanied youth and young adults. Since its launch in 2020, HPDF has demonstrated that empowering young people to make their own housing decisions leads to the creation of effective #YouthHomelessness prevention measures and lasting stability. Check out this report to learn more: https://ow.ly/fAUm50TrZAT

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At AMP Foundation, we understand that it is imperative we face our collective past and come together to openly discuss the full spectrum of our history. Together, we can pave the way for a more cohesive future. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we listen, reflect, acknowledge, and learn more about Australia's history and culture. #NRW2024 #NowMoreThanEver #NationalReconciliationWeek 

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The System is Broken: Young people need unconditional love and positive regard. That’s the title of our collective policy piece from today’s Jobs Australia Ltd Youth Forum! It was an incredible privilege to present alongside sector leaders Eóin Killackey, Gina Chinnery, Sam Barrett, Larissa Daniel & of course MC'd by the one and only Ben Vasiliou where we discussed the multi-layered challenges young people face today. The issues we tackled are complex, but the solutions are within reach. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that today’s young people have the chance to build fulfilling, secure lives. Together, we can create systems that will support this generation and those to come, preventing young Australians from being the first to face a poorer standard of living than their parents.

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Things need to change now, how many more examples of this broken system do we need before, real change happens? As Chair of KWILS, I echo Siobhan Mackay's statement that services in Katherine need more government support, long-term secure funding, and whole-system reform.

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"Changes to NDIS legislation – frequently asked questions Have the rules for Short Term Accommodation (STA) changed? Short Term Accommodation (STA), also known as respite, is still part of the NDIS under the category 'assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared setting.' Participants can continue to access STA based on the current guidelines. STA provides participants who have informal supports, like families and carers, the chance to stay away from home for at least one night. We usually fund this to help informal supports sustain their caring role and give participants and their informal supports time apart. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time, with a maximum of 28 days per year. Self-managers can use unregistered providers, but STA funding cannot be used for holidays. Participants can access their usual NDIS supports while on holiday if needed. These must be from the approved list of NDIS supports." This info is from the National Disability Insurance Agency Newsletter

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📢 Weekly Grants Wrap-Up 📢 🆕 Flight Centre Foundation Giving Grants are now open. The grants are targeted towards organisations focused on supporting vulnerable children and victims of domestic and family violence. Up to $25,000 available. Closing 21 November. 👩‍💼 SPARK Business Grants help women in business grow their profit and impact. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000. Closing 30 November 2024. 🚺 Action for Women’s Health Program is now open, through Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, to support organisations working to improve women’s mental and physical health. Up to $5mil available. Closing 3 December. 💡 IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program (IPAP) is now open, through Perpetual Limited, to connect philanthropists and NFPs, supporting projects that improve community outcomes. Funding up to $120,000. Closing 6 December. DGR Status Required. 🆕 Future Generation Australia Social Impact Partner is now open, through Future Generation Australia, to support non-profits aiding children and youth at risk. Up to $180,000 available. Applications close 09 December. DGR Status Required. 🏡 Homes for Homes Funding is now open, through Homes for Homes, to support projects that increase the supply of social and affordable housing. Up to $250,000 available. Closing 11 December. 🆕 SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is now open, through Advance Queensland, to support innovation infrastructure and accelerate job creation in South East Queensland. Up to $25 million available. Closing 13 December. 🖥️  Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program through the eSafety Commissioner, funding projects that prevent online harms and enhance safety for women and their children. Up to $400,000 availabe. Closing 16 December. 🆕 Capricorn Foundation Grants are now open, through the Capricorn Foundation, to fund initiatives in nurturing nature and overcoming disadvantage. Up to $90,000 available. Closing 31 December. DGR status required. 🆕 LiftHER Female Founders Grant Program is now open, through Lift Women, to empower women and girls in Australia and Asia to achieve their dreams. Mentoring only. Closing 10 January. 🆕 Keeling Curve Prize is now open, through the Global Warming Mitigation Project, recognising innovative climate solutions that reduce atmospheric CO2 and greenhouse gases. Up to $50,000 available. Applications close 15 Jan 2025 or until the first 500 eligible submissions have been received. 🆕 Queensland Innovation Precincts and Places Fund: Stream 3 is now open, through Advance Queensland, to support regional innovation precincts with smart infrastructure, technology, and upgrades. Up to $3 million is available. Closing 30 June 2027 or until allocation exhausted.

