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Job vacancies
New Indigenous job vacancies blog - Blakjobs
Blakjobs has been set up to act as a central collation point for job vacancies for Indigenous people in Western Australia. It is a 'good faith' blog where jobs received via email networks can be posted. It also gives those looking for work one central point to go to and hopefully match up more people with employment.
View website
Qualified Childcare Workers - Gowrie (WA) Inc - Perth
The Gowrie (WA) Inc is a community based, not for profit organisation providing a range of community, family and children’s services. Lady Gowrie benefits include: above award wages, flexible working hours, pay for staff meetings and training, 3 hrs a week non-contact time for qualified staff, and full time qualified staff.
There is currently a full time vacancy at the child care centre in Kewdale, Perth. Work 37.5 hours a week and earn the Lady Gowrie rate, which is up to 96 cents an hour above the normal award rate.
The Gowrie has a family friendly policy and will consider applications from childcare workers wishing to work part-time flexible hours.
The Gowrie welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders and from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Qualified Childcare workers.
Successful candidates will be reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking.
To apply for the position, please send a covering letter and a current resume marked “Confidential - Application” to Human Resources Officer, 275 Abernethy Road, Cloverdale, WA 6105 or by e-mail to HR@gowrie-wa.com.au.
Further information:
Human Resources
Ph: (08) 9478 7507
Job search engine - Careerjet
Careerjet is an employment search engine for Australia. It allows jobseekers to search jobs listed on company sites and job sites saving the trouble of visiting each site individually. There are many jobs advertising specifically for Indigenous people or where Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.
Indigenous job search engine - Vibe worker
Vibe Worker is the only job search engine specifically for Indigenous Australian job seekers, and employers seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
The website contains information on who is looking to employ, how best to apply for jobs and the opportunity to learn about other Indigenous people working in all kinds of areas, that have been successful in 'getting the job'. Job applications can be emailed directly to the site.
Scholarships
New directions: Mothers and babies services request for tender - Department of Health and Ageing
The Australian Government has committed $90.3 million over five years from 2007-08 to implement New directions: An equal start in life for Indigenous children - Mothers and babies services in high need regions.
New directions mothers and babies services will provide Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and their mothers with access to antenatal care; standard information about baby care; pratical advice and assistance with breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting; monitoring of developmental milestones; and health checks for Indigenous children prior to starting school.
An application kit including a fact sheet, guidelines for applying, application form with assessment criteria and, standard funding agreements, is available by registering on the Department's website at www.health.gov.au/tenders
The localities of high need identifies for funding in 2008-09 are listed in the application kit fact sheet
Applications close 9 October 2008
Further information:
Ph: 1800 787 200
Email: mothersandbabies@health.gov.au
Healthy for Life - request for tender - Department of Health and Ageing
The Healthy for Life program aims to enhance the capacity of primary health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by improving the quality of child and maternal health services and chronic disease care, and to improve the capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
The provision of men's health services is an exciting new opportunity within the Healthy for Life program.
An application kit including guidelines for applying, application form with assessment criteria and, standard funding agreements, is available by registering on the Department's website at www.health.gov.au/tenders
Applications close 9 October 2008
Further information:
Ph: 1800 787 200
Email: healthyforlife@health.gov.au
Website: http://www.health.gov.au/healthyforlife
Indigenous scholarship - Optometry
A scholarship is being offered to an Indigenous person who is interested in becoming an optometrist. The Lion's Eye Institute have been trying to identify an Aboriginal person to continue the work of WA optometrist Mr Graham Fist, but to no avail. Graham is particularly passionate about assisting Aboriginal people with eye care and is a member of the Lion's Institute board, as well as various other organisations.
Further information:
Graham Fist
Ph: (08) 9321 3333
Fax: (08) 9321 8860
Website: www.lei.org.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Traineeships Scheme
The aim of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant Scheme is to support the pharmacy workforce by encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to enter Pharmacy Assistant/Technician roles, particularly in rural and remote locations.
An allowance of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) is available to a community pharmacy to employ and train an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant. The incentive allowance is to cover the full training costs for the assistant and also contribute to the wages and other costs incurred by the pharmacy in employing the Assistant.
More than one incentive allowance may be allocated per Pharmacy Assistant if the assistant completes more than one nationally accredited Pharmacy Assistant training course. Applicants may apply to receive the allowance to employ and train more than one assistant.
Are you the owner of an actively trading pharmacy located in a rural or remote location? Are you able to offer employment and training to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Assistant? Your Pharmacy Assistant must:
- Be an Australian citizen of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Be enrolled in a nationally accredited Pharmacy Assistant training course aligned to the Retail Services Training Package.
