The aim of the forum is to engage specialist drug treatment and support services to progress an evidence-informed approach to service consumer participation across the sector; to strengthen the working currently taking place; discuss the findings from the 2012 Service User Satisfaction Survey; and progress the development of an ACT ATOD Consumer Participation Policy Framework (as per the priority identified in the
The forum is hosted by ATODA and the ACT Health Directorate and is supported by the ACT ATOD Service Consumer Participation Committee.
. Download the
As part of the ACT ATOD MQS, Senior First Aid will be subsidised for ACT ATOD workers. The training will be held:
Essential to ATODA (please check if spots are available before completing an application form)
It can often be challenging in the ACT to access evidence-based, expert, customised, and industry delivered ATOD education and training. In response to this ATODA has engaged expert trainers and educators across Australia to deliver training and education that can be tailored to your service or organisation’s needs. A diversity of courses is available, and can be customized to meet service needs.
Access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available to people who are ATOD, youth or mental health workers in the non-government, not for profit sector of the ACT and/or members of ATODA to help staff address their tobacco consumption and support quit attempts at no cost to the individual employee.
The ACT ATOD Minimum Qualification Strategy aims to ensure the development and maintenance of a competent and professional workforce. Information on the next block of training and assessment in the “4 Core Competencies” from the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work delivered by ReGen is provided below.
Drug Action Week is a week of activities held nationally to raise awareness about ATOD issues in Australia and is an initiative of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia. It will be held from 16 - 22 June 2013, with the theme "Drugs, Communities & Families!"
Services are again invited to be involved in Drug Action Week in the ACT. ATODA coordinates Drug Action Week in the ACT, and brings together stakeholders to plan activities, develop a promotional Calendar, launch Drug Action Week in the ACT and develop the annual conference. If you would like to be involved, email
ATODA invites all services hosting activities for Drug Action Week to submit activity information to
for promotion through the ACT Drug Action Week Calendar.
will be held on Friday 21 June 2013 at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
Registrations are (limited to 100 participants) and the conference program will be available in coming weeks
This year the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) Symposium is being held in Canberra during Drug Action Week. The program will be most relevant for those interested or engaged in evidence informed policy development, including researchers, policy analysts/makers and service providers.
No registration fees and catering provided.
As numbers are capped, RSVP's are essential. Please contact Colleen Faes
Nominations have opened for the 2013 NDAA, which will be presented at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday night, 20 June 2013. The NDAA are a highlight of the annual Drug Action Week and encourage, recognise, and celebrate achievements of the many people and organisations that do exceptional work to reduce the harm and impact of alcohol and other drugs in Australia. The 2013 Awards are being hosted by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) and are open to all people and organisations working across the health and wellbeing sectors.
Award categories include the Prime Minister’s award, Excellence in Prevention and Community Education, Excellence in Treatment and Support, Excellence in Research, Excellence in Services for Young People, Excellence in Law Enforcement, Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drug Media Reporting, Excellence in School Drug Education, Excellence in Creating Healthy Sporting Communities and the Honor Roll which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution, over a considerable time period, to the alcohol and other drugs field.
Drug Action Week (DAW) 2013 has attracted an early response from health and welling organisations, the education sector, community groups, and police services with more than 100 registrations of events/ activities by 28 February 2013. This number is more than double that of previous years and is an indicator that the overarching theme of “
” has been embraced by a wide cross-sector of organisations/ people in all States and Territories wishing to raise awareness of issues around the excessive consumption of alcohol and the misuse of other drugs.
