Copy

CEO's Message 

An Election on Saturday followed by a SARRAH Board meeting and Strategic Planning session this week.  There’s plenty on so we’re sending out a more concise and slightly early version of Connected this week. 

I’m sure most of us have been amply satiated with electioneering, so we’ll give stay bare bones on that front. At time of writing we know the ALP will form Government but it remains uncertain about whether there will be a bare ALP majority or a minority government working with the various crossbench parliamentarians ... and then there’s the Senate!!

It’s very timely for the SARRAH Board to look at where we can best put our efforts to improve allied health service access and sustainability. Allied Health didn’t feature in the campaign to the extent we believe it should have. That said, the need and demand remains and that will only become more apparent for the incoming Government. Our job, in part, is to make sure investments in allied health are recognised for the multi-faceted benefits they bring - consistent with and reinforcing national health, social service, economic, workforce and productivity agendas. 

As always, stay safe,

Cath



Building the rural and remote Allied Health Assistant workforce Project

The purpose of BRAHAW is to assist rural and remote AHPs working in private and non government orgnaisations to build their allied health assistant workforce, roles and models of service delivery promoting viability and reach of their practices.

Are you interested! click here for more information



Upcoming submission - Have your say on priorities for women in NSW  
The NSW Government is inviting women across the state to shape the direction and priorities of the next NSW Women’s Strategy. The Strategy provides a policy framework to help improve the lives of women by addressing the structural issues that affect gender equality.

Public consultation is open to all women, and any individuals or organisations that work closely with women. Online public consultation is open from Tuesday, 24 May until 5pm Monday, 20 June.
To read more about the strategy or share your input, visit the Have Your Say website: here.
 
Of course, we know that women will benefit if they have access to allied health services, and/or are able to exercise choice in attaining skills in this area of high demand and to have the necessary opportunity and supports to practice, derive an income through provision of highly skilled, quality services.  SARRAH intends to prepare a submission.  Feel free to contribute - email allan@sarrah.org.au


Survey for health workers: Enhancing healthy and sustainable communities

Researchers at Charles Sturt University and RMIT are asking those in health services to participate in their research study about the natural environment and climate change. Their research seeks to gain an understanding of the insights, knowledge, and experiences of human service professionals for developing Environmental Practice, also called an EcoSocial Approach.

View and complete the survey here, and share with your networks.

 

Monkeypox webinar
With growing concern about the recent identification of Monkeypox in a range of countries globally, the Department of Health got on the front foot and organised a webinar to clarify what we know and what health professionals might do.  Deputy CMO, Professor Michael Kidd was joined by Professor Deborah Williamson and Dr James McMahon for a webinar on Monkeypox. A recording of the webinar is available here.
 

Priority actions for the incoming Health Minister, who will be ….?
Advice is something the incoming Government and Health Minister will have aplenty.  Stephen Duckett has shared his thoughts in an article for Hello Care. Most of us, including Mr Duckett, seem to believe the next Health Minister will be the ALPs Health Spokesperson Mark Butler, while acknowledging that some unexpected losses of key spokespeople people from the ALP (Kristina Kenneally and Terri Butler) may mean a reshuffle or expected roles. Environment and climate change will be a major focus for the new Government and the loss of ALP environment spokesperson Terri Butler, means the role will need to be filled by a capable performer. As the RACGP points out in raising the question Who will be Federal Health Minister?, Mark Butler previously held the shadow environment portfolio.
 


This is National Palliative Care week.
The theme seeks to raise awareness about the rights of all Australians to access high-quality palliative care when and where they need it. One of the great myths about palliative care is that it is only a synonym for end-of-life care. It is so much more than that.  Anyone with a life-limiting illness has the right to live as well as possible, for as long as possible.   
 
