The gazette june 2013 by Great Southern Institute of Technology

Gazette The

Monthly Newsletter June 2013 Volume 4, No 4

Bill’s all set to take the helm

With an extensive background in education, including the vocational education and training sector, Bill Swetman will bring wide experience to the role of Acting Managing Director while Lidia Rozlapa takes long service leave. Bill, who is General Manager of Organisational Services at Polytechnic West, will join Great Southern Institute of Technology on 22 July in time for a week’s handover from Lidia before taking the reins for 10 weeks. Lidia explained the position of Managing Director was a Public Sector Commission

Bill Swetman will take over as Acting Managing Director of GSIT at the end of July. appointment, but as she was taking leave of less than three months, she was authorised to select her own temporary replacement. “I did an executive search and Governing Council Chair Scott Leary was involved in the selection process,” Lidia explained. “However, the final approval came from Minister Redman,” she said. Lidia said Bill had extensive experience in the VET and education sectors, including a decade as a high school teacher in regional and metropolitan schools, and more than 10 years at regional TAFEs in

the Pilbara. “There is no question about his ability or his breadth of knowledge,” Lidia said. “Bill has served in senior management and leadership roles with responsibility for academic services, academic support, corporate services and VET and higher education regulation,” Lidia said. “He also has previous managing director experience, and has been responsible for the management of up to 200 staff and budgets up to $93 million,” she added. Continued on page 2

Great Southern Gazette

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Bill’s all set to take the helm returning to regional WA. From page 1 “I am very appreciative of the opportunity “He will make decisions which will influence our accreditation, the future of the to relocate to Great Southern whilst Lidia is on leave and I am really looking forward to organisation and our reputation.” working together with In recent years, Bill has all the staff,” Bill said. undertaken the roles During his first week, of Director of Business Bill will make decisions Management at the WA Bill will accompany which will influence our Lidia on a tour of the Department of Sport accreditation, the future of four campuses and and Recreation and Director of Education the organisation and our meet the institute’s Governing Council and Training Regulation reputation. and staff in all at the WA Department sections. He will of Education Services, which is the State’s VET also take part in review sessions with regulator. portfolio managers towards the end of the In his current role, Bill provides strategic week. and operational leadership for all Lidia said she looked forward to training and delivery support services for Polytechnic West, the State’s largest public welcoming Bill to Great Southern Institute of Technology and wished him well in the VET provider. Bill said he was looking forward to position of Acting Managing Director.

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Great Southern Gazette

Thumbs up for ‘fun and flexible’ online course

As a new employee at the Shire of BroomehillTambellup, Tracie Polinelli welcomed the opportunity to enhance her on-thejob training with study for the Certificate III in Local Government through Great Southern Institute of Technology. She started her studies in January, and by mid-May, Tracie had completed the course, which is delivered online for students to progress at their own pace. The scenario-based presentation brings a reallife aspect to the training, proving effective for learning and for student engagement. Tracie was introduced to the course with four of her colleagues at a presentation by Local Government Lecturer Mark Weller, who provided ongoing support for the students as they progressed through their studies. She said she had been apprehensive of online learning initially. “I was used to the

Tracie Polinelli.

traditional textbook method, but I quickly overcame my initial concerns and this was definitely an effective way of learning – and a lot of fun,” she said. While her day-to-day work had previously taken priority over acquiring background knowledge of policies and procedures, Tracie said the course had taught her the importance of taking time for these other key aspects of the job. “It forced me to step back and find the relevant policies and understand the workplace – it was priceless in that sense,” Tracie said. “Another important thing I learnt was about reading and understanding Local Government Acts and regulations, and where to find information,” she said. She explained that the structure of the course allowed flexibility, and not only in the pace of learning. “Depending on your interest level in each cluster, you could make it as complicated or as easy as

you wanted,” she said. “You could do the minimum, but you could delve deeper if the subject interested you,” she added. Shire of BroomehillTambellup Manager Corporate Services Judy Stewart said the shire viewed staff training and education opportunities as an investment which would increase the staff knowledge base in local government matters. “It gives staff a broad overview of local government business, which in turn assists the shire to provide a quality service to the community,” Judy said. Tracie said studying had spurred her on to consider other courses in the future. She is now settled in her position of rates officer at the shire with the qualification under her belt and a greater understanding of her workplace. “I would absolutely recommend the course for people working in local government,” Tracie said.

