On 23 September ATODA and other stakeholders had a positive meeting with the Chief Minister regarding implementing a needle and syringe program in the AMC.
The group will met for the second time on 28 September to discuss a range of issues, including progressing the recommendations from the Burnet Review and developing a consolidated strategic policy framework for ATOD services. ATODA is a member of this group.
ATODA and the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC ACT) made a submission to the Community Services Directorate for the final round of consultations for the
Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010 (WWVPCS). Read the
submission here.
Further information
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Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT
Broad support continues to build for action, and a program is being designed, to expand the availability of naloxone (Narcan ®) in the ACT. The purpose of expanding naloxone availability is to further reduce and prevent death, disability, and injury from opioid overdoses through provision of training and resources to opioid users and their friends and family members who could be potential overdose witnesses. For more information, evidence and background visit:
www.atoda.org.au/policy/naloxone
Moves toward wider availability of Naloxone
Professor Simon Lenton, National Drug Research Institute
DrugInfo, September 2011 (Vol 9, No3)
Despite the “heroin shortage”, about one Australian a day still dies from an overdose, most involving heroin. For about 20 years there have been calls to make naloxone more available to people who use opioids, their friends, family members and other potential overdose witnesses to help prevent overdose deaths. Read the article here
http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/attachments/446_DrugInfo_heroin_Sep11.pdf
I'm the Evidence. Naloxone Works
Harm Reduction Coalition
I'm the Evidence uses video advocacy to give a face and a voice to overdose stories happening all over the world. It provides an outlet for these stories as a way to mobilize the drug using community and harm reduction advocates around the promotion of naloxone availability and use. For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/NaloxoneWorks
Update: Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT (ENAACT)
ENAACT has been busy developing a training program and is currently waiting on out-of-session approval, by the Survey Research Approval Sub-Committee (SRASC), a sub-committee of the Health Directorate Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), of the questionnaires to be used in the evaluation. Ethics clearance is hoped for within the next few weeks with the program to begin in late 2011.
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Substance Misuse Prevention and Service Improvement Grants Flexible Fund Guidelines consultation - closed 30 September
Following a review of administrative arrangements in the Department of Health and Ageing portfolio, the Australian Government has established a Substance Misuse Prevention and Service Improvement Grants Fund (the Fund). The Discussion Paper and further information about the Fund arrangements are available on the Department’s website:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/F4AEDAA5F2CD13DECA25790A000C6729/$File/SMPSIGF%20Discussion%20Paper.pdf
DOHA allowed two weeks for comment, notifying ATODA on 21 September that the consultation closed on
30 September 2011. Contact
SMSDGF@health.gov.au for further information.
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The National & ACT Compacts
The National Compact:
working together is an agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector to find new and better ways of working together based on mutual trust, respect and collaboration.
Sign on here to the National Compact to ensure that the sector’s relationships with the Australian Government are strong -
http://www.nationalcompact.gov.au/propose-a-national-compact-partner. ATODA is a signatory to the National Compact.
The ACT also has a Social Compact, which is a statement of understanding about the relationship between the ACT Government and the community sector, and is available from:
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/130140/Social_Compact.pdf
The ACT Council of Social Service conducted a review of the compact, the report is available from:
http://www.actcoss.org.au/publications/Publications_2011/1511PUB.pdf
The Joint Community Government Reference Group monitors the Compact, to view their last quarterly bulletin click here:
www.actcoss.org.au/publications/misc/JCGRGQrtlyBulletin_Aug-2011.doc
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ACT Youth Drug and Alcohol Court Update
Youth Drug and Alcohol Court (YDAC) is being established in the ACT. The ATOD sector has been discussing the need for such an initiative and ATODA is actively involved in its development.
YDAC is a program of the Children’s Court concerned with reducing drug and/or alcohol related criminal activity by children and young people through judicial and therapeutic interventions that are designed to reduce or manage drug and/or alcohol use. It provides a sentencing process that aims to divert young offenders from custody by addressing the issues related to drug and alcohol offending in a holistic way. It is anticipated that the YDAC will proceed on a trial basis for a period of two years and that an evaluation will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program.
It is thought that referrals to YDAC will be accepted from 1 December 2011.
