News Shorts: Free ACNC courses, a First Nations employment program and a leadership opportunity for people with disability

All the news you need to know from around the sector.

Free short courses to support the sector

Fraud prevention, meeting reporting obligations and safeguarding vulnerable people are among the new topics covered in the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s free online short courses.

Each course is self-paced, ensuring flexibility and accessibility, and takes up to two hours to complete. While applicable for all staff working in not for profits, the content is especially helpful for those in senior and executive positions. 

See more: EXCLUSIVE: Meet the new ACNC commissioner

ACNC commissioner Sue Woodward said the topics respond to the needs of the sector and provide valuable skills to not-for-profit organisations.

“Some of the most common concerns we receive about charities relate to fraud and financial mismanagement. Although concerns raised involve only a small number of charities, they have the potential to impact the reputation of the charity and sector,” said Woodward.

“The work of charities brings people together to help those in need and relies on strong public trust and confidence. Charities can take simple steps to maintain trust through good governance, and these free short courses explain how.”

Government to help build First Nations employment

Applications are open for a 12-month program offering First Nations Australians a permanent, full-time, entry level government position – all while completing a nationally recognised qualification.

The 2023 Indigenous Apprenticeships Program provides placements in a variety of government departments and agencies, and has contributed to building the public service careers of over 1,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

See more: Foundation calls for sharing of First Nations truth

Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney said the program “is a fantastic opportunity for Indigenous Australians of all ages, backgrounds and life stages. Whether apprentices are working in policy, finance, IT or service delivery, there is so much room to learn and grow”.

Government services minister Bill Shorten said the program “plays a pivotal role in building the representation of Indigenous staff in the commonwealth public sector”.

Applications are open online through Services Australia until 17 February 2023.

Leaders with disability focus of new program

The Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is accepting applications for its 2023 Emerging Leaders program, which aims to build the capacity and confidence of people with disability to lead positive change and contribute to a more inclusive community.

Now in its third year, the leadership development program runs for ten months from March to November 2023 and involves in-person workshops, online learning and community-based projects. It is funded by the Department of Social Services and open to people with disability aged 18 and over who live in Queensland.

See more: A new Disability Services Act built on lived experience

QDN CEO Michelle Moss said the program “is supporting Queenslanders with disability to develop critical thinking, build relationships, and connect with established leaders and industry professionals”.

“As well as attending monthly training sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn from prominent leaders in Queensland’s disability sector who will share insights, advice, and learnings from their own leadership journeys.”

Applications are made online and close 17 February 2023.