2008-2009 Annual Report [PDF 2 MB]

Transcription

Grampians Community Health History &
Philosophy Base
Grampians Community Health Philosophy
psychosocial health in line with a Social
Nexus developed in Horsham to meet a
is grounded in the Ottawa Charter for
Model of Health philosophy including the
need young people had expressed in 1999
Health Promotion (WHO 1986), the Jakarta
social determinants of health as stated in
after the closure of another youth project,
Convention (WHO 1996) and the Health
the Ottawa Charter. GCH is embedded
Banjo’s. It now provides an opportunity for
Development Paradigm (Social Model of
in and operates from a number of sites
young people in and around the Wimmera
Health)
servicing primarily the local government
to participate in the development of
areas of Northern Grampians Shire, Rural
services and recreational activities in a
City of Ararat, Pyrenees Shire and Horsham
supportive, safe & innovative environment.
These philosophies allow our staff
to ensure access for everyone in the
community to health information, personal
Rural City.
In May 2009 GCHC became Grampians
skill development, empowerment of
Balgartnie joined GCH in 1996 as a
Community Health – a company limited by
the individual, community collaborative
Psychiatric Support Service – it has
guarantee.
ventures, personal resilience and selfresponsibility embedded in a caring
since broadened its role to encompass
rehabilitation and sub regional outreach.
Staff at the Centre work in many areas
including: Drug & Alcohol Counselling
framework of non-judgemental acceptance
Palm Lodge joined GCH in 2002. Palm
& Withdrawal services, Social Work,
of the diversity of individuals in the
Lodge has been in existence since 1976,
Community Nursing, Community
community.
first as a residential rehabilitation unit for
Psychiatric, Youth Work, Supported
Our History in Brief:
people with a substance abuse problem
Accommodation, Family Violence,
and more recently as a counselling & health
Community Development, Health
Grampians Community Health (GCH)
promotion unit for substance abuse, family
Promotion and Education, Palliative Care
formerly Grampians Community Health
violence & housing support and gambling
and complex service delivery for Senior
Centre Inc, has operated since 1986 and
problems.
Adults, people with disabilities and their
provides a multi-disciplinary approach to
Pause Day – staff wellbeing
Nexus joined GCH in November 2005.
carer’s.
Index
Chairperson’s Report.............................................................................2
Grampians Community Health - OH&S Report 2009.......................37
CEO’s Report.........................................................................................3
GPPCP Report......................................................................................38
Grampians Community Health Organisational
2008 Presidents Report for Grampians Group of Heart Beat..........40
Chart 2009.......................................................................................... 4-5
Strategic Plan 2008 -2013 Executive Summary...................................6
Report against the Quadruple Bottom Line 2008-09 ........................7
Awards....................................................................................................8
Reports
Administration Team.............................................................................9
Community Health Promotion 2008-09.............................................11
Direct Care Programs Manager..........................................................15
Counselling Team Report 2008-09.....................................................16
Gambling Alcohol & Other Drugs Report 2009................................19
Housing and Family Violence Team Annual Report 08/09...............22
Helen & Kerrie – Women’s Health Planning
Youth Team Report..............................................................................24
Extended Care Programs Manager Report......................................26
Carer Respite & Support Services......................................................27
Central Grampians Community Care Options..................................31
Balgartnie AGM 2009..........................................................................36
This report was produced by Jill MIller and Kerry Heinrich, Lorraine Nicholson and staff at Grampians Community Health in conjunction
with David Linley of Grampians Print and Design. Cover design JACPEA Graphic Design. Printed on Recycled Paper.
2008-2009 Grampians Community Health - Annual Report
1
Chairperson’s Report GCHC 2009
During such
Campus, to become the Stawell Health
for their dedication to the organisation and
a dynamic
& Community Centre has also been the
guidance to me since I joined the Board
period of
focus of much of our deliberations and
in 2007. It has been a very enlightening
change
the fostering of sector partnerships. On
period; your depth of engagement with
for the
completion this facility will provide holistic
this fascinating organisation has made my
organisation,
– one stop shop - health and community
time with Grampians Community Health a
at the end of
services for Stawell and the broader region.
delight.
As part of our Board meetings we have
Congratulations to CEO Jill Miller and
travelled throughout the service region,
all members of Staff, including our
the financial
year, we
pause to
reflect on
visiting our numerous sites in Ararat, Stawell
2008-09 with
and Horsham. These visits have provided
a heightened sense of achievement and
great insight to the Board, most notably the
unfinished business. The Boards dedication
complex nature of the services provided by
to the vision and sustainability of the
Grampians Community Health across the
organisation underpins this challenging
region.
journey. We endeavor to be responsible in
achieving our goals for the future, always
mindful of our dedicated staffs’ wellbeing,
I would like to take this opportunity to
auspiced programs in recognition of their
outstanding commitment to the multidisciplinary approach to the provision
of psychosocial health services in the
Grampians region.
David Francis
GCH Chair
recognize the voluntary Board members
and the community needs and aspirations.
Board of Management
2008-2009
Board Buddy to
GCHC Teams
David Francis – Chairperson
Community Care Options
Janet Hall
Community Development
Barry Curtis
Counselling
The Boards actions are guided by the three
Margo Sietsma
Housing & Family Violence
strategic priorities of - development &
Liz McCourt
Youth
Joy Ambrose
Carer Respite & Support Services
Tanya Barnes
Gambling Alcohol & Drug Services
Kel Campbell
Administration
David Phipps
Underpinning the decisions of the Board
is the Strategic Plan 2008-2013, which was
the centrepiece of our planning actions in
2008-09. Grampians Community Health
has extended its outlook for the future to
five years; after 22 years of operation we
felt legitimacy in expanding our horizon.
delivery of quality services, programs and
projects - excellence & leadership in all
fields of endeavour and ensuring the needs
of our community will be met.
We trust our responses in 2008-09 to
these strategic priorities will provide the
foundation to Grampians Community
Health for decades to come.
Through the overwhelming support of our
Members, the transition to a Company
provides stability for our future. The
ongoing redevelopment of the Gold Reef
2
CEO’s Report 2009
“Life is really simple but
we insist on making it
complicated” – Confucius
work being carried out and partnerships
Much of the individual client work at GCH
formed. GCH has a Social Recovery Team
is not well known as such work cannot
with around 40 staff trained. We hope to
be spoken about for fear of accidentally
never have to use it again in our localities
identifying someone – a problem for those
for fire.
agencies working in rural areas.
There we
Right at the start I would like to thank
Our work also looks at community
were at GCHC
people for simplifying this complicated
happily going
structures and issues that would seem
year - Kerry Heinrich for her amazing ability
about business,
tangential to health but are very much part
to stay relatively calm throughout a year
ever changing
of why people suffer ill health. For instance
of writing, legal issues, building issues,
a lack of adequate sustainable housing
reviewing, recasting, renaming and so much
is an important indicator of both mental
more. Without her on the other side of the
and physical ill health – that is not to say
office door – it would have been a different
that people who have inadequate housing
and interesting.
Somewhere
during the
year it became
complicated
year.
are unwell but rather to say that a lack of
when it didn’t
Other people who have done the hard yards
adequate housing can make you ill both
really have to.
whist we converted to a charitable company,
physically and mentally. The research world
registered with DHS for services we already
wide now is so much more sophisticated
provide, engineered a new strategic plan for
and shows that housing, the ability to
the future till 2013 and worked through the
have fresh food choices, income levels,
endless building issues have been the Board
employment opportunities, social supports,
– led by David Francis until he left and then
loneliness and substance misuse are often
registered with DHS for primary care service
David Phipps – have been extraordinary.
more powerful concepts for good health
provision. Along the way we dropped
They have kept the focus and their attention
outcomes even than having a hospital in
the Centre from our name as we are now
to detail, in a year where detail has been
your community. All these things are able
working over six sites. We have a committed
extra important, has been great.
to be changed both as individuals and as
Both MSG & CORE have needed to ensure
a community. Tolerance of difference and
the work of GCH carried on improving all
understanding should mean that no one in
the time. They have exceeded the targets
our community should have to be isolated
set for us by all funding sources which in
and lonely and therefore be on the path
itself is great but also with many quality
way to poorer mental or physical health
improvements along the way.
state.
To the staff at GCH who have lived with
Other GCH work includes promoting policy
uncertainty and postponed moves to our
changes through to the physical changes
new head quarters – I thank you for you
necessary to keep our communities healthy.
tolerance, quality service provision and
As well as this we work in more traditional
Stawell Medical Centre, St John of God
good humour – you remain a group of
health & illness prevention – nurses,
Pathology and Grampians Psych Services.
people I feel privileged to work with.
psychologists, counsellors, case managers.
GCH participated in a weekly evening
As in past years the reports in this Annual
meeting in Melbourne to assist in planning
Report are well worth the read – they show
for the recovery of the 7th Feb Fires for
the type and depth of the work done by
So, complicated or simple, GCH is still
many months. Locally our ongoing work in
the staff whilst we walk along side our
an interesting and ever changing but
fire & disaster recovery has seen much extra
communities.
thoroughly enjoyable place to work.
It’s also been
a quick year
with so much
achieved as GCH successfully moved from
an association to a charitable company
bunch of Members of GCH – people who
are interested in governance and how GCH
operates and a great bunch of the Friends
of GCH who are interested in whole health
and social issues determining health.
The upgrading of buildings and other
resources including the new project in
Stawell have taken much time and energy
of many people inside GCH including our
partners in the Stawell project – Stawell
Regional Health, Wimmera Uniting Care,
But all our staff work with that broad
concept of health in mind.
3
Grampians Community Health
Organisational Chart 2009
C o m m u n i t y
MSG includes CEO, Programs, Finance & Resource Managers.
Core Group includes MSG plus Team Managers.
GCHC Corporate Services, Marketing, Community Development & Health Promotion
Health
Promotion
Cleaners
Koori
Health
Data
Manager
Rural
Access
Library
Community
Health
Nurses
Community
Health
Promotion
Manager
Finance
Team
Finance and
Strategic
Business
Manager
Reception
All Sites
Admin Team
Manager
Site
Contacts
IT Manager
Facilities & Technology Manager
BOARD of Management
4
Exec.
Admin
c o m m u n i t y
GCH Client Services
EACH
Dementia
Siblings
Group
EACH
Frail
Aged
Home
Based
Outreach
Volunteer
Programs
Dementia
Specific
Kids
Family
Care
Care @
Home
Dementia
Package
BRAG
Palliative
Care
Employed
Carers
Psych
Housing
Hospital
To Home
Ageing
Carers
Acquired
Brain
Injury
Chronic
Illness
Home
Grampians
Pyrenees
Primary Care
Partnership
Contact
Agency
Rural
Outreach
Division
Social
Support
Recovery
Nexus
ABI
A&Dl
Men’s
Behaviour
Change
FV
Fax Back
ABI + plus
Bali Club
Youth
Counsellor
Community
Withdrawal
Creative
Arts
Program
Intensive
Case
Management
Men As
Carer’s
Balgartnie
Support
Service
School
Focused
Youth
Gamblers
Help
FV
Counselling
FV
Network
Young
Carers
Carer
Support
A&OD
Youth
0.05
Offencers
Courses
Family
Counselling
Indigenous
Family
Violence
CACP’s
Disability
Carer’s
Seniors
Program
Drug
Diversion
Youth
Drug
Diverson
Program
Counselling
for
Seniors
Supported
Accomm. &
Assistance
Linkages
Carer
Respite
Community
Psychiatric
Nurste
Tribal
Youth
Alcohol
& Other
Counsellors
Social
Workers &
Counsellors
Family
Violence
Community
Psychiatric
Team
Youth
Programs
Team
Gambling
& Drug
Services Team
Counselling
Team
Housing
and
FV Team
and
Carer’s Respite & Support Teams
Extended Care Programs Manager
CEO
Direct Care Programs Manager
Central Grampians & Wimmera & Sub Regions of DHS
COMMUNITY Membership
5
Strategic Plan 2008 – 2013 Executive Summary
A Living Evolving Document
Vision
Vibrant & Healthy
Communities
Extended Vision
GCH, in collaboration with the communities
we serve, will provide excellence &
Key Priority Areas:
Principles:
What we will do to
achieve our vision
Values that already
underpin GCH’s work:
Development & Delivery
of quality sustainable
services, programs &
projects
Access for All
Client & Staff Wellbeing
Excellence & Leadership
in all
leadership in the development & delivery
of primary health care & community
services. GCH will facilitate the achievement
of healthy living for all throughout the
Grampians/Wimmera.
GCH fields of endeavour
Ensure the Needs of our
Community are met
PLUS
Community & Consumer
Involvement
Environmental
responsibility
GCHC Aims & Objects
Quality Organisation
Social Justice
Key Strategic Goals:
The main outcomes we will seek to achieve
Development and delivery of
quality sustainable services
programs and projects
Excellence & Leadership in
all GCH fields of endeavour
by:
Ensuring the Needs of our
community will be met by:
6
Undertaking service development in key areas aimed at optimising the health & well
being of individuals through to communities, utilising a strength building approach
based on engagement & respect.
Strengthening the capacity of GCH to ensure the sustainability of the services, programs
& projects developed.
Providing leadership in developing a quality service using health promotion, early
intervention, partnerships, service coordination & program evaluation whilst maintaining
respect for client choice.
Benchmarking and subjecting GCH to rigorous external evaluation to ensure quality and
excellence.
Identifying & responding to community needs & trends for service delivery, programs &
projects, matching those with government and other funding source policy.
Enshrining a process of meaningful community/ membership involvement & consultation
at all levels of GCH – Programs/Projects, Teams, Management & Board with a respectful
bias toward minority groups in our community.
Report against the Quadruple Bottom Line 2008 09
Quadruple Bottom
Line – Social/ Ethical,
Environmental, Quality,
Financial & Infrastructure
Sustainability..
Social & Ethical
Client & Staff Care:
GCH has moved further into ensuring that
water – both an environmental and a cost
saving.
The team investigated alternate power
sources.
The team have been involved in the green
aspects of the new development in Stawell.
GCH practices Reduce, Reuse, Recycle &
Regenerate through the guidance of the
Green Team internally.
clients have all aspects of their well being
attended to with new versions of The First
Step Starts with You. This covers living with
stresses, healthy eating and moderate
exercise.
GCH applied for, and was granted, a best
practice grant for innovations for our
Intake service coupled with funds for Men’s
Behavioural Change Intake funds.
Our annual Winter Reflection with Prof
Yoland Wadsworth – evaluation and action
research – continues with benefits for all.
GCH’s Ethics Committee is connected to
Moves to contrast GCH practice with the
WHO Social Determinants of Health.
