11 July 2008
8 July 2008
NDS opens a Townsville Office
An increasing focus on services for people with disability living in regional Queensland has prompted National Disability Services to open an office in Townsville. Click here to read more...
Compact consultation period extended until Friday, 25 July 2008
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Queensland Compact Consultation so far. Click here to read more...
26 June 2008
Disability Action Week Awards now open
Nominations are now open for the annual Disability Action Week Awards. Click here to read more...
19 June 2008
Compact consultation
Consultation for a compact between the State Government and Queensland's community services sector has now begun (and ends on Friday, 11 July 2008). Click here to read more...
10 June 2008
6 June 2008
Disability fares relatively well in a lean budget
The State Budget released this week brings $16.5 million in new recurrent funding for disability services, including $2 million for capital funding and a welcome focus on prevention and early intervention. Click here to read more...
23 May 2008
Registration for Budget Breakfast closing soon
This is the last chance for NDS Members to register for the breakfast with the Hon. Lindy Nelson-Carr MP, being hosted by NDS and the Queensland Alliance. Click here to read more...
2 May 2008
28 March 2008
11 March 2008
Date Claimer — 23 & 24 October 2008
The date has been set for the NDS Communities of Practice Conference 2008. Click here to read more...
NDS Response to the Public Accounts Committee Inquiry on the Management of Funding to Non-Government Organisations
The Queensland Public Accounts Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the effectiveness of government funding and reporting arrangements. Click here to read more...
28 February 2008
Review of homelessness programs
The Department of Communities and Department of Housing has made a decision to conduct a review to identify opportunities for improved program management of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) and the Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP) provided in the State of Queensland. KPMG will undertake the review. Click here to read more...
15 February 2008
14 January 2008
Time running out to change the state of the sector
In November last year, NDS Queensland published Disability Services in Queensland: the state of the sector 2007 as part of its bid to influence the 2007/08 State Budget. Click here to read more...
Community services qualifications framework
Last year the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training funded the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council to review the national qualifications framework for community services. Click here to read more...
Update on the Government Response to the Carter Inquiry into Challenging Behaviour
Queensland Government has announced University of Queensland (UQ) as its partner in establishing a Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Support. Click here to read more...
NDS Queensland establishes a Disability Trainer Network
NDS Queensland would like to invite training officers from member organisations to be part of a new disability trainers’ network. Click here to read more...
18 December 2007
NDS Queensland launches a Projects website
NDS Queensland Members are encouraged to visit www.ndsqldprojects.net to find all the latest information on our increasing project work (the NDS Quality website now informs the Queensland Projects website). Click here to read more...
State of the sector 2007
NDS Queensland today released Disability Services in Queensland: the state of the sector 2007. Click here to read more...
Quality update
A number of services still have not booked an audit date for the DSQ Quality system. Click here to read more...
13 November 2007
2 November 2007
Inaugural State Conference a resounding success
Feedback from conference delegates and the buzz that permeated the proceedings confirm that NDS Queensland’s inaugural Communities of Practice conference was a great success. Click here to read more...
Funding for day services now available
Non-government service providers are invited to apply for funding to provide learning and life skills development and leisure / holiday programs. Click here to read more...
A call for photos
NDS is putting out a call for photos to all Queensland member organisations. Click here to read more...
Workforce Forums
NDS Queensland is working with Rimfire Resources and has undertaken a workforce benchmarking pilot of 50 organisations in Queensland. Click here to read more...
12 October 2007
NDS members invited to contribute to fair level of funding submission
All NDS Queensland members are invited to offer feedback into the attached position paper, Interim Position: Fair level of funding project. Click here to read more...
Sector-wide dialogue may uncover solutions
NDS Queensland is encouraging members to participate in workshops at the inaugural Communities of Practice conference. Click here to read more...
NDS given favourable review by independent researcher
In June 2007, Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) commissioned the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to produce a ‘Report on participant perceptions of the impact and quality of the NDS organisational planning program’. Click here to read more...
Mental Health Week comes to a close
Mental Health Week (7-13 October 2007) is about promoting healthy lifestyles. Click here to read more...
