Gazette THE
Monthly Newsletter October 2015 Volume 6 No 9
Enjoying the spring sunshine are Pauline Weir, Pattie Hatelie, support worker Meg Coyne, Alison Sprigg,Visual Arts Lecturer Kaye Embleton, Zachary Manger, Sherree Kelly, Madeline Bolt, support worker Ainsley Harrison, Sandra Carlsen and Trevor Oborne.
Happy snappers around the traps A group of Digital Photography students at the Albany campus went out and about on their last day of term to try out various techniques. While enjoying the spring sunshine, the group learnt about panorama photographs and the effects created by objects moving within the frame. Under the guidance of Visual Arts Lecturer Kaye Embleton, the Certificate I in Visual Arts group has had a busy term. They have travelled off campus to capture the scenery at Denmark and other sites around Albany. On their return to the classroom, they selected their best examples and created a
PowerPoint presentation and a photobook using Publisher. Kaye said the group had grown in confidence and gained valuable social skills while working as part of a group. Student Sherree Kelly said the enjoyment of the photography class had prompted her to buy her own camera, which she had used to brush up her skills in her spare time. “I’ve been to the Boardwalk and taken photos there,” Sherree said. The group has learnt basic camera functions as well as photography skills, but the best part, they said, was that it had been fun.
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New block takes out honours For just over a year, the staff and students of the Community and Health portfolio have enjoyed the state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary learning spaces of the new M Block. The institute’s recognition of its excellence was recently borne out by the Master Builders Association, which named building company BGC winner of the Commercial Alterations and Additions priced between $2.5 million and $6 million in its recent Building Construction Awards. Acting Managing Director Chris Jones and Governing Council Chair Scott Leary recently met with BGC Construction Supervisor Andrew Mexsom on site to congratulate him on the award. Chris said the building, which was designed to meet the stringent principles of environmental sustainability, had given students a modern, comfortable environment for study and relaxation.
Great Southern Institute of Technology Governing Council Chair Scott Leary with BGC Construction Supervisor Andrew Mexsom and Acting Managing Director Chris Jones outside the award-winning M Block. He acknowledged the quality of construction carried out by BGC, which had completed the project within the budget and time frame. Andrew said it had been a pleasure to work on the construction. “Albany has a strong skill base in the trades, which contributes to the quality of a project like
this,” Andrew said. “But the most rewarding part about the project is seeing it being used,” he added. For students, the new block comprises modern classrooms, specialised workrooms and computer and leisure areas. Lawns and gardens at the front are well-used recreation spaces.
Want to read The Gazette in another format? To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888. To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.
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English opens door to a full new life
Former Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) students Ruby Raymond and Zuleima Sanchez now have the language skills for mainstream studies. Every year, Australia welcomes migrants who bring valuable skills, a positive attitude and a desire to do their best in their new country. But if English is not their first language, many of these people have to overcome significant obstacles to progress. Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) courses are popular with migrants needing to develop their language skills while receiving support from lecturers and fellow students and practical tips for living and working in Australia. Two students who completed the Certificate III in Spoken and Written English and are now in a mainstream course are Zuleima Sanchez from Venezuela and Ruby Raymond from Vanuatu. The women, who are taking the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, both arrived in Albany in 2013, since when their language skills have come along in leaps and bounds.