Ongoing - the work of GCH staff towards
Quality
QICSA
Client/ Carer/ family participation in all
been added to the team for ongoing and
GCH Green Team did an audit on the
internal use of bottled water, submitting a
proposal to both the Board & Core. This
has resulted in GCH converting back to tap
art, youth, drama and meeting spaces for
the community, offices, consulting and
treatment rooms, health promotion shop
fronts and café and a lot more. It remains an
exciting project.
GCH – meetings are being held with the
landlord – Ararat Rural City.
GCH currently holds full accreditation until
2010.
for the community.
GCH has just achieved a pass for the mid
term review in QICSA – this means we have
achieved against the tasks set in the last full
review.
alterations to accommodate co-location
Much work has been done in the risk
management and compliance areas of GCH
since the full review.
enhanced the delivery of their services
located services allowing for better access
Nexus has had some well thought out
there too and a repaint of the exterior to
update the image.
Balgartnie renovations and additions have
enormously.
GCH IT connectivity is ensuring better
outcomes and time management.
Financial & Infrastructure
Sustainability.
See Audited Business and Finance Report
attached to this Annual Report.
23 David St
Horsham
Ruby House
Stawell
mandated monthly debriefing for staff.
Environmental
Green Team
will be ready for use in 2010. It will house
Horsham sites now have a number of co
decision making and care planning – 100%.
Extra external Clinical Psychologists have
development of the old Gold Reef Campus
Continuous quality improvement
accreditation
assisting clients to return to optimal health
& mental health.
Buildings: Completion of the $20M
High St in Ararat remains a difficulty for
Flinders University for consultation and
training.
Infrastructure:
Nexus Youth
Centre
Horsham
25 David St
Horsham
Video conferencing facilities are now
available in Ararat, Stawell & Horsham
GCH fleet has now undergone an almost
complete renewal program
High Street
Ararat
Balgartnie
Ararat
Wimmera St
Stawell
Project in
development stage
- Stawell Health &
Community Centre
7
Awards
Honoured Colleagues
Helen Smith.
Helen has been a tireless worker for others.
Around 1986/87 Helen started working
with Grampians Community Health as the
volunteer, volunteer coordinator with Kath
Richard. Together they started the Do Care
and Volunteer Car programs. The position
went on to attract funding and as Helen
travelled often then she did not apply for
the job. Helen became involved in the craft
Grampians Community Health is proud
Dorothy Williams
Commenced:
16/7/1999
that staff often stay with us for a good
Dorothy is one of the main stays of the
part of their working life – and sometimes
Care@Home program. This is her second
even become volunteer staff with us after
time with us, firstly with GAP for a number
they leave - we value and respect the
of years, then a time away from us and now
accumulated wisdom, mentoring of new
10 years with Care@Home. She makes
staff and the quality of work they carry
herself available for all sorts of situations
out. We value them as “keepers of the
that others might some times avoid – it’s
philosophy”, the humour and the cultural
because she has a depth of humanity
aspects of GCH.
about her that is hard to equal. Dorothy has
Long Service – 10 years or
more.
group in Stawell which moved into the
newly renovated Wimmera St Community
mentored others in Care@Home and acted
acted as the organiser in what is a very
Helen Giles
Commenced: 7/5/1999
democratic group of people. The group has
Helen is just Helen and we love her for
Centre in 1989/90. Since then Helen has
met consistently since then – some 20 years
co habiting with GCH.
That over 20 years of work done by Helen in
a voluntary capacity.
Joy Ambrose
that – Helen was an important part of the
development of the Carer Respite Centre,
being one of the original Carer Support
Workers, and the way in which GCH cares
for the care givers in our community.
Helen moved to the Community
Development Team after attending a
Joy has been part of GCH since the time
conference in CD work – the conference
she was the State President for the Carer’s
injected a sparkle of endless possibilities for
Association Victoria. Back then we felt
the work she could do.
privileged to have her in our area as we
Helen’s extra curricular activities provide
knew that carer’s needed support through
an insight to the Helen with in – she
the work we were doing with the Linkages
loves drama and singing (being part of
program. We consulted the local guru for
the Kaleidoscope group in Stawell) and
Carer’s and she was very generous with her
embracing parenting full on.
in the leadership of the program for time to
time.
Andrew Muller
Commenced: 16/9/1999
He’s a bloke who runs the blokes program
at Balgartnie. Andrew is always where
the action is – if it moves he’s part of it no
matter how fast. Andrew is very versatile
from shed building to speed boats – he can
make things happen. Andrew, like many
staff at GCH, has explored life along the
way. It’s always an interesting journey in the
action person.
time – and always has been – even though
at the time she was caring for her husband
and mother. Joy later was elected to the
Board of Management of GCH. Despite
health issues her attendance was high and
she had great insight to all of our Carer and
Community Care options programs.
It remained a privilege to work with her.
Karen Peacock
Commenced: 7/6/1999
Karen joined us to look after a lovely lady
through Care@Home and has done so ever
since. Karen is just simply a lovely person
who extends her care to many people both
paid and unpaid. The people she has cared
for just love her – she is always there for
them, concerned and caring.
8
Administration Team
Vision Statement
“To provide a professional non-judgemental and friendly first point of contact that
enhances relations with the community and other service providers. To think creatively
and laterally to solve client needs whilst working to a high level of confidentiality.
Enhance further development of all aspects of quality assurance throughout the
organisation.”
The Admin Team:
Tania McKenzie
– Administration Manager
Launa Schilling
– Administration Team Leader
Kerry Heinrich
– Executive Administration Support
Leanne Clark
– Reception Ararat
Louise Francis
Kay Cadzow
Jeff Parson
– Data Coordinator & Payroll Officer
Lorraine Nicholson
– Receptionist/Admin Support Stawell
Kerrie Skene
–
Receptionist Stawell
Lyn Archibald
– Receptionist Stawell
Leanne Bell
–
Receptionist Horsham
Carolyn Dumesny
– Receptionist Horsham
Joy Walter
–Receptionist/Admin Support Horsham
2006-2007 Grampians Community Health Centre - Annual Report
9
Administration Team
(continued)
Highlights:-
Areas for Celebration:-
Future Directions:-
As always the past year has seen many
achievements for the Administration
team at GCH:
There have been many changes within
the Admin Team, as sites have become
busier we have increased Admin hours
which have seen Lorraine able to come
out of reception for the most part. This
has meant she can help and support
Kerry in her role and has made workloads
more manageable. Horsham has gone
from two receptionists to four, Launa
has had more time for her team leader
role and Joy has been able to offer
additional support to management in
Horsham. Ararat has increased to three
receptionists; all this has had a positive
effect on the team and brought an array
of new talents to draw on.
Our major focus for the next twelve
months will revolve around the move to
our new building in Patrick Street. The
team have been discussing the logistics
of this move for some time now and
how the other sites can support the
workload from Stawell to make the move
as smooth as possible. Horsham will also
be undergoing some renovations to their
reception area.
Continued improvements of Reception
systems
Continued training for Administration
Staff
Team Building Day
Fish Day and Pause Day
Professional development is vital to
the quality of the service delivery for
the whole organisation; the team will
continue to improve their skills through
ongoing training during the next twelve
months to support the organisations
commitment to training, development
and self care.
Tania McKenzie
Administration Manager
10
Community Health Promotion 2008-2009
Community Health
Promotion Team
or groups. Please keep coming and talking
we were very proud to bring the play
to us.
“6 degrees of Diabetes” staring Alan
I would like to acknowledge the whole
Hopgood to Stawell. This was a men’s
team for their dedication, hard work
health night held at David O Jones Mitre
and desire to make a positive difference
10. We worked in conjunction with Diabetes
to our community. Their ability to be
Victoria. The play was well received by the
flexible, adapt to change quickly and the
60 men who attended, as was the BBQ,
support they give to community members,
question time with our local GP Dr Meg
partnerships and each other. These traits
Shannon and health checks. The men have
are obvious in their stories from some of
expressed that they enjoy these type of
the many projects that our team has been
events.
involved with over the past year. I hope you
In September after a few years break we
take the time to read and enjoy
worked in partnership to bring the Reading
health.
I would like to give a special thank you
of the Land Festival back to town. This was
to our wonderful Team Leader, Gilda
a fabulous week of events in and around
This year the team has
McKechnie, who provided myself and the
our community predominantly about the
team with constant support during difficult
land and our environment. I was involved in
times and was never too busy to take the
the community group’s expo. I have since
time to provide positive feedback to all of
developed some of those relationships and
us.
was impressed with the variety of groups
This year the Community Health Promotion
Team experienced much change, change
in the way we work, change in our
organisation and changes that are affecting
our communities. Throughout these
changes the common goal to encourage
acceptance, health and wellbeing for every
member in our community was never
lost, and is reflected by our work and the
ability to maintain true to our underlying
philosophy of the social determinants of
• Delivered preventive health messages
to 247 different community groups
• Worked with over 4500 different
members of the community
• Consulted members of our community
completing 800 surveys on a range of
topics relating to their hopes, concerns
and fears that affect our health
Jules Walker
Manager Community Health Promotion
and number of dedicated people who make
those groups happen.
I have been involved with a number of
projects such as the pram walking group,
Our Team
International Women’s day, and working
Gilda McKechnie – Team Leader and Rural
with in partnerships to bring special events
There have been many highlights this year,
Access Co-ordinator
to the community.
too many to note, but the Community
Jill Miller – Our Health Promotion Guru
Specialised training with the Family
Health Promotion team has many reasons
Launa Schilling – Health Promotion
Violence team has enabled me to work as a
to be proud of ourselves and proud of the
Helen Giles – Health Promotion
co facilitator presenting training packages
community we live in. Every member of our
Suzie Hamilton – Indigenous Health
in the community and making “Family
team brings with them passion, kindness,
Promotion
Violence Everybody’s Business“ – this is
experience and specialist expertise.
Bernadette Cossar – Community Health
a confronting subject however I believe
• Are active members of 33 community
and health committees.
Nurse
that we must keep raising awareness and
Our team has three main goals
Sue Fontana – Diabetes Educator
discussing the issues.
• To create positive environments where
Penny Knott – Diabetes Educator
Our team were involved in running the
Mary Barnes – Alcohol & Other drug
staff “Pause Day”. General consensus is it
Community Development
was enjoyed with particular mention to our
Kerrie Skene – Health Promotion
great cooking comp. Pause Day is about
Administration
stopping, reflecting looking after self and
people feel valued and informed
• To encourage open and positive
communication in partnerships
• To provide a service that encourages
walking the talk.
participation in improving health and
Health Promotion in Stawell/Ararat
I have been working in a small way with
We welcome all ideas, from anyone in the
I write my report this year with a new
Grandparents in our region. This is a
community and love the opportunity to
enthusiasm and excitement about things
wonderful group of people who are so
advocate, facilitate or support individuals
going on in our community. Last year
often overlooked and dare I say it taken for
well being
11
Community Health Promotion 2008-2009
(continued)
Other activities include
granted. My role is to bring awareness of
the results were very positive. Based on
these grandparents with particular emphasis
surveys the recommendations were the
on those caring for their grandchildren full
Youth and Community Bus would provide
Horsham Art Gallery Project
time with very little support. I take my lead
significant benefit to the Wimmera and
Chronic Disease Reference Group
form the group.
Grampians community. Enabling access to
Careers Expo
Perhaps my greatest delight has been my
and provision of a range of services across
Presentations at Schools, Community &
involvement with the Stawell Community
a wide geographic area and demographic
Sporting Clubs
Garden. This is indeed true community
which currently presents major challenges
Biggest Morning Tea
development. A group of dedicated
and issues. The bus would enable
No Tobacco Day Promotion
volunteers who want to make change and
flexibility of service, social and community
International Women’s Day
bring joy to many people. The garden is
interventions that can be initiated and the
Stress Talks
starting to take shape with so many things
promotion of community good-will and
going on. It has been a vision of one Stawell
social benefits. In October we plan to have
resident Edna Osborn for 5 years; we have
been able to help bring it to fruition.
a launch of our results and hopefully attract
attended some training and have been
Horsham North Engagement
There are many exciting projects happening
asked to lead some small groups watch this
in the Horsham North area, with the
space!
Horsham Community Action Centre as the
Helen Giles – Health Promotion Stawell /
drivers for the Horsham North Community
Ararat
Health Promotion in the
Wimmera
festival that was very successful.
We continued to run the successful after
This promotion went great with, Poetry
participants to be very active and
participated well in the programs. We are
always looking for new participants so
please contact us
Prevalence of diabetes by
population in Northern
Grampians Region
we also participated in Northfest, a family
Drug Action Week
participating. We found the young
Health Promotion Workers Wimmera
Garden and Creative Play Space This year
Active After Schools Community Program
school programs with many students
Launa Schilling & Mary Barnes
sponsorship to continue the project.
My dream is to eventually lead some
community singing workshops. I have
AOD Heath Promotion Group
Competitions at Secondary Colleges and
Colouring Competitions across Grampians,
Pyrenees and Ararat Rural City Councils
Friday Night Live where we had a fantastic
response. Open days and community
education around alcohol took place.
Squash in Schools - This program continues
Health Promotion Events
Diabetes Australia’s theme for this year’s
National Diabetes Week was, “Take steps
for Diabetes” - focusing on increasing
physical activity, as a key to preventing Type
2 Diabetes. Our focus this year has been to
build up diabetes week to promote local
events and local businesses within Stawell
to grow at both primary and secondary
Wimmera Machinery Field Day
that are part of the healthy living theme.
school level. Our partnership with Victorian
Wimmera Machinery Field Days saw
Held in the Town Hall Foyer, with morning
Squash Federation has enabled many
increased collaborative partnerships with
tea, soup and rolls provided to encourage
children to participate in squash programs
other health agencies across the region.
an opportunity for those present to stay
just for fun or at a competitive level through
A great attendance to our stand of 400-
and connect with health professionals and
Junior Squash Competitions.
450 gave us an opportunity to increase
others with diabetes. The Stawell Line
Youth & Community Bus Pilot Program
the community’s knowledge around our
Dancers entertained and provided an
This year saw the close of our pilot Youth
services. We also took the opportunity to
encore, demonstrating how easy and fun
and Community Bus project. The bus
survey participants about their community
physical activity can be. Free trial of classes
was trialled in a number of shires and
needs.
was on offer for Line dancing, Tai Chi,
12
and Planet Feelgood. Nancy Gibson from
the community who may have special
Scrumlicious provided gluten free produce,
needs. This includes the funding of
and David and Edna Osborne had plants for
accessible raised garden beds with
sale and general gardening advice.
funding provided by the Disability
R&L Holmes Fruiters again, kindly donated
Partnerships and Service Planning
a box of goods, as an incentive for
Department of Human Services.
completing our questionnaire.
• The running of an Accessible Tourism
Indigenous Health
Development Women &
Children
As part of my role of Indigenous Health
Development worker I have held health
promotion sessions for Indigenous people
at Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative
Pre diabetes session Budja Budja Halls Gap
A morning tea was held at Budja Budja to
promote pre-diabetes.