Great Southern Gazette

From the MD’s Desk We’re on the downhill slope with only two weeks to go before the July break. I was pleased to announce last week the appointment of Bill Swetman as Acting Managing Director while I am on long service leave. Bill will spend a week with me from 22 July and he will take over the following week. Our front page story on Bill details his experience and I go away confident in the knowledge Bill will be a first class replacement. Human Resources As we say goodbye to Principal Lecturer Paul Dollery on 28 June, expressions of interest are being called. This position is for a three-year period with strong emphasis on quality assurance and re-registration. The first institute consultative committee meeting took place on 10 June, and David Hansen and union rep Dennis Blewitt are currently working on averaging issues. The terms of reference for the committee have been agreed and the appointment of David as chair was unanimously carried. IT The positions of two desktop support officers has been advertised. Most people will be pleased to hear remote access to files on G Drive is getting closer, with configuration proceeding and 30 June set as a target date for user testing. A trial is being conducted to wirelessly connect iPads to classroom projectors, and authentication to the wireless network for staff changing from the ticket system to the normal username/password is almost complete. Progress on the new website continues, and the preferred developer is working on the specification we have supplied. Capital works projects Work has started on the Skills Development Centre’s commercial shed, which is due for completion in early August,

depending on the weather. Forward works are progressing on the Health Sciences and Community Services building, and tender submissions are being analysed before the contract is awarded. Building work is expected to start in midJuly. Student Services Director Chris is still pedalling his way across America. If you would like to follow Chris’s progress, check out his blog: http:// cyclejones.wordpress.com/. Aboriginal Programs Shirley Hansen and Kathy Keay have been negotiating with the Compass Group to train Aboriginal students in Certificate II in Hospitality. A number of students have indicated they are keen on undertaking this training to work in the mining sector. Changes to the course fee structure last June and the lowering of the Aboriginal Program Enrolment Assistance payment have created ongoing challenges for Shirley Hansen and her Aboriginal Programs staff. Disability access and inclusion Wendy Macliver is planning for Disability Awareness Week. A display of work by students of Certificates I and II in Visual Arts will be held in the Albany library and the Certificate II in Clothing Production classes will offer open access. Wendy will also promote the support for students with disability and medical conditions, and the Busy Bee Creations products. Regional campuses Wendy Macliver has also been working with Katanning Shire to set up a part-time Gaining Access to Training and Employment (GATE) program in Semester 2 for people with disability. Katanning Campus Coordinator Rachael Coole and Communication and The Arts Portfolio Manager Justine Bradney have attended a Supertown committee day and are helping the shire with the development of a language and literacy project. Mount Barker’s White Card language training course attracted 17 enrolments, and the Introduction to Computing course also drew a good response from students.

Great Southern Gazette Student Services Congratulations to Lesley Brand and all who were involved with organising the career expo last Friday. Training Admissions applications for Semester 2 have closed and the section is gearing up for enrolments on 3 and 4 July. Communications A new prospectus has been produced ready for endorsement by Corporate Executive, and the institute’s communication strategy is in the final throes of production. Unilink Kristine Deutschmann has been liaising with universities on articulation agreements and updating promotional material. Skills Development Centre The centre is working with Pilbara and Durack institutes to develop a preemployment program for steel and concrete fixers for Bechtel’s Wheatstone project contractors, and with Pilbara and Kimberley institutes for high-risk training. A new contract Worksafe assessor provides increased delivery capacity for the centre, which will develop new markets. Business and Creative Industries The portfolio has strengthened relationships with the Denmark Chamber of Commerce and the Denmark Community Resource Centre. Project management courses will be delivered at Albany Regional Prison within the next few weeks, and the portfolio is now offering the Certificate III in Accounts Administration externally. Communication and The Arts The Course in Applied Vocational Study Skills (CAVSS), which provides literacy and numeracy support for students, is in demand this year, resulting in a need for more trained CAVSS lecturers. Students are enrolling in the Semester 2 music programs in Denmark. Two courses are being delivered – Certificate III in Music and Certificate III in Music Business. For visual arts, students’ completion of qualifications has been a priority for