DAW 2013 will be launched nationally by the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, at Le Fevre High School in Adelaide on Wednesday, 12 June 2013. Supporting daily themes for DAW 2013 which will run from 16 to 22 June focus on “Illicit Drugs/ Stimulants/ Inhalants” on 17 June, “Alcohol/ Tobacco” on 18 June, “Pharmaceuticals (both script & non-script)” on 19 June, “Families/ Youth Issues” on 20 June, and “Building Resilience” on 21 June.
ration of young people (aged 12-25) throughout Australia. It is a joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments and
As part of National Youth Week 2013, the Youth Coalition of the ACT is holding a Festival in Garema Place. The Festival will feature young performers, artists and musicians; youth and community service stalls, competitions and lots of activities. The types of performances and activities will likely include:
The aim of the festival is to promote both young people’s current contribution to community and cultural life in the ACT, but also to provide walk through patrons with information about opportunities for young people to engage in a range of cultural, sporting and other opportunities in the region.
website, or contact Katrina Campion, ACT National Youth Week coordinator, by phone (02) 6247 3540 or email
The second meeting of the Executive Directors Group meeting for 2013 was held in March. The group discussed a range of issues including:
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 7 march 2013, 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 / discussions include:
Policy
Future Direction of the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program Submission
ATODA
ATODA does not support the proposed re-prioritisation and narrowing of the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program which could remove alcohol and tobacco as focus areas from the funding program.
Tobacco and alcohol feature in the top seven preventable risk factors that influence the burden of disease with over 7% of the total burden being attributed to smoking, and more than 3% attributed to the harmful effects of alcohol.
There is a need for health promotion is this area.
To read the submission to the future direction of this program click
here.
Value of a Justice Reinvestment Approach to Criminal Justice in Australia Inquiry Submisssion
ATODA, ACTCOSS, Mental Health Community Coalition
A joint submission was made to this inquiry which looked at justice reinvestment in Australia including: the economic and social costs of imprisonment; the over-representation of disadvantaged groups within Australian prison; and the cost, availability and effectiveness of alternatives to imprisonment, including prevention, early intervention, diversionary and rehabilitation measures.
For more information about the submission contact Carrie Fowlie, ATODA, on carrie@atoda.org.au
For more information the inquiry: Visit the
Parliament of Australia's website or contact the committee secretary by phone (02) 6277 3560 or email
legcon.sen@aph.gov.au
Canberra’s Public Hospitals: Feedback Sought
ACT Local Hospital Network Council
The ACT Local Hospital Network is seeking feedback on Canberra’s public hospitals. In particular, they want to get a good idea of “consumer experiences ranging from the contact, treatment and care given within the ACT public health system”.
Consultations close: 30 April 2013
For more information: visit the
ACT Health Directorate's website
Improvements to the Criminal Justice Statistical Profile – submissions invited
ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate
For the first half of 2013, the Legislation and Policy Branch is expanding its ongoing review of the content and presentation of the Profile by conducting a consultation process with Government and community stakeholders.
The aim of the consultation process is to consider the following key questions:
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How useful is the data set currently in the Profile?
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Are there particular data sets that could be removed?
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What new data could be incorporated into the Profile?
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Could the data in the Profile be better presented? If so, how?
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What analysis could enhance the presentation of the information contained in the Profile.
Stakeholders are invited to send their submissions on the key questions outlined above via email to
crimstatsprofile@act.gov.au by 30 April 2013. Stakeholders are welcome to request further information or discuss relevant points by calling Paul Magarey on 02 6207 7309.
It is anticipated that the first Profile of the 2013-14 financial year, September 2013, will incorporate revised content and presentation from the review.
For further information: visit the
ACT Government website
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070
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Community Sector Reform
ACNC Information session and panel discussion
Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) & ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) is partnering with the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) to host an information session and panel discussion that will focus on the practical operation of the ACNC and its impact on organisations in Canberra.
Date: 17 April 2013
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
For more information: Visit the
ACNC website. The ACNC intends to provide further information sessions across Australia over 2013
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Sector Development, Activities and Events
Survey – National Representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drug Workers and Organisations
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
The NIDAC is seeking participants who would like to share their views on national representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug workers and organisations.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
For more information: See the
survey, or visit the websites
www.nidac.org.au,
www.ancd.org.au
Survey – Australian Community Sector Survey
Australian Community Sector Survey (ACOSS)
The ACOSS Community Sector Survey is now open. This is ACOSS' annual survey of community services across Australia. It is used extensively in the media, in advocacy, by policy makers, policy analysts and academics. It is used to identify issues for our sector and the people we work with.
