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News from The Refugee Health Network Queensland
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In this Issue - Ed #57 (September, 2021) 


News 
Resources for Clinicians 
Translated Resources 
Education Opportunities 
Employment Opportunities 
Community Opportunities 
Latest Research 
Network News 
Bits n Pieces 

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News

Report Launch: Evaluation of a collective response initiative to engage CALD communities in COVID-19 Health Communication 

 
The CALD COVID-19 Health Engagement Project team on behalf of its partners proudly launched an Evaluation Report - A collective response initiative to engage CALD communities in COVID-19 health communication on September 13th.  
The evaluation was conducted by the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) at Queensland University of Technology and commissioned by Metro South HHS, Brisbane South PHN and Mater with in-kind support by partner organisations.  

Key Note speakers discussed the background and partners involved in the initiative, key learnings and the impact on the ongoing delivery of the CALD COVID-19 Health Engagement Project and transferability of these learnings across different contexts.   

Read the Full report and Evaluation Summary
Missed it? View a recording of the presentation here

COVID-9 Vaccine Information Sessions in language


Milpera High School - Intensive English Language School
The CALD COVID-19 Health Engagement Project in partnership with Milpera State High School provided information about the COVID-19 vaccine including safety, vaccine side effects and how to book a  vaccine, to parents of students at Milpera State High School on 9th September, 2021.

Mater Refugee Health Nurse, Meryl Jones presented information developed by Queensland Health supported by Jacki Howlett, Settlement and Inclusion Teacher from Milpera SHS.

Following the sessions the parents were able to ask further questions and get assistance with booking their vaccine with the Metro South Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program who had a stall assisting with this, including engaging phone interpreters when required.

South Bank TAFE
On Tuesday the 14th of September, a COVID-19 vaccine information session at Southbank TAFE was held with 80 AMEP Level 3 students from over 10 diverse backgrounds including Indonesia, Vietnam, Colombia, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong attended the session.
Thank you to the volunteer presenters Patience Kawodza - Senior Director - Metro North Health Strategic Projects and Dr Nicholas Cocks from Mater Refugee Complex Care Clinic.

To learn more about the Project, see here or request a community information session by contacting Grace Edward - Refugee Health Network Queensland T: (07) 3163 8832 / M: 0401 101 005  Grace.Edward@mater.org.au

COVID-19 vaccinations: Extension of the Free Interpreting Service to non-Medicare patients 


To support the Australian Government’s objective to encourage non-English speaking cohorts in the Australian community to be vaccinated against COVID-19, TIS National has temporarily extended the Free Interpreting Service to now cover non-Medicare patients receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Further, medical practices can now book onsite interpreters on weekends for COVID-19 vaccination purposes. Telephone interpreting services continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Pharmacists are able to utilise interpreters from TIS National to assist in their consultations with patients and to ensure informed consent is given for COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical practices  and Pharmacists can use their existing TIS client code to request interpreters for both their Medicare and non-Medicare patients. For those who are not already registered with TIS National, registration can be done online here

For more information, contact the TIS Free Interpreting Service Team on 1300 575 847 or email tis.freeinterpreting@homeaffairs.gov.au

New COVID-19 vaccine resources for Qld 


New plain English posters co-designed with CALD COVID-19 Health Engagement Team (CCHET) and  Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) answer common questions communities might have about the COVID-19 vaccination and appointment, and how to prepare. These can be provided at vaccination clinics to support people on the day of their vaccination. These include:

- Medicare
- Giving permission (consent)
- Language services
- Appointment checklist
- Check in App Poster

Communication content guide for CALD audiences and stakeholders -  A collection of resources produced and/or recognised by Queensland Health to support COVID-19 vaccinations for Queensland’s CALD communities. These multicultural resources have been co-designed by Queensland Health with the Refugee Health Network (CCHET).

Resources For Clinicians 

QPASTT - Responding to People in Distress


QPASTT has developed a resource including tips on providing emotional support to those most affected by the situation in Afghanistan. It was developed with the awareness of the distress people from the Australian Afghan community are currently experiencing in relation to the crisis in Afghanistan. QPASTT acknowledges that the situation may trigger responses from other people from refugee backgrounds who have had similar experiences or whose countries are also experiencing unrest.

To access the resource, please click here
Watch a video from QPASTT about this here.

Domestic and Family Violence Resources

The Queensland Government has developed domestic and family violence information resources for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to help victims, their friends and family know the signs of abuse, where to get help and how to provide support. 

These resources were developed in consultation with peak organisations, front-line workers, and culturally and linguistically diverse community members representing each language group to ensure they were well received and relevant for multicultural communities. The free resources include a brochure and wallet card and are available in English and 29 translated languages: Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Korean, Samoan, Spanish, Vietnamese, Amharic, Burmese, Croatian, Dinka, Farsi, Filipino/Tagalog, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Swahili, Tamil, Thai, and Turkish.

