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Latest News from the Coalition

National Reconciliation Week is bookended by two key dates – 27 May and 3 June – to acknowledge the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision. But beyond those dates, the week is also an opportunity to see just how far have we have come, year-on-year. To take stock, and focus on how attitudes of the nation are changing towards reconciliation.

Reconciliation Australia has for more than a decade, conducted a Reconciliation Barometer survey to try and measure the success, or otherwise, of the reconciliation goal.

Mental Health Peer Support Workforce Needs Assessment Project.
The Territory is one of the last jurisdictions in Australia to examine the mental health peer support workforce in a unique Territory context. The Project Officer, Jude Ellen has been working on the mental health peer support work force needs assessment project, funded by NT Primary Health Network since February 2019. An updated.

At the recent “dialogue: 2019” Lived Experience Workforce Conference hosted by Brook RED in Brisbane a presentation on the status of the National Peer Workforce Development Guidelines project was given by the Mental Health Reform team which covered background, learnings to date and next steps. The power point presentation.

Productivity Commission Inquiry into The Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health - Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition's Submission April 2019.
The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition's submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into The Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health is now available.

National Reconciliation Week is bookended by two key dates – 27 May and 3 June – to acknowledge the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision. But beyond those dates, the week is also an opportunity to see just how far have we have come, year-on-year. To take stock, and focus on just how attitudes of the nation are changing towards reconciliation.

Reconciliation Australia for more than a decade, have been conducting a Reconciliation Barometer survey to try and measure the success, or otherwise, of the reconciliation goal.

Mental Health Week - October 2019.
The working committee has met and will continue to meet to develop a theme, launch, art exhibition, Awards. If you would like to join the working committee contact the Coalition office on 8948 2246.

Buy a Ribbon - Mental Health Week in October.
The Western Australian Association for Mental Health has developed a promotional ribbon to celebrate your recovery or help break the stigma by purchasing a Mental Health Awareness ribbon. Green is the colour of mental health representing hope, strength and support.

Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)

Community Mental Health Australia, promoting the importance and benefits of community mental health and recovery services across Australia. Visit the website here.

CMHA is a coalition of eight state and territory peak community mental health organisations with direct links and contact with community mental health organisations delivering services to the community.

The NT Mental Health Coalition is a member of the CMHA.

Opinion Piece - Overcoming PESD (Post-Election Stress Disorder) - the Power of Connection by Bill Gye OAM, Chief Executive Officer of Community Mental Health Australia. The Federal Election result was not what many of us were expecting. Like many others we had assumed that the polls were more or less correct, with 50 polls in a row putting Labor at the top. So now we have to rewind our expectations and adjust…, what can we hope for and what should we do?

NDIS News

National Disability Strategy Beyond 2020.
The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 is about creating a more inclusive society that enables Australians with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens. The Strategy ends in 2020 and governments across Australia are working together to develop a new strategy beyond 2020. Consultation will ensure people with disability are at the centre of the design of the new strategy and have a leading role in modernising policies and programs affecting their lives.

The first stage of consultation started in April to June 2019. All consultations are accessible for people with disability.

You can have your say through:

a public survey (from mid-April).
face-to-face community workshops in every state and territory (from 29 April).
online forums (from mid-May).

3rd Quarterly Report 2018-19.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released the latest quarterly report, covering the period 1 January - 31 March 2019. The quarterly reports provide information to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Disability Services Consulting has prepared a summary of the top 7 takeaways providers need to know.

Important Deadlines for NT Providers.
The NT Government has advised they will not be able to progress any new registration requests from 1 May 2019 for the following registration groups.

Providers in the NT wishing to apply for these registration groups must have began the process with the NT Government before 1 April 2019 for full registration groups, and 1 May 2019 for streamlined registration groups. For further information.

NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission: what does this mean for providers? Fact sheet.

