This week
World Heart Day September 29
NATSIHWA National Professional Development Symposium 2018
This Month
NACCHO AGM 2018 Brisbane Oct 30—Nov 2 Registrations now open : Download the Program
Future events /conferences
Now open: Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grant opportunity.$500,000 closes 24 October 2018
The fourth annual Indigenous Business Month this year will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business, to coincide with the 2018 NAIDOC theme Because of Her, We Can.
My Health Records webinars from Consumer Health Forum
Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Voices project.
2018 International Indigenous Allied Health Forum at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney, Australia on the 30 November 2018
AIDA Conference 2018 Vision into Action
Saturday 29 September is arguably the day of the most popular event in Australia, the AFL Grand Final, but it is also World Heart Day, which offers a good reminder of the impact that heart disease has on individuals and communities.
It also serves as a reminder that heart attack is common, disabling and preventable.
Heart attack is a big killer of Australians every year. One Australian has a heart attack every 10 minutes. However, the perception that people have a heart attack and leave hospital a few days later ‘cured’ is far from the truth.
A heart attack is a life-changing event and people who survive are faced with adjusting to a ‘new normal’. That is, living with a life-long condition of heart disease that, for many, will impact their quality of life.
Heart attacks do vary in severity and while some people go on to live healthy lives, thousands of Australians who survive heart attacks every year experience lasting ill health that affects everyday life. This is the focus of the Heart Foundation’s 2018 Heart Attack Survivors Survey released this week, which highlights the disabling and ongoing impact a heart attack has on a person and their loved ones.
The Heart Attack Survivors survey provides a snapshot of how hundreds of heart attack survivors are faring in the first weeks, months and years after a heart attack. It also captures the often-untold story of a heart attack, which is the struggle many people experience in getting back to the life they knew before their heart attack.
While the Heart Foundation recommends people work towards resuming usual activities in a few weeks after their heart attack, the survey tells a different story. Results found one in four survivors have not been able to resume work at all, while a further quarter had resumed work but not at the same level as before their heart attack.
Survivors’ exercise levels are also affected, with one in two survivors reporting they have not been able to return to pre-heart attack levels of exercise or have been unable to resume exercise at all.
Even performing basic activities such as showering and bathing is difficult, with one in four people saying they could not do so at the same level before their heart attack. These challenges can seriously affect the life of both the survivor and their family. While it’s important to talk about the prevention of heart attack, it’s just as important to talk about treatment and recovery.
Cardiac rehabilitation, which usually runs for 6 to 10 weeks, is a program coordinated by health professionals that helps heart attack survivors recover and get back to normal activities sooner. It is a critical step in a patient’s journey to better health after a heart attack and should be seen as an investment in the future – and this claim stacks up. People are 40 per cent less likely to be readmitted to hospital and 25 per cent less likely to die from another heart attack if they have taken part in a cardiac rehab program.
The good news is that the latest survey findings show cardiac rehab attendance has increased by 30 per cent in the past two years.
In 2018, more than half (57 per cent) of heart attack survivors reported attending cardiac rehab with the majority (86 per cent) completing the program.
Cardiac rehab is critical to whether a survivor maintains lifestyle changes after a heart attack. Those who completed cardiac rehab were nearly 80 per cent more likely to increase their physical activity and maintain these changes than those who didn’t complete.
Medical professionals play a key role when it comes to people attending cardiac rehab after their heart attack.
Along with an increase in attendance, the latest survey results have also seen a significant increase in heart attack survivors reporting they discussed cardiac rehab with medical staff before leaving hospital. In addition to this, two in five survivors were told by medical staff to attend a rehab program, also a big increase. This is important because people who were told by medical staff to attend cardiac rehab were more than 60 per cent more likely to attend and complete than those who weren’t.
Created and led by the World Heart Federation (WHD), World Heart Day aims to combat the rising number of people with cardiovascular disease – among Australia’s most common and most costly disease groups. This year, the campaign includes a clear and simple call to action to encourage individuals to commit to healthier habits by making a heart promise.
We would ask that medical professionals make a promise to encourage more heart attack survivors to take on cardiac rehab, and that survivors promise themselves they will complete it.
NACCHO AGM 2018 Brisbane Oct 30—Nov 2 Registrations now open
Follow our conference using HASH TAG #NACCHOagm2018
Download Draft Program as at 2 October
NACCHO 7 Page Conference Program 2018_v3
The NACCHO Members’ Conference and AGM provides a forum for the Aboriginal community controlled health services workforce, bureaucrats, educators, suppliers and consumers to:
- Present on innovative local economic development solutions to issues that can be applied to address similar issues nationally and across disciplines
- Have input and influence from the ‘grassroots’ into national and state health policy and service delivery
- Demonstrate leadership in workforce and service delivery innovation
- Promote continuing education and professional development activities essential to the Aboriginal community controlled health services in urban, rural and remote Australia
- Promote Aboriginal health research by professionals who practice in these areas and the presentation of research findings
- Develop supportive networks
- Promote good health and well-being through the delivery of health services to and by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout Australia.
