Gazette THE
Monthly Newsletter September 2015 Volume 6 No 8
At the Albany campus, Minister Harvey meets electrotechnology apprentice Patrick McShane and lecturer Garry Christiansen.
Minister sees institute at work
Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey visited the Katanning and Albany campuses of the institute on Wednesday 26 August. Acting Managing Director Chris Jones hosted the Minister’s visit, their first stop being an Aboriginal Carers’ Fun Day at the Katanning Bowling Club, where Minister Harvey met the institute’s beauty therapy students from Albany. The students, who were practising their nail treatment and shoulder massage skills, held a relaxing pampering session for people who are used to providing care to
family members and friends with a disability or illness, and their services were a popular feature of the day. After chatting to the students and the event organisers, Minister Harvey moved to the institute’s Katanning campus, where she presented two Jack Family Charitable Trust scholarships of $500 each to aged care student Marian Gaythwaite and rural operations student Zachery Pierce. Mr Jones introduced the scholarship recipients to the Minister, and thanked the sponsors for their generosity. Continued on page 6
More photos from the Minister’s visit on pages 6 and 7
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The Gazette – September 2015
Certificate IV in Youth Work students Megan Tushingham-Packer, Linda Higgins, Breanda Nesbitt and Christelle Sanchez Iglesias raised funds for a youth organisation.
Fundraiser a boost to youth creativity Young people in Albany will benefit from a fundraiser by a group of Great Southern Institute of Technology students taking the Certificate IV in Youth Work. As part of an assignment for their unit ‘Plan and Conduct Group Activities’, the students chose to work together to raise funds for Albany’s Open Access Art Studio, which is operated by the Albany Youth Support Association. The studio encourages young people to be creative and participate with others in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. It also provides a safe place for disadvantaged and marginalised young people with an interest in the arts or youth culture. Through a sausage sizzle in the CBD and a raffle, the students raised nearly $800. Student Linda Higgins said when the group approached local businesses for donations of prizes to raffle, they received good support. “We wrote 30 letters to local businesses and 17 of them were willing to donate to
the cause,” Linda said. “The money will go towards art supplies as well as a new microphone and leads for the music studio,” she said. As a bonus for the group, they raised the profile of the Open Access Art program in the region. Student Breanda Nesbitt was enthusiastic about the level of support for their project. “We raised community awareness and involvement,” Breanda said. “The program receives very little government funding so anything we can do to promote its activities can only help,” she said. The students were introduced to the cause by their lecturer Dennis Blewitt, who is chair of the Albany Youth Support Association. Dennis said the project had strengthened the institute’s connection to the organisation. “The students were rapt with the response to their work,” Dennis said. “And a couple of them will go on to do field placements with Open Access,” he added.
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Trainer heads up to North West While most of Great Southern Institute of Technology’s business is conducted within the region, some courses are delivered in distant parts of Western Australia, in other States and even offshore. These are often under an auspice agreement, where an organisation’s own qualified lecturers deliver the institute’s courses under the guidance of staff based in the Great Southern. A recent agreement which will further expand the institute’s reach – and give remote Aboriginal people qualifications to recognise their skills – was with Terra Rosa Consulting, a company which delivers a suite of Indigenous services and cultural training for Traditional Owner groups. The collaborative project will start next month, when the institute’s Principal Lecturer Ray Tuckey travels to Fremantle to deliver the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to a group of Terra Rosa Consulting staff. Once qualified, these people will then deliver a range of courses to Aboriginal mining company employees in remote areas of the Pilbara and Kimberley. While delivering these courses, which include the Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work and Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management, the staff
Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning, Lecturer Leah Goodrem and Principal Lecturer Ray Tuckey are keenly anticipating the delivery of training in remote areas of the Pilbara and Kimberley. will be supported by the institute’s Conservation and Land Management Lecturer Leah Goodrem. Leah, who was instrumental in bringing the arrangement to fruition through her industry networks, will make the trip from Albany periodically and deliver training alongside Terra Rosa staff. Leah said she was looking forward to seeing the Aboriginal people in the north-west recognised for the skills and knowledge passed on to them by previous generations. “It’s different up there as all training is done in the field, and we will be working with anthropologists and
archaeologists,” Leah said. “All the Terra Rosa people have worked with Indigenous people and they encourage Aboriginal Elders to pass on their skills – it’s more family oriented,” she said. “It’s exciting for us because we will have the privilege of sharing their knowledge.” Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning said the agreement positioned the institute as a strong, state-wide industry player in the delivery of conservation and land management courses. “The remoteness of Terra Rosa’s clients makes it an exciting challenge,” Neil said.