5 lecturers this semester. Health Sciences and Community Services The new trade training centre located at NASHS has opened and the working relationship between the high school and GSIT has been exceptional. Thank you to NASHS principal Sharon Doohan and her staff for their excellent ongoing support. The portfolio will deliver first aid training for more than 70 Great Southern Traffic Management staff, starting next month. The Environment and Primary Industries Accredited quad bike training was on the agenda for Rob Schorer and Max Michael, who attended a two-day course hosted by Worksafe Australia, while Tourism and Events Lecturer Cathy Glen brushed up on changes to the training package at a Tourism and Travel Implementation workshop she attended at Burswood in Perth. Trades and Allied Industries The institute hosted an automotive industry meeting conducted by Auto Skills Australia, giving staff a chance to network with key industry people. The Certificate IV in Hairdressing and Certificate IV in Building and Construction have been added to scope, to increase post-trade training for industry. Principal Lecturers The principal lecturers have been busy helping staff to gain their TAE qualifications through RPL before the July 1 deadline. They have also produced an inspiring program of PACD events, and are preparing for an in-house e-learning expo planned for December. Library Resource Centre The Primo discovery layer is still being tested. Issues which have been identified will be addressed with the provider at a meeting in Perth. For those of you going on leave, have a great break and come back refreshed, ready to start another busy semester. Happy reading, Lidia

Great Southern Gazette

Trainee cooks up a fine career For Albany teenager Lauren Wilson, securing a traineeship has broadened her horizons. Not only is Lauren gaining practical, on-the-job training while being paid for her work, but she is also progressing towards a nationally recognised qualification and skills to take further afield – even to other parts of the world. Lauren is employed by ATC Work Smart and placed with her host employer Three Anchors at Middleton Beach, where she is studying for the Certificate II in Hospitality. Since starting there early this year, Lauren has impressed her employer and her host employer, as well as her Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturer, who makes regular workplace visits to assess her skills. Three Anchors General Manager Kate Marwick said it had been a pleasure to work with Lauren and see her grow in confidence and character.

Lauren Wilson, employed by ATC Work Smart, is completing a traineeship with host employer Three Anchors. “She has consistently impressed me in all areas of her work, and she has a wonderful attitude to her career and her peers,” Kate said. “She is a well-loved member of our team – and most importantly, she is passionate about food.” ATC Work Smart Employment and Training Officer Stuart Sadler echoed Kate’s praise for the young employee. “Lauren registered with me

after graduating Year 12,” Stuart said. “I could see she was a very high-calibre applicant and identified a couple of career interests and options open to her,” he added. “Through discussion and career counselling, and after identifying an opportunity for her at Three Anchors, Lauren decided to undertake the Traineeship in Hospitality and she has not looked back. Continued on next page

Great Southern Gazette

Trainee’s fine career

From previous page “Lauren is an excellent employee with a very bright future, all feedback about her performance in the workplace is very positive.” For Lauren, a traineeship has been an excellent way of learning skills while enjoying the benefits of a good support structure provided by ATC Work Smart, Three Anchors and GSIT. She explained she had considered other options before choosing hospitality. “I had no experience when I started, so I’ve learnt everything I know right here,” Lauren said. She explained she was mainly responsible for the larder section, making salads and working the deep fryer, though she was also learning to cook main courses. She works as required at breakfast, lunch or dinner service. Getting to know people in the workplace and the community, exposure to other cultures and the creative side of cookery have all brought personal rewards for Lauren in the work environment and she now has a clear direction for her future. “I would definitely recommend a traineeship, it’s a great start,” Lauren said. “I hope to go on to do an apprenticeship at the end of the year, but I will learn a lot more in the meantime,” she said. In a few years, with valuable experience and skills under her belt, Lauren intends to travel overseas. “I will have a qualification that I can use wherever I go,” she said.

