News stories and Media releases

 

Welcome to the News stories and Media releases page. If you have a news story or media release that you would like published on the LIME Network website please email us at lime-network@unimelb.edu.au.

 

Professor Allan Carmichael  Passes Away After a Short Illness 

January 2012

The LIME Network would like to send our deepest sympathy to the colleagues, friends, and family of Professor Allan Carmichael, who sadly passed away on the 28 January 2012 after a short illness.

Allan had a distinguished career with appointments such as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania , and President of Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand.

The LIME Network worked closely with Allan during the development and implementation of LIME Connection III in 2009, which was co-hosted by the University of Tasmania, and we fondly remember his contribution to the event.

Allan will be remembered for his contribution as an academic, clinician, policy maker and academic leader.

 

 

What's Happening in the Northern Hemisphere? Find Out By Reading UBC's Aboriginal People’s Health latest edition

January 2012

The Division of Aboriginal People’s Health, within the Faculty of Medicine at University of British Columbia (UBC) , exists to support and develop Aboriginal health programs, curriculum, research and advocacy with Aboriginal communities and partners on local, national and inter-national levels.

Their latest newsletter is out and features:
Canada's involvement in the Educating for Equity project.
UBC's Learning Circle projects
Aboriginal admissions at UBC medicine

 

The Educating for Equity Project Launch Website 

January 2012

The tri-nation project Educating for Equity have launched their website this month.

The project, which is being run in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, aims to achieved equity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous chronic disease burden.   The Educating for Equity project will help contribute to improving health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, plus share experiences and approaches to Indigenous health teaching and learning in the area of chronic disease.

Click here to find out more information about the project.

 

Do You Have Something to Contribute to The Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin

January 2012

The Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin aims to keep people informed of current events of relevance, as well as information about recent research in the area of Australian Indigenous health.  The October to December 2011 is currently available on the HealthBulletin website www.healthbulletin.org.au

If you have some information or event you want to contribute to the next issue please email healthbulletin@ecu.edu.au.

 

AIDA Members’ Survey is Now Live and AIDA Members are Invited to Participate

January 2012

The survey is part of an external evaluation of the National Indigenous Health Workforce Training Package.  Members of organisations - including AIDA - have been asked to provide information on the types of supports currently provided by organisations and also to identify what other supports are required to strengthen the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health and medical workforce. 

All responses will be de-identified and held in confidence by Kristine Battye Consulting (KBC). The analysis will be undertaken by KBC and will be reported on an aggregated basis.

The survey closes Sunday 12 February and will form part of a report to be provided to the Department in March 2012.

For more information email: lauraw@aida.org.au

Click here to participate in survey.

 

South Australian's Top Aboriginal Student Wants a Career in Medicine

December 2011

In South Australia this year 145 Aboriginal students who started Year 12 went on to complete their certificates - out of 172 - which is an 84 per cent completion rate and a rise of 5.8 per cent on 2010. And 83 students gained a tertiary entrance score, more than any other time in the past six years.

One of the successfull students was Ellie May Moore.  Ellie now hopes to study medicine.

Click here for the full story

 

LIME Connection IV Media

November 2011

LIME Connection IV was held from the 29th November to 3 December 2011.  Hosted by the beautiful city of Auckland, New Zealand, it was the most successful Connection to date.  

Several media reports have been published talking about the success of the LIME Connection.

Click here to view some of the media reports.

 

Wangka Pulka - 5th Edition

December 2011

The Lowitja Institute is proud to present the fifth edition of its newsletter, Wanga Pulka.

This issue includes:

-The launch of a commissioned paper on how Australia’s laws are failing to provide a system-wide structure to promote the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. New web resources

-An Editorial by Associate Professor Gail Garvey

-A new online resource for Researching Indigenous Health and some Key Tips for Researchers.

 

 

NSW Indigenous Nurse Training Initiative

November 2011

The first Indigenous nurses from a new NSW state government initiative have graduated.  The initiative is part of a state government framework aimed at building the representation of Aboriginal staff to 2.6 per cent of the workforce.

The nurse training has been rolled out with help from two local health districts (Sydney and south-western Sydney) and Yarn'n, the Aboriginal Employment Services.

Click here for the full story.

