The gazette may 2013 by Great Southern Institute of Technology

Gazette The

Monthly Newsletter May 2013 Volume 4, No 3

Gypsies off to US festival

As musicians The Outback Gypsies, Great Southern Institute of Technology students Del and Andrea Fisher have watched their following grow since arriving in Denmark two years ago – but now they are preparing to expand their audience to a potentially global one. The lively and likeable couple are marking time until July, when they take off for the US – and a five-week tour as the headline act at a series of four performances which will be streamed live to the world via the internet. Since arriving in Denmark two years ago, the Fishers have stamped their individual style of music and song writing on the Denmark music scene by playing at hotels, wineries and local events. Andrea said she had seen the Kaypacha Healing Festival advertised on the internet and was attracted by the holistic flavour. “We are interested in healing, and this is a music

GSIT music students Del and Andrea Fisher – The Outback Gypsies – will play in the US in July. and healing festival which combines workshops such as meditation and yoga during the day with music in the evening,” Andrea said. They submitted an application, complete with demo CD, and were delighted to be chosen as the headline act. Del explained the couple

would fly to San Francisco and pick up a camper van which would be their home for the ensuing five weeks. “Our first gig will be in California, then we travel to Oregon, next to Washington State and then back to Oregon for the last gig,” Del said. Continued on page 8

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Reach everyone with your message Most people employed at the institute issue written information to others at some stage. The information might be for students, other staff or people outside the institute. To ensure this information is accessible to people with disability, we need to follow guidelines issued for employees of the WA Government. The State Government Access Guidelines for Information, Services and Facilities is a publication issued by the Disability Services Commission to help all government employees ensure accessibility of information for people with disability. The section on printed information recommends: • It is in clear, easy-to-understand language. • It is written in a minimum font size of 12 point, with a sans serif font such as Arial, Helvetica or Univers. • Text is left aligned. • Text should be uncluttered without background graphics or watermarks. • Text must contrast significantly with its background.

State Govern ment Access Guidelines fo r Information, Services and Facilities

A guide to ass ist govern and support eve ment meet legislative req uirements ryone to create an accessible and inclusive Western Aus tralia.

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• Important information is in bold or larger print. • Underlining and italics are avoided. • Red and green coloured lettering should be avoided. • It is printed on matt, non-reflective paper. For more information on publications, download the guidelines from this link: http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/ Global/Publications/Understanding%20 disability/Built%20environment/State%20 Government%20Access%20Guidelines.pdf.

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Tour enlightening for VIP guest The Hon. Colin Holt MLC was welcomed to the institute on Monday, 13 May. Mr Holt, who was recently appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development; Water; Forestry, was making his first visit to a State training provider in his new position. The institute’s executive management team gave Mr

Holt a short introduction to their areas and described the institute’s business operations over a working lunch in the Albany campus boardroom. Following lunch, Mr Holt accompanied Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa on a tour of the campus, visiting most areas and meeting staff and students at work. Mr Holt said as he was

new to the position, the visit had helped him to understand how the state training providers were funded. He said his two-hour visit to the institute had been enlightening and he had enjoyed it. “I’m surprised at how big and how well coordinated it is,” Mr Holt said, thanking Lidia for her hospitality.

Left: The Environment and Primary Industries Portfolio Manager Neil Binning and Wool Handling Lecturer Peter Young show The Hon. Colin Holt and Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa an e-book on Wool Handling written by Peter. Below left: Horticulture coordinator Terry Madden and Neil Binning accompany Mr Holt on a tour of the horticulture section. Below: Mr Holt watches as hairdressing student Jessie Mills hones her skills.

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From the MD’s Desk Welcome back to everyone for Term 2, which promises to be a busy term. We successfully negotiated with the Department for additional SCH, and at the last count, we reached 52 per cent of our original profile. Enrolments are coming in steadily and there has been an increase in fee-for-service activity. Budgets As you are all aware, Treasury has placed an embargo on all promotions, advertising and non-essential expenditure until 30 June. This will impact on our budgets well beyond that date. So for the remainder of the year, we are working towards budget cuts of at least 2 per cent in all sections. Edward Armstrong is working on corrective measures to help us achieve our targets, and I urge you all to request or buy only essential items, no matter how small. Staff Records Officer Loryn Green has left us to go to Perth, where she has secured an appointment with the Disability Services Commission. I would like to thank Loryn for the work she has done in the TRIM area and in quality assurance, and I wish her all the best in the big city. I’d like to welcome David Hansen back to his role of HR Manager and hope he enjoyed his year away. I look forward to working with him as we strive to meet all the standards of HR practice. Business Systems I’d like to remind everyone that the institute’s audit for reaccreditation will take place in October. Jenny Tetlow and her team are working to ensure we are complaint with all the required standards. Workforce Development plan The Workforce Development Plan 2013-2016 has been endorsed by the Public Sector Commission and is now on the intranet. Apart from the actions for executive, the Strategic Think group are working through the items on the plan. See

