Safe Smoking Cessation and Mental Illness Training Session

The following was received from Cancer Council Victoria and Quit Victoria:

Quit Victoria's one-day training session for Health Professionals in Safe Smoking Cessation and Mental Illness

The topics covered in this training session include:

• The important role of health professionals in smoking cessation
• Smoking and social disadvantage
• Barriers to addressing smoking cessation
• Understanding smoking behaviour and the stages of change model
• The health effects and benefits of quitting
• Motivational interviewing and smoking cessation
• Small group discussion and case scenarios
• Integrating smoking cessation into the routine provision of client care
• Quit's services and resources.

The next Safe Smoking cessation and Mental Health training day will be held on 4th March, 2010 in Carlton and will cost $100 (including lunch, morning and afternoon teas). If you would like further information about this Quit Training session, please contact Judi Brewster on 03 9635 5503 or by email Judi.Brewster@cancervic.org.au

Safe in Oz 'Self-Abuse Finally Ends' Workshops

The following was receieved from SAFE in Oz:

SAFE in Oz

will present

‘An Introduction To Working With Individuals Who Self Abuse’

[which is a pre-requisite for a three day workshop; ‘Facilitating The SAFE in Oz Consumer Program’.]

Berwick – 10th & 11th March 2010

Chirnside Park – 22nd & 23rd March 2010

Essendon – 25th & 26th March 2010

Benalla – 28th & 29th April 2010

Who should attend the training workshops?

Mental health workers, carers who work with individuals who self-abuse, youth workers, drug and alcohol workers, student counsellors, teachers, GP’s, psychologists,

counsellors, and anyone who wishes to better understand self-abuse.

There are limited places available for these workshops, therefore, it is advisable to register and finalise payments early.

Visit our website at www.safeinoz.com.au and view our Newsletter – ‘Hope, Help & Hanging Out’.

VCOSS - Occupational Health and Safety Events for 2010

The following was received from VCOSS:

For more information on any of the events below, please contact Erin.Wicking@vcoss.org.au

5 DAY HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES TRAINING

This five day training course is the WorkSafe approved course for elected Occupational Health & Safety Representatives.

Topics include:

• Employer responsibility/obligations
• Rights and powers of OHS Representatives
• Recognition, evaluation and control of hazards
• Use of regulations and compliance codes

This comprehensive five-day course equips elected Health and Safety Representatives with the skills to assist those they represent and their employer in tackling OHS issues in the workplace.

NB - Training is available to employees and volunteers of community organisations only

When: (5 day training) Monday March 15th to Friday 19th March, 2010 – 9am – 4.30pm on all five days

Where: Australian Services Union - 116-124 Queensberry St, Carlton South

Download registration form here

Cost: $200 or $100 for VCOSS Members (Fees can be waived for organisations unable to pay)

For more information please contact Erin Wicking on 9654 5050, email erin.wicking@vcoss.org.au

FREE INFORMANTION SESSION – MAKING WORKCOVER WORK FOR YOU

Come and find out all you ever needed to know about WorkCover insurance. This FREE session will give organisations an overview of the WorkCover scheme including how premiums are calculated, the role of their agent as well as the role of WorkSafe Victoria. This session will also give participants information on how to access the services offered by WorkCover agents as well as tips on how they can reduce their WorkCover premiums.

NB - Training is available to employees and volunteers of community organisations only

When: Wednesday 3rd March 2010 – 9.30am – 12.30pm (morning tea provided)

Where: VCOSS Boardroom, Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Download registration form here

Cost: FREE

For more information please contact Erin Wicking on 9654 5050, email erin.wicking@vcoss.org.au

STRESS PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING - COMING SOON

Dates and further information available soon.

To receive notification of upcoming dates, please email your details to laura.mondon@vcoss.org.au

OHS EQUIPMENT GRANTS – FINAL GRANT ROUND OPEN SOON!

VCOSS has the opportunity to participate in the WorkSafe Prevention Fund Project over the last two years through the distribution of OHS equipment grants. The OHS Equipment Grants will allow not-for-profit community organisations to improve workplace health and safety by accessing funds to purchase equipment and/or modifications to address identified OHS hazards in their organisation.

Organisations can use the one-off grants (of up to $5000 including GST) towards the purchase of equipment and/or modifications that will eliminate or reduce risks to health and safety.

Applications for the FINAL round of equipment grants will be accepted from March 1st 2010 until March 31st 2010. To find out all you need to know about the grants priority areas, eligibility and how to apply, please click here

Organisations are asked to read all grant information on the Community OHS website carefully before contacting VCOSS. Applicants MUST contact VCOSS to discuss items to be requested prior to beginning the application process.

For more information, please contact Erin.Wicking@vcoss.org.au

FREE OHS AUDITS

Applying for a OHS Equipment Grant? Access a Free Health and Safety Audit to find out what health and safety needs (including equipment) your organisation has.

