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!"
Information and communications technologies can be a mine field. All you need to do is type the word “drugs” into a search engine and you can see how difficult it can be to ascertain accurate, credible, evidence-informed information. This conference will bring together local and national experts to help us engage in thinking about how and where we might use modern digital communications in providing services, conducting research, developing policy and engaging stakeholders related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The conference will connect participants with the evidence base about what is effective in the online environment; promote opportunities to consider new and emerging ethical considerations concerning treatment engagement in the online world; look at what online resources are available that can complement our existing service system response; showcase developments in the ACT; and potentially challenge some assumptions.
$100 Non-ATODA Member / $80 ATODA Member / Free for Conference Presenters, Sponsors, and some subsidised places for consumers and their families.
An ACT calendar of activities has been compiled made up of over 30 varying activities provided by a range of Alcohol and other drugs services in the ACT.
This year launch of Drug Action Week in the ACT will acknowledge the contributions of families and friends in our community, discuss the issues affecting families and showcase ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug support and services for families.
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:
Stakeholders who are ACT based ATOD services and / or support the objects of the ATODA are invited to become a member of ATODA or renew their membership. The membership fees of ATODA have changed for new and renewing members from 1 July 2013, and current and future members are encouraged to review the new application and renewal forms.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia Wayne Swan delivered the Federal Budget
A range of initiatives relevant to ATOD were announced in the Federal Budget.
Following this announcement various services responded to the Federal Budget.
In his budget speech, Treasurer Wayne Swan revealed that tobacco taxes will rise with average wages rather than inflation from March next year. This means the increase in tobacco excise will keep pace with income growth rather than the consumer price index, which tends to grow more slowly.
ACTCOSS will hold its annual Post-Budget Forum for the community sector providing an overview of the 2013-14 Budget and outline its impact on the ACT community sector. The Deputy Chief M
nd Treasurer, Andrew Barr, will be addressing the forum and answering questions which were provided by ACTCOSS Associate Members and peak bodies at the ACT Post-Budget Briefings held the previous day.
The Executive Directors Group met on 21 May 2013. Discussion included progressing a comprehensive response to blood borne virus management in the ACT ATOD sector (with a focus on hepatitis) and reviewing the Screening for substance use and related issues by specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support services in the ACT draft discussion paper.
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 2 May 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
Review of the ACT Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme
ACT Government, Justice and Community Safety
The Attorney-General, Simon Corbell MLA is seeking views on the operation of the
Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 and possible reforms to the scheme for the provision of financial assistance to victims of crime. The current scheme has been in place since 1998 and a range of issues about the operation of the scheme have been raised since the scheme commenced, including recent comments by the Ombudsman in the report – ‘Administration of Applications for Financial Assistance under the
Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983’.
A growing number of interstate schemes have been reviewed and substantially changed, for example by introducing an administrative scheme.
Submissions close: 5pm 21 June 2013
For more information: See the
ACT Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme Issues Paper, visit the
Time to Talk website or contact Jennifer Bauer by phone (02) 6205 3085
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact carrie@atoda.org.au
Written Submission process for consultation into the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy (NATSIPDS): Open
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
A written submission process is available to provide an opportunity for people and organisations involved in addressing harmful alcohol and other drug use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to provide input into the development of the NATSIPDS. Submissions should be received by NIDAC by
7 June 2013.
For more information: See the
Proforma or email
nidac@ancd.org.au
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact carrie@atoda.org.au
Sentencing Inquiry Announced
Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, ACT Legislative Assembly.
Under its terms, the Committee will inquire into sentencing practice in the ACT, its effects and implications, including: the law, legal doctrine and rationale of contemporary sentencing practice; comparisons with other jurisdictions; rates of successful appeals regarding sentences; and timeliness in handing-down decisions and sentences.
The Committee will also consider ways in which contemporary sentencing practice in the ACT affects other parts of the justice system, including: the Courts; Corrective Services and the Alexander Maconochie Centre; ACT Policing; the legal profession; victims of crime; offenders; and community support organisations.