 

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Wins Internet Award

October 2011

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet was the winner of the Diversity category at the 2011 Australia New Zealand Internet awards. HealthInfoNet founder and Director Professor Neil Thomson was delighted with the acknowledgment. “For 14 years we have been providing the evidence base to inform decision-making for those working or studying in Indigenous health, by making high quality relevant information about Australian Indigenous health freely accessible via the Internet. We work in the area of knowledge translation and make academic literature more accessible to Indigenous Health Workers and Indigenous Environmental Health Workers in remote, rural and regional areas of the country. I’d like to thank our committed team of 26 staff and our core funders the Department of Health and Ageing.”

You can read more about the award on the HealthInfoNet website.

 

Survey of Experiences in the FRACGP Exam

October 2011

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in the GP workforce. As part of this, the organisation is keen to learn about the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in preparing for and sitting the examination for Fellowship of the RACGP.

To complete this survey please click here.

All feedback will be deidentified and collated to guide the faculty in developing support and resources for you and your colleagues sitting the exam, and also, if necessary, to advocate within the College for appropriate procedures in the setting and administration of the exam. The survey will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose stated above. A report on the findings and updates on work arising from the findings will be posted the RACGP website and publicised through their networks.

 

National Award for Life's Work in Improving Indigenous Health

October 2011

The Menzies Medallion has been presented to Stephanie Bell, a Kullilla/Wakka Wakka woman, for her significant contribution to primary health care and Indigenous health in the Northern Territory.


Stephanie has worked for Central Australian Aboriginal Congress for the past 25 years and is now their CEO.  The organisation provides care to more than 6900 people living in Alice Springs, surrounding outstations and auspiced communities.

Click here for the full press release.

 

LIME Award Presentation

September 2011

In May, the LIME Network Project was awarded the Rio Tinto Award for Excellence and Innovation in Indigenous Higher Education. This is a University of Melbourne-wide teaching award, recognising excellence and innovation in the development of curriculum and higher education programs relating to Indigenous Australians.


An award presentation and reception event was held in late September to acknowledge the work of all those involved in the LIME Network, hosted by Rio Tinto Australia and Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development. Shaun Ewen, Odette, Mazel, Margo Collins, Caitlin Ryan, Erin Nichols and Alice Wilkin accepted the award on behalf of the LIME Network. Many thanks to all those who attended the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the LIME Network.

Photo: Peter Casamento

 

AIDA Student Representative Committee 2011-2012

September 2011

The AIDA Student Representative Committee (SRC) has been established to support Indigenous medical students by promoting AIDA to other students and the wider University community, as well as providing support to the AIDA Student Director.

AIDA are now seeking representatives for the 2011/12 SRC. Each University may have their own process to elect the AIDA representative, however the Student Representative should be appointed by agreement between all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students who are financial members of AIDA.


Current and past members of the SRC are able to be re-elected again. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact your current SRC representative or Jasmin Hunter, AIDA Medical Education Officer via email jasminh@aida.org.au or phone +61 2 6273 5013.

 

ANZAHPE Journal Special Edition

September 2011

A LIME special edition of the Australia and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Focus on Health Professional Education journal was released in August. As the first Indigenous medical education journal in the world, the special edition includes papers from Australian, New Zealand, Hawai’ian and Canadian medical educators, which were developed from presentations given at LIME Connection III.

A copy of the journal has been provided to all ANZAHPE members and LIME Connection IV delegates will receive a copy of the journal in their conference bag this November. 

To purchase additional copies, please contact ANZAHPE on E: anzaphe@flinders.edu.au or T: +61 478 313 123. 

 

Staying in School Linked to Better Health Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth

September 2011

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released a report which found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who were at school, TAFE or university have better health outcomes. 


The report also found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who were not studying and had not completed Year 12 or higher qualification were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or take illicit drugs than those who were not studying and had not completed Year 12 or higher qualification.

For the full report click here and press release.

 

Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker is launched in the Northern Territory

September 2011

Earlier this month John Paterson, CEO of Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), launched the Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker. 

With this launch AMSANT are calling for “increased resources for the training of Aboriginal Health Workers, from VET in schools to marketing the profession; from effective literacy and numeracy programs, to proper apprenticeships”.

“The motto of the Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker is simple: Closing the Gap through caring for our people”.

For the full press release click here.