Keep mentally healthy

When we think about mental health, we often think of words and images associated with mental ill health. Mentally Healthy WA aims to re-frame this perception to something more positive – we can all do things to strengthen and promote our own mental wellbeing and that of others. Mental health is a state of wellbeing, in the same way as physical health is not merely the absence of disease. A person with good mental health copes with the normal stresses of life, maintains healthy relationships and contributes to the community, professionally and personally. Unfortunately, not all of us experience good mental health all of the time. Almost one in five Australians will experience a mental health problem each year. The most common forms of mental illness are depression and anxiety. Mental health problems can lead to relationship difficulties, financial hardship and troubles at work and can increase the risk of physical health problems such as heart disease. Clearly, preventative actions are required to protect and promote mental health to reduce the ever-increasing burden on society and improve the quality of life of individuals. So what can you do for your mental health? Act – take a walk, read a book, do a crossword puzzle, dance, say g’day. Being active physically, socially and mentally helps us cope with stresses, build friendships and lift spirits. Belong – join a book club, a sporting team, a walking group or a cooking class. Be more involved in community organisations and attend community events. Hang out with people who share your values and interests. Belonging helps build friendships, creates opportunities for meaningful participation, strengthens communities and it simply feels good. Commit – make that extra commitment to a hobby or a good cause. Help out a neighbour or volunteer, be a coach or a mentor. Support your community clubs and groups. Try something challenging. These activities give meaning to life. For more information, visit the Act Belong Commit website at http://www.actbelongcommit.org.au/, or phone Great Southern Population Health on 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).

Great Southern Gazette

B Block business is buzzing Last year, the clothing production workshop at Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Albany campus was buzzing with activity as students – all people with disability – operated their own little factory as part of their Busy Bee Creations program. They raked in more than $3000 in sales, mostly raised through on-campus stalls and the remainder from orders taken throughout the year. This year, the program is continuing, and the range has grown. Clothing Production Lecturer Robyn Wills said some of the favourites were still being made, and new items had been added to the collection. As part of the program, Robyn explained, the students not only sharpened their sewing techniques, they also produced a wide range of useful and decorative items – and ran their own small business. “They learn cash handling, budgeting and saving,” Robyn said. “They have to produce merchandise that is competitive in the marketplace, so a high standard of work is essential,” she said. The students also learn about stock levels – and adjust production to answer the demands of a growing clientele built up through selling at local markets and

Sandra Andrews, lecturer Robyn Wills, Jessica Lynch, Jane Frantom (whose daughter Amber Marsh is a member of the Busy Bees team) and Kristin Julien show off some of the items they have been producing as part of the program. to GSIT staff and students. Under the guidance of Robyn and in-class assistant Pearl Hammond, the students produce a colourful and stylish range of merchandise in a variety of fabrics. All items are functional as well as attractive. Nappy clutches, hand towels, luggage labels and heat packs are some of last year’s big-selling lines which have been retained. In addition, the students are producing quilts for use in shopping trolleys, children’s painting smocks, toy bags complete with a handy see-through panel, hair-clip holders, puff quilts, bibs for babies and toddlers, scarves, healthy cup-cake pin cushions,

baby blankets, pet rugs, girls’ bags and fabric balloon balls – which safely contain popped balloons and can be used indoors or out. Robyn said while learning new techniques, the students chose appropriate fabrics to work with and took responsibility for a quality job. The Busy Bees sell their creations and take orders for specially made items from their workshop in B Block at the Albany campus. For more information on Busy Bee Creations, or to buy items, phone Robyn Wills on 9892 8763. The Busy Bee Creations program is funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Great Southern Gazette