the article on page 10 for details. TRIM training Carolyn Heffernan has organised the TRIM training sessions for 1-3 July. The compulsory training for all nonlecturing staff will include hands-on learning to give a comprehensive understanding of our record system. It will be conducted by TRIM specialists from Perth. OSH Injury management training has been held in response to requirements detailed in a circular from the Premier. This was a joint initiative between the institute and the City of Albany, and the training was held in George’s Restaurant. Capital works projects The Skills Development Centre’s commercial shed is due for completion at the end of July, and the forward works are progressing on the Health Science building project. These should be completed by midJune, in time for the start of the scheduled construction in July. Training Services Directorate Congratulations to Sustainability Lecturer Laura Bird, who has been selected for a Sustainability Champion Scholarship Program for 2013, enabling her to complete a Vocational Graduate Certificate in Education and Training for Sustainability. The institute will benefit from the training Laura receives, particularly as she is also a member of the sustainability committee. The Business and Creative Industries portfolio has been discussing future training needs with the City of Albany. Under this partnership, the portfolio is providing computer training to the City’s staff and planning management and leadership workshops. In partnership with Indian Ocean Group Training, the Health Sciences and Community Services portfolio is delivering dental nursing traineeships on Christmas Island. Also in this portfolio, Community Services students will gain practical training at WA Disabled Sports camps because of an agreement the institute has with the WA Disabled Sports Association. Continued on next page

Great Southern Gazette From previous page When Peter Young of the Environment and Primary Industries portfolio took a draft copy of his Wool Handling e-book to the Food, Fibre and Timber Industry Training Council meeting at Manjimup, his peers were suitably impressed. I would like to congratulate Peter, who wrote the book, and everyone who had a hand in its production. We will celebrate when it goes for sale online and the tills start ringing! The successful production of this e-book has led to the development of another for Aged Care. This is now underway. Responding to industry demands, a wool classing course will be held at the Katanning campus on a Saturday. Also, the WA College of Agriculture’s Denmark Campus will send a group of eight students to Albany every Wednesday evening to advance them through Certificate III in Wool Handling under the VET in Schools program. The Trades and Allied Industries portfolio is scoping the Certificate IV in Building and Construction in response to the changing requirements for Builders’ Registration licensing over the coming months. In the library, the new Primo discovery layer – software to enable simultaneous searching of multiple databases – is in the final stages of testing. An Apple Airplay has been installed in the Group Study Room to enable wireless connection of iPads to the data projector. Aboriginal Programs Staff are marketing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to employed Aboriginal people within the community. Good interest has been shown and workshops are being organised to help the students to gain the qualification. Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley Hansen will attend a two-day workshop which will focus on the aspirations and needs of Aboriginal people in the Great Southern. Shirley will also take part in a pre-employment, education and training and recruitment panel alongside other regional workforce development organisations and employment agencies.

5 Access and Inclusion The section has recently completed the development of a DVD, ‘Moving on from School: Experiences of young people with disability’. It details eight young people sharing their training, employment, volunteer and community experiences since leaving school, and giving advice and inspiration. The launch is planned for early August. Regional campuses In Denmark the new Certificate III in Music Business will be offered in Semester 2, as well as Certificate III in Music. The Skills Development Centre is holding a Music Jam course for students of the WA Agricultural College in Denmark. A flexible approach to delivery in Katanning is expected to boost numbers in business courses. Online learning will be supported by one day a week on campus. In Mount Barker, an Introduction to Computing course for complete beginners and White Card Language training for people with English as a second language have attracted good numbers of students. Multilingual advertising has been organised for the Certificates in Spoken and Written English at preliminary and Certificate I levels. Student Services The date for next year’s Award Night has been set. It will be held on Thursday, 13 March at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Sustainability Stage 2 of the main car park landscape upgrade at the Albany campus has been completed. This has created an impressive entrance to the campus as well as being water-wise and low-maintenance. Website redevelopment The wireframe of the new website is now complete and feedback from managers is being acted upon before the project is handed to the developer. We are hoping to have the website up and running by the start of next year. That’s all for now, I wish you all the best for this term. Happy reading, Lidia

Great Southern Gazette

Out and about in our

Community

Pair clued up on tourism Getting off campus and working with people in the community has brought a new dimension to learning for Great Southern Institute of Technology students Perri Pires and Soshana Botting. The lively pair, who are studying Certificate IV in Tourism, ran a cryptic heritage and art trail as part of the recent Albany Heritage Festival, which brought valuable work experience and a chance to make their mark within the city’s tourism industry. Perri and Soshana took up an invitation from the WA Museum Albany to produce a free, family-friendly project for the festival, and chose a cryptic challenge combining geocaching, a treasure hunt, word play and walking, using GPS coordinates, clues and photos. “We wanted to make it attractive for people of all ages,” Perri said. In preparation, the students liaised with the museum, approached sponsors for funding, produced and distributed flyers and sent out a media release to maximise publicity for their event. This led to other new experiences – being interviewed by the Albany Advertiser and appearing on Albany Community Radio. As part of the trail, participants took about an hour to read clues as they walked around the city uncovering snippets of Albany’s history. At the end, they were given a show bag containing information on the sites they had visited. Soshana said the project had been educational for her as well as for the locals and tourists who had taken part in it. “I learnt quite a lot about Albany’s history

Certificate IV in Tourism students Perri Pires and Soshana Botting produced a cryptic heritage and art trail as part of Albany’s recent Heritage Festival. which I had taken for granted beforehand,” Soshana said. “It was interesting doing the media interviews, so we learnt some life skills as well,” she said. Perri agreed, saying she had gained confidence from the real-life experience, particularly from approaching sponsors. Both were pleased with the number of participants and their positive response to the trail. “People from seven to 87 took part,” Perri said. “It was educational as well as fun, and a great event for Albany.”

