Professional development & Events

Community Centres SA (CCSA) is committed to providing ongoing professional development & events so our members have the necessary knowledge and skills to foster the growth of their Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses.

We’re proud to offer our members and relevant stakeholders a diverse range of professional development & event opportunities for free or low-cost.

If your organisation is interested in partnering with us to facilitate professional development, please feel free to reach out via info@communitycentressa.asn.au

FORUMS

Conference Planning Forum

We want to make sure that our conference offers all the right professional development opportunities for our members. The Member Conference Planning Forum will provide an interactive platform where we can directly engage with our members. The primary purpose of this forum will be to gather your valuable insights and feedback about the upcoming 2024 conference.

When: Wed 14th Feb 2024, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Cyber Security Forum

At this forum, we will be discussing all things related to cyber security. This forum is more than just a place to share information; it will provide an interactive space where you can raise your concerns, share your struggles and seek advice.

Guest Facilitator: Richard Pascoe from FIVEaa

When: Wed 6th Mar 2024, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Constitution, DGR and the ACNC Forum

Cameron MacRae (ANHCA, NHVic) will talk through some of the changes, what they mean for your organisation, and how you can make sure you meet the requirements and definitions of charity status and tax exemptions. 
If the purpose of your Neighbourhood House does not match the definitions of NFP correctly, they may decide that the organisation does not meet requirements and you could be at risk of losing the tax exemption/NFP status. 

When: Wed 28th Feb 2024, 10:30 am – 11:30 am (ACDT)

Changes to Fixed-Term Contracts Forum

The Australian Government has amended the Fair Work Act to place conditions on the use of fixed term contracts when engaging employees.

The rules came into effect on 6 December 2023. They require employers to give new employees engaged on a fixed term contract a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS) and will limit how fixed term contracts can be used. However, several exceptions may apply if you run a charity. Learn more here.

The Fair Work Commission have developed guidance to assist employers understand the new rules. In this information session, we will help you understand these new rules in the context of the Neighbourhood and Community House and Centre sector.

When: Tue 13th Feb 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm  AEDT

ASES to Greatness Workshop

What we will cover: Preparing for ASES Accreditation

  • Self Assessment
  • Systems preparation
  • Assessment preparation
  • A collaborative approach to embedding CQI
  • Tips and tools

Who should attend: Anyone and everyone

When: Wed 7th Feb 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Governance Success Workshop

What we will cover: Unpacking the ASES Governance Requirements

  • Skills
  • Responsibilities
  • Governance Team dynamics
  • Legislative compliance – currency – keeping up with changes
  • Delegations of Authority
  • Board evaluation

Who should attend: Board and Management

When: Wed 21st Feb 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Risk Management is Good Management Workshop

What we will cover: Unpack the ASES Risk Management Requirements

 

  • Good practice Risk Management plans
  • Business Continuity Planning
  • Cyber Security systems

Who should attend: Board and Management

When: Thu 7th Mar 2024, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

People Matters Workshop

What we will cover: Unpack the ASES Human Resources Requirements

  • Performance development and review
  • Professional development
  • Health and wellbeing

Who should attend: Management

When: Thu 21st Mar 2024, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Working Together Workshop

What we will cover: Partnership and Collaboration

  • Alignment with Strategy
  • Agreements and MoU’s
  • Reviews

Contract Management

  • Internal and external contracts
  • Meeting the funder requirements
  • Auspicing, brokerage and other contractual arrangements

Who should attend: Board and Management

When: Wed 3rd Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Mind Your P&P's Workshop

What we will cover: Unpack the ASES Policies & Procedures and Document Management Requirements

  • Implementing a policy framework
  • A CQI approach to review and control of documents
  • Demonstrating compliance – practical application of policy/procedures

Who should attend: Board and Management

When: Wed 10th Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Thank you to the Department for Human Services for their support of this program.

nhvic

Constitutions, DGR and The ACNC Communities of Practice

As a Community Centres SA member, your influence extends nationwide via the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA). As the national peak body for Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres, ANHCA represents over 1,000 Centres and Houses around Australia. 
Each House and Centre across Australia is represented by six state peak bodies that make up ANHCA. 

There are changes coming to not-for-profit (NFP) eligibility and tax exemptions.

We strongly recommend you take the time to consider your organisation’s purpose and activities against specific requirements of an eligible income tax exempt entity before 1 July 2024.

Read more about the changes.

If the purpose of your Community Centre or Neighbourhood House does not match the definitions of NFP correctly, they may decide that the organisation does not meet requirements and you could be at risk of losing the tax exemption/NFP status. 

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria have a number of available supports to help our members navigate these changes or gaining NFP and DGR status. 

  • If you already have charity status, we strongly recommend you attend a Community of Practice to ensure your purpose and constitution comply with requirements.
  • If you do not yet have charity or DGR status and would like to apply, you can do so through the bulk register. This is still in development stages, and will hopefully be available in early 2024.
  • If you’re not sure and/or need more information, contact cameron@nhvic.org.au or attend a Community of Practice.

Cameron MacRae, Chief Operating Officer of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria hosts a Communities of Practice on Constitutions, DGR and The ACNC every Friday at 11:30am AEDT until the changes come into effect 1 July 2024.

You do not need to make an appointment, these sessions are casual workshops on a drop-in basis. Cameron will tailor the information to the attendants, so recordings are not available.

Registering will give you access to the Zoom link and allow you to save it to your calendar. This link is used for all 2024 meetings, so you only need to register once.

Each year Community Centres SA hosts our flagship event, the CCSA Conference.

The conference, an annual gathering of like-minded individuals and organisations, serves as a platform for Community Centre and Neighbourhood House managers, staff, and committee members to come together along with government agencies and other organisations working in the community services sector. It provides an opportunity for everyone to be inspired, to learn something new, to network, and most importantly, to celebrate the impactful work carried out by our Centres/Houses.

The attendees of our conference are privy to a rich and diverse program that includes enlightening keynote speeches and presentations delivered by industry leaders and experts. The event also offers breakout workshops designed to facilitate in-depth discussions and learning. In addition, there are engaging networking activities woven throughout the conference. These are aimed at promoting interaction and fostering connections among attendees, providing an environment that encourages collaboration and the sharing of experiences and insights.

In 2023, our Prioritising Community Wellbeing Conference saw 270+ attendees contribute, participate and embrace the spirit of #PeopleFirst. A sell out year!

The day was a true celebration of unity, empathy and the power of community. As we do best, we came together with a shared vision and focus on ‘Prioritising Community Wellbeing’. From inspiring keynote speakers to engaging workshops, we explored innovative ways to put PEOPLE FIRST in our community. The energy was electric, and the enthusiasm for positive change was contagious!

Stay tuned for the 2024 Conference.

Each year Community Centres SA hosts an awards event to celebrate our Centres and Houses.

Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses around South Australia make a significant impact towards ensuring our society is inclusive, just, and a supportive place full of innovation, connection, and engagement. Our awards night recognises the exceptional work the groups and individuals who volunteer and work in our centres and organisations are doing by recognising them with five unique awards. These awards highlight the contribution being made to community knowledge, inclusion, reconciliation, and social justice.

Stay tuned for the 2024 Community Centre Awards…

Click here to view the winners of the 2023 Community Centre Awards.