Busy Bee creations GREAT FO R THE PRAM OR SHOPPING TROLLEY

Puff quilts

Luggage labels

Hair-clip holders

Balloon balls

5 ea

8 ea

Girlfriend aprons

15 ea

8 ea

Girls’ bags

Hand towels

Toy bags with handy sight panel

Pin cushions

15 ea $1250ea $850ea

Children’s painting smocks

Nappy clutches

$ 50

8 ea

Bibs

8 ea

Christmas sacks

8 ea

5 ea

Pet rugs

12 $ 15 $

ea (Medium) ea (Large)

Large heat pads

1250ea

Call into B Block or phone Robyn Wills on 9892 8763 The Busy Bee Creations program, for people with disability, is funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Great Southern Gazette

Local BSc delivery Having Curtin University’s BSc (Nursing) delivered entirely in Albany brings real benefits, according to a group of students who are about to graduate. In the final throes of their Registered Nursing degree, the six students can look forward to rewarding careers in various areas of health – knowing Australian nursing graduates are welcomed wherever in the world they choose to work. The students, whose degree course is delivered at Great Southern Institute of Technology through a partnership with Curtin, said the advantages of studying near home were numerous. It saves on accommodation and travel costs and the campus is easily accessible. Classes are small, so the students support each other and enjoy a high proportion of one-on-one attention from the lecturers. Most importantly, the education and study facilities are of the same high standard as those delivered at Curtin’s Bentley campus. Curtin Registered Nursing Coordinator Catherine Attwell said as the demand and interest in nursing within the region had grown, so had the need to offer advanced qualifications locally. She said local delivery brought the degree program to

those students whose circumstances prevented them from studying in Perth. “Students may still choose to take practical components of their course in metropolitan hospitals or in other parts of the State,” Catherine said. On graduation, the nurses have the qualification and skills to take them to other parts of Australia or overseas. Some choose to remain in the Great Southern region, where skilled nurses are in great demand. For those who opt to work close to home, the networks and contacts built up during their practical placements gives them a sound start on their career journey. Catherine paid tribute to the health agencies which had supported the degree program in Albany and helped to nurture the group in their practical placements. The Curtin degree, which takes 3½ years, has given dozens of Great Southern residents the skills and knowledge to walk straight into nursing positions and the confidence to expand their personal aspirations. Applications are now open for Curtin University’s BSc (Nursing) starting on 5 August. Phone Catherine Attwell on 9892 7531 for more information, and you could be on the path to an exciting new career.

“I would not have done the degree if I couldn’t have done it in Albany.” – Rachel C Goodall

“Studying here is ideal for families with children, and the support is amazing.” – Allison Laughton

“We have a great relationship with the lecturers and one-onone attention.” – Fiona McGuire

“The course is the same for us as it would be if we went to Curtin at Bentley.” – Paul Exton

Great Southern Gazette

Study to be a Registered Nurse through Curtin University in Albany

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (NURSING) Do you want to become a Registered Nurse and study locally? This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a professionally recognised degree offered by Curtin University and study locally at Great Southern Institute of Technology. Teaching format You will be enrolled at Curtin University and study internally in Albany.

Closing date for applications: Friday 5 July 2013 Course commencement: Monday 5 August 2013

FREECALL 1800 675 781

www.gsit.wa.edu.au

AMA1366

For further information contact: Course Coordinator Catherine Attwell Phone: 9892 7531 Email: catherine.attwell@gsit.wa.edu.au

10/05/13 9:07 AM

Great Southern Gazette

Skills to raise funds Community

CONTRIBUTION

While most young people were out partying at the end of a busy week, two Great Southern Institute of Technology beauty therapy students were donating their time – and their skills – to a community fundraising project. But Erin Battersby and Rhea Hickson, both studying for the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy, enjoyed their evening nevertheless as they worked their magic at a Girls’ Night In fundraiser for Relay for Life. The social event was held on a wintry Friday night at the Albany Community Care Centre in Spencer Park. The beauty therapy stand was popular among those giving cookery demonstrations and health information, and promoting kitchen, home and leisure products to local women. Erin and Rhea were kept busy for four hours giving back and shoulder massages and filing and polishing nails. Those taking advantage of their services topped up the students’