Great Southern Gazette

Warm welcome for US Consul General

Corporate Services Director Edward Armstrong, Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa, US Consul General Aleisha Woodward, Training Services Director Sue Bennett-Ng and Student Services Director Chris Jones. On 24 April, the institute hosted US Consul General Aleisha Woodward, who was visiting the south west from her base in Perth. Ms Woodward was met by Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa and introduced to the corporate executive and portfolio

managers in the boardroom at the Albany campus. Over afternoon tea, the GSIT managers talked about their areas of responsibility and Ms Woodward regaled them with the story of her own career journey and the duties of her position.

Do you have unwanted stationery? Please consider donating it to our Freecycling event to be held at the beginning of Semester 2 Drop any items in to Sue Dawes or phone her on 8828 to arrange collection

All donations are gratefully received and go to students, staff, lecturers and anyone who needs them.

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Gypsies off to US festival From page 1 He explained they would play for 2½ hours each evening from Friday to Sunday and spend the other four days helping to set up and take down sets, travelling to the next venue and enjoying the vibe and sights of the US as well as the company of their 30 or so fellow performers. Coincidentally, The Outback Gypsies’ second CD Beautiful Soul is being produced in San Francisco and the couple will pick up copies of it on their arrival in the US. This follows their debut album Unconditional Love, which featured nine original folk love songs, released last year. Both play acoustic guitar and sing, and Andrea will play the native American flute for some of their music, which Del describes as “foleggae”. “It’s a reggae beat with folk lyrics, and we play soft rock as well,” Del explained. “We have a large repertoire from soft ballads to rhythmic dance music,” he said. “Essentially, our act promotes the performing of music which audiences can connect to,” Andrea added. “Through the sharing of both original and cover songs and the encouragement of audience participation, we have become known as performers who stand for freedom and love of the human spirit.”

Andrea said the couple would be self-funding for the trip as well as applying for grants from the Vancouver Arts Centre’s Emerging Artist Fund and the WA Department of Culture and The Arts to help with their costs. “We’re very excited and looking forward to new opportunities, such as networking with other artists and business people at the festival,” Andrea said. “We have been talking to someone involved in documentary making about using our music as the backing track in his films,” she said.

They applauded the teaching of the institute’s Music Lecturer Tony King, who supported their playing at the festival as a step forward in their careers. “Tony has been amazing,” Del said. “He has helped and supported us and he has been a big influence on our music,” he added. Both plan to continue their music studies at the Denmark campus in Semester 2 and will be enrolling in Certificate III in Music Business. To stream the Outback Gypsies’ gigs in the US, visit http://www.indiegogo. com/projects/kaypacha-shealing-festivals.

Great Southern Gazette

OHS language training opens doors

The White Card Language Training class is a five-week course being delivered to Mount Barker’s migrant community. After studying the terminology relating to Occupational Health and Safety and developing an awareness of the OHS legislative requirements with lecturer Jen Hasleby, the students will be assessed in early June by Rod Connell to obtain their National OHS Induction White Card. The participants selected for this course are already proficient in the English language, some at an intermediate level, and others at a more advanced level. Their motivation for enrolling in the

class varies from increasing their job opportunities in the construction industry to considering career options OHS has to offer. Students, mostly from Afghanistan and the Philippines, have commented on their first week of study. “Jen asks us to provide examples from various workplaces we experienced or that we know of and it helps us understand what a safe working environment is,” one student said. “I like the class because it is a great opportunity to improve our vocabulary too!” – Karine David

Do you have a good idea for an article or column in The Gazette? Email marketing@gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

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Snapshot of our institute’s workforce Every three years, the institute produces a plan for its own workforce, allowing management to analyse the employee profile, identify areas for staff development and determine actions aligned with the strategic plan. The institute’s Workforce Diversity Plan for 2013-2016 was produced in February and endorsed by the Public Sector Commission. The document incorporates the institute’s equity and diversity management plan. It is now available to all staff by entering the title into the search box on the intranet or clicking on this link: http:// intranet.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au/G/Intranet/ Quality/procedures/hr027.docx. At this month’s Strategic Think Group, seven key focus areas were the subject of discussion, and actions allocated. These are: • Identify and investigate areas where the institute is encountering skills shortages, and develop initiatives for mitigating these. • Promote a workplace culture that is

supportive and flexible in meeting employees’ needs. • Increase levels of cross-cultural awareness in our staff. • Develop training for all employees in different and emerging facets of digital technology. • Continue to implement management development programs to build management capabilities of staff within the institute. • Research and develop initiatives to ensure that youth are encouraged and recognised in the institute’s recruitment processes. • Provide training to regional staff relevant to their working environment. Staff are encouraged to take time to read the document, which contains some interesting statistics on the profile of our staff, and compares our institute to the Western Australian public sector average. It also details the institute’s direction for attracting skilled staff, professional development, and the needs of regional communities.

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Late starter’s impressive performance is a winner Many people, for myriad reasons, choose a new career path in mid-life. A Mount Barker woman’s recent award shows how training can make a difference to your life no matter how old you are. When she won the title of Soroptimist International of Albany Female Student of the Year at Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Graduation and Award Night at the Albany Entertainment Centre, Aged Care student Raelene Wood said she had not studied for 35 years. Raelene, who was also nominated for the Rotary Club of Albany East Vocational Student of the Year award, had worked at Plantagenet Hospital as a domestic and kitchen assistant before enrolling in the Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home and Community Care, qualifying her to become a support worker. She impressed her lecturers with her dedication to completing the course, which involved a 45-minute journey to and from classes, with a 100 per cent attendance record. Raelene inspired and supported other class members throughout the year and produced work of a consistently high standard. She also displayed excellent skills during work placements. Raelene’s achievement was particularly remarkable because she had been out of the classroom for so long before embarking on her course. “It’s absolutely fantastic, very unexpected and I’m proud to have been nominated,” Raelene said, thanking Soroptimist International of Albany for their sponsorship of the award. For Raelene, aged care was a dream job.