Provider Information Sessions - 12 June Darwin and 18 June Alice Springs
Hosted by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency, these events will feature four presentations for Providers including the following topics:

Overview of Provider obligations, Registration and Renewals, Code of Conduct, Practice Standards, Worker Orientation and ways in which the NDIS Commission will support Providers.

Behaviour Support, Complaints and Reportable Incidents.

Learn about the Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program, including the NDIS Demand Map, Readiness Assessment Tool. Understand how NDIS providers are supported to be sustainable, including by attracting, retaining, and optimising workforce's.

Help providers better understand their business and administrative obligations when transacting with the NDIA, so that they can focus on supporting participants to achieve their goals.

NDIS Northern Territory New State Director.
Congratulations to Robyn Westerman who has been appointed as Northern Territory State Director, supporting the establishment and operation of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission in the Northern Territory. Robyn has extensive experience working in the health, mental health and disability services sectors in the Northern Territory – spanning 30 years in remote Indigenous communities, and regional centres and includes hands-on clinical and operational experience as well as Management and Executive level experience in disability services.

NDIS Worker Orientation Module.
A module has been developed to assist NDIS workers to better support people with disability. It will help workers to understand:

What the NDIS is and why we need it.
The role of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Worker’s responsibilities under the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Worker’s role in supporting people with disability to achieve the vision of the NDIS.

For further information contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au

Join the next "Let's talk about work" webinar in June.

How to apply for the NDIS if you haven't already?

Local Areas Coordinators (LAC) in the NT - APM.

NDIS, links to Connect Me Coffee Sessions.

Other News

Local Information

What's on @ TEMHCO.
Top End Mental Health Consumer Organisation (TEMHCO) promotes wellness in mental health through high quality, culturally appropriate and holistic programs and services that will help educate and support members.

Disability and Aged Care Service Provider – Job Market S urvey.
Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program staff are currently engaging Darwin, Alice Springs and Broome aged care and disability service providers to identify their current and future workforce needs. By better understanding workforce needs, the Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program (BLCWP) staff can be more effective in assisting assist you with recruitment, retention or further development of your workforce. The information shared will remain confidential, and any recording or reporting of data will not identify survey respondents. There are 10 questions in total, and we anticipate this survey will not take too long to complete.

Grow - Free Mental Wellness Program.
Grow is a community-based organisation and has been in operation for over 60 years nationally and in Darwin for over 30 years. It’s a 12-step peer support program of personal development and growth. In each meeting participants engage in group discussions, literature, and follow a structured timetable. The wisdom that is gained in the program helps participants with their recovery from mental illness and/or overcome life challenges that they may be facing. The Grow program is a holistic, group support model based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

National Suicide Prevention Trial Site - NT Primary Health Network Expression of interest (Tenderlink).
Darwin was selected from 12 regions to participant in an Australian Government National Suicide Prevention Trial. The National Suicide Prevention Trial aims to gather evidence of how a systems-based approach to suicide prevention might be best undertaken at the regional level to better respond to local needs and to identify new learnings in relation to suicide prevention strategies for at-risk populations.

The trial covers a four-year period from 2016-17 up to 2019-20, including development, implementation and evaluation.National Suicide Prevention Trial (Greater Darwin region).

Expressions of interest are open for suitably-qualified providers to deliver the following activities targeting the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Greater Darwin region as part of the National Suicide Prevention Trial or contact Danielle Bacskai at the NT Primary Health Network on 08 8982 1034 or email danielle.bacskai@ntphn.org.au

Positive social media messaging campaign (closes 26 May 2019)
Youth LGBTQI+ Awareness Training Program (closes 2 June 2019)
Suicide prevention early intervention and awareness training - including Darwin suicide prevention community grants (closes 16 June 2019)

Northern Territory Government - Suicide Prevention Community Grants 3rd – 28th June 2019. Fact Sheet. Applications are encouraged from NT-wide community initiatives to raise awareness, address stigma, and strengthen and up skill community members in recognising and understanding the signs and symptoms and support for suicidal behaviours. Existing grants from 2018-19 are also encouraged to apply. For further information.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) in Delivering Suicide Prevention Trial Activities in the Greater Darwin Region (Tenderlink)
The Northern Territory Primary Health Network has opened EOI to deliver activities in the Greater Darwin Region as part of the National Suicide Prevention Trial for the following activities:

Community Wellbeing and Healing Programs.
Youth Camps.
Young Fathers Program.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Youth Support Program.