For further information please contact:
Adam Bode
Project Manager, Community Youth Justice, Youth Services
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support, Community Services Directorate, ACT Government on (02) 6205 4084 or
adam.bode@act.gov.au
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Health Reform Update
Medicare Local Update
Medicare Local ACT
The ACT Division of General Practice has become the ACT Medicare Local, part of the Commonwealth Government’s primary health care reforms. Key initial priority activities for the ACT Medicare Local include:
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Continue as a key partner in developing the ACT Primary Health Care Strategic Plan 2011-14 in the context of COAG health reforms;
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Develop a dedicated GP portal enabling GPs to access relevant patient clinical information;
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Expand on eHealth capacity including eDischarge summaries and eReferrals and participate as a member of a consortium which has been selected for the second wave of eHealth records, and is working on furthering other eHealth projects;
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Promote good governance throughout the primary care sector;
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Work towards developing a highly sophisticated population health capacity sourced through national data sets;
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Identify groups of people missing out on GP and primary health care or services that a local area needs and respond to those gaps by better targeting services; and
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Work with Local Hospital Networks to assist with the transition of patients out of hospital and if required, into aged care.
The main goal of the ACT Medicare Local is to bring together primary health care professionals and organisations to deliver quality services to the ACT population. General practice will remain central to the ACT Medicare Local service delivery.
To keep informed of progress or for further information visit
www.actml.com.au.
National Health Reform: Progress and Delivery
Australian Government
This booklet provides an update on the Government’s progress in delivering reform of our health system. It sets out what has been achieved to date in each area of activity, and provides clear details of our next steps to deliver this important reform. This includes a section on mental health reform, however, it is still unclear how drug treatment and preventative services fit within the suite of reforms.
To download the booklet visit
http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/nhr-progress-delivery.
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News from the ACT ATOD Workers Group
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 1 September 2011, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency. Activities include:
News from the ACT ATOD Executive Directors' Group
The ACT ATOD Executive Directors’ Group met in September to discuss a range of sector priorities, including:
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Developing strategies to expand northside ATOD service provision including public dosing and NSP coverage, including contributing to background and policy papers
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Contributing to the paper - Responsibilities for the provision of drug related health services delivered in the AMC
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Needle and syringe program in the AMC
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Engagement with DoHA ACT office
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ACT Budget 2012/13 sector priorities
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Participating in the proposed expanded availability of naloxone program.
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Sector Development, Activities and Events
16th Annual Remembrance Ceremony for Those Who Lose Their Lives to Illicit Drugs
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform
Each year in spring in Canberra we gather together to remember those who have lost their lives to illicit drugs at a Remembrance Ceremony organised by Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform (
http://www.ffdlr.org.au/memorial/memorial.htm) at Weston Park. It is deliberately called Remembrance Ceremony ‘for those who lose their lives to illicit drugs’ because the loss is ongoing. Details for this year’s ceremony are:
Time: 12.30pm
Date: Monday 17 October 2011
Location: Weston Park, Yarralumla ACT
Details: Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
Comorbidity Interagency Day: Book Your Information Stall Now
CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, ATODA and MHCC ACT
ATOD and mental health services are invited to host information stalls at the 4th Annual Comorbidity Interagency Day. Building on the success of previous years the Interagency Day will seek to provide the following for participants:
- Access to information about ATOD and mental health services;
- Networking opportunities;
- Increase knowledge regarding referral and support opportunities for clients.
Date: 30 November 2011
Time: 12 - 2pm
Venue: Blackfriars Fountain Garden, 127 Philip Ave, Watson
Don’t miss your chance to book your information stall. Contact Jobu Jacob, CatholicCare on
jobu.jacob@catholiccare.cg.org.au.
Web-Based Parenting Intervention Tool to Prevent Alcohol Misuse in Young People
VicHealth and University of Melbourne
Parenting Strategies is an international first web-based parenting program to prevent adolescent alcohol misuse, developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne and Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. This program currently provides parenting resources for the prevention of adolescent alcohol misuse. Plans are underway to expand the program to cover prevention of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders, childhood depression and anxiety disorders, and adolescent eating disorders
www.parentingstrategies.net.