VCOSS is offering FREE OHS audits to Victorian community organisations with up to 50 employees (EFT, not including volunteers) through the WorkSafe Victoria Small Business Safety Program. All you need to do is complete the registration form below and an independent consultant will visit your workplace for up to three hours to provide expert advice on OHS and help you put together a Safety Action Plan. The audits are worth approximately $500 and are completely free of charge!

Click here to download an application form for a free audit and email completed form to erin.wicking@vcoss.org.au or fax to (03) 9654 5749.

There are only a few places available for 2010, so make sure you register now so you don’t miss out.

Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Forum 2010

The following was received from the Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy:

Forum 2010 - March 26th -29th - in Tasmania!

Bush Adventure Therapy is a diverse field of practice combining adventure and outdoor environments with the intention to achieve therapeutic outcomes for those involved.

The Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Inc. is the peak body for practitioners who have a professional interest in supporting, developing and promoting the field of Bush Adventure Therapy.

Building on the success of previous gatherings, this year’s AABAT FORUM 2010 will be hosted by the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Association of Bush Adventure Therapy. The forum will be held at Far South Wilderness Camp which will provide a stunning and relaxed environment in which to enjoy the kind of discussion, camaraderie, and professional development that has become characteristic of previous Forums.

AABAT extends a particular welcome in this Forum 2010 to persons new to the field; to prospective practitioners and program managers and all others unfamiliar but interested in the diversity and philosophy of Bush Adventure Therapy practice in Australia.

At a glance there will be opportunities:

• To participate in workshops exploring some of the history, philosophies and principles that underpin BAT practices
• For existing and prospective managers and team leaders to engage in a workshop exploring the ‘business’ of integrating BAT approaches within existing services
• To extend understanding of issues and perspectives relating to specific target groups (e.g. drug and alcohol, mental health, etc.)
• To participate in workshops considering the development of BAT throughout Australia

For more detailed information please click here, or email Val our Tasmanian Representative for AABAT on batnet.tas@xga.com.au.

Employment opportunity - Vodafone Foundation Australia - World of Difference

The following was received from VCOSS:

The Vodafone Foundation Australia are giving 5 Australians the incredible opportunity to work for the charity of their choice for one year. To enable you to do this they will pay your annual salary (up to $50,000) and expenses (up to $25,000).

Charity must have Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR)

How to apply?

Complete the online application form describing how you will make a world of difference for your chosen charity.

What is the application process?

Submit your application of between 500 to max 2000 words before the 7 Feb 2010

The short listed applicants will be selected and contacted before the 26 Feb 2010

The top 10 applicants will be interviewed between 1 to 13 March 2010

The winning 5 World of Difference applicants for 2010 will be announced on the 15 March 2010

The winning applicants will be required to start their new ‘World of Difference’ job from or before the 26 April 2010

APPLY NOW

Ronni Kahn was one of the 2009 winners and made her World of Difference through working for ‘OzHarvest’ a charity that delivers left over food to those in need.

For more information see the Vodafone website.

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

The following was received from wire:

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

20 SESSIONS: 17 Tuesday evenings and 3 Saturdays (full days)

Nationally recognised training qualification

This course is often cited as the minimum qualification required for training officers. It is also highly regarded by employers for positions where training and assessment may be only a part of the role. It also demonstrates that you have highly developed organisational, analytical and communication skills.

Well respected community service and training provider

WIRE is a women’s community service and Registered Training Organisation with 25 years’ experience in delivering training. We have well established processes for supporting our trainees and a reputation for delivering excellent training experiences.

Affordable

Our rates are among the cheapest you will find: $1,400* (full rate)

OR

2 concession places only per course: $1,150* (concession with Health Care/Pensioner card only)

* Participants will also have to pay additional manual cost ($35) and enrolment fee ($50).

Parents or carers seeking to return to paid work may be eligible for a Returning to Earning grant. Visit www.returningtoearning.com.au to find out more.

Convenient

Training sessions will run at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (near Melbourne Central station) on Tuesday evenings 6pm to 9pm (17 sessions) and Saturdays 10am to 5pm (3 sessions).

First training session starts Tuesday evening 16 February 2010. REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

Visit www.wire.org.au for registration forms and payment details. All registration forms have to be submitted and paid for by 5pm Tuesday 2 February 2010.

For other queries, email wire@wire.org.au or contact Kate Whiting on (03) 9921 0870.

For more information, please click here.

Psychosis, Spirituality and Mental Health Seminar with John Watkins

The following was received from ARAFEMI:

Psychosis, Spirituality and Mental Health Seminar with John Watkins

In his talk John Watkins will draw upon three decades of experience and research to address the following topics:

• The varieties of psychotic experience
• Psychosis as a psychospiritual crisis
• The concept of spiritual emergency
• Psychiatry and the “healing of the soul”
• The importance of spiritual discernment
• Understanding and healing the wounded soul

Date: Monday, 15 February

Time: 10am to 5pm

Cost: $50.00 / $30 (Members) / $10.00 (Consumers)

Location: Phyllis Hore Meeting Room, Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road & Civic Drive Melway: Map 45 Ref D6

RSVP: Mon 1 Feb 2010

The booking form can be downloaded here.