Zuleima explained she had a little knowledge of English before she left South America. “But when I arrived and met people, I realised I didn’t know anything,” Zuleima laughed. Having started in the Certificate I in CSWE to gain confidence, Zuleima quickly progressed to her more realistic level of Certificate II, for which she won a course award last year. Moving on to the Certificate III, Zuleima then also became interested in taking the bookkeeping course. “I studied bookkeeping in Venezuela and I wanted to update, but I didn’t have the language skills,” Zuleima said. “When I was feeling more confident, I talked to the lecturers about it and they were very supportive and kind,” she said. “I’m doing well and I’m enjoying it, and if I can work as an accountant or bookkeeper, it would make me absolutely happy!” Continued on page 6
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FROM THE
MD’s Desk AROUND THE INSTITUTE My warmest congratulations go to Ezzard Flowers, who was awarded the prestigious John Curtin Medal for services to the Aboriginal community at a ceremony at Curtin University in Perth last week. Ezzard, who is a member of the institute’s Governing Council as well as chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee, was joint winner of the medal with the late Angus Wallam. This recognition of Ezzard and Angus was for their work to return the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup artworks to Australia in 2013. Read the story on Ezzard’s accomplishment on pages 8 and 9. I would also like to congratulate Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning on his selection for the Jawun program in the East Kimberley. Neil is supporting student recipients of Aboriginal scholarships in various centres, and working with people from a diversity of backgrounds and organisations. This is an excellent initiative which allows people such as Neil to make a real difference to Aboriginal people and communities. BGC Construction, the building company responsible for the new M Block at the Albany campus, has won a Master Builders Association Building Excellence Award for that project. The company won the category of Commercial Alterations and Additions priced from $2.5 million to $6 million in the recent annual awards. This is an excellent achievement, which is reflected in the way
the building is being enjoyed by students and staff. In early October, we welcomed Carolyn Holling from CDS, the distributor of the CELCAT timetabling system, to present an overview of the product to managers and key users. Carolyn demonstrated the software and answered questions before spending time with staff in three of our business areas to gain a greater insight into our individual requirements. We expect to move to the CELCAT system in mid-2016, and we have to work hard to ensure a smooth changeover. However, once CELCAT is in place, it will be a streamlined system which will integrate with the new student management system planned for 2017. Many of our managers have attended Accidental Counsellor training, to learn how to handle spontaneous student issues. This valuable program was well received and some managers are recommending other staff to attend future sessions. A major event on the management calendar was the executive planning day on Friday 9 October. The workshop’s objectives were: • A shared understanding of the constraints imposed by our operating environment. • A consensus on what actions need to be undertaken to generate efficiencies. • Development of new training products. • Identification of new market segments. A presentation by one of our key apprentice and traineeship partners ATC Work Smart was enlightening. We also looked at ways in which we deliver short courses, and opportunities
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MD’s Desk for new business and improving current business relationships were highlighted. Strategies will be further developed for the 2016 academic year. Staff awards – a high priority for our recognition of excellence – have been restructured this year. The Trainer of the Year Award winners will be supported to submit an application for the WA Training Awards 2016.
PORTFOLIO NEWS Commerce Commerce Manager Lee-Anne Smith has met with the Busy Blue Bus to investigate possibilities for the delivery of training for tour guides. This is a great initiative which we hope to build on by offering training to people within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Entertaining people around the region – and bringing accolades from audiences – are the best rewards for music students. Ours have been performing at the Hope Tent, to raise awareness of suicide, and end-of-year concerts at Teahouse Books and the Denmark Hotel are planned. Music student Liz Jack has also been invited to perform at state-wide events further afield, including the Broome Arts Festival. Primary Industries Peter Young, who is acting in the role of Manager while Neil Binning is working in the north of WA, attended the Australian Wool Exchange trainers’ meeting in Sydney last month. This allowed Peter to engage with other private and state training organisations and discuss topics such as wool classer