Stawell Farmers Market
In conjunction with staff from Stawell
Regional; Health local physical activity
options were promoted with free samples
of healthy breakfast options of omelets,
bircher muesli, or smoothies which were
given out to emphasize the importance of
breakfast and to entice people to visit the
stand. Lettuce and spinach seedlings were
given away to raise awareness of the Stawell
Community Garden.
education and training forum held at
regarding Pre Diabetes, Diabetes,
Halls Gap for businesses across the
Cholesterol information as well as sessions
Grampians Region. This included
on good diet and exercise. As Indigenous
the launch of the ‘Missed Business’
people have a higher risk of diabetes
booklet that is a resource booklet about
and heart disease there has been a big
making businesses more inclusive and
emphasis on the continuation of promoting
accessible. Participants heard from
intervention measures for these health
a number of speakers including an
issues.
Accessible B&B operator, a Disability
I have also formed a Women’s Group that
Penny Knott Diabetes Educator
Sue Fontana Credentialled Diabetes
Educator
and the Building Law Consultant, the
Manager of Blood on the Southern
meets once per fortnight. The women’s
group has helped to break the isolation
Cross at Sovereign Hill where access/
for our indigenous women, lifted their
inclusion plans have been implemented
self esteem and gives them a chance to
and a local builder who builds
express their point of view with other
accessible accommodation.
women. It gives them a voice, and that
• Beaufort Secondary College Disability
is really important for their whole health.
Awareness Day, organised by the VCAL
The women also use artwork to express
RuralAccess
students. This is a particularly exciting
themselves. The women are encouraged
day, because the students decided
to bring along a friend whether indigenous
to organise this day themselves and
or non – indigenous as this helps with an
invited me to run one of the activities.
understanding of togetherness of people
This is the type of positive outcome
from all cultures and is a lovely way for them
that RuralAccess works towards, where
to share their culture with other people.
community members become the
The women continue to inform me
deliver projects that include:
ambassadors for raising awareness,
regarding issues concerning their own and
• Bushfire/grassfire Preparation and
ensuring that we operate as an inclusive
their family’s health and are more active in
community.
seeking services that are available to them
One of the joys of working in a
program that has a focus on community
development is the opportunity to work on
a number of diverse projects, so life is never
boring. During the past 12 months I have
worked with a number of organisations to
Awareness forums ran in Moyston,
Great Western and Halls Gap This
RuralAccess works closely with the rest
to improve their health and well being. The
project has been seen as ‘leading
of the Community Development/Health
women participate in activities and yarning
edge’ and I have presented at
Promotion team and other service providers
sessions.
Statewide meetings and for the
in the community to ensure that access
The women’s group have also created
Barwon/Corangamite CFA to help them
issues, information and inclusion is always
a Family Violence Kit called ‘Sacred
with their planning in this area. Our
high on the agenda. I sit on a number
Women’s Business’ to help support
findings have also been used to inform
of boards and conduct education and
indigenous women who are going through
the Bushfire Royal Commission.
training sessions throughout the Northern
family violence. The women and I have
Grampians, Ararat and Pyrenees Shires.
been invited to present this kit at a forum
• Input into the Stawell Community
in Melbourne. Creating this family violence
Garden to ensure that the garden is
inclusive and accessible to members of
Gilda McKechnie Coordinator
kit has been educational for the women
13
Community Health Promotion 2008-2009 (continued)
about different issues surrounding Family
Violence and it will be very rewarding to see
the finished product from months of the
women’s hard work and effort.
• Advice on Sunsmart and awareness of
changing skin conditions, information
on nutrition and referral to Dieticians.
• Women’s Health Clinics held weekly
• Men’s health advice to clients on
general health and sexual health issues
and referrals when required
• Anaphylaxis / Epipen, CPR & First
I’m also running two projects for the
for pap smears; breast self examination
Aid training to schools, hospitals,
women. They are a ‘Women’s Writing
education, menopause, safe sex and
community groups
group’, which will help the women to tell
their stories and ‘The Stolen Generation’
contraceptive education and advice.
• Bus trips are organised to the Breast
• Health assessments, pap smear clinics,
nursing for the for the aboriginal
to help support women research more
Screen Clinic for women 50-69 years of
community at Budja Budja Halls Gap,
about their family history and support
age.
GCH staff
issues from Stolen Generation. This is
extremely important to the women and will
help to enhance the learning both about
• Breast Cancer Support Group meetings
in Stawell as a nursing advisor
• Asthma Health Educator – provide
themselves and their culture to pass on to
education and information to patients
future generations.
/ carers so that they can manage their
I will continue to strive for the very best
asthma well.
care for our Indigenous people as I firmly
• Sexual health - one to one patient
support and / or group education
preventative measures taken to eliminate
on contraception, safe sex, sexually
health issues now, will have a positive
transmitted infections, sexuality and
impact for our children in the future and
pregnancy. Pregnancy testing with
and the life expectancy of Indigenous
people. Health promotion for good health
and well being is a high priority and will
continue to be a high priority for our
referrals to primary and secondary
schools on Stawell & Ararat and
community groups
• Regular visits to Ararat prison to provide
health education sessions for prisoners
believe that the more Health Promotion on
help to close the gap around poor health
• Health advice, assessments and
follow up support, advice and referrals
to GP when required
• Wound management– assessments,
and staff
• Coordinate the Baby Think it Over
program – a virtual parenting program
• Facilitator of GCH Registered Nurses
Support Group meetings
• Attend nursing related in-services on a
regular basis
Bernadette Cossar CHN
advice and referrals where necessary to
their doctor or district nurse
Indigenous community.
Suzie Hamilton
Community Health Nurse
2009 has been a busy year in the diverse
roles as Community Health Nurse at
Grampians Community Health in Stawell,
Ararat, Balgartnie and Budja Budja
Aboriginal Cooperative in Halls Gap.
What does a Community Health Nurse do?
• One on one health checks for patients
which includes a medical history, taking
blood pressure, pulse, and blood sugar
level. Patient advocacy and advice
with referral to doctors, allied health
professionals and counsellors where
required.
14
Budja Budja Women’s Group
Direct Care Programs Manager
Direct Care Programs include all the GCH
activities carried out through the GADS
Housing and Family Violence, Youth and
respond to a range of emergency situations.
A significant body of work during 2008/09
Sports Assembly and Horsham Community
Action Centre.
was around the Wimmera and Central
The Horsham GCH sites continue to
Grampians Drug and Alcohol Action
grow! David Street is ever dynamic with
Plans. We were pleased with the strong
the presence of Wimmera PCP providing
level of input to the Task Forces in both
rich opportunities for collaboration and
sub regions from representatives of key
partnership work, particularly around
agencies including Victoria Police, PCPs,
chronic disease, health promotion, and
Wimmera Health Care Group, Schools,
Gamblers Help projects. The value of
regional health services, youth services
networking with our co-located services is
As with many client focussed organisations,
etc. who engaged in lively debate and
immense – Wimmera Health Care Group,
the processes we use for intake of clients
discussion in the process of identifying
at our six GCH sites have evolved over
key issues and strategies to address the
the years alongside significant growth
most pressing AOD issues in our local
and diversity of programs and increasing
areas. We look forward to embarking on
complexity of client needs. Intake
the Implementation Phase, which will
should also reflect the expectations that
particularly focus on a cultural change
accompany new policy directions such
approach to alcohol in our communities.
Generalist Counselling Teams and as you
will read elsewhere, the work of direct
care staff touched many lives across our
region through one on one, group and
schools work and a range of community
development activities over the past 12
months.
as Dual Diagnosis Key Directions, early
intervention in chronic disease management
and integrated health promotion. GCH
continues to strive to embed a collaborative
approach in case management work while
retaining our commitment to a holistic
approach to client work. Hence we were
very excited during the past year to receive
funding for an Intake Review Project
across the agency. Project Worker Jayne
Stinton, will help us identify new strategies
to offer more streamlined service pathways
for our clients.
The chance to experience the power of
partnership work continues to be one of
the most rewarding aspects of my job. My
role has included representing GCH on
several Committees aimed at fostering
best practise in integrated service delivery
across our region, partnering with other
key agencies in forums such as the
LASN (Local Area Service Network) with
housing services, Grampians Integrated
Family Violence Committee, Grampians
Regional Dual Diagnosis Reference Group,
Grampians Gamblers Help Consortium and
Sadly our region was also impacted by
the Grampians Family Violence, Family
Black Saturday, not only because of the
Services/Child FIRST, Child Protection
Remlaw fire in Horsham which affected so
Partnership Agreement Reference Group.
many residents but also by the relocation
These important relationships are also
into our region of several people who lost
enhanced through our ongoing presence
their homes elsewhere as a result. We
on Wimmera and Central Grampians
have played an active role in the Victorian
PCP Executives and Health Promotion
Bushfire Case Management Service
Committees. An exciting new partnership
as well as being part of recovery review
project that is about to get underway is the
and planning across our whole region in
Wimmera Active Places Project, which aims
preparation for the season ahead and
to encourage regular physical activity for
beyond. GCH continues to ensure staff
young people and families and will mean
are adequately trained and prepared to
working closely with Wimmera Regional
Women’s Health Grampians, Centacare and
Pinarc are currently housed with us. Nexus
also houses great diversity of services and
we continue our valuable partnership with
Horsham Rural City Council in operating
this dynamic youth centre.
I appreciate very much the work of all
GCH staff and particularly acknowledge
Jill Miller’s support and mentoring and
the dedication of the Direct Care Program
Managers, Carol with GADS, Alois at Nexus,
Maurice with Stawell Youth, Corrina with
Housing and Family Violence and Tanya
with Counselling and also their Team
leaders, Thea, Sandra and Vicki and the
others who willingly stepping up to fill the
breach when required. The cohesion and
professionalism of staff is what makes GCH
such a rewarding organisation to work with.
Special thanks to Joy Walter in Horsham
and Kerry Heinrich in Stawell for their
endless patience and great efficiency.
Marianne Hendron
Pushover trip
15
Counselling Team Report 2008-09
Counselling Team
improving referral pathways with relevant
hence we tried to contact by letter
This year the counselling team has enjoyed
services such as financial counsellors and
alone;
the rare treat of retaining all counsellors that
providing secondary consultation. Christine
were on board at the end of last year. 2008-
has also continued to work on the Taiko
2009 brought with it many challenges, much
Drum Project delivering sessions to the
productivity and involvement in exciting
Women’s Group at Budja Budja and the
new (and old) projects. There has been a
Becoming Free Support Group providing a
response to that phone or letter contact
constant flow of new referrals covering a
valuable contribution to these programs.
- made appointments (though three (3)
wide range of complex issues.
Frank Kean (one of the Generalist
The various components of the Counselling
Counsellors based in Stawell and Ararat)
Team include:
also plays a large part in the Faxback
Generalist Counselling
Generalist Counselling at the Horsham site
remains busy with one full time diligent
counsellor, Sandra McGrath. Some
welcome relief is delivered by Clyde
Lourensz one day a week. Unfortunately the
waitlist sits consistently at 6-8 weeks. What
has become apparent also over the last
months is the increase in numbers of those
presentations considered to be ‘high risk’.
-
phone contact was achieved with twenty
two (22) of the men;
-
the result was that ten (10) men – in
never attended their appointment).
-
some of those who responded,
consequently became MBC participants.
Program- or just “Faxback” as it is more
Clearly, we have had minimal success in
commonly known. This program is
our efforts to engage these men following
collaboration between Victoria Police and
these incidents and even less success at
local agencies like Grampians Community
encouraging them to get involved in the
Health in responding to incidents of
MBC. However, we regularly review the
family violence. When police attend
process to see if there are things we can
such incidents, the details of the people
do to improve that engagement and MBC
involved are faxed through to GCH. The
uptake rate. It is a target population that
AFM (or aggrieved family member) details
presents it owns unique set of challenges
are given to our SAAP workers who make
and we will continue to strive to meet those
contact with that person; the Respondent
challenges.
We also support and participate in the
(or Perpetrator) details are sent through to
Wimmera Counsellors Group which meets
the workers involved in the Men’s Behaviour
bi-monthly at David St. Also meeting
Change program. In the great majority of
bi-monthly at David St. is the Grief and
cases the respondent is male and, having
Bereavement Professional Study Group that
received his details from the police we
is facilitated by Sandra and fully supported
endeavour to make contact to see if there is
by the Centre for Grief and Bereavement.
any support that we can offer. That support
This has been successful with interest and
comprises one-on-one counselling; or
participation from other agencies such
preferably, if possible, we encourage the
as Wimmera Uniting Care and Wimmera
man to participate in the Men’s Behaviour
Health Care Group.
Change (MBC) program.
Whilst the bulk of Christine Walker’s role has
In the nine (9) months from January 1 2009,
bushfires.
shifted to Problem Gambling, she is still a
the Stawell office had received 78 of these
valued member of our team and maintains
referrals from police. Of that 78 (some of
Drought Counselling
a generalist caseload.
whom we had received referrals before) the
Christine’s role has seen her deliver
community education to the Parkinson
outcomes were:
-
group, production of information displays
and the development of a resource manual
that can provide clients with additional
-
physical options. She has worked hard at
16
-
challenging roles, Frank generously offered
to be involved with the Victorian Bushfire
Case Manager Service in response to the
horrific fires in early 2009. This service is a
joint initiative between the Commonwealth
and the State of Victoria, the purpose of
which is to provide case management to
any individual or family that might require
information, materials, advocacy and / or
access to services as a direct result of the
Fiona Williamson has continued aptly in this
position for the duration of the year. Ruth
Griffiths also shared this position until her
half we had no success contacting either
change in roles. Both Fiona and Ruth were
by phone or letter;
involved in planning and executing Farm
three actually lived in other states or
towns;
social, educational, recreational and
In addition to the above-mentioned
Gate – an initiative devised to offer support
and information to farmers ‘on farm’ during
the period of long term drought. This
fifteen had no phone contact details
was carried out by a team of workers from
different organisations including the Rural
when needed to offer them counselling
The Becoming Free group continues to
Financial Counselling Service, Northern
as well as working from the centre. Part
offer social support to their community. The
Grampians Shire and East Wimmera Health
of Ruth’s role has included the wonderful
group recently enjoyed a weekend away in
Service providing networking, learning
experience of offering counselling support
Warrnambool enabling a strengthening of
and sharing opportunities. It proved to
at Budja Budja Co-op and being apart of
friendships.
be a worthwhile exercise and a rewarding
the Budja Budja Women’s Group. This
informative project to be involved in.
position allowed Ruth to utilise some of her
Fiona also participated in the ‘No Bull’
facilitator training in order to deliver
passions into the counselling realm such as
aromatherapy.
