Carers Victoria eBulletin

The following is from the Carers Victoria website:

Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria.

We are a not-for-profit incorporated association with a mixed core funding base mostly provided by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

We work closely with Carers Australia and the network of carer associations in each state and territory to improve the lives of carers throughout Australia.

Please email ebulletin@carersvic.org.au if you wish to subscribe to their ebulletin.

Mental Health Triage Classification Scale

The following is a message from David Clements, Acting Director, Mental Health & Drug Operations, Department of Health (Please note further discussions will be occurring over the next few months):

BACKGROUND

In 2006-07, the Department signalled it would introduce a uniform state-wide mental health triage scale for Victorian area mental health services (AMHS).

The Victorian Chief Psychiatrist has led the development of the scale and associated guidelines in consultation with the Mental Health Triage Scale Advisory Committee. A number of revisions are being made before state-wide roll-out early next year.

The introduction of the Mental Health Triage Scale will be complemented by implementation of a minimum triage dataset, which will facilitate improved monitoring and understanding of this component of the front-end service system.

ISSUES

The Department is starting to plan the roll-out of the mental health triage classification scale across Victoria.

Key components to ensure the successful implementation of the scale will include:

• Dissemination of information about the triage scale, its purpose and its use to key stakeholders.
• Training on the use of the scale and the associated materials to inform its use.
• Ensuring that local procedures, data collection processes and clinical governance frameworks support implementation and use of the triage scale.
• Ensuring awareness of (and compliance with) the data collection specifications and key performance indicators linked to the scale.

In relation to the data collection, the RAPID/CMI screening register was updated in 2007 to include the seven triage codes as a new field. This is the minimum requirement for implementation of the scale. Several additional modifications were made in the last release, to support a minimum triage dataset, which focuses on capturing triage outcomes and service responsiveness to a triage contact. The Department presented to the CMI coordinators on the modifications and the minimum triage data set earlier this month to start discussions and facilitate preparations.

The minimum triage dataset will be rolled out in conjunction with the roll-out of the Mental Health Triage Scale and Guidelines in the new year, with implementation across Victoria expecting to be completed by 30 June 2009.

The Department will be engaging further with Area Mental Health Services before the end of the year to discuss the implementation and roll-out of the triage scale and minimum dataset.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Services wishing to access further information or discuss the implementation of the triage scale are invited to contact Leanne Roberts on 9096 8548 or at leanne.roberts@dhs.vic.gov.au.

David Clements

Acting Director

Mental Health & Drugs Operations

Department of Health | Level 17/50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

T: (03) 9096 8123 | F: (03) 9096 8726 | E: David.Clements@dhs.vic.gov.au

Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme - Terms of Reference

The following is an excerpt of an article published by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs:

The Australian Government is committed to developing a National Disability Strategy to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and their carers.

The Commonwealth, along with the States and Territories, has a major investment in disability specific support. However, there remains a significant level of unmet demand for disability services which impacts upon the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. Demographic change and the anticipated decline in the availability of informal care are expected to place further pressure on the existing system over the coming decades.

While Australia’s social security and universal health care systems provide an entitlement to services based on need, there is currently no equivalent entitlement to disability care and support services.

The Government is committed to finding the best solutions to improve care and support services for people with disability. An exploration of alternative approaches to funding and delivering disability services with a focus on early intervention and long‑term care will be an important contribution to the National Disability Strategy.

The full article, with details of the scope of the review, can be found here.

TheMHS (The Mental Health Services) 12th Summer Forum + 20th Annual Conference (2010)

The following is a listing on behalf of TheMHS (The Mental Health Services Conference Inc), a non profit agency educating in the area of mental health:

TheMHS (The Mental Health Services) 12th Summer Forum

‘The Right to Care that Works’

Date: 18-19 February 2010

Location: Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour Sydney

Contact: media@themhs.org.au for sponsorship information

More details.

and

TheMHS (The Mental Health Services) 20th Annual Conference

'20 years strong and now a renaissance’

Date: 14-17 September 2010

Location: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour Sydney

Contact: media@themhs.org.au for sponsorship information

More details.

New Structure of the Department of Health

The following is a message from Fran Thorn, Secretary, Department of Health:

After a period of consultation, I am pleased to provide you with the new structure of the Department of Health, which will be effective from 1 December 2009. The structure will help us deliver improved hospital and health service performance outcomes, a more strategic focus on national health reform, addressing challenges such as ageing and chronic disease, and the continuation of mental health reform.