Conference Website Link
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is designed to encourage and assist undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies and join the health workforce.
Dr Puggy Hunter was the NACCHO Chair 1991-2001
Puggy was the elected chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, (NACCHO), which is the peak national advisory body on Aboriginal health. NACCHO has a membership of over 144 + Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and is the representative body of these services. Puggy was the inaugural Chair of NACCHO from 1991 until his death.[1]
Puggy was the vice-chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council, the Federal Health Minister’s main advisory body on Aboriginal health established in 1996. He was also Chair of the National Public Health Partnership Aboriginal and Islander Health Working Group which reports to the Partnership and to the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council. He was a member of the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC), the General Practice Partnership Advisory Council, the Joint Advisory Group on Population Health and the National Health Priority Areas Action Council as well as a number of other key Aboriginal health policy and advisory groups on national issues.[1]
The scheme provides scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people studying an entry level health course.
Applications for PHMSS 2019 scholarship round are now open.
Click the button below to start your online application.
Applications must be completed and submitted before midnight AEDT (Sydney/Canberra time) Sunday 14 October 2018. After this time the system will shut down and any incomplete applications will be lost.
Eligible health areas
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health work
- Allied health (excluding pharmacy)
- Dentistry/oral health (excluding dental assistants)
- Direct entry midwifery
- Medicine
- Nursing; registered and enrolled
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be considered from applicants who are:
- of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
Applicants must identify as and be able to confirm their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status. - enrolled or intending to enrol in an entry level or graduate entry level health related course
Courses must be provided by an Australian registered training organisation or university. Funding is not available for postgraduate study. - intending to study in the academic year that the scholarship is offered.
A significant number of applications are received each year; meeting the eligibility criteria will not guarantee applicants a scholarship offer.
Value of scholarship
Funding is provided for the normal duration of the course. Full time scholarship awardees will receive up to $15,000 per year and part time recipients will receive up to $7,500 per year. The funding is paid in 24 fortnightly instalments throughout the study period of each year.
Selection criteria
These are competitive scholarships and will be awarded on the recommendation of the independent selection committee whose assessment will be based on how applicants address the following questions:
- Describe what has been your driving influence/motivation in wanting to become a health professional in your chosen area.
- Discuss what you hope to accomplish as a health professional in the next 5-10 years.
- Discuss your commitment to study in your chosen course.
- Outline your involvement in community activities, including promoting the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The scholarships are funded by the Australian Government, Department of Health and administered by the Australian College of Nursing. The scheme was established in recognition of Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter’s significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and his role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
Important links
Links to Indigenous health professional associations
Contact ACN
e scholarships@acn.edu.au
t 1800 688 628
National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Third edition) Workshop 10 October
The RACGP and NACCHO invite you to a workshop to be held prior to GP18, that
will support your practice team to maximise the opportunity for the prevention of
disease at each health service visit.
A National Guide contributor and a cultural educator will discuss how best to utilise
the third edition of the National Guide when providing care for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.
The workshop will also include a focus group exploring implementation of the
National Guide in both mainstream and Aboriginal Community Controlled Primary
Health Care Services (ACCHSs), as well as the characteristics of a culturally
responsive general practice.
Program
• Background and purpose of the National Guide
• Features of the National Guide, including:
• Recommendation tables
• Good practice points
• Evidence base
• Lifecycle wall chart
• Putting the National Guide
Date
Wednesday 10 October 2018
Time
Registration and lunch 12.00 pm
Workshop 12.30–4.00 pm
Venue
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Cost
Free of charge
RSVP
Friday 5 October 2018
Registration essential
Registration
Email daniela.doblanovic@racgp.org.au
or call Daniela Doblanovic on 03 8699 0528.
We will then contact you to confirm
Now open: Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grant opportunity.$500,000 closes 24 October 2018
This grant opportunity is designed to assist existing approved residential and home care providers in regional, rural and remote areas to invest in infrastructure. Commonwealth Home Support Programme services will also be considered, where there is exceptional need. Funding will be prioritised to aged care services most in need and where geographical constraints and significantly higher costs impede services’ ability to invest in infrastructure works.
Up to $500,000 (GST exclusive) will be available per service via a competitive application process.
Eligibility:
To be eligible you must be:
- an approved residential or home care provider (as defined under the Aged Care Act 1997) or an approved Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider in exceptional circumstances (refer Frequently asked Questions) ; and
- currently operating an aged care service located in Modified Monash Model Classification 3-7 or if a CHSP provider, the service is located in MMM 6-7. (MMM Locator).
The fourth annual Indigenous Business Month this year will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business, to coincide with the 2018 NAIDOC theme Because of Her, We Can.
Throughout October, twenty national Indigenous Business Month events will take place showcasing the talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women entrepreneurs from a variety of business sectors. These events aim to ignite conversations about Indigenous business development and innovation, focusing on women’s roles and leadership.
Indigenous Business Month is an initiative driven by the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class, who see business as a way of providing positive role models for young Indigenous Australians and improving quality of life in Indigenous communities.
Since the launch of Indigenous Business Month in 2015, [1] the Indigenous business sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia delivering over $1 billion in goods and services for the Australian economy.