 

 

Major International Award for Indigenous Mental Health Professionals

September 2011

Congratulations to the Award recipients of The World Council for Psychotherapy’s Sigmund Freud Award.   The conjoint winners were: Winthrop Professor Helen Milroy; Kamilaroi Elder, Aunty Lorraine Peeters; and the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjtara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPY Project) represented by traditional healers (Ngankari) Mr Rupert Peters and Mr Ginger Toby.
The Award was presented at the 6th World Congress for Psychotherapy 2011 and recognises the life work of individuals and groups that have made original contributions to the field of psychotherapy.

For the full story click here.

 

 

Wangka Pulka - 4th Edition

September 2011

The Lowitja Institute is proud to present the third edition of its newsletter, Wanga Pulka.

This issue includes:
- Paul Keating revisits Native Title reforms when giving the Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration
- An Editorial by Dr Tom Calma on the Close the Gap campaign and the Tackling Indigenous Smoking initiative
- The launch of the Lowitja Institute’s Researching Indigenous Health: A Practical Guide for Researchers

 

Launch of the VAHS Young People's Project: A Study of The Health and Wellbeing of Koori Youth in Melbourne

September 2011

In 1998 and 2001, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) got young people aged 12-30 years to talk about different health issues, fill in a survey and get their health checked out.

The VAHS manager Reg Thorpe and researcher Joanne Luke and with the support of Onemda researchers Paul Stewart, Ian Anderson and Dr Kevin Rowley are using this information to produce a report on the health of Young Koories in Melbourne.

VAHS is hosting the launch of this important research on the 28th September 2011.

Click here for the more information on the launch.

 

The PHILENetwork

August 2011

The PHILENetwork (The Public Health Indigenous Leadership in Education Network) is the leadership group formed from the National Indigenous Public Curriculum Network. This group forms part of a larger project – Indigenous Public Health Capacity Building Project, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

The broad purpose of the PHILENetwork is to provide a forum for Indigenous public health academics and practitioners to exchange resources, ideas and develop policies and programs of relevance to teaching and learning activities in public health, and specifically to build capacity of MPH programs nationally in regards to integration of Indigenous health.

Currently, the PHILENetwork comprises: Prof. Lisa Jackson Pulver (University of NSW), Wendy Anders (Deakin University), Vanessa Lee (University of Sydney), Paul Stewart (University of Melbourne), Assoc. Prof. Jenny Baker (University of Adelaide), Dylan Coleman (University of Adelaide), with administrative support from the joint Indigenous Public Health Capacity Building Project co-coordinators, Leanne Coombe (University of Melbourne) and Janice Jessen (Deakin University).

Indigenous public health academics are encouraged to join and strengthen this network.

For more information, please contact Leanne Coombe, T: (03) 8344 9375, E: <lcoombe@unimelb.edu.au>.

 

Indigenous Camp Gets Students Excited About Science

August 2011


45 of Western Australia’s Indigenous secondary students from years 9-11 travelled to UWA for an Indigenous Science, Engineering and Health Camp. The camp is hosted every year by UWA's School of Indigenous Studies in conjunction with Follow the Dream, Aspire UWA and Future Footprints.

During the camp the students have the opportunity to learn and implement medical procedures such as casting arms, suturing, podiatry and dentistry.  Over 20 years this camp has contributed to the School of Indigenous Studies boasting 22 Medical graduates from UWA.

You can read the full article here.

 

New Resource: Aboriginal Palliative Care Video

August 2011

Ballarat and District Division of General Practice have worked with Aboriginal and Palliative Care stakeholders to create a DVD capturing the palliative care experience from an Aboriginal woman’s perspective.

This DVD raises the awareness for health professionals on how they can tailor services to meet the cultural, social, emotional and spiritual needs of an Aboriginal person, and why this is important to closing the health gap for ATSI people.

You can view the video via the link above.

 

New Resources on Hypertension

July 2011

In collaboration with the NPS, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, the Heart Foundation has developed a suite of resources on hypertension tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes a flip chart, patient brochure and five patient flyers.

These resources are designed to help Aboriginal Health Workers and health professionals educate patients and their families about hypertension and support the Good Medicine Better Health hypertension module.

For more information call 1300 36 27 87.  