Alcohol and Pregnancy& Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Brochures
NOFASARD
The recently updated Alcohol & Pregnancy brochures are suitable for general distribution in health care or similar settings whilst the FASD brochures are designed to raise the level of awareness of service providers who are likely to come into contact with individuals or families living with FASD.
Alcohol & Pregnancybrochure
http://www.nofasard.org.au/media/pdfs/a_p%20brochure.pdf
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – the Preventable Disability brochure
http://www.nofasard.org.au/media/pdfs/p_d%20brochure.pdf
NOFASARD’S August newsletter is now available online
http://www.nofasard.org.au/newsletters/newsletters.html.
National Inhalants Information Service
The National Inhalants Information Service (NIIS) was established in 2008 and maintains a comprehensive collection of resources specifically about inhalant misuse. Visit the National Inhalants Information Service at
http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au to find information both general in nature and targeted to specific community groups.
Road Ready Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Yurauna Centre
The Yurauna Centre is offering the Road Ready Program for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people for FREE. The program will run at the Yurauna
Centre over the following dates:
- Monday 17 October 2011
- Monday 24 October 2011
- Monday 31 October 2011
Sessions will run from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, and participants will be required to attend all sessions within their nominated group for the times specified to complete the program successfully. There are a maximum of 20 places per group.
Please contact Yurauna Centre on 6207 3309 to register your interest.
Annual Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Event
Picking Up The Peaces
If you have a keen interest in PTSD, work in a profession at high risk of PTSD, have PTSD, care for someone with PTSD or are a professional treating those with PTSD, then you do not want to miss this.
Date:Wednesday 12 October
When:5.30-8.00 pm
Where:Hellenic Club, Woden
RSVP:Essential
For further information email Kath at
info@pickingupthepeaces.org.au
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Training and Professional Development in the ACT
October - November 2011 Training and Professional Development Calendar
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the training calendar at
http://www2.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Oct_Nov_2011_TPDC.pdf.
To include your training in the next calendar, email
katrina@youthcoalition.netor call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring alcohol, tobacco and other drug and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
Upcoming tour dates:
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Tour C - Wednesday 12 October 2011
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Tour A - Wednesday 26 October 2011
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Tour B - Wednesday 9 November 2011
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Tour C - Wednesday 23 November 2011
Cost: Ranges from $50 - $70.
Registration: Contact Katrina on (02) 6247 3540 or
katrina@youthcoalition.net.
For more information visit
http://www.atoda.org.au/activities/comorbidity-bus-tour/
Cannabis Workshop
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre and ATODA
Training on core cannabis knowledge and the Cannabis Treatment Guidelines will be held as part of Mental Health Week 2011.
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Date: Friday 14 October 2011
Cost: Free
Registration: Numbers are limited. Contact Amanda Bode on
amanda@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.
To download the workshop flyer visit
http://www2.atoda.org.au/2011/08/cannabis-workshop/.
Quality Improvement Training
Mental Health Community Coalition of the ACT
MHCC ACT is piloting two Quality Improvement themed half-day training courses.
Quality Improvement I - Concepts and Culture
Date: 20 October
Quality Improvement II - Self Assessment and Planning for Improvement
Date: 17 November
For more information or to register, please contact MHCC ACT on (02) 6249 7756 or at
Margaret.charlton@mhccact.org.au. Alternatively the forms can be downloaded from
www.mhccact.org.au.
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Interstate Conferences and Symposiums
2011 National Drug Trends Conference
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
The National Drug Trends Conference will present recent findings in illicit drug use, markets and related harms across Australia and internationally. Convened by Australia’s largest drug monitoring systems, the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS), the one day conference will include the first release of the 2011 findings.
Date: Monday 17 October 2011
Venue: National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: $200
For more information visit
http://www.med.unsw.edu.au/NDARCWeb.nsf/page/Conference
Oceania Tobacco Control Conference 2011
Cancer Council Australia
This conference is themed ‘Burying the habit: Moving to a tobacco free future’. A number of workshops will also be held on Monday 17 October 2011, preceding the conference.
Date: 18 – 20 October 2011
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: $595
For more information visit
http://www.oceaniatc2011.org/.
