Health and community services, local governments and community organisations are playing a vital role is supporting community through this pandemic. We would like to thank those services and staff who have been working tirelessly to respond. We are appreciative of those who are not only trying to support their own family, but who are also there for other individuals and families in our community.
We hope the webpage continues to be a beneficial resource to the communities across Central Hume.
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Please join the University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health for a three part webinar series presented by experts in health and education to discuss the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Session 1: 5:30pm Tuesday 1st September
Professor Jim Watterston ‘Education During COVID-19 - A catalyst for change or a retreat to the safety of the past?’
Professor Jim Watterston
Dean - Enterprise Professor, Education Systems
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
The University of Melbourne
Professor Jim Watterston will provide an insight into the state of educational practice during this elongated COVID-19 period and will identify six key challenges that all schools should be currently considering in order to optimise their student performance and outcomes in a post pandemic world.
Click here to register
Session 2: 5:30pm Thursday 17th September
Professor Brock Bastian ‘Building Personal and Community Resilience in the Face of COVID-19’
Professor Brock Bastian
Professor in Psychology
Melbourne School Of Psychological Sciences
The University of Melbourne
Professor Brock Bastian will provide a review of his research on the role of pain and adversity in building personal and community resilience, and identify strategies that each of us can use during COVID-19 to lean into difficult experiences, allowing for the possibility of connection, meaning, and growth.
Click here to register
Session 3: 5:30pm Thursday 5th November
Professor Kanta Subbarao ‘COVID-19: The Virus and Vaccines’
Director - WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
and Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Professor Subbarao will provide an insight into this virus that has changed our lives in 2020 and share her knowledge on COVID-19 vaccines.
Click here to register
There will be the opportunity for Q & A at the end of each session.
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Swinburne research conducted before the COVID-19 situation showed that one in four Australians reported feeling lonely.
Our social distancing and self-isolation actions to slow the spread of the pandemic have changed the way we work, communicate and relate to one another. These changes are expected to have major consequences for our relationships, health and wellbeing.
Swinburne's Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute is leading a global survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 social restrictions on the way we live, work and function. Study leader, Dr Michelle Lim is considered Australia's leading expert on loneliness and heads up the Social Health and Wellbeing Laboratory at Swinburne.
The survey will be conducted three times over the coming months. You can decide whether you participate in one, two or all three surveys.
Your information will only be accessible by the research team and will be securely stored on Swinburne servers.
The data collected will be used to develop and deliver evidence-based recommendations to help Australians navigate this crisis over the next year.
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Do you live with disability? Have you experienced abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation?
For support for Disability Royal Commission or general support contact our National Counselling & Referral Service
1800 421 468
9am - 6pm AEST Mon- Fri
9am - 5pm AEST Sat, Sun & public holidays
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Mind the gap: the Australian Actuaries Intergenerational Equity Index - green paper
What are the implications of rising intergenerational inequity?
Most of the issues highlighted in this paper are well-known and detailed thinking on potential policy solutions is ongoing. This report points to many of these potential solutions, which range from better retirement income policy, to phasing out land tax, increased preventative health spending and greater activity to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The Actuaries Institute believes there is significant opportunity for policy to drive improvements in intergenerational equity; and that consistently measuring intergenerational equity will aid long-term policy decision-making. We need not live in a country where most people believe their children will be worse off – such a system is not sustainable.
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To assist the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, this report provides an overview and analysis of integrated models of care for older people, as they relate to health care, social care, and housing or accommodation in Australia.
Key findings:
- Care integration works best when it is a bottom-up and community-focused process
- Formalised partnerships facilitate integrated care
- Integration initiatives need to be targeted at their client groups
- In the community, models work best as a complement to general practice, rather than GP-centred
- The primary goal should be improving client experience and outcomes, rather than reducing costs to health and aged care systems
- Service integrated housing is the “third sector” of aged care and warrants policy and research attention
- Integrated workforces work well in regional and remote areas
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This report describes a conceptual framework for monitoring overweight and obesity in Australia.