5 registration, development of resources and quality assurance within the wool industry. Jay Rowles has also been in New South Wales, at the Dairy Australia Trainers’ Workshop at Tocal College. This was organised by the National Centre for Dairy Education, which is Dairy Australia’s training arm, and issues discussed included using industry resources to enhance the student experience and quality assurance. Trades The portfolio has been working with Pardelup Prison to develop new traineeships. Warren Sloss has shown innovation in developing a delivery pattern for Active Plumbing apprentices to accommodate their workload peaks and troughs during the year. Community and Health Boosting the institute’s strong partnership with the City of Albany, the portfolio has just trained about 50 City employees in first aid. Staff are busy updating qualifications under the training package. Skills Development Centre Centre Manager Jan Davidson and her staff have been working with the Great Southern Employment Development Committee to look at partnership opportunities under the Industry Assistance Scheme. The centre is delivering short courses to industries across the region in Chain of Responsibility and Work Health and Safety. Students taking part in the Federal Government initiative Green Army – for which Green Skills is contracted to deliver programs – are also attending the institute for training. The students are taking units from the Certificate III in Agriculture, including chemical spraying and weed control. Until next month. Cheers, Chris
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English opens door to a full new life From page 3 Now she is considering her options for the future, which may include studying for the Diploma of Accounting followed by the Advanced Diploma. Ruby agreed that having a little English had been a good start on her arrival in Australia, but conversing with locals highlighted the gaps in her language skills. “My main barrier was reading, which was why I came to the English class,” Ruby said. “And I could understand what was said to me, but I had difficulty expressing what I had to say – putting it into words,” she said. She also had a little experience in bookkeeping, and since taking the Certificate IV, her higher level of English allowed her to carry out the course requirements, which included internet research. She can also now understand speech at a normal speed. Ruby said she wanted to hone her skills in the work environment and go on to further study or into the workforce.
“The main thing for me is to get a qualification and find a job in an area like accounting,” she said. Both women said their lecturers’ patience and encouragement had been invaluable. “It’s a very good institute and there are many tools and good resources,” Zuleima said. “In general all departments are willing to help and very supportive,” she added. Ruby met the criteria for 50 hours of English tuition under the Federal Government’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), which funds skills for education and employment. “It was a free course, and it’s available to a lot of migrants,” Ruby said. She said she appreciated the chance to study with funding support, and strongly recommended others to learn under the program if they were eligible. “I would say just grab the opportunity – it’s free, so there’s no reason not to do it,” she said.
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Neil’s excellent adventure Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning has exchanged the mild spring weather of the Great Southern for the steamy heat of the north by embarking on a six-week secondment to the East Kimberley. Neil is taking part in a program run by Aboriginal organisation Jawun, whose partnerships with education, government and corporate groups help to empower Indigenous people and communities throughout Australia. Securing one of the limited secondment places amid keen competition was a coup for Neil, who left for Kununurra last weekend. Neil, who had been interviewed by phone for one of the positions, said he was anticipating new challenges. “I’m looking forward to it – I’ll be working in a completely different environment,” Neil said, explaining he would be experiencing Indigenous life and culture while sharing his own skills and knowledge. His first week is taken up by a comprehensive induction, during which he receives four-wheel drive and work safety training as well as an outline of his responsibilities for the next five weeks. Then Neil will travel through the region staying at towns and settlements including Kalumburu, Warmun, Halls Creek and Billiluna. His duties will be to support students
Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning is on a six-week secondment in the State’s north. receiving Jawun scholarships, ensuring they are maximising the opportunities presented to them through the scholarships and guiding them into pathways to further study. Neil’s colleagues wish him well for his working adventure and look forward to hearing about his experiences on his return in early December. During Neil’s absence, Principal Lecturer Peter Young will be acting in the position of Primary Industries Manager and Portfolio Admin Officer John Maddison will support Peter by taking on higher duties.
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The Gazette – October 2015
Krystal Williams, Lynthia and Ezzard Flowers, Curtin Chancellor Colin Beckett and Curtin Acting Vice-Chancellor John Cordery at the presentation ceremony.
