The introduction of the new Communities and Families (CAFS) Program will challenge our focus on early intervention and prevention and our collective approach to ensuring children, young people, families and communities have timely access to the services they need.
ISV is the regional sector coordination and planning lead for the Inner West, Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and City of Sydney local government areas. In response to provider needs we have designed the new CAFS Learning Series which aims to:
deliver responsive, evidence based learning opportunities, delivered by experts in an accessible and efficient way;
build the capacity, capability, skills and confidence of CAFS front line and middle management workers;
provide opportunities for providers to unpack their practice issues and discuss approaches that work;
create opportunities to connect, collaborate, plan and learn together;
identify and respond to local service system challenges.
When
The ISV CAFS Learning Series is an online event scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month, 9.30am – 10.30am. The sessions will be recorded and shared with ISV’s network.
Date*: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Topic**: Welcome to the local CAFS Program
Learning Objectives:
increase knowledge of local CAFS funded services
understand the differences between CAFS and old TEI Program
learn about the unique characteristics and needs in our region
Guest Presenter: DCJ Senior Representative
Registration link: Welcome to the local CAFS Program
Date*: Wednesday 11th March 2026
Topic**: Proving It! How we can measure the impact of our work
Learning Objectives:
understand the difference between activities, outputs, outcomes and impact
overview of how to best frame an outcome
learn about different ways to measure your success
Setting up your CAFS Program Logic and Planning Matrix for success
Guest Presenter:
Dr. Katie Blair
Research and Evaluation Manager
Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion
University of Technology Sydney
Registration link: Proving It! How we can measure the impact of our work
Date*: Wednesday 8th April 2026
Topic**: Cultural Competence: Working with First Australian Families and Communities
Learning Objectives:
gain insight into the local Aboriginal communities
increase cultural awareness
Gain knowledge of local ACCO services and referral pathways
Guest Presenter: TBC – Local ACCO
Registration link: Cultural Competence: Working with First Australian Families and Communities
Date*: Wednesday 13th May 2026
9.30am – 11am including morning
Topic**: Worker Wellbeing
Learning Objectives:
understand the impact of the work on staff and volunteers
learn about how to mitigate wellbeing risks
navigate the Worker Wellbeing Tool Kit for you and your team
Guest Presenter: This will be an in-person event coinciding with the Annual Inner Sydney Thanks U event where we recognise the role frontline workers play in supporting children, young people, families and communities.
Registration link: Worker Wellbeing
Date*: Wednesday 10th June 2026
Topic**: Community Engagement
Learning Objectives:
Understand the difference between networking and engagement
Strategies to engage hard to reach groups
Integrating your engagement into everyday practice
Guest Presenter: Charlie Coorey, Inner Sydney Voice Community and Peer Engagement Specialist
Registration link: Community Engagement
Our Promise to You
By participating in the Learning Series, you’ll gain practical tools, expert insights, and a supportive community to strengthen your service delivery. Together, we’ll collaborate, learn, and shape the future of CAFS funded services across the region.
* Please note July to December topics will be released in April 2026 subject to local service providers needs
** Schedule and speakers subject to change