For more information and to access these resources, visit here 

Translated Resources 

Aged care workers in Queensland need to get vaccinated

People living in aged care facilities are at high risk of transmission of COVID-19 and serious illness if they catch the virus. Because of the risk, all people who work in Queensland Health residential aged care facilities must have a vaccine. This includes if you are:

  • A health worker
  • A support person or carer
  • Administration staff
  • Cleaning or maintenance staff.

By 16 September 2021 workers must have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
From 17 September 2021 employees must show a record to their manager. This could be a COVID-19 vaccine card, or vaccination record from the Australian Immunisation Register.
By 31 October 2021 workers must have their second dose, or evidence of booking for their second dose.
If you have not had a vaccine your manager may ask you not to return to work until you are vaccinated. They are allowed to do this.

Dr Young provides a message to Aged care workers in the following languages:

Hindi, Korean, Thai, Swahili, French, Filipino, Tamil, Japanese, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simple, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Nepali, Dinka, Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, English.

Helping children cope with stress during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

This fact sheet, adapted from the World Health Organisation’s information here, provides tips for parents and carers to help support their children who may be feeling stressed due to the recent news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This fact sheet has been translated into 17 languages. Click here to view in language. 

Pregnant women can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine


The Australian Government Department of Health has published a resource that explains pregnant women in Australia can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Translated posters in 63 languages can be found here. 
 

Community Elders encourage COVID-19 Vaccine uptake in language


In-Language COVID-19 Vaccine encouragement and vaccine diaries from community and religious leaders are available online in a Playlist on the Refugee Health Network Queensland YouTube channel. 

Click here to watch Hussein Ahmed talks about getting the COVID 19 vaccine (in Somali)
 
Click here to watch Sheikh Daud Guushaa encourage his community to get the COVID-19 vaccine (in Somali)

Education Opportunities

One-day English test preparation class for Health Professionals 


One-day English-test-preparation class to help Refugee and Migrant Health professionals qualify for registration in Australia.
For more information, visit here
To learn more on how to join AMEP and the free migrant English program, click here

If you have any questions, contact Pathway Guidance Coordinator - Annie.Morris@tafeqld.edu.au

FECCA 2022: Advancing Multicultural Australia


The conference will be held 10-11 March next year in Melbourne
Registrations are open now.
 

Employment Opportunities 

Mater Refugee Health Expression of interest: Registered Nurses


Mater Refugee Health are seeking expressions of interest for experienced Registered Nurses to start immediately.
These short-term contracts will primarily support the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in multicultural communities

The Registered Nurse works to enhance the access to and coordination of health services for individuals from refugee backgrounds. The role is underpinned by a strong advocacy focus and involves (but is not limited to) the following:
• nursing assessments
• provision of immunisation and other health promotion activities,
• case management of patients including those with complex health/ social problems,
• referrals to health and other services and
• participation in data collection

If you would like more information, click here or contact Meryl Jones 07 3163 2880
Please send your CV to mirhs@mater.org.au and in the subject title please state: EOI Refugee Health Nurse September 2021

Community Opportunities 

Multicultural Small Business Toolkit and Expo Event - 22 October 2021


This event is an opportunity for culturally and linguistically diverse members of the community who are keen to establish their own businesses but hampered from doing so for a variety of reasons such as, knowing who to speak to, limited English being a barrier, not knowing what the appropriate regulations are, permit requirements and how to obtain an ABN number.

By attending the event you’ll be able to obtain  relevant information and talk directly to key agencies such as the Australian Tax Office, Office of Fair Trading, Centrelink and others.  
  • Date: Friday 22nd October, 10am-1pm 
  • Location: YMCA Futsal Centre, Acacia Ridge Leisure Centre, 1391 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge, Qld 4110
The event will also provide the opportunity to learn more about the recently released business toolkit developed by the Yunus Centre Griffith University, which is a step by step guide on how to establish a business within the Australian context. You can find the Tool kit here

Due to COVID and venue restrictions, attendees are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite here

Women's Health Queensland (WHQ) Upcoming events 

Women’s Health Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to advance the health and wellbeing of all Queensland women. WHQ have a number of upcoming events including the 'Say Yes to you'  Workshop series and Support and Therapeutic Groups. 
To view the WHQ Calendar, Visit here 
 

Art & Story Sharing Workshops - Children by Choice


Join Children by Choice for two free art and story sharing workshops! Migrant and refugee women are invited to express themselves through art, storytelling and personal discovery in two guided reproductive and sexual health workshops. 