Bronwyn O’Shannessy of Soroptimist International of Albany presents Female Student of the Year Raelene Wood with the winner’s plaque. “I had worked in the industry and watched other aged care workers, and I thought ‘I could do that’,” she said. She combined her studies with full-time work, which she said had been facilitated by the supportive learning environment. “The teachers and the other students were brilliant – we all got on really well and helped each other,” she said. “I’d advise people who are thinking of studying to go for it.” Raelene said her biggest challenge had been getting back into the learning mindset as a mature-age student, but she had adapted quickly and enjoyed her studies. She is now reaping the rewards for her efforts in an enjoyable career in aged care. “It’s a good industry to be in,” Raelene said. “With the ageing population, it’s a growing industry and jobs are available,” she said.

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Great Southern Institute of Technology has three principal lecturers, Ray Tuckey, Paul Dollery and Ruth McLean. Principal lecturer – or PL – duties centre around leadership, mentoring and support. The PLs, who themselves have high-level teaching skills, help lecturers with their delivery of training packages, use of resources, business paperwork and delivery strategies. PLs sit on the academic board and report to the Director of Training Services. They are selected for their broad experience and knowledge of the vocational education and training system, rather than of their own subject. This month, Ruth McLean talks about her specialised area of professional development for lecturers.

Ruth’s career takes a new course Since joining the institute as coordinator for Curtin University’s nursing degree program in 2007, Ruth McLean has been a strong advocate and driver of student learning and development. Now as principal lecturer, Ruth has shifted her focus to staff professional development (PD), an area of specialisation for Ruth as she wrote her thesis on the subject for her Master of Education degree in 2000. While advocating PD for staff to grow and improve their knowledge, performance and enjoyment of the position, however, Ruth also acknowledges the value of the spin-off to students. Ruth’s background in both education and nursing has influenced her own vocational journey in recent years. Combining study and her nursing career, Ruth worked as an assistant in nursing while studying and upon graduating, she worked on oncology, respiratory and medical wards. She completed a Post Graduate Certificate and became a theatre nurse specialising in orthopaedics while simultaneously completing her Master’s. A move to the south coast brought her to the institute and the position of Curtin coordinator, and this year, to the position of principal lecturer. “I was attracted [to the PL position] by how I could make the biggest difference for the greatest number of people,” Ruth said.

“I wanted to make it easier for people to understand the complex training system and to improve and reinvigorate their practice,” she added. Promoting motivation and enthusiasm in lecturers is part of Ruth’s duties, and through appropriate professional development programs, she helps them to achieve currency in their vocational qualifications and take up opportunities in e-learning. Continued on next page

Great Southern Gazette

Charge up at no charge Despite a growing number of people using rechargable batteries, the institute recycles thousands of non-rechargeable batteries every year. Some of these ‘normal’ batteries are given a fresh lease of life after processing through a new recharging gadget which Facilities Officer Anne Pinchen operates. Anne keeps a steady stream of batteries under charge, and invites people from all areas of the institute to use them. The recharged batteries, which are best used for low-power devices such as remote controls and clocks, come in sizes AAA, AA, C and D. Call in and see Anne if you’d like some.

Anne Pinchen demonstrates the wonder gadget which recharges normally nonrechargeable batteries.

Ruth’s career takes a new course

From previous page To do this, she must keep abreast of changes in the vocational education and training system as well as advancements in technology. Researching information and informing lecturers of available courses is a vital part of Ruth’s work. She contacts staff directly and uses Q and A forums as well as a section of the desktop wallpaper calendar on staff computers, and sends out the periodic newsletters Towards PD Today, to encourage lecturers to use flexibly delivered PD sessions and online workshops. Working with Jenny Tetlow and Paul Dollery, she has identified ways to inform staff of risk areas for the upcoming audit, and organised Moodle videos on

topics including validation, equivalence, authenticity, vocational currency and recordkeeping to ensure staff comply with requirements. By visiting regional campuses each term, Ruth ensures lecturers across the institute can access her services and the results of her research, and she can analyse their specific PD needs. The .8 FTE position allows Ruth to continue teaching nursing on one day a week, a situation she clearly enjoys. “I love the job – it was offered originally for six months, but I hope it continues,” Ruth said. “I really enjoy the feedback and ideas from the staff, and I have been well supported,” she said. “When I’ve approached staff to present PD sessions for others, they have been happy to do it – they have amazing support for one another.”

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Staff opinions endorsed for action Following the professional development day at Camp Quaranup, staff responses from the question session were collated and grouped for analysis. The resulting actions have been endorsed by Corporate Executive, and actions assigned to the appropriate managers and sections.The following is the list of actions, some of which will be addressed once in the short term, while others are ongoing.

Actions from PACD Comments Why choose us?

1. Ensure promotions address: • Access • Achievement • Cost • Sense of community • Choice of delivery.

2. Brochures and website to reinforce: • Extent of academic offerings • Academic and physical environment • Staff as a resource • Knowledge place. 3. Promote flexibility, distinguishing between online learning and e-learning. 4. Invest in technology and innovative methodologies via Academic Board. 5. Review ‘reputation’ as a major strategic risk.

