Department of Social Services (DSS)

Zara Seidler, Stop it at the Start campaign ambassador and co-founder of The Daily Aus, talks about how we all have to play our part in ending violence against women. It’s not one of us, it’s all of us. Watch the full interview now at: https://lnkd.in/g9Uz9Czw #StopItAtTheStart

Expressions of interest are now open. People from the disability community are invited to apply to join the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee. The committee will work with government to make sure NDIS reforms are implemented in a way that benefits people with disability, their families and carers. Find out more including how to apply at: https://lnkd.in/gEs6u7uJ Applications are open until Monday 24 March 2025.

Volunteers can enrich your organisation by providing diverse skills and fresh perspectives from young people. Follow these tips and learn how you can broaden your outreach as an organisation and attract young people to the volunteering opportunities you may have available. For more information, or to discover a volunteering opportunity near you, visit volunteering.gov.au

Today is the World Day of Social Justice – a day to address social injustices globally and promote equity, fairness and inclusion for all. The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 includes improving access to equitable justice outcomes for victim-survivors. It aims to remove barriers to reporting violence, prosecute violence against women, and strengthen our responses to perpetrators. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/ggmMYKb7

You don't have to decide on your own. When deciding if the National Redress Scheme is the right option for you, talking to a Redress Support Service can really help. They are free, confidential, culturally safe and available whether you apply for redress or not. To find out more about your options, visit: https://lnkd.in/gXDxsSa5 or call 1800 737 377, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Additional workshop added due to popular demand! Join TOMORROW MAN and TOMORROW WOMAN for the Respect Starts Now online workshop. Principal Facilitator, Ryder Jack, will unpack the challenges faced by young people and how the online world is influencing their views on respect and gender. • 24 February - Hurry limited spots available • Workshops on 18 and 27 February are fully booked. Register today for free at - https://bit.ly/410u2rT Brought to you in partnership with the Stop it at the Start campaign. #StopItAtTheStart

Gia’s passion for volunteering is inspired by her mother’s experiences in Vietnam and her own experience as a migrant in Australia. In her role as a volunteer at The Couch, Gia uses cooking and sharing food to help build connections. She also enjoys playing games and running interactive workshops with international students to fuel her passion for community and helping others. ‘I want to give back to the community. Being able to help someone, it really makes my day’, says Gia. To discover a volunteering opportunity near you, visit volunteering.gov.au

Applications are now open for a new Inclusion and Accessibility Fund grant opportunity. Applications are open to eligible Disability Representative or Disabled People’s Organisations with proven experience and capability in addressing disability issues. The aim of these grants is to support grass roots efforts to create safe and inclusive communities, shift mindsets and remove barriers to inclusion for people with disability. This is a priority area under the Community Attitudes outcome of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Applications close 6 March 2025. For more information about the grant and eligibility, visit: https://bit.ly/41eQNcQ

Mardi Gras kicks off in Sydney today. As one of the largest Pride festivals in Australia since 1978, it is an important time for celebrating our LGBTIQA+ community. It is also a time to look at what we can do to better support LGBTIQA+ Australians. In Australia, people who identify as LGBTIQA+ are impacted by unique forms of Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) and at disproportionate rates. That’s why the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 explicitly includes LGBTIQA+ people as part of Australia’s commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/ggmMYKb7

The 2025 Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Youth Advisory Group kicked off the year with their first meeting in Canberra last week. The Advisory Group plays a vital role providing advice to shape actions under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 and First Action Plan 2023-2027, ensuring the voices of young people and victim-survivors are heard. For more information about the National Plan, visit: https://lnkd.in/g3R99nFn If you or someone you know needs support regarding domestic, family or sexual violence, reach out for support: 1800RESPECT is available for people 18+, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) is a free confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5–25. Available 24/7 via phone, or web chat at kidshelpline.com.au 13YARN (13 92 76) offers a free and confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.