Richmond Football Club becomes the first AFL team to visit an Aboriginal mission in Victoria
news
Summer 2014
Richmond Football Club players and coaching staff enjoying some cultural dancing Inset: Framlingham mob with the signed Dreamtime at the G guernsey Below: Welcome to Country
As part of their two-day
of stories on achieving goals and
in February this year, the
was attending VACCHOs Regional
welcomed into Warrnambool
Workshop, where a number of
smoking ceremony. The players
planned for the Western Region.
Richmond Community Camp
promoting healthy lifestyles. Grant
Richmond Football Club were
Tobacco and Healthy Lifestyle
by Elder Uncle Rob Lowe in a
community initiatives and events were
held open-training sessions
with youth and regional clubs across the Western District,
followed by a historic visit to the Framlingham mission.
In appreciation, senior player Jack Riewoldt thanked the community for allowing the visit by gifting them with a framed signed Dreamtime at the G guernsey that will be on display at
Western Victoria Healthy Lifestyle
the Kirrae Aboriginal Health Service.
Worker, Grant Roberts co-organised
It was a successful day and the
the players visit to Framlingham,
players also learnt some traditional
which included access to Elders,
dance moves and enjoyed ‘shooting
community members, traditional
hoops’ with community on the
dance, tucker and the exchange
basketball court. Cont’ page 2
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal Health in Victoria.
Vibrant, healthy, selfdetermining Aboriginal communities
Richmond Football Club cont’
Midfielder Dustin Martin and Brad Brown (VACCHO Regional Tobacco Co-odinator)
Framlingham community members shooting hoops with the players on the basketball court
Jack Riewoldt thanks the community for allowing the team to visit
Recent data reveals that smoking rates are coming down! The latest National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (2012–13) has provided some encouraging news. Data has revealed
fewer young people are taking up smoking, and
a significant decrease occurred in daily smoking rates between 2002 and 2012.
The findings indicate that smoking rates have: •
fallen from 51% in 2002, to 45% in 2008 and 41% in 2012–13
•
reduced significantly in non-remote areas, from 50% in 2002, to 43% in 2008, and then to 38% in 2012–13.
The rate of people who have never smoked increased from 30% to 37% within the same period. Daily smoking rates have fallen significantly for both males and females between 2002 and from 2012–13: for males, from 53% to 43%, and for females from 49% to 39%. Fewer young people are taking up smoking. These are only some of the positive key messages. There is still a lot of work to do in decreasing smoking rates. For instance, smoking rates are higher among young people and haven’t changed much in remote communities compared to non-remote areas.
Ex-smokers have increased from 17% to 21% between
Source: The Australian Bureau of Statistics
2002 and from 2012–13.
http://www.abs.gov.au/
Contents
01 Richmond Football Club becomes the first AFL team to visit an Aboriginal mission in Victoria 02 Recent data reveals that smoking rates are coming down! 03 24-year-old Theresa Paterson quits the smokes and shares her journey as the February-March guest blogger for No Smokes 03 Koori Maternity Services Save the Date 2014 04 The Scope of Practice Regional Implementation Project has now come to 2 VACCHO an end NEWS Autumn 2013
05 Dental Health Services Victoria recruits new Aboriginal Community Development Officer 06 How can ACCHOs thrive, survive and maintain their culture? 07 Profile on VACCHO’s Internship 08 Child Dental Benefits Schedule now in effect 09 Good news on the free Human Papillomavirus vaccinations 09 Global Village is Free! AIDS2014 10 Indigenous HIV Pre-conference 11 Short courses available in April at VACCHO’s Education and Training Unit 11 In conversation with Will Austin
24-year-old Theresa Paterson quits the smokes and shares her journey as the February-March guest blogger for No Smokes
‘Butts in the bin’ sign at work – quitting can be hard so it’s good to see signage that encourages us to respect our land and culture’
When VACCHO’s
Mental Health Support
Project Officer, Theresa Paterson came back to work in January
she decided to follow
through on her choice to quit smoking. After all,
she had been smoking
for nine long years and
it just wasn’t making her feel good. “It was pretty tough getting through
the first month but I
the No Smokes blog
there. If you feel you can’t
feel so much better! I’m
as she saw that it was
do it alone, contact your
finally feeling pumped
a good opportunity to
and ready to ‘butt out
gain support from her
for good!’ The great
co-workers, friends,
thing is now my hair
and family. Theresa also
and clothes don’t reek
wanted to be a good
of tobacco. I sure don’t
influence to others, “I
miss that smell” said Theresa.