5 October 2007
26 September 2007
Local Government Town Planning requirements delay accessibility to respite accommodation
NDS is concerned about town planning provisions preventing immediate access for people with disability to respite accommodation rented by service providers in the community. Click here to read more...
4 September 2007
NDS Queensland Communities of Practice Conference
Rydges Hotel Southbank 24th and 25th October 2007
Further to earlier advice, planning for the NDS Queensland Communities of Practice Conference to be held on 24th and 25th October, 2007 is now well underway. Click here to read more...
30 August 2007
Workforce Benchmarking: a great opportunity for 50 organisations
In conjunction with Rimfire Resources, NDS Queensland announces a further exciting phase in the development of workforce benchmarking. Click here to read more...
23 August 2007
9 August 2007
Queensland Disability Action Week Awards
Each year, the State of Queensland provides opportunities for Awards to be presented during Disability Action Week across a range of categories. Click here to read more...
24 July 2007
Queensland Government Fair Level of Funding Reference Group
Further to the NDS Update of 8th May 2007, there have been a number of developments in progressing towards the establishment of the cost and funding of services. Click here to read more...
22 June 2007
21 June 2007
Proclamation of the Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2007
Further to NDS News Update of the 22nd May 2007 wherein advice was provided of amendments to the Associations Incorporation Act and that the new legislation may be proclaimed on the 15th June 2007, confirmation has now been received that the Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2007 was indeed proclaimed on that date (last Friday). Click here to read more...
7 June 2007
State Budget fails to deliver on Community Based Disability Services
This week’s Queensland State Budget is strong on infrastructure but provides very little new funding for community-based service responses for people with disabilities. Click here to read more...
1 June 2007
Government Responds to Carter Report on Challenging Behaviour
The Report on Challenging Behaviour and Disability (Carter Report) and the Government’s response to the report have been tabled in the Queensland Parliament. Click here to read more...
31 May 2007
Auditor-General questions Government’s focus on compliance
In a report to Parliament the Queensland Auditor General has questioned whether Government’s focus in its relationship with non-government organisations is on accountability or compliance and suggested that the Government reduce compliance-driven activities that do not add to accountability. Click here to read more...
$528.8 million increase for Mental Health Services in Queensland
In advance of next week’s State Budget, the Queensland Government has announced a $528.8 million increase over the next four years for mental health services. Click here to read more...
22 May 2007
Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2007
Members will be aware of amendments proposed to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. Click here to read more...
21 May 2007
Disability Action Week Awards 15-21 July 2007
NDS Queensland is proud to announce that, as part of a plan to extend its sector development activities, it is sponsoring the Employment Award associated with Disability Action Week. Click here to read more...
18 May 2007
14 May 2007
Development of strategies to tackle workforce shortages
Workforce shortages threaten the sustainability of the disability sector. Many disability organisations are experiencing significant difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled staff. Click here to read more...
11 May 2007
Inaugural Communities of Practice Conference
To build on and extend our sector development activities of the past couple of years, NDS Queensland is proud to announce its first Communities of Practice Conference, to be held on 24th and 25th October, 2007. Click here to read more...
Government Fair Level of Funding Reference Group
As previously advised, Disability Services Queensland and the Department of Communities have established the Fair Level of Funding project to investigate the cost of delivering community services and disability services. Click here to read more...
23 March 2007
21 March 2007
Proposals for the 2007 Queensland State Budget
10 January 2007
Qld Funding Poll No: 1
To assist ACROD Queensland make representation to the Disability Services Qld Fair Level of Funding Reference Group, members are asked to provide some basic information on their funding arrangements. Click here to read more...
18 December 2006
15 December 2006
Government Fair Level of Funding Work Underway
As reported in a recent ACROD News Update, the Dept of Communities and Disability Services of Qld has commenced work on a ‘fair level of funding’ project. Click here to read more...
16 November 2006
Sector feedback on new funding agreements
ACROD Queensland is currently working with Disability Services Queensland on the transition from General Service Agreements to new Funding Agreements to align with the Disability Services Act (2006). Click here to read more...