Fitting honour for community leader As a member of the Governing Council and Chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee, Aboriginal leader Ezzard Flowers has a close association with this institute. So staff and students were delighted to hear that Ezzard recently joined an elite circle of people recognised for their vision, leadership and community service, when he was awarded Curtin University’s prestigious John Curtin Medal. Last Wednesday, Ezzard was presented with his medal at a ceremony at Government House, which he attended with his wife Lynthia and daughter Krystal. Now one of the line-up of highly esteemed medal recipients, Ezzard said he was proud and humbled. He said he had been surprised to take a phone call from Curtin University a few weeks ago, telling him he had been nominated, and even more surprised when he heard he had won. Ezzard and the late Angus Wallam were jointly awarded for their work to return the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup
artworks to Australia. Children at the Carrolup Native Settlement had produced the remarkable paintings between 1946 and 1951, but after Carrolup closed, they were bought by American collector Herbert Mayer. The paintings were later donated to Colgate University in the US, where they were stored until they were rediscovered in 2004. In 2012, Ezzard and Angus led negotiations between the Noongar community and Colgate University in a bid to bring the paintings home. Sadly, Angus died shortly after the paintings arrived back in Australia. Curtin University’s recognition of the pair states: ‘The artworks have been an avenue for historical reflection, unearthing stories and family histories, for healing and strengthening culture. ‘The contribution Mr Flowers and Mr Wallam have made to [the collection’s] return home make them both worthy recipients of the John Curtin Medal 2015.’ Continued on page 9
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Fitting honour for community leader From page 8 Ezzard and Angus, both children of the Stolen Generation, are strong advocates of the advancement of Noongar culture. Angus, who had worked as a caretaker at Carrolup, and Ezzard, a mental health specialist at the Carrolup Settlement, have spent many years committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal people and communities. To be recognised together was particularly poignant for Ezzard, whose deep respect for the man he calls ‘Uncle Angus’ is clear. “To be mentioned in the same nomination as Uncle Angus was very emotional – I’m very pleased we were recognised together,” Ezzard said. “I looked up to him, not only as an Elder and leader, but also as a mentor,” he said.
Ezzard Flowers proudly shows his John Curtin Medal for community service.
Access All Areas with Wendy Macliver
For students who struggle with literacy or come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, having texts read aloud can remove barriers to learning and provide access to knowledge and understanding. Many publishers provide texts as e-books or will supply electronic copies of texts on request. Electronic texts, documents and web pages can be read aloud using
Program changes text to speech
textHELP Read & Write 10 GOLD. This software is available on student and staff computers at the institute and for loan from the library. Using textHELP Read & Write GOLD, electronic material can be saved in audio formats so students can listen to this on the iPod, MP3 player or CD player. For more information go to textHELP Read & Write 10 GOLD Introduction, ask the Disability Liaison Officer.
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Sparks fly for industrious group Lecturer Peter Bassett’s Metal Fabrication apprentice group demonstrate their skills in the workshop.
Josh Bull milling a vice part.
Adam McPherson making a hydraulics circuit.
Samuel Graham using the lathe to make a thread.
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Kambarang
Noongar people describe the seasons differently to European people as they believe the land has its own rhythms. Local Menang people have traditionally acknowledged six seasons.
Birak – December to January Bunuru – February to March Djeran – April to May Makuru – June to July Djilba – August to September Kambarang – October to November
This month, The Gazette ends the series of articles on the characteristics of each Noongar season with Kambarang, the season of birth
Season of new life and abundant food Lower rainfall and warmer temperatures signal the start of Kambarang, a season of renewal characterised by colourful displays of wildflowers and an abundance of food. Reptiles wake from hibernation and young wetland and woodland birds start to spread their wings. The mooja, or Australian Christmas tree, comes into blossom and a vibrant floral display is created by acacias, banksias, grass trees, kangaroo paws and orchids, which also bring a melée of insect activity. Noongar people traditionally hunted frogs (kooyal), tortoises (yaarkin) and freshwater
crayfish, which they caught in swamps and wetlands. As game became more plentiful, possums and kangaroos were caught in pit traps, and berries, native fruits such as the quandong, and the gum from wattle trees were also collected for food. The women used long sticks called wanna to dig up yams, throwing the shoots and tips of the tubers back into the holes to start the following year’s crop. Blossom developing into fruit brought another welcome source of food late in the season. The native quandong fruit.
