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December 2007 Forum showcases network projects
Community sector representatives and Department of Human Services Executive Directors were provided with an ‘on the ground’ view of two Community Sector Organisation Networks at the recent Partnership Forum. Established as a one-off initiative, the Community Sector Investment Fund (CSIF) has provided funds for a diverse range of innovative projects managed through 38 networks involving 250 community sector organisations. These networks have each used CSIF to improve quite distinct support services. Lyn Jensen from the Peninsula Volunteer Coordination Network (PVCN) described how a small group of local agencies had collaborated to improve the recruitment, training and management of a shared volunteer network. Mike Rear and Shaun Feeley from Homeground discussed C-Desk—a network for a group of four agencies providing homelessness-related services. Homeground is the project’s lead agency. ‘Improved knowledge and document management was the aim in establishing the C-Desk,’ they said. The importance of sharing the learning from CSIF projects and the recent evaluation of the CSIF was a key point also made at the forum by VCOSS Chief Executive Officer Cath Smith. The forum’s main theme—Partnerships in action: risk and trust—was reflected in a presentation by keynote speaker David Green from the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Victoria’s Latrobe University. With several other researchers, Mr Green is undertaking a three-year research project looking at a range of risk management issues in community services. His presentation and research findings so far generated a number of questions and stimulated much discussion. Mr Green will attend future forums for updates on the research work and project outcomes. DHS Secretary Fran Thorn hosted the forum. She said the forums provided a good opportunity to discuss common issues. ‘It is very important to me to see and hear first-hand from you all what is collectively important,’ she said. • For partnership information visit http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/pdpd/partnership/. |