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FROM THE
MD’s Desk
AROUND THE INSTITUTE
Staff matters To support excellence in staff performance over both teaching and non-teaching areas, we are reviewing the framework for annual staff awards. The winner of the excellence in teaching award will also be encouraged to enter the annual Western Australian Training Awards, which usually open in March. Also under review is staff PACD. This will allow us to differentiate between PACD to give people the necessary workplace competencies and that to provide broader personal development and collegiality. With Leigh Barsby away until December, Vicki Halliday has taken over the car bookings, and Vicki’s role as bookshop coordinator is being done by former café supervisor Cheralee Godycki-Cwirko. Section names To shorten the long-winded titles of some sections and positions, the following have changed. Directorates Corporate Services is now Corporate. Organisational Effectiveness is now Planning. Academic Leadership is now Academic. Portfolios Health Sciences and Community Services is now Community and Health. The Environment and Primary Industries is Primary Industries. Business and Creative Industries is now Commerce. Trades and Allied Industries is now Trades. The Skills Development Centre remains the same. Portfolio Managers are now Managers.
Student Management System I have attended demonstrations of timetabling software at Central, South West and West Coast Institutes. My thanks to the staff who took time out of their schedules to show me the operations of complex systems software. I also met with the Western Australian vendors of two systems, both of which address the needs of this institute, and my recommendation is for us to adopt the CELCAT system, which is currently used by three other State Training Providers. On the basis of this, I have arranged for the CELCAT vendor CDS to attend the institute on 1 October to give key staff a comprehensive overview of the advantages of scheduling software and then to carry out a review of our business processes. Promotions All 11 State Training Providers are contributing to a state-wide media campaign to highlight the advantages of studying at a TAFE institute. Communications Manager Bev Baxter, who sits on the steering committee, is also representing all seven regional institutes on the five-person tender evaluation panel. This panel will go through the process of selecting the agency to provide creative advertising, marketing and related services. The media campaign, which will include television, radio and newspaper advertisements as well as social media and web content, is scheduled to start in February. An example of similar marketing undertaken by Queensland TAFE can be viewed here. Continued on page 5
The Gazette – September 2015
FROM THE
MD’s Desk From page 4 2016-18 Strategic Plan Planning Director Edward Armstrong, who is preparing the new strategic plan, has been liaising widely with staff. Ed has sent all staff a link to a survey, and I encourage everyone to participate. It only takes a few minutes, and your input will help to shape the future of our institute. Capital works The Albany campus library refurbishment is progressing on schedule and will be open for business from the start of 2016. On her recent visit, Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey asked to be invited to the opening. Mount Barker staff are excited about the new campus premises, which will be open for business in January. Located on the first floor of the Community Centre in Lowood Road, it consists of well-equipped offices and classrooms, providing comfortable and pleasant working and recreation spaces for both staff and students. Refurbishment projects on the beauty therapy and hairdressing workshops at the Albany campus will result in a stimulating, industry-standard environment for students and their live works clients. The beauty side will be finished in time for the start of 2016 classes, and the hairdressing salon will be ready for action in Semester 2. With the closure of the Mercer Road farm, a new fenced compound has been created at the rear of R Block for the Skills Development Centre’s delivery of earthmoving training, including excavator, bulldozer, grader and skid steer.