Possums were trapped for food during Kambarang.
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The Quality Implementation Group (QIG) is systematically working through the Academic Quality Documents to ensure they comply with the Standards for RTOs. The list below shows the recently updated documents.
Academic Quality Document updates The following documents have been added, updated and deleted on the intranet: New: POAS033
Credit Transfers and Exemptions Policy QFAS0134 Employer Capacity to Train Form Reviewed and Updated: AS002 Credit Transfers and Exemptions Procedure AS006 Qualifications – Eligibility Procedure AS007 Qualifications – Issuing Certification Procedure AS027 Course Study Plan Procedure AS039 Student Study Plan Procedure
ASRD026
Reference: Record Keeping Plan POSP024 Qualifications Management Policy QFAS0093 Apprentice/Trainee Induction Checklist QFAS0094 Intervention Strategy for Students with Poor Academic Progress and/or Attendance QFAS0096 Unsatisfactory Course Progress Report (International Students) Deleted: QFSP0036 AQTF Internal Audit Follow- up Report QFSP0049 SDC Monthly Report – Clients QFSP0050 SDC Monthly Report – Courses Programmes
If you come across a document with out-of-date information, please advise Caro Saunders (ext 8742).
Check out what’s happening at Your Regional TAFE
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Hands-on training pushes the envelope Students of the Certificate II in Business recently honed their practical skills with the help of the institute’s administration staff. In a new initiative, the Records Management team of Ches Leonard and Carolyn Heffernan took part in a training video, recorded by institute photographer Lauchlan Gillett. The video, which documents the pair’s daily procedures for the receipt, opening, recording and distribution of incoming mail and handling outgoing mail, is now a valuable resource in the classroom. Following on from the video, Ches and Carolyn have hosted individual students in the mailroom to allow them to put their skills into practice. Student Danielle Spence said she had found the course interesting and although it was sometimes challenging, the group had
Records Management Officer Carolyn Heffernan shows Certificate II in Business student Danielle Spence the finer points of mail handling. received excellent support from Business Lecturer Gill Hazel. Danielle said she was also benefiting from the handson instruction from Ches and Carolyn. Carolyn, herself a graduate
of the Certificates II and III in Business, was impressed with the attitude of the students, who were all keen to hone their new skills in preparation for entering the workforce at the end of their course.
Mixed bag of beauty Beauty therapy students at the Albany campus ended last term with a day of creativity. Each picked a theme and designed the make-up, then all celebrated their assessments with a shared lunch. This term, the group will work towards a Christmas beauty theme.
Amy Quin and Rhi Viggers show their creativity.
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Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2015 In launching its Reconciliation Action Plan last October, Great Southern Institute of Technology demonstrated its commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that together, real benefits can be achieved for the wider community. To highlight Indigenous issues and track our progress as defined by the plan, The Gazette publishes an article every month. This month, we look at the role of the institute’s Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee.
Consultation helps shape students’ future The institute’s Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) meets at least four times a year to discuss opportunities for Aboriginal people and overcome impediments to their study. Aboriginal Programs staff from both Albany and Katanning organise the meetings, which are also attended by community members and representatives from the institute’s student body and local Aboriginal organisations. The committee is chaired by Ezzard Flowers, who is well known throughout the region and a strong advocate of education and training for Aboriginal people. Ezzard is also a member of the institute’s Governing Council. Representatives of the Southern Aboriginal Council, the South West Land and Sea Council, the Wirrpanda Foundation, Aboriginal Health, South Coast National Resource Management, Corrective Services, job service agencies and other supportive organisations are invited to attend. Meetings provide an opportunity for members and interested parties to share
their views and initiatives to benefit students and prospective students in the classroom and on the campuses. Discussions may include funding programs and grants through the institute or other organisations, scholarships, study programs specifically for Aboriginal people and employment opportunities. Any specific issues such as attendance or progress are also brought to the table. When funding is received from other bodies, the AEETC provides evaluation reports as required. An important duty of the AEETC is the preparation of an annual Aboriginal Training Plan to inform the institute on community expectations. The plan, which is endorsed by the AEETC Chair and the institute’s Managing Director, is a constant source of reference throughout the following year as staff ensure implementation of initiatives and monitor progress. Meetings are usually held in Albany, which is where most attendees are based, but the committee occasionally meets in regional centres.