 

2011 AIDA SYMPOSIUM - CALLING FOR NEW GRADUATES AND FELLOWS

July 2011

Are you a New Indigenous Medical Graduate?
AIDA would like to acknowledge new Indigenous medical graduates at the 2011 Symposium Dinner and Entertainment evening which will be held on Saturday 22nd October 2011 at the Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome.

If you have graduated in the past 12 months or if you are a graduate and have not received recognition at an AIDA Symposium in the past, AIDA would like to hear from you and invite you to attend this special event.

Are you an Indigenous Fellow?
AIDA would like to acknowledge new Indigenous Fellows at the 2011 Symposium Dinner and Entertainment evening which will be held on Saturday 22nd October 2011 at the Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome.

If you have become a Fellow in the past 12 months or if you have not received recognition from AIDA in the past as an Indigenous Fellow, we would like to hear from you and invite you to attend this special event.

Please contact Susan Granger on 1800 190 498 or susan@aida.org.au to register or to find out more.

 

Sharing Stories to Improve Indigenous Health Care

July 2011

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, today launched a new report, ‘People I Can Call On’, which will give healthcare providers an insight into the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic illness.

Mr Snowdon said the report was funded by the Australian Government and conducted by the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, a joint initiative of the ANU and the University of Sydney and is based on interviews with Indigenous people with chronic illnesses and their carers.

The full text from this media release is available here.

The report is available here.

 

New Privately-Funded Aboriginal Medical Service Launched in Caboolture

July 2011

A new privately-funded bulk-billing Aboriginal Medical Service was launched in Caboolture, Queensland on 29 June. Founding Directors of the Murri Teilah Medical Centre, Jennie Anderson of Wiradjuri descent and Anita Kemp from the Cook Islands, had a vision of developing a self-sustainable medical centre that was not dependent on government funding.

They now expect to have 1500 financial members comprising Indigenous community groups, corporate donors and personal donors with ongoing cashflow provided by Medicare rebates, and plan to extend the concept to ten additional sites under the Murri Health Group umbrella.

Read the Media Release here.

 

Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme

July 2011

The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is now open for applications.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are intending to undertake study or are undertaking study in an entry level qualification at an Australian university or TAFE (certificate IV and above) level in the areas of:

  • Aboriginal health worker
  • Allied health (excluding pharmacy) 
  • Dentistry/oral health
  • Enrolled nursing
  • Medicine
  • Midwifery
  • Registered nursing


Scholarships are worth up to $15,000 per year for full time students and $7,500 per year for part time students.

The Scheme is now open for applications and will close on Friday 16 September 2011.

 

Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association 2011 Symposium Dinner

June 2011

AIDA will hold its 2011 Symposium Dinner on the 22nd of October in Broome, and would like to invite new Indigenous medical graduates and fellows to get in touch with them and attend the event. If you have graduated or become a fellow in the past 12 months, contact Susan Granger on 1800 190 498, or susan@aida.org.au.

 

 

Aboriginal People's Health Newsletter

June 2011

The June 2011 edition of the University of British Colombia's Division of Aboriginal People's Health Newsletter is now available via the link above. You can also access past and present copies of the newsletters at: http://aboriginalhealth.med.ubc.ca/about/newsletters/

 

LIME Article in MUSSE

June 2011

The LIME Network has featured in a recent edition of the Melbourne University Staff and Student E-News - you can read the story here: http://www.musse.unimelb.edu.au/june-11-63/lime-network-wins-indigenous-....

 

Public Health Indigenous Leadership in Education Network - June 2011 Bulletin

June 2011

The Public Health Indigenous Leadership in Education Network (PHILENetwork) is the leadership group formed from the National Indigenous Public Curriculum Network. This group forms part of a larger project - Indigenous Public Health Capacity Building Project. This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The PHILENetwork has made significant contributions to the development of capacity in Indigenous public health since the inaugral 2003 National Indigenous Public Health Curriculum Workshop in Brisbane.

 

Experiences of Racism/Intolerance High Amongst Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Physios - National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists Survey

June 2011

The National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists has revealed that 81% of surveyed members have experienced some form of racism or intolerance while working as a physiotherapist, or during their studies. You can read the media release from NAATSIP here. 

 

National Forum Discussion on Training for Careers Indigenous Australians - Presented by GenerationOne and the Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development

June 2011

GenerationOne and the Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development at the University of Melbourne invite you to attend a panel discussion on training for real and sustainable careers for Indigenous Australians.