Ways to generate interest and excitement

1. Promote case studies through different and appropriate avenues – tell the story. 2. Review all comments to inform the 2013-14 Business Plan. 3. Support a vibrant Facebook presence to complement the communication strategy. 4. Gain sponsorship from high-level

industry partners and review operational opportunities. 5. Invest in a continuous improvement culture.

Investment for a competitive edge 1. Promotional material to emphasise embedding in the community. 2. Support flexibility with continuous review of administrative processes. 3. Support innovation through Skills Development Centre and Academic Board.

Pride and satisfaction at work

1. Consider peer recognition opportunities. 2. Continue strategies for acknowledging effort and success and refer to Academic Board. 3. Support a team approach in decisionmaking.

Slogans

Promotions to include variety of slogans, such as: • Your career starts here • Make it happen • What’s your passion? • Your TAFE, your future • Choose how you learn.

Great Southern Gazette

End-of-life matters on our campuses Great Southern Institute of Technology sets an example when it comes to disposal of wastes. It recognises the importance of recycling our precious finite resources such as oil (plastics), aluminum (cans), sand (glass), gold, nickel, copper and iron. Too often, these end up in landfill when thrown into the regular rubbish bin or skip bin. If they are recycled, manufacturing companies can source the materials such as copper and plastic instead of digging up raw materials which impacts heavily on the environment. The institute also recognises the pollution caused by landfills. This includes air pollution from rotting food (methane), water pollution as heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium leach into the ground (quite a concern for Albany where its water is sourced from underground aquifers), and soil contamination making landfill sites off-limits long after they have been decommissioned. Around the Albany campus you will find a variety of recycling options including: • Mixed recycling stations for plastics, cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and glass bottles • Battery stations • Mobile phone stations

Seeds of Sustainability • Printer cartridge stations. And soon we will be adopting e-waste recycling – using an environmentally aware local business called Activ Industries, which is working towards keeping toxic e-waste out of our landfill. All e-waste, essentially any old electrical equipment, from computers, leads and printers to televisions, mobile phones and toasters, will now go to Activ Industries. When no longer required, please drop the waste off at the facility’s maintenance shed located in the vehicle compound at the rear of C Block and place items into the crate marked ‘E-Waste’. The waste will then be delivered directly to Activ Industries. But remember the first option for all our materials is to • Reduce our use of them • Then repair what we can • Then reuse through the campus Freecycle day • Before being recycled. So please keep up the good work and keep our landfill rubbish to a minimum, while also recovering these finite resources. They will run out before we have come up with an alternative if we continue at the rate we currently dispose of them to landfill. – Sustainability Lecturer Laura Bird

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Safety First With Rick Muller Before you continue:

STOP AND READ: This form Sec can A: tion also Inci be compl etedt online den / Acc by iden filling the t /boxes . Can Haz alsoRep ard be printed Please delete ort if needed

OSH form revamped

this info box "Click SERIOUS INCIDENTS Here" Report Number: MUST BE REPORTED BY PHONE IMMEDIATEL A separate Workers Y TO THE OH&S coordi This form must be Compensation Claim nator 08 9892 8725 completed when an Form is required injury, occupationa by any person whilst l disease or disability if compensation is sought at work. This form requiring first aid or also reports incide medical treatment is nts or near-miss situati sustained ons which may have resulted in injury. 1. PERSON INVOLVED

ation & rd Investig Ha–za d ILS DETA FORWARD TO cident an Incident / Ac C: n io ct Se

The institute has produced a new Accident, Incident and Hazard Report Form, which is available on the intranet by typing in ‘Accident/Incident Report Form’ or clicking on this link: http:// intranet.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au/G/ Intranet/Quality/forms/qfcs0012.pdf. This is an electronic form in PDF format which can be completed and emailed online, or printed and completed manually. The form can be completed on a mobile device using Adobe Reader. Posters around all campuses have been designed to remind staff of the reporting procedure in the event of an accident, incident or hazard.