Theresa wanted to share her personal journey on
love seeing our local communities getting behind us and wanting to
local Aboriginal Health Service (ACCHOs), or the Quitline and they will be able to give you advice on where to start” she said. You can read all of Theresa’s stories on the No Smokes blog here:
support those who want
http://nosmokes.com.au/
to QUIT! The help is out
guest-blogger/
Koori Maternity Services (KMS) Save the Date 2014
KMS Steering Committee Meeting -1 Date: 8 April
Venue: VAHS- Preston site
PEPA Training (Palliative Care Awareness)
Note: This is a tailored session for KMS Aboriginal Health Workers and Midwives
Date: 9 April
Venue: VAHS- Preston site
MSEP Pregnancy Care Workshop Date: 29 – 30 May
Venue: Ibis – Glen Waverley
KMS Steering Committee Meeting -2 Date: 15 July
Venue: Regional TBC
KMS Women’s Business Forum & Steering Committee Meeting -3 Date: 22 - 24 October
Venue: Ramada Resort- Phillip Island
For more information please contact a member of the Koori Maternity Strategy Team on KMS@ vaccho.com.au or phone 03 9411 9411
AHWs from Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative: Kerrie Alsop and Naomi Surtees holding their Certificate of Participation for the Successful Completion of the Project.
The Scope of Practice Regional Implementation Project has now come to an end The VACCHO Education
Aboriginal Co-operative,
and it can be used as a
and Training Unit (ETU)
refresher for the ones who
would like to congratulate
Winda Mara Aboriginal
all the Aboriginal Health
Co-operative, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative,
Workers (AHWs), Practice
Managers and nurses who participated in the Scope of Practice Regional
Implementation Project. A total of 16 Aboriginal Health Workers successfully completed the project with 10 nurses who were assigned as mentors for the AHWs throughout the project. A total of seven ACCHOs were involved in the project; Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative, Kirrae Health Services, Dhuawurd Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service, Goolum Goolum 4
and Ballarat & District
haven’t studied in a while and to also help assist the ones who are currently
Aboriginal Co-operative.
studying. It’s great to see
Overall the project allowed
board with the project and
AHWs to develop a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities. VACCHO’s Aboriginal Health Worker Support Officer Kelsey Wykes is currently undergoing postproject evaluation reporting and shares below some of the positive responses and feedback she received
the AHWs all getting on having a great interest”, said one Practice Manager. Part of the project’s success was enhanced by the role of mentors, namely nurses and Practice Managers who also developed a better understanding of how to support an AHW, “Involving us (nurses) in
throughout the project.
the project gives us such
“It’s great to see lots of
AHW is…it’s great to
focus on AHWs. Its good clinical practice for them
VACCHO NEWS Summer 2014
an insight into what an
us a better understanding of what they can do and what their role involves”. Mentor’s proved invaluable in helping the AHWs with their clinical skills, “It’s great that our mentor is so involved in the project and puts time aside to assist us”. The Implementation Booklet proved “a great tool to assist us in the workplace and provides clear understanding of our role and skills” said another AHW. Kelsey would like to thank all the Aboriginal Health Workers for all their time and effort they put into the project, including the mentors and Practice
learn about their Scope
Managers who showed
of Practice, it really gives
such great support.
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) recruits new Aboriginal Community Development Worker
Image: Cameron Jackson
Ms Rebecca Crawford, a Barkindji woman from
health on our wellbeing and how we can work together
western NSW is the new Aboriginal Community
to decrease dental caries* in Aboriginal children and
Development Worker at DHSV.
adults”, Rebecca said.
Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in working with
VACCHO looks forward to working in partnership
community in a variety of roles and hopes to use her new position to improve access to dental services and oral care that will improve the oral health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples across Victoria. A major part of her role includes working collaboratively with the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer and Coordinator of Diversity and Community Liaison at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. “I hope that, in the time I’m with DHSV, we will see a big improvement in the oral health of all Aboriginal people by increasing access to services and providing communities with information about the impact of oral
CLOSE THE GAP
with DHSV and share Rebecca’s vision on improving Aboriginal peoples access to culturally appropriate dental health services. This in part, will be achieved through the DHSV Aboriginal Oral Health Reference Group (AOHRG), which provides advice and direction to DHSV on matters relating to Aboriginal oral health in Victoria. If you are an ACCHO interested in joining the AOHRG or have any other dental related queries please contact Rebecca Crawford: Rebecca.Crawford@dhsv.org.au or Dana Pyne: danap@vaccho.com.au. *caries - decay and crumbling of a tooth or bone.
www.facebook.com/VACCHO
How can ACCHOs thrive, survive and maintain their culture?
ACCHO CEOs met in December 2013 to address current challenges including changes to funding. Here, finance specialist Tim Flowers discusses Individualised funding and how it will affect our sector
Following on from the two-day Sector Sustainability Workshop we hosted last December, VACCHO is now inviting CEOs and Chairpersons to attend a second Critical CEO & Chairperson Sector Workshop to discuss opportunities and to develop a plan for Victorian ACCHOs. Workshop: Critical CEO & Chairperson Sector Sustainability Workshop Date: Tuesday 25 March 2014
The Workshop will focus on Regionalisation in Victoria, sustainability solutions and how to: •
work together and provide support to smaller Victorian ACCHOs
•
continue the development of a long-term sustainability action plan for our sector.
For further information, please phone Jaynaya Williams on 03 9411 9411 or email: jaynayaw@ vaccho.com.au
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm Venue: Hemisphere Conference Centre and Hotel 488 South Road, Moorabbin
“The percentage of Aboriginal people going from year 12 to uni has increased from 22% to 40% in the past five years”
6
Follow us@VACCHO_org VACCHO NEWS Spring 2013
RETWEET FAVORITES VACCHO NEWS Spring 2013 28 28
6
Profile on VACCHO’s Internship Glenn Milliken shares his inspiring road to educational success Story by Glenn Milliken “I have a goal to reach my dream to work for
an elite Sports Club as a leading Physiotherapist.
But the road hasn’t been an easy one!”
of Physiotherapy. Even though I was accepted into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy I struggled to pass. It was a culture the amount of study and course-load that a
Milliken and I’m a Kamilaroi man from NSW, born and raised on the
medical degree entails! The course selectors thought that I was set up
Mornington Peninsula,
to fail. However, I stuck
Victoria. I started my
at it and persisted with all
health career journey
the determination I had.
in 2010 at Monash University. In completing high school, I did not get the entry score needed for the Physiotherapy course,
to n’t that it is lf e s y m from o come t le ib . s impos d in life e e c c u s tom to self the bot d to my e v o r p u f all I that yo Most o n io s s my pa riven through ated, d iv t o m be very need to luate e a v e lf and se your o reach t e v o m goals.”
get a place in a Bachelor
shock – not to mention
Hi my name is Glenn
“I proved
In 2012 I fought hard to
so I started a Bridging
I wanted to prove the course selectors wrong – that Indigenous students are equal enough to pass. To do this I worked closely
Program in a Bachelor
with my physiotherapy
of Sport and Outdoor Recreation and Education.
teachers who were constantly analysing my study patterns and
To reach my goal of getting into Physiotherapy, I decided to move to a clinical course at the end of
suggested ways on how I could improve on sitting my exams and submitting my
2010, called a Bachelor of
assignments. My teachers
Health Sciences and also
were such fantastic support
entered into the Indigenous
and taught me how to
Tutorial Assistance
critically and constructively
Scheme (ITAS), which
analyse my performance
helps Indigenous students
and set me up on my
to improve their grades, work ethic and study habits.
educational journey. CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
VACCHO NEWS Spring 2013
7
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) now in effect
FROM PAGE FIVE
from. Being connected to my Aboriginality has been one of the most rewarding experiences to come out of my personal development as an Intern at
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule? The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a dental benefits program for eligible children aged 2-17 years providing up to $1,000 in benefits to the child for basic dental services. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or a relevant Australian Government benefit payment.
