Workshops
Monday 20th September, 2010
Thursday 23rd September, 2010

Working within multiple Government jurisdictions to deliver relevant and appropriate family services can be a challenging and daunting task. You need to be able to form stable, constructive relationships with Governments and build political leverage to achieve the desired outcomes.

This workshop will examine how to work effectively alongside multiple agencies to build sustainable, culturally appropriate services.

You will learn how to:

• Achieve outcomes in consultation with the community
• Recognise the strengths of non-Aboriginal agencies and how to involve them in program and service design
• Communicate community-devised strategies to external stakeholders
• Develop stable, working relationships with Government agencies
• Improve and streamline reporting processes.

Site Tour

You will also visit the Danila Dilba Health Service, a community controlled organisation which provides comprehensive primary healthcare to Biluru communities in the Yilli Rreung Region. It aims to improve the physical, mental, spiritual, cultural and social wellbeing of the community through innovative and comprehensive programs.

About your workshop leader:

Jason King is the CEO of the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative and the Chair of the Project Steering Group for the Bairnsdale Children and Family Centre - one of the first centres being rolled out by the Federal Government as part of the National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Early Childhood Development. Jason was influential in having the centre location changed from the local education precinct to Aboriginal-controlled land at GEGAC. He also provides invaluable advice to the group, given his understanding of local politics and community needs.

Improving early childhood services depends on developing effective partnerships with the three levels of Government, NGOs and - most importantly - families and communities.

Open communication and a clear understanding of each stakeholder's respective responsibilities is essential for effective service delivery.

This workshop brings together the insights of the Northern Territory Government and the Family Responsibilities Commission. It will help you to understand the responsibilities and expectations of each party in developing integrated service models.

You will analyse:

• How to effectively work with communities, and State and Federal Government
• The model developed by the Northern Territory Government to implement the Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Agreement
• How to identify appropriate partners to implement programs
• Methods to place children and community wellbeing at the centre of reforms.

About your workshop leaders:

Tammy Sovenyhazi is responsible for the human resource, financial operations, administrative and logistic support provided by the Registry of the Family Responsibilities Commission based in Cairns. Her role enables the Commissioner to exercise his or her powers and responsibilities effectively, and for the FRC Board to perform its advisory role to State and Commonwealth Ministers and the Commissioner regarding the operations of the Commission.

Under the Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Agreement, the Northern Territory Government is responsible for planning and implementing programs in early childhood development in consultation with communities. This specifically relates to the establishment of five Children and Family Centres; increasing access to antenatal care; and improving use and access to maternal early childhood services in indigenous communities.