At a national level, monitoring is important to understand the health of the population and the need for treatment and services. The objective of a national monitoring framework for overweight and obesity is to guide reporting on prevalence, risk factors, treatment and management, as well as impacts (such as burden of disease) in Australia, across population groups and over time. This framework will support national policy development and public health initiatives.
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Research shows that Australia’s economy is now regressing in its use of new technology, with negative implications for productivity, incomes, and job quality.
The robots are NOT coming (and why that's a bad thing...) report findings contrast sharply with the common concern that robots and other forms of automation will threaten future job security for Australian workers.
Key findings:
- Business investment in new machinery (including robots) is weaker than at any point in Australia’s post-war history.
- Business spending on new research and technology has also been falling in Australia, and now ranks well behind the average of other industrial countries (and even some emerging economies, like China).
- The average amount of machinery and equipment used by the typical Australian worker has been declining since 2014, and has since fallen by 6%.
- Because of less automation and innovation, average productivity in Australia’s economy has also been declining for three straight years – also the weakest performance in Australia’s post-war history.
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Listen to engaging conversations between national and international experts and mental health practitioners, as they reflect on a variety of topics related to mental wellbeing, interdisciplinary practice, and collaborative care.
With episodes releasing fortnightly from 26 August 2020, our new podcast is a value-add to our online professional development program, and similar to our webinars, episodes are free to access anytime.
Episodes will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and our website.
Mental wellbeing matters at every stage of our lifespan. In this pilot series, listen to a GP and a mental health social worker reflect on the interdisciplinary and collaborative care practices that can support a fulfilling and transformative ageing process.
Click here for the MHPN website
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Date: Tuesday 1 September 2020
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM AEST
The Systems School presents a new online, open access Decision Support Tool for Systems Thinking.
In our work building capacity for systems thinking with individuals, teams, and collaborations, we have found that the greatest hurdles to application are:
- understanding which systems method to use and when
- access to clear instructions on how to apply the method
- indications of potential outcomes from application
- analytical questions to reflect and makes sense of the new insights gained
The development of the Tool aims to support these systems learning and application needs.
In this launch event we will share what the Tool is and how it works, followed by an opportunity for questions.
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The Victorian Government is developing the second Family Violence Rolling Action Plan (RAP2) and is welcoming feedback through Engage Victoria until 31 August.
RAP2 will shift the focus beyond the Royal Commission recommendations toward a new phase of embedding family violence prevention, early intervention and response.
Continue reading about RAP2 and sharing your feedback
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MARAM will support workers across the service system to better understand their responsibilities to undertake risk assessment and management, including information sharing and working collaboratively.
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The videos provide a brief overview of the ways departments and agencies in the Victorian Government are working collaboratively to respond to family violence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The videos include updates on the Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework.
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The following video resource accompanies the written practice notes to support the response to family violence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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The COVID-19 pandemic presents new, unprecedented concerns and challenges for our community. In response to this complex issue, members from the Together for Equality and Respect (TFER) Partnership have developed this social marketing campaign aimed at promoting safe, healthy, connected and respectful relationship at home. This campaign takes a collaborative and evidence-based approach to prevent violence against women during the pandemic through promoting respectful relationships and positive mental health and wellbeing strategies.
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Right now, the stability and security of “home” is more important than ever for Victorians. But unfortunately, home is not a safe place for everyone – particularly those who may be at risk of experiencing family violence.
That’s why the Victorian Government is directing more than $20 million to keep more family violence victim survivors safe in their own homes – and keep perpetrators in full sight.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today announced more initiatives to combat family violence and address a jump in demand for perpetrator services during the pandemic.
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Resources to let people know it can be Better Than This
No to Violence has developed a range of resources to let people know that support is available to address violent and abusive behaviours.
A recent survey commissioned by No to Violence found that the majority of men would not know where to go if they were using family violence. This is deeply concerning in the context of more family violence across our communities during the pandemic.
Man-facing poster (A4) – posters aimed at men who use violence and their families to let them know support is available. Where to hang? Men’s bathrooms, waiting areas, anywhere where people have time to contemplate.