Control

YOUR MANAGER WITH Full name:____________ IN 24 HOURS __________________ NTATIVE. __ Relatio PRESE nship with Institute: ______ Address: ____________ R / OSH RE __ ______ NAGE______ ____________ ______ MA______ ________ __ Gender: ________________________ RTAKEN BY DE UN Date BE of Birth:_____________ _________ ______________________________ TO _________ ____________ _______ IGATION – ___ ___ EST ____ ___ INV ______ ___ Manag ement Unit: ______ ______ _________ Contact details 4. INCIDENT ______ ______ : ______ e: ______ ___ ______ ___ ______ Nam ______ ___ __ ______ ______ ___ _________ ____ ation: report? of investig to this Primar y place of work/Study: w. Have you reported in relation son at time s belo______ ____________ sulted this con n to Status of per your _______ Consider area bee Manager? ______ )? one area the Datebe notifie No mored:than ive for __________________ Representat ______ (there may below ________ People see______ lth & Safety t or hazard Yes t / acciden Has the Hea No den w 2. DESC inci belo the ON OF INCID see ment e led to RIPTI Env ENTiron Supervision / HAZA RDYes that may hav No w the factors Campu t / s: ______ ing Training see belo Plan What were Housekeep Yes ______ ___ Block: ncy Access ______ ipment ______ Room Numb No Job compete er: ______ see below Equ ____ used Off-Site (speci Lighting ht System Yes Date / weig observ PPE not perature Size ed / incident occurr fy location): ______ ther/ Tem ed: ____________ Wea ______ ______ ace Design Procedures r / ground surf________________________ e Floo Details ______ anc cify) ____ ______ of (spe Mainten Incident/Hazard: ____________ ____________ _________ __________________ Workload __________________ _________ ____ e ______ Chemicals Maintenanc ___ ____________ ______ Did _________ an Injury Occur?____ ______ (specify) ____________ ___ ___ on ___ ______ ___ cati ___ ___ __________________ Descri ______ Task allo __ what _________ ___ happened:___ ______ ______ _ ___be _________ _________ ___ ______ (specify) ______ ______ _________ Other _________ Audits Detail: _________ ______ ______ _____ __________________ ____________ _________ ____________ ______ ___ ______ ___ ___ ___ ___ ______ ___ ___ ______ ___ cify) ___ ___ ___ ______ ___ (spe ___ ____________ ____ ______ ______ _________ ______ ___ _________ __________________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __________________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________________ Action ______ _________ _________ ___taken since incide ______ Why:_____ nt: ______ _________ __________________ _________ ng? _________ ______ TIVE.______ Recom _________ NTA______ Why:_____ this occurri ______Any ESE od of mende witnesses: _______ _________ d Control: ____________ the likeliho / OSH REPR is R t Name: GE Why:_____ wha ______ ______ NA and __________C ______ dent?no: ontact N BY MA __________ Name: ard / inci DERTAKE Name ofUN _________________ of this haz person makin uences T - TO BE Contact no: ______ report : _________________C congseq tain ________ SESSMEN st possible ontact HOOD no: __________________ Almost Cer 5. RISK AS LIKELI at is the wor is ______ ment – Wh event______ ___ Date: ____________ The Likely Risk Assess _______ ain cert e is ost sibl nt alm Pos The eve ur to occur within RISK RATING Unlikely The event may Rare likely to occ not 3. COMPLETE r within a The event is event will a year TheONLY in occur within a yea IFinINJUR occurSS ly /toILLNE SUST likeY year AINED only occur Description of Injury l ona year a______ eptior exc Illness CE : UEN ______ High Risk __________________ es CONSEQ circumstanc ______ Risk______ Initial Treatment: h ______ Hig __________________ __________________ Risk __________________ __ HighTransp k Person __ orted?:___________ Status of person at nificant nificant Ris ______ Sigtime of complSig ic ______ h Risk____________ Hig eting report Catastroph ________________ : __________________ k h Risk th / seri Hig the ous deaHas injury resulteRis ______ Risk______ __________________ d in loss of work erate (Accidental Mod Significant hours? __________________ _______ Click on the affected k _____________________________ Time injury) Ris k h Ris ______ Lost: Risk on: Hig______ LowLocati Significant __________________ Moderate Major ___ Risk ry) Risk (Serious inju Low Risk Significant Low Risk Moderate to workplace Moderate k Ris due time t (Los Risk Risk Low ry) inju Low Risk k Moderate Ris Low Risk Minor no Low Risk ce injury – (Minor workpla Low Risk lost time) Low Risk Risk k Low Ris l Low Minima e: hazard k appropriat Monitor the on (No injury) tick one as Moderate Ris in 1accident – Minimal acti ired with / incident / Risk Action requ this hazard Significant n Rating for 3 months ired as soo Action requ High Risk as possible action Immediate NTATIVE. required H REPRESE ________ NAGER / OS _________ Other: ____________ _________ KEN BY MA _________ DERTA __________________ BE UN______ TO a repeat: ___ – ______ /S risk of ______ the ______ NTROL __________________ d to control ).____________ 6. RISK CO To be completed by First ______ first ente ard lem aid officer or the perso ________________ n imp inate the haz to elim that have bee ? n rende ring archy (try first aid. ☐ actions trol the risk term rtN/A top of the hier taken to con necessary. By when List any sho start at the need to be them will be Obser actions , you should vation bination of By whom s ______ controls______ What further ropriate______ ______ sures or a com en Breath tak identifying app r control mea be ing: en ______ to othe Wh ______ ion e: the of ______ Other Not Act observation ________ Skin Colou one s: ______ r: __________________ __________________ possible, then __ __________________ If that is notType of trol Injury: __________________ k Con Ris __________________ __________________ __________________ _______________ ination __________________ Other:Elim ______ __________________ __________________ Most __________________ __________________ Substitution __________ ______ Effective Name of injured __________________ __________________ Isolation person: ______ ______ ______ ______ s __________________ _________________ control ___ Date: _____ Engineering s _____________________ Any additi ion: control onal info __________________ ent Administrat ive equipm ______ t ______ Leas al protect __________________ Person______ __________________ __________________ Effective __________________ __________________ ______ ____________ ______ __________________ ntative: ________________________ ___________ __________________ OSH represe r __________________ __ by Manage _____ _________ n completed _________ Investigatio _________ _ _________ _________ _________ _________ ___ ___ Print Name: ______ _______ _________ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Phone: _________ _________ _________ Date: ___

Section B: Report of Injury or Illness / Firs t

Aid Record

Want to study in Semester 2? Check out all your options here Semester 2 course guide

