DARU Update
10th March 2009
WELCOME
Hello, and welcome to the weekly update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.
DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon Granek, and a Project Administrator, Melissa Yong
We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email .
Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members. Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.
IN THE NEWS
EVENTS
TRAINING
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
SUBMISSIONS
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
IN THE NEWS
Community and Disability Services Ministers’ Conference
COMMUNIQUÉ
Friday 6th March 2009
Community and Disability Services Ministers met in Melbourne to progress the important National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children.
The Framework is due to be presented to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) at its next meeting. Ministers discussed two key areas of work for the Framework - Data Collection & Information Sharing.
Ministers noted the COAG reforms on housing, homelessness, disability, education and health, and those to close the gap on outcomes for Indigenous Australians are critical foundations for improving the safety and wellbeing of Australian children.
Disability Services
Ministers agreed to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the National Disability Agreement (NDA) by July 2009, which identifies the work to be undertaken over the next five years and includes reporting arrangements, details about progress, timelines, milestones and outcomes.
To read this Communiqué in full click here.
Media Contact: Jessica Walker, Minister Macklin’s Office 0430 166 633; Ben Ruse, Parliamentary Secretary Shorten’s Office 0407 030 808; Nancy Waites, Parliamentary Secretary Stephens’ Office 0434 560 313
Cabinet Reshuffle Update
FaHCSIA as advised DARU that the article, Rising Stars Shine Through, in Kevin Rudd's Cabinet Reshuffle that appeared in the Australian on 26th February 2009 and reprinted in the DARU Update 3rd March 2009, inaccurately reported the recent changes.
While BillShorten has gained responsibility for Victorian Bush Fire reconstruction his otherresponsibilities remain the same.Senator Ursula Stephens (Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector) will come within FaHCSIA’s administration, Minister Plibersek remains Minister for Housing, and Minister Macklin remains the senior Minister responsible for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Forfurther information go to the Prime Minister's Media Release dated 25 February 2009 at web address http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Release/2009/media_release_0837.cfm
EVENTS
Rural Women in a Changing Climate Gatherings in Barwon South West Region
Three 'Rural Women in a Changing Climate' gatherings will be held in the Barwon South West (BSW) region. The details of the 3 gatherings are
- Wednesday 18th March, Otway Estate, Colac Lavers Hill Rd, Barongarook (12kms from Colac)
- Tuesday 24th March, Glenelg Shire Council, Portland
- Tuesday 31st March, Aireys Inlet Community Hall. This 3rd gathering is targeting older women over 60 years.
The BSW Regional Rural Women's Reference Group who is hosting the events would love women with a disability to be able to attend.
Brain Injury Matters (BIM) Annual General Meeting and Celebration
When Wednesday 25th March 2009. Presentation, AGM & Guest Speaker, 10.30am – 12.30pm followed by lunch. Film & Celebration, 1.30pm-4pm
Where 4th floor, Ross House, Hayden Raysmith, Large Meeting Room
Register For catering purposes RSVP to Brain Injury Matters (BIM) via phone 03 9639 7222.
BIM members and key stakeholders and supporters are invited to attend a presentation of future plan ideas, election, food, film and fun.
Guest speaker Grayden Moore will speak about life as a young person living in an aged care facility and the importance of appropriate accommodation for young people with ABI.
After reaching national junior top 10 ranking, Grayden played in the Australian Open Junior Tennis championships in 1999 and won a tennis scholarship to the USA, where he studied Business Management. Ten months after graduation, in October 2004 Grayden was seriously injured in a skateboarding accident. His parents were told that he would remain in a vegetative state for life, and that the only option was for Grayden to be admitted to a nursing home. Through the dedication of his parents and support team to a rehabilitation program, Grayden can now walk, talk and do many every-day things by himself. He has been in and out of nursing homes since his accident, and is at risk again of entering residential aged care if a more suitable accommodation place is not found.
Building Better Lives is about providing community living options for young people like Grayden.
Grayden can be booked to speak at your school or organisation.
For more information visit website http://www.summerfoundation.org.au
Self Help Groups - Connecting for Health and Wellbeing Forum
When Thursday 2nd April 2009
Where Northcote Town Hall 189 High Street, Northcote
Register To register email or phone 03 9349 2301
This forum provides a rare opportunity for all those with an interest in self help groups/peer support groups/mutual aid groups to get together for the exchange of information and experience.
Workshops include the following topics:
· Self Help Workers – Sharing Ideas and Resources
· Moving Beyond the Stories and Promoting Inner Peace
· Engaging People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in Self Help Groups
· Connecting Communities Online: Cheaper and Bigger or Narrower and
· Riskier?
· Alternative Sources of Fundraising Income for Community Groups
For workshop overviews and presenters visit website www.coshg.org.au/news.html
If you have any questions please email or phone 03 9349 2301 or visit the website www.coshg.org.au
A Human Rights Act?
Workshop: The National Human Rights Consultation Process
When Thursday 2nd April 2009, 2pm – 4pm
Where Jenny Florence Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
Ross House, 247-251 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Register To RSVP by Friday 27th March 2009 contact Ben via email or phone 8636 4451. Please let us know by 12th March if you require special assistance such as Auslan interpreters, attendant carers or communication support workers.
People with disabilities and organisations that work with them have great experience on the importance of better protection of human rights in Australia.
Come along to find out how to have your say, and join us in some food and drink!
To download the Workshop Flyer click here. For more information contact Ben via email or phone 8636 4451.