In particular, the Committee will consider the practice and effectiveness of current arrangements in the ACT for: parole; periodic detention; bail; Restorative Justice; and Circle Sentencing, and will consider alternative approaches to sentencing practice in the ACT and any other relevant matter.
For further information, including the terms of reference, visit: http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/in-committees/standing_committees/Justice-and-Community-Safety/inquire-into-sentencing-in-the-act
The closing date for submissions is
6 September 2013.
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact carrie@atoda.org.au
ATODA Submission to the ACT Local Hospital Network Council Consultation
ATODA submission to the ACT Local Hospital Network Council consultation included key points such as:
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The ACT ATOD sector is a key partner in the planning and delivery of public health services in the ACT
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Linking with the significant developments and reforms
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New hospital ATOD activity-based funding
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Planning and providing services that target priority health needs (including a burdens of harm approach)
To read the full submission click
here
ATODA Submission to the Consultation on the Improvements to the ACT Criminal Justice Statistical Profile
ATODA commented on the alcohol, tobacco and other drug specific aspects of the profile, which provides a single source of recent and relevant criminal justice information covering not only crime, police activities, and court activities, but also important areas such as road traffic incidents and youth justice activities. The profile supports ACT stakeholders to make informed decisions about the use of limited resources and provide the ACT Government with higher quality advice than would otherwise be the case.
To read the full submission click
here
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Community Sector Reform
ACNC regulatory approach statement
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission conducted a public consultation between December 2012 and 1 March 2013 on their preliminary regulatory approach statement, which is available to download below. This consultation has now closed and the ACNC has now published a revised regulatory approach statement, together with an analysis of the consultation
For more information: See the
Statement, visit the
ACNC website or email
policy@acnc.gov.au
Community Work and Social Development Programs and Voluntary Community Work Orders
ACT Government
From 24 May 2013, legislation will be in effect which will enable people owing fines or infringement penalties, who satisfy relevant criteria, to discharge an outstanding fine or penalty through voluntary community work or a personal development program.
It is anticipated that programs that will be approved for these arrangements will include those involving: voluntary community work; educational, vocational or life skills courses; alcohol and other drug treatment; financial and other counselling; and mentoring. There is legislative scope to expand the range of programs beyond those listed above.
For more information: email
rusimpu@act.gov.au or call 6207 8754
ATODA and the ACT ATOD sector engaged in representations supporting the establishment of this program and commend the ACT Government for these important developments.
Red-Tape Reduction: change to Association Incorporated Regulation 1991
ACT Government, Community Services
The Attorney General, Mr Simon Corbell MLA and Andrew Barr MLA, the Minster for Community Services, recently announced that the ACT Government will introduce changes to the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 regulations that will double the threshold before an incorporated association is required to appoint an auditor registered under the (Commonwealth) Corporations Act 2001.
For more information: See the
Announcement letter or contact Mr Robert Gotts, Director of the Community Sector Reform Program at
Robert.Gotts@act.gov.au
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Sector Development, Activities and Events
MAKINGtheLINK Indigenous Package
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
This educational resource is incorporating a series of activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school-aged students, to encourage them to seek help for problems related to drug use and mental health. By seeking help early, young people are less likely to develop long-term problems as a result of mental health and drug use issues.
This resource has been made specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in an attempt to provide culturally-appropriate and relevant information that these young people can relate to.
For more information and to register: Download the
Teacher manual or visit the
NCPIS website
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
United Nations
By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
This year theme is “Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs’’.
For more information: Visit the
United Nations website
“Hello Sunday Morning” Program
Hello Sunday Morning
Hello Sunday Morning is a program that helps everyday people take a break from drinking and improve their relationship with alcohol. The website offers a way for any individual to sign up and take a period of time (from 3 months to a year) from drinking, achieve some goals and get some perspective on why and how they would like to drink. Each one of their stories is an essential contribution to a better drinking culture. Hello Sunday Morning is a free program, with independent evaluations showing that those who undertake the program have significant decreases in alcohol consumption and risks of alcohol related harms.
Hello Sunday Morning will be launching in the ACT in the coming months with the goal of engaging 2,000 new users.