See next month’s RAP article for a recent example of initiatives brought to the committee by a student group.
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HR News With Paula Pattinson
Positions Advertised • Tenders and Grants Consultant – successful applicant was Sue Dawes • Lecturer Bookkeeping and Accounting – successful applicant was Bethwyn Hearle • Data Administrator – successful applicant was Andrew Morrison • ASL1 round two – successful applicant was Sara Lembo • Lecturer ESL (CSWE) – successful applicant was Rachel Rodriguez • Internal EOI Refunds Officer – closed 15 October • Principal Lecturer, Trades – closed 19 October • Farm Technician – closed 21 October • Internal EOI Fees Officer – closed 22 October • Lecturer Community Services – closing 26 October New staff A warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff: • Christopher Cassidy, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs • Stephan Blyth, Casual Lecturer Horticulture • Steve Landells, Casual Lecturer Massage Therapy • Lynda Robinson, Lecturer Work Health and Safety • Danielle Rule, Casual Lecturer Finance • Daniel Pinner, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs
Safety First With Rick Muller This institute’s commitment to workplace health and safety extends beyond our campuses and into the community. A recent acknowledgement of this was received from St John Ambulance, which issued the institute with a Certificate of Appreciation for being one of the first 1000 organisations in Australia to register a defibrillator with its Community First Responder program. This means if a community member suffers a cardiac arrest and the emergency services identify the defibrillator at our Albany campus as the nearest life-saving equipment, it will be called into action. A defibrillator delivers low-current
We’re ready to save lives electrical impulses which can bring a heart back to a normal rhythm, but it is vital the equipment is used as early as possible for the best chance of saving a life. This is why the defibrillator registration program is vital for St John Ambulance to locate the nearest equipment and ensure the fastest response. In addition to having a registered defibrillator, staff in all sections of our institute have received first aid training, and can be ready to act in the case of an emergency. If you need first aid training, or a refresher course, phone OSH Coordinator Rick Muller on 8725.
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Spring has sprung! It’s a perfect time of the year to put on your walking shoes and go for a lunchtime walk. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day has huge benefits. Having more energy, strengthening bones and de-stressing are just some of them. And before your walk, fuel up on a healthy lunch – here’s a recipe idea to help!
Chicken and coleslaw sandwich Ingredients: 1 cup green cabbage, grated 1 cup red cabbage, grated 1 small green apple, core removed, coarsely grated with skin on 1 small carrot, peeled and grated 2 tbs reduced-fat coleslaw dressing 4 slices wholegrain bread 100 g skinless chicken breast, cooked, shredded Method: 1. In a medium sized bowl, mix green and red cabbage, apple, carrot and coleslaw dressing. 2. Arrange shredded chicken on two slices of bread and add the coleslaw salad. 3. Top with remaining bread and serve immediately.
Tip: Store the coleslaw separate to the rest of the sandwich and assemble at the last minute to avoid a soggy sandwich.
This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).
Do you have an idea for an article in The Gazette?
Email marketing@gsit.wa.edu.au
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Volume turned up on Albany campus On Loud Shirt Day, nearly $200 was raised to benefit deaf children. Well done to everyone who joined in and gave generously.
Admin staff and students flaunted their wild workwear.
Trades organised a morning tea.