The Department of Health will comprise the following four divisions:

• Hospital & Health Service Performance - responsible for governance, performance, acute funding and policy settings for public hospitals and health services across Victoria. This division will also be responsible for departmental and health sector information and communication technology.
• Wellbeing, Integrated Care & Aged - will focus on prevention, intensify our efforts in respect of chronic disease and build a focus on integration of care, health management and aged care services. It will also be responsible for workforce policy and planning in the health and aged care sector, as well as the department's internal human resources function.
• Mental Health, Drugs & Regions - will provide a more integrated approach to mental health and drugs service planning and delivery across Victoria. The division will also be responsible for regional coordination and operational support - the regional Directors, Health & Aged Care will report to the Executive Director of this division.
• Strategy, Policy & Finance - will be focused on improving the Victorian health system through policy reform, strategy development and regulatory activities. The division will also be responsible for finance including budget operations, management of shared service arrangements and communications.

Paul McDonald has also been appointed Executive Director, Portfolio Projects and will be responsible for providing additional senior oversight of key organisational and system projects. Paul will start in his new role on 14 December.

As indicated above, the department's regional presence will sit within the Mental Health, Drugs & Regions division overseen by Dr Karleen Edwards who commences on 2 December. However, regions will continue to connect with program areas across the whole department. Key roles of regions will include relationship management with health and aged care services and agencies, and management and monitoring of health & aged care programs at the local level.

More detail on the structure and functions of each division is attached. We are also working on a simple guide that will list key contacts within the new department to ensure you know who to contact within the department on different issues. This guide will be available by 1 December.

In the meantime, your existing contacts will remain unchanged.

Thank you to those who took the time to send me comments and feedback on the draft structure circulated on 2 October. I look forward to working with you to enhance and protect the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.

Fran Thorn | Secretary

Department of Health | Level 21, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

T: +61 3 90968584| F: + 61 3 9096 9220 | e. fran.thorn@dhs.vic.gov.au

VCOSS Clearinghouse: ACOSS Community Sector Survey Now Open

The following was received from VCOSS:

The 2010 Community Sector Survey is now open on-line and the closing date is Wednesday the 16th of December 2009. This Australia wide survey is conducted regularly by Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) to provide valuable information/evidence that assists our sector.

VCOSS would really appreciate if you could find the time to complete this important survey.

The survey should be completed by non-government, non-profit organisations providing services directly to the public. Please forward this email to other organisations that you think might be interested in completing the survey.

The information that your organisation provides contributes to an important body of knowledge about the community sector. The data collected in this survey informs sector advocacy, and provides government and the media with a snapshot of how the sector and disadvantaged Australians are faring.

The report from the annual Community Sector Survey has a very high profile. The 2009 report generated national media coverage. Clare Martin, the ACOSS CEO, was interviewed for reports in major daily newspapers including The Australian , The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Canberra Times as well as AM and FM radio.

Recent government reports and studies refer to the National Report, and numerous journal articles and books published through the year contain references to data from the survey.

The findings from this survey will be released in early 2010.

Complete the survey online or download a paper copy here.

For more information about the survey, please contact Ellen Adele at ACOSS on (02) 9310 6204 or ellen@acoss.org.au.

Mental Health and Acute Care in the UK

The following is an excerpt from a message sent to MHCA members:

In a first for the UK, mental health patient groups, NHS service providers and staff groups have come together today to launch the first national declaration for people with a mental health crisis.

This recognises that improving acute mental health services (both community and inpatients) needs to remain a key national priority. It aims to build on the recognised progress which has been made in recent years.

The declaration sets out that people who are acutely ill should receive safe high quality care in a comfortable environment. The organisations will work together to achieve this by focusing on integrating people back into their everyday lives while also setting out the need to promote a more positive image of mental illness.

The full article can be found here.

Fourth National Mental Health Plan Commitment

The following is a message from David Crosbie, CEO, Mental Health Council of Australia:

The Australian Health Ministers’ Conference ... reaffirmed its commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, recognising that one in five Australians continue to experience a mental illness in a given year.

[H]ealth ministers publicly released the Fourth National Mental Health Plan: an agenda for collaborative government action in mental health 2009-2014.

