Is there a topic you&rsquo;d like to raise on communitybuilders? This forum is for any communitybuilding topics you&rsquo;d like to discuss. <br><br> <ul><li>Reach out for advice from people and communities who may be in a similar situation to you</li><li>Give feedback on new resources on the site</li><li>Raise awareness of issues in your community</li></ul>Just be aware of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/504146_8.html">discussion forum rules</a> before joining up, then chat away...</p><p>Remember, this forum is what you make it! </p> http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/index.php Thu, 17 May 2012 09:01:55 +1000 Phorum 5.2.14 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112241,112241#msg-112241 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112241,112241#msg-112241
How does multiculturalism on this scale work in reality for you?
How do you live ‘your’ culture in Australia?
Does the community you live in accept you and your cultural practices?
How do you integrate into Australian culture?
What is Australian culture?
What are the challenges of living with two cultures?
Are you seen as an individual or as a member of an ethnic community?
Does anyone recognise the contribution you make to this country?
What is that contribution?
What are your aspirations and how are they being met?
Please post your story in answer to these questions at www.mylifeinoz.com.au]]> MyLifeInOz communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:38:50 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112235,112235#msg-112235 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112235,112235#msg-112235
[www.australiantibethouse.com.au]

The project is fairly well advanced with business plans, fundraising, etc and a lot of the service are being provided already; what is lacking is a place where the activities may occur, a place that individuals may identify with and develop a sense of belonging and community. The centre aims not simply to help the Tibetan community but the general community as well via meditation, social work, counselling, and support in general.

We are wondering who do we approach first for government funding, where are the forms, and what level of assistance is out there? Do we approach Housing NSW or the local councils or the Commonwealth Govt?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
M]]> MartinB communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:22:13 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112232,112232#msg-112232 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112232,112232#msg-112232
i am a Community Development Officer in the UK and am finding it difficult to engage with 18-24 year old youths. we are running a few employment projects but are not having a good response! i am looking for some innovative ideas from across the world. if anyone has done something that has worked, can you let me know on paul.johnson@boltonathome.org.uk all ideas welcome!

many thanx

paul]]> paul communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:36:14 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112218,112218#msg-112218 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112218,112218#msg-112218 I have a project of 10.600 words on home schooling
I am in need of a translator who can deliver within 2 weeks.
Email me estimate and process to achieve this. Let me know what
language you are based on.

Please contact desmondhamanda@yahoo.com]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:09:46 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112217,112217#msg-112217 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112217,112217#msg-112217 Any information will be greatfully appreciated.
Thank you.
Keith.]]> Keith communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:30:18 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112213,112213#msg-112213 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112213,112213#msg-112213
Thanks in advance!
James Andronicos]]> jamesandronicos communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:22:40 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112212,112212#msg-112212 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112212,112212#msg-112212
Public art champions, Environmental Art+Design, are compiling a database of tertiary-trained artists with mural painting experience to contract for future projects. Closes 7 Oct.

[www.artfiles.com.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:09:40 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112209,112209#msg-112209 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112209,112209#msg-112209
Every Australian Counts is the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in this country. Support the campaign, by taking action to make every Australian count.

[www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:23:43 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112208,112208#msg-112208 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112208,112208#msg-112208
Do you live or work in the West? Are you sick of hearing only negative stuff about our region? Let the world know about the GREAT things about living or working in Greater Western Sydney:

[www.cnet.ngo.net.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:16:32 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112207,112207#msg-112207 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112207,112207#msg-112207
Date(s): Tuesday, 1 November 2011 to Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Location: Waitara (Hornsby)

Description:

Keeping Kids in Mind is a 5 week course for separated parents who are experiencing on-going conflict. The course is designed to:
• assist parents to see through their children’s eyes the experience of parental separation.
• develop greater understanding about how to support children following family separation
The course covers the following topics:
Grief and Loss after Separation
The Hidden World of Children
Rebuilding Resilience
Bridging the Gap
Looking Back and Moving Forward

Details:

29 Yardley Ave
Waitara 2077

$75 - (Rebate available for those with a healthcard)

Contact: Linda Stevens
linda.stevens@dbb.org.au

Website: [www.keepingkidsinmind.org]

For more information and to download Flyer/Brochure see the link below:

[www.hsnet.nsw.gov.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:11:57 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112206,112206#msg-112206 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112206,112206#msg-112206
Working with Families is a new nationally recognised course and a subject in Cert IV in Relationship Education. This course is for people working at a preventative and early intervention level with individuals and families, where there is a need for support and education around relationship issues. (See attached flyer). This new course will be offered once only at a cost of $582 which is a 50% reduction in price.

