3 Apr 2006 - Coffs Wins Major Local Government Conference

The 2006 NSW Local Government Community Services Association conference is to be held in Coffs Harbour later this year.

"This is the one event that brings together Community Services managers and staff from across the state," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades.

"This conference will give us an opportunity to showcase the work we do here in the community services sector as well as the attractions of the city," he said.

Around 150 delegates are expected to come to conference from 18-20 October to discuss issues involved in the provision of aged care, disability and health services, social planning, childcare and family services, rural and regional issues, multicultural, youth and cultural areas including libraries, the arts and heritage. 

Jenni Eakins, Coffs Harbour City Council's Community Services Manager, said the conference theme 'Winds of Change: Building Sustainable Outcomes on our Changing Communities' is particularly relevant to the challenges facing workers in this field in both metropolitan and regional NSW.

"With ageing populations and fairly frequent changes to basic services such as child and health care, we are constantly dealing with developing strategies and services that can meet new expectations.

"It is not just the community services professionals who have to adjust, but also the communities themselves," she said.

The NSW LGCSA conference committee is aiming to provide an interactive conference program, which will explore new ideas and recent research while also offering practical solutions. The delegates are expected to include policy makers, educators, service providers, workers and community representatives.

NSW LGCSA President, Marlene Henry, said the opportunity to hold this year's bi-annual conference in Coffs Harbour was very exciting. 

"The themes and conference location provide members with an insight into best practice. The conference provides many opportunities to hear about the achievements of our local government neighbours and to keep working innovatively to address the many changes and cross-functional roles that local government community services provide," she said.

The committee is also calling for individuals or organisations interested in presenting case studies, research, information or ideas at the conference. Further information on the conference is available from the Conference Managers on 1300 368 783 or online at www.lgcsaconference2006.com 

Further Information:

Sara Hinds, Media Officer, 6648 4093/0407 227818