The Plan has five priority areas for government action in mental health:

1. Social inclusion and recovery;
2. Prevention and early intervention;
3. Service access, coordination and continuity of care;
4. Quality improvement and innovation; and
5. Accountability - measuring and reporting progress.

While led by health ministers, the Plan takes a whole of government approach. This approach acknowledges that the best mental health outcomes are achieved through a partnership involving sectors other than just health.

The Plan is ambitious in its approach and for the first time includes a robust accountability framework. Each year, governments will report progress on implementation of the Plan to the Council of Australian Governments.

It will be interesting to monitor the implementation of the ‘robust accountability framework’.

David Crosbie

CEO, Mental Health Council of Australia

Alia House, Level 1, 9 – 11 Napier Close

DEAKIN ACT 2600

www.mhca.org.au

Ph: 61 2 6285 3100 Mob: 0419 624420

Employment opportunity - Community Support Worker - PHAMS (F/T) (EACH)

PERSONAL HELPERS AND MENTORS (PHaMS)

LILYDALE (FULL TIME)

Each currently has an exciting position available for a motivated and talented individual within its Personal Helpers and Mentors Program.

PHaMs provides an outreach model of psychosocial case management to people, who have severe functional limitations from a mental illness to assist them to overcome social isolation and increase connection to the community.

Previous applicants need not re-apply.

Vacancy closes 5pm, Friday 27th November 2009.

For a full position description and/or to apply on line please visit our Careers Centre at www.each.com.au/vacancies.

For additional information please contact

Maria Dugan, Recruitment Co-ordinator,

phone 03 9871 2605.

Employment opportunity - AOD Clinician (Inner South Community Health Service)

Inner South Community Health Service (St Kilda base)

An experienced alcohol and other drug clinician is required for 3 to 5 days a week for a minimum of 2 to 3 months to back fill for a staff member on sick leave. This is an outreach position with 2 other outreach staff in a combined AOD team of 6 staff.

Ring Alan Murnane on 0413 836 455 if you are interested in further details or email your resume to amurnane@ischs.org.au.

New Workplace Laws: Free Workshops

The following was received from JobWatch:

JobWatch Inc is a non-profit, employment rights, community legal centre with 28 years experience in employment law and workplace relations.

JobWatch has been selected by the Federal Government to deliver free education and information services to the Victorian public about recent changes to workplace laws, following the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009, from 1 July 2009.

In addition to providing workshops throughout greater Melbourne, JobWatch will be travelling throughout regional Victoria, and can provide free workshops at a time and location to suit your organisation.

Changes to workplace laws are extensive, and relevant to the rights and responsibilities of all employees and employers. The workshops provide an overview of the Fair Work Act 2009, with an emphasis on:

• New Unfair Dismissal & Redundancy laws
• General Protections (completely new rules prohibiting Adverse Action against employees – protection of extensive, broad-ranging, workplace rights)
• New Minimum terms and conditions of employment (NES from 1st January 2010)
• Compliance with the new laws (including rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
• The role of Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman
• Other aspects of the changes at your request (eg: Collective Bargaining)

The workshops are interactive and are delivered by qualified, practising JobWatch lawyers with significant experience and expertise in employment law and workplace relations. Workshops run for about 1 hour.

The presenting lawyers have a special understanding of how to communicate often complex legal issues simply and effectively, making the information accessible and interesting to any audience.

Real case studies are used to illustrate the application of the new workplace laws so that participants can gain a genuine understanding of how the new laws apply to them.

To access a free workshop, please fill out and return the attached free-talk request form, estimating number of participants.

The request form may be returned by fax: 9663 2024, or as an attachment to an email: admin@jobwatch.org.au

To discuss this opportunity, please contact Marcus Bongiorno (Talks Coordinator) on 0409 178 386 or 9662 9458, or Gabrielle Marchetti (Principal

Lawyer) on 9662 9458.

Thank you for your interest in participating in this free workshop.

Sincerely,

Marcus Bongiorno

Muriel Bamblett to deliver the 9th Human Rights Oration

With an opening address by The Hon Rob Hulls and a performance by the Gunditjmara Karweeyn group, this year's Human Rights Oration will look towards the best approach to creating a meeting between cultures and helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders achieve practical self-determination.

For more information visit the Human Rights Commission's website here

Date: Tuesday 8 December

Time: 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm

Venue: ZINC, Federation Square

Portable long service leave for the community services sector

UPDATE AS OF 1 October 2009.

