Managing OH&S in the Workplace A VICSERV Specialty Training Program

Managing OH&S in the Workplace
A VICSERV Specialty Training Program


Facilitator: WorkSafe Victoria

This workshop is designed to give managers the opportunity to review their systems, practices and explore the unique challenges faced in the PDRS sector. In particular the OH&S challenges in providing support to individuals in their homes and working closely with people in the community. Fee inc GST VICSERV Member $40.00 including GST or Non member Rate $50.00 including GST. Lunch and course materials provided. Date(s) & Times 24 November 2009, 9:15am – 12:30pm

Register your place
or
download the flyer in PDF format.

Mental Health Professional Online Development website launched

MHPOD is a new learning resource being developed for people working in mental health. Based on the national practice standards for mental health, it draws on the evidence base for mental health care and contemporary practice wisdom. Aims include supporting the mental health workforce, and improving access to evidence-based educational programs. Clinicians, consumers, carers and educators across the country have contributed to MHPOD, and we hope that you will find it useful. MHPOD will become fully available in the second quarter 2010. In the meantime, please sample the available topics and provide us with your feedback.

Visit the website at: http://www.mhpod.gov.au/

Community Sector OHS Website launched by VCOSS

The Community Sector Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) website was developed by the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) as part of the Community Sector OHS Education Project, an initiative funded by Department of Human Services (DHS) to address community sector OHS needs. After completing a needs analysis on OHS in the community sector, it became clear that community organisations lacked the time to sort through the array of resources available on this topic. This website aims to collect and collate relevant OHS tools and resources in a way that is useful and accessible to employers, staff and volunteers in the sector.

“Training aids [on OHS] are available but the training process is not rigorous.”

“There are a huge number of resources in OHS,’ said another, ‘but no one knows how to access them.”

(VCOSS member comments during training needs analysis)

Visit VCOSS for more information about the VCOSS OHS Education Project

If there are resources or tools that are missing from our website or you have a great idea you would like to share, let us a know by emailing laura.mondon@vcoss.org.au

The community OHS website contains information on:

• Occupational Health and Safety Training and Events
• Your Sector (Children’s Services, Child and Family Welfare Services, Housing Support Services, Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector, Disability Support Services, Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres and Other Community Support Services)
• The main Risks and Hazards affecting the community sector
• OHS Resources including information on free audits and online resources
• WorkSafe funded OHS Equipment Grants

VCOSS news: Action on Portable Long Service Leave proposal

Portable Long Service Leave

Portable long service leave for the community services sector

UPDATE AS OF 9 September, 2009

Given the lack of progress in negotiating a sustainable portable long service leave model with government, VCOSS is calling on Victorian community sector organisations (CSOs) to actively and publicly voice concerns about the model and the proposed legislative timelines over the next two to three weeks.

We forwarded the Peaks and Statewide Networks portable long service leave (PLSL) position paper (linked below) to the Victorian Government on 12 August and to date have received no formal response to this paper and no official briefing on the status of the PLSL project.

We are aware that the Victorian Government is waiting to clarify whether the PLSL legislation can be deferred until after the implementation of the Federal Government Fair Work Act on 1 January 2010. We understand that the Government will continue with its commitment to introduce legislation in the Spring Session of Parliament if the Federal Government does not provide this assurance shortly.

VCOSS have informed Minister Neville’s Office that the sector will be communicating its concerns more publicly during September given it is still the Government’s intention to introduce legislation in the Spring Session of Parliament.

It is clear that now is the time for a more public approach as there is insufficient time left in 2009 for proper consideration of the proposed legislation, including negotiating changes to the Government’s proposed model to ensure that it is a sustainable model.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We encourage peaks and sector agencies to write to key Ministers including the Premier, Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister Neville and Minister Holding and your local MP over the next two to three weeks to highlight sector concerns about the proposed model, to promote the attributes of a sustainable model, and to call for a delay to the legislation to allow adequate time for consultation.

VCOSS has forwarded a letter to all MPs, a copy of which is linked below. CSOs are welcome to use this letter to assist in writing their communications. This letter is a condensed version of the Peaks and Statewide Networks PLSL position paper, which raises issues of general concern across the sector. It is important to personalise issues from the perspective of your agency, your programs and your workforce. It is important for organisations to explain the specific impact that an unsustainable PLSL model would have on their organisations and their services to disadvantaged Victorians.

