The gazette february 2015 by Great Southern Institute of Technology

Gazette THE

Monthly Newsletter February 2015 Volume 6 No 1

Beauty Therapist Melissa Regan of Pamper and Polish is looking forward to a trip to Paris as her prize for being named Guinot Ambassador of the Year for 2014.

Beauty ambassador off to Paris The Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum – and the Guinot Institute – are all on the itinerary when Melissa Regan visits Paris in July. That last might not be on everyone’s list for their trip to the French capital, but for the experienced beauty therapist, the Guinot visit will be a highlight of her career. Melissa, who works at Pamper and Polish in Albany, won the trip for two to Paris in a nationwide beauty industry competition run by the French skin care manufacturer. She has invited her friend and employer Lauren Allen to accompany her, and the pair are excitedly planning their holiday to the last detail to get the most out of the rare opportunity.

Hearing she had won the title of Guinot Ambassador of the Year came as a wonderful surprise for Melissa, even though she had dedicated a year to the achievement. “I promoted Guinot products in the salon, and I had to hold an in-salon event – I gave an hour-long presentation to about 30 people, teaching clients how to use the creams and introducing new products,” she said. Her submission to Guinot was backed up with copies of her presentation and her speech at the event, photographs of her in-salon displays, and client testimonials collated over 12 months. Continued on page 2

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Want to read The Gazette in another format? To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888. To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

TAFE or school? TAFE’s cool!

Beauty ambassador off to Paris From page 1 She also attended four training workshops in Perth. “I got a phone call out of the blue to tell me I was the winner,” Melissa smiled. “It was very exciting,” she said. “The award focuses attention on Albany and shows the great work salons here can do as well as the high standard we have down here. “I invited Lauren to join me because she has encouraged me all the way.” The beauty therapists are looking forward to visiting tourist icons and getting out into the countryside around Paris as well as experiencing French culture – not least the fashion, food and wine. Their visit to the Guinot laboratory will be a much-anticipated treat. There, the pair will view product manufacture and development, including testing using synthetic human skin, as Guinot products are not tested on animals. Melissa said she and Lauren had attended Great Southern Institute together in 2011, when they had studied for the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy. She said the qualification had prepared her for work in the beauty industry, and the course gave her not

Great Southern Institute of Technology student Emily Edwards took the TAFE alternative to high school, which allows 15-17-year-olds to enrol in one or more courses for just $410.

only valuable practical skills, but also the confidence to talk to people one-onone. “It also gave me more vision for the future and set me up for my career,” Melissa said. For more information on beauty therapy courses at Great Southern Institute of Technology, phone 9892 8888 or visit the website www.gsit. wa.edu.au.

[My course] gave me more vision for the future and set me up for my career.

Young people over the age of 15 are discovering real benefits to studying at Great Southern Institute of Technology rather than returning to high school for Year 11 or 12. With fees capped at $410 for one or more qualifications, the TAFE alternative is also popular for the adult learning environment which allows students to manage their own study and leisure time and enjoy the modern on-campus facilities. One who made the switch to TAFE halfway through last year was Emily Edwards, who is working towards a career as an accountant and dreams of a job in administration on a mine site. Emily, who took the Certificate II in Business, finished her qualification in one semester, but staying at school, she would have taken two years to do the same. Now within two years, she could also have the Certificates III and IV under her belt and be on her way to a good job or university.