Approaches to Clinical Governance and Risk

The following is taken from the Australian Institute of Company Directors website:

Approaches to Clinical Governance and Risk

Wed 24 February 2010

Effective clinical governance and risk management frameworks are vital elements for directors across all divisions of the healthcare sector.

Clinical governance and risk management frameworks aim to ensure the provision of quality care and minimise harm to patients through sound policy and strategic leadership in clinical safety and quality.

Clinical governance is everyone’s responsibility - from the Board, to CEOs and Executives, to clinicians. However it is the responsibility of the Board to ensure that appropriate safety and quality systems are in place.

This event is a must attend for all directors of medical and healthcare organisations. It will provide an overview of the Boards role in clinical governance and risk management and give you the opportunity to learn how the director’s role is integral to the process of improving the performance of the healthcare system and assure optimal healthcare outcomes for patients.

For more information, click here.

Inquiry into Supported Accommodation for People with a Disability and/or Mental Illness

Recently the Family and Community Development Committee tabled its report into Supported Accommodation. It can be accessed here. A copy can also be requested via the Papers office in Parliament (Phone: 9651 8911).

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Workshops

The following was received from the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission:

Human rights and equal opportunity workshops 2010

Understand your rights and obligations, improve delivery and outcomes for your clients

The Commission’s human rights and equal opportunity workshops inform Victorian businesses and organisations about their rights and responsibilities under equal opportunity laws and Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Our workshops are tailored to suit different audiences – the private sector, advocates, schools, community organisations and local government. Whether you’re an administrator or advocate, a community worker or manager, a board member or contact officer, human resources or general staff – there’s a workshop for you.

Upcoming workshops include:

Human rights and equal opportunity briefing

Thursday 21 January, 2 - 4pm

Tuesday 16 February, 10am – 12pm

Managing return to work after injury

Thursday 28 January, fully booked

Tuesday 23 February, 9.30am – 1pm

Contact officer introduction

Friday 29 January, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Thursday 18 February, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Introducing the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Thursday 25 February, 9.30am – 1.30pm

More information and registration: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/training

Employment opportunity - Manager of Programs (Australian-Polish Community Services Inc.)

Australian-Polish Community Services Inc (APCS) is a forward looking, progressive and innovative organisation with demonstrated expertise in community aged care service development and delivery. Our strategic vision is to continually develop as a leading multicultural service provider and advocate on multicultural issues.

The position oversees several key programs including Community Aged Care Packages with responsibility for programs and staff, service development and growth.

We are seeking a passionate and innovative person with relevant qualifications and experience in community aged care or related area, a people person, good communicator and ability to support and lead teams.

Position is full time and remuneration is negotiable.

A Polish background is desirable but not essential.

Closing Date: Friday, 8th January 2010

For a PD and/or further information contact Melissa Afentoulis on 8371 2306

Contact details: Ms Melissa Afentoulis

Telephone: 9689 9170 or direct 8371 2306

Email: melissa@apcs.org.au

Website: www.apcs.org.au

Unit 11, Level 1

44-56 Hampstead Road

MAIDSTONE VIC 3012

Social Inclusion Conference - 28-29 January, 2010

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Southbank, Melbourne

The Australian Government would like to invite you to attend its social inclusion conference in Melbourne on 28 and 29 January 2010. The conference is an opportunity to join a national conversation about effective and innovative social inclusion policy and practice.

The conference will be highly interactive and offer participants an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss topics and learn from each other to build a more socially inclusive Australia.

Registrations close 20 January 2010.

For more information, please click here.

Governance Training (PILCH)

The following information was received from VCOSS:

Do you have a new committee or Board member? Or do you need a refresher on what your legal responsibilities are?

If so, here is a date for your diary:

When: 9.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday 9 February 2010

Where: Central Business District Melbourne

Light morning tea will be provided

Cost: $40

Registrations will open in early January, but please send PILCH your contact details if you are interested so a place can be reserved and PILCH can send you an email regarding registration.

To register your interest email connect@pilch.org.au

IT project assistance offered to Melbourne NFPs

The following information was received from VCOSS:

Melbourne University is offering Melbourne based community organisations the opportunity to have a team of final year Information Systems students work on an IT project for FREE!

The Department of Information Systems at Melbourne University is currently seeking IT-based Industry Projects for Semester 1, 2010. The project includes a team of 6 final year Department of Information systems students working with organisations for 12 weeks to develop solutions and products specific to the organisation’s needs. 2010 will be the final time the project is offered. Since Pro Bono Australia first advertised the project in 2003, organisations such as the Peter Mac Callum Cancer Centre, Brotherhood of St Laurence, St Vincent de Paul, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and many others have been able to receive free assistance from highly trained IT students.

The deadline for submitting is Friday 29th January. To register a project please go to disweb.dis.unimelb.edu.au/iproject

For more information on the project please go to www.dis.unimelb.edu.au/about/industry/projects

If you would like further information please contact Louisa Wilson on 03 8344 1500 or at louisaw@unimelb.edu.au