Great Southern Gazette

Scholarships for green champions Great Southern Institute of Technology’s environmental sustainability ethos will be strengthened by two people who have gained scholarships to the ‘Sustainability Champions’ course delivered by a Melbourne university. Sustainability Lecturer Laura Bird and Governing Council member Suzanne Yewers recently heard they had been awarded the scholarships for the 12-month course through the National Centre of Sustainability at Swinburne University of Technology. On completion, they will hold the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Education and Training for Sustainability. Laura is a member of the institute’s sustainability committee and Suzanne delivers training to workers at Fletcher International WA. The women are graduates of the Diploma of Sustainability through GSIT and both are passionate about preserving and protecting the environment. Laura, who creates PD workshops for the institute’s lecturers, said

the scholarship would assist her in that task as well as in her own delivery of units. “All training packages now include sustainability,” Laura said. “Trainers are looking for how to cover this, and I believe this course will assist me in providing more tools for their toolkits,” she continued. “I also sit on the institute’s sustainability committee, where one of the key action areas is to provide products and services that support skills for sustainability. My ultimate aim is for sustainability to become second nature for everyone.” For Suzanne, the course will allow her to share her new-found knowledge with staff, students and community groups – including GSIT’s Governing Council. “I want to make a positive difference in our environment and be able to design, implement, evaluate, assess and practice sustainability in all I teach,” Suzanne said. “Being able to put a sustainability component into the units I am delivering will make

Laura Bird.

Suzanne Yewers. our workplace and our industry better equipped to manage sustainable issues before they become an issue – they will already have been addressed within the students’ training in the units of their qualification,” she added. The women will attend four three-day intensive training sessions in Perth and a regional workshop next May before gaining their qualification.

Great Southern Gazette

Where do you belong? Having strong social connections with friends, family and the wider community is an essential ingredient of a productive and fulfilling life. So for this month’s column, we look at belonging for health and happiness. The institute is grateful to Great Southern Population Health for contributing information for this column. We often define ourselves through membership of our family, school or workplace, through our sporting interests and our involvement in community events. Feeling part of something – even something like a football crowd or rock concert audience – boosts our mood and makes us feel good about ourselves and glad to be alive. There are many ways to increase our sense of belonging. It is all about joining in and connecting with others.

feel good too! Organisers and participants of community events experience added benefits – developing leadership skills, forming friendships, learning new skills and further boosting their sense of belonging. It is now widely recognised that community events and festivals bind people together and improve the quality of life of local residents. Make a resolution today to get more involved in the community in which you live!

Stay connected Keep in touch with friends, family, colleagues and the wider community. A chat in a queue, going to the movies with a friend or catching up with old friends on Facebook are all good for our mental health and sense of wellbeing. People who surround themselves with other people are happier, more productive and get more out of life!

I get by with a little help from my friends Everybody faces challenging times of mental and emotional distress. Having friends to talk things over with and a network of people to rely on, makes us feel valued, stronger and more capable of dealing with the challenges we face in our lives. If you have something that is troubling you, seek help from family, friends and other networks you are involved in.

Get involved When was the last time you attended a community festival, school fair, theatre production or local sporting event? Getting involved in local events is a great way to feel part of the community, meet likeminded people and perhaps discover a new interest. Community events and festivals promote cooperation, build a sense of community spirit and pride, help to shape a sense of community identity, promote awareness of local issues, reduce social isolation and promote economic and social development. You will also be supporting your fellow community members, which will make them

Join a club Being a member of a club provides a chance to turn a favourite hobby or new interest into an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and keep mentally agile. If you already belong to a club you can encourage others to become involved by inviting friends or family to your next club gathering. 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

Sara Lembo and her students gather in front of the Albany Hospital before their tour of the new building.

Healthy outlook on language training A group of students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) take regular excursions outside the classroom to broaden their experience of Australian life while expanding their vocabulary and conversation skills. For Sara Lembo’s ESL class, a recent tour of the new Albany Hospital was a treat which gave them a chance to familiarise themselves with the layout of the state-ofthe-art new facility.

Sara, who is a member of the District Health Advisory Council, organised the students’ tour on the hospital’s open day on 3 May. The students loved the hospital and were particularly impressed with the bright new interior and the high-tech facilities, Sara said. The excursion also helped them to brush up on useful medical terminology should they find themselves in hospital, or visiting others.

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Great Southern Gazette

Quiet achiever a mine of information There are often people in organisations whose work is known and understood mainly by that officer’s immediate work colleagues. This is the case with a significant component of Librarian Stephanie Lindesay’s responsibilities. Few know that Stephanie has been the institute’s representative on the State VET Learning Resource Services Network since its formation in 2004. The LRSN, comprising all TAFEWA libraries, is an example of a highly successful shared service. A major LRSN success has been the implementation of a shared statewide library management system, consortium purchase of a range of online databases, and other initiatives. Stephanie has always led the field by researching changes in advance of their introduction, and has therefore excelled in the required transitions as they have applied at this institute. She is the person responsible for testing new enhancements, and has often been the first to alert others to problems or opportunities. She works hard to remain abreast of current developments in the library information field. GSIT has frequently acted as a pilot site, with Stephanie assuming the responsibility for testing new modules such as the Stock Taking module, and is currently testing