Emily said she chose the institute over high school as she had more motivation to attend, and she could dedicate her time to a study area in which she planned to make her career. “This way, I get a qualification and I can look for work, or study further at TAFE,” Emily said. For the future, she intends to use her qualifications to facilitate entry into university. If she takes a diploma, she may even receive credit at university, and get her degree much quicker. Students who take the TAFE alternative to high school receive all the support they need. “My lecturer was very helpful and supportive, and there are lots of resources available,” Emily said. For more information on the TAFE alternative to high school, visit the institute’s website or phone 9892 8888.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Government’s constraints on spending, which affect us all. So our Professional and Career Development day on From the MD’s Desk 6 February was presented under the banner of ‘Working I hope you all had an enjoyable summer Together’, and I’m happy to say break and I welcome you back to the it was very well received. institute for another year. Cameron Symes’s presentation on his Judging by the start we’ve had, 2015 looks journey to become a solicitor with Latro like being another busy year for us, with Lawyers and as founding director of the good enrolment numbers, for which I look Great Southern Distilling Company was forward to seeing the final figures. inspirational, especially when he described his attitude to change within a business Staffing structure. He came over as an incredibly Because of changes in some sections, intelligent and humble person, and his talk we have welcomed new staff and some made quite an impact. positions have been advertised. The morning desert survival exercise The institute was offered 10 packages facilitated by Kay Geldard was a challenging under the Government’s voluntary interlude which brought out people’s redundancy scheme. We have already personalities as they discussed tactics and farewelled Plumbing Lecturer Rod Connell priorities. and Katanning GATE Lecturer Gaye Bushell, and others will be announced in the In a varied afternoon program of fun and games, we teamed with people we may next few weeks. not have worked with before and many of The executive management team will be looking at the effect of redundancies on the us found ourselves trying our hand at new things. sections affected and the organisation as a Tying it all together was local comedian whole, but there will be no major changes at Jon Doust, regaling the gathering with his this stage. observations from the day. Portfolios Then everyone enjoyed the amazing Trades and Allied Industries Portfolio spread of afternoon tea presented by the Manager Kathy Keay is taking a 12-month Masterchef group, who had prepared and secondment to the Training Accreditation cooked it all within two hours. Council (TAC) in Perth, and Ken Clark will The feedback from most people was that be acting in the position while she is away. this was a well-organised and enjoyable I’m sure Ken will receive everyone’s support day, for which I sincerely thank the PD while he manages the portfolio. He will be committee of Lexy Grover, Cassie Farnell, working with the other portfolio managers Carolyn Heffernan, Bev Baxter, Lionel Hart to pass on his skills for the management of and Ches Leonard. apprentices and trainees, as these duties This small committee not only organised will be devolved to each portfolio. the day brilliantly, but they also brought it in PACD under budget, allowing us to fund another At the institute’s Academic Leadership and four team-building PD events during the Emerging Leaders group meetings last year, year. members identified issues for resolution. My thanks also go to Steve Speight, Mark One factor brought to the attention of Crabtree and John Langridge for organising executive was the focus on people working the afternoon catering, to bus drivers Lucy closer together for mutual support. Wellstead, Leigh Barsby and Peter Sudrun, This is also vital as we face changes and to Lauchlan Gillett for the video. in our working environment due to the Continued on page 5

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

From the MD’s Desk

From page 4 Some of the photos taken on the day are

5 on pages 12-17 of this Gazette. Finally, I wish you all the best for the new academic year, and I look forward to seeing you at your sectional meetings as the term progresses. Happy reading, Lidia

Fleet cars are dressed to impress

The first fleet cars to sport corporate signage came from the signwriter this year. Two cars and the new institute bus have now been given the treatment, and another three cars will join the colourful fleet in March.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Healthy outlook for trainee group At the end of a busy year, a group of Aboriginal schoolbased trainee students proudly took stock of their new skills and experience which will take them on to further training or jobs within the health and fitness field. Taking Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment through Great Southern Institute of Technology opened doors for the enthusiastic group, who learnt the basics of healthy living, fitness and sport through a number of activities during the yearlong course. On regular visits to the recreation centre, the beach, the bush – and the institute kitchen – the group tried their hand at rock climbing, ball games, cooking and water sports. Under the leadership of Lecturer Paula Foenander with the support of Aboriginal Programs Assistant Melissa Meyer, the youngsters took classes in nutrition, health, fitness and first aid, and learnt about the careers and training into which their skills could take them. Towards the end of the year, they enjoyed a day at Camp Quaranup, where they were set the task of constructing a raft from water containers, timber and a milk crate, and a trip to Nippers’ bird park at Two Peoples Bay.