VCOSS and representatives of the VCOSS Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) Working Group met with Minister Neville this afternoon for a briefing on the progress of the PLSL scheme.

The Minister advised us that the Government has decided to delay the introduction of the PLSL legislation (originally scheduled for the spring session of parliament) to the autumn session in 2010. This delay will enable the Government to work closely with the community services sector and unions over the next three to four months to develop a more viable scheme.

An independent consultant will be engaged to provide an assessment of the business impact of the scheme. The sector will have input into the terms of reference for the consultant and a reference group will be established.

As you may be aware, VCOSS, along with many other peaks and CSOs, have been advocating for a delay to the legislation to allow more time to consider the key issues – administrative complexity, cost impact and scope. VCOSS welcomes the new approach offered today, as this gives the sector, unions and government more time to work together to develop a sustainable PLSL scheme.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact Ministers and local members of parliament to raise issues of concern from your perspective.

Your work has contributed to today’s outcome. VCOSS looks forward to working with the Government to develop a sustainable and viable PLSL model for the community sector.

For further information please contact:

Cath Smith

Chief Executive Officer

T: 9654 5050 E: cath.smith@vcoss.org.au

Paula Grogan

Community Sector Sustainability Policy Coordinator, VCOSS

T: 9654 5050 E: paula.grogan@vcoss.org.au

'Feeling the heat: workers' experiences, knowledge and understanding of job stress in the Victorian Community Sector

This is an invitation to workers to participate in a research project entitled 'Feeling the heat: workers' experiences, knowledge and understanding of job stress in the Victorian Community Sector.

I am seeking interested workers to participate in either an in-depth interview or a focus group. I will be running focus groups in central Melbourne (2 groups) in mid November 2009 and 1 group in Ballarat in early December and 1 group in Morwell late November, 2009.

If interested please contact me on my mobile 043 830 7002 or email lorraine.harrison@live.vu.edu. I am a social worker and have been in the community sector for many years and I think this research is important as is change for workers in the community sector in terms of occupational health and safety.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Based on the conventional first aid model, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can help you identify symptoms, causes and risk factors for the following high prevalence disorders:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance Use

Further, the course also teaches you how to respond to someone who:

• May be suicidal
• May be having a panic attack
• Appears threatening
• May have taken a drug overdose

Norwood offers the following types of courses

• Adult MHFA (in English and Vietnamese)
• Youth MHFA (Extra modules are Eating Disorders and Non suicidal self injury)

The MHFA courses can be delivered over two days or as four modules of three hours each. We run public courses and customised courses to suit your organisational needs delivered at a time and place to suit you. Our course is suitable for 15-20 participants. Participants who complete all units receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Mental Health First Aid body auspiced by Orygen Research Centre - University of Melbourne.

Norwood’s Instructors are experienced mental health practitioners. Norwood Association is a not for profit community mental health service providing recovery and rehabilitation services to adults (16-64 years of age) who live with mental health issues and resulting disabilities, residing within the communities of Brimbank, Melton and Sunbury.

November 18 & 25 2009

• Melton East Community Health Centre

Level 1, 13-15 Lake Street

CAROLINE SPRINGS VIC 3023

December 4 & 11 2009

• North Melbourne Library

Level 1, 66 Errol Street

NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051

For our latest courses and more information, please visit our website on this link: www.norwoodservices.org.au/firstaid

Making Links Conference 2009

WHERE? Melbourne University, ICT Building, 111 Barry St Carlton

WHEN? 16th - 18th November 2009

Making Links is a conference that seeks to engage interested people, organisations and groups working at the intersection of social action and IT - including community workers, educators, trainers, not-for-profit organisations, people who work with marginalised groups, activists and researchers. The Conference seeks to:

• bring the community sector together to access resources, training and services, and to share ideas, skills and creative applications of technology.
• Explore the possibilities ICTs generate for communities whose voices have been marginalized and excluded from the mainstream.
• Showcase innovative, grass roots ICT initiatives in community cultural development, outreach, and e-learning.
• Build and develop networks amongst workers and activists interested in how ICT can be used to support social justice.