Further information:
Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Rural and Professional Services team
Phone: (02) 6270 1888
Email: robin.vote@guild.org.au
Website:Rural pharmacy (to find guidelines and the application form)
Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health - Postgraduate Scholarships
The Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH) offers postgraduate scholarships to encourage Aboriginal students to enter the health research sector. The scholarships are provided for students who are able to provide quality research in areas that are consistent with the CRCAH's research program.
Scholarships are normally offered for full-time research or postgraduate study for:
- 1 year for Honours level research
- 2 years for masters level research
- 2 years for masters by coursework
- 3 years for PhD level research
Further information:
Diane Walker
Capacity Development Officer
Email: diane.walker@menzies.edu.au
Website: Cooperative research center for aboriginal health
Conferences and workshops
Understanding Mortality Data 2008 - Australasian Mortality Data Interest Group (AMDIG) workshop
24 November 2008
Brisbane, Queensland
The Australasian Mortality Data Interest Group (AMDIG) is hosting its fifth mortality data workshop.
Theme: Indigenous Mortality
The workshop will address past, present and future issues related to the collection, collation, dissemination and publication of Indigenous mortality data in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-pacific regions. Those working with mortality data in other countries, public health researchers, indigenous health workers and those involved in the collection and processing of Indigenous mortality data should attend as it aims to bring the producers and users of mortality data together for discussion on key issues essential to the production of high quality data on causes of death. Sessions will include research presentations and open discussion on closing the gaps.
View website
View brochure (PDF - 519KB)
Register for this workshop
Further information:
Garry Waller
NCCH Brisbane
Ph: (07) 3138 5876
Fax: (07) 3138 5515
Email: g.waller@qut.edu.au
Health Promotion, Our Way - Evidence, Advocacy & Action - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pre Conference Workshop
Perth, Western Australia
The Health Promotion, Our Way - Evidence, Advocacy & Action, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pre-Conference Workshop will be held on the 17 May 2009, and leads into the Australian Health Promotion Association’s 18th National Health Promotion Conference.
The inclusive program will incorporate a broad range of presentations from ground breaking research through to innovative grass roots interventions.
The pre-conference aims to:
- showcase leaders in health promotion and innovative health promotion research and initiatives.
- create an inclusive and welcoming environment where multidisciplinary practitioners, researchers and policy makers can engage in healthy debate.
- ignite passion in the sector, by creating a lively and interactive program.
As well as an exciting range of presenters and invited speakers, this pre-conference workshop will have a major exhibition and trade display for companies, organisations and services which play a significant role in health promotion.
View flyer (PDF - 70KB)
For more information:
Ph: (08) 9382 5924
Website: www.healthpromotion.org.au
National Aboriginal Lupus Workshop Proceedings
The Coalition for Research to Improve Aboriginal Health (CRIAH) in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing held the National Aboriginal Lupus Workshop last year in response to Aboriginal community concern about lupus and its debilitating effects on individuals, families and communities.
The National Aboriginal Lupus Workshop facilitated discussion around the issue of lupus, and has prompted further action to appropriately assist people with this disease. Over 100 people from right across Australia attended the day, representing Aboriginal Health Services, communities and government departments from every State and Territory. The workshop presentations included keynote addresses from specialist physicians in immunology and rheumatology, and presentations from Aboriginal community leaders, lupus sufferers and their families, researchers and policy officers interested in and involved with addressing Lupus among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The specific aims of the workshop were to:
- assemble Aboriginal people and consumers, health providers, policy makers and researchers with an interest in Lupus among Aboriginal people
- examine and discuss what was known about the incidence, treatment and care of Aboriginal people with Lupus
- explore ways in which health services, policy makers, researchers and Aboriginal people and consumers could work together to improve our awareness and understanding of how to optimise management and care provided to Aboriginal people with Lupus through primary, secondary and tertiary health care providers
- explore gaps in Australian research about Lupus among Aboriginal people and opportunities for new research and research collaborations.
For more information:
Nicole Cockayne
Manager, Aboriginal Health Research
The Sax Institute
Level 8, Building 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007
PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Ph: (02) 9514 5938
Website: www.saxinstitute.org.au
Cancer Care Course for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Queensland
Aim: To increase the cancer related knowledge of participants by providing information about cancer, cancer treatment and the impact of the disease; To improve the care of Indigenous people with cancer in Queensland; and to develop a statewide network among Indigenous Health Workers caring for people with cancer.
Description: The 5 day course is for male and female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to provide education/information and skills about cancer for those who care for people with cancer.