At Nippers on the final day, Phillip Lockyer, Jezelda Lethbridge and Jake Gibson enjoy the birds.

Above: Brian Colbung and Andy Bennell prepare sausage casserole as part of their nutrition class.

Jake Gibson strokes a guinea pig.

Phillip Lockyer.

Left: Phillip Lockyer cooks kebabs.

Below: At Camp Quaranup, Callum Lawler-Woods and Phillip Lockyer take their raft to the water for launching.

Jezelda Lethbridge.

The boys prepare for the real test of their skills at the raft launch.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2015 In launching its Reconciliation Action Plan last October, Great Southern Institute of Technology demonstrated its commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that together, real benefits can be achieved for the wider community. To highlight Indigenous issues and track our progress as defined by the plan, The Gazette will publish an article every month. The first in our series looks at the Noongar Native Title Settlement, a topical issue impacting on the future prosperity of local Aboriginal people.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Plan responds to settlement strategy

and wellbeing, and the economy,” he added. A vital part of the proposed settlement is a Community Development Framework, which outlines a strategy of investment in the people and initiatives to secure a successful future. Based around cultural pride and knowledge, the framework also promotes relationship building with other agencies and service providers, and increasing opportunities for training and employment. Ezzard said this was where the Noongar community’s strong relationship with Great Southern Institute of Technology – and the institute’s commitment outlined in the Reconciliation Action Plan – was important. “Education is key to the outcome,” Ezzard said. “It’s the first door we need to open.”

From page 8 “This is a good opportunity for the institute, it is in the right place at the right time,” Ezzard said. Ezzard explained acceptance of the settlement would also impact on other facets of life for Noongar people, and education would be an important factor for managing the funds, which would be invested to compound wealth. “It will bring greater independence and allow investment for the future to secure housing, develop culture and help with social and economic issues,” Ezzard said. “The future looks good in regards to health

Plan responds to settlement strategy Over the next few weeks, Noongar people in WA will vote on whether to accept a Native Title Settlement from the Western Australian Government. Acceptance of the settlement, which will be worth $1.3 billion at the end of a 12year accumulation period, would bring unprecedented prosperity to Noongar people, who would be formally recognised as traditional owners of Noongar country. The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) represents six native title groups making up Noongar country and voting on acceptance of the settlement. The Great Southern region is in the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar area. Saturday 28 March marks the last of the six area votes, after which the decision of the Noongar people will be announced. SWALSC mentor Ezzard Flowers works closely with Great Southern Institute of Technology, as chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee. SWALSC also funds scholarship to Aboriginal students at the institute. Ezzard, a strong advocate of education for Aboriginal people, said a yes vote would

Seeds

OF SUSTAINABILITY

Life is too short to waste

Ezzard Flowers is a mentor with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee. bring new opportunities to the Noongar community, and the institute’s capability to provide training to Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar area people was essential. Continued on page 9

Sustainable living is all about how to reduce the amount of waste in our lives – whether it is wasting energy, water or materials. Waste costs money as well as time and resources. In a few weeks, the Sustainable Living Expo and Fair will be here in Albany. The program is being finalised now and is looking very exciting. On Friday 13 March keynote speaker Professor Stuart White, Director of Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, will launch the Great Southern Sustainable Living Festival at the Albany Town Hall.