The key speakers are: 

  • Andrew Forrest, founder of GenerationOne
  • James Packer, Executive Chairman of Consolidated Press Holdings
  • Professor Ian Anderson, Director of Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development, University of Melbourne
  • Adrian Appo, Ganbina
  • Madonna Beattie, Director of Nyaarla Projects
  • Christine Ross, Aboriginal Employment Consultant

GenerationOne recently published the Skills and Training for a Career draft policy, which aims to simplify pre-employment and training to ensure employers become better connected with job and work ready Indigenous candidates. The panel will discuss various elements of this draft policy including creating career pathways, how to better link training to real jobs, the vital role of work-readiness, the impact of mentoring and post-placement support, and how employers can value diversity.

Employers, employees, training organisations, education providers, community leaders, academics, students, industry associations and representatives, and any members of the public who are interested in ending the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigneous Australians through employment should feel free to attend.

 

Marcia Langton - 2011 Arthur E Mills Oration 'Culture, Custom, Modernity and Health: A Nexus of Factors in the Status of Aboriginal Children'

June 2011

On the 22nd of May in Darwin Professor Marcia Langton delivered the 2011 Arthur E Mills Oration to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. The text of her speech can be read here.

 

Congratulations Lisa Jackson-Pulver, AM

June 2011

We would like to congratulate LIME Network Reference Group member Professor Lisa Jackson-Pulver, who has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The award was given in recognition of service to medical education, particularly through the Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit at the University of New South Wales, and as a supporter of educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Lisa is a longstanding member of the LIME Network, and we are delighted to see this work being recognised by such a prestigious award.

 

Door Ajar but Still Needs a Push

June 2011

The Age reports that Professor Ian Anderson, Director of Research and Innovation at The Lowitja Institute and Director of Murrup Barak Melbourne Institute of Indigenous Development, and Professor Marcia Langton, Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne comment on levels of support for Indigenous tertiary students.

 

Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Competition Winners

June 2011

Take a look at the 2011 Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Competition winners - one Indigenous researcher's moving story of her son's battle with mental illness and an Indigenous health worker's animated story of a tooth fairy who educates Indigenous children about healthy lifestyles.

 

Education and Training at the Lowitja Institute

June 2011

The Lowitja Institute and CRCATSIH aim to develop the capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research workforce, which includes offering scholarships to eligible students doing postgraduate research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health settings. For a full description of the Institute’s education and training program, please visit the lowitja website.

 

LIME Wins Rio Tinto Award!

May 2011

In May, LIME was awarded the Rio Tinto Award for Excellence and Innovation in Indigenous Higher Education.This is a University-wide teaching award, recognising excellence and innovation in the development of curriculum and higher education programs relating to Indigenous Australians.

Rio Tinto Australia is the foundation corporate partner of the Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development, and is sponsoring this annual award to recognise and promote high quality teaching, curriculum and community engagement activities that enhance the capacity of University of Melbourne graduates to contribute to Indigenous development.

The Selection Committee has also put forward LIME as a University of Melbourne 2011 nominee to the national Australian Awards for University Teaching - Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning (Category: Educational partnerships and collaborations with other organisations).

 

Standing Strong Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Award

May 2011

This award provides recognition for partnerships between GPs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in improving the health of Indigenous Australians. The award is made to any fellow or member of the RACGP and any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who, in the opinion of the faculty awards committee, have worked together to produce substantial outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Nominations for the Standing Strong Together Award 2011 close 5pm AEST Tuesday 7 June.

 

The LIME Network is now on Facebook

May 2011

Here you'll find the latest updates from the LIME Network's website, including links to our new employment and scholarship opportunities and news regarding recent and upcoming LIME activities. Join us on facebook today!

 

Indigenous Health TV Program

May 2011

On Tuesday 24 May, Smoking: An Indigenous Health Challenge will be available to View online as a live webcast at 8pm in NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD; 7.30pm in TAS, SA; 6pm NT; 8pm WA.This program assists health practitioners with the knowledge and understanding to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people quit smoking. A range of interventions is examined. The program is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.

 

Federal Budget 2011

May 2011

Budget information on Indigenous health is being collated by the HealthInfoNet at <http://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/budget-2011-12-information-of-relevance-to-indigenous-health/>.