Regular readers of Connected will know SARRAH has raised concerns with officials that allied health practitioners have been ignored in previous reports and publications because the data is not collected.  Acknowledging the important roles played by this workforce while pointing to the lack of data available is infinitely more useful for policy and planning than inferring there is no role by omission. To the credit of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the latest release of their Palliative Care Services in Australia (25 May 2022) addresses the point squarely:

The palliative care workforce consists of a number of professional groups, including specialist palliative medicine physicians, palliative care nurses, general practitioners, pharmacists, allied health professionals, other medical specialists (such as oncologists and geriatricians), as well as other health workers, support staff and volunteers. Due to a lack of comprehensive data, data are only available on physicians with a primary specialty of palliative medicine (palliative medicine physicians) and nurses working in palliative care (palliative care nurses) ) (see Box WK.1 in the palliative care workforce section).

Well done the AIHW!
 

Digital Health - we can expect more in this space
On 25 May, the Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, announced a major investment in digital health to improve patient care, with
$150 million over the next four years to upgrade digital health infrastructure and the anticipation of more than $475 million will be allocated to this project over the next 10 years under Tasmania’s Digital Health Transformation – Improving Patient Outcomes strategy.   “This investment will see the launch of a new state-wide fully integrated care platform that will enable our hospitals, GPs, community health, allied health, and other specialist providers to seamlessly communicate and share
information with each other.”
Digital health will be an increasingly high priority as pressure builds to ensure greater coordination of care for reasons of patient/person health but also overall health system efficiency and effectiveness.  The ALPs pre-Election announcements for GP practices suggest more will be available to that group of health professionals at least, while groups such as the CHF continue to point to the benefits of better systems in supporting consumer health access and outcomes.

 
And returning to advice on health for the incoming government …
Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), the peak body representing Australian health funds,
“urged the Albanese Government to adopt much needed and long awaited health sector reforms to ease the financial pressure on Australian families, keep private health insurance premiums affordable and protect our world-class mixed public/private health system.”
 
Coincidentally, also on 25 May, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released its quarterly private health insurance (PHI) publications for the March 2022 quarter.  It showed …… 
Premium revenue grew 5.6 per cent over the year, from a combination of membership growth and premium rate increases    and    ..     In the year to 31 March 2022, the industry reported an increase in net profit after tax of $2.0 billion, rising from $952 million reported in the preceding year. This increase in profitability was due to higher insurance profits partially offset by a fall in investment income. 

 


Services for Australian Rural and Remote Australia (SARRAH) is looking for a self-motivated and innovative person to work with our team as a Project Officer.

Working closely with the Project Director this role will support the implementation and monitoring of project activities within SARRAH including, the Allied Health Rural Generalist Education and Training Scheme and the Building Rural and Remote Allied Health Assistant Workforce project

We offer:

  • An energetic team with a close collaborative work dynamic
  • A workplace that supports your career development
  • Flexible working conditions that support work life balance, including embracing remote working arrangements
  • An opportunity to contribute to the health of Australian communities at a national level
You bring:
  • Passion for rural and remote Australia or our community’s health and wellbeing (or both);
  • Understanding allied health, and why it is important
  • Excitement about forming and growing stakeholder relationships, including mentoring and coaching
  • Love of project management
The position is full time fixed term, until June 30 2024 . Part time and job share roles will be considered.
There is no specific location of work for this role, the central office is located in Canberra, or remote working options are available.
Salary is negotiable depending on experience: $87,463 – $94,386 1.0FTE equivalent. Generous salary packaging available.

Please note COVID vaccines are mandatory for all SARRAH staff unless a staff member has a medical exemption.

How to apply
To apply please send your CV and statement addressing the selection criteria to sarrah@sarrah.org.au

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Officer:  Gemma Tuxworth, Project Director 
Contact Phone: 0491 207 215
Contact email address:  gemma@sarrah.org.au 

Applications close on Friday 3 June 2022 


Conference Abstracts Closing on 30 May 2022
The scientific presentations include oral presentations, lightning presentations, seminar and E-poster.