For more information or to register visit www.makinglinks.org.au

Board Builder Conference 2009 - Friday, November 27, 2009

Practical Renewal, Positive Results, Better Board Performance

The leading national conference for community boards, committees and governing councils

Our Community will be holding the fourth annual Board Builder Conference in November and we invite all those who work on or with community organisation boards & committees to attend.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from experts with years of experience on a wide range of boards & committees, as well as from your peers in the community sector.

Date: Friday, November 27, 2009

Time: 9.15am-4.30pm

Venue: Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds, VIC

Further information and bookings: http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/boardbuilder2009

2nd Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference

Tuesday 17th – Wednesday 18th November 2009

Jasper Hotel 489 Elizabeth St. Melbourne

The DARU (Disability Advocacy Resource Unit), SARU (Self Advocacy Resource Unit) and VDAN (Victorian Disability Advocacy Network) are convening the 2nd Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference.

This year’s theme is: Strengthening Disability Advocacy: Working Together

For more information click here or to download the Registration Form, Conference Program and Accommodation Options visit the SARU website www.saru.net.au or the DARU website www.daru.org.au

Office for the Community Sector e-bulletin

Recently, the Productivity Commission released the Draft Research Report on the Contribution of the NFP Sector. Comments are invited via written submissions, by COB Tuesday 24 November 2009. To download the report, and find out how to make a submission, please visit http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/not-for-profit/draft

For more information on upcoming events and also news from the Federal and Victorian governments, subscribe to the e-bulletin by emailing communitysector@dpcd.vic.gov.au.

National Disability Services Victoria and Disability Professionals Victoria Conference - Call for Papers

The call for papers has been extended to the 13 November 2009.

National Disability Services Victoria and Disability Professionals Victoria are partnering to hold the largest annual Victorian conference for disability for organisations and professionals in 2010. The two-day conference From Strength to Strength will showcase how future focussed organisations and leaders are thriving... and adapting to the constantly changing environment.

The disability service sector is facing a constantly changing environment, in an economic climate that requires us to do more with less, but demands more governance and management practice. Our sector is moving to more individualised approaches and self-directed budgets. In this challenging environment, service providers and individuals are developing innovative approaches to manage this complexity. This conference will share the challenges, provide an opportunity to gain from others' experience and recognise positive developments in the sector.

As a sector we need to be provoked into thinking differently about our world; to have our assumptions challenged and new insights gained. Therefore we are seeking speakers who will engage with our audience, be provocative and lead debate and evaluation of differing ideas.

ABSTRACT TOPIC AREAS

National Disability Services (NDS) and Disability Professional Victoria (DPV) are calling for the submission of abstracts of papers that will assist organisations and people who work in organisations that support people with disability.

Topics of interest include:

1. Organisational Dynamics/ Emotional Intelligence

· showcasing recent research projects

· the management of emotions in a busy , chaotic environment

· the underlying dynamics of our sector

2. Leadership and Change Methodologies

· Action research, Appreciative inquiry, Strength based approaches

· Change management

· How to lead in an ever changing environment

3. Innovations

· Using technology to do more with less

· National Insurance Scheme

· Visionary projects

· Successful service innovations

4. Finance /Governance/Risk management

· Risk management

· Implications of individualised funding,

· Niche marketing

· Governance v Flexibility in risk adverse climate

5. Service Reorientation

· being competitive without being unprincipled

· building the right organizational culture

· drawing the best out of people

· innovative management practices

· aligning strategies to the new environment

· client inclusion what does this really mean

6. Workforce

· Attracting the right people to your organisation

· Occupation Health & Safety – aligning workers rights with client rights

· Recent successes in retaining staff

7. Research

· How to evaluate practices and programs

· Putting research into practice

· What is evidence based research

8. Collaborations, Competition and Stakeholder Engagement

· With other disability organisations, businesses, governments, education and training organisations and communities.

· identifying the types of partnerships or networks that work best

· managing the risks

· case studies of partnerships, highlighting the lessons

· Running a network

· what does stakeholder engagement mean to an organization and of the benefits of giving people with disability a chance

SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS AND ENQUIRIES

Abstracts, up to 300 words in length, must be submitted by 13 November to:

Helen Bryant

National Disability Services

Level 10, 369 Royal Parade

Parkville 3052

Phone 03 8341 4306 or 0400 106 130

Email helen.bryant@nds.org.au

Website www.nds.org.au

Abstracts may be submitted electronically, as an email attachment, or by post on PC-compatible disc. They must be in MS Word or Word-readable format.