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New NDIS Legislation in Effect Today – 3rd October 2024! Starting today, new NDIS legislation is officially in effect, impacting what disability supports are funded. Find out what is not funded. Most supports will remain in place. We encourage you to stay informed and updated. Read our latest newsletter Whole Warrior Insider for detailed insights on these changes and how they might affect you as a participant or provider. Be sure to stay connected by subscribing to the Whole Warrior Insider for more updates, tips, and guidance! Read More & Subscribe Now! https://lnkd.in/gJa3Ua6R Let’s continue empowering futures, together!

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There are many resources that can help you find grants. These include: - Australian Government's GrantConnect - State Government grant databases - Local Council and regional initiative websites - Funder websites, newsletters and social media - Subscription-based services (e.g. The Grants Hub, GEMS, The Funding Centre, GrantGuru). Want to get the best value for your needs? I'm happy to share what I've learned over the years and feedback we've heard from others. Whichever methods you use, you also need a strategy to be proactive and assess grants effectively. Getting a bunch of daily updates is pointless unless you have an actionable plan for filtering opportunities and prioritising resources. If you want to save time and search smarter, get in touch. #findgrants #governmentgrants #philanthropy #australiangrants #purposeplus by Tender Plus

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A quick summation of the Yearly Report to Parliament, read full document in link provided. New report on domestic violence in Australia: Progress made, but urgent action needed! Key findings: • 43 women victims of intimate partner homicide in 2023-24, up from 34 in 2022-23 • Government systems sometimes causing harm, including misidentification of victims • Critical need for better data collection and measurement of progress Progress: • National Plan and Action Plans launched • Lived Experience Advisory Council established • Increased focus on engaging men and boys Next steps: • Prioritise new data sources to assess National Plan progress • Improve sustainable funding for frontline services • Develop national workforce strategy What you can do: • Educate yourself on the signs of FDSV • Support local women's shelters and crisis services • Challenge harmful gender stereotypes in your community • Speak up if you suspect someone is experiencing abuse View full report: https://lnkd.in/gYd7jFjg

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Embolden's response to the State Budget: South Australia’s Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence commences in July and will give our state a blueprint for transformative change that targets investment where it will have the most impact; across prevention, early intervention, crisis response, recovery and healing. The domestic, family and sexual violence services sector has always been clear that we need both a Royal Commission and urgent funding for crisis domestic and family violence services. The State Budget did not deliver this. In the context of significant national media attention on domestic and family violence, our crisis services are seeing big increases in demand and this is expected to grow further with the Royal Commission and coercive control legislation in South Australia. It is really important that anyone needing help and support is not deterred from contacting services but the reality is that one in five calls to the statewide Domestic Violence Crisis Line go unanswered. Without additional funding for crisis responses, some South Australians experiencing violence will not get the support they need. Read Embolden's full media release on the 2024-25 State Budget here: https://lnkd.in/ghTmEeP9

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Beyond the direct service provision and support needed by women who experience violence in Australia, #charities and #communitygroups play a fundamental role in promoting community attitudes that value and empower women.    CCA CEO David Crosbie writes for the Community Advocate (excerpt):    It is men who are overwhelming the perpetrators of violence against women, and their actions are fuelled by many factors including cultural norms of male power, gambling and associated financial stress, alcohol and drug use, lack of appropriate housing, lack of access to education and employment, and untreated mental health issues.   In all these areas, charities and community groups have a critical role to play. It’s not just domestic violence services, family support, legal aid or better policing that needs an urgent injection of resources; the changes we need are bigger, broader, more encompassing.   Beyond the direct service provision and support needed by too many women in Australia, charities and community groups play a fundamental role in promoting community attitudes that value and empower women. A national campaign about respect can only ever have limited impact when power and indifference remain largely undisrupted in our communities and our workplaces.   A more equal and connected community experiences less violence against women than one where socio-economic inequality is greater and there is higher tolerance for gender discrimination and controlling behaviour in relationships.   One of the more worrying trends emerging in various surveys from around the world is the growing divide between young men and young women in attitudes to our community.   The latest Glocalities polling released this month found that “Young women were worried above all about social issues such as sexual harassment, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Young men were more geared towards achieving social and economic status, and set store by conservative family values and competition, bravery and honour.”   There’s a lot of specific work to be done within charities and community groups to reduce intimate partner violence in Australia, beginning with the idea that it is us men, not other men, who are perpetrators of violence, and we all share a responsibility to ensure women are not living with fear and experiencing control, abuse or violence in any form.   We also have a responsibility within our own organisations to better engage with women and men, to both model and promote the values of equality, justice and respect that are core to most charities.   The epidemic of violence against women will not end unless we all recognise that it is us, not them, who can and will make a difference.   From the article by David Crosbie: Violence against women – it’s us, not them, Community Directors: https://lnkd.in/eswuJNEr #domesticviolence #womenssafety #endviolence #charities #communitygroups

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