Timeline: The inaugural course was held in Brisbane in 2005. In 2007 the course was delivered in Townsville (May) and Brisbane (October). It is expected to be ongoing.
Partners: Queensland Health - Public Health Services / Identified positions at hospitals, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, James Cook University, The Centre for Palliative Care Research & Education and The Cancer Council Queensland.
Funding: This organisation is a charity and we have identified ongoing funding from within our organisation for this worthwhile program
Outcomes: In early 2008, 58 participants have completed the course. They have a network of contacts for support and information. All participants talk about a new confidence in supporting patients, family and community through the journey of cancer. Course brochures have their own artwork. A brochure and poster 'lets talk about living with cancer' have been launched in the state.
Evaluation: After each course, it is evaluated. Mostly we juggle speakers for the best time to have them talk about their topics. The speakers are hand picked to be culturally sensitive, they also receive a cultural briefing. We have added contact lists and other useful information into participant manuals. The latest inclusion is a glossary of cancer words.
Lessons: Having a great advisory group has sure helped! The course coordinator has allowed the course to be flexible and allowed time and activities for each of the participants to become comfortable with each other.
Be prepared, but take everything as it comes and roll with it!
Further: The course is run in Townsville in the last week of May (for Central, Northern and FNQ workers) and in Brisbane (for Central and SEQ workers) in the last week in October annually.
Participation is by application (nothing too difficult) and a bursary supports all participants expenses. The course includes specialist speakers, site visits to educational, medical and accommodation venues. The environment is relaxed and safe, the food is always good and the company is exceptional!
Further information:
Catherine Jacka Paroz
Email: catherinejackaparoz@cancerqld.org.au
Web: The Cancer Council Queensland
Mental Health & Psychological Assessment of Aboriginal Clients: workshop dates available
This two day workshop will be held by Dr Tracey Westerman, Managing Director of Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS). Participants will learn how to merge mainstream training with cultural paradigms of mental illness.
The workshop will be held at different cities across Australia, on the following dates:
- Adelaide: 12 & 13 March (sold out)
- Adelaide: 27 & 28 May
- Brisbane: 12 & 13 June (for non psychologists)
- Cairns: 24 & 25 July
- Perth: 6 & 7 August
- Brisbane: 28 & 29 August (for psychologists only)
- Sydney: 23 & 24 September
- Darwin: 16 & 17 October
- Melbourne: 30 & 31 October
View brochure and registration form (PDF - 337KB)
Further information:
Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS)
Ph: (08) 9362 2036
Fax: (08) 9362 5546
Email: ips@ips.iinet.net.au
Website: Indigenous Psychological Services
Other news
Masters of Public Health Institute of Koorie Education Deakin University 2009
The Institute of Koorie Education (IKE) at Deakin University is now taking applications for their Masters of Public Health commencing in 2009.
Deakin University is part of the consortium of Public Health Universities in Victoria (also including Melbourne, Monash, La Trobe Universities) having access to some of the best Public health minds in the country.
The Master of Public Health aims to assist students to:
- appreciate the historical foundations of public health and lessons learned from history;
- develop a broad-based understanding of the determinants of health in populations;
- develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the broad public health endeavours
- develop the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve upon existing health-promoting environments
- develop critical thinking about efforts to promote health and prevent disease
- carry out research to identify public health priorities and generate initiatives for policy and action, public health program planning and evaluation
- develop strategies to ensure equity in the health system and interventions to promote the health of disadvantaged groups.
- possess an appreciation of the complex challenges in public health and the need for multidimensional solutions;
- develop the skills necessary to generate and use research data related to public health issues, endeavours and interventions.
The Institute of Koorie Education is situated on Wuthaurong Country in Geelong.
IKE is looking for people who have an undergraduate qualification and/or a strong background in Aboriginal health.
View course information
Apply online
Further information:
Janice Jessen
Course Coordinator/Lecturer
Masters Public Health
Institute of Koorie Education
Deakin University
Geelong, Vic 3217
Ph: (03) 5227 2346
Fax: (03) 5227 2019
Email: janice.jessen@deakin.edu.au
Website: www.deakin.edu.au/ike
Capacity building in Indigenous Policy-relevant Health Research (CIPHER) - The Menzies School of Health Research
30 - 31 October 2008
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The Menzies School of Health Research presents a showcase on Capacity building in Indigenous Policy-relevant Health Research (CIPHER).