Member Stories:
Do you have an inspirational or inspiring story to tell from your time as a rural and remote allied health professional?
For more information for abstract submission please click here


CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT



Conference Registration includes:

  • Access to all online sessions
  • Access to all recorded sessions for 3 months post conference
  • Online networking opportunities via the Meeting Hub
  • Access to full Online Exhibitor Listing

Register online to receive a tax invoice. Payments can be made securely with a credit card when registering online or by EFT within 7 days of registering. For more information contact mail@conferencedesign.com.au

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Sponsorship Package Cost (incl. GST)
Platinum Partner $30,000
Gold Partner $12,000
Silver Partner $6,000
Bronze Partner $4,000
Resource Gallery Sponsor $5,000
Keynote Speaker Sponsor $5,000
Meeting Hub Sponsor $4,000
Website Sponsor $3,000
Online Exhibitor $1,000
Not for Profit Exhibitor $600
Advertising Opportunities from $200

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

KEEP IN TOUCH
You can subscribe for conference updates HERE so you are the first in the know of any news or developments. We look forward to sharing more conference developments and program details with you in the coming weeks.

For more information about the conference please click here SARRAH National Conference 2022 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF TAHRGETS PROGRAM COMMENCING FROM JULY 2022

Are you an allied health professional working in:

  • an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, or
  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned health service?

The program supports rural and remote workforce development in private and non-government organisations that provide allied health services in MMM 3-7 areas.

FOR THE ELIGIBLE ORGANISATIONS SARRAH WILL PROVIDE:

Education fees assistance for early career allied health professionals wishing to commence on the allied health rural generalist pathway. These fees will cover the Rural Generalist Program (JCU) for new graduates commencing on the Level 1 AHRG Pathway, or the Graduate Diploma of Rural Generalist Practice (JCU) for early career professionals.

Workplace training grants are paid directly to the organisation. These grants can be used to cover backfill/and or support the rural generalist trainee to complete education, supervision, and project components of the program.

 Your organisation will provide you with:
  • support for the trainee to complete the formal education
  • structured supervision
  • allocated development time 
  • a service development project and project support and guidance

More information can be found in the program guidelines


Your employer can apply via this link 
contact us at tahrgets@sarrah.org.au 

Please share this information with your collogues and networks.
 CLICK HERE FOR THE PROGRAM FLYER

This project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health 

WHY SHOULD YOU STUDY SARRAH ONLINE COURSES?

  • The courses are designed for AHPs working in rural and remote areas
  • Fit for purpose in your practical working environment
  • Helps organise your team and resolves problems
  • You can expand your professional networks and Industry contacts
Designing and Implementing AHA Models of Care in rural settings - with Dr Anna Moran

By the end of the course you will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Outline the key steps required to design and implement AHA models of care in rural settings
  • Outline the core principles of workforce redesign
  • Design a model of AHA care to fit your individual setting
  • Generate an implementation plan for your new AHA model of care
  • Develop strategies to ensure that your AHA model of care is successful


Introduction to Project Management for Allied Health Professionals - with Gemma Tuxworth, Caitlin Houghton and Rhiannon Memery

By the end of the course you will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of management language and project management cycles
  • populate an objective tree/problem tree to clearly define their project objectives and outcomes
  • create a project plan using a structured project approach
  • develop a project risk, stakeholder, and governance plan

The course is designed to be taken over 8 hours of individual engagement.

Check out what our learners say



How to write a grant application 
By the end of the course you will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Search for suitable grants.
  • Check your eligibility.
  • Draft a project concept plan.
  • Write a grant application.


Please click here for more information about SARRAH online courses.
Click here to enrol SARRAH Online courses https://bit.ly/3bYqSMe

ENROLMENT PROCESS
  • Visit SARRAH’s online learning store, choose your course and follow the prompts.
  • If this is your first time at the store you will be prompted to first create a user account.
  • You will need to pay for your course. Payment types are either PayPal or by invoice. You can apply the coupon for your discount at checkout. If you’re paying by invoice, then your enrollment will be confirmed once payment has been received.
  • Once you have completed the purchasing process you are automatically enrolled.
  • Then you can simply click your way into the course and begin your learning journey.
Email melodie@sarrah.org.au if you would like to request a relevant discount or need more information about the courses.

