Training for the community services sector
The Community Education Team of the Community Services Division of the Ombudsman offers a series of training workshops in city and country areas each year.
To download the most current training calendar click here.
Each one day workshop available through the training calendar costs $148.50 (incl.GST) and includes morning tea and lunch. Every participant receives a workbook, resource package and certificate of attendance.
To register for any workshops click here.
The Rights Stuff – a free workshop for consumers
Developed by the Ombudsman specifically for consumers of community services, their families, carers and advocates, The Rights Stuff is an entertaining, informative and empowering look at your rights as a consumer. This one day workshop covers the Ombudsman’s role, the rights of consumers of community services, tips for dealing more effectively with providers, resolving issues, how to make a complaint and how to resolve issues. Helpful resources and contacts are also provided.
The Rights Stuff is available free of charge for groups of ten or more people. For more information contact Carolyn Campbell-Maclean on (02) 9286 1000 or toll free (outside Sydney) on 1800 451 524.
Community Services Training Presenters
Padmadakini Coombes
Team Leader Complaints Handling Review & Community Education
Paddy Coombes is a learning and development professional with over has 25 years experience in consultation, management and direct service provision. Originally trained in social work, Paddy is a warm and inspiring facilitator who has developed and delivered numerous training programmes with both the public sector and for NGOs. Her expertise has found application across a broad range of settings including child and family services, the legal and correctional systems and community consultation. Paddy has worked for the NSW Ombudsman, in the Community Services Division, for the past four years.
Carolyn Campbell-McLean
Community Educator
Carolyn Campbell-McLean is a social worker with a background in disability advocacy and rights-based education. She has worked as a community educator at the NSW Ombudsman, Community Services Division, for five years. During this time Carolyn has conducted complaint handling workshops with service providers, coordinated requests for information and training and developed the Rights Stuff workshop for consumers. She also teaches community welfare at the University of Western Sydney and TAFE.
Carolyn is an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Editor of the Association’s quarterly, Talking Point. Carolyn is passionate about learning and combines her personal and professional experience, with a down to earth approach.
Margaret Kaye
Community Educator
Margaret Kaye has worked in the area of community services for around 30 years, with a breadth of experience from direct service provision to management to policy. Most recently she has worked in community education and training at the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and at the NSW Ombudsman.
Other team members
Irene Craig
Complaints Handling Review
Irene Craig has worked in direct service roles, management and senior management positions for over 25 years. She has worked in child protection, foster care, residential care, quality assurance and disability services in Australia and the UK
Tracylee Arestides
Community Education Officer – Communications
Tracylee has worked in communications for both the private sector and NGOs for almost 20 years. She has an extensive background in writing and research and has implemented communications programs for an array of organisations ranging from Family Planning NSW to Macquarie University’s Customised Accessibility Service to the Down Syndrome Association of NSW.