Government Fair Level of Funding Work commences
The Dept of Communities & Disability Services Qld Fair Level of Funding Project has established a non-government reference group for each sector. Click here to read more...
10 November 2006
Building Links Funding Package now available
Building Links funding is again available under the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations initiative to services funded by the Department of Communities and/or Disability Services Queensland. Click here to read more...
2 November 2006
Support for Qld Disability Sector Quality System Implementation
Members are reminded to make full use of the members of the DSQ Learning and Organisational Development Panel to keep the momentum going on their quality system implementation. Click here to read more...
6 October 2006
Organisational Planning Workshops
ACROD Queensland is offering one day Organisational Planning Workshops statewide in November 2006. Click here to read more...
3 October 2006
Making the Most of the Strengthening Non-Government Organisation Initiatives
Several members across the state are concerned about the volume and timing of flyers and correspondence related to the Dept of Communities and Disability Services Queensland Strengthening Non-government Organisation (SNGO) initiatives. Click here to read more...
New Research Partners for ACROD Queensland
To ensure that its work is well informed by research evidence, ACROD Qld has established formal research relationships with Professor Lesley Chenoweth from Griffith University and Dr Janet Mack from QUT. Click here to read more...
11 September 2006
ACROD News - August/September Edition
25 August 2006
Member Forum a Success!
ACROD Queensland members were treated to an enjoyable and informative day on funding and workforce, following the AGM on Wednesday this week. Click here to read more...
18 August 2006
Public Benefit Test - deadline approaching
In March 2006 the Queensland Government passed the Disability Services Act 2006. The Act outlines the rights of people with a disability and the responsibilities of funded service providers. Click here to read more...
Have a Say on Funding and Workforce Issues at the ACROD Queensland AGM & Member Forum
9am - 3pm, 23rd August 2006
Members are invited to be part of the ACROD Queensland AGM and member forum being held on Wednesday 23rd August 2006. Click here to read more...
4 August 2006
Free Training for staff of DSQ funded services
As part of the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations agenda Disability Services Queensland has purchased a range of training events for DSQ-funded non-government service provider staff to attend. Click here to read more...
3 August 2006
ACROD joins forces with QCOSS to address the issue of Funding to Service Providers
In response to the commencement of the Department of Communities and Disability Services Queensland Fair Pricing Project, ACROD Queensland has joined forces with QCOSS to establish quarterly funding forums to ensure the sector is actively contributing to the work. Click here to read more...
28 July 2006
Carer Payment & Carer Allowance – Eligibility Changes
There are recent changes to eligibility for Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some Queenslanders (particularly in rural areas) may not be aware of their eligibility to receive a Carer Payment or Allowance. Click here to read more...
Valmae Rose appointed Executive Officer
ACROD is pleased to announce that Valmae Rose has been appointed to the position of Executive Officer of its Queensland Division. Click here to read more...
20 July 2006
King George Square Parking spaces reduced
The INB HUB Alliance has advised that the construction of the Inner Northern Busway – Queen Street to Upper Roma Street, has commenced with the following effects. Click here to read more...
13 July 2006
13 June 2006
Progressive budget will help sustain service provision, but neglects unmet need
The Queensland State budget released on 6th June confirmed the Beattie Government’s commitment to addressing the State’s long history of under-funding with an increase in the recurrent funding base from $520 million to $635 million. Click here to read more...
9 June 2006
22 May 2006
KPMG Report on Pricing Principles for Disability Service Sector, 2006
The “Have your say” consultation conducted by the Dept of Communities in 2005 confirmed the government’s intention to review funding models as one of a range of reforms, during 2006. Click here to read more...
Pricing Principles for Disability Service Sector 2006 Report
17 May 2006
Research into non-accredited adult language, literacy and numeracy provision across Australia
Dr Darryl Dymock has received a research grant from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research to survey non-accredited adult language, literacy and numeracy provision across Australia. Click here to read more...