The Expo and Fair opens the following day at 10am, when more than 20 exhibitors of items including solar panels, electric cars, up-cycling pallets, gardening, earth bricks, skylights, mesh bags, recycling, education and eco products will exhibit across the Town Hall and Town Square. A Tasting Stage will host 20-minute talks providing a taste of sustainable living ideas from raw food, energy audits, water efficiency and electric cars, to solar hybrid micro-grid systems, waste avoidance, compost and local produce. Try Speed Dating with an expert for 10 minutes – bring your plans and talk house design, solar design, garden design or home

energy ratings. Get your hands dirty by test driving an electric car or an electric bike, build a wind turbine, or tour a sustainable house, business, garden or education facility. Up-cycle an old bike or get your own bike checked over by the bike maintenance crew. Add your vision for a Sustainable Albany 2030 to the community mind-map, and enter the competition to win a ‘Local Produce Cooking Tour’ by visiting your sustainable café or restaurant and voting for them. To keep up to date with developments, log on to Facebook and ‘like’ Green Skills. Look forward to seeing you there. – Laura Bird

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Keeping abreast of the latest developments and best practice in industry is a primary aim of Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers and program coordinators. Students enrolling in courses can be confident they are receiving up-to-date training to industry standards, and employers can expect a level of competence from those trained on our campuses. All lecturers are encouraged to participate in industry consultation and attend seminars and conferences, and portfolio budgets allow for professional and career development opportunities. The Gazette’s series of articles featuring staff committed to providing a high standard of training continues this month with the story of CALM Lecturer Larry Blight, who has received a state-wide award for his work with prisoners.

Skills grow hope for brighter future Students with practical skills and a qualification undoubtedly have a head start when setting off on their career path. For students who learn in prison, the acquisition of real-life skills may be even more vital for getting a foothold in the workforce. Under expert instruction of Great Southern Institute of Technology Lecturer Larry Blight, a group of students at Pardelup Prison Farm have gained Certificates II and III in Conservation and Land Management. While the qualifications were a real fillip to the men, learning about their culture and building confidence were other valuable benefits. Larry’s course delivery brought such accolades from the students and staff that the prison nominated him for a Department of Corrective Services statewide award of Outstanding Vocational Trainer from an External Registered Training Organisation. Surprised and delighted to

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Skills grow hope for brighter future From page 10 The students collected seeds, planted trees and shrubs, managed the cultural area, constructed a koornt – an Aboriginal shelter – and designed a wetlands area.

It was good to see how the course improved their self-esteem They also used night cameras and learnt animal trapping techniques. Larry explained some of the students were keen to work as Indigenous rangers

hear he had been named the winner, Larry said he was humbled because the students were the people who deserved recognition for the success of the project. “They were really keen and they worked together to encourage each other and make sure they all passed,” Larry said. “It was good to see how the course improved their self-esteem – some blokes learnt to speak out and engage more,” he added.

The student group, which included Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, started with Certificate II and some then enrolled in the Certificate III. The 6000 acres of Pardelup land provided plenty of bushland for the program, which included identifying local bush flora, fauna and Indigenous artefacts, maintaining cultural places, recording information and following cultural protocols. Continued on page 11

at Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites, and the qualifications gave them the necessary skills. “Looking to the longer term, when they are out and resettled, they could also work fixing up degraded country or landscaping.” Larry applauded the support of Pardelup Prison staff. “I’d like to stress how important their cooperation was,” Larry said. “They were very keen to make it work, and they trusted me.” Pardelup’s award submission applauded Larry’s effective course structure, and his inspiration and support of the participants. “The students attended without fail every week and worked on the projects in their own time,” the submission stated in its flattering commendation of Larry. The award winner is back at the prison this year, delivering Certificate II in CALM to a new group of students, and he will deliver Certificate III in Semester 2.

ARE YOU A LECTURER NEEDING SUPPORT? Principal Lecturers are here to support you to deliver the best possible training experience for our students. We offer a range of workshop-based and ‘at-your-desk’ support including: • Help with validation and pre-audit preparation • Coaching and mentoring for new staff • Moodle support from beginner to advanced. We are also able to set up individual and small-group sessions on any training or assessment-related topic.