When: 
Workshop #1: Tuesday, October 19th, 9am-12:30pm
Workshop #2: Monday, October 25th, 9am-12:30pm 
Where:
Multicultural Australia, 28 Dibley Street, Wolloongabba
For more information, visit here. 
Register with Jane Welsh (Project Officer) E: janew@childrenbychoice.org.au or clips@childrenbychoice.org.au

Speak My Language - Disability

 
Speak My Language Travellers have begun looking for locals who can share their stories of living well with a disability in Arabic, Persian Farsi, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Sudanese. Do you speak one of these languages and live with a disability?
This could be your chance to share your story in our podcast series to make a powerful impact on your community.
Are you an organisation that supports inclusion who can provide information in these languages?
Get in touch so we can promote your work or activities for free to multicultural Australians.
Contact Jenny from ECCQ - Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland on E: jennyr@eccq.com.au | Mob: 0413 512961 (Thursdays and Fridays).

National Digital health Survey - open now


As multicultural communities, this is the chance to influence the future of digital health in Australia by taking part in a short, 15-minute survey. Your input will help the Australian Government continue to evolve its healthcare services suitable to the needs of all Australians.

Click here to take the National Digital health Survey 

SRH Literacy of Young Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Queenslanders 


The university of Queensland, True, University of Southern Queensland and Ethnic community council of Queensland are recruiting participants for a study examining the sexual and reproductive health literacy of young culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders. 
Participants will receive a $30 gift voucher for sharing one hour of their time. 
Answers will be anonymous and confidential. 

For more information contact: Judith Dean 
Email: j.dean4@uq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3346 4876

International students' Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Experiences


Are you a female international student (or former international student) currently living in Australia? Have you ever had an unwanted sexual experience or felt afraid in a relationship?

IWSS are looking for female international students (or former students) aged 18+ to participate in a confidential interview for a University of Melbourne study. IWSS would like to know about your experiences of seeking help after having an unwanted sexual experience or being in an unhealthy relationship. Your information will be used to improve services in Australia so that they can address the needs of female international students from diverse cultures and language groups.
You will receive a $40 gift voucher as a token of our appreciation. For more details or to participate, contact Giang (giang@mcwh.com.au

To view the flyer for this project, visit here

Latest Research

COVID-19 and young migrants - Impacts and Solutions


On the 17th of August, more than 240 people joined the launch of the MYAN/Deloitte report COVID-19 and young migrants - Impact and solutions.
To view the full report, click here

Exploring electronic health records to estimate the extent of catch-up immunisation and factors associated with under-immunisation among refugees and asylum seekers in south east Queensland


This study explores EHR routinely used in a specialised refugee clinic in South East Queensland to estimate the extent of catch-up immunisation and assess the factors associated with under-immunisation among refugees and asylum seekers.
Click here to read

Network News

Launch of Refugee Health Network Queensland Facebook Page 





         We have launched our official Facebook Page. Like to keep up to date with the Network and share. 

Facebook

Bits n Pieces

Support for Afghanistan 


The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is incredibly distressing for people in Australia, especially those with links to Afghanistan and those with loved ones in the region.

The Australian Red Cross recently launched the Afghan Crisis Appeal in response to this. Restoring Family Links (RFL) hotline is open for those who have lost contact with loved ones as a result of current events. Email tracing@redcross.org.au

For other services and support for Afghanistan see the Network NEWS page here.

Fundraiser for Afghanistan 

Donations made to this fundraiser will support Muslim Aid Australia an organisation that provides humanitarian aid food packages, clothing, shelter and baby essentials to displaced individuals and families throughout Afghanistan. 

Lunch, Fashion Show, Story Teller, Auction and Performance
Date: Saturday the 23rd October 11:45am-4:30pm 
Address: My Bridal Centre 19 Kooringal Drive, Jindalee QLD 4074 

To Purchase tickets please message Summer 0492896273 
or Download the FLYER here.

Queensland invests in multicultural workforce

The Palaszczuk Government will invest $3 million to help work-ready migrants, refugees, and international students access support and guidance to help them find jobs and build up their careers. The announcement comes during Multicultural Queensland Month, a celebration of all the different communities that make up the Sunshine State.

For further information visit here 
Further information on Queensland Multicultural Month is here

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This E-Newsletter provides a regular forum to share news, resources and information to support practitioners, build capacity and partnerships to improve the health and wellbeing of people from refugee backgrounds. 

It is collated and distributed by the Refugee Health Network Queensland and supported by 
Mater Refugee Health and the Queensland Government.

Contributions about Refugee Health to this E-Newsletter and feedback are welcome. 
Email: enews@refugeehealthnetworkqld.org.au

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