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PORTFOLIO NEWS Primary Industries Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning has applied for the Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnership Program. This is an excellent opportunity for professional development, and allows the institute to give back to the Aboriginal community. Through a recently signed auspice agreement, staff of the Commerce and Primary Industries portfolios will deliver training to anthropological consulting organisation Terra Rosa. Principal Lecturer Ray Tuckey will deliver the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to Terra Rosa’s Fremantlebased staff. Leah Goodrem has been consulting with the organisation to develop resources to support the delivery of Conservation and Land Management courses for their students, and she will deliver some of the training alongside Terra Rosa staff in remote areas of the Pilbara and Kimberley. Trades Garry Christiansen has nominated for the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) trainer of the year. This is a prestigious award, and the institute wishes him well. Commerce Commerce Manager Lee-Anne Smith is liaising with all portfolios to finalise 2015 VET in Schools programs. She is also working with the schools to finalise applications for 2016, and examining the best ways to help schools and students access a range of options for 2016. Finally, I hope you enjoy the term break, particularly if you are taking leave. Regards, Chris
Have YOUR say on the strategic plan – fill in the survey
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The Gazette – September 2015
Minister sees institute at work From page 1 He said the institute procured more than $31,000 in sponsorships to alleviate the financial pressure of studying for 58 students this year. Minister Harvey then walked around the classrooms to meet students and staff
before travelling to the institute’s Albany campus. There, she met and chatted with senior managers, lecturing staff and students, and toured the Primary Industries and Trades sections as well as the Health Trade Training Centre on Anson Road.
Minister Harvey with Jack Family At the Katanning campus, the Minister Charitable Trust Scholarship recipients chats with lecturer Andrea Rundle and Marian Gaythwaite (top) and Zachery students Nadia Woods and Kelly Stephens. Pierce (above). The institute’s Aboriginal Programs Manager Ron Grey and Department for Child Protection Youth and Family Support Worker Shane Woods meet the Minister at the Aboriginal Carers’ Fun Day at the Katanning Bowling Club.
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At the Katanning Bowling Club for the Aboriginal Carers’ Fun Day, Minister Liza Harvey (centre right) and carer Sonya Woods receive a hand treatment from beauty therapy students Chelsea Roth and Crystal Greasley (left), and a shoulder massage from lecturers Alison Sharpe and Sarah Elliott.
Above: Plumbing Lecturer Warren Sloss talks to the Minister. Left: Minister Harvey gets to grips with a rainbow trout, part of the Aquaculture section’s breeding program, under the watchful eye of Lecturer Jay Rowles.
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Robbie Miniter from the Wirrpanda Foundation enjoys a neck massage from Krystal Donhardt.
Students Crystal Greasley and Chelsea Roth with Doris Hansen, Sonya Woods and Charmaine Williams.
Relaxing between clients are Krystal Donhardt and Rhi Viggers.
Jennifer Woods gets a nail treatment from Georgie Bertola while Emily Rampart looks on.
For a group of beauty therapy students at the Albany campus, plying their trade at a Katanning event was an experience to remember. The class took an institute bus to the Katanning Bowling Club, the venue for an Aboriginal Carers’ Fun Day. Participants from the Aboriginal community, all of whom are used to caring for others, were treated to various information sessions and activities. One of the most popular on the program was a free pampering hand and nail treatment and shoulder massage from the students. Event organiser Jeanice Krakouer from
Carers WA said it was important for people playing the caring role to take time out for themselves, and the students had helped the carers to relax while they enjoyed each other’s company. Student Crystal Greasley said it had been a great experience to work with people from different communities. “They’re a lovely group of people, and they’ve really enjoyed it – especially the massages,” Crystal said. Rhi Viggers said it had been a good experience to give the carers something in return. “Everyone has appreciated it,” Rhi said.
Carers cared for in beauty session
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Sweet treats to welcome special visitor Left: Madeline Bolt prepares shortbread biscuits with her support worker Ainsley Harrison. Right: Andrew Lemon gets a tray of biscuits ready for the oven. Students of the Creative Catering class at the Albany campus were called to action for Minister Harvey’s visit.
Cookery Lecturer Mark Crabtree gave the students the task of cooking and presenting a selection of goodies for afternoon tea,
which the Minister enjoyed with Corporate Executive and Governing Council members in George’s Restaurant.
Lecturers...
Are the new TAC Standards for RTOs as clear as mud? Here’s all the information you need:
See the TAC website for resources and fact sheets. The DTWD’s VETinfoNet page has all the latest news, and you can subscribe through the website to the newsletter vetinfonews
For specific help on any issue with the new standards, see Justine Bradney or Principal Lecturers Ruth McLean or Ray Tuckey.
Your regional TAFE
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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 on the following pages shows the recently updated documents.