The course is aimed at:
- People working in the Aboriginal health policy
- Policy makers with a specific interest in Aboriginal health and chronic diseases, primary health care, quality improvement process, racism, population estimation, evidence based policy or Aboriginal family violence policy
- Postgraduate students with an interest in the field of Indigenous health
Closing date for registration: 20 October 2008
Further information:
Tash Herrmann
Ph: (08) 8922 7815
Email: tash.herrmann@menzies.edu.au
Health Policy and Indigenous Australians in social context: Understanding the policy agenda
29 - 30 October 2008
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The Menzies School of Health Research and the Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit present this short course.
The course is aimed at:
- People working in the policy sector who would like to develop an understanding of Aboriginal Health policy
- Experienced policy makers in Aboriginal health who would like to refresh their thinking about the political and social processes that underpin Aboriginal health policy development
- People working in research, health information or the non-government sector who would like to develop increase their knowledge about Aboriginal health policy
- Postgraduate students in the field of Indigenous Health
Closing date for registration: 20 October 2008
Further information:
Tash Herrmann
Ph: (08) 8922 7815
Email: tash.herrmann@menzies.edu.au
Cancer Education Course - Cancer Council WA
24 - 28 November 2008
The Cancer Council WA is now calling for applications for the second 2008 Cancer Education Course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Professionals across metro, rural and regional Western Australia.
Registration is free, and includes: travel expenses, meals and accommodation, course registration, a participant booklet and study notes
The five-day program aims to increase the cancer knowledge of participants by providing practical information about cancer, treatment and the impact of the disease to improve the care of Aboriginal people with cancer. Topics covered include understanding how cancer develops, the types of cancers affecting Aboriginal people, cancer treatment, palliative care, cancer prevention and early detection of the disease.
Closing date for applications is Monday 27 October
View application (PDF - 1.94MB - large file warning!)
View website
Further information:
Tracey Eades
Ph: (08) 9212 4381
Email: education@cancerwa.asn.au
Australia’s Breast Awareness month is October
View document (PDF - 170KB)
Aboriginal Foster Carers needed by Barnardos Adolescent Services based in Sydney
Barnardos Adolescent Services is looking for Aboriginal Foster Carers to provide care and support to Indigenous adolescents aged 12-18 years old who are unable to live with their own family.
The foster carer will be required to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing home for the young person; provide emotional support and care to meet the young person’s day-to-day needs; encourage positive development, communication and behaviour in the young person, and work effectively as a team with Barnardos staff, other organisations and birth parents.
To apply for the position the foster carer must be over 25 years of age, have a spare room at home and have some demonstrated experience in parenting or looking after adolescents.
Barnardos Adolescent Services provide 24 hour support, on-going training and a very generous allowance to cover the daily care needs and living expenses of the young person.
This position is only available to people residing in the Sydney area. Barnardos Adolescent Services cover the areas of the Inner West, South and South East Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs.
For more information:
Kate Perini
Ph: (02) 9787 4440
It's about you, Our community, Our future - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS)
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS) is being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics throughout Victoria, from August through to about March 2009. A broad range of information will be collected from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to understand the connections between various indicators of social, emotional and economic well-being and to explore the relationships within and between different aspects of their lives. It builds on the results of the 1994 and 2002 NATSISS to show how things have changed over time.
With strong support from Indigenous organisations and communities, children are being included for the first time. There is general agreement that strategies targeting early childhood development are key to ensuring better outcomes for future generations. Children won't be asked questions directly, but information about how they are going will be collected from a responsible adult who knows them well.
It is a sample survey so only some people will be selected to take part. The information can help Indigenous organisations and communities to identify and address issues of importance to them and their well being.
All information collected will be strictly confidential and no information which is released will identify any individual person or household. Results from the survey will be available in the second half of 2009 and will be free to all on the ABS website (www.abs.gov.au). In Victoria, ABS has employed Indigenous community facilitators to distribute information about the survey and promote participation.
For more information:
Fiona Shalley
Ph: (03) 9615 7510
Indigenous access to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) - feedback sought
Urbis (www.urbis.com.au) have been commissioned by Diabetes Australia to conduct a research project regarding Indigenous access to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) (www.ndss.com.au).
The aim of the research project is to identify the reasons for low registration rates of Indigenous Australians nationally; and, provide strategies for Diabetes Australia to pilot across a range of national locations for future implementation.
Views/comments/opinions are sought about the following questions:
- To what extent do Aboriginal people/communities know about the NDSS?
- What aspects of the NDSS work well for Aboriginal people/communities? Not so well? Where are the gaps?
- What other services/professionals support Aboriginal people with diabetes? (health workers, local community, acute, specialists)
- To what extent does the CARPA STM inform the advice given to Aboriginal people/communities with diabetes? To what extent does the use of the CARPA STM affect the use of the NDSS products?