For more information: Visit the
Hello Sunday Morning website or email
Jamie@hellosundaymorning.org
Local Health Connections - Regional Network Meetings
ACT Medicare Local
Focus area: Health care connections for young adults
Date: Thursday 13 June
Venue: Ainslie Football Club (North Canberra)
Time: 6-8pm
For more information: 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
Canberra and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Worker of the Year Award
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
This is the time to recognise the many heroes who are providing links between their organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, or who have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through their work in the community sector. The Community Sector worker of the Year award recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers at the forefront of this vital work.
Nominations close: 17 June 2013
For more information: Visit
ACTCOSS website or download the
Application Form
Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards
Australian Institute of Criminology
Nominations are now open for the 2013 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA). This year the ACVPA Board is particularly interested in considering crime prevention projects that focus on youth crime or domestic violence, but nominated projects may address crime prevention in areas as diverse as rural and remote communities, women, children, youth or the family, multicultural or Indigenous communities, or address specific problems such as alcohol-related violence.
Businesses, community networks and members of the public are encouraged to nominate local projects of any size that have made an impact on their community by reducing crime and violence.
Nominations close: 21 June 2013
For more information and to nominate someone: See the
nomination form, visit the
Australian Institute of Criminology website, email
acvpa@aic.gov.au or call (02) 6260 9216
Celebration for Winnunga’s 25th Birthday
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
People are invited to come and celebrate Winnunga’s 25
th Birthday. There will be food, live entertainment and kids activities.
Date: 10 July 2013
Time: 10am – 3pm
Venue: Winnunga Grounds, 63 Boolimba Cr, Narrabundah, Canberra
For more information: See the
invitation, visit the
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service website or call (02) 6284 6222
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Training and Professional Development
June - July 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.
Expert, Customised and Evidence Based ACT Specific ATOD Training
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.
For more information: download the
information package or contact ATODA by email
info@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070.
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC) 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
26 June 2013.
For more information: Visit
ATODA's website, email
kate@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540
Workshop: Engaging people to talk about problem gambling issues
Mission Australia – ACT Gambling Counselling & Support Service
This course is aimed at any person assisting people who may have financial, legal, relationship, housing, drug and alcohol, child protection and mental health concerns. Many people who have problems with gambling or are gambling in a high risk fashion do not recognise the extent to which their gambling may be affecting themselves or people close to them. Even if people with gambling problems do self identify they are likely to seek help for the consequences of their gambling rather than, or before, seeking specific gambling help.
Date: 17 June 2013
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: The ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service, Block E CIT Southside, Ainsworth St, Phillip, Canberra
For more information or to register: Contact Alex Ingham by phone (02) 6207 0305 or email
alexander.ingham@act.gov.au
Aboriginal Culture, History & Heritage Training
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), Kuracca Consultancy
This one-day workshop for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers provides participants with a general introduction into the recent history of Aboriginal peoples 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: 14 June 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: $165 ACTCOSS Members / $235 Non-members / $305 Government & Corporate
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 6 Gritten St, Weston
For more information: Download the
training flyer, contact Lisa by phone (02) 6202 7200 or email
lisa@actcoss.org.au
Also see other ATODA trainings in the News from ATODA section
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Conferences and Symposiums
“Healing the Scars” Aboriginal Rural and Remote Drug and Alcohol Conference
Wandarma Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Service, Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE), The Lyndon Community
“Healing the Scars” is the first national rural and remote Aboriginal drug and alcohol conference and it is the aim that all special guests and presenters will be Aboriginal.
The aim of the conference is to build networks and share understanding of culturally respected ways of working with Aboriginal men, women, young people and families in a holistic approach that suits rural and remote communities with limited resources.
Date: 20 – 21 August 2013
Cost: $110 for one day / $220 for two days including conference dinner
Venue: The Coach House Marina Resort, Batemans Bay NSW
For more information: See the
Conference flyer, the
Call for abstracts, or contact Precilla Boota at Wandarma on (02) 6492 0011 or Lara McLaughlin at the Lyndon Community on (02) 6361 2300 or email
healingthescars@lyndoncommunity.org.au
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.