International Federation of Non-Government Organisations (For the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse) Conference
Australian National Council on Drugs co-hosted by PEMADAM
This conference aims to provide a forum for decision makers and professionals to gain an understanding of NGO issues and needs in relation to addressing alcohol and other drug use and associated harm, with a particular focus on the Asian and Pacific regions.
Date: 8 – 11 November 2011
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Cost: Varies, between US$100 - US$350.
For more information visit
http://www.ifngoconference.org/index.php.
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) 2011 Conference
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
This conference will provide insights into neuroscience, interventions, policy innovations and emerging challenges for the ATOD sector. The conference will feature both Australian and International speakers.
Date: 13 – 16 November
Venue: Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania
Cost: $720 member, $820 non-member early bird
For further information on the Conference visit
http://www.apsadconference.com.au/.
2011 National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference
Hepatitis Australia
The conference will demonstrate and explore programs, projects and practices that use a mix of collaboration, interventions and/or capacity-building strategies to deliver successful viral hepatitis health promotion.
Date: 24 & 25 November 2011
Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Brisbane.
Cost: $120
For more information visit
http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com.
Beyond 2012: Leading the Way to Action
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
This conference aims to highlight how the sector is able to lead the way to action in addressing the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs and its associated harms among Indigenous Australians.
Date: 6 - 8 June 2012
Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Western Australia
Call for Papers and online registration is now available at
http://www.nidac.org.au/.
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Policy Activities
Proposed Tobacco Labelling (Graphic Health Warnings) Mandatory Standard: Consultation Paper
Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
The ACCC has released a
consultation paper seeking comments on a proposed mandatory Tobacco Labelling (Graphic Health Warnings) Standard. It is intended to be in place by 1 January 2012, with full compliance required by 1 July 2012. Interested parties and individuals are invited to provide written submissions by
17 October 2011.
Submissions
must be received by the ACCC by 5.00pm on 17 October 2011.
Inquiry into the Provision of Social Housing in the ACT
Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services
The Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services is conducting an inquiry into the provision of social housing in the ACT. Social housing is provided by the ACT Government through Housing ACT to low income households and those people who are unable to find appropriate accommodation in the private rental market.
The Committee is inviting written submissions to its inquiry from interested organisations and individuals. The closing date for submissions is
Friday 18 November 2011. The terms of reference are available from the committee website at the following link:
http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/committees/index1.asp?committee=115&inquiry=1022.
For more information contact the committee secretary on 62050127 or by email at
committees@parliament.act.gov.au.
ATODA Submission to the ACT Budget 2012/13
ATODA works with stakeholders to develop an annual submission to the ACT Budget. This inclusive process seeks to identify sector priorities for funding and develop specific proposals on how priority areas could be progressed. ATODA is focusing its budget submission on some key proposals and initiatives coming out of the sector, including:
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Expanded northside ATOD service provision
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Alcohol ignition interlocks for high range and repeat offenders
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Expand access to residential rehabilitation services for clients on opioid maintenance therapy
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ACT Tobacco Coordination
Other possible priority areas area are also being discussed with stakeholders. For further information or to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie, Executive Officer, on
carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.
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Consumer Participation
Conversations with Mary O’Hagan
MHCC ACT and ACT Health
In celebration of Mental Health Week 2011, MHCC ACT and ACT Health present ‘Conversations with Mary O’Hagan’, a free event focusing on developing the peer workforce in the ACT Mental Health Sector.
A former Mental Health Commissioner for New Zealand, Mary has used her lived experience of mental health problems and her extensive work experience to develop straight answers to the curly questions in mental health.
To view the flyer click here
Date: Friday, 14 October 2011
Time: 9.00am-4.00pm
Where: Riley Hall, Pilgrim House, 69 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
RSVP: to Margaret Charlton on 02 6249 7756 or email
margaret.charlton@mhcc.org.au by
7 October 2011.
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors
Mental Health Week 2011
Mental Health Community Coalition ACT
The theme for Mental Health Week 2011 is “No health without Mental Health”.
Date: 9 – 15 October 2011
To see what events are happening in the Canberra community visit
http://www.mhccact.org.au/cms/index.php?page=MHWeek_Mindscapes.
For more information contact Rachel Muller on (02) 6249 7756 or email
admin@mhccact.org.au.