For more information: See the
survey
Local Health Connections - Regional Network Meetings
ACT Medicare Local
Stakeholders are invited to attend a series of 5 regional network meetings to discuss health services in local areas:
Focus area: Health care connections for families with teenagers
Date: Thursday 4 April
Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Southern Cross Club (Tuggeranong)
Focus area: Health care connections for the vulnerable
Date: Thursday 14 May
Venue: Yatch Club Marquee (South Canberra)
Time: 6-8pm
Focus area: Health care connections for young families
Date: Thursday 30 May
Venue: Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club (Gunghalin)
Time: 6-8pm
Focus area: Health care connections for young adults
Date: Thursday 13 June
Venue: Ainslie Football Club (North Canberra)
Time: 6-8pm
For further information please download the
invitation and registration form.
Register online at
events.actml.com.au, for individual events, or email
events@actml.com.au with your preferences or call 6287 8099
ReGen Innovation seminar presentations now available online
UnitingCare ReGen
The Powerpoint slides presented at the “Innovation in Action Seminar” are now available online
The presentations include:
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Online treatment & enhancement – developments and possibilities (by ReGen’s Ray Stephens)
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Innovation in family work – achieving more through partnerships (by ReGen’s Donna Ribton-Turner & Family Drug Help at SHARC’s Heather Pickard)
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Service user participation – a whole of organisation approach (by ReGen’s Matt Gleeson)
An updated version of Dr Adam Winstock’s Global Drug Survey presentation will be available soon.
For more information: Visit the
website
Recommendations for the expansion of Family Inclusive Practice within alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in Australia
UnitingCare ReGen
Families affected by an individual’s AOD use can carry a heavy burden. Problematic AOD use can significantly strain relationships, increase social isolation and undermine families’ resilience and physical, emotional and financial security, regardless of their socio-economic status. Family Inclusive Practice (FIP) works in partnership with families by directly involving them in any service intervention, raising awareness of the impact of problematic substance use upon the whole family, and addressing the needs of families.
For more information: See the
Supporting Evidence Statement and the
Position Statement
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform (FFDLR) is now on Twitter
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform
FFDLR can now be followed on Twitter at @FFDLR (
https://twitter.com/FFDLR)
Directions is now on Twitter and Facebook
Directions can now be followed on:
www.facebook.com/directionsaod
www.twitter.com/directionsaod
Nominations for the National Preventive Health Awards
Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA)
The National Preventive Health Awards encourage leadership in the area of preventive health, and recognise sectors of the Australian community that work to promote health and well-being.
The Awards will acknowledge excellence and best practice in relation to preventive health issues in four key areas:
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local communities through Medicare Locals;
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translational research;
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journalism;
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workplace through health and well-being programs.
Healthy workplaces in all industries, sectors and regions of Australia, research teams, universities, Medicare Locals and the media are invited to nominate.
Applications close: 15 April 2013
For more information and to apply online: Visit the
ANPHA website, email
info@eawards.com.au or call 1300 3666 74
Training and Professional Development
April - May 2013 Training and Professional Development Calendar
ATODA, 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, tobacco and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the
training calendar
To include your training in the next calendar, email
kate@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCCA) 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 ATOD 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.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2013 will be Tour C on
17 April 2013.
For more information: Visit
ATODA's website, email
kate@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540
“Riding the boundaries” workshop
ACTCOSS
Moral and ethical dilemmas are ever present in our sector. This workshop provides participants with information and opportunities to discuss professional boundaries in the workplace.
Date: 10 April 2013
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: ACTCOSS member $80, Non-members $95, Government/Corporate $115
Venue: ACTCOSS Meeting Room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston, Canberra
For more information: See the
Workshop flyer, email
lisa@actcoss.org.au or call (02) 6202 7200
Tuggeranong Health Connections – Health care connections for families and teenagers
ACT Medicare Local
ACT Medicare Local is hosting a practical workshop that will use case study presentations to explore patient care and support options in the Tuggeranong area.
