Our Impact
The Children with Additional Needs Working Group (CWANWG) has been operating since 2016. There have been many achievements and we know there is still much work to do. Our achievements all align to the three CWANWG strategies (developed in 2021) which are:
Strategy 1 - Strengthen services, organisation and community group’s ability to be inclusive and work with families.
This strategy now picks up that there is a requirement to have a universal system that picks up more inclusive practices by everyone who has touch points with children with additional needs. Whether it be Early Childhood practitioners accessed through childcare centres or NDIS Service providers. Any touchpoint with family’s needs to be inclusive and targeted.
Strategy 2 – All activities are evidenced informed, place-based, adaptive and based on community needs.
Any collection of data which supports the CWANWG strategies is evidence informed, co-designed and place-based approach that is adaptive to meet the needs of the families in a local community. One size doesn’t fit all in East Gippsland, and evidence based should be based on community needs with individuals sharing their stories to ensure an approach of co-design is the priority.
Strategy 3 – Children with Additional Needs Working Group has more profile in the community
The CWANWG has more presence within a community setting which can be achieved through broader networking about who we are, what we do and how our work can make a tangible difference to families and carers who have children with additional needs.
These strategies underpin the most important outcome that the CWANWG and the Children’s Wellbeing Collective support – Children with additional needs get the support they need for development.
We want to acknowledge all our members, partners and funders who have contributed so much over the duration of the CWANWG.
Our achievements include:
Partnerships
Service providers and families working together - Children with Additional Needs Working Group
GDAI setting up in Gippsland
Junior Ranger Program
Autism diagnostic clinic at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health
Funding
Bushfire recovery Victoria Grant success (Bushfire recovery and Resilience Project)
Easet Gippsland Community Foundation Grant - Second Phase Bushfire Recovery
Advocacy
Engagement Plan for the need to work to understanding needs of parents/carers in East Gippsland (over 7 meetings held with State and Federal Government)
Advocated on behalf of families to increase respite opportunities in East Gippsland (with service providers)
Creation of a brand / logo for the Children with Additional Needs Working Group
Submissions - Early Autism Support (2021), New pricing Arrangements (2021), NDIS Legislation Change (2021), PV Disability Plan (2021), Disability Act (2021)
Governance
Full review of the CWANWG (2020)
Terms of Reference review annually
5 Year Framework and Annual Action Planning (2021-2026)
Our Significant Grants
In 2021, the CWANWG was the recipient of a Bushfire Recovery Victoria Grant which set out to understand the experiences of families and carers who cared for children with additional needs through the Black Summer Fires and into recovery, including COVID19. Our impact was evaluated through a number of ways including observations, stories collected, debriefs and evaluation reports. All of data and outcomes from the work undertaken throughout the BRV Grant can be found below.
Info from Bushfire Recovery Grant
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Final Report – Bushfire Recovery and Resilience Building Project
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December 16 2021 CWANWG Workshop
December 16 2021 CWANWG Workshop where priorities were set for the second tranche of work.
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Emergency Management Reform Project
A summary of what led to the Projects which were identified for funding .
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Emergency Management Reform Project Phase 2
Phase 2 – Proposal for second tranche of work
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Media and Communications Analysis
A summary of what we did and what we learnt. Recommendations led to the development of this Website!
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Final Report Presentation
A presentation developed and inclusive of key areas of the report.
Download
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Family and Organisational Stories
Family and Organisational stories that were collected to help inform the Bushfire Recovery and Resilience Project
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Sensitive Santa Evaluation Document
Sensitive Santa Evaluation document – what went well and what we can expect in 2023
Other reports/discussion papers and evaluations can also be made available on request (through the “contact us” page.) These documents have provided excellent information and enabled the CWANWG to focus on key areas that are important for our East Gippsland families, carers and children.
Documents Include:
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More Documents On Request
A list of documents that are available on request.
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Community Connection Role Proposal
Community Connection Role Proposal – assisted with funding application to Bushfire Recovery Victoria.
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CWANWG Survey Results
A survey undertaken with CWANWG members to determine how the group is travelling and whether any improvements can be made.
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East Gippsland Respite Survey
East Gippsland Respite Survey – helps define the key areas of supports currently required for East Gippsland Carers and Families (2018/2019). The outcomes of this survey has helped identify critical gaps and work with service providers to create more respite opportunities.
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NDIS 101 Sessions Evaluation Report 2023
Please find the Evaluation Report for the Project 3 under Communities for Children funding - NDIS Workshops.
Next Steps
The CWANWG has been provided with the opportunity to further its work through the approval of a Grant from the East Gippsland Community Foundation and Uniting Vic/Tas through the Communities for Children Funding (C4C) to progress some of the recommendations found within the BRRP Report.
The key projects include:
Preparedness Planning through Person-Centered Emergency Planning
Capacity building for Emergency Responders through a working group
Safer refuge/relief centres for families and carers of children with additional needs
Pathways to recovery by establishing a strong community of practice with private service providers and looking at the way funding is granted
Accommodation Project – seeking alternative accommodation
Application of the Vulnerable Person’s Register through the East Gippsland Region during the Black Summer Fires
Diagnostic Pathways – how do we help families understand options in East Gippsland?
NDIS 101 Workshops
Review of the One Stop School Shop and recirculate
Work on these projects will begin in September 2022 and be completed (and reported on) in August 2023. Reach out if you would like to share your interest and come along!