16 May 2006
Disability Services Act 2006 - Update
The Disability Services Act 2006 was passed by the Queensland Government in March 2006. Its expected commencement date is 1 July 2006. Click here to read more...
Disability Services Act 2006 – Implications for service providers
The new Act is expected to commence on 1 July 2006. Click here to read more...
15 May 2006
Standard Chart of Accounts training
As a part of the Community Bookkeeper initiative under the Strengthening NGO strategy, QUT, in collaboration with State Government departments, developed a Standard Chart of Accounts - to provide community organizations with a more user-friendly financial system. Click here to read more...
10 May 2006
QCOSS Strengthening NGO Project Awareness Raising Workshops
Organisations funded by the Department of Communities and/or Disability Services Queensland are eligible to attend the QCOSS Strengthening Non-Government Organisations (Strengthening NGO) Awareness Raising Workshops. Click here to read more...
3 May 2006
ACROD News - April / May Edition
27 April 2006
Review of support and care options for people with ‘challenging behaviour’
The Queensland Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, Warren Pitt, has announced the appointment of retired Supreme Court Judge, Bill Carter QC, to review and report on “options available for providing support and care for adults with an intellectual disability who exhibit severely challenging and threatening behaviour.” Click here to read more...
Interested in Training and Support for Organisational Planning?
ACROD Queensland is about to commence an organisational development project to build strategic and operational planning skills and support organisations to demonstrate a needs-driven approach to service planning and delivery. Click here to read more...
Vocational Education and Training - Queensland Skills Plan released
The Queensland Department of Employment and Training released the Queensland Skills Plan early in April. The plan is a framework for skills policy on vocational education and training. The framework comprises 24 actions intended to address current and future skills shortages in Queensland’s labour market. Click here to read more...
20 April 2006
Proposed changes to Taxi Subsidy Scheme – feedback requested
Queensland Transport proposes to change the existing taxi voucher system so that subsidies can be processed more easily by members of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and by taxi drivers. Click here to read more...
Strengthening NGOs project commences
QCOSS has received funding from the Department of Communities through the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations (SNGO) initiatives to assist community organisations funded by the Department of Communities and DSQ. Click here to read more...
7 April 2006
ACROD congratulates new graduate of the Institute of Company Directors
After six months of study and attending classes, ACROD Queensland’s new Acting EO Valmae Rose has been awarded a Diploma for successfully completing the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Click here to read more...
The Queensland Government’s Gambling COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND provides $8,000 to ACROD Qld Division
ACROD Qld Division is delighted and highly appreciative of this support as having access to appropriate office equipment...click here to read more.
28 March 2006
Have a Say on New Quality System Resources for State Funded Service Users
Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) is developing materials to assist service users with complex communication needs and intellectual disability to understand the Queensland Disability Services Standards. Click here to read more...
23 March 2006
New Resources from QUT Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies
Myles McGregor-Lowndes and the QUT Centre of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies have announced a range of new resources on their Developing Your Organisation website https://olt.qut.edu.au/bus/DYO/. Click here to read more...
22 March 2006
QLD NGO/DSQ Partnership Forum continues into 2006
The NGO/DSQ Partnership Forum has been a key strategy over a number of years for ACROD and the Queensland Alliance to engage with the senior management of Disability Services Queensland about emerging issues relevant to the continued development of the disability service sector in the state. Click here to read more...
21 March 2006
Workforce Development Alliance Update
The Workforce Development Alliance is a small group of industry bodies – ACROD Queensland, QCOSS, Community Services and Health Industry Training Council, and the Queensland Alliance (mental health and psychiatric disability peak body) - working together to progress common agendas relating to workforce capacity. Click here to read more...
ACROD Quality Project Changes Shape
After two years supporting service providers to implement the Disability Sector Quality System, the ACROD quality project is changing shape but continuing, thanks to an extension to our DSQ funding. Click here to read more...
24 February 2006
Start Planning Now for Disability Action Week 2006
It’s time to start thinking about Disability Action Week 2006 which kicks off with the state launch in Cairns on Sunday 16th July. Click here to read more...