Does your organisation have a rural or remote health vacancy that you wish to advertise? Please complete and submit the Advertising Listing Form to sarrah@sarrah.org.au .

Please please read our Advertising Flyer or contact SARRAH at sarrah@sarrah.org.au and a team member will be in contact with you to discuss your requirements.

Please see below the rural remote job opportunities available:

1. Project Officer (SARRAH) - Any location within Australia
2. Mental Health Worker - Older Persons Mental Health Services - Roma QLD
3. Senior Dietitian Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals 
4. Occupational Therapist, Desert Therapy- Alice Springs

5. Speech Pathologist - Well Balanced Care
6. Speech Pathologist - Professional 2, Community Allied Health and Aged Care
7. Occupational Therapist, Emerge Allied Health (St Helens) Tasmania
8.Speech Pathologist, Gayndah, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
9. Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Alice Springs, NT Health
10.Exercise Physiologist, Corryong Health - 21 Hours per week (Negotiable)
11. Occupational Therapist, Corryong Health - 16 hours per week (Fixed Term)
12. Allied Health Assistant, Corryong Health- Part time/Casual (Negotiable)
13. Physiotherapist, Corryong Health - Part time/Full time ( Negotiable)
14. Occupational Therapist - Well Balanced Care

15.Senior Speech Pathologist - Community Allied Health and Aged Care, Alice Springs
16. Psychologist - Well Balanced Care, Cairns

17. Exercise Physiologist - Active Performance, Cairns, QLD 
18. Speech Therapist - Active Performance, Cairns, QLD 
19. Social Worker - Active Performance, Cairns, QLD 
20. Occupational Therapist - Active Performance, Cairns, QLD
21. Physiotherapist- Active Performance, Cairns, QLD
22.. Physiotherapist - Corryong Health
23.Occupational Therapist - Dundaloo Health Service, Mid North Coast Region of NSW
24. Psychologist or Accredited Clinical Social Worker - Dundaloo Health Services
25. Clinical Educator (Allied Health) - Southern Queensland Rural Health, Charleville
26. Speech Pathologist Rural Generalist - Mount Isa, QLD 
27. Physiotherapist- Arnhem Physiotherapy Services, Nhulunbuy NT 0800
28. Speech Pathologist - Capability Health
29. Occupational Therapist - Capability Health
30. Physiotherapist- Capability Health
31. Speech Pathologist - Moranbah, QLD
32. Clinical Psychologist - Moranbah, QLD
33. Physiotherapist - Moranbah, QLD
34. Occupational Therapist - Whitsundays, QLD
35. Physiotherapist - Wodonga VIC

Australasian College of Paramedicine - Rural Outback and Remote Paramedic Conference 
26-27 May 2022- Adelaide Hills
First Nations Allied Health Conference
8-10 June, Cairns QLD
16th National Rural Health Conference

30 May- 1 June, Perth WA 
Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference 2022
Mon 20 - Wed 22 June 2022 - International Convention Centre, Sydney
3rd National Indigenous NDIS: Working Towards a Better Future Through Partnerships and Co-operation Conference 
8-10 June 2022 - Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns QLD 
Dietitians Australia 2022 Conference
14-16  August 2022 -  Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide
23rd International Mental Health Conference 
5-7 September 2022 - Gold Coast Convention Centre QLD 

Population Health Congress 2022
21-23 September 2022 Adelaide Convention Centre

Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 
24-25 October 2022, Adelaide Oval, SA
Hospital in the home conference
16-18 November 2022 - Tweet Heads NSW


Copyright © 2022 Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH). All rights reserved.


Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health
Level 2, 53 Blackall Street, Barton, ACT, 2600

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.