Sector-facing posters (A3) – posters aimed at increasing awareness of Men’s Referral Service across connected sectors, including alcohol and other drugs, housing and homelessness and other community services. Where to hang? Staff rooms or areas where staff and colleagues come together.
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Our Watch have released three new resources on COVID-19 and primary prevention. The first is a Position Paper which explores the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for gender equality and PVAW in Australia, and recommends strategies that help mitigate the predicted negative impacts, prevent violence against women, and advance gender equality in crisis responses and recovery planning. Also available is a tip sheet to support sporting organisations to promote gender equality as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic, and a tip sheet to help workplaces take active steps to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women as part of their recovery plans.
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Date: Wednesday 9 th September 2020
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm (AEST)
Location: Grab your lunch and join us online!
Councils work with people across all life stages and across a number of settings including health, the arts, sport and recreation and community strengthening. From filling local library shelves with books that resist gender stereotypes to implementing mentoring programs to equip more women to run for local government, many Victorian councils have taken significant steps toward embedding the prevention of violence against women into everything they do.
Join us as we sit down with the Mayor of the City of Darebin, the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Kellie Nagle and experienced prevention practitioners from both metro and regional councils to talk about:
- The role of local government in preventing violence against women, and how this has changed over the last decade
- How local government has harnessed creativity to embed prevention across different areas of the community and service provision
- Tips for keeping prevention of violence against women and gender equity work on the agenda in the current COVID-19 context
This webinar is for anyone working or interested in the primary prevention of violence against women.
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Date: Wednesay 26 August 2020
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AEST
Hundreds of older Victorians contact Seniors Rights Victoria* every year because they are experiencing elder abuse.
In over 90% of cases, the perpetrator of the abuse is a family member. More than two-thirds of these family members are an adult son or daughter of the older person.
Together with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), Seniors Rights Victoria has examined data collected over seven years of service to consider:
- who experiences elder abuse
- what increases the risk of elder abuse
- what can be done to stop it happening?
We invite you to the report launch
Join us for a webinar - via Zoom - to launch this important report, Seven Years of Elder Abuse Data in Victoria. Please register your details and prior to the event you will receive an email with a link to the online webinar .
The Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Hon. Gabrielle Williams, will introduce a panel discussion on the report's findings. The panel will focus on on the perpetrators of elder abuse and how they can be supported to account for and change their behaviour.
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Date: Thursday, August 27, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Perpetrator accountability is stated as the aim of many domestic and family violence policies and programs, however there is no agreed understanding of what accountability actually means. A wide range of human services organisations engage with perpetrators of domestic and family violence: the justice system, men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs) and other services such as housing, child protection, health and community support. These different services interpret accountability in different ways, and some may be unsure how to respond appropriately to perpetrators of violence.
The ANROWS research project ‘Improved accountability: The role of perpetrator intervention systems’ comprises ten research studies that examine Australian perpetrator intervention systems. The webinar will feature a panel of researchers and policymakers who will unpack some parts of this research, including:
- differences in the definitions of accountability and how this is reflected in policy and practice
- how perpetrator interventions systems can be coordinated across the various services to prevent and respond to men who use violence
- strengths and challenges of the current perpetrator intervention systems
- future directions for policy and service change.
This webinar is designed for:
- policymakers, practice design decision makers, practitioners and researchers working with men who use violence, in particular MBCPs, justice services and domestic and family violence services
- policymakers, practice design decision makers and practitioners working in related areas and services such as housing, health, community and family support.
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This report makes clear that there is no single, homogenous experience of Indigenous languages in Australia. In some parts of the country, people speak traditional languages in all facets of their lives, including for cultural and commercial activities. There is no one, clear context in which languages function.
The report outlines an approach which policy makers and service providers can use to understand the regional differences and considerations of language, when planning, implementing and evaluating initiatives.