9 February 2006
Increased Indexation 2006 State Budget Priority for ACROD Qld Division
Following many years of arguing that inadequate indexation of grants effectively acts as an annual funding cut, ACROD Qld Division is optimistic that the latest round of discussions will see a positive response in State Budget 2006. Click here to read more...
16 November 2006
Queensland Workforce Development Alliance
In August, 2004, ACROD Queensland initiated a Workforce Development Alliance which includes the Community Services Industry Training Council, QCOSS, the Queensland Alliance (mental health and psychiatric disability peak body) and the Office of the Public Advocate (as an observer). Click here to read more...
DSQ increase in reporting requirements?
ACROD Queensland is seeking feedback from state-funded members with regard to Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) reporting requirements. Click here to read more...
26 September 2005
Regional member elected Chairperson of ACROD Qld Division
Morris Marrinon, CEO of Cootharinga Society in Townsville North Queensland, was elected Chairperson of ACROD Qld Division following the Annual General Meeting at Bretts Wharf in late August. Click here to read more...
6 September 2005
Not boat building, but ACROD Queensland AGM at Bretts Wharf a great success!
You had to be there to understand how much our sector is like the boat building industry! Chris Elston, Group Human Resources Manager for Uniting Health Care, engaged members with an interactive session on Workforce Development Issues & Creative HR Solutions. Click here to read more...
Ken Baker - ACROD Qld AGM Presentation
Chris Elston - Setting the Scene
Chris Elston - Creative Solutions from UHC's Perspective
5 September 2005
ACROD Queensland Annual Report - now available
19 August 2005
Nonprofit Chart of Accounts
The QUT Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit studies has been working with a government reference group (with representatives from five major Qld Govt departments) and a nonprofit reference group (with volunteer accountants and financial officers from a range of non-government organisations and peak bodies) to develop a standard Chart of Accounts and data dictionary for the nonprofit sector. Click here to read more...
15 July 2005
VET Green Paper indicates move away from State Government commitment to people with disabilities
The Department of Employment and Training has recently released a green paper on proposed changes to the vocational education and training system for Queensland. Click here to read more...
1 July 2005
Financial Assistance for Quality Related Learning and Development
In early June DSQ-funded service providers received a letter from the acting Minister detailing the State Government’s commitment to providing financial and other assistance during the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the Disability Sector Quality System. Click here to read more...
22 June 2005
Beattie Government maintains disability commitment, but falls short of fixing the history of neglect
The fifth Mackenroth Budget’s announcement of $30 million dollars additional funding for Disability Services Queensland in 2005-2006 is another great result for the disability sector. Click here to read more...
11 May 2005
ACROD Member off to Harvard Business School
Congratulations to Joe Gamblin of Horizon Foundation at Capalaba who is the recipient of the Non-Profit Fellowship Award bestowed by the Queensland Chapter of the Harvard Club of Australia. Click here to read more...
10 May 2005
Government responds to the Queensland Disability Services Act Review
The Queensland Premier and Acting Minister for Disability Services have announced details of the Government’s response to the review of the Queensland Disability Services Act. Click here to read more...
26 April 2005
Submission raises concerns about "Have your Say: on Improving disability services in Queensland" consultation
ACROD Queensland has prepared a submission in response to the ‘Have Your Say on Improving disability services in Queensland’ consultation process, which closes on the 16th May. Click here to read more...
7 April 2005
Financial Assistance for Disability Sector Quality System Audits
All members should have received their first Resource Kit from DSQ. This kit is supplementary to the Disability Sector Quality System Resources and Guide provided late in 2004 and contains useful information about financial assistance, learning and development, and service user participation. Click here to read more...
11 March 2005
Reform of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981
A discussion paper on the above reform has been released by the Minister of Fair Trading, Hon Margaret Keech MP. A community consultation process to enable discussion is being held by the Office of Fair Trading from now until 22 April 2005. Click here to read more...
Quality Update for Queensland State Funded Services
Services can expect an additional resource kit from DSQ in the mail this month. The kit includes a range of information to help get service providers started and is one of four kits expected before the end of this financial year. Click here to read more...