Organisations that can demonstrate the ability and capacity to deliver the activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Greater Darwin Region may apply.

Menzies School of Health Research - AIMhi Stay Strong App (iOS version) and (Android version). The AIMhi Stay Strong App is designed to focus on wellbeing and is for use with Indigenous clients by Aboriginal Health Workers, nurses, GP's, allied health professionals, community workers and others within clinical and community settings. View a demonstration of the app.

The Women of Worth Program - Brochure.
The Women of Worth (WoW) program provides 6 months pre- and 12 months post-release support to women involved in the justice system. The aim of the program is to empower women involved in the justice system to implement positive lifestyle changes. WoW focuses on providing clients with strength-based case management support, learning opportunities to develop skills and capacity to reduce re-offending as well as practical assistance to reengage with the community.

Browns Mart Theatre Indigenous Engagement Program - And I’m The Queen Of
Sheba by Kate Wyvill - Thursday 13 June – Saturday 29 June 2019.
David Spry the Indigenous Audience Development Officer at Browns Mart would like to offer Indigenous people the opportunity to attend a free live performance of the play 'And I’m the Queen of Sheba’ by Kate Wyvill during June. With themes of the human need of belonging, this play has been well received by audiences and has a special resonance with Indigenous people. For those who are not familiar with the theatre world, it is a great introduction and opportunity to experience a live show at no cost. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided. I am happy to work with community groups to enable attendance and overcome any obstacles that should hinder involvement such as travel arrangements. Contact David on mobile 0449 878 440 or firstnations@brownsmart.com.au.

NT Creative Health - Get Involved.
Creative Health encompasses all the arts and health projects and experiences delivered in partnership with individuals, communities and professionals from the arts, health and education sectors. Projects with a focus on health and wellbeing.

Across the broad spectrum of health and wellbeing, participation and engagement with creative health includes all art forms. It improves emotional, social and physical wellbeing and supports better health outcomes with participants. Projects range from activity in hospital settings to programs in schools building student confidence.

Orange Sky Australia - Volunteer.
There are 116,000 people in Australia experiencing homelessness.
Orange Sky Australia are helping to positively connect our friends in need through free laundry, showers and conversation. For further information.

National Information

National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service - Book an Interpreter.
NABS is the National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service and provides interpreters for Deaf, Deaf blind and hard of hearing people who use sign language and would like an interpreter for private health care appointments. It's a free service to people who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Sign language services to Deaf Indigenous people are provided for both public and private health care appointments. Services include face to face interpreting (onsite) and video remote interpreting (online).

Women and Leadership Australia - Funding for Women's Leadership Development in the Health Sector. A pool of scholarship funding is currently available for women working in the health sector to participate in a range of leadership development courses. Funding is provisioned across three key management levels. Expressions of Interest close 21 June.

Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) Mental health services in Australia Report.
The AIHW has updated data for mental health services in Australia (MHSA). MHSA provides a picture of the national response of the health and welfare service system to the mental health care needs of Australians. The update includes data on:

Mental health services provided in emergency departments 2017-18.
Medicare-subsidised mental health-related services 2017-18.
Mental health-related prescriptions 2017-18.

