Newsletter Number 51 - December 2007

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a

HAPPY and PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!

GROW YOU OWN:
TRAIN LOCAL / EMPLOY LOCAL

In 2008 there will be an estimated 800 secondary school students in the Darwin, Palmerston and rural areas looking for School Based Apprenticeships or Vocational Work Placements - and they need employers to give them a go!

Group Training NT is leading a joint marketing campaign to encourage more employers to support students in School to Work Transition programs.

Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, launched the initiative on 21 November, and Group Training NT have been undertaking a range of marketing activities. Read more>>

AUSTRALIAN SERVICES UNION (ASU) and NT COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES (NTCOSS) CAMPAIGN

The ASU and NTCOSS have formed a campaign group to address the urgent issues threatening the community sector's future capacity to continue to deliver quality services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Territorians.

The purpose of the campaign is to work together to strengthen the non-government community services sector. A draft set of core principles has been developed which recognise the ability to offer secure employment, create a stronger, more cohesive sector and enhance the ability to provide high quality services.

The ASU Branch Assistant Secretary, Katrine Hildyard, visited workplaces in Darwin during the first week of December to commence disussions with members and peak bodies, and early in the New Year will be visiting Alice Springs and Darwin to bring community sector workers and employers together at forums to further progress the campaign.

If your organisation or worksite has not already met with the campaign group, please contact Lucio Matarazzo on 08 8947 2455 or 0417 800 135 or by emailing ntasu@bigpond.net.au

HEARING AND LEARNING

• When dealing with new nurses or doctors, especially when the practitioners have little experience of communication with Aboriginal clients.
  
  
• When there are no Aboriginal Health Workers available.
  
  
• When background noise levels are high.
  
  
• When clients are referred to others and other places for specialist treatment.
  
  
• When treatment outcomes rely on effective communication - for example, the management of chronic disease or maternal and child health.
  
  
• When communication involves any combination of: unfamiliar people, unfamiliar subject matter, a noisy environment.
  

NEW LEADERSHIP HERALDS NEW FUTURE DIRECTION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL

The Australian Labor Party election 2007 document, Skilling Australia for the Future, outlines an agenda to promote reform and investment in Australia's education and training systems. Read more>>

THE HUM @ HSTAC

HSTAC held its last Council meeting for 2007 on Friday 7 December, and will next meet on Friday 14 March 2008 for the Annual General Meeting in the Council Chamber at Darwin City Council.

The 'Skills For Board and Council Members' Resource kit, produced by HSTAC, has now completely sold out, but further copies have been ordered and will be available in the New Year.

If you would like to order a copy, please contact Elisabeth on (08) 8981 2550 or email admin@hstac.com.au and we will advise you when they arrive.

A user workshop for HSTAC's latest resource, the 'GET SET' Disability Induction Kit was recently held in Darwin and was so successful that another workshop is scheduled for Alice Springs in the New Year. We will keep you informed when dates have been determined.

The CD is now available by contacting Elisabeth at HSTAC on 8981 2550 or email admin@hstac.com.au There is no charge for the CD within the Northern Territory.

'GET SET' can now be viewed here>>

WHERE I'M AT NOW
from Rachael Saywell, HSTAC's Office Trainee

Well, it's that time of the year again when the bells are ringing and the purse is stinging!

This year has seen big changes for me. When I commenced working at HSTAC in April, it was agreed that I would continue to take driving lessons as part of my work training package.

I'm now pleased to announce that I have finally got my driver's licence! All I need now is the car!

A huge thank you to Jobfind Casuarina, who put me through the driving lessons, and to Barbara Pitman and staff at HSTAC who allowed me to take the driving lessons in working hours.

I am still working towards my Certificate III in Business, and gathering up all my supporting evidence for Dovaston Training, as well as keeping busy at the HSTAC office.

THANK YOU TO HUMBYTES READERS

A draft of HSTAC's report, Mental Health Workers in the Northern Territory: Current and Future Demand and Training, has now been forwarded to the NT Department of Employment, Education and Training.

We would like to thank all our readers who contacted us with comments and information. We will let you know when the report becomes available on the HSTAC website.