Academic Quality Document updates If you come across a document with out-of-date information, or if you need help with any Quality Document issue, please phone Caro Saunders on 8742. The following documents have been added, updated or deleted on the intranet:
New:
AS043 AS044
Volunteers Procedure Transitions Management Procedure AS045 Industry Engagement Procedure AS046 Industry Engagement Work Instruction AS047 Support Worker Procedure AS051 Return to Industry Procedure AS052 Academic Induction Procedure AS054 Recognition of Prior Learning-Academic Procedure AS055 Recognition of Prior Learning-Academic Work Instruction AS056 Apprentice/Trainee Administration Procedure POAS023 Trainer and Assessor Professional Development POAS024 Volunteers Policy POAS025 Transition from Superseded Training Packages Policy POAS026 Scope of Registration Policy POAS027 Removed and Deleted Training Products Policy POAS028 Industry Engagement Policy POAS029 Supporting Learners Policy POAS030 Induction of Trainers and Assessors Policy POAS031 Support Worker Policy POAS032 Recognition of Prior Learning Policy POAS034 Academic Staff Qualifications Policy
QFAS0126 Volunteer Application Form QFAS0127 Volunteer Induction Checklist QFAS0128 Volunteer Registration of Interest Form QFAS0129 Support Worker Form QFAS0131 VETiS Permissions Form QFAS0132 USIQ Delivery Agreement Form QFAS0133 Industry Area 5 Year Validation Schedule
Reviewed and Updated: AS012
Recognition of Prior Learning-Administration Procedure AS030 Direct Supervision Procedure AS034 Scope Management Administration Procedure ASRD010 Reference: Code of Practice for Assessors ASRD014 Reference: Ensuring Validity, Reliability, Flexibility and Fairness ASRD015 Reference: Ensuring Sufficiency, Authenticity, Validity and Currency ASRD016 Reference: Organising and Conducting Assessment ASRD020 Reference: Providing Assessment Feedback ASRD022 Reference: Internal Audit Information POAS007 Version Control Policy POAS015 Apprentice/Trainee Administration Policy
The Gazette – September 2015
POAS020
Trainer and Assessor Competence Policy POSP007 Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Policy POSP010 Policy Framework Policy QFAS0017 RPL Enrolment Form QFAS0019 Work ExperiencePlacement Form QFAS0021 Assessment Appeals Application Form QFAS0024 Multiple Roll Creation Form QFAS0027 Draft/Final Enrolment Form Request QFAS0031 Work Experience-PreApprentice Form QFAS0035 Work Experience Consent Form QFAS0036 Host Employer Placement Form QFAS0043 Replacement of Certification Documents Form QFAS0045 Learning Contract Form QFAS0055a Training and Assessment Plan (TAP) – Part A QFAS0055b Training and Assessment Plan (TAP) – Part B QFAS0055c Training and Assessment Plan (TAP) – Part C QFAS0060 Student Excursion/Off Campus Activity Approval Form QFAS0061 Student Excursion/Off Campus Activity Consent Form QFAS0062 Student Interview Form QFAS0065 Minors – Work Experience Consent Form QFAS0067 VET – Capacity to Deliver Checklist QFAS0068 Direct Supervision Form QFAS0070 Traineeship Action Form QFAS0079 Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) QFAS0089 CAVVS Delivery Agreement Form QFAS0090 Non-Attendance Form QFAS0091 Independent Minor Interview / Application Form QFAS0113 Post Validation Form
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QFAS0121 Release of Confidential Information Form – External QFAS0123 Return to Industry Application Form QFAS0125 Competency Matrix QFAS0170 Metal Fabrication Project Sheet QFCS0177 Student Textbook Order Form – Bookshop QFSP0022 Record of Contact or Consultation Form QFSP0034 Parent/Guardian Consent and Health Care Information Form QFSP0035 Internal Audit Plan and Report QPRD003 Internal Audit Schedule QPRD004 Statement VET Tuition Assurance
Deleted: AS040
ASRD011 ASRD017 POAS021 QFAS0048 QFAS0085 QFAS0102 QFAS0105 QFAS0106 QFAS0116 QFAS0118 QFSP0012 QFSP0039 QPRD001 TD015
TAE40110 Equivalency/RPL Process Reference: Collecting and Responding to Performance Data Reference: Reviewing and Improving Assessment Approaches TAE40110 Equivalency/RPL Policy Roll Management Form RPL Process Evaluation Form Operational Plan RPL Readiness Questions – Client Summary Sheet RPL Readiness Questions Non-Attendance Form (Trades) Vocational Equivalency/RPL Form Academic Board Project Assignment Form AQTF Audit Process Checklist Reference: AQTF Quality Overview Existing Worker Traineeships Procedure
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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. The institute’s Aboriginal Programs branch advocates and facilitates training for the region’s Noongar people, to help them into employment. This month, we talk to a mentor working with the branch to support students in the learning process.