Above: Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy students Rhea Hickson and Erin Battersby donated their time and skills to support a local Relay for Life fundraiser. Right: Rhea Hickson gives Girls’ Night In organiser Carolyn Mitchell a relaxing shoulder massage. donations box, which boosted the Relay for Life coffers. Erin, who is hoping to secure a position in a salon or spa on completion of her qualification, said it felt good helping the community. “The time went very quickly,” Erin said. Rhea is anticipating following the Certificate IV with the Diploma of Beauty Therapy. She agreed that donating her time to benefit a good cause was rewarding, and

having the skills which were in such demand on the night was another advantage of doing the course. “I’ve always had an interest in beauty and I’ve really enjoyed the study,” she said. Both students recommended beauty therapy courses at Great Southern Institute of Technology for those interested in a career in this growing industry. “And it opens doors to similar areas of study,” Rhea added.

Great Southern Gazette

13 Bonnie Ralph used woodchips to create a natural setting for her Dermalogica product display.

Kiera Woodhams incorporated OPI nail products into a bush setting.

Kelly Laudehr’s whimsical camping scene was the base for her St Tropez display.

Students prove beauty is more than skin deep For beauty therapy students at Great Southern Institute of Technology, one of the first lessons they learn is that using quality beauty products gives the best results. The students are fortunate to receive strong support from Australia’s renowned manufacturers of skin care, nail and makeup products, which they use in class and in the institute’s beauty salon for practical work with clients. To broaden their artistic skills and focus on the special qualities of the products they use, each student chose one line as part of a project to create a window display. Using a selection of items from the bush, or crafted from various materials, the group produced a variety of colourful or stylish exhibits.

Great Southern Gazette

Chalk one up for the Slappers

Winning Slappers combination Allen Ripohau, Ches ‘Lenny’ Leonard, Peter ‘Bosch’ Slebos, Peter ‘Pedro’ Sudran, Steve Cann and Warren ‘Dennis Lillee’ Sloss. When lecturers Peter Sudran and Warren Sloss decided to start a Great Southern Institute of Technology indoor cricket team last October, they knew it would be challenging. But they never imagined it would take more than seven months for the Slappers to post their first victory. The first team to take to the court included luminaries such as Neil ‘Bruce Yardley’ Augustson and Rob Schorer. With some members of the inaugural team struck down with injury and illness, the team went through a painful but necessary rebuilding phase, blooding new

talent such as Ches Leonard, Peter Slebos and plumbing apprentice Allen Ripohau, who brought to the team new levels of professionalism culminating in victory on May 30. The Slappers thrashed the Ring-ins 134-60. Normal service resumed in the next match on June 6 with the Slappers losing by 50 runs. Other people to have played for the Slappers include Rick Muller, Glenn ‘Skinny’ Askevold, Justin ‘The Cat’ Laing, Craig ‘Botts’ Bottomley, Lionel Hart, Ed Armstrong, and Richard Overton. – Lionel Hart

Great Southern Gazette

Class inspires Ted’s rhymes

Poet Ted Lee with lecturer Gill Hazel.

At 87, Ted Lee proves you’re never too old to learn. Ted, who is a member of Gill Hazel’s beginner computer class for seniors, has moved from the traditional pen and paper to the computer for writing his poetry. He embraces his new skills, which he says make editing a breeze. Here are two of Ted’s most recent poems, inspired by his computer lessons.

A teacher’s lament Oh! pass the Aspros quickly My class was slow today, Yes pass the Aspros quickly My hair is turning grey.

This gent watched his computer His gaze was fixed and long, He said 'I'm having a great time, But I forget how to turn it on’.

I asked a lady in the class ‘Please pick up your mouse’, She said ‘No thank you, dearie, I've plenty at home in the house'.

Oh! pass the Aspros quickly My class was slow today, Yes pass the Aspros quickly My hair is turning grey.

Now cancel all the Aspros My class was great today Yes cancel all the Aspros My class is on the way.

I told my class to take a break A coffee would give them zing, They didn't know where the canteen was They haven't learnt a thing.

They really weren't so slow at all Just everything was new They worked so hard to get it right I'm really proud of you.