Carers Week 2011: 16 - 22 October 2011
Carers Australia and Carers ACT
Carers Week is Australia's annual celebration of family carers and each year thousands of Australians take the time to recognise the wonderful contribution that carers make — this year you should be one of them! ACT activities include:
Carers Week Luncheon
Come and meet other Carers and enjoy some fun, festivities and of course, plenty of fine food.
Date: Wednesday 19 October
Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Venue: Carers ACT Auditorium, 80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt
Fred Williams – Infinite Horizons Exhibition
Compliments of the National Gallery of Australia, enjoy a private guided tour of Infinite Horizons, an exhibition by Fred Williams, one of Australia’s greatest painters.
Date: Thursday 20 October
Time: 10.30am – 12:30pm (Meet in the foyer at 10:20am)
Venue: National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Pl, Parkes
For more information visit
http://www.carersact.asn.au/news/upcoming-events/.
Live Longer! Community Health Action Pack
Department of Health and Ageing
A Practical Guide to Health Promotion Planning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. This Community Health Action Pack has been developed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities get the most out of their health promotion activities. However, it is not limited to those taking part in the Local Community campaigns program and has been designed with broad use in mind.
The pack is available at
http://livelonger.health.gov.au/community-health-action-pack/introduction.html.
For more information on the Local Community Campaigns please contact the Department of Health and Ageing on 02 6289 7500 or email
localcommunitycampaigns@health.gov.au.
Joint Community Government Reference Group Bulletin
Joint Community Government Reference Group (JCGRG)
The JCGRG is comprised of representatives from the ACT Government, peak bodies and community services, and seeks to monitor a range of sector viability issues in the community sector and provide strategic advice to the ACT Government. The August Bulletin includes an overview of the work currently being progressed by the JCGRG. View the Bulletin
here.
Rainbows 10th birthday celebration
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation’s Rainbow program will be celebrating its 10th
birthday in November.
Date & time: 4th November 2011, arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
Venue: Canberra Technology Park, Phillip Avenue, Watson.
Attire: after 6 wear.
Dining costs: $30 for attendees, $20 for Rainbow members.
RSVP: COB Wednesday, 26 October by calling 6242 6575 or email:
rainbow@mfh.org.au.
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Employment Opportunities
Qualified Group Facilitator
Cancer Council ACT
Cancer Council ACT is calling for expressions of interests for a qualified group facilitator for our support groups and education programs. Cancer Council ACT currently runs two facilitated cancer support groups as well as regular education programs for people affected by cancer.
Initially they are looking for a group facilitator to co-facilitate the Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Support Group for three hours each month. The group is held on the second Tuesday of each month from 11.00am to 1.00pm, the successful applicant will need to be available from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Ideally applicants would also be available to facilitate/co-facilitate other support groups and/or education programs that run during the year.
Expressions of interest should be sent to Ms Joan Bartlett,
joan.bartlett@actcancer.org Please indicate your professional qualifications and relevant experience. Cancer Council ACT will only hire contractors with an ABN.
For further information please contact Sue West on 6257 9999 or
sue.west@actcancer.org
Consultant required, Tasmania
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council (Tas Inc.)
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council (Tas Inc.) is looking to engage a consultant, on behalf of the Inter Agency Working Group on Drugs, to undertake a scoping study of the legislative and regulatory framework dealing with the sale and supply of alcohol and the management of alcohol-related harm in Tasmania, and to prepare a discussion paper highlighting any issues of concern, perceived strengths and weaknesses and any opportunities for improvement and alignment of legislation in accordance with the aims of the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework 2010-2015.
For further information, please go to
www.drugstrategy.dhhs.tas.gov.au.
Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website at
www.jobsofsubstance.com.au
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
Many of the Grants listed in this section can be found at the ACT Government Grants portal online at
http://www.grants.act.gov.au/ or through the Australian Government Grantslink at
http://www.grantslink.gov.au.
Director Scholarships Program
ACT Government
The ACT Women's Director Scholarships Program is an ACT Government initiative that aims to develop the skills and knowledge of women who are currently in, or who aspire to undertake decision-making roles.