 

Blackchat April 2011

May 2011

Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association latest Blackchat Magazine is out now. Click on the link above to access the magazine.

 

Life is Health is Life Launch

May 2011

The launch of the ‘Life is health is life: Victorian Aboriginal evidence based health promotion resource’, will be held next Thursday 19th May at Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) from 11.15am.

 

IPAC Count Yourself In!

May 2011

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) is gathering information on Indigenous Physicians, Residents and Medical Students in Canada. Click here to download the survey.

 

Wangka Pulka - 3rd Edition

April 2011

The Lowitja Institute is proud to present the third edition of its newsletter, Wanga Pulka.

This issue includes:

-reports on our laneway launch of the Melbourne office in March,
-an overview of the health peak bodies Close the Gap group meeting with the Prime Minister, and
-a guest editorial by Justin Mohamed, Chair of NACCHO
We welcome your stories and feedback on the newsletter, the next issue of which is due out in August 2011.

 

Centre for Sexual Health - Small Grants

April 2011

The Centre for Sexual Health is offering small grants designed to raise awareness and build the capacity of sexual health activities throughout Central Australia. Projects eligible for funding may range from innovations in clinical practices, research, sexual health training, health promotion, community based arts and multimedia projects, through to innovations in best practice.

If your proposed project will add to the capacity of sexual health in Central Australia then please forward an application. Grants are up to $10,000, and proposals must be submitted by 5pm on May 18 2011.

 

The LIME Network - Now on Facebook

April 2011

The LIME Network has established a Facebook page to help us better connect with members and other people with an interest in Indigenous medical education. Click the above link to Like our page; we'll be using it in future to post updates about jobs, scholarships, seminars and news.

 

Health Students Want More Action to Close the Gap

April 2011

The National Rural Health Students Network, the peak body for Australia's rural health students, has called for more practical action to close the gap on Indigenous health.

 

Harvest Alliance School for Indigenous Health

April 2011

Congratulations to the Harvest Alliance School for Indigenous Health on its official launch. The School is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University and one of its aims is to recruit, support and graduate Indigenous students in health professional training.

 

Ear Science Institute, Australia Ear Health Survey

April 2011

Researchers atUWA, Flinders and La Trobe Universities are conducting research into how health care professionals interpret otoscopy images. The ACRRM Research Committee invites members to participate in an anonymous online survey to help understand rural doctors' level of expertise in identifying damaged ears in Aboriginal Australians. To complet ethe syrvey, please go to the survey site.

 

Appointment of new Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services)

April 2011

The University of Sydney is pleased to announce that Professor Shane Houston has accepted the its offer to take up the new position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services).
         
Professor Houston is currently Executive Director, Systems Performance and Aboriginal Policy with the Northern Territory Department of Health and Families. He has a long standing interest in the development of culturally secure health services and systems and in health economics, especially in finding greater equity in how health systems allocate and use resources.
         
He currently holds an adjunct professorial appointment at the University of Notre Dame (Sydney) in the School of Medicine and is a board member of the Menzies School of Health Research. Previously he was a board member of the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Lowitja Institute.
         
With his background in education and health Shane Houston is the ideal person to develop and lead an integrated University-wide strategy to advance Indigenous participation, engagement, education and research. 

 

National NAIDOC Awards

April 2011

Nominations are now open for the 2011 National NAIDOC Awards in the fields of:

Apprentice of the Year
Artist of the Year
Caring for Country Award
Elder of the Year (Female & Male)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Person of the Year
Scholar of the Year
Sportsperson of the Year
Youth of the Year

If you know someone in your community who deserves to be recognised for their contribution, complete a nomination form before Friday April 29.

 

Television Campaign for the Department of Health and Ageing

March 2011

Carbon Media, a wholly Aboriginal owned new media production company, have been engaged by the Department of Health & Aging to develop a new television campaign to recruit more Indigenous people to work in the health sector.

They are looking for men and women who would be happy to appear on film and who are:

- 20-28 years old
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Currently working in a health related field in your community or local area in:
- Alice Springs, Broome, Mt Isa, Thursday Island, Sydney or Melbourne
- You could be a paramedic, nurse, sports physio, dental assistant, Occupational Therapist, Doctor, midwife, lab technician, dietician, medical receptionist – anything to do with health in the above communities!

