About 200 people are expected to attend the annual Cross Sector Orientation Workshop (CSOW) at the Alice Springs Convention Centre today.  

The workshop is for new and existing child and family community service professionals and aims to assist them to increase their awareness and knowledge of the range of services that exist in Alice Springs. 

Territory Families Chief Executive Officer Ken Davies said the theme of this year’s workshop was ‘Working together, growing strong families’. 

“Children and families need to be at the centre. Strengthening and building interagency relationships is key to making sure that we are providing children and young people with the best services and wrap-around support that we can,’’ he said. 

“This workshop is the conduit to connect child and family community service professionals and inform them of the tools available in Alice Springs to assist them. 

“This workshop continues to grow each year and it is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment of participants, stallholders and presenters in the work they do to support children, young people and families.”

Information sessions and panel discussions at the Cross Sector Orientation Workshop will focus on the Family Safety Framework, domestic violence and children’s services, Police, child protection, family support services, youth services and alcohol and mental health, housing, remote services and disability.

Workshop presenters from the Centre for Remote Health, Tangentyere Council, Central Australia Aboriginal Congress, Connected Beginnings, Anglicare, Central Australia Affordable Housing, Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council and the National Disability Insurance Agency will also be attending.

Acting Director, Community Youth Programs, Youth Outreach and Re-Engagement Team, Lisa Palamountain said it was great to have so many government and non-government organisations and services supporting and attending the workshop.

“In a small community like Alice Springs, working together is vital,’’ she said.

“Collaboration ensures coordinated and cohesive service delivery that maximise efficiencies and opportunities to ensure the best possible outcomes for the safety and wellbeing of children, families and the wider community.”

 Territory Families media contact:

Amy Sloan
08 8999 5082