Contact details for all MPs can be found on the Victorian Parliament website:
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/handbook/menupage.cfm?menuId=1

Click here to read the Letter sent to MPs

For further information, contact:

Paula Grogan, Community Sector Sustainability Policy Coordinator, VCOSS
T: 9654 5050, E: paula.grogan@vcoss.org.au

Cath Smith, CEO, VCOSS
T: 9654 5050, E: cath.smith@vcoss.org.au

The Victorian Government has committed to introducing a legislated long service leave portability scheme which will cover the vast majority of community sector organisations (CSOs) in Victoria. VCOSS broadly supports the principle of portable long service leave (PLSL) in the community sector and seeks the implementation of a scheme that is viable and sustainable for the community sector.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is leading the government process and has been consulting with the sector about an appropriate PLSL scheme model. The Government has indicated that the Central Fund Model is the preferred model. The key elements of the Central Fund Model are:

• Management of Portable Long Service Leave would be centralised;
• Employers would register their employees and pay a quarterly levy payment to an Authority/Fund Manager that would manage employees’ LSL funds and entitlements;
• Administration fees would be factored into the quarterly levy;
• Monitoring and enforcement would be the responsibility of the Authority; and
• LSL entitlements more generous than the LSL Act 1992 would be managed by employers.
• The model will cover the majority of non-profit, non-government, employees, including those not funded by government.

The Government has also indicated that:

• Legislation for a PLSL scheme is to be introduced in the spring session of parliament; and
• A ‘non-urgent’ timeframe for implementation of the Scheme is preferred, but decisions about commencement of the Scheme are dependent on the outcomes of discussions with the Commonwealth Government in relation to the Fair Work Act 2009.

The following document provides more information about the proposed model.

DHS PLSL Scoping paper, 9 May 2009

Scoping paper

VCOSS hosted a sector forum on 31 July and the Peaks and Statewide Networks Forum met in August and discussed concerns about the proposed model. It is clear that there is significant sector opposition to the proposed Central Fund model and the combined Victorian Peaks and Statewide Networks Forum does not support the model as it is currently proposed.

Key issues of concern are:

• Cost
  The overall cost of PLSL will rise as a result of administrative complexity and the transfer of funds from organisations’ balance sheets to the central fund. These costs are compounded by financial pressures as a result of the global economic downturn.
  
  
• Administrative complexity
  The majority of community sector employees are on awards and workplace agreements where LSL entitlements are superior to the LSL Act 1992. The proposed model deems that entitlements above the Act will be managed by employers. This will mean duplicate record keeping for employers and the fund.
  
  
• Timelines
  The community sector does not support the legislation timelines proposed by the Victorian Government given that there has been no formal consultation period where the sector has had access to the business impact assessment of various models.

Members of the combined Victorian Peaks and Statewide Networks Forum have expressed in-principle support for a sustainable PLSL scheme to be developed and a desire to continue working with the Victorian Government to do this. The following paper was developed to highlight the attributes of a sustainable portable long service model.

Victorian Peaks and Statewide Networks Forum Position Paper

Position Paper

For further information, contact:
Paula Grogan, Community Sector Sustainability Policy Coordinator, VCOSS
T: 9654 5050 E:paula.grogan@vcoss.org.au

26th - 30th October: Worksafe Week

Work Safe Week Events

Attending the Work Safe Week seminars and events is the fastest and easiest way to make sure you’re up to date and compliant. And with a jam-packed program of activities this year – over 100 seminars and events across Victoria – you’re sure to find something relevant to your business or workplace.

There are conferences, educational seminars, panel discussions, interactive workshops, displays, breakfasts and BBQ’s.

All activities are graded introductory, intermediate or advanced to give a clear idea of how complex the content is and each seminar is tailored to small, medium or large businesses. You’ll also find that many of the seminars and events are industry-specific however many more are relevant to all businesses and industries.

Events are being held around the state. To find the event most relevant to your profession, business, industry or trade, search the Worksafe Week website. You can search by day and by region.

2010 Leadership Development Program for Families

Applications are invited for participants in the 2010 Leadership Development Program for Families. The Program runs from February 2010 to November 2010.

Applications must be received by 1 December 2009 for consideration in the First Round, so that selection can be completed before Christmas. A Second Round of applications will be considered, and must be received by 31 January 2010.

Is this for you?