Oh! pass the Aspros quickly My class was slow today, Yes pass the Aspros quickly My hair is turning grey.

So cancel all the Aspros My class was great today Yes cancel all the Aspros They've really made my day.

This one was written in response to a poem we read called ‘The Computer Swallowed Grandma’.

She said I printed her photo, Without her own permission, I think she’s just a silly old bat, And I treat her with derision.

I need someone to help me, To get on grandma’s case, An expert with computers, Not just a pretty face.

I know what happened to grandma Honestly I do, She snuck into my laptop And is creating quite a stew.

However she is tricky And has me in a trap, Whatever I type on the keyboard It all comes out as crap.

Oh Gillian dear, you are so sweet And also very canny, Please jump into my laptop And rid me of this granny!

Great Southern Gazette

All go at the career expo About 500 high school students descended on Great Southern Institute of Technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Albany campus last week for the annual career expo. Every section of the institute put on a display or activity to keep young people entertained and informed. Forty external exhibitors supplied information on defence

Enrolled nursing student Jessica Wallis performed a health check on Shania Dekker.

recruiting, vocational education and training, universities, business and industry, support services, community organisations and employment, apprenticeship and training services. A free sausage sizzle and sensational Aboriginal food fed the hungry hordes at lunchtime.

A new truck was a major drawcard to the trades area.

Students Noreen and Terry Jones ran the Italian language competition.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Peter Hopkins of Defence Force Recruiting.

Great Southern Gazette

Tyler Ashbolt tried his hand at cutting tiles.

A machinery display attracted big numbers to the primary industries complex.

Tino Lena and Brett Muller ran the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers and BodyCare Health Club stand.

Lecturer Mark Weller ran the egg challenge.

Luke Benson and Jack Puls admired the HarleyDavidsons.

Shirley Hansen, Melissa Meyer, Margaret Jones, Melissa Berrigan and Shiekiel Ford cooked and presented a superb Aboriginal feast prepared by Aloma Pickett.

Great Southern Gazette

Cleaning and security staff get on board Seeds of Sustainability with

Neil Augustson

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For students with learning or visual disability, or other health conditions, texts and other learning materials can be provided electronically, in large print or on different-coloured paper. Electronic texts and documents can be read aloud using textHELP Read&Write GOLD, a program that is available on student computers at the institute and also for loan from the library.

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The security and cleaning contractors working at the Albany campus have been assisting in our drive towards enhanced sustainable work practices. Each week night they have been leaving ‘please turn off appliance’ reminder notes in areas where they have found electrical items left on overnight. The intention is to remind staff to turn off all electrical appliances prior to leaving their work areas. This will hopefully assist in our efforts to reduce our overall power consumption and with the Albany campus power bill at close to $200,000 a year, every saving is both financially and environmentally beneficial. The results to date have identified that the main appliances left on were lights,

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though energy-sapping items such as air conditioners, heaters and urns are also being left on. Each building is being monitored individually and the results are passed onto the various portfolio managers to assist them in helping to negate the situation. Although the results have not been great, I’m sure we can improve by taking responsibility for our various work areas and ensuring everything is turned off prior to leaving.

Texts in alternative formats Using textHELP Read&Write GOLD, electronic material can be saved in audio formats so you can listen to this on your iPod, MP3 player or CD player. Some publishers are now providing texts as e-books, or with a CD included. To find out more about alternative formats contact Wendy. Library staff and Study Skills lecturers can show you how to use textHELP Read&Write GOLD.

