Latest news with #NotForProfit
ABC News
07-08-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Disability job service Forrest Personnel closes amid 'non-viable' federal reform
A disability employment support service will be closing its doors after 40 years of helping people in regional Western Australia. The federal government is replacing the current Disability Employment Program with a new program called Inclusive Employment Australia from November 1. Forrest Personnel chief executive Lynne Harwood said the new contracts offered under Inclusive Employment Australia had made ongoing operations unviable. "The new tender has variables to it that make it non-viable and non-sustainable from our perspective," she said. The not-for-profit service has a head office in Bunbury, 170 kilometres south of Perth and has thousands of clients throughout South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance and south-metro areas. At the heart of Forrest Personnel's decision is the introduction of market share percentage caps as part of the Inclusive Employment Australia program, according to Ms Harwood. Market share caps limit the proportion of the market a single provider can control to encourage competition and avoid monopolies. Ms Harwood said the market share caps were intended to tackle market saturation in metropolitan areas, but their application to regional areas would instead squeeze out local providers. "Going forward, for-purpose organisations can only be sustainable if they're very large, and that's into the hundreds of millions of dollars or very boutique and niche. Anything in between becomes very difficult," she said. In a statement, a spokesperson for the federal Department of Social Services said there would be no reduction of services in any area of the country, including WA. "People with disability in Western Australia will be able to access services from 17 different organisations funded across the state," the spokesperson said. Steven Twigger has been supported by the not-for-profit for the past 15 years, which helped him get a job with the Bunbury tour company Go West Tours. "They come to see me if I need anything," he said. Mr Twigger was unsure of what the closure would mean for him. Ms Harwood said national, for-profit providers were at an advantage and ready to fill the market gaps created by the upcoming reforms. South West Autism Network chief executive Nick Avery said larger companies with centralised operations were not ideal for remote and regional communities. "It makes it much harder to access support services in the region if you're operating at a national level. "There's just not enough boots on the ground." The Department of Social Services said people with disability and currently supported by Forrest Personnel did not need to do anything "just yet". "They will be able to choose a new provider in their area that best suits their needs," the spokesperson said.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Post office begs customers to help them after crisis hits
A post office that doubles up as a community-run village shop is pleading with its customers to help them after suffering a huge loss. Manager of Bradfield Southend Village Shop and Post Office Kate Brealey said that each year they lose around £3,000, and without desperately needed support, they may have to stop operations. "Last month our Post Office ran at a loss of over £700. This is due to poor remuneration from POLtd not matching basic staff costs," Ms Brealey said. "We're a not-for-profit organisation, so the shop props up the post office. When we do make a profit, we put that back into local groups. "We are seriously looking at reducing the hours of employees and how we can save money." Because the Post Office is costing management so much money, the store is no longer able to fund local amenities, and runs the risk of closing. A few ways that customers could help Bradfield Southend Village Shop and Post Office to stay open are by occasionally buying their postage at the post office, not online, taxing the car in the post office, buying foreign currency, and purchasing items from the shop. "We want to keep our Post Office in the community. It's essential! But we cannot afford these huge losses either," Ms Brealey continued. "We need people to use the post office, and if people are coming in to return items, please buy something from the shop. "The shop is what is keeping the post office in the community at the moment." Post master groups are currently lobbying the Post Office group for more support, but this is yet to go anywhere. However, Ms Brealey said she feels quite left behind at the moment as the group is dealing with the Horizon Scandal, and has little time for on-the-ground issues.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025: What you need to know
The sky above Bristol is set to be filled with hot air balloons again as the annual International Balloon Fiesta returns. Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Ashton Court Estate from 8-10 August to watch more than 100 balloons take off and see the iconic this year, organisers announced that the fiesta is operating at a loss, following a "challenging" few years. It is the second year that the event will be shortened, taking place over three days instead of have a handy guide to help you prepare for the 47th edition of the fiesta. Do I need tickets? The event is free to attend, but the organisers charge for car parking to help cover operational costs. Those not parking at the fiesta can purchase a hospitality package to help contribute to the not-for-profit organisation, if they wish. How do I get there? There are a range of parking options but tickets must be booked online in blue car park, next to the fiesta site, opens at 05:00 BST on 8 August, ready for the morning launch. The last entry is 17:00. The red car park is the main public car parking site, which is located uphill from the main fiesta site. It opens at 10:00 on 8 August, so anybody planning to arrive sooner should book tickets for the blue car park. Those attending over the weekend can arrive from 05:00. The last entry is 17: non-refundable tickets are cheaper the earlier they are booked, and are charged per vehicle rather than per parking, at the orange gate, opens at 05:00 BST ahead of the morning wanting to use public transport can get the Stagecoach shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads station, booking in regular shuttle service will start from 10:00 BST every day. What's on at this year's fiesta? The balloons are scheduled to take flight twice a day in the mass ascents at dawn and nightglow returns on Friday and Saturday, where dozens of balloons inflate after dark and use their burners to create a light show in time to a from the balloon action, there are a range of activities and demonstrations to take part those are chances to meet some of the pilots, watch a motorcycle stunt display team or take part in family immersive attraction called In The Clouds is new for this year, offering visitors the chance to walk inside a cold-inflated balloon while hearing a soundscape that replicates the experience of pilots in exhibitors and caterers will also be on site. Anything else I should know? Parts of the festival, such as the mass ascent, are weather dependent. The decision to take to the sky is left until the pilot's briefings, which take place just before a scheduled flight. A countdown and smoke cannon reveal the decision, with green signalling for them to if the forecast does not work out in favour of the balloons, there are other activities and entertainment on are advised to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly - whether that means packing sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, wellies or a jumper.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CDPHP Named #1 in Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in New York by J.D. Power
ALBANY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / For the fifth year in a row - and the eighth time in the past nine years - CDPHP has been ranked #1 in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in New York by J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer insights and analytics. The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study measures member satisfaction across key factors including cost of care, access to care, and trust. CDPHP once again earned the highest marks in overall member satisfaction, reinforcing the not-for-profit health plan's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, personalized care and service to its members. 'This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from our members,' said Brian O'Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP. 'This award reflects the trust our customers place in us every day and the tireless work of our team to ensure they receive the highest quality care, exceptional customer service, and a health plan that puts their needs first.' For more information on the J.D. Power study, including health plan rankings from across the country, check out the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study. About CDPHP® Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 36 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. ### About CDPHP® Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 36 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. ### CONTACT: Ali Skinner [email protected] 518-605-4497 SOURCE: CDPHP press release