Help Shape the National Disability Strategy beyond 2020.
Australian governments are asking people to help shape the future of Australian disability policy for 2020 and beyond. You can complete a national survey The First Peoples Disability Network will be conducting workshops for people in Tennant Creek, Darwin and Nhulunbuy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

The Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health has released their Community Trauma Toolkit. Tailored to six key audiences: educators, first responders, community leaders, parents/carers, GP's, and health and social service practitioners; it contains a variety of information and tools including videos, podcasts, training workshops, info graphics and downloadable fact-sheets. Visit the toolkit.

The Butterfly Foundation - MAYDAYS for Eating Disorders - Survey Results.
The Butterfly Foundation represents all people affected by eating disorders and negative body image – a person with the illness, their family and their friends. As a leading national voice in supporting their needs, Butterfly highlights the realities of seeking treatment for recovery, and advocates for improved services from both government and independent sources.

The Foundation has a Free Online Recovery Support Group you can join from anywhere in Australia, it's a safe and conversational space facilitated by our specialist counsellors for anyone aged 16 +. You don’t need to register just log in and join anonymously if you like. It happens every Monday 7:00pm – 8:30pm AEST. The Foundation also operates a National Eating Disorders Support Helpline that includes support over the phone, via email and online. The Helpline is staffed by trained counsellors experienced in assisting with eating disorders. It also provides a wide range of programs for service providers and recovery groups.

Out of the Shadows, Domestic and Family Violence: a leading cause of homelessness in Australia.

Mission Australia launched a policy position: ‘Out of the Shadows, Domestic and Family Violence: a leading cause of homelessness in Australia’ available here.

italk Studios - Worry Boss Story - Watch.
italk Studios are a media production and training company based in the Northern Territory. italk Studios have produced numerous education, training, community and social marketing resources over 20 years, in the Northern Territory and across Australia.
Check out this Worry Boss story about anxiety. The story focuses on what makes people worry, how that makes them feel and what they can do about it. Worry Boss has been made with the Royal Flying Doctor Service together with communities in Central Australia. For further information about italk website.

Community Grants Hub.
The Community Grants Hub (the Hub) administers community-based grants on behalf of Australian Government departments, agencies and organisations. With over 1100 staff and contractors across Australia, the Hub plays a critical role in designing, selecting, establishing and managing grants across the Australian Government.

Life in Mind launches comprehensive research directory.
Life in Mind has launched a national research directory, highlighting useful information and links to prominent suicide prevention researchers and their translational research.

Best Mental Health Podcasts 2019 - Player FM.
Join millions of Player FM users to get Mental Health news and insights whenever you like, even when you're offline. It's free and easy.

Between Worlds - An Aboriginal approach to mental health is helping farmers deal with drought by Georgina Kenyan. Droughts can have the effect of “exacerbating underlying grief and trauma.”

Events, Conferences & Training

TeamHEALTH Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, Darwin 12th-13th June Register.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid Course is for adults working or living with adolescents, those aged between approximately 12 and 18 years. However, the course can be relevant for those helping people who are a little younger or older. This course is particularly suitable for parents, teachers, community service workers, and youth workers. The course curriculum is evidence-based, as informed by the Mental Health First Aid Guidelines.

Wesley Lifeforce - Deliver Suicide Prevention Training in your Community - Apply.
The Train the Trainer program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community workers and/or community mental health workers.
The program has four stages:

Participation in a one-day general community suicide prevention workshop.
Two-day Train the Trainer program facilitated by a Wesley LifeForce trainer.
One-day program facilitated by a trainer from Blue Knot Foundation – Trauma-Informed Care and Practice: Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Co-facilitation of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workshops supervised by a Wesley LifeForce Trainer.

Once accredited, participants are required to facilitate or co-facilitate four workshops a year to maintain their accreditation. The next training will be in Alice Springs on 17th - 20th June.

The Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference - Thinking Speaking Being, Darwin 18th - 20th June 2019 - Register.

