Newsletter Number 49 - October 2007

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COMMUNITY SERVICES & HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL'S 'MAKING A DIFFERENCE' CONFERENCE
31 October- 1 November 2007, Sydney

1.5 weeks to go . . . REGISTER NOW!

Learn + Innovate + Network = Unlocking Workforce Potential

• Gain an insight into the national agenda for training and the new AQTF standards and what this means for you and your organisation
• Discover new technologies for cutting down on cost and time in training
• Find out tips and tricks in building a more cost effective and efficient business
• Learn new strategies for meeting the literacy and numeracy challenges of your workforce
• Understand what industry wants from RTOs (registered training organisations)
• Network with your peers and check out what your competition is doing
• Learn about innovative workforce development strategies from keynote speakers

Register online or download an order form and fax to 02 9270 6601

'WORKING TOGETHER IN PARTNERSHIP' FORUM - ABORIGINAL/TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH WORKER QUALIFICATIONS IMPLEMENTATION

The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) are organising a forum to explore and discuss implementation issues surrounding these new qualifications. The forum will take place the day after the conclusion of CSHISC's 'Making a Difference' Conference (see above).

Justine Te Moananui, Acting Skills Development Manager of Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi - Social Services Industry Training Organinsation Inc, will provide a Maori perspective on workforce issues in New Zealand.

This event will be an opportunity for all those involved in the Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker qualifications to network with their local colleagues, as well as those from New Zealand, to bring this important Indigenous health initiative to the forefront of everybody's agenda.

A preliminary program of guest speakers, with more to be confirmed, include:

• Justine Te Moananui, Acting Skills Development Manager, Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi - Social Services Industry Training Organisation Inc, New Zealand

• Graeme Rossiter, Acting Director, Mental Health Workforce Division, Workforce Infrastructure Branch, Department of Health and Ageing

• Janine Engelhardt, Senior Policy Officer, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

• When: Friday 2 November 2007 9.30am-4pm
  
  
• Where: The SMC Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW
  
  
• Cost: 'Making a Difference' Conference 2007 Delegate Special - $50
  Normal Registration - $70

For further details, please contact louise.chick@cshisc.com.au or 02 9270 6626.

AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
'Current & Future Needs for Mental Health Workers in the NT' Market Research

HSTAC is currently undertaking market research of 'Current and Future Needs for Mental Health Workers in the Northern Territory'.

We are consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, and would appreciate if readers who would like to have input would contact us - or, pass this invitation on to any others they know who may have an interest in this project.

The contact officer is Joan Kieboom who can be reached on 08 8981 2550 or at train@hstac.com.au

The project is being undertaken on behalf of the NT Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) and is researching:

• The extent to which currently employed staff in the NT are being trained to manage mental health issues; and
  
  
• Current and future demand for Mental Health Workers in the NT.

The project is scheduled to provide a report to DEET by 31 December 2007, detailing outcomes of research and containing recommendations on the need for Mental Health Workers.

We look forward to hearing from you.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER

HSTAC's Executive Officer, Barbara Pitman, has been out and about helping to facilitate workshops in Cairns, Perth and Darwin.

The workshops were organised by the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) to inform stakeholders about the implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Qualifications Framework.

John Clarke, whom some of you might remember from his time in the Northern Territory with the Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Board, developed the workshop materials and led the workshop process.

The workshops were well attended in all jurisdictions and attracted a range of participants, including registered training organisations, managers, Aboriginal Health Workers and employers.

Now that the workshop process has been trialled, the materials will be adjusted and made available on the CSHISC website www.cshisc.com.au.

If you are interested in having one of these workshops for your stakeholders, please contact the CSHISC on 02 9270 6600.

HSTAC INCOMMUNICADO

During the week Monday 29 October - Friday 02 November 2007 HSTAC is having new carpet laid and we may not be able to use our workplace for some of this time.

However, our answering machine will be on when we are not in the office and we will return messages as soon as we receive them.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ASSOCIATION (NT) INC?

• Is the Association still running?
• If not, when did it cease operating?

The Department would like to close their file if the association is no longer functioning. A file audit shows no documentation has been lodged since 1999.

If you can shed any light on this, please contact Angela Niejalke, A/Senior Associations Officer - phone 08 8999 1314 or email angela.niejalke@nt.gov.au

REMINDER:
'WILL THIS HELP?' CD

'Will This Help?' CD lists and describes a range of computer technologies to assist students with reading, writing and organising their work.

It is a project of the Hunter/Central Coast Regional Disability Liaison Officers and Disability Coordination Officers (RDLO/DCO) Program.

If you would like a copy, there is no charge, please email admin@hstac.com.au or phone Elisabeth on 08 8981 2550.