Date: 4 April 2013
Time: 6 for 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Southern Cross Club
For more information: Visit the
ACT Medicare Local website or contact Bill Caddey by email
b.caddy@actml.com.au
Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training
ACTCOSS
This one-day workshop for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers provides participants with a general introduction into the recent history of Aboriginal people in Australia. It aims to improve knowledge of Aboriginal culture and dispossession, and explores ways organisations may improve their practice to respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
Date: 5 April 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: ACTCOSS Member $165, Non-Member $235, Government/Corporate $305
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston,Canberra
For more information: Visit the
ACTCOSS website or contact Lisa by email
lisa@actcoss.org.au or by phone (02) 6202 7200
Psychological Trauma, Brain and Behaviour Across the Life Span
OzHelp Foundation
The presentation includes information on the effect of fear and trauma on both the adult brain and on the developing brain of a child. The effects of misattunement and neglect are also discussed. The impact of trauma on the neurobiological networks involved in arousal and behavioural modulation is presented in addition to the implications of such modulation difficulties for future responses to life challenges.
Date: 8 April 2013
Time: 9am – 5pm
Cost: $180 / $160 Concession rate
Venue: Unit 6 & 7, 41-45 Tennant St, Fyshwick, Canberra
For more information: See the
flyer, visit the
OzHelp website, contact Tricia Eldrige by phone (02) 6251 4166 or email
tricia.eldrige@ozhelp.org.au
Accidental Counsellor
Lifeline Canberra
Date: 11-12 April, 24 & 26 April 2013
Cost: $400 / $360 Not-for-profit organisation and pension card-holders
For more information: See the
brochure, visit the
Lifeline website, contact Erica Freeman by phone (02) 6204 6402 or email
training@act.lifeline.org.au
ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Lifeline Canberra
Lifeline Canberra offers a two-day program designed for people in the community who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping people at risk of suicide. ASIST is a highly interactive, practical, practice-oriented workshop.
Date: 18-19 April 2013
Cost: $350 / $315 Not-for-profit organisations and pension card-holders
Venue: NuSkills Training Room
For more information: See the
ASIST flyer, visit the
Lifeline website, email
training@act.lifeline.org.au or call (02) 6204 6402
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Community Service Directorate
Date: 22 April 2013
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the
DHCS website, or contact Robyn by phone (02) 6205 3839 or email
CSDLearning.Development@act.gov.au
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Leadership Program 2013
Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC)
This program is designed to develop peoples capacity to take on personal, community, work and/or family leadership roles. Through a variety of activities and learning, participants will be assisted to recognise their current leadership skills and to identify further potential aspirations and work towards achieving these in our community.
Date: 22 April 2013 (held every second Monday until 1 July 2013)
For more information: See the
application form, visit the
AILC website, email
ailc@ailc.org.au or call (02) 6251 5770
Seminar and Launch of Identity and Meaning for Vulnerable Young People
Institute of Child Protection Studies
This seminar will launch the final report of the
Identity and Meaning for Vulnerable Young People Project. Debbie Noble-Carr, Research Associate at the Institute of Child Protection Studies will present the findings from this qualitative study which aimed to explore the role and potency that concepts such as identity, and a search for meaning, have in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Date: 16 April 2013
Time: 2pm – 4:30pm
Cost: $15 (includes afternoon tea and a copy of the report)
Venue: Australian Catholic University Canberra Campus, 223 Antill St, Watson
For more information: See the
ICPS Seminar and Launch Flyer or email
erin.barry@acu.edu.au
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Conferences and Symposiums
2013 Australian Winter School conference
Lives Lived Well
The alcohol and drug sector in Australia has and is experiencing pressures and changes which both have major implications for the development of responsive and sustainable services into the future.
The drivers of change include–the growing concept of recovery, patterns of substance use, a recognition of co-morbidity issues, both a scarcity and competition for funding and resources, pragmatism and misperceptions in the treatment and support of AOD issues existing outside the sector, and the increasing importance of demonstrated outcomes.
A must attend event for workers and clinicians in the alcohol and drug sector, this year’s conference "Limited Resources, Unlimited Ideas" will show case how new ideas, new practice, new models of treatment and new approaches can achieve not just results, but efficiencies.
It’s a chance to learn and to find out how the AOD sector is alive with opportunities and turn great ideas into action!
The 2013 Australian Winter School – connecting the alcohol and other drug sector | igniting debate and discussion | sharing new ideas, practices and research.