This is a leadership development program for families (parents/siblings) who meet four criteria:

1. have a family member with challenges (disability, mental illness, chronic illness, aged frailty, addictions, etc);
2. are searching for living solutions for their loved one in social support, accommodation, meaningful paid or voluntary work, or financial security;
3. have experienced obstacles, frustration, and powerlessness along the way; and
4. want to play a leadership role in assisting other families in developing solutions, through both public policy change and social innovation.

Each participant group will be 20-25 in number. Participants will be drawn from around Australia, and may work in state-based groups depending on the total number of participants.

Participants are required to nominate two key challenges that they are facing at the start of the program, and each group will participate in a shared search for solutions to these challenges as they move through the year.

The 10 month program is auspiced by the National Federation of Parents, Families and Carers.

What will it do?

The program will consist of:

1. Three residential weekends for vision, learning and skill development;
2. One three day tour of arrangements/models;
3. Online learning program with a focus on key case studies and models;
4. Shared group input into two nominated challenges facing the participants over the course of the 10 months; and
5. Occasional forums, dinners and meetings.

Our Program Director

Diane Gow from Melbourne is the Program Director.

Di has worked in the disability field for 35 years, and is passionate about family support and empowerment, social inclusion and community building. She has worked in the UK and Australia in planning person and family-centred solutions to the challenges facing families with loved ones who have complex issues. She has three sons and a foster child.

How much does it cost?

Prospective participants are encouraged to seek a Sponsor to meet the cost of participation in the program, which is $3,000 + GST.

Sponsors may be:

1. Philanthropic or charitable bodies; service clubs; or corporates;

2. Service providers or advocacy organisations;

3. Government agencies; or

4. Participants may self-fund.

The Participation Fee includes:

- accommodation, meals and incidental costs for three residential weekends, and one three day tour;
- meals and incidental costs for occasional forums, dinners and meetings;
- resource materials and access to an online learning program;
- online networking connections throughout the program;
- access to the Program Director throughout the program; and
- transport subsidies.

When do I need to register?

Applications for consideration in the First Round must be received by 1 December 2009, so that selection can be completed before Christmas. A Second Round of applications will be considered, and must be received by 31 January. An online registration form is available here.

Applicant should note the four criteria for selection in the program, and should outline in the online form how they meet these criteria and how they expect to benefit from the program. The names of two referees are also required.

Prospective applicants who have not yet secured a sponsor may indicate their interest in participation, pending finalisation of Sponsorship or payment arrangements.

1st & 2nd October: All Will Be Well Health & Wellbeing Festival

As part of this Festival, Petrea King, inspirational and renowned speaker and workshop leader, will be offering workshops in Lorne. Petrea King is the founder of the Quest for Life Centre, an international speaker, counsellor and workshop leader. This is a unique personal and professional development opportunity for those in health and caring professions. It is also an opportunity for the general community to access such a highly sought after workshop leader at a remarkably affordable price. Let your networks know of this opportunity.

· Thursday 1 October - The Heart of Healing

· Friday 2 October – The Wounded Healer

9am – 4pm both days Lorne Senior Citizens Centre. $60.00 each or $100.00 for both days

For further information, please see their website.

http://www.questforlife.com.au/

3rd October: ADAVIC workshop: "Mastering Anxiety - learning how to let it go"

"Mastering Anxiety - learning how to let it go"
Pauline McKinnon - AUTHOR OF In Stillness Conquer Fear.

Some thirty years ago Pauline McKinnon recovered from 8 years of paralysing panic attacks, acute anxiety and agoraphobia and in 1983 she told her inspirational story, In Stillness Conquer Fear. This book, a landmark that led the way to today’s awareness of anxiety disorders, is now regarded as a modern classic and Pauline’s 25th anniversary edition, recently released, has been fully revised and updated. Through her writing and subsequent work as a therapist Pauline has helped thousands throughout the world to find recovery. Her Centre in Kew, Victoria specialises in the use of this specific therapeutic meditation for stress, anxiety, depression and related conditions and she continues to lead the field in meditation practices. From her later publication of books and CD’s for children and adolescents, Pauline’s work has also contributed to preventative health care with practitioners from the Centre providing programs to schools – staff and students alike. Offering a wealth of experience and a history of exceptional outcomes, Pauline and her associates present this annual event.