ACOSS National Conference 2009 ‘Building a fair Australia in tough economic times’
When Thursday 2nd – Friday 3rd April 2009
Where Australian Technology Park, Sydney
RegisterTo register click here
Speakers include;
· Geraldine Doogue, ABC
· Patricia Faulkner, Social Inclusion Board
· Dr Ken Henry, Treasury Secretary
· Jeff Lawrence, ACTU
· Ian McAuley, University of Canberra
· Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion
For more conference information click here.
Disability Support Applications
ACOSS has secured funding to support people with disabilities to attend the Conference.
To request an application form contact Al via phone (02) 9310 6200 or email
Applications must be submitted by Monday 16th March 2009.
DPV 2009 Conference
When 23rd – 24th April 2009
Where The Sebel, Albert Park
RegisterTo register on line click here.
· Are there ever increasing demands being made on you in the workplace?
· Do you need to support others to work collaboratively?
· Is your job getting more frenetic?
Yes? Then register now to make an investment that will
pay dividends later.
Disability Professionals Victoria (DPV) is proud to host their 4th Annual Conference.
Speakers include Gary Radler, Don Elgin (Paralympian) and Jason Clarke (Minds At Work). You will also have an opportunity to delve into disability leadership in a debate chaired by Andrew Hollo (WorkWell) and a chance to relax and reflect on the joys of our valuable work in the community.
To download the Conference program click here. For more information contact DPV via phone 8637 1238.
TRAINING
‘Getting to Yes' Workshop
When Wednesday 25th – Thursday 26th March 2009
Where CMA's South Yarra training facility
Register Free of charge for Not for Profit organisations (up to 2 representatives per NGO). To register contact Emily via phone 03 96130700.
Need to negotiate agreements and resolve disputes?
The 'Getting to Yes' workshop is a 2 day negotiation skills workshop. It aims to teach you how to
· analyse a negotiation and identify obstacles to achieving your desired results
· prepare for negotiation systematically and comprehensively, increasing your confidence and ability to plan targeted strategies
· communicate skilfully and persuasively in negotiation
· manage key working relationships without compromising your own objectives
· transform hostile negotiations into “problem-solving” collaborations
· make clear, rational decisions about when to accept or reject a negotiation proposal, and when to walk away from a negotiation altogether
· learn from each negotiation, to ensure ongoing skills development.
The workshop is structured to blend interactive presentation, group discussion, role play and case study work, and draws on a variety of learning media to ensure maximum stimulation and retention of core skills.
For more information contact Emily via phone 03 96130700 or visit the website www.cmaservices.com.au
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Standards and Monitoring of Performance
The Victorian Government Gazette G8 dated 19 February 2009 contains the performance measures in respect of standards required to be met by disability service providers in the provision of disability service under theDisability Act 2006.
The link is
http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2009/GG2009G008.pdf#page=25
These should be read in conjunction with the Standards to be met by Disability Service Providers in the provision of Disability Services under the Act published in the Victorian Government Gazette S121 dated 7 June 2007.
The link is
http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2007/GG2007S121.pdf#page=1
SUBMISSIONS
Victoria Law Foundation General Grants
Twice a year the Victoria Foundation offers a round of 'General Grants', each over $5,000, for innovative legal projects that benefit Victoria. They also award 'Small Grants' under $5,000 throughout the year.
The amount awarded is determined by guidelines listed on the website www.victorialawfoundation.org.au
The Foundation considers the size of the overall project and how well the project satisfies our mandate to enhance access to justice and understanding of the law.
Application forms and information on previous projects funded by the Foundation are available at the website www.victorialawfoundation.org.au
For more information contact Tabitha via phone 9604 8115.
The next General Grants round closes 9th April 2009.
First and Final Call for Abstracts
The 4th Forensic Disabilities Conference seeks the counsel of professionals, advocates, consumers, families and survivors in examining and discussing issues related to human rights throughout the forensic disability arena.
Themes that will be of particular interest for conference participants include innovative support programs for offenders, human rights issues related to forensic disabilities and supporting victims/survivors of crime who have disabilities.
For more information on submitting an abstract click here.
Closing date for receipt of abstracts is Tuesday 31st March 2009
Carer Survey
Lesley Berk is conducting a short online survey for consumers & carers of people with Bipolar Disorder. Lesley is keen to hear from carers and consumers who have experience dealing with bipolar disorder to make sure the results of the study are not only clinically based.
If you are interested please email Lesley at . You will then receive a link to the online survey which is valid for your email address only. This has been done for added privacy.
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
IT or Accounting graduates requiring unpaid work experience
Professional Pathways Australia would like to hear from organisations interested in an opportunity to connect with, guide and mentor the next generation of Accounting or IT professionals within Australia. We have a number of these newly qualified international interns who are looking to undertake 12 week UNPAID internships within an organisation such as yours.
These young professionals have completed their degree in Australian universities in the field of Accounting or IT and have recently completed the first two components of the Professional Year Program of Business Communication and working within the Australian workplace.
Professional Pathways Australia manages and monitors the internship process from start to finish ensuring that everyone involved has a positive experience. All candidates have been thoroughly screened for English language ability and motivation. Whilst some interns don’t yet have practical experience, they do bring enthusiasm, current theoretical knowledge and a willingness to learn and support your company’s activities and projects.
For more information contact Lisa via phone 03 8622 8956 or Freda via phone 03 8622 8954.