Great Southern Gazette

Quality document updates The following Quality Documents have been deleted, added and updated on the intranet: Deleted: HR001 Recruitment Replaced by POCS065 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment HR002 Ad Hoc Appointments Replaced by POCS065 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment HR003 Casual Appointments Replaced by POCS066 Casual Appointments HR029 Selection and Appointment Replaced by pocs065 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment QFCS0013 Accident Report Follow-up QFCU004 Client Contact form New: ASRD031 POCS065 POCS066 QFAS0076 QFAS0101 QFCS0182 Reviewed: HR027 POCS005 POCS007

Student Induction Powerpoint Presentation Recruitment, Selection and Appointment policy and procedure Replaces hr001 Recruitment, hr002 Ad Hoc Appointments, hr029 Selection and Appointment Casual Appointments Replaces HR003Casual Appointments VET in Schools Auspicing Partnership Agreement VET in Schools Partnership Agreement-General Near-Miss Report Form

GSIT Workforce and Diversity Plan 2013-2016 Updated for the next three years Student Fees Substantial review External Employment Included ‘involvement in Self-Managed Super Fund’, updated application process POCS049 Subject/Class Resource Fees Included ‘exceptional circumstances’ POCS059 Managing Unsatisfactory and Substantial Performance Issue Updated Counselling Services references POSP003 Student Equity policy Substantial review POSP005 Sustainability Policy and Action Plan Updated for 2012-2015 QFCS0012 Accident/Incident Form Updated QFCS0150 OSH Hazard Report Form Updated If you come across any Quality Document containing out-of-date information, please advise Caro Saunders on extension 8742.

Great Southern Gazette

Staff movements HR News With Paula Pattinson

It has been a quiet month with regard to staff movements. After the unusually high number of staff leaving us in Term 1, we’ve had no further exits recently. There are four new staff joining us however: New staff: • Kathleen Cooper, Casual Lecturer Visual Arts • Barry Jordan, Lecturer Environment and Primary Industries Business Development • Victor Josway, Casual Lecturer Skills Development • Kate Thamo, Casual Lecturer Fee for Service Positions Advertised: • L2 Desktop Support Officers (2 positions) – closed for applications on Friday 7/6/13. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/. • L5 Skills Development Business Manager – closed for applications on Friday 7/6/13. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/. • Internal EOI – L3 Portfolio Admin Officer, Communications and The Arts – closing for applications on Friday 14/6/13. Email to paula.pattinson@gsit.wa.edu.au. • Lecturer Occupational Health and Safety – closing for applications on Thursday 20/6/13. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/. • Lecturer Local Government – closing for applications on Thursday 20/6/13. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/.

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Great Southern Gazette

Safety First With Rick Muller

Why are breaks important? The human body is always active while performing tasks at work. Even while you are seated, your postural muscles are exerting tension to hold the mass of your upper body and head upright. Prolonged exertion can fatigue the muscles, which may lead to injury. Awkward postures and compression can impede the flow of blood, impinge nerves, and injure soft tissue. Ergonomists agree that it’s a good idea to take frequent, brief rest breaks. Practice the following: Micro-breaks – most typing is done in bursts rather than continuously. Between these bursts of activity you should rest your hands in a relaxed, flat, straight posture. During a micro-break (less than a minute) you can briefly stretch, stand up, move around, or do a different work task such as make a phone call. A micro-break isn’t necessarily a break from work, but it’s a break from the use of a particular set of muscles that’s doing most of the work (such as the finger flexors if you’re doing a lot of typing). Rest breaks – every 30 to 60 minutes you should take a brief rest break. During this break stand up, move around and do something else. Go and get a drink of water, tea, coffee or whatever.

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Make time for a break This allows you to rest and exercise different muscles and you’ll feel less tired. Exercise breaks – there are many stretching and gentle exercises that you can do to help relieve muscle fatigue. You should do these every 1-2 hours. Some basic workstation exercises and stretches are described below. Eyes: • Close your eyes tightly for a second, and then open them wide. Repeat several times. • Refocus your eyes momentarily on an object at least 20 feet away. Hands • Place your hands together with your fingers spread apart and your fingertips at chin level. Slowly lower your hands, peel them apart, and reverse the process. Repeat several times. Neck • Slowly turn your head to side and hold for 10 seconds. Alternate sides and repeat several times. • Slowly tilt your head to the side and hold it for 5-10 seconds. Alternate sides and repeat several times. Low Back • Stand up. With your hands on your hips and your feet about shoulder width apart, slowly lean your hips forward with your shoulders slightly back. Hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds.

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