This year has also seen a more
consolidation of Jillian’s work with children,
both individually and within a camp context
where she was one of the facilitators of
workshops to support people in the
Ruth has also offered support facilitation to
a 4 day camp at the Glenelg River and
community who observe farmers dealing
the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
surrounds. The camp was attended by 13
with the impact of drought, experience
Group which has been formed to offer
children, ages 10 -14 years where Jillian
stress, grief and blame.
support and advocacy for this sector of the
was moved by the children’s strengths and
community that have found to be under-
resilience.
represented, isolated and under-valued.
In addition, Jillian was involved with a
This group meets once a month and gives
number of children from the Wimmera,
the members an opportunity to discuss
along with children from Ballarat in working
their issues, struggles and triumphs in a
on a resource booklet for children who are
confidential, supportive environment.
‘On the move’ as a result of homelessness
Ruth’s core work has been to continue
or family violence. It is hoped this resource
Fiona (and Tanya) in conjunction with the
Community Development Team have
provided considerable input into a new
support group at Ararat Prison. In our role
as counsellors the focus has been around
issues of self-esteem.
Senior Adult Counselling
Christina Madams has continued
successfully in the role as Senior Adult
Counsellor, providing counselling support
to adults aged 50 years and over. The
number of referrals for people in this age
range reflects not only the need within the
community for such a service but also the
offering individual ‘generalist’ counselling
as part of the counselling team that has
continued in its attempt to offer high quality
counselling support to our community,
health and wellbeing.
others facing similar situations.
Jillian is also hoping to offer a number of
creative art groups for younger children (0 –
lack of resources.
5 years) and their mothers next year as part
of further extending intervention work with
Family Violence Counselling
Family violence continues to be a
challenging area of work carried out by
this service are: depression, anxiety, grief
Jillian Gough. This past year has seen
and loss, relationship difficulties, stress, past
Jillian continually inspired, aggrieved,
abuse, adjusting to change and personal
surprised and encouraged by those she is
development, carer responsibilities /
in contact with who are dealing with the
challenges and sometimes relinquishing
consequences of violence.
Family Outreach Generalist
Counsellor – Stawell
experiences and it is their hope it will help
with high case loads, time constraints and
The presenting issues for people seeking
care of loved ones.
booklet has drawn on the children’s own
sometimes under challenging circumstances
increased awareness and acceptance of
counselling as part of a holistic approach to
will be available for use early next year. The
The annual White Ribbon Day saw the
Horsham Women’s Becoming Free Support
Group raise community awareness through
Throughout the past year Ruth Griffiths
their own stories expressed through a house
seamlessly embarked upon a change in
made out of boxes. Their project was called
roles. It has placed her in the privileged
‘Behind Closed Doors’ and was displayed
position of visiting clients in their homes
at a number of venues in Horsham.
children and their families.
Having opportunity to be involved in
facilitating some group sessions for the
Men’s Behaviour Change Program has
helped her to gain further insight and
understanding to the complex dynamics
around the issue of violence. Thanks to the
Counselling, Housing and Family Violence
and Men’s Behaviour Change teams for
their ongoing support and encouragement.
I would like to thank all team members
for their perseverance, determination
and commitment to working towards the
“optimum wellbeing for all members
of our community” – a vision shared by
17
Counselling Team Report 2008-09 (continued)
us all. It is indeed a privilege to work with
and their children. We stress the paramount
Kevan Pitcher, who was my external
such a diverse team that individually and
importance of the safety of women and
supervisor for a while when I started at
collectively bring so many special skills and
children. It is imperative that the men agree
GCH, once said to me, when I spoke to him
strengths.
to Jillian and Vicki contacting the men’s
about doing the MBC training, “If a man is
partners to address issues of safety and
standing on a cliff throwing women down
support
onto the rocks, of course it is important
Tanya Mitchell
Men’s Behavioural Change
Program 2009
We have had a number of men within
our groups express the pride they feel in
themselves as they rediscover positive
Over the past 12 months the MBC Program
elements within themselves they had long
has run 2 complete groups in Horsham and
lost touch with. We teach them about
is currently running concurrent groups in
Horsham and Stawell on alternate Tuesday
evenings. We have attempted to utilise
video conferencing with the group but
are still trying to get our heads around the
logistics of this approach, but haven’t given
up on the possibilities this could open for
the future,
Tanya Mitchell, Frank Kean and David
Henwood are now qualified as group
facilitators, and Vicki Hobbs and Jillian
Gough are the partner contact workers.
communication, the various forms of
violence and the multiple effects of these,
to treat the injuries of the women at the
base of the cliff, but surely it is of equal
importance for someone to talk to the man
on top of the cliff and find out why he is
doing it and help him to learn to stop doing
it. Thus preventing him throwing any more
women off.” That made sense to me.
connection to feelings, the impact of their
David Henwood
violence upon women and children, the
MBCP Coordinator
possibility of change, their capacity to
achieve that change and alternatives to
violence.
Most of the men in our groups have lost
their ways to some degree and have gone
down a pathway of abuse and control over
their partners and children. Most of them
are not proud of what they have become.
They try hard to understand the impacts
Our average number of enrolled
of their behaviours and the processes
participants has been 10 with 4/5 regular
required to learn and maintain new ways
attendees. We have assessed more than 30
of interacting with the people who they
men for the groups during this time, with
acknowledge they love and care about.
Team Members:
Tanya Mitchell (Team Manager)
Sandra McGrath (Team Leader)
Jillian Gough
Christina Madams
Frank Kean
Christine Walker
Ruth Griffiths
Fiona Williamson
Clyde Lourensz
around 20 seen as appropriate to the group
process, a number of others were seen
as best suited to one to one counselling.
For varying reasons some men are not
considered suitable to inclusion to the
group.
The work of facilitating Men’s Behavioural
Change Programs, while challenging, is
also very rewarding when men in the group
can clearly be observed making significant
thought and behavioural shifts. We attempt
to support the men through developing
Pause Day rock painting
an understanding of their unacceptable
behaviour and helping them to learn more
appropriate behaviours that will be mutually
beneficial for themselves, their partners
18
Gambling Alcohol & Other Drugs Team Report 2009
The past year has seen many of the Team
studying for the Cert IV in Alcohol and
Other Drugs or the Cert IV in Mental Health.
As Team Manager, I was studying the
Diploma in Management, so we all spent
many hours and weekends, typing away
madly on assignments.
We have found that our client numbers are
consistent with last year, though the wait list
in Horsham was at times up to 3 – 4 weeks.
We are seeing more complex clients these
days, with mental and physical health issues,
and are working towards better advocacy
for clients with mental health issues through
the Dual Diagnosis model of intervention
in partnerships with Horizons, Balgartnie,
Horsham and Stawell Psychiatric services
and Ballarat Health Services.
With a couple of the counselors involved
with Drink Drive and Men’s Behavioural
Change, we found that we needed to
employ a counselor for 2 days a week at the
Horsham site to cover the “gaps”. We were
very fortunate to have Kevin Newton for
a few months as the ABI/AOD consultant,
but, sadly (for us) Kevin and his family have
decided to move to Shepparton.
Drug Action Week was fairly quiet, we did
have Open House in Horsham and some
static displays scattered around Ararat,
Stawell and Horsham. Gambling Awareness
Week was also a quiet event, we did have
a stand at the Horsham Plaza and at the
library in Stawell.
We are seeing more young men with horse
racing gambling problems; this has a lot
to do with the type of advertising and the
misuse of alcohol. The pokies still take up
to $18 million dollars from our area into
government coffers.
The AOD Art project at the Horsham Art
Gallery displaying art by young people was
most successful, many thanks to Mary and
Lori. Mary and Lori have been doing some
great work with Connect Ed and Tania and
Kevin are constantly working with young
people in the Stawell and Ararat areas.
All projects are directed towards
information and education, enabling young
people to have the knowledge to be able
to make informed choices. Mary has
been working on a presentation directed
towards parents and Rachel has a program
for grandparents. We have a monthly
meeting now where Jules from Community
Development meets with myself, Mary and
others from the GADS Team, enabling us
to all work together on Health Promotion
activities.
Alcohol is still the main problematic
substance of misuse in the Grampians.
The Drink Drive Program is testimony of
this, and the consistent presentation of
clients of all ages experiencing alcohol
issues.
The Team has participated in Professional
Development throughout the year,
enhancing their knowledge of this particular
area of work; we are always on the look out
for worthwhile workshops and training. It
has been a busy year for us all, and I would
like to thank the entire GADS Team for their
dedication, passion, and their continued
fight against social injustice.
THANKYOU : Thea Farrington, David
Henwood, Liz Greene, Cindy McKelvie,
Casey Ross, Hylton Mason, Brendan Scale,
Lori Hetherton, Russell Reid, Wendy
Phillips, Craig Jackson, Clyde Lourensz,
Kevin Griffith, Tania Hager, Christine Walker
and Tanya Mitchell, and many thanks to
Marianne Hendron our Direct Care Manager
who spends many unseen hours doing
reports, submissions and for attending the
countless meetings which all go towards the
continued resourcing and funding for the
team.
Carol Henwood
Gambling, Alcohol & Other Drugs Team
Manager.
Grampians Home Based
Withdrawal Service
now nearing the end of our fourth year in
this program, the complexities of our client
group are becoming much more apparent.
Many of our clients have mental health
issues and medical co-morbidities and the
need for the ABI/AOD and dual diagnosis
workers to work closely with us and the
client has become essential. We have
also gained much value from undertaking
professional development in Dual Diagnosis
and in Health Coaching to help provide a
holistic approach to service which enhances
more sustainable client outcomes.
Our program continues to cover towns over
a very broad area including Ararat. Stawell,
Halls Gap, Natimuk, Horsham Dimboola,
Jeparit, Nhill, Kaniva and Willaura and we
have worked with 90 clients in these areas
in the past 12 months. We have focused on
building relationships with other services
visiting these locations including visiting
and supporting local GPs. This support has
helped complement the medical service in
our smaller towns.
Our relationship with other Detox/
rehabilitation services statewide continues
to develop. Although these are difficult to
access at times, some have made special
allowances for our clients which seems to
indicate that we have succeeded in raising
the awareness of Melbourne centric services
in regards to the unique issues affecting our
clients, such as remote locations and a lack
of local services. Through our community
education activities, pharmacies and smaller
health services are more aware of our
program leading to increased collaboration
around client needs and, we believe, better
outcomes for our clients.
Wendy Phillips and Craig Jackson
It was another busy year for Craig and
Wendy with the Grampians Home Based
Withdrawal Service, supporting clients to
withdraw from alcohol, prescription or illicit
drugs in their home environment. As we are
19
Gambling Alcohol & Other Drugs Team Report 2009 (continued)
Drink Drive Education
Program Report 2008-2009
the interlock machine first hand. Solicitor
during the 08-09 financial year and 36
Nick Lucas is also involved in the program,
participants attended the Stawell / Ararat
Since the introduction of alcohol interlock
providing participants with the knowledge
programs.
condition legislation in 2001, the number
they need for their upcoming Court
of assessments has risen and the process
appearance.
has become more complex for both the
client and the program managers. Clients
are required to undertake an assessment
of their alcohol usage both prior to the
condition being imposed by the Court
and in order for the Court to remove the
condition.
over time, it is evident that the motivation
Completion of an eight hour Driver
and skills of the presenters of the education
Education Program is also a mandatory
program has been maintained. Some
component of the Licence Restoration
participants comments at evaluation as
process. Given that the program is
follows:
mandatory rather than voluntary, this
“I found it very educational in
can initially create an obstacle to clients’
understanding my health problems in my
willingness to participate. The processes
future.”
We are governed by the courts and legal
and skills of the facilitator are important in
system, however still maintain some
overcoming this obstacle and gaining the
autonomy in the delivery of both the
trust of participants enabling open and
education program and the assessments.
active participation in the program.
As a response to the introduction of
interlock legislation, the Horsham
program has grown to include a session
by Daryl Robertson, an interlock provider.
Participants have found this to be an
The comments shown by the participants
Over the course of the 08-09 financial year
“Well conducted course and made easy to
understand.”
“Wish I had done the course before I got
done 0.09.”
a total of 72 alcohol assessments were
“I drink less because I’ve realized the
conducted in Horsham and 37 assessments
amount I drank only hurt myself and other
in Stawell / Ararat.
around me. And I would rather drink to
invaluable inclusion, providing information,
Fifty six participants completed the
education and the opportunity to operate
Horsham Driver Education Programs,
stay in control and have a better time.”
“I’ve never thought about why alcohol has
been useful to me before. Now I believe I
have the self - knowledge to change this”.
“I thought I knew everything about me and
alcohol. This course needs to be before
you get your Licence, not after you’ve lost
it”.
Frank Kean, Program Facilitator Stawell /
Ararat
Liz Greene, Assessor and Clinical and
Educational Supervisor
Thea Farrington, Clinical and Educational
Supervisor Horsham
Diversion Programs
Diversion programs are going well, with a
steady flow of referrals. The ACSO COATS
20
from local primary schools. The message
some slight changes to job descriptions
SCADE Binge Drinking
Project- Horsham College,
ConnectEd Campus
with Russell Reid in Horsham now doing 0.7
This program has been designed for the
harms associated with binge drinking. This
Drug Diversion and 0.3 4 C’s counselling.
students to complete a communication
project is still currently underway.
Casey Ross is now doing 0.5 Drug
project to educate grade 5 & 6 students
paperwork is a constant challenge as it
is constantly changing. There have been
that the students are relating through
various individual projects is around the
Diversion, and .5 Rural Outreach Diversion
Worker, in Stawell, Ararat and St Arnaud,
which is increasingly busy. Hylton Mason is
still managing to do all his Rural Outreach
diversion Work alongside his 4th Year Social
Work placement. All three are continuing
to work collaboratively together and with
other organisations associated with the
courts and legal system. During the last 12
months, there has been an increase in the
amount of diversion referrals to and from
ACSO COATS, making a more cohesive
relationship between the organisations.
Freeza Summits at Ballarat
ArtSpace Community
Workshops.
onal art work
Participants completed 3 dimensi
of alcohol
with their ideas and perceptions
nerships for
and drugs in the community. Part
Gallery
this project were with Horsham Art
ram.
prog
and Horsham College Connect Ed
for Horsham
An additional workshop was run
due to the
College McKenzie Creek Campus
All work was
popularity of this pilot program.
Gallery for a
then displayed in the Community
on Week.
month which also covered Drug Acti
Drug Action Week Art Project
21
Housing and Family Violence Team
Annual Report 2008-2009
At the end of last years report I hoped that
this year would be smoother sailing for the
HFV team . . . and in some respects it has
been. The past year has seen staff changes,
the introduction of two new programs,
students on placement and excellent
outcomes for clients. It has been a very busy
year for all our programs and the team has
continued to deliver an exceptional service
to the community.