Date: 17-19 July 2013
Cost: Before 31 May 2013 – Full Delegate $495, Day Delegate $275, Cocktail party-networking forum $55, Workshop $330.
Venue: Novotel Brisbane, 200 Creek St, Brisbane
For more information: Visit the
Conference website, or contact Michelle Bordignon, event manager, by phone 07 3834 3333 or email
michelle@iamevents.com.au
PHAA National Social Inclusion and Complex Needs Conference
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA)
It has long been acknowledge that people with complex needs often fall through the crack in service delivery – between national and jurisdictional service deliver, between government and non-government services, and between services delivered by different portfolio agencies. This conference seeks to identify and showcase successful collaborative efforts in service delivery, with a view to informing whole-of-government approaches to policy ad program development.
The conference will be an excellent opportunity to hear the most recent research and practitioner wisdom and to make your own contribution to breaking down structural and systemic barriers to achieving better health and social outcomes for people with complex needs.
Date: 15-16 April 2013
Cost: Member Full Registration $650, non-member Full Registration $750
Venue: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Canberra
For more information: Visit
PHAA's website
APSAD Scientific Conference 2013: Bridging Knowledge and Practice
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs
This conference will feature an exciting program which includes international and national speakers, focussing on new treatment, prevention and policy in the areas of drugs and alcohol research. The conference will include local issues and content relevant to our region, but will also offer a range of presentations and workshops that have international relevance. Featuring original work from the field, the conference program will continue to encourage alternative presentation styles such as film, yarning circles and artwork whilst maintaining conventional modes of presentation styles such as oral and poster presentations, participatory workshops, debates/discussions and late breakers. This year we will also be targeting clinicians and front line workers, with translational research as well as continuing to include the latest content from criminal justice system interventions, workforce development, research, and health policy, to mention just a few topic areas.
Important dates: registration 22 May; Early bird registration deadline 4 September 2013.
Date: 24
– 27 November 2013
Venue: The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland
For more information: Visit the
APSAD Conference website, email
apsadconference@arinex.com.au or call (02) 9265 0700
Advances in Clinical Supervision: Innovation & Practice Conference 2013
The New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry (NSWIOP)
The Advances in Clinical Supervision: Innovation & Practice Conference 2013 will be an opportunity for multidisciplinary mental health clinicians to explore the practice, evaluation and teaching of clinical supervision. It will bring together local, national and international mental health professionals and is open to Psychology, Social Work, Medicine, Psychiatry, Nursing, Allied Health, NGOs, Counsellors and Drug and Alcohol clinicians, Clergy, Psychotherapists and Managers to share expertise and perspectives on the application and delivery of clinical supervision in the workplace.
Date: 4
– 6 June 2013
Cost: Early Bird Registration - Before 6 May $675, Full Fee $745
Venue: Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology, Ultimo, Canberra
For more information: Visit the
NSWIOP Conference website, see the
Conference Program, see the
Registration Form
StandUp! Conference: The Elimination of All Violence Against Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Women
Australian Migrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance (AMaRWA)
The first national conference focussing on violence against women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities (CaLD). This conference will bring together experts from various fields and grassroots to discuss, debate and make recommendations as to how we can as a society work together to eliminate all forms of violence against CaLD women and break the circle of violence
Date: 28 – 30 April 2013
Cost: $450 / $400 Government / $300 Non-government organisation / $100 Concession
Venue: Rydges Lakeside Canberra, London Circuit, Canberra
For more information: See the
StandUp Registration Pack, visit the
AMaRWA website or call (02) 6257 1002
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Service Delivery and Referral
This section contains details about new or updated services that accept referrals. For a complete listing of ACT services, please see the
ACT ATOD Service Directory
Winnunga’s Nimmityjah – tackling smoking/healthy lifestyle
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service is tackling smoking and promoting healthy lifestyle through:
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Events, information stalls, presentations around smoking/healthy lifestyle information and education to community
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Education/information sessions in the workplace for workers, students, etc.
