Subsidies

Dear WACOSS Friend,

Are registration and associated costs prohibiting you from attending the WACOSS Conference 2025? We understand that not everyone can afford to attend and the costs are particularly high for regional delegates.

We feel that is imperative that people directly affected by the issues discussed at the WACOSS Conference 2025 are in the room and contributing to the conversations both as panellists and participants. A rich and robust dialogue can only be achieved this way.

Applications for subsidies close on 11th of April 2025 at 4pm. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis considering funding available and the number of applicants. Please forward and share widely.

Applications are now open for the following subsidies:

Regional Support Subsidy $800

In recognition of the higher travel and accommodation costs faced by people from regional Western Australia to attend events in Perth, WACOSS is administering a Regional Support Subsidy to support the participation from regional Western Australia at the 2025 WACOSS Conference. This subsidy is only available if you register for the Full Registration (i.e. 2.5 days). You will not be reimbursed if you do not attend the Conference or register for a day registration. Please keep your receipts in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Perth Metro Small Community Sector organisation staff and volunteers $300

This subsidy is available for small Community Sector organisations to provide subsidised registration to the staff of community sector organisations that are unfunded and or staffed solely by volunteers. This subsidy is only available if you register for the Full Registration (i.e. 2.5 days). You will not be reimbursed if you do not attend the Conference or register for a day registration. Please keep your receipts in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Lived Experience/Disability Support Subsidy/ Low Income Subsidy/ Community Sector Volunteers Subsidy $300

WACOSS has established a bursary to support people who are out of regular paid work and / or receiving income support to attend the 2025 WACOSS Conference. This subsidy, once approved, will be applied up front. The approved applicant will need to pay $30 registration fee only (the difference of student rate).

If you have any questions, please contact WACOSS Conference Coordinator, Rose Newbury-Freeman via conference2025@wacoss.org.au

Form
Facebook Instagram X-twitter Linkedin

Ngala kaaditj Noongar Wadjuk moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja – in the spirit of deepening relationship, we acknowledge Wadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land our office is located. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

designed by DropIN Solutions

Acknowledgement to country

Ngala kaaditj Noongar Wadjuk moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja

In the spirit of deepening relationship, we acknowledge Wadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land our office is located. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

Birak

Hot and dry – December to January

Bunuru

Hot with easterly winds – February to March

Djeran

Cool and enjoyable – April to May

Makuru

Wet and cold – June to July

Djilba

Cold with less rain – August to September

Kambarang

Warming as the rains finish – October to November

Millie Penny and Chloe Calyon

Six Seasons

2024 – Acrylic on canvas

Aligning with the theme of the 2025 WACOSS Conference, Innovating Together: Leaving No One Behind, Millie Penny depicts the heart of the Six Noongar Seasons into this vibrant canvas. Each hue reflects the unique life of its corresponding season and celebrates the deep connection between the Aboriginal People and the Land.

This painting honours the foundation of Noongar culture: the Six Seasons serve as a timeless anchor amid the ebb and flow of life – politics, policies, and values may shift, but seasons remain steadfast. Intricately woven through are the vital journeys Noongar people have undertaken for more than 65,000 years, and the important gatherings, listening and nurturing of relationships to ensure strong culture, land and heart.

They have drawn sustenance and wisdom from the cyclical rhythm. The Six Seasons are a life-giving force. A reminder of resilience and continuity that will endure long after we are gone.

As Millie’s first exploration into the Six Noongar Seasons, this work is a profound gift to WACOSS and to the conference, inviting us to reflect on our shared journey and commitment to growth.

Millie sought support from her grand-niece, Chloe Calyon, a talented artist in her own right, who contributed to the painting, design and symbols in this piece.

Birak

Hot and dry – December to January

Bunuru

Hot with easterly winds – February to March

Djeran

Cool and enjoyable – April to May

Makuru

Wet and cold – June to July

Djilba

Cold with less rain – August to September

Kambarang

Warming as the rains finish – October to November