Phone Ray on 9892 8831 or Ruth on 9892 8759

TOGETHER

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

WORKING

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

TOGETHER

Mixed bag a welcome change Staff from all campuses gathered in the café at Albany for the wholeof-institute professional and career development day on Friday 6 February. ‘Working together’ was the theme of the day, which kicked off with an inspiring address from guest speaker Cameron Syme of Latro Lawyers and the Great Southern Distilling Company. A desert survival activity facilitated by Kay Geldard promoted lively debate in break-out groups after morning tea. Staff were given individual lunch boxes, each containing instructions for a mystery afternoon activity to continue the day’s theme. Some went on buses to the indoor volleyball centre, where they played cricket, volleyball and soccer. Another group took an iTrail around Albany’s historic centre, and a third bus took a group to Mt Romance for a gonging session in the cone. Staying on campus, others reported to their stations for a game of Spicks and Specks, kite construction, a cognitive ‘toxic waste’ or ‘card shark’ activity, or improvised percussion. Floral art kept another group busy as they produced some amazing displays for donation to the Albany hospice and the hospital. Cooking for the 150 people at the sundowner was the task set for 20 people in the Masterchef class under the guidance of Cookery Lecturers Mark Crabtree and Steve Speight. Their varied and appetising spread of finger food brought accolades from the rest of the gathering. Continued on page 13

Desert survival.

TOGETHER

From page 12 The mission for those in the art room was to produce a triptych to reinforce the theme of working together, and the resulting impressive piece of art work will be displayed in the boardroom. Local comedian Jon Doust, who had watched activities throughout the day, wound up the event with his amusing observations. From the outstandingly positive feedback received, it seems people enjoyed meeting and interacting with those with whom they do not normally have contact in their daily working lives. Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa thanked the committee for their work in organising the day, and staff members Mark Crabtree, Steve Speight for guiding the Masterchef group, as well as Lauchlan Gillett for photographs and video he took throughout the day. Four more PD activities are planned for the rest of the year to continue the theme.

Indoor soccer.

Historic iTrail.

More photographs on pages 13-17

Indoor cricket.

Art.

TOGETHER

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

WORKING

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

TOGETHER

Masterchef.

Floral art.

Spicks and Specks.

Card shark.

TOGETHER

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

WORKING

A Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event

TOGETHER

Kite building.

Improvised percussion.

Jon Doust.

Gonging.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

HR News With Paula Pattinson

Positions Advertised • Lecturer Tourism and Events – Cathy Glen was successful • Lecturer Accounting and Finance – Christine Sainty and Sheila Murray were successful • Director Academic Leadership – position cancelled • Lecturer Cabinet Making – Bryan Thompson was successful • Internal EOI Portfolio Support Officer, Trades and Allied Industries – Samantha Ahern was successful • Internal EOI Portfolio Manager, Trades and Allied Industries – Ken Clark was successful • Lecturer Information Technology – applications closed on 19 February. New staff A warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff: • Sandra Downes, Casual lecturer, Fee for Service • Dean Bentley, Casual support, Information Technology • Rhett Eiffler, Casual support, Information Technology • Tina Johnston, Casual counterhand, TAFE Café • Sheila Murray, Lecturer Accounting and Finance Staff exiting • Leanne Rowe, Lecturer Training and Assessment, ceased 31 December • Anne Green, Lecturer Business, ceased 31 December • Dianne Madden, Portfolio Liaison Officer, ceased 9 January • Barry Jordan, Lecturer Forestry, ceased 19 January • Robyn Altus, Portfolio Support Officer, Trades and Allied Industries, ceased 23 January • Rodney Connell, Lecturer Try Tech Programs, ceased 30 January • Gaye Bushell, Lecturer Literacy - Katanning, ceased 30 January • Catherine Attwell, Lecturer Nursing, ceased 31 January • Marcelle Cannon, Lecturer Allied Health, ceased 16 February We wish you all every success in your future endeavours and thank you for all your hard work at Great Southern Institute of Technology.

