Issue 6, March 2009
Welcome
As I write this Communiqué, myself and AHCSA staff are finally somewhat settled in our new building at 9 King William Road, Unley. We moved in mid-January and had a hectic time unpacking and getting our phone and information technology systems up and running. I’d like to say a special thank you to all staff who assisted with the move, in particular, Darrien Bromley and Shay Conder.
Amongst other things, Darrien’s artistic flair was extremely useful when it came to planning the internal layout, selecting carpet and paint colours as well as the external presentation of the building. Darrien and Shay worked tirelessly to make the move as seemless as possible.
Please ensure you have updated your records to reflect our new details:
9 King William Road, Unley SA 5061
PO Box 981, Unley SA 5061
Tel: (08) 8273 7200
Fax: (08) 8273 7299
Our official opening of the new building will be held on 25 March in conjunction with the first full Board meeting of 2009.
If you have any queries about CEO Communiqué, please contact Mandy Green or Angela Francisco on (08) 8132 6700, mandy.green@ahcsa.org.au or franciscoa@ahcsa.org.au
Kind Regards
Mary Buckskin
Chief Executive Officer
New Chairperson & Executive
AHCSA has a new Chairperson in Yvonne Buza who was elected at our Annual General Meeting on 2 December in Ceduna. Yvonne assumed the role from John Singer who has been Chairperson for three years.
We congratulate Yvonne and thank John for his guidance and support. John’s contribution was integral to AHCSA’s growth over the past few years.
The new AHCSA Board Executive comprises:
- Yvonne Buza, Chairperson
- Leslie Kropinyeri, Vice Chairperson
- Eunice Aston, Secretary
- Mabel Lochowiak, Treasurer
- Wilhelmine Lieberwirth, Executive Member
- Gwenda Owen, Executive Member
New Students for AHW Training
The Education and Training Team has already started delivering Certificates III and IV from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Training Package. 35 students are enrolled in Certificate III and a further 50 in Certificate IV.
The team is also delivering Certificate IV in Indigenous Research Capacity Building and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. 10 people recently completed the Assessment units, representing the first group of AHW-Assessors under the new Training Package. Congratulations all!
Introducing the ATSIHRTONN Secretariat
All staff have now been appointed to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Registered Training Organisation National Network (ATSIHRTONN) Secretariat. With Anna Leditschke as National Coordinator, Ben Stewart has been appointed Senior Project Officer and Jason Wauchope as Administration Assistant.
The Secretariat have been busy with a number of activities including logo, website, communication plan, and hosting the ATSIHRTONN Conference in February. At this conference, the network decided which logo, out of several options designed by Dreamtime Public Relations, would become their brand. They also discussed the website design and structure, and this has now progressed to a decision and Dreamtime have begun building the site. Stay tuned! For further information contact anna.leditschke@ahcsa.org.au, ben.stewart@ahcsa.org.au or jason.wauchope@ahcsa.org.au
Good Medicines Better Health Pilot Nearing Completion
The pilot phase of the Good Medicines Better Health project will be complete on 30 June 2009. The evaluation findings will determine a way forward and the development of a model for the national roll out of the ‘Train the Trainer’ package.
A ‘Think Tank’ meeting is planned for May 2009 with all stakeholders and partners to devise a model and approach that will work for all states and territories.
The partners (AHCSA, NACCHO and NPS) are currently discussing the resources required to ensure implementation and sustainability of the program at a national level.
National Apology Anniversary
Last year, AHCSA Board and staff went to Canberra to hear the historic Apology from Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. The Apology was a great promise for a new start and our sector is still working hard, hoping for more recognition and resources. We are keen to hear the Prime Minister’s full report about the government’s progress towards Indigenous equality and equity.
NACCHO ‘Investing in Aboriginal Community Control’
While governments have made commitments to Close the Gap, concerns have been expressed that not enough is being done. Many Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services believe that there is a need for an overhaul of the bureaucratic structures dealing with Aboriginal health.
Oxfam has provided funding to NACCHO to develop ideas on the kinds of changes that are needed. The Qld and WA affiliates (QAIHC and AHCWA) have had the responsibility to organise this. A Steering Committee has met regularly and two Think Tanks have been held with AHCSA being represented at both.
The Think Tanks agreed that the community controlled sector needs to be involved in and guide decisions about the $1.6 million announced by COAG and that a process needs to be put in place to give the sector more authority and autonomy. Most participants also agreed that there is a need for one level of government to take responsibility for Aboriginal health and that this should be the national government.
For more information contact David Scrimgeour at AHCSA.
Close the Gap Update
AHCSA staff will be supporting members with Close the Gap events over the coming months. Pangula Mannamurna is hosting an 'Our Health, Our Families, Our Community... Strengthening an old Culture' event in March and the AHCSA Secretariat will be attending and supporting in whatever way possible. If you would like further information or support with your Close the Gap event, contact Amanda Mitchell on 8273 7200 or amanda.mitchell@ahcsa.org.au
Second IT/Public Health Workshop
The second Information Technology/Public Health Workshop is scheduled for 28 and 29 April for AHCSA members. More information will be available soon.
New Positions
AHCSA is currently undergoing the process to appoint an Accreditation Support Officer for members, Office Manager to assist the Corporate Services Manager, Sexual Health Coordinator to work with members to improve screening and treatment across the state, an Administration Assistant for the Policy & Coordination Team, an Information Technology Officer to replace Ben Stewart, and a GPET Officer. More information about appointments coming soon.
AHCSA News
The next AHCSA News will be out in late March. If you do not currently receive a copy and would like to be added to the distribution list, please email amanda.mitchell@ahcsa.org.au or call (08) 8272 7300.
Further Information
If you would like further information on any of the above stories, please contact Mandy Green or Angela Francisco via email mandy.green@ahcsa.org.au, angela.francisco@ahcsa.org.au or phone (08) 8272 7300.
Disclaimer
CEO Communiqué is copyright to the Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. (AHCSA). No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Chief Executive Officer of AHCSA. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the information contained in this newsletter is accurate, errors and omissions may occur. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, we apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask that you click the unsubscribe link below.
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