At this Workshop you will:

• learn from Pauline’s anxiety experience
• have your questions answered
• understand how to lessen your anxiety
• unlock personal inner strength and improve health and wellbeing
• discover valuable insights that may contribute to personal change
• experience an introduction to Stillness Meditation Therapy

ADAVIC WORKSHOP

Topic: "Mastering Anxiety - learning how to let it go"
Presenter: PAULINE MCKINNON (AUTHOR Of In Stillness Conquer Fear)

---

Date: Saturday 3rd October 2009

Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm - (9.30 am for registration)

Venue:

Phyllis Hore Room - Kew Library
Civic Drive, Kew, VIC
Melways 45 / D6

Cost:

• $75.00 Non-Members
• $55.00 ADAVIC Members

Manual payment form

OR

Contact the ADAVIC office and make a booking over the phone

1st October: Diversity & Disability - Discovering your Rights

Diversity and Disability -

Discovering your Rights

An exciting opportunity to develop independence skills through a support group for people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds

• Meet other people in similar situations over morning tea and cake
• Share experiences and exchange views
• Listen to guest speakers
• Learn about your rights and responsibilities in society
• Gain confidence about yourself and your life
• Develop new skills

When: Thursday, 1 October 2009 at 10.30am to 12.00pm

Where: ADEC, 175 Plenty Road in Preston. Not far from Bell rail station, on the corner of Plenty Road and Garnet Street.

Further information

Contact Chris at the Migrant Resource Centre North West
Tel: (03) 9367 6044 or
Email: dnd@mrcnorthwest.org.au

Discovering your Rights(pdf document)

New keyrings help SANE's youth project

SANE's new itsallright.org website helps young people in families affected by mental illness, providing information, advice, and a dedicated Helpline Online service to answer their questions and put them on the right path.

To help keep this invaluable website going, why not buy packs of our special fundraising keyrings which promote the site and include a handy trolley coin. The itsallright keyrings can be sold through schools, clubs and workplaces. You can even have them at your office reception for visitors to buy and support this youth project. Click here for details or to place an order.

2nd October: Nominations Close for 2009 Human Rights Medals & Awards

2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards

Menu: Home | Entry Form | Award Categories | Judging | Previous Winners | Media | Sponsors | Awards Ceremony & Tickets

AWARDS NOW OPEN!

Since 1987, the Australian Human Rights Commission has recognised the often extraordinary contribution to Australian society of a wide variety of men and women committed to issues of human rights, social justice and equality through the annual Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Each year we receive outstanding nominations for the Human Rights Medal, Young People’s Human Rights Medal and seven award categories: Law, Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.

They may have made an outstanding contribution within their communities or through the practice of law, through writing books about human rights issues or through their work in the media.

This web-section contains all the information you need to know about the 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards, including Award categories, how to enter, judging criteria, previous winners and how to buy a ticket to the awards ceremony. There’s also a section for media, with the latest news releases, and read all about our sponsors who kindly support the awards.

• Transcript of video

Further information

Join the Human Rights Award’s electronic mailing list below and be regularly updated on the Awards.

You can also contact the Public Affairs Unit on (02) 9284 9618 or email hrawards@humanrights.gov.au if you have any queries.

HR Awards Electronic Mailing List

To join the list simply enter your email address:

28th October: VTHC OHS Representatives Conference

VTHC Annual Reps Conference: October 28, 2009

The ninth annual OHS Representatives Conference, is being held on Wednesday October 28 at the NEW Melbourne Convention Centre - 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, 3006 (Crown side of the Yarra River). Melways reference 2EK9.

NOTE: this is the NEW Convention Centre - download the map for more information.

As in previous years, the VTHC has gained approval for the Seminar from the VWA under the OHS Act [Section 69(1)(d)(ii)]. This is a free event for Health and Safety Representatives; morning tea and lunch will be provided.

The theme of the Conference is Having a voice is having an impact. There are a range of eminent speakers, including Keynote Speaker, UK-based Fiona Murie, WorkSafe, Unions and academics.

When registering, reps will need to nominate which morning workshop they wish to attend. The workshops are:

Enforcing the law	Manual Handling Injuries	Work intensification
Model Laws: where are we?	Illness from work	Return to work

There will also be a large variety of stalls offering a range of information, advice and materials.

Registrations for the day are now open. Register by downloading the registration form and faxing or sending it in to the OHS Unit. Make sure you have chosen a workshop. Alternatively, hard copies of the registration form will be available from your union. STOP PRESS: the VTHC phone and fax system is back up.
NOTE: registrations WILL NOT be accepted on the day.

All registrations will be confirmed by email (preferably - so include your email address) or by POST if you do not have an email.