They will be assessed for suitability for inclusion by a peer review panel so should include the rational for the project/presentation, the benefits to the organisation or individual.

It is anticipated that presentations will generally be 30 or 45 minutes in length.

ABSTRACT FORMAT AND PRESENTER PROFILE

Title Arial, 12 pt bold, top of page, left justified

Body of abstract Arial, 11 pt, left justified

Presenter profile Include name, organisation, contact details and a brief presenter profile of no more than 150 words.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Presenters are invited to attend the Conference as our guest on the day of their presentation. The cost of attendance at the Conference on an additional day and any travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of each presenter.

The Conference organisers reserve the right to edit the abstract and/or presenter profile for use during the Conference.

National Disability Services (NDS) is the national industry association for disability services, with a membership of over 600 not-for-profit organisations. Collectively, its members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. Members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations, and are located in every State and Territory across Australia. NDS’s mission is to promote the development of quality services and life opportunities for Australians with disabilities.

Disability Professionals Victoria (DPV) is a professional association for individuals working in the disability sector and we promote excellence & leadership in a vibrant disability profession, by providing opportunities for recognition, learning & connection. Our focus is on the individual professionalrather than the employing organisation; everyone who is a current or aspiring disability professional is welcome to join DPV.

Australian Human Rights Commission Welcomes Partnership on Housing

From the Australian Human Rights Commission, Wednesday 28th October 2009:

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated leaders from the housing and community sector who have met and committed to developing a national strategy to improve the design of houses to meet the changing needs of families.

The meeting, held at Kirribilli House and hosted by Ms Therese Rein and Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten, brought together 20 of Australia’s leading players concerned with the design, development, construction and regulation of housing, along with representatives from government advisory bodies and community groups.

The meeting looked at a range of initiatives, taking place in Australia and overseas, aimed at making it easier for young families, people who may have an injury or illness, older Australians and people with disability to safely enjoy their homes as their needs change.

To download the summary statement of the outcome of the meeting and a list of organisations represented at the meeting go to http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/accommodation/kirribilli_house.htm

Certificate IV in Disability (CHC40308) Or Diploma of Disability (CHC50108) - Online

Start Or Further Your Career In Disability

February Start – Holmesglen Chadstone

2010 Fast Track Study - Apply Now

Certificate IV in Disability

The Certificate IV in Disability is designed for people currently working in the disability sector, or those wanting to commence work in the sector.

• Length: Fast track 12 months with some on-line learning and fieldwork (in your workplace if currently employed in the disability sector) or voluntary. Classes are generally held one day per week (Thursdays) with some days fully on line.
• Student Support: Students are fully supported in on-line learning and computers are available for student use at Holmesglen.
• Job Prospects: Graduates can work in a wide range of disability organisations including day, employment, residential or individualised support services in both government and non-government sectors.

Start Date: Thursday 4 February 2010

Diploma of Disability - Online

The Diploma of Disability is designed for people who have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Disability and wish to take the “next step” in their education to increase their career options.

• Flexibility: The course is online with six (two day) workshops delivered throughout the year.
• Duration: 12 months after successful completion of the Certificate IV in Disability.
• Job Prospects: Graduates may work in a range of specific disability support positions including case management & project work or move into supervisory, coordination and/or management positions in both the government and non-government sectors.
• Prerequisites: Certificate IV in Disability and current employment in the disability sector for a minimum of eight hours per week.

Start Date: Wednesday 27 January 2010

Further Information

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Chadstone Campus

For more information and an application form, please call

Tel: 9564 2624 or email,

Certificate IV in Disability

wendy.simpson@holmesglen.edu.au

Diploma of Disability

lisa.harris@holmesglen.edu.au

Website: http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/

Anxiety Management Strategies: Workshop for Health Professionals

The Anxiety Disorder Association of Victoria (ADAVIC)

Invites you to

‘Working It Out’

Anxiety Management Strategies

A workshop for Mental Health Professionals

4th December 2009

Presented by

Bev Aisbett – Author and Counsellor

This workshop will be invaluable for:

Any counsellor, case manager, mental health worker, drug and alcohol practitioner, social worker or any other health and welfare worker who wants to improve their skills in assisting people with conquering their anxiety and depression.