- What effect does the s100 clause have on the NDSS? If there is an effect, why do you think this is the case? To what extent does this influence registration with NDSS?
- What kinds of models are being used/have been used that have improved Indigenous registration with the NDSS?
- What kinds of system innovations could improve Indigenous registration with the NDSS? How might these be generalised?
To provide comments or for any further information please contact:
Karen Olver
Social Research & Planning
Urbis
Ph: (+613) 8663 4888
Fax: (+613) 8663 4999
Email: info@urbis.com.au
Website: www.urbis.com.au
Hearing services for Indigenous people - Australian Hearing
Australian Hearing would like to encourage more Indigenous Australians to take advantage of free services available to them. The level of ear disease in the Aboriginal population is much higher than that of the general population, with 7 in 10 Indigenous people experiencing hearing loss compared to 1 in 10 non-Indigenous people.
Hearing services are free to many Indigenous people. These include:
- Those under 21 years of age
- Those aged over 50
- Pension concession card holders or their dependants
- Department of Veterans Affairs Gold or White card holders or their dependants
- Sickness allowance recipients or their dependants
- Referred clients of a Government funded vocational rehabilitation service
- Members of the Australian Defence Force
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that participated in CDEP between 1 December 2005 and 30 June 2008
Australian Hearing provide regular services to regional and remote Indigenous communities around Australia, including hearing checks, hearing aids, education and services. Hearing aids are small and comfortable, with excellent technology that will improve a person’s quality of life.
Further information:
Australian Hearing
Ph:
131 797
Website: Australian Hearing
or
Julie Shelley
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Ph: 9831 8322
Email: shelley@hearing.com.au
Carbal AMS's New Website
Carbal Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service has launched their website.
Check it out at Carbal Medical Centre and add it to your favourites as it will be regularly updated.
Expanded diabetes service for rural and remote communities across Western Australia
The Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth is pleased to announce the establishment of an expanded Diabetes service for rural and remote communities across Western Australia.
There is growing concern over the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, particularly among Indigenous people and in some ethnic minority groups. Therefore, the service is primarily focused on improving the service and outcomes for this group of vulnerable young people.
The service aims to provide timely clinical advice and expertise through partnership with clinicians in rural and remote regions of W.A., whilst providing ongoing clinical monitoring and education. The service provision will include:
- Clinical visits to rural and remote areas.
- Liaison with rural and remote health care professionals for advice and assistance.
- Resource development (including web-based guidelines and educational resources).
An essential component of this service is to limit the unnecessary displacement of young people from their home environment and, where possible, foster the clinical management and education closer to their home, rather than in hospital.
The goal is to build on existing partnerships and establish new ones. Please contact Mark Shah if you have any suggestions or ideas on how the service can assist you.
Further information:
Mark Shah
Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Princess Margaret Hospital
Ph: (08) 9349 8090
Email: mark.shah@health.wa.gov.au
Opportunity to make an enquiry regarding return of organs and tissue from a post-mortem examination
Do you have questions about a post-mortem examination on a family member who passed away before January 2002?
NSW Health is providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with the opportunity to make an inquiry about the return of organs and tissue that may have been retained from a relative's post-mortem examination.
Please call the phone line in the state or territory where the autopsy was performed:
NSW 1800 225 822 (free call)
QLD 1800 449 171 (free call)
NT 1800 300 028 (free call)
VIC 1800 149 300 (free call)
WA 1300 135 030
TAS (03) 6222 8264
SA 1300 887 728
ACT (02) 6244 2870
Identification and recognition of Indigenous veterans - Department of Veteran Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is looking to make contact with Indigenous servicemen and women, particularly the period from WW2 through to the Vietnam conflict, when there was no requirement to identify your culture at the time of recruitment. The intent of the project is to identify as many Indigenous veterans as possible and then ensure that they are receiving their entitled financial and health benefits from DVA or other support agencies.
The Indigenous vets list will have a twofold effect. It will provide a comprehensive list of known veterans (living or deceased) and it will also ensure that those veterans get the recognition that they deserve for the service and sacrifice they made in defence of their country.
Further information:
Robert (Bob) Noble
ATSI Veterans Policy Officer
Income Support and Residential Aged Care Department of Veterans' Affairs
Ph: (02) 6289 6205 (to have a yarn with Bob Noble)
Ph: 133 254 (for contact with the nearest DVA State Office - ask
to be put through to the Indigenous Service Delivery Officer)
Ph: 1800 555 254 (freecall for country callers)
Fax: (02) 6289 4854
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