The Housing and Family Violence team
consists of eleven workers and services the
Northern Grampians Shire, Rural City of
Ararat, Pyrenees Shire, West Wimmera Shire
and Horsham Rural City. The HFV team
delivers 11 programs within these areas:
• Cross target Housing Support – Stawell
• Cross target Housing Support - Ararat
• Cross target Housing Support – St
Arnaud
• Family Violence Housing Support – Horsham
• Family Violence Housing Support –
Stawell/Ararat
• Family Violence Indigenous Housing
Support – Horsham/ Stawell/Ararat
• Faxback Program
• Intensive Case Management – FV specific
• Intensive Case Management - general
• Private Rental Brokerage Program
• Family Violence Service Integration Coordination
Ararat has seen many changes of staff
this year. Bob joined us in July 2008 and
backfilled the position of Housing Support
worker until March 2009. Bob assisted the
team at a time when targets were increasing and the need for assistance in Ararat
was at a high. Bob was a valued member of
the team who contributed to many aspects
within the HFV program. Once again Ararat
has exceeded the expected target of 48.
In May we welcomed Linda to the Family
Violence Housing Support position in Ararat
and in June Kathy joined us in Ararat as the
Housing Support worker. Both of them have
been instrumental in keeping the remainder
of the team sane as their experience in the
field has enabled them to slip into their new
roles with enthusiasm and commitment.
Linda’s position has been a welcome relief
for Veronica. In previous years Veronica
has been the FV worker for both Ararat
and Stawell and this position has allowed
her some much needed ‘catch up’ time.
Veronica has experienced a high demand
22
year and has managed to participate in
other programs including Pets in Peril, No
Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) and the Budja
Budja Womens Group. The Family Violence
Housing Support Program continues to be a
valuable and much needed program in the
community.
Kaye commenced in the role of the Intensive Case Management Position in October
2008. The program is in partnership with
Wimmera Uniting Care’s Housing Management Program. The program aims to
provide more intensive support to people
who have high and complex needs and
who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This target group requires a response
which is more intensive than general SAAP
case management service delivery. It has
been a busy year for Kaye in this role and
the introduction of the program has been
extremely positive. Kaye has also continued
on in her role as Housing Support Worker in
St Arnaud. Based at East Wimmera Health
Service Kaye has continued to build on
existing networks and developed a good
working relationship with other service
providers.
The Cross Target position in Stawell
welcomed Jaqi in January 2009. Jaqi has
experienced a hard year with varying issues being presented to her. Jaqi has also
become involved in the Regional Youth Advisory Network (RYAN) and represents the
HFV team at these meetings. The team is
thankful to Jaqi for her commitment and enthusiasm for her role. Corrina has continued
on in her role as Housing Support worker
alongside Jaqi. The cross target program
in Stawell has experienced a high demand
year with targets being exceeded by 28%.
This year has been one of the smoother
years for Horsham, in the sense that the
staffing has been stable. Vicki and Lucy
continue to provide an exceptional service
to Horsham and the isolated communities
surrounding the area. Both have experienced a higher than normal case load at
certain times throughout the year. Lucy
has been involved in the Wimmera Field
Days and Family Violence Information
Sessions through the year. Vicki has taken
on the Partner Contact Program as part of
the Mens Behaviour Change Program and
has been involved in the Becoming Free
Group. Vicki has also taken on the role of
Team Leader for the HFV program. Vicki
has been an incredible support to Corrina
over the last year and is always willing to go
above and beyond in this role. Both workers
have participated in the No Interest Loans
Scheme (NILS) for the Wimmera Region.
Once again targets have been exceeded for
the Family Violence Program in Horsham.
Melissa continued to strengthen the
response to family violence incidents
through the faxback program. The relationship between the HFV team and the
Police has continued to grow through the
faxback meetings and the involvement of
the team in the Police OSTT training. The
end result is improved safety for our clients
and smoother process for referrals. Melissa
has continued to strengthen this program
through her dedication and commitment to
providing valuable information and support
to people in the community.
Sally returned to the HFV team after her
maternity leave. Her position as Projects
worker has not only strengthened relationships throughout our region but has enabled her to develop and implement a new
program called ‘Cheap, easy and delicious’.
This has proved to be a valuable program
for many of our clients. Sally has also been
very busy delivering the Identifying Family
Violence training to many services throughout the region. It has been great to have
Sally back on board.
We said goodbye to our long term team
member, Jeanine, in July. Jeanine has been
in the position of Regional Integration
Coordinator for several years and before
that worked in the Family Violence Housing
Support Program. Since commencing the
role Jeanine has undertaken many tasks
including facilitating the Family Violence
Prevention Networks, for Horsham and
Stawell, and representing the region at
statewide level. Jeanine has worked hard
to develop and maintain this role as a vital
component of the Family Violence reform.
The team would like to thank her for her
dedication and commitment to providing
this service and we wish her all the best for
her future endeavors. Jodie has since been
welcomed into this role and is slowly finding
feet. Jodie comes to us with a wealth of
experience and knowledge. It is wonderful
to welcome her to the HFV team.
Corrina continued in her role as Manager of
the team. This year has seen the implementation of the HFV Practice Manual into
the agency wide programs. The manual
has proved to be a valuable resource for all
team members, especially those new to the
team. This year Corrina has also finished her
Diploma of Management, along with four
other managers from the agency.
work, Wimmera Accommodation Services,
Partnership Practice Group, Regional FV
Committee, Wimmera Field days, Housing
Week, Homeless Persons Week, RYAN, NILS
and Week without Violence.
Marianne continues to oversee the HFV
team in her position as Direct Care Programs manager. Her support has been valuable to the HFV team. Marianne has been
involved in the Family Violence Regional
committee and continues to advocate
for and represent the HFV team in many
forums.
The HFV program has continued to work on
the HASS workplan in line with the accreditation from 2008. The team developed its
mission statement during the year – Aiming
for Safety and Social inclusion for all. The
team has experienced not only a growth in
staff members but also an increase in referrals from the community. The past year has
had its ups and downs, but the dedication
and commitment of all team members has
enabled another successful year to go by.
With sustained enthusiasm and allegiance
Throughout the last year the HFV team
has been involved in many activities and
groups: these include Grampians Accommodation Network, FV Prevention Net-
Stats for HFV Program
the HFV program can continue to offer the
community an enhanced, streamlined and
accountable program.
No doubt the 2009-2010 year will offer us
new experiences, new issues and increased
knowledge. However, it is exciting to think
about what is in store for the HFV team. As
in past years all challenges will be met with
integrity and consistency of service and will
be aimed at creating good outcomes for
clients.
Corrina Graham
Housing & Family Violence Manager
Number of accompanying
Faxback Program
children
Total number of faxbacks received
Number of
children in
household
0
1
2
3
4
Total
73
29
10
12
6
Total number of
accompanying
children supported
57
Female AFM- 237 (%) Male AFM-65 (%)
Male Perp- 230 (%) Female Perp-72 (%)
Number of children
present
Indigenous Status of client
Number %
Not aboriginal or TSI
person
Aboriginal person
GCH received 302 faxbacks (total of 604
referrals)
74
81.3
17
18.7
There were 271 children reported
as being present at family violence
incidents attended by police for this
period.
Police made 67 notifications to Child
protection. (%)
Police made 11 referrals to Child First.
(%)
Referral for support
Of the women & men that were given
a service % wanted a referral for further
support
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
GCHC Family Violence Program – 22
MBCP – 7
Counselling – 26
Youth Program- 4
Wimmera Uniting Care- 2
Legal- 7
Goolum Goolum-2
CAFS- 3
CPU-1
CASA-1
Child First-4
Other – 4
23
Youth Team Report 2008-09
Youth Team
I would like to start this years report with a
quote “Keep away from people who try to
belittle your ambitions. Small people always
do that, but the really great ones make you
feel that you, too, can become great.”
Mark Twain.
The past 12 months has once again seen
much change within the Stawell based
Youth Team. Through it all our small but
dedicated band of workers have continued
to provide a quality service to young people
in the region with a mix of programs and direct care provision. Sadly we farewelled our
Tribal Youth Coordinator Loki McIntyre after
over four years of service. Loki contributed
substantially to the growth and professionalism of the youth team with his IT skills,
his Tribal website development and his
outdoor skills including the setting up and
running of our extremely successful Tribal
camps. We wish him well in his new life with
the PCP based in Ararat.
Rachel Whittaker and Kristy Price completed their work on the AERF project
with a focus on Binge drinking. Many of
the recommendations and findings of this
project now continue as part of the Youth
Team plan. Kristy went off to become a
mother for the second time and Rachel has
continued with us looking at supporting
Parents, Grandparents and working with the
GRADES project in partnership with Police,
DEECD and GCH. Hopefully this exciting
project will continue into 2010 and beyond
and spread its wings across the region.
Through this all Tania Hager (A@OD Youth
outreach), Kevin Griffiths (Youth Worker)
and myself (School Focused Youth Service) have kept the ship afloat with our
Tribal Youth Leadership program, RAGE in
schools, Mud maps and Getting gorgeous,
Central connect, individual client work and
outreach to St Arnaud, Lake Bolac, Beaufort, Ararat and Navarre. We have also had
students with us including Chloe, Steph,
Jack and Liam who I am sure are now more
confused than ever about what Youth work
really is all about. To them I say, Join the
club, I am still trying to work it out after all
these years.
Program wise our Tribal Youth Leadership
program is now into its 5th year locally and
recently we also presented our Model at the
ARACY conference in Melbourne. This was
received enthusiastically and we have had
24
a lot of positive feedback. The challenge
now is to continue the momentum and look
at ways of securing funding and support
to continue and expand this wonderful
program.
Recently we acquired three new internet computers through the Vicnet Public
Internet Access Program Funding. These
computers have been used by many youth,
Connect-Ed students and the Newsletter
committee.
In conclusion I would like to thank my team
for making my job so easy. They have been
a pleasure to work alongside and continue
to provide me with the inspiration to do this
work. Also to Marianne Hendron for being
the rock that is the Direct Care Manager, Jill
well for just being Jill, Liz for being a great
Board buddy and especially to all those
young people who make our work so enjoyable and rewarding.
As the heart of our work is engaging and
supporting a diverse range of youth from
across the region, we have a strong emphasis on communication and consultation this
has been through the development of our
data base which now has in excess of 400
youth. We have a computer bulk sms arrangement and nexus myspace allowing us
to promote opportunities widely across the
region. As such this has seen a significant
increase in not only connection with youth,
but with larger and consistent attendance at
our events, meetings and programs.
Maurice Billi (Youth Team Leader and
School Focused Youth Service Coordinator)
Nexus Youth Centre
Introduction
Who can believe it has already been 12
months since our last report, and doesn’t
time fly when you are having fun, and there
has been plenty of that down at Nexus!
Where to start!? There has been diverse
and extensive development with programs,
events and equipment. Nexus currently has
six GCH staff and five co-located staff supporting youth from the region with essential
youth services, weekly programs and large
scale events. There is a really positive atmosphere with passionate staff working with
the fantastic young people of the Wimmera.
We are most grateful for the financial support through Geoff Handbury, Horsham
Rural City Council and the Department of
Planning and Community Development
(Youth Participation and Access). We also
have the FReeZA funding which has been
essential for our large scale youth events
as well as an extensive array of new sound
and lighting through The Vic Rocks Grant.
This equipment has assisted many different
young people, new bands have formed and
are often now performing at Friday Night
Live, Freeza gigs and venues across the
area.
In October 2008 we had a visit from the
honorable James Merlino, Minister for
youth, sport and recreation. He met with
around 30 young people and discussed
issues relevant to them and later in that
month we also had our Nexus supporter’s
afternoon with Geoff Handbury. Both of
these occasions were extremely positive
and provided significant benefits, particularly to the youth who attended.
Local media has been very supportive highlighting Nexus activities and events. Young
people have spoken on ABC Regional Radio, and been involved in numerous stories
in The Wimmera Mail times and Weekly
Advertiser. Mixx Fm has provided some
great packages for radio adverts as well.
Over the last 12 months we have supported and networked with the following
other groups which use or meet at Nexus
and support youth. Wimmera Off Road
Mountain Bike committee, Horsham Youth
Park Committee, Empire Youth Group,
Horsham Scouts, Awakenings all abilities
festival, (mentoring), Connect Ed, Wimmera
Regional Youth Affairs Network, Shire Youth
workers meetings, Youth & Community Bus
program, and Horsham Blue light Disco.
Brendans Projects
Mud Map to Manhood
We have conducted three Mud Map programs in the Wimmera region this year with
a total of approximately 70 participants. The
program continues to undergo ongoing
development and assessment, ensuring key
issues facing regional Australian males are
targeted. One of the highlights was feedback from an assistant principal who has
had the program in his school for the past
four years. He said that his staff and parents
have told him the school must never let the
program go as it is benefitting their young
males even years after they have been
involved in the program.
HYPE Youth Park – Horsham
Events
• Northfest Large festival in partnership
with Horsham North Community Action
Centre
Since early September, I have had the
privilege of coordinating the construction
of the dirt jump section of Horsham’s HYPE
Youth Park, situated on the corner of Park
Drive and Natimuk Road. Support has been
given by Horsham Rural City Council, HYPE
Committee members, and young people
in the construction of the dirt jumps. There
has been very strong interest in the project
from young people and the project has
featured in the Wimmera Mail-Times on
two occasions. The project is likely to be
completed by late November.
• Wimmera Field Days Nexus stand and
display with health promotion
Nexus Programs and Events continue to
evolve catering for a diverse range of young
people. As youth and workers are involved
in planning, delivery and evaluation, there
has been a constant developing of better
production / delivery and larger crowd attendance.
• Youthweek Air Brush Workshop, Careers
tasters, Hip Hop Workshop, Foam Party
& DJ
Programs
• Cya Thursday Hang out at Nexus
Thursday Weekly 2-5pm
• Friday Night Live (Theme Nights) Monthly – 7-10pm
• Newsletter Fortnightly
meetings on Tuesdays 4-6pm
• Freeza Committee Rotates weekly Tuesday Horsham College
/ Nexus after school 4-6pm
• Mudmaps to Manhood averages once
per term in regional schools with YR9
Boys
• Youth in Action once per term in local
Schools & regional forums at Nexus
• Pushover Festival State final battle of
the bands, Nexus took 40 youth over on
bus to Melbourne
• Drug Action week
Partnership with Health Promotion Team
– live bands and drug awareness
• Glitter Disco Massive sound & Light
show dance party at Nexus!
• Careers Expo, Nexus Stand, Career
pathways, Nexus Surveys, Wii, Xbox and
pool tables
• Freeza Regional Workshops pros in Music industry and 20 local up & coming
musos connect at Nexus!
• Regional Final Battle Bands
Nexus hosts the regional final at the
Horsham Show!