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Programs for community including healthy cooking and sporting groups
Winnunga’s also offers the quit smoking program “No more boondah” which has three main areas of support:
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Weekly 1 hour group session
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Individual phone follow up and support
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Client outreach in the home and workplace – i.e. families and with workplace colleagues
For more information: Contact by email Chanel Webb, Tobacco Action worker, at
chanel.webb@winnunga.org.au, Perri Chapman, Tobacco Action worker, at
perri.chapman@winnunga.org.au or Ian Bateman, Healthy Lifestyle worker, at
ian.bateman@wimmunga.org.au.
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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
Smoke Free Environment Initiative Newsletter
ACT Government Health Directorate
This newsletter is an update about the implementation of a Smoke Free Environment within the Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services.
For more information: See the recent edition of the
Smoke Free Initiative Newsletter
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee – March Meeting Communiqué 2013
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
Committee meetings and consultations with people working with Indigenous drug and alcohol issues are held in a different State or Territory every four months. Through these meetings and consultation forums, NIDAC is able to ensure that the views of the sector are considered as part of its advice.
For more information: See the recent edition of the
March Meeting Communiqué 2013
Of Substance magazine
The National Magazine on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Of Substance covers the latest Australian and International news and research on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It is essential reading for organisations and individuals who provide services to those affected by substance use.
For more information: see the latest issue
March 2013 visit the
website
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Consumer Participation Forum
ATODA
For more information: see the
News section
“Advocate for change” workshop
Health Care Consumers’ Association
This workshop focuses on building effective advocacy skills and developing an Advocacy Action Plan on participants own issue.
Date: 8 April 2013
Time: 10am – 2:30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: MacKillop House Conference Centre, 50 Archibald St, Lyneham, Canberra
For more information: Register by contacting HCCA by phone 6230 7800 or email
adminofficer@hcca.org.au
Flipside newsletter
Association of Participating Service Users (APSU)
The Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) publishes a quarterly newsletter, Flipside, containing articles, poems and artwork from the public.
For more information: See the latest issue
Summer 2013
Genuine Participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Child Protection Decision Making
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) has developed a human rights framework for the genuine participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in child protection decision-making for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The framework describes the source and scope of the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in decisions that affect their lives. It considers the history and current status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in child protection decisions in Australia. Key elements required to implement participation rights are detailed, alongside key questions that need to be addressed in child protection decision-making.
For more information: Download the
document
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors
National Mental Health State Consultation Workshop
Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA)
The aim of these workshops is to identify areas where the MHCA and its members can capitalise on their unique position as advocates to progress mental health reform and improve the lives of people affected by mental illness in Australia.
Date: 8 April 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Rydges Capital Hill, Forrest, Canberra
For more information: See the
Workshop Flyer, visit the
MHCA website, or call (02) 6285 3100
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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities
Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website.
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Support Worker - Casual
Directions
Directions is seeking a casual AOD Support Worker to work across all programs including the Needle Syringe Program (NSP), Arcadia House and Reception as needed. A two-week paid Buddy Shift Program will be provided to the successful applicant.
Responsibilities and duties are to provide casual AOD worker support at programs and services throughout Directions in a range of programs and services across the organisation:
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Provide AOD Worker support to Arcadia House residential service, including assisting with the Arcadia House program and undertaking duties such as client liaison, administration duties and housekeeping duties commensurate with the position. Actively engage with clients to provide information and referrals;
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Provide reception/admin duties within Directions including: answering phones, filing, photocopying and faxing, booking appointments, providing referrals and information;
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Provide support and assistance to the Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) in both locations, including dissemination of free injecting equipment, resources and information;
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Actively engage with clients to provide information and referrals;
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Attend to any reporting requirements including statistical entry;
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Undertake training as required by the organisation;
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Willingness to work with clients who may present with dual diagnosis/mental health issues.
For more information: Contact Michelle Preston by phone (02) 6122 8041 or email
michelle.preston@directionsact.com
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
Request for Tender (RFT) released: the development of a quality framework for Australian Government funded drug and alcohol treatment services
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Australian drug and alcohol treatment data shows that services are in high demand with an increase of almost 5000 treatment episodes from 2009-10 to 2010-11 (
Alcohol and other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2010-11: Report on the National Minimum Data Set collection).
