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Community Information and Support Centres (CISCs) are managed by
autonomous, community based management committees. They operate
according to the policies and standards of Community Information
Victoria Inc (CIVic). CISCs provide a personal community
information service as their main service. Many provide additional
core services such as Tax Help and the provision of emergency
relief. Most provide free ancillary services such as legal advice,
tenancy advice and accountancy advice. To find out more about CISCs
in Victoria, please follow one of the following links:
LISTING OF
CISCs
Excel File - Full
& Associate members' contact details
Most CISCs compile and manage their own local information
databases. They also provide a wide range of pamphlets about the
range of community services available in their local areas. These
information resources are usually managed by an information officer
of the particular CISC.
Information held includes services, resources, facilities,
procedures, laws and regulations.
Who provides the service?
Over 1600 volunteers, approximately 1100 of whom are trained,
contribute about 300,000 hours annually to their local communities.
In the last financial year, approximately 330,000 Victorians
contacted a Community Information and Support Centre seeking
information and support. Our volunteer base consists of people with
various skills, backgrounds and life experiences. Some CISCs have
paid Co-ordinators, Information Officers, and other staff.
Video: Take a Look at our Volunteers
The project was an initiative of the Westernport Regional
Association of Community Information and Support Centres. The aim
of the project was to develop a resource that would be a useful
recruitment tool, and could also be retained for its historical
content.
A grant was successfully obtained from the Commonwealth Government,
and a 13-minute video was developed with the assistance of a local
producer.
The video provides an excellent overview of the variety of work
undertaken by volunteers in a Community Information and Support
Centre. It looks at reasons why people volunteer, benefits of
volunteering, and the support provided to volunteers by the agency.
The Westernport Region consists of a mixture of agencies, with both
metropolitan and country agencies, younger and older volunteers
represented, and also many volunteers from a Non-English Speaking
Background. This mixture is reflected in the video.
Copies can be arranged by contacting Casey North Community
Information & Support Service on 9705 6699.
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