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact info@carbon-media.com.au urgently.

 

2011 Rowan Nicks Russell Drysdale Fellowships

21 March 2011

Future leaders in Indigenous health and welfare have been recognised with the presentation of this year's Rowan Nicks Russell Drysdale Fellowships.

Dr Glen Hughes, Olga Collis-McAnespie and Cynthia Payne were announced as recipients of the 2011 fellowships, which are awarded by the Rowan Nicks Russell Drysdale Committee via a bequest through the University of Sydney. The Fellowship provides financial support for Indigneous people undertaking research or establishing projects which will make a tangible difference in Indigenous health and welfare.

 

World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education

Newsletter for Australian Participants Issue #2 March 8th PDF

 

National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists, Inc. (NAATSIP): Call for Members

17 March 2011

The recently formed National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists, Inc (NAATSIP) is now accepting applications for membership.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physios, physio students and physio assistants are welcome to apply for Ordinary membership. Non-Indigenous physios, physio students and physio assistants are welcome to apply for Associate membership. Organisations involved in the delivery of physiotherapy services/education/policy, or involved in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are welcome to apply for Corporate membership.

For more information and to request a membership application form, please contact admin@naatsip.org

 

Medical students: John Flynn applications close next Friday

14 March 2011

Applications for the 2011 intake of the John Flynn Placement Program close next Friday 18 March 2011. Last year, almost 700 first and second year medical students vied for the 300 new places available annually. Applications can only be made via the online application form and students are urged not to leave lodgement to the last minute. Some preparation is required before the form can be completed. Last year some students missed out because they left lodgement to, literally, the last minute. To read the guidelines for applying, please go to the John Flynn Application Form page on the College website.

 

Formation of the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Physiotherapists, Inc. (NAATSIP).

1 March 2011

NAATSIP represents the largest assembly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists and students across Australia.  All full members of the association, including the Executive Committee, are physiotherapists or students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

NAATSIP has two main purposes:

  • To provide support on cultural and professional levels to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, and physiotherapy assistants; and
  • To advocate for the use of physiotherapy as a primary care service in addressing the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

Cultural Awareness Module for PIP Indigenous Health Incentive

28 February 2011

Completion of the ACRRM's new Cultural Awareness Online Module will allow prodessionals to begin claiming the Practice Incentive Payments (Indigenous Health Incentives). The PIP IHI offers $1,000 sign-on payment, $250 per eligible patient each calendar year, and outcomes payments of $100 or $150 per patient a year.

The 15-hour module is moderated by Associate Professor Marlene Drysdale of the Monash School of Rural Health’s Indigenous Health Unit. It provides opportunities to understand medical practice from an indigenous perspective and to work towards improving indigenous patients’ confidence and wellbeing.

To be eligible for the PIP IHI, the module must be completed by a GP in the practice and one other person working in the practice. Fees for the module begin at $100 for ACRRM member and $170 per non-member. There are also packages for pairs and groups.

A free, five-hour version has also been designed as an introduction for medical students and junior doctors.

 

Online Indigenous Wellbeing Lectures

February 2011

The Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research is conducting a series of lectures about measuring of Indigenous wellbeing. The program is available at the link below and lectures and presentations will be available online.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Health Project Newsletter

23 February 2011

The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Health Project Newsletter for February has been released, with information on the latest project developments.

 

New Staff Provided Across Victoria to Improve Indigenous Health 

18 February 2011

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, announced that an additional 38 health staff are being funded across Victoria this financial year, to help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

 

Medical School Welcomes Largest Indigenous Intake

18 February 2011

The ABC's Briget Brennan reports that Darwin's new medical school run by Flinders University has this month welcomed the largest ever Indigenous medical student intake in Australia.

 

Reform Impacts on Aboriginal Community Controlled Health

17 February 2011

In a joint media release, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and National Rural Health Alliance (NHRA) note that the impacts of implementing recommendations made by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission—including Medicare Locals and Local Hospital Networks—are destined to play a crucial role in advancing the Aboriginal health reform agenda.

Next month in Perth NACCHO will present an Aboriginal Health Showcase to ensure health professionals and consumers are fully informed of the latest developments.