Mentoring brings out students’ best Encouraging, nurturing and providing practical assistance to students can boost participation and course completion. They can also help them gain a qualification to increase their chances of employment, and an invaluable sense of self-worth. The institute’s Aboriginal Programs branch employs mentors to work alongside students in class, giving individual attention, reassurance and support where needed, but allowing each student to take control of their own learning. One mentor who joined the institute’s Albany campus this year is Andy May. Andy has a background in psychology and education, and his long experience in these fields includes working with young people with delinquency issues. This has stood him in good stead for his mentor position, in which he supports students in the classroom, often one-on-one. Andy was attracted to the role after being introduced to Aboriginal Programs Manager Ron Grey and hearing of the difference mentoring could make. While most of his charges are teenagers,
he also mentors older students. But whoever he is working with, Andy said having patience and a sensitivity to their issues helped him to give appropriate guidance. “Mentoring involves getting kids engaged in a potentially fun environment and giving them a non-threatening introduction to learning,” Andy said. “You have to sprinkle the learning with anecdotes and humour relative to their age – let them see they can have a good time,” he said. Andy said positive feedback such as pointing out their patience and perseverance was also invaluable. Some students Andy works with need help with their learning, while others are disengaged or withdrawn. Andy appreciates that for many people, the qualification at the end of the course and their greater potential for employment are reasons for their participation. “A qualification boosts their confidence, but it’s not only about getting a job at the end of it,” he said. Continued on page 13
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Mentoring brings out students’ best From page 12 When people make headway with their studies and start to feel comfortable around their peers, the benefits are compounded and they gain self-assurance and a sense of achievement – some for the first time. One who has blossomed since Andy started helping him in his carpentry and joinery class is teenager Kallan Holt. Kallan is not only gaining practical skills to take into the workforce, but he is also motivated and interested in his studies. Kallan said Andy was a great help. “He makes the classes that bit easier and gives you the support you need,” Kallan said. “Not everyone needs it, but it’s good to know that if you need it, it’s there,” he said. For his part, Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer Brad Eastough said having a mentor in class was an enormous help. “As a lecturer, you’re spread thinly, but mentors are invaluable because they work as part of the team,” Brad said. He said Andy adapted well with his classes, blending in with the group and being unobtrusive while giving excellent support. “He has a good rapport with
Carpentry and Joinery student Kallan Holt (left) has come on in leaps and bounds since having Andy May (right) as a mentor in class. the students and works with them at their skill level,” Brad said. “As the institute looks into different fields of learning, the mentoring program needs to be there to help students from a variety of different backgrounds,” he said. For Andy, the rewards flow both ways. “It’s inspiring for me to see the students’ progress, and how it has a ripple effect on them,” he said. Clearly, the students Andy works with benefit from his attention and encouragement as much as he relishes his job. “I enjoy working with Ron in Aboriginal Programs and I appreciate having the
freedom to develop case management plans,” Andy said. “I can also put forward suggestions and be heard.” Andy is a strong advocate of student engagement in the classroom. Lecturers who think outside the square and engage the students are rewarded with higher attendance rates and greater results. They also have a positive impact on a student’s wellbeing, both at the institute and in life. “Research has shown how people engaged in activities are less likely to turn to drugs,” he said. “However small are the steps we take, they’re still small steps away from the bad to the good.”
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Access All Areas with Wendy Macliver
Loud Shirt Day On Loud Shirt Day, Thursday 15 October, wear your brightest clothes to raise money to support deaf children. Whether you fancy stripes, florals, polka dots or paisley, as long as your clothes have colour and pizzazz, it will be perfect for Loud Shirt Day. Wear your best and brightest frock, the most hideous shirt, the most outrageous outfit, and donate online on the GSIT Loud Shirt Day page or give your donation to the café or reception collection boxes on the day. Encourage your students to participate too, and brighten the day and the campus. All funds raised go to First Voice Centre in WA.