Pre-requisite Students must have a knowledge of developing and delivering group work, experience as a group worker or Effective Group Leadership or equivalent.

Please call (02)88300755 or email info@ifp.nsw.edu.au for more information.

For Upcoming Courses (Oct-Dec 2011) see the link below:
[www.ifp.nsw.edu.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:04:54 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112205,112205#msg-112205 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112205,112205#msg-112205 The Insync Surveys and RedBalloon 2011 Dream Employers Survey released this week attracted more than 7000 responses from workers in Australia and New Zealand. While NFP organisations didn't make into the top 20 wish list, those receiving nominations ...

[www.probonoaustralia.com.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:49:35 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112203,112203#msg-112203 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112203,112203#msg-112203 See [www.allshipslog.org]

Please let me know whether I fit the criteria.
Many thanks,
Miranda Kichenside-Quinn]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:28:58 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112201,112201#msg-112201 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112201,112201#msg-112201 commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:59:59 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112200,112200#msg-112200 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112200,112200#msg-112200 vinitygill communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:56:46 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112197,112197#msg-112197 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112197,112197#msg-112197
If all human rights are built on the foundation of a right to life, then it follows that we must have access by right to the basics for life.

Most would agree that the right to things like food and shelter is more fundamentally the right to have access to the basics provided by nature. With access to these gifts of nature we may work to grow food and build shelter, as distinct from a right to have the food or shelter produced by others laid on for you by right. Whether you like that distinction, we could agree (see HREOC letter) that to work with nature’s gifts to produce food and shelter is the fundamental right, and that in choosing to exercise this right, the responsibility would be to do so sustainably (ie in a way that everyone who wanted to do likewise could follow without adversely impacting the same opportunity for others.)

I believe that the basics for life are not currently protected by right, and so that the right to life is not secured. If this is the case then it is nonsense to pretend that other rights exist, like freedom of speech etc..

Because our social and economic system provides the opportunity to work with nature’s gifts of air, water sunlight & land through a system of cooperation with each other, it is said that the individual right to life is protected – but is this true?

I want to explore the “opportunity”.

Opportunity implies choice – real choice requires more than the choice between survival by using the system or death if you do not.

Freedom to make sustainable choices is essential to the idea of human rights. However the current opportunity for work is limited to what the system deems to be valuable. The system does not recognise the individual right to work directly with nature’s gifts to grow your own food and build your own shelter.

We did not always have the current modern system. In the past, man has proven capable of working alone or with others directly with the gifts of nature. These days we don’t have that free choice because access to land has been almost entirely commodified by the system. To get access to land where you could grow food and build shelter, you must first find a way to serve that system – no choice in that.

We must now work for our sustenance in any available job that we are capable of within the system, regardless of whether that is our choice, regardless even if the work available is harmonious with nature or not.

Is there any viable democratic alternative that would be complimentary to the system many people find entirely to their liking?

Let’s consider if our basic right to work with nature’s gifts of air, water sunlight and land was restored, how many people would be in a position to exercise that right to grow their food and build their own shelter – who would be eligible and what could be achieved?

Only those whose environmental footprint was sustainable could claim additional land access by right. The amount of land they could access by right would depend on their footprint, which would include all benefits they receive from society.

Both the earning and the spending of income is a good measure of footprint. Only those getting and spending no more than around $200pw could lay claim by right to enough additional land to build a house and grow some food. They would then have the responsibility to be sustainable in what they do.

If they also want to retain an income of $200 per week for things that make for a modern life, they have additional responsibilities – either to an employer or to the society that might pay them social security benefits as part of a “mutual obligations” contract.

If we start thinking of human rights and responsibilities from this foundation of birthrights and choice, it is clear that Centrelink’s “mutual obligations” definition should change, firstly in recognition of the fact that our heritage skills for success in growing food and building shelter have been taken over by the system - secondly, in recognition of the contribution to society of those skills and new sustainable work opportunities. The effect would be a rapid development of sustainable processes to meet needs including food and housing, expanding work, an end to the social frustrations that result from the denial of freedom and from the denial of abundant honorable work, and an end to the concoction of an immigration problem.