Who can attend

All elected Health and Safety Representatives are entitled to attend on paid time. This is a WorkSafe Victoria approved course of training under s69 of the OHS Act 2004.

The Act requires that you give your employer at least 14 days notice of your intention to attend - but this may be waived by your employer. This Conference is only for OHS Representatives and VTHC reserves the right to accept or reject any registration application.

Note: Deputy reps are welcome to attend also, however they do not have the same entitlements under S69 - that is, the employer has no duty to allow attendance of deputies with paid leave.

Other Information:

Times

Registration from 8am, for a 9am start. Fnishes at 4.30pm.

Public transport

Walk from Southern Cross Station (approx 15 min) or Flinders Street Station (approx 15 min). Trams run along Spencer, Clarendon and Flinders Sts every 6 - 8 minutes during peak times. The closest tram stop is directly outside the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Parking details

Undercover parking is available in the Melbourne Exhibition Centre basement cark park, entry via Normanby St. Early bird rate, before 9:00am, is $10.00.

Once you have parked your car please exit the carpark via Door 6 to take you to the concourse entry to the Convention Centre.

Coming from out of Melbourne

The VTHC is not organising buses this year. Some unions may be organising transport for non-Metropolitan members: contact your union for more information.

Need more information? Contact your union or the VTHC OHS Unit: 9662 3511

Attachment

• 2009 Seminar Registration Form

  Download and either fax (03 9639 0408) or post to the OHS Unit at the VTHC at 54 Victoria St, Carlton South, 3054
  [download]

15th October: Diversity @ Work Awards 2009

It is with great excitement that Diversity@Work announces the launch of the 2009 Diversity@Work Awards.

Awards Gala Dinner Tickets Sales Now Open!

Click here to purchase your Gala Dinner tickets

Click here to answers to frequently asked Gala Dinner questions

In 2009, we encourage our supporters and sponsors to maintain their focus on their diversity initiatives, thereby continuing to build toward social and workplace inclusion. We hope to create an event that will reiterate the importance of harnessing the unique skills of all our people for both commercial and social benefit.

The 2009 Diversity@Work Awards will reinforce the benefits and importance of social inclusion within business, government and the community.

The Event will be a Gala Dinner on Thursday 15th October at the Peninsula at the Central Pier, Docklands. This fully accessible and exciting new venue will host 800 attendees, representing our business, government and community sectors. To ensure an inclusive event, Diversity@Work has increased the number of limited openings available for community groups.

The 2009 Diversity@Work Awards will boast a number of high profile Australian artists, musicians and community members who represent our diverse Australia including Reverend Tim Costello, CEO, World Vision and Jenny Brockie , SBS as Master of Ceremonies.

Our aim is to ensure that the Diversity@Work Awards remain inspirational and celebratory…that they provide opportunity to reflect on what we are doing well, a chance to share each other’s stories.

More information about the nomination process, the night’s entertainment and our keynote speaker will be released in the coming weeks. In the interim, ensure the following key dates are locked in your diary:

• Monday 1st June Nominations Open
• Monday 3rd August Ticket Sales Open
• Friday 7th August Nominations Close
• Friday 9th October Tickets Sales Close
• Thursday 15th October Awards Gala Dinner

Ms Jenny Brockie appears by arrangement with Saxton Speakers Bureau

A MEETING WITH THE HOUSING MINISTER

On Wednesday 26 August, a consortium consisting of Carers Victoria, VicServ and the National Disability Services met with Mr Richard Wynne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, to present a paper outlining issues and recommendations for better housing and support for people with a disability and/or mental health issue.

To read the paper, click here: http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/uploads/Carers%20VIC/TemporaryFiles/CVebulletin/August09/NotesforHousingMinister260809.pdf

Appointment to Manager, Adult and Aged Persons Mental Health, Service Improvement Unit

Communique from DHS:

I am very pleased to advise that Leanne Beagley has been appointed to the
position of Manager, Adult and Aged Mental Health Services in the Service
Improvement Unit.

Leanne will be known to many of you already, as she has worked within the
Victorian mental health service system for over 20 years. Currently, Leanne
is the Manager of the Austin's CAMHS.

Leanne's skills and experience will be a great asset to the Mental Health
and Drugs Division, both in leading the extensive work program in front of
the Aged and Adult team and also in contributing to wider Divisional work
around the implementation of the Reform Strategy, the Mental Health Act
review...and many other things.