One Scholarship is available to participate in a Company Directors course, to develop the skills and knowledge of directors and senior officers, contributing to improved individual, company and board performances.
Application packages can be obtained by downloading the application form from
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/women/grants_and_scholarships, by contacting the
Office for Women, Community Services Directorate on 6205 0515 or by emailing
women@act.gov.au
Applications close COB Friday 28 October 2011.
Women’s Grants 2011-12
Office for Women
Funding is available under two categories:
Capacity Building Projects
Up to $5000 for individual projects that aim to strengthen the capacity of the community group or organisation to implement and advance the identified social objectives and priorities of the ACT Women's Plan.
Special Projects
Up to $25,000 for individual projects which contribute to research based on gender equality or projects which seek to advance public policy or service development which will implement and advance the identified social objectives and priorities of the Women's Plan. Projects supporting the Prevention of Violence of against Women and Children Strategy will be highly regarded.
In the coming month, information sessions will be held around Canberra at various locations. To find out more, contact the ACT Office for Women at
www.women.act.gov.au or by visiting the ACT Government's Grants Portal at
www.grants.act.gov.au. Phone enquiries can be made on 6205 0515.
Applications close on 9 December 2011.
National Binge Drinking Strategy – Community Level Grants
Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA)
ANPHA is seeking applications from incorporated community groups or local government organisations for project proposals that aim to prevent and reduce binge drinking by young people aged 12-24 years. Partnership and collaborative projects are strongly encouraged. Grants of up to $300,000 are available for individual projects. Grants of up to $500,000 are available for partnerships and collaborations.
Organisations interested in applying must address the assessment criteria in the format outlined in the application form. For more information on to access the Grant Guidelines visit
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/grantANPHA0021112.
Applications close Friday 28 October 2011.
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Media
Dry July Participants Raise $87,000 for Adult Cancer Patients
Katy Gallagher, MLA, Media Release
28 September 2011
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, has congratulated the ACT participants in the Dry July fundraiser who collectively raised more than $87,000 for the Canberra Hospital's Oncology Department.
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=11002
New Online Directory for All Health Services
Katy Gallagher, MLA, Media Release
26 September 2011
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, today launched the new Health Services Directory-
Find a health service- an online tool for all healthcare service information for Canberrans and the people of surrounding regions.
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=10997
Workforce Planning Underway for Adult Mental Health Unit
Katy Gallagher, MLA, Media Releases
23 September 2011
Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, has announced that the ACT Health Directorate is currently undertaking a formal consultation process around staffing levels for the new Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (AAMHIU).
"Construction of the new unit is well underway with the project scheduled for completion early next year," the Chief Minister said.
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=10986
Attorney General Tables Report on Review of Liquor Licensing Fees
Simon Corbell, MLA, Media Releases
22 September 2011
The Attorney General, Simon Corbell, today tabled the Final Report on the Review of Liquor Licensing Fees in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The report contains a number of key observations about the impact new liquor fees have had on the liquor market since they were introduced late last year and makes a number of recommendations.
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=10989&m=53
Jail drug overdose: Libs call for review
The Canberra Times
19 September 2011
The ACT Liberals are demanding a formal investigation into the jail's health procedures after a prisoner accidently overdosed on methadone. The Canberra Times revealed an Alexander Maconochie Centre inmate drank juice last month that was laced with methadone. The victim received medical care and has since been returned to the jail. The current procedure states staff must ensure the medication has been swallowed which clearly wasn't followed in this case as the methadone was stockpiled. Mr Hanson was also concerned the inmate's indigenous liaison officer was not informed of the incident immediately.
View the full article at
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/jail-drug-overdose-libs-call-for-review/2295936.aspx
Govt may go down like a smoking ruin over plain packaging laws
The Canberra Times
17 September 2011
The Government is quite reasonably concerned and wants to make its legislation waterproof and not the cause of a successful multi-billion dollar compensation claim. If the Government cops another hiding in the High Court it will be entirely of its own making. The successful refugee challenge, remember, related to Howard-era legislation. If the tobacco companies have a win, or a partial win, it will be in relation to Gillard Government legislation.
View the full article at
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/govt-may-go-down-like-a-smoking-ruin-over-plain-packaging-laws/2295145.aspx
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