Building on the significant commitment and work achieved to date by the drug and alcohol sector, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing is now seeking tenders from capable and experienced organisations and consortia to undertake the development of an innovative, implementable quality framework for Australian Government funded drug and alcohol treatment services.
Applications close: 3 April 2013
For more information: Tender documentation can be accessed by registering on the
AusTender's website, email
ATM.DoHA@health.gov.au or call (02) 6289 3945
FARE’s Promoting Good Practice Grants
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
FARE is pleased to invite community sector organizations to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to develop solutions to alcohol-related harms. The funds are being provided to develop resources, skills and knowledge to address alcohol issues at a local level. They are looking for proposals that promote good practice, share knowledge, and which can be adopted by other Alcohol Sector organisations.
Applications close: 15 April 2013
For more information: Visit the
FARE's website or contact Rosemary White, Senior Projects Officer, by phone (02) 6122 8600 or email
rosemary.white@fare.org.au
Access for Everyone
Telstra
This new program will be offering a regular supply of $20 Telstra Pre-Paid mobile recharge cards to community agencies that assist victims of domestic violence or homeless young people who depend on a Telstra Pre-Paid mobile for their communications. The program is intended to provide short-term support, not a long-term supplement, to enable people to move beyond a current crisis situation
For more information: Visit the
Access for Everyone website or email
consumer.affairs@team.telstra.com
2013-2013 ACT Women’s Grants Program
ACT Government Community Services Directorate
In 2012-13, there is a total funding of $130,000 available including an additional $30,000 for the inaugural Audrey Fagan Violence Prevention Grants.
Funding is available under the following three categories:
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Category One - Capacity Building: seeks to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of community organisation to advance the objective and priorities of the ACT Women's Plan. The maximum funding available for a Capacity Building Project is $5,000 (GST Exclusive).
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Category Two - Special Projects: seeks to advance the objectives and priorities of the ACT Women's Plan by contributing to public policy, service development, or gendered research. The maximum funding available for a Special Project is $25,000 (GST Exclusive).
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Category Three - Audrey Fagan Violence Prevention Projects (new): seeks to progress one or more of the objectives outlined in the ACT Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Strategy 2011-2017.
For more information: Visit the
Women ACT website, contact the ACT Office for Women by phone (02) 6205 0515 or email
women@act.gov.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - Enhance Service Offer
ACT Government, Community Services
From July, eligible ACT residents with disabilities, including those with psycho-social disabilities, will be able to apply for one-off grants that may be used in a variety of ways to improve their quality of life. These grants may be for aids and equipment or other services that reduce the impact of their disability, improve independence and increase participation in community activity. There will be two rounds of grants; one in July and one in September 2013.
For more information: Visit the
Disability ACT website, email
ndis@act.gov.au or call (02) 6207 1086
Certificate III in Population Health – Scholarship Assistance for Community Sector Workers
ACT Health Directorate
As part of the ACT Health Directorate's commitment to increasing health promotion capacity in the ACT community, the Health Improvement Branch is offering scholarship assistance for participants to attend an exciting new course in Population Health, offered by the Canberra Institute of Technology from May 2013. The Certificate III in Population Health provides an ideal introduction to health promotion and population health concepts and will offer a recognised qualification for workers in the sector. There is also the opportunity, through further coursework and attainment of nationally recognised competencies, to progress to a Certificate IV in Population Health.
Applications close: 19 April 2013
For more information: Visit the
ACT Health Directorate website, and to register fill the
Application Form and return it to Rosemary Urquhart by email
rosemary.urquhart@act.gov.au
Volunteer Grants 2013
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
Volunteer Grants 2013 recognises the valuable work of Australia’s volunteers. This initiative forms part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to organisations whose volunteers assist disadvantaged communities and encourage inclusion of vulnerable people in community life.
Funding of $16 million is available to support and encourage volunteering. Eligible not-for-profit community organisations can apply for grants between $1,000 and $5,000 to:
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Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help their volunteers
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Contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food, assist with medical appointments or help people in need
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Contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
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Contribute to the cost of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for their volunteers.