Leanne will start in the position on 5 October.

All the best
David Clements
Acting Director
Mental Health & Drugs Operations
Department of Health | Level 17/ 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

Occupational Health & Safety Training - Dealing With Occupational Violence And Bullying at Your Workplace

This session explores Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) legislation and other guidance material in dealing with the issue of bullying and occupational violence.
Click here for more information
When: 10am – 2.30pm
Cost: $20 for members, $40 for non members (fees are able to be waived for organisations who are unable to afford them)
MELBOURNE: 14th September 2009 (session for Managers)
BALLARAT: 15th September 2009 (session for Staff and Volunteers)

For more information on OHS Training please contact Kelly Suber on 9654 5050, email kelly.suber@vcoss.org.au

Release of Preventative Health Taskforce Final Report

THE HON NICOLA ROXON MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
MEDIA RELEASE
1 September 2009
RELEASE OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTH TASKFORCE FINAL REPORT
The final report of the Preventative Health Taskforce was released today by the Rudd Government after a visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

Preventative health is a priority area for this Government. The Rudd Government $872 million investment in preventative health through COAG is the biggest of any Australian Government.

The Taskforce was commissioned by the Government to investigate and make evidence based recommendations on ways we can improve our health. The Taskforce’s three key priority areas of obesity, alcohol and tobacco cost our economy over $31 billion every year, in areas such as the health system, crime and lost productivity.

The Taskforce has made several findings, set a number of what it describes as ‘ambitious’ targets, and made 35 recommendations and 139 sub-recommendations.

The Government will consider the Taskforce’s recommendations alongside those of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

Some of the recommendations, such as the establishment of a National Preventative Health Agency, are already in train. This Agency has been funded by the Government’s record investment in preventative health and legislation to formally establish the Agency will come before the Parliament in the next sitting period.

The Commission recently found that chronic, potentially preventable conditions – such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes – consume about 70 per cent of the nation’s health care Budget, yet less than two per cent of health expenditure is directed towards preventing illness.

It is vitally important that we do better on keeping people healthy and out of hospital so we can improve and extend lives and reduce the pressure on our hospital system.

A tour of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre provides a tangible example of the importance of preventative health. Obesity causes one fifth of colorectal, breast, uterine and kidney cancers. In 2005, around 9,500 people died from cancers resulting from smoking or excessive consumption of alcohol – this represented 25% of all cancer deaths in that year. Of all cancers lung cancer remains our biggest killer of both men and women. While less people are smoking than ever before, thousands of young people continue to take up the habit each year and tobacco remains the single biggest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.

Reducing smoking rates to less than 10% would mean approximately one million fewer smokers in Australia and would prevent the premature deaths of almost 300,000 Australians.

THE TASKFORCE’S FULL REPORT CAN BE FOUND AT: http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/NPHS

I encourage people to read the recommendations and take the opportunity to provide their thoughts to the Government on this very important topic.

I would like to thank the Chair of the Preventative Taskforce Professor Rob Moodie, along with all the members of the Taskforce, for their hard work and dedication to this important task.

For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 02 6277 7220

Study Participants Needed: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Advertisement for Participants

Have you used, worked in or managed a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service?

This is your invitation to be involved in a research study exploring different perspectives.
The question is:

“In your experience, what are the important considerations when measuring the performance of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service?”

The study will involve a confidential individual discussion and possibly a group discussion with other participants.
To express interest and find out more please contact Leanne on 0417 382 704.

Volunteers needed for Mental Health Week

EVENT CREW NEEDED

To celebrate Mental Health Week 2009, Federation Square in Melbourne is hosting a huge day of entertainment and high jinx suitable for the whole family. The Bipolar Bears are recreating ACDC's 1975 truck drive down Swanston St to get the day moving in true rock 'n roll style, if you're not a big music fan, this is one of the most famous live music moments in history.

'Mad Hatters 09' is in it's fifth year and just keeps getting bigger with all the people involved and this year is planned to be the most fun yet!

We're now putting a call out, for families, friends and people who live with a mental illness, to come along and help make the day the best ever by volunteering an hour or two to help the event run at it's best. We want to show Melbourne that Mental Illness doesn't have to be all negative, that we all need to let our hair down and just have fun occasionally. It will be even more of an exciting and welcoming event with people coming from all over Victoria to get together and show our unified strength, meet people who you can connect with and see that no one is truly alone in this world of mental illness.