 

Closing the Gap - Prime Minister's Report 2011 Released

9 February 2011

The third annual report from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs on the state of Aboriginal Australia covers the target and progress being made towards Aboriginal health, education and employment.

 

The 2nd Annual Excellence in Indigenous Health Awards

Feburary 2011

The 2nd Annual Excellence in Indigenous Health Awards are given in recognition of the inspirational work from service providers, communities and individuals making a difference in health disadvantage.

If you are involved with a program or initiative that is bringing us closer to ‘Closing the Gap’, you are invited to make a submission. Initiatives deemed to have made an outstanding contribution will be recognised at the Awards Gala Dinner on the 29th March 2011 in Darwin. Submissions close 4th Feb 2011.

 

Aboriginal People’s Health Newsletter

January 2011

The second edition of the University of British Columbia’s Aboriginal People’s Health Newsletter has been recently published.

The newsletter provides information regarding the work undertaken within the Faculty of Medicine to support and develop Aboriginal health programs, curriculum, research and advocacy. The publication also highlights research and partnership initiatives being undertaken.

 

New DVC Role for University of Sydney

December 2010

In response to an external Review of Indigenous Education at the University of Sydney completed in August 2009, a new position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) will soon be advertised, with the important new role commencing in early 2011.

The successful applicant will be ‘responsible for finalising the integrated Indigenous Participation, Engagement, Education and Research Strategy which is part of the University’s Strategic Plan 2011–15. From 2012 onwards the new DVC will be responsible for leading the implementation of a comprehensive Indigenous Strategy, which will be agreed by SEG in 2011 and supported by the University as a strategic priority.’

 

First Torres Straight Islander PhD at University of Queensland

13 December 2010

Dr Noritta Morseu-Diop has become the first Torres Strait Islander to earn a PhD from University of Queensland, James O'Loan of The Courier-Mail reports. Dr Morseu-Diop is ‘the fifth Torres Strait Islander in history to receive a PhD from an Australian university. Her PhD thesis findings aim to create a more effective and humane criminal justice system in Queensland, which is currently blighted by an over-representation of indigenous people.’

 

Early Successes in Efforts to ‘Close the Gap’

9 December 2010

Warren Snowdon, the Minister for Indigenous Health, has announced that ‘a new report on the Australian Government’s multi-million dollar commitment to tackling chronic disease in Indigenous communities shows positive progress is being made.’ The Indigenous Chronic Disease Package Annual Progress Report 2009–10 illustrates progress of the close the gap initiative, and achievements of close the gap projects to date.

 

Julia Gillard to Continue Indigenous Health ‘Report Card’

9 December 2010

The ABC’s Jeff Waters reports that Prime Minister Julia Gillard will strengthen efforts to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health outcomes through continuing Kevin Rudd’s ‘recent tradition of making a "Closing the Gap Statement to Parliament" early in the 2011 sitting period’.

‘While the report cards have, in the past, been described by some as inadequate or superficial, Melbourne University's Professor of Indigenous Health Ian Anderson says they are entirely beneficial. “They do two very significant things," he said, "first of all they keep a national focus on what we're doing around Indigenous health [and] the second is that it sends an accountability signal that I think is very important.”’

 

National Workforce Launched to Tackle Indigenous Smoking and Improve Health

8 December 2010

The Minster for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon, relayed in a media release in early December that a new national workforce has been launched to assist in the reduction of smoking, improvement of nutrition and increase of physical activity in Indigenous communities. The new workforce will have 82 varying positions.

 

Grants available: 11th National Rural Health Conference

December 2010

‘The National Rural Health Alliance is offering grants to assist selected individuals (including Aboriginal people and those of a culturally and linguistically diverse background) from community and not-for-profit organisations in WA, and who do not have other sources of funding, to attend the 11th National Rural Health Conference to be held in Perth on 13 -16 March 2011. WA Community Grant recipients will have their Conference registration paid and, if travelling from outside Perth, the grant will also cover travel and accommodation costs... Applications should be submitted by Monday 10 January 2011.’

 

Lowitja Insitute Newsletter Now Available

December 2010

The second edition of the Lowitja Institute's newsletter, Wangka Pulka, is now available via the Lowitja Institute website. The latest issue introduces the recently announced Board of Directors, provides an update on developments across the Institute’s three research programs, reviews the latest activities in Research Communications and delivers a round-up of national policy news in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

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