CURRENT PROJECTS

Community Mapping

This project is a joint research project with DCC and DCOSS. It is a pilot study about providing base line information on what is happening in Caversham. It has three phases, the first being to develop a stock take of the physical resources that exist in Caversham. Including community halls, sport facilities, schools and churches. The second phase is to develop a stock take of all the groups / clubs / organisations that exist in the area. Thirdly we are looking at the formal and informal networks that exist in Caversham. This part of the project is to determine how connected the community is to each other. We have completed the first two stages of this research and are in the process of developing a web based map database that will allow users to locate the physical facilities and the user groups. By combining information from the Dunedin Directory, with permission from the various groups, we will be able to provide information in this format for all of Dunedin.

Community Database

Currently the DCC and DCOSS are working together to develop a combined community database. This project came out of the need for DCOSS to develop a database of social services, community, sport and recreation organisations for the Dunedin Directory and the DCC needing to ensure that information on their database was kept current and usable for the public. With the DCC having the technological expertise and the computer systems required and DCOSS having the networks and ability to gather and maintain current information, the project is one that would create a win/win situation for the DCC, DCOSS and the Community. This information will also feed into the Community Mapping web based map database project.

Sector Training

DCOSS has been involved with the sector-training project through the Steering Group, which includes representatives from; DCC, Department of Internal Affairs, Methodist Connect, Corstophine Baptist Community Trust, Volunteering Otago, Otago Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Island Resource Centre. The objectives of this project are to provide information to the sector about training opportunities, resources available and networking opportunities. The initiative and steering group was the result of a series of consultation meetings, with the community and voluntary sector, organised by DCOSS and Volunteering Otago.

Initiatives from the Sector Training Project include: Knowledge Nible Network Forum, a monthly lunch time forum for sharing ideas, networking and listening to guest speakers; Fortnightly Newsletter that provides the email list with information on training opportunities, seminars, public meetings and conferences for the community and voluntary sector.

The Sector Training Steering Group are constantly looking for initiatives and projects that support the strengthening of the sector through training and information.