Key findings:
- For the most part, the role of language has not been well-considered in the design and delivery of government policies, programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In some sectors, translation and interpreting services are available for people who speak traditional language. What has been largely ignored is the role that traditional language plays in the lives of people who may not speak it. Further, the circumstances through which languages have been lost are still a source of sadness and grief for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people benefit from the recognition of and respect for their cultures, including their languages, and a consistent theme in recent government consultation reports is that culture needs to be embedded in service delivery. In addition, in some areas the language needs of the service recipients should also be recognised, although these are not always included in evaluations of service effectiveness. Read more
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Date: 02 September 2020
Time: 7:15—8:30pm
Cost: Free
This webinar aims to discuss the importance of health professionals taking care of their mental health and seeking appropriate professional care when required.
Learning Outcomes
Through an exploration of mental health issues among health professionals the webinar will provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Describe tips and strategies for providing care to a health professional who is seeking care for their mental health.
- Identify ways of addressing privacy, stigma and discrimination of mental health issues among health professionals.
- Demonstrate the importance of collaboration and appropriate referrals when supporting a health professional seeking care for mental health concerns.
Before the webinar you can watch the video case study (upon which the discussion will be based) or you can read a brief summary of it. You can also learn more about the panel.
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The Building Trauma Awareness Webinar Series has been designed to provide information on understanding trauma and its impacts, to offer space for professionals to self-reflect on wellbeing and remember the importance of relationship in healing. It is important to remember that the webinars are stepping stones towards our more in-depth face to face training which will give the opportunity to discuss more in-depth and draw on peer learning.
Building Trauma Awareness (1 hour)
Date & Time: 10th September 2020, 2pm to 3pm
This one hour webinar provides foundational knowledge in the area of Complex Trauma. This webinar is aimed at a diverse range of roles and focused on understanding trauma.
By participating in this webinar, participants will:
- Learn about the impacts of Complex Trauma
- Understand more about trauma and the brain
- Learn about the Window of Tolerance
- Discuss regulation strategies
Register here
Wellbeing and Emotional Awareness when working with Complex Trauma (1.5 hours)
Date & Time: 15th September 2020, 2pm to 3:30pm
This one and a half hour webinar provides information about wellbeing and self-care when working with clients who have Complex Trauma.
By participating in this webinar, participants will:
- Learn about the different stress responses when working with Complex Trauma
- Understand the impacts of working with trauma material
- Learn more about vicarious resilience and compassion satisfaction
- Undertake a mindfulness exercise
- Reflect on strategies for Self Care
Register here
Creating Safety and Connection (1 Hr)
Date & Time: 24th September 2020, 2pm to 3pm
This one hour webinar provides information on the importance of relationship and creating safety when working with people who have experienced Complex Trauma.
By participating in this webinar, participants will:
- Learn about the dimensions of safety
- Understand the role of attachment when working with trauma
- Discuss how healing occurs within relationships
Register here
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AIDR Handbook Showcase webinar series | 26 August | 3.30pm AEST | FREE
Community engagement is a critical component of emergency management and action to reduce disaster risk and strengthen resilience.
Disaster resilience cannot be developed for, or on behalf of, communities but relies on the sharing of information, understanding, decision-making, responsibility and resourcing within and between communities and partners.
The new Community Engagement for Disaster Resilience handbook focuses on an inclusive, strengths-based approach to community engagement and its role in supporting disaster resilience.
Tune in to this free 60 minute webinar to hear from leading Australian experts as they unpack the principles and practice of community engagement for disaster resilience.
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Date: Tuesday 01 September 2020
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time - Sydney/Melbourne time)
Event fees: Suicide Prevention Australia Member - $30 / Non-member - $60 / Student - $35
There has never been greater momentum behind suicide prevention. With funding and research hitting record levels in 2020, Australia is at the forefront of innovation in evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention programs. This time, we’re moving beyond the numbers and looking at the inclusion of lived experience in research.
Members of the Suicide Prevention Australia Lived Experience Panel will be joined by researchers to discuss how we can move beyond data and numbers and incorporate lived experience into research.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to hear an important conversation about the inclusion of lived experience in research.