This conference will be an Indigenous space built on First Nations knowledge's and values.
It will be a space to connect Indigenous peoples, and non-Indigenous colleagues, and share the journey together. The conference theme is Thinking Speaking Being invites an important discussion around the future of Indigenous people, their contribution to the wellbeing of the planet.

Responding to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Workshops - Darwin 8th July and Alice Springs 12th July.
This workshop will assist professionals and carers to develop their knowledge and understanding of FASD across the lifespan, with a focus on risk assessment, service delivery and planning to better support people affected by FASD. The workshop is suitable for a wide range of professionals in the health, welfare, education and justice sectors.

20th International Mental Health Conference - Gold Coast, 31st July-2nd August Register.
Featuring Australia and New Zealand’s leading clinical practitioners, academics, and mental health experts, the 2019 International Mental Health Conference continues in its 20th year to network, share research, projects and formulate ideas for change for those living with mental health conditions. A three-day program of inspiring keynote addresses, speaker presentations, workshops, poster presentations and ample networking opportunities.

14th National Indigenous Legal Conference - Darwin, 13th-14th August Register.
The 14th National Indigenous Legal Conference will be held for the first time in Darwin. The 2019 theme is 'True Justice: Integrating Indigenous Perspectives'. The conference program will be available leading up to the conference.

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute - Consultations for the Trajectories Project - Darwin 26th August.
Trajectories is a national study that will develop a clearer understanding of the relationships between the housing and mental health pathways of people with mental health issues, in order to identify potential points of practical intervention and key issues for system improvement. For further information.

theMHS Conference - Building Healthy Communities: Stories of Resilience and Hope - Brisbane 27 - 30 August.
The conference will explore the important role resilience building healthy communities across all facets of sector from the consumer experience to Non Government Organisations, General Practitioners and public health services. For further information.

The Big Anxiety Festival - Sydney, September 27th - 3rd November.
The largest mental health and arts festival in the world, returns in 2019 after the success of the inaugural Festival in 2017. The month-long biennial Sydney festival promotes mental health and wellbeing in exciting arts projects that combine science and creativity. Unlike any other arts festival, The Big Anxiety Festival has a unique practical focus, harnessing creative expertise to improve our capacity to take care of ourselves and others. In 2019 the Festival's focus is on Empathy and Stigma; Care and Healing and Suicide Prevention.

Employment

Anglicare NT - current vacancies.
Anglicare NT offers a range of career opportunities in the community and social services sector in a diverse range of fields such as children and youth, family relationships and counselling, out of home care, refugee and migrant, corporate services, financial counselling, mental health, disability and home care, social enterprises and specialist homelessness services.

CatholicCare NT - current vacancies.
CatholicCare NT provides unique career and personal opportunities that include travel and the experience of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in both local and remote community settings.

Mental Health Association of Central Australia is a leading Northern Territory community based, non-profit organisation. MHACA offers psychosocial support services and educational programs aimed at enhancing the mental health and well being of people living in Central Australia. They have a current vacancy for a Mental Health Recovery Support Worker.

headspace Darwin is a free and confidential service where young people aged between 12 and 25 can access qualified youth mental health professionals. There are a couple of vacancies including: Mental Health Consultant (dual location - WA and NT) and Mental Health Consultant.

Sunrise Health Service has been operating since 2003 and is the second largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in the Northern Territory. Based in Katherine, Sunrise Health Service services 9 remote communities to the east of Katherine. Servicing a population base, predominantly Aboriginal of approximately 3,800 people - many with chronic illnesses requiring early detection and amelioration. There are several vacancies including: Mental Health Nurse: Male and Female and Aboriginal Mental Health Professional.

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the NT and advocates for health equity, while supporting the provision of high-quality comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal people. There are several vacancies including: Researcher (Alice Springs based) and Research Project Officer (Alice Springs based).

Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation was established in 1992. It is an independent, Aboriginal-controlled health service. There are several vacancies including: Therapeutic Clinician (Social Worker, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist) Social & Emotional Well Being