Stephanie with colleagues Kay Schneider, LRSN System Administrator, and Mervyn Joseph, Manager Student Resources, Central Institute of Technology, at a recent LRSN meeting in Perth. the shortly to be launched Primo database searching software for this institute. As the Systems Administrator for Voyager at GSIT, Stephanie is responsible for the implementation of upgrades, policy groups and other systems administration functions. She has developed a strong working relationship with the LRSN Support Office, and has an excellent rapport with her peers and colleagues in the LRSN. She is innovative in her approach to many areas and most importantly shares her expertise. Kay Schneider, LRSN Systems Librarian, and Alexandra Dailakis, LRSN Convenor, describe Stephanie as “a person

of integrity, enthusiasm, humour and kindness. She is a very hard working individual and is highly respected for her work in the LRSN.” Stephanie is also the Library officer responsible for managing the resources in those subject areas delivered through the Environment and Primary Industries portfolio. Her Bachelor of Science degree, specialising in Botany and Geography, her years of work as a librarian with the WA Geological Survey, and her recently completed Diploma of Sustainability all make her ideally suited for the task of sourcing the most relevant resources and information sources to support these courses. – Barbara Watson

Great Southern Gazette

Staff movements HR News With Paula Pattinson

Recent staff movements: • Loryn Green, Scope/Records Management Officer – transferring to Disability Services Commission in Perth on 20 May. Loryn’s last day at GSIT was Thursday 16 May. • Ann Molan, Scope Officer – taking up the balance of the scope duties in Loryn’s position. Ann is now full time and located at the desk next to Loryn, her extension number is 7505. • John McKinnon, Computer Systems and Web Administrator – retired on 29 April. • Chris Zadkovich, HR Manager – finished her secondment on 15 April and returned to Perth. • David Hansen, HR Manager – finished his secondment in Bunbury and returned to Albany on 10 April. • Jan Davidson, Manager Skills Development – returned from extended leave on 15 April. • Jason Bloomer, Lecturer ESL Katanning – returned from extended leave on 29 April. • Jen Hasleby, Lecturer Literacy – recommenced as a casual in Albany on 26 April. • Robert Svanberg, ASL2 Lecturer IT, Business and Management – retired on 3 May. • Phyllis Mancini, Lecturer Business – retired on 17 April. • Leaya Bailey, Portfolio Admin Officer Business and Creative Industries (substantively) – internal secondment to Lecturer Business from 29 April. • Tanielle Sherwood, Portfolio Support Officer Business and Creative Industries (substantively) – acting as PAO Business and Creative Industries in Leaya’s absence. • Donna Blight, Portfolio Manager Health Sciences and Community Services – on leave until 26 July. • Brendon Donaldson, Acting as Portfolio Manager Health Sciences and Community services in Donna’s absence. • Lynne Scrimgeour returned from extended leave on 13 May. • Rebecca Lovitt returned from extended leave on 1 May. We bid a fond farewell to the staff who are leaving us, wishing you all the very best for the future. New staff are: Megan Tuffley, Casual Clerical Officer Student Services in Albany – recommenced on 15 April. Natalie Radivojevic, Casual Lecturer Visual Arts in Denmark – commenced 1 May. Yasmine Welsh, full time Portfolio Support Officer Business and Creative Industries – commenced 13 May, relieving for Tanielle Sherwood. Welcome to our new team members! Positions Advertised: Records Management Officer, Level 4 – closing for applications on 23 May at 4pm. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/. Manager Financial Services, Level 7 – closing for applications on 23 May at 4pm. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/.

Great Southern Gazette

Quality document updates The following Quality Documents have been added and updated on the intranet: New: QFAS0121 Release of Confidential Information QFCS0178 Denmark Emergency Evacuation Procedures Poster Reviewed: POSP008 Promotions Protocol Updated references QFAS0107 Training/Assessment Statement Class G Gasfitting form Updated QFAS0108 Class G Gasfitting Pre/Apprentice form Updated AS030 Direct Supervision procedure Simplified procedure QFAS0068 Direct Supervision Record form Reduced Formal Contacts to 3 ASRD023 Academic Board – Submission of Funding Applicartions Updated formula rates, included reporting process QFAS0045 Learning Contract Form Replaced references to Director of Training Services to Portfolio Managers, changed name from Revised Learning Contract Form TD005 Disruptive Student Management procedure Replaced some references to Director of Training Services to Portfolio Managers, included ‘in some circumstances’ procedure POSP007 Institute Quality Policy Included Academic Board’s role POAS020 Trainer and Assessor Competence Included Evidence Gathering If you come across any Quality Document that contains out-of-date information please let Caro Saunders (ext 8742) know.

April 2013

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Great Southern Gazette

Shoring up partnership by degrees

The institute’s partnership with Curtin University has allowed dozens of students to study for their Curtin BSc (Nursing) from Albany. Professor Phill Della (Head of School – Nursing and Midwifery) and Dr Pam Roberts (Deputy Head of School) at Curtin University visited the institute recently to meet staff to discuss the partnership and plan for the future. Students and lecturing staff took the opportunity to meet Prof. Della and Dr Roberts. Pictured with Prof. Della and Dr Roberts are Registered Nursing Curtin Coordinator Catherine Attwell, Course Coordinator (EN to RN Conversion Course) Kristi Holloway, and Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean.

Bright sparks – here’s your chance to shine You may have noticed the yellow suggestions box on the intranet – it’s below your favourite pages. If you have any bright ideas for improving our services to our customers or colleagues, click on the box to send an email. Your idea might be about streamlining a

process, reporting faults, or saving resources. Your email will be forwarded to the appropriate section for the necessary research and consideration. Not all suggestions will be appropriate for action, but you will receive acknowledgement and you will be advised if it is adopted.