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!
Date: 17-19 July 2013
Cost: Before 31 May 2013 – $495 Full Delegate, $275 Day Delegate, $55 Cocktail party-networking forum, $330 Workshop
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
APSAD Scientific Conference 2013: Bridging Knowledge and Practice
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
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.
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
Australian Smoking Cessation Conference 2013
University of Sydney, Smoking Research Unit
The conference is focusing on four main themes: Smoking in Pregnancy, in Adolescents, in Mental Health and in Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Attendees will gain in depth knowledge in these topics through workshops conducted by these specialists, as well as up to date presentations on research and clinical practice in all areas of smoking cessation.
All accepted abstracts will be published in The Journal of Smoking Cessation, a Cambridge University Press Publication.
Date: 6 – 8 November 2013
Abstracts submissions close: 28 June 2013
Cost: $500 Early-Bird Full Registration / $550 General Full Registration
Venue: Sydney Nursing School, Level 1, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown
For more information: Visit the
University of Sydney website, email
smoking.research@sydney.edu.au or call (02) 9351 0816
Also see the 6th Annual ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Sector Conference in the Drug Action Week section
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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
Drug Trends Bulletin
Illicit Reporting System (IDRS) & Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS)
The Drug Trends Bulletins provide information about Australia’s drug markets and trends in drug related harms.
For more information: Visit the
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre website
Smoke Free Environment 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
Newsletter No 31
Anex Bulletin
The Anex Bulletin is the Australian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sector’s magazine. The Anex Bulletin canvasses a range of NSP-related issues and keeps harm reduction workers up-to-date with new information, research findings and emerging issues for the sector.
For more information: See the latest edition of the Anex Bulletin
Vol 11 Edition 5
Of Substance eBulletin
Australian National Council on Drugs
The
Of Substance e-bulletin provides updates for the alcohol and drug sector. In the June issue Cataringa Giorgi from the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education reflects on the effectiveness of the 2003 NWS Alcohol summit.
For more information: See the
June issue
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“Hep C-Ciety – For Drug Users Living with Hepatitis C” A new online resource
Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
The “Hep C-Ciety – For Drug Users Living with Hapatitis C” website has been designed to give people who inject drugs (PWID) information that will help them make decisions about living with hep C. The website is divided in six sections: Looking After Our Health with Hep C, Thinking About Treatment, On Treatment, After Treatment, The Dope on Hep C and Research, News & Developments.
For more information: Visit the
Hep C-Ciety website, or contact Jude Byrne by email
judeb@aivl.org.au or
info@aivl.org.au
Consumer Representatives Training Course
Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA)
This course outlines the structure of the ACT Health System and will provide service workers with the opportunity to nominate as a Consumer Representative on a health service committee and make a valuable contribution to improve health services.
Date: 22 & 29 June 2013
Time: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
Venue: HCCA Meeting Room, Sports House, 100 Maitland St, Hackett
For more information and to register: Email
reps@hcca.org.au or call (02) 6230 7800
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors
Twenty Years: Twenty Stories Invitation
ACT Human Right Commission, ACT Disability and Community Services, ACT Human Rights & Discrimination and Commonwealth Disability Discrimination
The Canberra launch of Twenty Years: Twenty Stories will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act. The evening will feature video clips of incredible personal stories, including one with a Canberra connection, and a Q&A session with Commissioner Innes.
Date: 26 June 2013
Time: 5:15pm
Venue: National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Cct, Acton
For more information and to register: Email
rsvp@nfsa.gov.au or call (02) 6248 2000
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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 / Part time / Full time
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
Business Administration – Traineeship position
Karralika Programs Inc.
Karralika Programs is looking for an enthusiastic person to commence a traineeship in their office. Applicants should possess the following qualities:
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Good work ethic
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Willingness to learn
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Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
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Ability to multi task
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Ability to work in a small team
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A general empathy for those whose lives have been affected by problematic alcohol and other drug use
Some of the tasks that you will be responsible for include:
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Reception
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Data entry and database management
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Filing
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Mail handling
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Archiving
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Providing administrative support to other staff
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Providing support to meetings
The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Business and will be provided with both on the job and formal training as needed.