• Live bands Show Down Nexus supports
5 local bands
Hylton Mason – Rural Outreach Drug Diversion / AOD worker
Note:
A brand new GCH Nexus Position as
“Active Places Project Worker”), has just
been advertised. This will involve Engaging
Youth in Physical Exercise.
Co-Located Staff
Mark O’Connor – Wimmera Uniting Care
Youth Outreach
Joel Morrison - Wimmera Uniting Care
Youth Outreach
Mellisa Robinson - Wimmera Uniting Care
Youth Outreach
Andrew King – Save a Mate program worker
Belinda Frost – Youth pathways / Youth
transitions worker
Feedback from Youth
WHAT DOES NEXUS MEAN
TO YOU ?
“A good place to jam, they have heaps of
good events and a good audience there, it’s
a great music place.” JD
• Foam Party bigger than ever, 7x7 metre
foam pit Bands, DJ, plus more!
“Nexus gives me the opportunity to learn
new skills and help out in the community”
Rachel
Staff
“A place to hang out and be yourself”
Sean
Jodie Matthews – Project Worker
“Nexus gives the youth in the area something to do, something to get involved in.
It’s a cool place to hang out if you’re bored,
which is quite likely in Horsham” Bernie
Alois Kniebeiss – Nexus Coordinator
Manique Bransgrove – Cert 3 Community
Services Trainee
Lori Hetherton – Youth & AOD Outreach
Brendan Scale – Project Worker / AOD
Worker
“Nexus means a different place to what’s
out there for youth. Bringing something different to the Wimmera” Mel
“Somewhere I can hang out after schooland
socialize with friends” Harry
“Freeza is a great committee, it gives the
youth a chance to take control of whats
happening and gives them an opportunity
to get involved” .Bernie
“Getting the experiences of event / project
management within the community and
learning life skills in areas of my interest”
Nic
Friday Night Live at Nexus
25
Extended Care Programs Manager Report
I was delighted to be appointed to this position in May 2009 but at the same time a bit
nervous about filling the shoes of Katherine
Gillespie. Katherine has done a wonderful
job of laying a firm foundation for this newly
created position which has become a very
useful resource to the Balgartnie, Carer
Respite and Support Services and Community Care Options teams. On behalf of the
teams I would like to thank Katherine for her
work and dedication.
Care Group to make a bid to the Department of Health and Ageing for more EACH
packages. The bid was successful and
the two organizations will share a total of
five additional packages. As is traditional,
program areas undergo an annual team
appraisal. This provides an opportunity
for team members to reflect on the work
over the past twelve months, identify areas
for improvement as well as congratulating
themselves for their good work.
Once again, as you can see from the annual
reports the teams have been very busy
providing valuable support and services to
people living in our community. Many people rely heavily on these services to provide
them with good quality of life and the ability
to live independently.
The Carer Respite and Support Services
found over the past year the financial
crisis had an impact on the carers. There
was an increase in the number of carers
seeking support due to a change in their
own circumstances. In excess of 230 carers
were assisted (generally on multiple occasions) across the local government areas of
Northern Grampians, Ararat Rural City and
the Pyrenees Shires. Dementia Week was
acknowledged with an education session in
Stawell supported by Alzheimer’s Australia
and Stawell Regional Health. Carers value
the opportunity to access information and
support from specialty services – this helps
them in their caring role. Our Men as Carers met again at Halls Gap where they enjoy
two days on informative speakers, pampering and the support of fellow carers. This
program has proven to be invaluable in
breaking down the isolation which is common with men who are carers. Thirteen
young carers from the greater Grampians
region met for three days of fun, sun and
The ever increasing demands placed on
carers who care for family members and/
or friends who have a mental health issue is
being supported by the Mental Health Respite Program – a program of collaborative
work between Balgartnie, Community Care
Options and Carer Respite Services . This
program aims to provide planned respite
and support for carers and recreational opportunities for care recipients. Balgartnie
also initiated a ‘staff swap’ program where
staff spend a week working in another program area. The anecdotal evidence shows
a stronger understanding of the services
provided by other programs results in better outcomes for our clients. It is anticipated this program will continue into 2009/10.
This year Balgartnie staff has increased its
activity in Home Based Outreach Service
to support clients in their community and
home environment.
The Community Care Options team, across
all program areas has put in a big effort this
year upgrading their skills. This increase
in skill and knowledge will transfer into
a constantly improving quality of service
provided to our clients. I congratulate you
all for a great effort! This year we saw CCO
undergo a quality reporting process with
the Department of Health and Ageing.
The process was very relaxed and informal
and provided an opportunity to identify
areas or work to be included in our ongoing
quality improvement plan. Once again
GCH collaborated with Wimmera Health
26
respite. These young people lead very
complicated lives and benefit greatly form
the break where they can just be themselves.
This year the Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire were funded by the
Department of Humans Services to develop
an Early Intervention in Chronic Disease
Management Program. The Steering
Committee of this project comprises senior
management staff from Stawell Regional
Health, East Wimmera Health Service, East
Grampians Health Service, WestVic Division of General Practice and Grampians
Community Health. The objective of this
partnership is to assist individuals who have
been recently diagnosed manage their
chronic disease in a manner to minimize a
decline in general health and wellbeing.
This work is in a relatively early stage but we
should see some very exciting changes over
the next twelve months.
Lastly I would like to give sincere thanks to
the staff of these valuable programs, not
only for their dedication to our communities
but also to the support they have given me.
I have been amazed at the level of patience
and support I have received while I build
my knowledge about the program, the
organization and other service providers. I
am very grateful to you all.
Kate Astbury
e, Libby, Sue, Meg
Volunteer Coordinators Julie Ann
“Nothing endures but change”
Heraclitus (540BC to 480BC)
And not a truer word was spoken. The
Carer Respite and Support Services (CR&SS)
have undergone yet another change with
my departure from the managers role
to take up the vacancy left by Katherine
Gillespie (Extended Care Programs Manager). The manager position held by Alison
Duxson has expanded to include the management of the CR&SS team. Congratulations to you Alison. We also welcome into
our team Sue Palmer as a Carer Support
Worker, Libby Blackmore as a Co-facilitator
of the Carer Support Group, Rhonda Grellet
and Dorothy Williams as the Facilitator and
Co-facilitator of the “Country Club” (Mental
Health Respite) respectively.
I would also like to acknowledge the
patience and resilience of the CR&SS team
who have been faced with a number of
changes over the last eighteen months.
During this period they have become a
stronger and more resilient team who have
not allowed the changes occurring around
them to have an impact on the quality of
their work. Well done!!
Carer Respite & Support Services have
continued to provide the carers in our community with ongoing support, information
and services that make it possible for them
to continue in their caring role. The age
range of our carers is currently age 8 to 86
so you can imagine their requirements are
very different and we respond accordingly
to their current and ongoing needs.
The staff from CR&SS continues to participate in State wide and regional meetings to
constantly update and improve their knowledge of current trends and best practice.
This in turn improves the quality of information, education and service provided to
carers in the greater Grampians region.
While I am excited about the opportunities moving into my new role will provide
I am sad to be leaving the ‘inner circle’ of
CR&SS. I have enjoyed watching these passionate workers make genuine differences
to people’s lives.
Kate Astbury
Aged Care
The Aged Care Portfolio assists carers to
care for frail aged/palliative persons over
the age of 65 years. By supporting carers
in their role, the care recipients are able
to remain in the home as long as possible.
We may assist them by connecting them to
other services, providing information, financial and emotional support. Due to current
pressure on other support services in the
aged sector Carer Respite and Support
Services are required to maintain support
for a longer period of time.
As part of our Regional Working Group we
have provided activities for carers, including a Writer’s Workshop to assist carers
interested in writing their story and a Movie
– “Men’s Group”. We provided both these
activities free of charge with lunch included.
They were both well attended.
We have many challenges ahead to support
our carers in the increasingly stressful times
ahead.
Jenny Chapman
Dementia Specific
This portfolio is funded by the State Government to assist carers of people who have
Dementia. This year a range of respite services such as In-home Respite, Out of Home
Respite and Carer Support was provided
for 34 Carers and Care Recipients. Respite
was accessed on more than one occasion
providing maximum benefit to the Carers
and the person they care for.
Community Flexible Respite
for People with Dementia
This National Respite for Carers Program is
funded by the Commonwealth to provide
1080.0hrs per annum, consisting of 5 packages of 4 hours per week flexible respite for
carers of people with Dementia. This can be
in the form of In-home Respite, Community
Access for an Individual, supported getaways for the carer and/or the person being
cared for, Education, Community Access
and other recreational activities.
This portfolio has funded many of the above
services for 11 Carers and Care Recipients
throughout the year. In the past year a lot of
time was provided for carers who required
support with a range of issues such as entry
into permanent care facilities for care recipients and their caring role in general.
2008/09 DEMENTIA
PACKAGES
Dementia Awareness Week
A Dementia Education Forum for Carers
was held in Stawell for Dementia Awareness
Week focusing on Behaviour Changes in
Dementia and Nutrition in Dementia. This
forum was co-facilitated by the Dementia
Carer Support Worker, the Alzheimers Australia - Grampians Regional Counsellor and
Stawell Regional Health Dietician.
Alzheimer’ Australia 2009
Conference
Two Carer Support Workers along with a
local Carer attended the 2009 Alzheimer’s
Australia Conference held in Adelaide in
June 2009. Attending the conference is a
great way to network with people from all
fields in Dementia and the common ground
held by everyone is to promote awareness
and the need for continuing research into
causes and cures.
Carer Report
As a carer, I was very privileged to have
been invited to attend the 13th Alzheimer’s
Australia Bi-Annual Conference in Adelaide
(my home town) from the 2nd to 5th June
2009.
I found the wonderful speakers gave me a
much better insight into the disease and
how to accept and cope with the changes
in care recipients and how important it is to
care for yourself as well.
I found the whole experience very uplifting
and wish to thank Carer Respite & Support
Services for inviting me.
Gloria Pickering
27
Carer Respite also provides some indirect support by funding other services to
provide activities for families. Some of these
service providers are Wimmera Uniting
Care, Pin Arc Support Services, Villa Maria,
and McGregor House.
Carer
Pictured above: Gloria along with
nding
atte
n
pma
Cha
y
Jenn
ker
Support Wor
the conference dinner.
Regional Working GroupsDementia
In conjunction with the Stawell, Horsham
and Ballarat Carer Support Workers, a
Regional Carer Forum was held in Ballarat
at the end of June, bringing together carers
from the Grampians Region.
Trish Mitchell
Carer Support Worker-Dementia
DisabilityCarer Respite and Support Services are
funded from both the Commonwealth
and State Government to Support Carers
of a person with a disability. The Commonwealth Government provides funding
support to assist carers of children aged
0-6 and the State Government provides the
funding support for carers of people aged
6-65 years.
The definition of a disability for this funding
is someone who has a physical, sensory, or
intellectual disability and also with chronic
health conditions or with an acquired brain
injury. We provide support in many forms
which include in home respite; facility based
or residential respite, and flexible respitewhich includes fuel vouchers, massage
vouchers, holidays and activities.
The global financial crisis has had an impact
on carers and as such the demand on our
services has increased with people needing
more support for transport, accommodation and respite costs as well as emotional
support.
The Respite Centre has given support to
72 people with a disability this year and we
have a total of 506 direct contacts.
28
We also provide funding support to various
Carer Support Groups in our catchment
area which covers the local government areas of Pyrenees Shire, Ararat Rural City and
the Northern Grampians Shire Council.
The Carer Support Workers that provide the
support to this portfolio attend meeting of
the VCSN (Victorian Carer Services Network)
in Melbourne quarterly which keeps them
up to date with what is happening around
the state and enables them to provide best
practice services to our carers.
Jenny Oliver
Carer Support Worker.
Ageing Carers
The Ageing Carer Program is a Commonwealth funded Program aimed at supporting carers over 65 who care for a person,
other than their spouse, who is under 65
years with a Disability. These disabilities
can be sensory, intellectual, physical and a
chronic or progressive disease or acquired
brain injury.
help them through the maze. Some of these
services included Centrelink, Disability Services, Department of Human Services, Legal
Services and Carers Vic.
Ageing Carers often worry about “What
will happen when I die?” This planning will
enable these carers to have services and
supports put in place to make sure all bases
are covered to support them both in the
foreseeable and unforeseeable future.
The Ageing Carer program aims to reduce
the worry and provide support to the carers
to ensure their caring role remains as stress
free as possible.
The type of respite options available to
ageing Carers vary from person to person.
We have provided meals on wheels support, living skills training, residential respite,
in home respite, activity based respite,
gardening and home care. This year we
have supported 2 Ageing Carers to transition their care recipient into permanent
independent living arrangements.
If you are an ageing Carer and would like to
know more please call the Grampians Community Health on 53587400 or 53526200.
Jenny Oliver
Carer Support Worker.
The program has supported 9 families this
year across the three local government
areas we service (Ararat Rural City, Pyrenees
and the Northern Grampians Shire Council).
The aim of the program is to support the
ageing carers with future planning for themselves and the person they care for whilst
maintaining and healthy and happy home
environment.
The Grampians Region has begun to role
out a series of forums for Ageing Carers
around planning for the future. This program was piloted by the Barwon Region in
2008 and is being taken across the state as
a best practice initiative. The Ballarat office
was the first of the Grampians Region to
provide these planning forums and in 2010
the Central Grampians (Stawell Office) will
continue on these forums in the region.
The forums ran for a day over a 5 week
period.
Each week different services came in and
explained what was available to carers to
High Ropes at the Young Carers
camp
Young Carer Program in the
Central Grampians
group enjoying a trip to Woop Woop for
carers week, a trip to Ballarat to the Carers
Vic Mingle and an enjoyable Christmas
lunch. A pamper day held at the centre was
praised by all with attractions such as hand
and foot massage and the Avon lady with a
range of products.
Carer support group has grown this year,
offering emotional support, practical advice
and the sharing of ideas in a caring confidential atmosphere. Entry to this group is
open to all carers of a person over the age
of 2.
We welcomed a new Co- facilitator this year
being Libby Blackmore with Julianne moving into the community car role.
The National Young Carer Program provides
support to young people in a caring role.
The objective of the program is to provide
support and assistance to enable these
young people to remain at school while
caring for someone close to them. This
program helps young carers explore the
respite options that are available to them,
which can often take the form of camps or
holidays, home and personal care or just
plain time out.
A young carer is a person aged less than 25
years of age who is trying to juggle school,
work and social activities while taking care
of some one close to them. Young carers
often spend a lot of time thinking about the
person they care for which can be a huge
distraction while at school. They often need
to miss school, social and recreational activities because they are required at home to
undertake caring tasks. The caring role differs from person to person, but can include
providing emotional support, assisting with
mobility, administering medications, cooking and housework and sometimes personal
tasks such as bathing and showering.