HR News With Paula Pattinson
Positions Advertised • Lecturer Work Health and Safety – successful applicant was Lynda Robinson • Tenders and Grants Consultant – appeal period closes 21 September • Portfolio Support Officer, Trades and Allied Industries – successful applicant was Samantha Ahern • Lecturer Bookkeeping and Accounting – closed 25 August, selection process yet to be completed • Lecturer ESL (CSWE) – closed 15 September, shortlisting in progress • Principal Lecturer, Trades – closing 17 September • Data Administrator – closing 21 September. New staff A warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff: • Richard Linnett, Casual Lecturer Work Health and Safety • Julia Maraku, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs • David O’Keeffe, Casual Lecturer Electrotechnology • Jancey Rae, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs
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Help guide our institute in a new era All staff have been invited to contribute to the institute’s Strategic Plan for 2016-2018 through an online survey. Planning Director Edward Armstrong, who is preparing the document, explained the Minister for Training and Workforce Development required all institutes to produce a strategic plan every three years. The document details our core values and priorities for the institute’s business operations. It defines common goals and demonstrates how resources should be directed towards achieving them. It also includes the mission statement and vision for the institute. The plan is a valuable resource which is frequently referred to and used to monitor our progress, performance and capabilities. Edward has joined staff meetings in all areas of the institute and at all campuses to discuss the purpose of the plan and the importance of people’s participation in its formation. He said if staff needed further information on the development of the plan, or how their input could
The old one: Our 2013-15 Strategic Plan
help, he was happy to speak to individuals or groups. Edward sent an email to all staff on 14 September with a Survey Monkey link. The survey takes a few minutes to complete, and all responses will be considered by the Corporate Executive team before the final Strategic Plan is published.
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Seeds
OF SUSTAINABILITY
Think about the source of your food Buying locally produced food is a privilege many of us take for granted. The fact that we can buy garlic from Shandong in China, Lemons from California in the US and jams from Aquitaine in France at the local supermarket is certainly an impressive display of our 21st century ‘global community’. Supporting local producers and buying seasonally grown produce contributes greatly to the resilience of our community by: • Re-circulating capital through our local networks, keeping the money in the Great Southern for longer. • Improving the health of residents through
eating fresher, seasonally grown produce. • Linking food producers directly with customers, helping business to know their market. • Reducing ‘food miles’, the distance foods need to travel in order to land on our plates (far more sustainable). • Making farmers’ markets and stalls more viable – increasing the overall choice available to the community. To learn more about the benefits of buying locally, and to enjoy the incredible quality food produced here on our doorstep – why not check out the upcoming Food for Thought Festival – see details below.
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Act Belong Commit during Mental Health Week Mental Health Week is a national event. This year in Western Australia it runs from 2 to 10 October. The week is an opportunity to promote awareness about mental health and wellbeing and equip people with the knowledge to stay mentally healthy. The official theme this year is Act-Belong-Commit. Act Belong Commit encourages you to take action to protect and promote your mental wellbeing. It also encourages organisations providing mentally healthy activities to promote participation in those activities. Being active, having a sense of belonging and purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health. Here are some simple ways that you can Act-Belong-Commit: Act – keep mentally, physically, socially and spiritually active: take a walk, say g’day, read a book, do a crossword, dance, play cards, stop for a chat. Belong – join a book club, take a
cooking class, be more involved in groups you are already a member of, go along to community events. Commit – take up a cause, help a neighbour, learn something new, take on a challenge, volunteer. There are plenty of events and activities happening during Mental Health Week that you can get involved in, or you might like to hold an event yourself! For useful resources and ideas on mentally healthy activities visit the Mental Health Week website.
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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Safety First With Rick Muller
Safe Work October National Safe Work Month is happening again this October. This is a time to focus on safety in your area to reduce accidents and incidents. This year’s theme is: Be safe. Be healthy. Because... Throughout October, to celebrate National Safe Work month, WorkSafe Australia will host a series of free online seminars. These free online seminars will be showcasing the latest thinking and research in work health and safety. This year’s seminars will discuss good work design and safety throughout supply
chains with a focus on the construction and manufacturing industries. For more information and how to join, view the full VSS program.