The change needed is not as big as it might seem – indeed it is possible to see it as simply a matter of new understanding, requiring no major change or cost but with big productivity gains.

Unemployed people in public housing already have access to land through their housing, and it is often space enough to grow some food. To meet Centrelink’s “mutual obligations” and receive social security, those who are over 55 can already choose to either look for paid employment or do 15 hrs/wk voluntary work, which for example could be with an approved community garden group.

This is an option which could easily be expanded to all ages. The identification by this enquiry of the basic human right to grow food and build shelter could encourage this change to Centrelink requirements to comply with this human rights revision rather than for it to be seen as a welfare concession.

If an unemployed person chose to grow much of their own food and to substantially contribute to building their own house (like in the Habitat for Humanity program), the $200 would be largely available to them for other things. Their skills and confidence would grow and they would look for ways to improve. If that resulted in an increase in income, their rent would adjust toward market value as is already calculated by government for its rent and rent assistance.]]> Chris Baulman communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:11:16 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112187,112187#msg-112187 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112187,112187#msg-112187
NILS is a community-based program offering small loans free of interest and charges to individuals and families on low and limited incomes. Loans are generally for the purchase of essential household items and can be paid off in affordable amounts.

More information on these schemes is available at the link below:
[www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:49:39 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112183,112183#msg-112183 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112183,112183#msg-112183
[www.idahostatesman.com]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:39:46 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112181,112181#msg-112181 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112181,112181#msg-112181 www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:41:51 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112180,112180#msg-112180 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112180,112180#msg-112180
Local Community Campaigns Grants Program: -
[www2.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au]

Services to support Aboriginal Mental Health
[www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:10:41 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112177,112177#msg-112177 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112177,112177#msg-112177
Thanks,
Michael]]> Michael communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:01:27 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112171,112171#msg-112171 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112171,112171#msg-112171
Lifeline: 131114 or [www.lifeline.org.au]

Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 or [www.kidshelp.com.au]

Reachout: [au.reachout.com]

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or [www.beyondblue.org.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:03:49 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112165,112165#msg-112165 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112165,112165#msg-112165
I've made an online survey called Politics and I. It is quick and easy to understand, and anyone can take it!

If you could help me promote this survey I would really appreciate that.

The survey can be found at [www.surveymonkey.com]
and a fb event can be found at [www.facebook.com]

If you want more info feel free to email me at nicole.a.molyneux@gmail.com]]> Nicole communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:11:57 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112160,112160#msg-112160 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112160,112160#msg-112160
Just wondering if this great site, ever offers funding for people who want to volunteer overseas, me and my finance would like to volunteer for 6 weeks in Africa, for 4 weeks working with disabled children in Cape Town, and then 2 weeks working in an animal conservation reserve. All up it will cost us over $10,000, we are scrapping for cash in day to day life, and this is something that we really feel we need to do, but will have to get it fundraised somehow.

Any ideas or opinions are very welcome, Id appreciate any advice!

Thanks, Zoe]]> ZoeBell communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:21:07 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112151,112151#msg-112151 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112151,112151#msg-112151
I wanted to provide some services to various communities as Web developer [Web Design Business]. Where can I get some information on accessing various schemes to get some funding to be able to help them design Websites?

We would be grateful for any suggestions from those who have explored this or similar funding avenues.]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:54:23 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112149,112149#msg-112149 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112149,112149#msg-112149
International Sporting Events Program at the link below.
[www2.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au]]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:05:20 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112142,112142#msg-112142 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112142,112142#msg-112142 www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au].

We have been making a massive effort to update the grants as a priority, so we would love your feedback on this. If you hear of anything that should be added to the site, please let us know.]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:36:01 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112140,112140#msg-112140 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112140,112140#msg-112140 www.recyclemybattery.com.au] in a community newsletter. What a great idea:)]]> commstrat communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:51:09 +1100 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112136,112136#msg-112136 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112136,112136#msg-112136
Can anyone help? The organisation I work for is a non for profit organisation which is funded by NGO. Being silent at work is eating my soul bit by bit. I have no power to say or make any comments about the unhealthy working environment. Employer and Employees are divided in conquer, morale is very low. Who can we turn to?

Your help would be appreciated.

Justice]]> Justice communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:48:36 +1000 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112125,112125#msg-112125 http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/forum/read.php?3,112125,112125#msg-112125 Geckoes communitybuilders.nsw Discussion Forum Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:19:46 +1000