About the Presenter:

Having suffered from severe anxiety in the past, Bev Aisbett's recovery led to her offering help as an author, counselor and survivor to many people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Bev found help in personifying her fears and anxiety into a character “IT”. Through giving her anxiety form, and the characterisation of her affirmations, Bev created a therapeutic technique which she saw had the potential to help others.

Attached please find further details about ‘WORKING IT OUT’ Anxiety Management Strategies Workshop and please feel free to distribute through your contacts/networks.

This workshop will only be available to 50 participants. If you would like to partake in the program we would encourage you to book early!

Bookings can now be made online at:

http://www.adavic.org.au/product-view.aspx?Id=38

Bookings close Friday 20th November 2009.

Kind regards,

Anna Kouloubos

Co-ordinator

Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria

Ph: (03) 9853 8089

www.adavic.org.au

Endorse National Campaign to Improve Access to Examinations at Doctors Surgeries

We have receive the following information from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA):

Campaign to improve access to examinations and screening at your Doctors

We are writing to ask for your support in trying to improve the quality and safety of examinations and screening procedures received by patients visiting their GP.

This issue is important to anyone who visits their GP and cannot get a thorough examination because they have difficulty getting onto or cannot get onto the examination bed. It particularly affects people with an injury, pregnant women, anyone with a mobility disability and our growing aging population.

In 2004 only 5% of GP's had an adjustable-height examination bed. These beds, which cost less than $2000, make it much easier for GP's to examine patients. It also makes it easier for staff who are not put at risk by having to assist people up onto fixed height examination beds.

Today things have improved but still less than half of GP surgeries have adjustable-height examination beds.

We have an important opportunity now to makes things better by writing to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) who are conducting a review of the Standards for General Practice which could make adjustable-height examination beds mandatory.

This package of information is designed to assist you to do one or all of the following things:

1. Encourage your members and network of friends to tell their personal story about their experiences when visiting their GP. The document Members letter which is attached is a draft letter you could send to your members and colleagues to encourage them to write. Please feel free to alter it to suit your organisation.

2. Support the campaign by endorsing the joint submission we have drafted. This is the attached document Submission to RACGP. If you would like to do this and encourage others to do so please send an e mail stating your support and provide the name of your organisation, your mail address and the name and title of the person endorsing the submission to Carolyn Frohmader from Women With Disabilities Australia who is co-ordinating the submission at wwda@wwda.org.au Please get your endorsements to Carolyn by 20 November.

3. Make your own submission to RACGP from your own organisations perspective. The following documents may assist in developing your submission:

a) http://humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/health/open0807.htm This document provides a background to the campaign to improve access to adjustable-height examination beds

b) http://humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/health/access.doc This document gives information on a survey conducted in 2003

c) http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/images/stories/documents/ahet-report.pdf This document provides information on a more recent survey and summarises research in this area

Submissions must be sent to RACGP by 30 November to:

Standards Review Process

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

College House

1 Palmerston Crescent

South Melbourne VIC 3205

Or e mail to standards@racgp.org.au

Yours sincerely

Carolyn Frohmader

On behalf of:

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

People with Disability Australia (PWDA)

Physical Disability Council NSW (PDCN)

Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA)

6th National Housing Conference e-newsletter 11

The reality of any place is what its people remember of it. - Charles Kuralt

This e-Newsletter helps you plan your conference experience to ensure that you get to the sessions that most interest you.

In this issue:

• Conference program now available
• The private sector role in housing
• A big thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors
• Calling all women who are working in social housing!
• Tour to run twice due to popular demand
• Walk This Way
• Contact us
• Linking to previous e-Newsletters

e-Newsletter available here

Annecto is seeking - Coordinator Organisational Learning

• Growing, Community Based Organisation
• Generous Salary Packaging Available.

annecto - the people network is an independent, not for profit association committed to increasing opportunities and choices for people with a disability, older persons and their carers.

This exciting opportunity is a newly created role, designed to develop and support annecto’s culture of learning and development. Working within a friendly team, you will draw on your own professional experience to provide innovative, tailored training solutions to enhance our workforce capability.

To be successful in the role, you will be a team player with the ability to mentor and coach; as well as demonstrate experience and relevant qualifications in adult and organisational learning techniques.

Further information

For more information, please contact Bianca Sabatino:

Tel: 9687 7066 or

Email: recruitment@annecto.org.au.

Applications close Wednesday 11th November 2009.