If you can please share this invite to your own groups and networks, that would be fantastic. If you think you can help out in any way (there's lots of jobs) please don't hesitate to get in contact with me;

skybeanz@gmail.com

Thankyou and hope to see you there! Stay tuned..

Heidi

Please find attached Position Descriptions for 5 staff vacancies that Prahran Mission is advertising for at the moment. Some of these positions are new as a result of recent growth. The positions are as follows

Title	Position Type	Applications Close
Support Worker: Mother Support Program	Full-time	16 September 2009
Support Worker: Personal Helpers and Mentors Program - Mt Waverley	Full-time	18 September 2009
Support Worker: Personal Helpers and Mentors Program - East Brighton	Full-time	18 September 2009
Support Worker: Inner South and Killara Outreach Programs	Part-time	16 September 2009

·
Full Time Support Workers (Personal Helpers and Mentors) Program : 1 based in East Brighton, 1 based in Mount Waverley

4 days a week Support Worker (Inner South Outreach) Program : Based in South Yarra

4 days a week Support Worker (Killara Aged (over 64) psychosocial rehabilitation) program: based in South Yarra

Full Time support Worker (Mother Support) Program: based in South Yarra

Written applications must include a statement addressing the key selection criteria and be submitted by 5 pm on Wednesday 16th September 2009. A daytime telephone number should also be provided.

Applicants should provide the names and telephone numbers of 3 professional referees. Referees will not be contacted without the prior consent of applicants.
Please Address all applications to:
Janet Charalambakis
Manager Home Based Outreach Programs
Prahran Mission
PO Box 68
Prahran Victoria 3181

Or email
janet@prahranmission.org.au

Website www.prahranmission.org.au

Further enquiries related to the position can be directed to: Janet Charalambakis 9692 9400

13th & 14th October - Dementia & Recreation National Conference

Only 6 weeks to go until the ...

2009 Dementia & Recreation National Conference
October 13 & 14
The sebel, Albert Park, Melbourne

Based on the success of the 2007 & 2008 conferences, we are excited to once again present this conference. This forum has quickly established itself as one of the largest & best value annual conferences focusing on dementia care. Full registration for the 2 days is only $484 inc. GST.

Given the name of the conference, a great percentage of delegates will be Recreation/Lifestyle Professionals or Diversional Therapists but in truth this is an event designed for all managers & staff with a commitment to & passion for quality lifestyles for people with dementia.

So if you have already registered, tell a colleague about the conference & get them to come along with you. If you have not registered, now is the time to act. The conference program, registration form & all other documents/info are available online in the Workshops & Conferences section of our website - www.totalagedservices.com.au

All other enquiries to

Wayne Woff (Manager, Total Aged Services)
03 9571 5606 / 0422 484 209
office@totalagedservices.com.au

MHCA - Global Financial Crisis Mental Health Sector Survey

Members and Supporters of the Mental Health Council of Australia

The MHCA is conducting a survey to assess the impact of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) on the mental health sector in Australia and its clients. We are seeking your views on the GFC, its impact on your organisation and on the broader community.

The ‘Global Financial Crisis Mental Health Sector Survey’ is based on a number of international and national surveys examining similar issues in other sectors. The data you provide will enable direct comparison to surveys already undertaken in the UK and Australia. This survey differs from others in that we are interested in gathering a specific picture of the impact of the GFC on Australia’s mental health sector and its clients.

We would also appreciate your support in encouraging other mental health organisations to complete this survey on-line, by further distributing the survey through your own networks and contact lists. I should note that no individual or organisation will be identified in any way during the analysis of the survey data, so your confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed.

The link to the survey is below, and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, but the information provided will enable us to positively advocate for the Australian mental health sector.

http://s-fipdc-152461.sgizmo.com/i/31503e6656450p40493

It is important that the survey be completed and submitted by no later than 24 September 2009.

Your support in completing the survey is very much appreciated – thank you.


On behalf of David Crosbie, CEO,
Mental Health Council of Australia.

23rd September - Debate by Field

Field (furthering inclusive learning and development) present

“Has Life Improved for People with Disabilities?

Venue: Hume Global Learning Centre,
1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. VIC
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2009
Time: 1pm – 4pm (Registration opens at 1.15pm)
Parking: On Site
Cost: $55.00 per person

Download the event flyer here: http://www.field.org.au/events/forums/debate/debate_flyer.pdf