Young carers often experience high levels
of stress which can impact on their emotional and physical well-being. The young
carer program acknowledges the strength
and resilience of young carers and their
families in theses situations and is keen to
raise community awareness about them,
acknowledge the vital role they play in our
community and provide them with necessary support.
The Grampians Region held its first regional
camp for Young Carers in January 2009. A
total of 13 young people that came from all
the region form Bacchus Marsh to Horsham
gathered at the YMCA Camp Lady Northcote for activities such as swimming, flying
fox, canoeing, low ropes course and many
other exciting things.
Susan Power
Active Respite Options Coordinator
Employed Carers Respite
Men as Carers
The “Men as Carers” Program provides
male carers in the region a chance to meet
and socialise with other men in a similar
position and is open to any male carer in
the Grampians region. Twice a year the
men gather at the Mountain Grand Guest
House in Halls Gap for an overnight stay.
This provides a great space for the blokes
to unwind. The morning sessions are a
sharing of experiences of their caring role
facilitated by Carer Support Workers and a
Counsellor. In the afternoon education sessions from Carers Vic were provided. The
blokes also enjoy a massage and a drive in
the Grampians as a wind down period. The
evening gathering around the meal table
also provides a great forum to hear other
stories. We usually gather next morning to
chat over any concerns, finish with morning
tea before heading back to their caring role.
Throughout the year a trip to the football in
Melbourne was organized and enjoyed by
men throughout the region.
Jenny Chapman
Men as Carers Support Worker
Caring for Caregivers
Support Group
Carers Group has had a busy year with the
Employed Carers Respite has enjoyed a
busy year in 2009 with referrals up and
people enjoying the respite provided. Carers are required to be working carers, carers
wanting to rejoin the workforce or people
who are studying to join the workforce. The
care recipients are over 65 or prematurely
aged, over 50 if indigenous. Most of the
activities are passive as the group is held in
the evening from 4.00 - 8.00pm on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday. Participants are
provided transport to and from the venue
and a two course meal.
The activities include a massage, aroma
therapist and wellbeing therapist that attend once a month, this is a very popular
activity. As we have a rural based group we
incorporate old life skills into the planned
activities such as a trip to a farm for shearing or harvest, fishing, local art exhibition,
open garden’s, and the Grampians National
park is just up the road with a plethora of attractions. In the winter we have nights at the
movies, cooking our own meal, happy hour
and sing-along once a month.
In conclusion Employed Carers Respite
and the Evening Activity group has been
a success in our rural community, offering
affordable specific planned activities for
frail aged, and people with dementia. The
participants enjoy the activities offered and
the carers enjoy the respite.
Susan Power
29
Carer Respite & Support Services (Continued)
Country Club – Balgartnie
Flexible Respite
This program has been in operation now
for a year and is for people with an intellectual disability who are living at home with
an ageing carer. The program runs twice a
fortnight for 6 hours in the afternoon and
into the evening, care recipients to attend
activities and a meal outside the home,
enabling carer’s time to spend as they wish.
Country Club is based at the Stawell site of
GCH and depending on referrals the program covers three local government areas.
and integrate with society, and also give the
carer well earned respite.
Some of the activities undertaken this year
include; Brambuk, Moonambel wineries,
awakenings festival, sheep cheese factory,
Horsham sheep farm, minigolf, Chinese
museum, trots in Ballarat and many skill
building and fun activities in the front room
at G.C.H.
Susan Power
Two skilled program assistants, Rhonda
Grellet and Dorothy Williams have joined
the team of Active respite options to
facilitate Country Club and encourage
input from the participants around suitable
activities and excursions. The program
aims to ensure that people with an intellectual disability that live with a carer have
the opportunity to access the community
Bruce at the Lavender Farm
30
Central Grampians Community Care Options
programs and we will continue to work
closely with the program.
A farewell dinner was held in her honour
at the Diamond House in Stawell, which
was enjoyed by all in a relaxed and warm
atmosphere.
Change and uncertainty have always been
a part of our lives and at the end of 2008
leading into 2009 the world was changing at
a rapid rate - the global financial crisis was
in full swing, stock markets were crashing,
businesses were closing their doors and
people were being made redundant.
However, in a world of unending change
there is always a shining beacon and it has
to be said that the Community Care Options team have continued and continue to
strive to be proactive, innovative and enrich
the lives of all their clients giving them
choice and control of their own personal
situations.
So with the frantic pace that had been set
globally it was decided that the 2008 team
day was to be a day of reflection and recharging of energy levels, we knew it would
be needed to meet the demands of what
was going to be an extremely busy year
ahead. We had a picnic at the foothills of
the majestic Grampians in Halls Gap, played
Pentanque and quietly enjoyed our surrounds, talking, relaxing, and re-energising,
it was just what we needed.
The stability and need for self care for all of
us has seen and very settled team with very
little change at all in 2008/09.
Staff Changes
Katherine Gillespie (Extended Care Programs Manager) resigned from Grampians
Community Health in February 2009, Sharon
Trimble commenced full time Case Management and Robyn Rouse added Hospital
to the Home Administrator to her other
administration role.
At the end of the financial year we bid a
fond farewell to Seena Papalia, our Palliative Care Nurse from the Community Care
Options team. After discussion between
GCH and East Grampians Health Service, it
was decided that the Palliative Care Nurse
role, held at GCH since its inception 20
years ago, would become part of the Palliative Care team at East Grampians Health
Service. This role (and the program) is highly
valued by our case management and carer
In May 2009, Meg Capurso joined the team
in her role as Coordinator of the reinstated
Skilled Migration Re-settlement Program –
now known as the Welcome Program, Meg
works closely with the Regional Migration
coordinator from Grampians Pyrenees
Regional Development Board, and is a
valuated addition to the GCH Volunteer
Coordination team, assisting to train, match
and monitor volunteers. The program is
funded for one day per week.
Because the team had a number of new
team members the CCO team once again
organised and attended our second team
cohesion workshop In February 2009. This
was facilitated by Stephanie Kean. From
this workshop we aim to empower all team
members to take initiative in maintaining a
positive and harmonious work environment.
On July 10th 2008 The Department of
Health and Ageing completed their Quality
Reporting for the CCO EACH packages
with a site visit. All case management staff
participated and agreed the Quality Review
process to be a valuable time for the team
to reflect on processes and identify a continuous improvement plan
On July 16th 2008 we attended the Ararat
HACC forum display and in September
2008 we attended the Aged Care Expo held
by the Northern Grampians Shire in both
Stawell and St Arnaud. These were valuable
opportunities to showcase our services and
provide information to community members
of what is available to them to keep them
living confidently and independently in their
own home.
We presented our interactive Case Management skit at the Stawell Expo and involved
all patrons at the expo. It was a perfect way
to demonstrate our services and it generated a lot of interest and discussion.
CCO Case Management
Team Report
The Department of Health and Ageing, has
been extremely proactive during the last
12 months requiring all of our Key Personnel files be updated and any changes to
key personnel be documented and sent
through to the department within 28 days.
Key Personnel includes all Board Members,
CEO, Extended Care Programs Manager
and the Team Manager.
Another ACAR round was announced
for EACH (Extended Aged Care in the
Home) packages and once again together
with Wimmera Community Options we
set about gathering information for the
submission to the Department of Health
and Ageing, all of this information had to
be submitted the week before Christmas.
The package allocation was announced in
June and we were successful in obtaining
five more EACH packages to be shared
with Wimmera Community Options. The
allocation has been divided with three (3)
packages to Community Care Options and
two (2) to Wimmera Community Options.
This takes Community Care Options total of
allocated EACH packages to eight.
Matt Venn presenting at the 2008
Stawell Aged Care Expo
News
Photo courtesy of Stawell Times
In October 2008 Karen Watson, Team
Leader and Case Manager commenced
a Diploma of Management through the
Group Work Institute of Australia. Karen’s
diploma is a year long course and will empower her with effective workplace practice,
managing conflict, practice self care and
professional development, collaborative decision making and emotional resilience this
will be extremely beneficial not only to the
team but the clients from many and varied
backgrounds.
Sharon Trimble and Matt Venn have also
successfully completed their Certificate IV
in Service Co-ordination – Ageing and Disability this year.
31
Central Grampians Community Care Options (continued)
Sharon attended a Person Centred thinking Workshop this valuable tool gives an
opportunity to get started in supporting
people in ways that really matter to them. It
offers practical ways to gather information
and to start to set actions that make a real
difference.
23.07.08 Winter Warmer at
Chalambar
The 2008 Case Manager’s conference was
held in November and was attended by the
case management team.
In November 2008 the case management
team invited the new Palliative care manager Lawrence Harbegger and Gary Tierney
to a “service information exchange” at our
CGCCO meeting
At the end of 2008 the Case Management
team held a luncheon for clients at the
Restaurant “Rubira’s” at the Chalambar
Golf Course. We enjoyed singing Christmas
Carols and a lovely two course meal.
The Case Management team Appraisal day
was held at the Grampians Pioneer Cottages in Pomonal. The day was facilitated
by Jules Walker and the team looked at
achievements over the last year and planning for the coming year. This included a
review of how care plans are created and
reviewed.
On October 30th 2008 Team members
attended the HACC Goal setting and Care
Planning workshop in Ararat. This workshop
was requested by our case management
team as a starting point for our Care Plan
review. We are now in the process of developing a Care Plan procedure
All allocated packages at the end of the
financial year were full except for 1 EACHD
package. We now have a waitlist for all of
our packages except for EACHD (Extended
Aged Care in the Home – Dementia).
Care @ Home
Program
“Ensuring that Clients
who needs assistance
can remain living at
home”
Care @ Home program
is Stawell based, and provides a professional team of workers in the Stawell, Ararat
32
and St Arnaud areas. The team has vast
experience with frail aged people, people
with dementia and people with complex
needs.
Care @ Home is committed to providing the
highest quality personal home care services
tailored to the health, social and environmental requirements of the consumer
with complex needs. The Care @ Home
program endeavours to provide flexible
individualised and innovative services to
meet the individual needs of clients. We
assist clients by supporting them to perform
day to day living tasks so they can remain
living in their own homes. Our service
operates 7 days a week, 24 hours per day
ensuring a quality of life for all concerned.
Our great team of skilled and experienced
attendant carers provide services for elderly,
disabled and their carers. The out of hours
clients are serviced by a small number of
dedicated workers, who are called out at all
hour of the night to attend emergency and
personal care issues.
Our Team:
Stawell
Ian Burke-Geoff Dalziel-Karen Duncan-Pam
Ellis-Maree Fowkes-Lyn Gehan-Rhonda
Grellet-John Launder-Debbie Lever-Sue
Palmer-Karen Peacock-Sarah Marx-Linda
Newman-Bernadette Teeken-Jan WestDorothy Williams.
Ararat
Sara Marx
St Arnaud
Susan Byers
Cheryl Clifford
Service Area:
Northern Grampians Shire & surrounding
district
Care@Home Appraisal July
2008:
Care @ Home team attended an appraisal
day at Navarre in July. Our strengths show
that we deliver quality service by good
continuity of workers, covering a more flexible service delivery, with a caring positive
approach.
Time is taken to match clients with most
appropriate workers. Care @ Home workers
ensures that reporting of changes in client’s
situation or new issues are raised with the
relevant people in a timely manner.
This small group of workers complement
each other and they work well as a team.
Service Delivery:
Care @ Home workers offer a flexible delivery service which includes daily, weekend,
and after hours work. They provide care
in unique settings, and provide specialist
services for clients, delivering hands on approach and providing a ‘socialisation’ role
to their clients.
We have a broad range of clients, some
with very specific needs or challenging behaviours and we can offer a broad range of
activities that the clients can participate in.
Annecto:
We also work in conjunction with Annecto,
After Hours Respite Service within the
Stawell and Ararat area. This service operates out side normal business hours, and
provides an emergency service for clients,
looking after a loved one, in their time
of need, with in-home support; personal
care and telephone back up. This service
is accessed by calling 1800727280 and a
response is activated with in a one hour
period.
Training:
Care @ Home encourages all staff to participate in extra training, thus enabling them to
keep up with the demands of the industry.
This year Care@ Home staff has participated
in training work shops such as First Aid,
Pause Day, Fish Day, Cert 111 HACC, Cert
IV in Service Co-ordination, Mental Health
First Aid, Assertiveness Training, Case Note
Writing, Dementia & Palliative Care, Cultural Diversity training.
Finance:
In May 2009 our GCH Finance Officer, Julita
completed a reconciliation of the accounts.
A huge thankyou to Julita for the wonderful
work she did. It was much appreciated.
The nature of the program is that service
provision ebbs and flows according to client
need. A high level of service was provided
in the first part of the year with less in later
part of 2009.
Major achievements
Care@Home major achievements can be
measured by the positive staff repport that
they have with existing clients, focusing on
a team of specialised workers.
Our Team members are solution focused,
innovative and creative, and show a high
level of commitment to their work.
Sue Palmer:
Care@Home Co-ordinator
Debbie Lever
Assisting Co-ordinator
themselves, use public transport or have no family support to get to medical appointments,
hospital admission or specialized medical attention out of Stawell, the community car is a
very important and necessary service.
From 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009 the Community Car Program has recorded 417 trips.
The community car has travelled 50,525 km in that time. To transport clients of various
GCH programs in other GCH cars, volunteer drivers have travelled 31,143 km. In total, the
volunteer drivers have travelled 81,668 km for this financial year.
Below is a graph showing the use of the community car and other GCH cars from July 2008
to June 2009.
VOLUNTEER
PROGRAMS –
2008/2009
“Volunteers: Everyday
people, extraordinary
contribution”
91 Volunteers throughout Grampians Community Health have contributed over 2,400
hours in service over the past 12 months.
Our volunteers belong to the 5.4 million
Australians who volunteer
Co-ordinators of volunteers: Julie-Anne Burwood, Libby Blackwood, Sue Cunningham,
Meg Capurso
During this period there have been 116 trips to Ballarat, 95 to Melbourne, 156 to Ararat, 16
to Horsham, 9 to Moyston, 8 to Geelong, 2 to St Arnaud and 15 to various other destinations. (Skipton, Hamilton, Castlemaine, Minyip) These figures reflect the increasing necessity of such a service.
Below is a graph showing the number of trips and the destinations over the period of July
2008 to June 2009.
DO CARE
VISITING
– SOCIAL
SUPPORT
This service operates in the Northern Grampians Shire to establish friendships between
volunteers and mainly older socially isolated
people, as well as some people with disabilities or a chronic disease. An average
of 19 people are visited regularly with 27
volunteers registered in this program. The
volunteers receive training and ongoing
support. Referrals are received from service
providers, as well as from people in the
community, and from individuals.
Sue Cunningham
COMMUNITY
CAR AND
VOLUNTEER
TRANSPORT
Transport for our rural community is a big
issue. For people who are unable to drive
Twenty-nine volunteer drivers have been active for this financial year and have shared the
417 drives.