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Date: 8th September 2020
Time: 11am
To celebrate Research Week Northeast Health in collaboration with The University of Melbourne, Rural Health Academic Network (RHAN) bring you a webinar by Mr Matiu Bush.
Matiu founded One Good Street, a simple grassroots initiative harnessing the power of community to encourage neighbour initiated care for older residents at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Matiu is the clinical lead for the mandatory quarantine of returned travellers in Victoria for the DHHS COVID-19 response and has a master's degree in Public Health and broad clinical and managerial nursing experience, including working in Tijuana, Mexico with Nobel Prize Laureate Mother Teresa in international border aid. He contributes to health system innovation through involvement with Better Care Victoria as a board member and as the Deputy Editor for the Journal of Health Design.
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Date: Monday 31 Aug 2020
Time: 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Venue: Cisco Webex Online
COVID-19 has caused a disturbing rise in racism against Asian Australians while the US Black Lives Matter movement has shone a light on the continued injustices and inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our society.
It’s clear that more action is needed to tackle racism in Australia but what role can and should employers and indeed all of us play in eradicating it and creating more inclusive workplaces and communities?
Lisa Annese, DCA’s CEO, will ask some important questions of a special guest panel to examine:
- Why racism continues to be a problem in this country
- How and why culturally diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still excluded at work
- How important it is to actively call out racism
- What needs to be done to raise Indigenous and other culturally diverse voices
- How well-intentioned people and institutions can move beyond tokenism to becoming a leader on change for the better.
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First time registering for a DCA event?
All employees of our member organisations have complete access to our insightful events program. To register for an event, first create your individual member log-in by visiting www.dca.org.au/user/register and follow the prompts. Your account approval will take approximately one business day. For urgent registrations email events@dca.org.au.
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Australians in rural and remote areas are able to access mental health services at a fifth of the rate of those in urban areas. This increases suffering for those seeking mental health help, support and treatment.
Discover ways to advocate and provide equal mental health care for all Australians.
Gain practical solutions to improve mental health services in Australia’s rural and remote areas at the 2020 Australian Rural & Remote Mental Health Symposium.
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Benalla Rural City Council are excited to be offering local community groups the opportunity to apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding for infrastructure projects. The grant guidelines and a preview of the Expression of Interest form are available from today. Applicants will have full access to the Expression of Interest form on Monday 17 th, August.
Background
Benalla Rural City Council has received $1M in Drought Funding from the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Program. Of this, $335,000 is being allocated as a Community Fund, meaning eligible community groups can apply to Council for up to $20,000 to deliver community infrastructure projects.
The funding is for infrastructure projects that create employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought, provide social benefit, stimulate local spending or provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend.
Examples of eligible projects include facility upgrades, such as kitchen or toilet upgrades, fencing, solar panels, water tanks, lighting additions or upgrades. Repairs and maintenance are also eligible for funding.
If you are unsure if your project idea is eligible please contact Tom Arnold, Community Development Coordinator (03) 5760 2600 or council@benalla.vic.gov.au
To access the Community Infrastructure Grant Guidelines and preview the Expression of Interest form visit Benalla Rural City Council’s Community Grants page |
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The On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants is open and accepting applications until 28 August 2020 or until all funding is committed.
- The grant has increased from $5,000 to $10,000 to boost farmers’ access to professional services whilst still enabling farmers to invest in drought preparedness infrastructure.
- Eligible farmers can apply for:
- up to $5,000 for business decision making activities (no co-contribution required)
- up to $5,000 for infrastructure investments (co-contribution required).
For more information and to apply, farmers should contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or visit www.ruralfinance.com.au
The Country Women’s Association of Victoria’s (CWA) household relief program is open and accepting applications until 28 August 2020 or until all funding is committed.
- The CWA household relief program provides a grant payment up to $3,000 per household for farming families, farm workers and farming dependent contractors to help them meet urgent household expenses.
- For information and to apply, farmers should visit cwaofvic.org.au/drought-relief/ or email the CWA on drought@cwaofvic.org.au
The two programs above close this Friday, 28 August 2020.
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