Kathy Keay, Rod Connell and Lidia Rozlapa at Rod’s farewell barbecue.

Jaime Eatt, Di Madden and Lidia Rozlapa at the morning tea for Di.

Bunuru Noongar people describe the seasons differently to European people as they believe the land has its own rhythms. Local Menang people have traditionally acknowledged six seasons.

Birak – December to January. Bunuru – February to March. Djeran – April to May Makuru – June to July Djilba – August to September Kambarang – October to November

This month, The Gazette starts a series of articles on the characteristics of each Noongar season with the second season of the year – Bunuru.

Plentiful food for eating and storing Traditionally, in the hot dry weather of the second season of the year, afternoon sea breezes and occasional thunderstorms provided some respite for the Noongar people who had travelled to the coast during the previous season, Birak. Fishing in the rivers and estuaries brought a bounty of food, including salmon, marron and gilgies, as well as long-necked turtles and frogs. Another food staple was the yanget, or

bulrush, the roots of which were pounded into a paste and roasted to form a starchy meal. In full bloom were the flowering gums – coastal blackbutts, jarrah, marri and ghost gums – and insects such as native butterflies and ants became more active. The seeds from ripe, red zamia flower cones were harvested and the toxic parts removed before they were stored for making into flour later in the year. Bright red zamia seeds were harvested and stored for later flour production.

Gilgies are in abundance during Bunuru.

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan: employing people with disability Access All Areas

with Wendy Macliver

Great Southern Institute of Technology invites comments from staff and members of the community to amend its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). The DAIP will include Outcome 7: ‘People with disability have the same

Safety First With Rick Muller

WorkSafe has issued a reminder to pay particular attention to safety when returning to work after the festive season. The main purpose of the alert is to urge people to reacquaint themselves with the safe methods of work applicable to their workplaces and jobs as they launch into a fresh year of work. It explains how important it is to be vigilant at this time of year. It is common for young, inexperienced students to remain in holiday mode after the festive season. A lack of proper attention to the task at hand – especially in the more hazardous

opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment with Great Southern Institute of Technology’. We welcome feedback on how we can make our employment opportunities more accessible to people with disability, and how we can support people to retain their employment. Draft Strategies for Outcome 7 are on our website at www.gsit.wa.edu.au. To provide feedback please phone Wendy Macliver on 9892 8741 or email wendy.macliver@gsit.wa.edu.au.

Remember to put safety first

Wearing the appropriate protective personal equipment is essential to prevent workplace injuries. areas – can have tragic consequences. At the start of the first term, management and safety and health representatives will

be conducting inspections of workplaces and workshops that have been closed down over the festive period to ensure risks are minimised.

Beyond the sausage sizzle The barbecue season is in full swing. They’re a fantastic way to get friends together, and you make the most of the warmer weather by cooking outside. But let’s be honest, sometimes the barbecue menu leaves a lot to be desired. Greasy sausages and white bread are often the focus and salad’s not always a priority. This results in a meal that is high in fat and salt and low in fibre. A few small changes can make a big improvement to your barbecue spread. Here are some ideas.

Make an un-boring salad Salads are often an afterthought at a barbecue. Make one that people will want to eat. Here are a few examples for inspiration: • Rocket, pear and parmesan • Watermelon, feta and mint • Coleslaw with a light dressing. Visit livelighter.com.au/recipes and search for ‘bbq’ for more tasty options.

Choose lean meats • Trim the fat off of chops and steaks before cooking them • Marinated chicken is a lean and tasty option • Choose skinless or lean sausages • Make your own rissoles or burgers from lean mince. Throw a couple of veggies on the barbie It’s not just meat that benefits from the high heat grilling; it also makes these veggies shine: • Zucchini • Eggplant • Mushroom • Capsicum • Corn (in the husk for no mess)

Photo: LiveLighter® State of Western Australia 2015. Reproduced with permission.

This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).