The Community Car Program was selected to benefit from a Selkirk Roosters charity
football match held at Central Park Stawell on the 10th May 2009. A roster of Volunteer
Drivers and Staff from GCH collected the gold coin entry donation. As guest speaker at
the luncheon on the day, I explained to the audience that the Community Car Program is
a volunteer based transport program. A network of volunteer drivers provides transport
assistance in specific circumstances to those within the community who desperately need
this service. This is not a government funded program and a cost is incurred based on the
distance travelled. Therefore any support is greatly appreciated by GCH to continue to run
this valuable and much need program. A total of $2,225 was raised for the Community car
program from the charity football match, an excellent outcome.
Grampians Community Health acknowledges the importance of providing the Community
Car Service and the dedication and support of our wonderful group of volunteer drivers.
Julie-Anne Burwood Volunteer Coordinator
33
Central Grampians Community Care Options (continued)
Volunteer
CCO Manager Alison Duxson and
tosh
Driver Bill McIn
es News
Photo courtesy of the Stawell Tim
While acknowledging the benefits of a
“buddy” system, we have extended the
program to incorporate social events that
help a larger number of people to meet
each other and make their own connections. In Ararat and Stawell a few women
have formed small groups to coordinate
these social activities that will provide
avenues for migrants to meet not only other
newly arrived residents, but other longer
standing residents. The hope is that these
groups will sustain themselves and function as support beyond the funding of this
program.
arrived migrants it is confronting to ask for
a “friend”, but to ask and accept some help
to speak English is much easier. Already
some matches have been made through the
English Tutor program.
14 Volunteers also undertook some formal
training to tutor English. For many newly
Our community gets richer and richer!
Meg Capurso WELCOME! Coordinator
We continue to explore avenues to support
newly arrived migrants to the area and to
strengthen their ties to the community. We
are currently looking at the possibility of
getting a plot at the community garden,
and getting a community Kitchen up and
running.
TLC - Talk Listen Care – Social
Support
Talk Listen Care supports families who
are caring for a family member who has a
mental illness or intellectual disability. Volunteers establish friendships with the carer
or the care recipient. The program aims to
provide social support and respite for the
families. All volunteers receive specialised
training and on going support.
Referrals are received from service providers, as well as from people in the community, and from individuals. This service
operates in the Northern Grampians Shire,
Ararat Rural City and the Pyrenees Shire.
Libby Blackmore TLC Coordinator
WELCOME! Program
Previously the Skilled Migration Resettlement Program
July 12th for the
at Great Western Football Oval on
Some of the people who gathered
day!
lous
fabu
–
day
wet
and
cold
a
on
Walk for Harmony. Over 90 people
Trained volunteers work with newly arrived
families/people from overseas to help settle
them into the community.
This is an exciting program funded by
Global Skills for Provincial Victoria for 1
day per week to train, match and monitor
volunteers.
The numbers of migrants settling across the
Northern Grampians Shire and Ararat Rural
City continues to grow, and with it a need to
assist these people to make real connections with a literally foreign community!
34
ACTIVE FOR LIFE PROGRAM
Received a Highly Commended award
in the 2009 Victorian Minister for Health
Volunteer awards for their outstanding
achievement of providing the Active For
Life program since 1986. The team has
demonstrated commitment by providing
consistency and shared expertise over
twelve years. We congratulate Lorraine
Rowe, Glenys Lyall, Jocelyn Fuller, Annette
Monaghan and Lyn Martin.
This program aims to increase mobility
for older people aged 50 years and over,
through fun, exercise and companionship.
This has enabled any person over 50 years
of age living in the community to achieve
individual goals by participating in a flexible
exercise program. It is supported through
volunteer leadership. Attendance numbers
vary slightly with the seasons, but usually
between 16 and 20 participants attend.
The Active for Life Program meets at the
Stawell Leisure Centre at 10.00am each
Monday, except Public Holidays. New participants are always very welcome. Contact:
53587400 for further information.
Ongoing training during National volunteer
Week included a workshop to assist volunteers with correct lifting techniques, assisting people to walk, to transfer into a car and
to sit down and stand up from a chair. The
other workshop offered was Looking After
Yourself, with strategies to be more resilient
and learning how to de-stress.
Volunteers in the Skilled Migration Resettlement Program received specific cultural
training appropriate for their work.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
We rocked and rolled our way through
International Volunteer Day in December
2008. 21 volunteers tucked into a Christmas
BBQ and sweets. A bonus was the chef
assistance which was provided by our volunteer, Daniel Walker.
Dot and Bill McIntosh led the Rock
N Roll
CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENT
Do Care Visiting Program
Long service certificates and Badges were
presented:
One Year - Lee Albert, Meg Capurso, Karen
Dudley, Cliff Dudley, Michael Gavin, Rose
Hale, Dorothy McIntosh, Bill McIntosh, Jan
Murphy, Cheryl Rapson, Ian Walmsley
Five Years- Lorna Carey, Allan Carey, Bonnie
Carter, Annette Monaghan, Anthony Parker,
Heather Roder
Do Care volunteers and Do Care recipients
are contacted by the program co-ordinator
on a 12 monthly basis. The aim is to
provide an opportunity for feedback on
areas of excellence, improvement and any
concerns that people may have.
“He is like a brother to me.”
“I really look forward to it.”
“He’s worked with sheep and so have I.
We can have a good conversation.”
Volunteer Comments
“It is just like visiting my old uncle”
“He is a lovely old man with a lovely smile”
“It has been great for both of us. I hope
that it goes on for many years.”
rian
Lyn, Annette and Jo at the 2009 Victo
rds
Minister for Health Volunteer awa
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
The Volunteer Coordination Team has
successfully run three Volunteer Training
sessions over the financial year. 18 new volunteers completed the initial training programs, and those who wanted to continue
were placed in the areas of their choice. For
the first time this training was conducted
in Ararat and Horsham to target people
who were interested to become part of the
Skilled Migration Resettlement program.
Ruth, Gail , Margaret and Robert
35
Community Psychiatric Team
The Balgartnie Centre continues to rely
upon a small but committed team of staff
for program delivery that remains flexible
and responds to the needs of the consumer
introduction of after hours therapy groups
To be part of the collective ‘family’ of
targeting high prevalence disorders like
services at GCH has been of enormous
depression & anxiety and the ‘Hearing
benefit to both the members and the
Voices’ network provided to members and
staff of Balgartnie, having the ability to
Carers to assist people to manage their
refer clients on to other services available
symptomatology.
within GCH and to have the support and
2009 has also seen significant progress
in the area of Dual Diagnoses whereby
assistance of it’s staff and management
continues to be invaluable.
Balgartnie Rehabilitation services,
If you would like further information please
Grampians Psychiatric Services and GCH-
call 53526280 – Adrian Phillips or Marian
Since it’s beginning, the psychosocial
Alcohol & other Drug services have begun
Corbett.
rehabilitation program has undergone
to work more closely to provide better
a series of changes which have resulted
outcomes for clients with complex mental
in a service model which is community
illness and substance abuse issues.
and their Carers.
orientated, more informal and based on
voluntary participation and willingness to
attend.
The past year has seen significant changes
to the specific program delivery at the
Balgartnie Centre whereby we have seen
more attention given to Home Based
Outreach Support (HBOS) and with
Commonwealth FaSCIA funding have been
able to provide individual support to Carers
of people with a mental illness.
Throughout the year several specific
programs have been provided to a broader
client base including Youth, Adult and
Aged clients, Intensive Outreach and the
Adrian Phillips
36
Andrew Muller
Kerry Brumby
Jason Meehan
Marian Corbett
Sandra Pickens
Vicki Helmich
Grampians Community Health - OH&S Report 2009
There have been a number of significant
The OH&S Calendar continues to be a
milestones over the past year that have
valuable tool to provide staff with a clear
included the development and in-service
progression of responsibilities and tasks
education of three ‘Return to Work’ officers,
to be completed on a monthly basis. As
placed in Ararat, Stawell and Horsham.
This has been a significant year in regards
often happens, the GCH–OH&S calendar
These positions have been extended
to furthering our policies and reporting
has been requested by other organisations
to include not only WorkCover related
mechanisms to provide GCH staff with
for duplication. Another example of GCH
incidents, but internal situations unrelated
awareness and processes of Occupational
Policy, Procedures & Processes supplying
to workplace injury, to help facilitate and
Health & Safety both in regards to our
assistance to other less organisations.
assist people to return to work in a timely
service provision and our client base.
and comfortable way.
The current OH&S committee consist of:
Our OH&S committee continue to meet
and evacuations at all sites over the past
Nick Monas.
on a monthly basis and the introduction
year. These drills have highlighted a few
Management Representative.
of Video Conferencing across the Ararat,
areas that need to be addressed.
Adrian Phillips (C).
Stawell and Horsham sites has increased
Balgartnie Centre & RTW Officer.
the availability of committee members and
Susan Power
.
Ruby House & RTW Officer.
As Part of our Emergency Management
plan we have conducted emergency drills
minimized the need for travel between the
Centre’s in order to participate in the OH&S
The OH&S committee are looking forward
to another productive year ahead.
Adrian Phillips – Chairperson
process.
Launa Shilling.
David Street & RTW Officer.
Matt Venn.
High Street, Ararat
Brendan Scale.
Nexus, Horsham
Site Tour of the new Stawell Health
& Community Centre
37
GPPCP Report 2009
We need to thank all the staff there for
in integration of strategies in Early
over abundant morning and afternoon teas,
Intervention in Chronic Disease
and for sharing the laughter and celebration
of working life’s vicissitudes. GCH is a most
caring and friendly
Grampians Pyrenees PCP is “auspiced” by
Grampians Community Health. All PCPs
across the state ( and there are 31 of them )
have an “auspice” agency which provides
the HR and financial management for PCPswhich are not incorporated organisations
, but rather partnerships or alliances
formalized by partnership agreements.
GCH has always been the “auspice” agency
• Receiving funding for a major project
making us feel so welcome, including us in
workplace and we are
very grateful to be part of it.
• Working with the three local
governments across the GPPCP
catchment to develop Municipal Public
Health Plans and HeatWave Plans.
The Annual Report for GPPCP is a document
called the “CHPIA” (Community Health
Implementation Agreement) which is on our
website: www.grampianspyreneespcp.org.au
.This is a requirement from the Department
of Health – who is the major funding bodyand articulates all partnership activity for the
• Supporting the establishment of the
Grampians Pyrenees Regional Youth
Affairs Network.
• Managing the roll out and formal
evaluation of a number of specifically
funded health promotion projects – “
Bums off Seats’, a strength training
year.
project, a gamblers help iniative, a
the last few years there has been some
Highlights of this year have been:
collaboration with disability services, a
movement of staff between the PCP and
• Developing of the triennial Strategic Plan
for Grampians Pyrenees PCP, and over
GCH. This is a good thing, and symptomatic
(soon to be on the website).
dental health promotion project and
several other minor projects.
of partnerships which support people to
grow and learn and take on more senior
roles.
I would personally like to thank several staff
of GCH who have been a huge support
to the PCP this year- firstly Jill Miller, who
provides wisdom and mentoring for all of us.
Secondly a big thank you to Jeanette Bosci
who has worked patiently with me and the
Finance Committee to develop readable,
transparent and sensible financial statements
and budgets. My third lot of thanks go to
Kate Astbury who has taken on the difficult
role of chairing another partnership group
( the Early Intervention in Chronic Disease
Steering Committee ) which oversees a
newly funded project across the LGAs of
Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians
Shire. Kate is also the GCH representative
the GPPCP Executive Committee ( board)
and invariably good humoured and strategic
in her advice to both committees.
The culture of GCH is a very special one –
as “outsiders” we are able to observe this
because we also work in the Ararat building.
38
s off Seats” project .
A bit of a lung workout with the “Bum
• Receiving funding for some work on the
Lastly many thanks to the hardworking
“ Direct2Care “ project which is a referral
staff of GPPCP – Elizabeth Casey (Health
system for people over 50 who have not
Promotion Coordinator), Stacey Newman
previously accessed many services
(Partnership Development Coordinator), Trish
• Receiving funding for a Grampians-
Stannus (Partnership Development Officer),
wide project which supports integrated
Loki McIntyre (Health Promotion Officer) ,
approaches to Elder Abuse.
Karen McCormick (Health Promotion Officer)
• Developing, trialing and marketing
a partnership “game” to facilitate
and Jo Richie (Executive Assistant for six
months) .
the measurement of the depth of
Cheers
partnerships.
Kate Serrurier – Executive Officer
• Collating a number of data bases and
providing some interpretations for
member agencies and the Child and
Youth Demonstration Project.
Proof that singing is good for the
soul as well.
39
2008 President’s Report for the Grampians Group of
Heart Beat
Presented at the Annual
Meeting Feb 23rd 2009
As I present my report for 2008, it is hard to
imagine where the time has gone; there has
been so much happening, especially the
horrific tragedies over the last few weeks.
Our thoughts are with them all.
Attendances have been down this year,
mainly due to aging members who are unable to come out at night.
Meetings have been interesting – with interesting guest speakers.
Tony Corrigan – Dept. of Sustainability and
Environment spoke on nurturing the Rock
Wallaby and creating a good habitat for it in
the Grampians.
Bernadette Cossar – Wimmera Community
Health enlightened all on the work that she
does and overseas. She is a highly qualified
nurse.
An Activities Night that John and I arranged was enjoyed by all and created a
few laughs.
Film Night by John – armchair travel is terrific.
Our Christmas Break-up meal at the Gift
Hotel was very good indeed, I’m sure that
we all had to go on a diet afterwards.
We had a stand at the Expo conducted by
Grampians Community Centre – had several
enquiries, also Raffle tickets were sold there.
Raffle tickets were sold in the street. My
thanks to those who sold tickets privately
or sat up the street – well done. We were
thrilled to learn that 1st prize came to a
Stawell person.
Stawell Craft Group
We are a group of Ladies interested in trying all sorts of craft who meet once weekly
at the Community Centre. Each month
we attempt a different project introducing a new skill or making articles for needy
causes. Our aim is to enjoy each others
company while keeping hands and minds
busy. The craft group is coordinated by volunteers and has been meeting for over 10
years. Thanks to the enthusiasm of Helen
Smith, Craft Group volunteer coordinator;
this group has achieved so much over that
time.
Cardiac Rehab
I have attended all sessions, but there is
usually only 2 or 3 people attending. Marg
McGaffin has done a wonderful job and
is now retired. As the year has drawn to
a close, I hope all continue to enjoy good
health and support us in whatever we do.
Joyce Dowsett
ity Expo
Reading of the Land 2 – Commun
40

2008-2009 Annual Report [PDF 2 MB]

Transcription

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