VACCHO. Since joining CareerTrackers I have spoken and networked With the guidance and support
with several CEOs, health
of a motivated and driven tutor
professionals, Practice
through ITAS I worked really long
Managers, VACCHO managers,
hours, sometimes 10 hours a day, seven days a week. I just passed my first year of pressure in 2012 with exam re-sits – yet
Type of services covered
I still wanted to make sure I
Services that receive a benefit under the Schedule include examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures. As with the Medicare Teen Dental Plan, the payment of benefits under the CDBS will be administered through the Department of Human Services.
with everyone else. Then last
Who can bill/claim? Any CDBS services provided by a dental hygienist, dental therapist, oral health therapist or dental prosthetist must be billed under the Medicare provider number of the supervising dentist or dental specialist.
Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Item numbers for billing/claiming The Dental Benefits Schedule of item numbers can be found in the Guide to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule online at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ main/publishing.nsf/Content/ childdental/$File/Guide-toCDBS-v2.pdf More information is available on the Department of Human Services Website: http://www.medicareaustralia. 8 VACCHO NEWS Spring 2013 gov.au/provider/index.jsp
of who I am and where I come
was up there in the grades year I proved that I could do it. I reached an average mark of
staff and community members. They have taught me so much about preparing for the future and investing in myself as a health professional. A major concept that I will take into my future is creating your own success – in terms of work
70% and received an Academic
ethic, and one quote that stood
Excellence Award at my Career
out came from a manager who
Trackers Gala Dinner.
told me, “failure is the fertiliser to
I proved to myself that it isn’t impossible to come from the bottom to succeed in life. Most of all I proved to myself through my passion that you need to be motivated, driven and selfevaluate every move to reach your goals. I am now undergoing my fifth year in University and my third year of Physiotherapy. During my University degree I started an Internship at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) through the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program of which I have gained so much knowledge on Aboriginal Health, particularly in physiotherapy and professional development. I have visited some of the Victorian ACCHOs,
success, to be the best you have to work for the best and that I’ve learnt my biggest lessons by things I didn’t want to hear”. I am now at the Monash Medical Centre as an Aboriginal Health Assistant in the Physiotherapy Department and currently gaining work experience in the field of Sports Physiotherapy with the Richmond Football Club. If I could give some inspiration to others out there, it is to never give up on your future dreams or goals and to have a high work ethic and strive yourself to success. If you haven’t reached it yet or barriers come in the way, stop sit back and analyse why. Seek help of where and how you can improve to get to where
community, attended events
you want to be in life, because
and gained more of a sense
nothing is impossible.
Good news on the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations
It’s not often we get good news about cancer,
Indigenous males and females aged 12-13 years.
vaccinations being rolled out in schools give
HPV vaccine until the end of 2014 as part of a catch-up
but there’s good news about HPV. The free HPV young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males and females the chance at the best possible
protection from HPV-related cancers and disease. HPV is a common virus that affects men and women. It can cause cancers and genital warts in both males and females and can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The HPV vaccination program
Males aged 14-15 years are also able to get the free program. In some remote areas, the vaccine will also be available in community health clinics. For full protection against HPV-related cancers and disease, three doses of the HPV vaccine are needed over six months. The vaccine has been tested to make sure it’s safe for young males and females and more than 7
in schools has been successful in lowering rates of
million doses have been distributed in Australia to date.