Applications (including a Resume and a short statement against the key responsibilities) must be sent by
Tuesday 11 June 2013.
For more information: Contact Camilla Rowland by phone (02) 6163 0200 or email
CEO@karralika.org.au
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Media
Sentencing inquiry as jail hits capacity
Canberra Times, 8 May 2013
ACT politicians have been urged to consider new crime prevention and rehabilitation measures as an alternative to expanding the territory's only adult jail.
For more information: See the
article
Drug use on the rise in ACT: report inquiry as jail hits capacity
Canberra Times, 8 May 2013
The use of illegal drugs in the ACT remains a significant and increasing cause for concern, according to the latest annual snapshot.
For more information: See the
article
Interlock systems get drunk drivers off our roads
ACT Government, 9 May 2013
Repeat and high range drink drivers will have interlock systems fitted to their vehicles, stopping them from getting behind the wheel when drunk, thanks to measures undertaken by ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, today. The Bill, introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly, outlines the proposal for an Alcohol Interlock Scheme in the ACT and will be mandatory for high risk offenders.
For more information: See the
media release
New approach to youth justice reducing detention rates
ACT Government, 10 May 2013
Recent youth justice initiatives have helped achieve a significant reduction in youth detention rates in the ACT over the past two years, according to population data from the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. ACT Minister for Children and Young People Joy Burch today released figures which show that since 2011, when the average population in Bimberi was 23.3 young people, the average population has fallen by almost 20 per cent.
For more information: See the
media release
Canberra crime keeps dropping
City News, 14 May 2013
CRIME rates have continued to drop across the ACT since last year, according to statistics announced today by ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell. The ACT’s Criminal Justice Statistical Profile for March reveals decreases from the same time last year in a large range of offences,with the largest in robbery (31 per cent), burglary (21 per cent) and sexual offences (20 per cent).
For more information: See the
article
Suspected double overdose prompts police warning
Canberra Times, 15 May 2013
George Cortes, 24, is alleged to have sold a number of red and white capsules to his friend Mr Collins at a Florey house about 3am. Mr Collins is believed to have shown family members the pills shortly after the deal was completed. About an hour later the 52-year-old was being rushed by paramedics to Calvary Hospital, where he died about 6am.
For more information: See the
article
Friend sold pills to victim: police
Canberra Times, 16 May 2013
George Cortes, 24, is alleged to have sold a number of red and white capsules to his friend Mr Collins at a Florey house about 3am. Mr Collins is believed to have shown family members the pills shortly after the deal was completed. About an hour later the 52-year-old was being rushed by paramedics to Calvary Hospital, where he died about 6am.
For more information: See the
article
Drugs regulator could tighten Xanax rules
Canberra Times, 23 May 2013
The growing abuse of the commonly prescribed anxiety and insomnia drug, alprazolam, has led the peak body for drug regulation in Australia to more tightly restrict its prescription. A principal research fellow with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Louisa Degenhardt, said Xanac was a particular cause for concern because it was powerful drug with high risk of dependency and, particularly when combined with other depressant drugs like opioids, overdose.
For more information: See the
article
$1.050 million for new Community Legal Hub
ACT Government, 24 May 2013
ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, announced that the ACT Government will provide more than $1 million over four years to establish a new home for the Territory's community legal centres, which are currently housed at Havelock House.
For more information: See the
media release
ACT moves to extend smoking bans
ABC News, 31 May 2013
The ACT Government wants to ban smoking at playgrounds, public swimming pools, sporting fields and bus interchanges.
For more information: See the
article
Officers dig in as hepatitis cases rise
Canberra Times, 4 June 2013
Hepatitis C cases are rising among ACT jail inmates as prison guards remain opposed to a new push to start a needle-exchange program at Alexander Maconochie Centre.
For more information: See the
article
Proposal would have prisoners stub out their cigarettes
Canberra Times, 1 June 2013
The ACT government will consider banning cigarettes at Canberra’s only prison, in a move the opposition says is “entirely hypocritical”.
For more information: See the
article
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