Two 7-day Residental Programs

1-7 March 2006 / 3-9 May 2006

The AILC invites application from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for a 7-day residential leadership program to be held in Canberra on 1-7 March and 3-9 May 2006. Applicants should demonstrate their commitment to leadership and indigenous affairs. Up to 24 sponsored positions are available for this rigorous program that will focus on seven key areas of study:

• Leadership
• Indigenous Leadership
• Representation
• Governance
• Relationships and Networks
• Engagement and Participation
• Your Leadership

Closing dates for applications:

PETER'S TRAVELS (Peter Laming is HSTAC's much travelled Disability Coordination Officer)

November began with an Assistive Technology Expo held at the Casuarina Campus of Charles Darwin University. Both local and interstate presenters and exhibitors were involved, and about 300 people attended the afternoon and evening sessions.

Peter then travelled to Katherine for two days to talk with our network of trainers and disability services, including Katherine High School where they have created a successful horticulture project for their students with a disability, and also with long time managers of Employability (an open employment service) and Step Out (a life skills and community access program). Since Peter's last visit there have been a number of new appointments: two Local Area Coordinators with the Department of Health and Community Services, a Field Officer with the Department of Employment, Education and Training and a Trainer/Assessor at Waikan Training and Employment.

In mid-November Peter attended the Disability Sub-Committee meeting at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education where he met with some new staff and some old friends.

Early December saw Peter chairing the meeting of the Disability Coordination Officers Advisory Committee in Darwin, followed by a focus group organised by the Department of Employment, Education and Training where about 20 people discussed ways to better support people with a disability in employment.

INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

In October this year, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council Ltd commissioned HSTAC to undertake research relating to opportunities and options for increasing the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's participation in New Apprenticeships in the community services and health industries.

Relevant background documents, reports, case studies, statistics and hands-on experience were obtained through a combination of desktop research, telephone surveys and specific requests for information from key stakeholders.

This information was then used to compile a picture of the current situation regarding Indigenous participation in the community services and health workforce, New Apprenticeships and VET more generally. The draft report is currently with our client.

For further information contact Michele Bailey on phone (08) 8981 2550 or m.bailey@hstac.com.au

STAFF MOVEMENTS

HSTAC sadly farewells two valued staff members - Michele Bailey, our Project Manager, and Peter Laming, our Disability Coordination Officer - we wish them both all the very best and every success for the future.