genital warts, and early results suggest it will lead to
A great set of resources are available for young males
lower rates of cervical and other cancers that affect males and females. The HPV vaccine is available free in schools to young
and females, which include a comic, posters, a flyer, audio translations and digital resources that can easily be downloaded from http://hpv.health.gov.au/
Global Village is Free! AIDS2014 20-25 July, Melbourne Convention Centre
VACCHO will be coordinating the Indigenous peoples networking zone. Learn more about how we can keep our communities safe from HIV and care for mob living with HIV. This is a great chance learn and share from International Indigenous HIV advocates and community members from across the globe. Other groups who will be represented include, gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM), migrants, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV, people who use drugs, prisoners, sex workers, transgender community, women and young people. Activities will include: short films, fashion shows, music, cultural dances, discussion forums, workshops, Q & A sessions, art displays, art and craft sales, and much more! For more information, contact Kat in the VACCHO Sexual Health Team on 9411 9411. VACCHO NEWS Summer 2014
9
Indigenous HIV Pre-conference First time held in Australia on Eora land
17-19 July Darling Harbour, Sydney All keynote speakers and presenters will be Indigenous! 250 First Nations people from around the world will be sharing their experiences and knowledge. Topics covered: HIV, STIs, testing, treatment, prevention, sex work, injecting drugs, caring for Aboriginal people living with HIV.
Learn more about how we can keep our communities safe from HIV and care for mob living with HIV. Aboriginal Health Workers and youth workers are encouraged to participate.
$100 registration You can register here http://www.indigenoushivaids2014.com/ Or contact Kat in the VACCHO Sexual Health Team for more information, on 9411 9411
10
VACCHO NEWS Spring 2013
Short courses available in April at VACCHO’s Education and Training Unit Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Mental health first aid is the help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. This course teaches members of the public how to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Date 7 - 8 April Duration 9:00am – 4.45pm Location VACCHO, 17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood, 3066 Cost $450.00 plus GST * Places are limited. Includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
Cultural Safety Training Cultural safety is about providing quality services that fit within the familiar cultural values and norms of the person accessing the service. These values and norms may differ from your own and/or the dominant culture. This course enhances the capacity to improve program policy design and the delivery of culturally safe services to Aboriginal people.
Date 15 April Duration 10.00am – 2.30pm Location VACCHO, 17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood, 3066 Cost $250.00 plus GST * Places are limited. Includes a light lunch.
All participants who complete the course will receive comprehensive resources and a Certificate of Participation. If you would like to organise a short course for your organisation, have any questions, or require any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact Sam Paxton on samp@vaccho.com.au or 03 9411 9411.
In conversation with Will Austin At our last Members meeting in 2013, young Ballarat leader Will Austin (Gunditjmara) spoke about his role in the R U OK? Community Conversations campaign. You can watch his interview with Craig Holloway, VACCHO’s Social, Emotional and Wellbeing Team Leader on our Youtube channel here youtube.com/user/VACCHOinc
VACCHO NEWS Summer 2014
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VACCHO Board of Directors Jason B. King: Chairperson Marcus Clarke: Vice Chairperson Andrew Gardiner: Executive Member Janice Huggers: Executive Member Rudolf Kirby: Executive Member Kevin Williams: Executive Member Daphne Yarram: Executive Member
stories | IDEAS | FEEDBACK
Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your stories and ideas.
VACCHO Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Aboriginal Community Elders Services Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative Cummeragunja Housing & Development Aboriginal Corporation Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association Kirrae Health Services Inc. Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Service Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association
17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood VIC 3066 P 03 9411 9411 F 03 9411 9599 E enquiries@vaccho.org.au
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If you would like to give us story ideas or comment on our newsletter please contact our Communications Officer Taloi Havini on 03 9411 9411 or on communications@vaccho.com.au.
• Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation Co-operative • Mallee District Aboriginal Services • Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre • Swan Hill & District Aboriginal Co-operative • Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc. • Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation • Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative • Ngwala Willumbong Cooperative • Njernda Aboriginal Corporation • Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation • Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Services • Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation
VACCHO News Summer 2014