Applications close: 24 April 2013
For more information: Visit the
FaHCSIA website, see the
Application guideline, email
vg2013@fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 183 374
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Media
New member welcomed to ATSIEB
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB), March 2013
The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body welcomes the election of Mr Masepah Banu as a member of ATSIEB.
For more information: See the
media release
Prisoner support program a first
Canberra Times, 25 March 2013
ACT correctional authorities are preparing to launch an ambitious, Australian-first program to stop prisoners returning to crime by helping to rebuild almost every aspect of their lives for a full year after release.
For more information: See the
article
New protocol protects human rights in ACT jail
ABC News, 21 March 2013
United Nation observers will be able to inspect the ACT's jail and detention facilities under new legislation passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly. The optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture aims to allow the independent inspection of places where people are detained to make sure torture and degrading treatment is not occurring. The ACT legislation will implement the torture protocol once the Federal Government ratifies it.
For more information: See the
article
Pokies headphone trial cancelled in ACT
ABC News, 21 March 2013
Poker machines that allow the use of headphones will not be introduced in Canberra after the passing of legislation in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
For more information: See the
article
National Close the Gap Day: Improving Indigenous health
Medicare Local ACT, 21 March 2013
During today’s National Close the Gap Day, ACT Medicare Local (ACTML) is highlighting their ongoing initiatives to help improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT.
For more information: See the
media release
Call for mental health housing
Canberra Times, 20 March 2013
The ACT government has been urged to increase housing support for people living with mental health issues, including those leaving the corrections system.
The Mental Health Community Coalition ACT made a raft of recommendations in its submission to the budget consultation, including quarantining a portion of new affordable housing for people with mental health issues.
For more information: See the
article
Paying through the nose for cocaine
Canberra Times, 19 March 2013
Cocaine is a ''luxury'' product in Australia, with users paying as much as four times for the drug as those in Britain, a global drug survey finds.
For more information: See the
article
Government Announces New Name for NDIS
Pro Bono News, 19 March 2013
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is to get a name change to ‘DisabilityCare Australia’ following the NDIS Bill passing the House of Representatives in Parliament.
For more information: See the
article
True, false or utterly absurd?
Canberra Times, 18 March 2013
Many of the million or so Australian smokers who attempted to kick their habit used nicotine patches, gum, lozenges or nasal sprays to ease withdrawal symptoms and increase their odds of quitting long term. But in recent years, several studies (and many disillusioned smokers) have questioned the effectiveness of nicotine-replacement therapies.
For more information: See the
article
Skyfire lights up Canberra
Canberra Times, 18 March 2013
ACT police are praising the crowd of thousands which lined the shores of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday night for Skyfire as no anti-social behaviour were observed and as it appears the number of teenagers drinking alcohol has reduced.
For more information: See the
article
Drugs and alcohol: the secret life of us
Canberra Times, 16 March 2013
Scores of middle-class Australians are drinking at dangerous levels and ending up in emergency departments with alcohol-related problems, the largest survey of Australians' present drug and alcohol use has found.
For more information: See the
article
ACT to receive more GST revenue
Canberra Times, 15 March 2013
The key report on the carve up of GST revenue has recommended the ACT's share remain unchanged at 2 per cent. But the Commonwealth Grants Commission says because the overall GST pool is larger, that would equate to a revenue rise of $79 million or 8.2 per cent.
For more information: See the
article
Barr moves to cut red tape
Canberra Times, 11 March 2013
The ACT government will slash red tape for Canberra's charity and community organisations, and future reforms may include the possible deregulation of the real estate profession.
The changes will ease requirements for charity and community sector organisations to provide almost identical information to the federal and ACT governments.
For more information: See the
article
Community groups lobby for program funding
ABC News, 8 March 2013
The community sector is urging the ACT Government to invest more in early intervention and prevention programs in the June budget.
For more information: See the
article
New database to help ban problem gamblers
ABC News, 7 March 2013
The ACT Government will introduce an electronic database that will allow venues to exclude problem gamblers. People with a gambling problem will be able to ban themselves from gaming venues through a written register.
For more information: See the
article
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