Jason Eades, Director, Consulting at Social Ventures Australia and Indigenous Business Month 2018 host said:
“It is a privilege to be involved in Indigenous Business Month, to be able to take the time to celebrate and acknowledge the great achievements of our Indigenous entrepreneurs and their respective businesses. Indigenous entrepreneurs are showing the rest of the world that we can do business and do it well, whilst maintaining our strong cultural values.”
The latest ABS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey 2014-15 shows that only 51.5 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women participate in the workforce compared to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men at 65 percent.
The Australian Government has invested in a range of initiatives to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women entrepreneurs in the work-placeincluding: [2) Continued funding for girls’ academies in high schools, so that young women can realise their leadership potential, greater access to finance and business support suited to the needs of Indigenous businesses with a focus on Indigenous entrepreneurs and start-ups, and expanding the ParentsNextprogram and Fund pre-employment projects via the new Launch into Work program providing flexibility to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Michelle Evans, MURRA Program Director AND Associate Professor of Leadership at the University of Melbourne said:
“The Indigenous Business Month’s aim is to inspire, showcase and engage the Indigenous business community. This year it is more significant than ever to support the female Indigenous business community and provide a platform for them to network and encourage young Indigenous women to consider developing a business as a career option.”
Indigenous Business Month runs from October 1 to October 31. Check out the website for an event near you (spaces are limited).
The initiative is supported by 33 Creative, Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre at the University of Melbourne, Iscariot Media, and PwC.
For more information on Indigenous Business Month visit
· The Websitewww.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au
My Health Records webinars from Consumer Health Forum
The recording of our second webinar that gives an overview of digital health in Australia and where My Health Record fits in the scheme of things is now up on our YouTube channel:
You can register here: http://www.webcasts.com.au/chf300818/. Next week, we have an in depth look at the risks.
If you have questions or thoughts about either, please use the links below to send them to us.
Consumer Estimates: My Health Record
Thursday, 4 October
12:30pm-1:30pm AEST
Register to attend | Find out more
Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Voices project.
June Oscar AO and her team are excited to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls across the country as a part of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Voices project.
Whilst we will not be able to get to every community, we hope to hear from as many women and girls as possible through this process. If we are not coming to your community we encourage you to please visit the Have your Say! page of the website to find out more about the other ways to have your voice included through our survey and submission process.
We will be hosting public sessions as advertised below but also a number of private sessions to enable women and girls from particularly vulnerable settings like justice and care to participate.
Details about current, upcoming and past gatherings appears below, however it is subject to change. We will update this page regularly with further details about upcoming gatherings closer to the date of the events.
Please get in touch with us via email wiyiyaniuthangani@humanrights.gov.au or phone on (02) 9284 9600 if you would like more information.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls are invited to register for one of the following gatherings
Upcoming gatherings
If your community is listed below and you would like to be involved in planning for our visit or would like more information, please write to us at wiyiyaniuthangani@humanrights.gov.au or phone (02) 9284 9600.
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Port Headland | October 2018 |
| Newman | October 2018 |
| Dubbo | TBC |
| Brewarrina | TBC |
| Rockhampton | TBC |
| Longreach | TBC |
| Kempsey | TBC |
2018 International Indigenous Allied Health Forum at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney, Australia on the 30 November 2018.
This Forum will bring together Indigenous and First Nation presenters and panellists from across the world to discuss shared experiences and practices in building, supporting and retaining an Indigenous allied health workforce.
This full-day event will provide a platform to share information and build an integrated approach to improving culturally safe and responsive health care and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous peoples and communities.
Delegates will include Indigenous and First Nation allied health professionals and students from Australia, Canada, the USA and New Zealand. There will also be delegates from a range of sectors including, health, wellbeing, education, disability, academia and community.
AIDA Conference 2018 Vision into Action
Building on the foundations of our membership, history and diversity, AIDA is shaping a future where we continue to innovate, lead and stay strong in culture. It’s an exciting time of change and opportunity in Indigenous health.
The AIDA conference supports our members and the health sector by creating an inspiring networking space that engages sector experts, key decision makers, Indigenous medical students and doctors to join in an Indigenous health focused academic and scientific program.
AIDA recognises and respects that the pathway to achieving equitable and culturally-safe healthcare for Indigenous Australians is dynamic and complex. Through unity, leadership and collaboration, we create a future where our vision translates into measureable and significantly improved health outcomes for our communities. Now is the time to put that vision into action.
2nd National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Conference 20-21 November Perth
” The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention and World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference Committee invite and welcome you to Perth for the second National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Conference, and the second World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference.
Our Indigenous communities, both nationally and internationally, share common histories and are confronted with similar issues stemming from colonisation. Strengthening our communities so that we can address high rates of suicide is one of these shared issues. The Conferences will provide more opportunities to network and collaborate between Indigenous people and communities, policy makers, and researchers. The Conferences are unique opportunities to share what we have learned and to collaborate on solutions that work in suicide prevention.
This also enables us to highlight our shared priorities with political leaders in our respective countries and communities.
