Issue 23, April 2015 Congratulations Nindila! On the re-registration as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)! The team have worked tirelessly to update a mass amount of course work and meet requirements and have now commenced training again in 2015...read more on page 2. What’s in this Newsletter... Nindila Re-Registration 2 Student Profiles 3 Healthy Weight Week 4-5 Employee of the Month 6 New Starters and appointments 7 Sustainable Gardens 8-9 Specialist Clinic Calendar, Contacts and information 10-13 Tobacco Action 14 NEW New Directions 15 Closing the Gap 16 Thithigoo Creche 17 General Staff Meeting, March 18 Global Domes and Dreamtime Story 19 Hilarious Hiccup 20 Holiday Destination 21 The Scoop 23 1 Nindila - Registered Training Organisation Nindila Training Centre has just passed their Accreditation for Registration to operate as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The process of preparing for audit was a massive task to undertake as the three (3) Qualifications have increase in units: Certificate 3 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care has increased from 14 units to 17 units. Certificate 4 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice 13 units to 21 units Certificate IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Community Care qualifications has increased from 13 units to 21 units. Block 1 started on the 9th February to 20th February 2015, with students studying the following units of competency: HLTAHW016 Assess client’s physical well-being HLTAHW022 – Address social determinants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health HLTIN301C – Comply with infection control policies and procedures On completion of the Certificate in Primary Health Care Practice students can fill a variety of job roles nationally or continue to work locally with opportunities at the Bega Garnbirringu Health services clinic, SSU, New Directions and Mobile Clinics. We do have all three (3) qualifications on scope but at this stage Nindila will only be teaching the HLT40213 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice. This training will run for 12 months with seven (7) two (2) week blocks. As well as 500 hours of skill practice. Students will also be participating in Clinic Placements at: Bega Garnbirringu Health Services Clinic Social Support Unit (SSU) and New Directions Amana Living Kalgoorlie Health Campus (Kalgoorlie Hospital), and Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni (NTP) On completion of the course students will be known as ATSI Health Practitioners, in accordance as per the new Aboriginal Health Practitioners Regulator Agency (AHPRA) guidelines. The role of the AHW has been superseded by the Practitioners scope of Practice. The first class at Nindila since re-registration as an RTO, with trainer Naomi Zaro. 2 2 Nindila Student Profiles Nindila is dedicated to the ongoing training and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and strives to nurture and support students through their educational journey and this is demonstrated with the current students very appreciative of the opportunity to develop in themselves in order to help others. Here are a couple of students undertaking the training at the moment and what they have to say.. Jaimee Jones Darren Stokes Darren’s family history of diabetes inspired the beginning of a career in health and with aspirations to help people within the community and a shortage of male health workers, it all made sense. Previously having worked at Bega as a Youth Support Officer, Darren is hoping to return to the Clinic or perhaps going out into the community once completing the course next year. Jaimee in action completing some prac with client Joanna McDonnell Jaimee Jones is a 24 year old single mum with ambition and drive to both support her family and help her community. “Diabetes runs in our family and I felt that I would like to work in that Health Area and the time seems just right to do it. There is a shortage of male health workers and I want to help my people in the Goldfields.” Jaimee worked as a volunteer Ambulance Officer for about 12 months after completing a PAC Officers course in May of 2013 (Primary Ambulance Care). Having thoroughly enjoyed her time as an ambulance officer, Jaimee still felt there was more to be done and started thinking about helping people so they didn’t need an ambulance. “I wanted to help people and educate people as well as myself about health before they needed to be in an ambulance. I love my culture, I love my people and I wanted to help them.” Bega are on the local Tjuma Pulka radio station every Thursdays letting everyone know what’s going on. “I heard it on the radio about the courses and so I mentioned this to My Auntie (she worked at Bega) and she said she would take me to Nindilla. And I enrolled. I am loving the course and loving the prac even more, though I love it all. The staff are fantastic, they don’t get sick of questions, they are eager to help and the clients are great too. I want to get a job at Bega and help my people. My biggest goal is providing for my children while making a difference.” 3 Darren completing some practical work at Bega Clinic, checks Albert McKenzie’s blood pressure. Darren is enjoying the course and has already commenced doing the practical component in the Clinic gaining valuable exposure to on the job learning. “The course is good, The teachers are increasing our knowledge and now I am doing my clinic prac. I am enjoying the working environment and the staff and the clients. I am doing something different because previously I have worked in other jobs dealing with the people of the Goldfields. I previously worked here as a Youth Support Officer and am really pleased that I have moved into the Health Industry.” 3 Healthy Weight Week Bega went bananas on healthy eating this healthy weight week, to encourage everyone to achieve a healthy weight for themselves and maintain it. It was all about the scales, but not what you would normally think - it’s about balancing life around healthy eating and not the other way around. Eating your two fruit and five veg doesn’t have to be hard if you get prepared and make it fun. Get several snacks sorted in one go and without thinking, you can grab and go from the fridge each day. Bega staff distributed over 2,200 serves of fruit, veg and yoghurt cups throughout the five days. That’s 1,442 serves of fruit from bananas and plums to grapes, 361 yoghurt cups, 32 fruit wraps in crèche and 380 veggie cups. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Moderate exercise is also a great way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. No one is alone in the struggle against the bulge and in healthy eating. Help each other out by sharing your ideas and motivating each other. Weigh up your options and ask yourself; is it going to fill me up? In Australia, 61% of the adult population (18 years and over) were overweight or obese (in 2007), with 25% of these classified as obese. (www.health.gov.au/). Above: Haysie Penola, Maternal Support Worker, Louise Crogan, Administration Assistant and Myat Soe, Public Health Officer, get set to distribute the veggie cups across Bega to staff and clients and pose for a photo for the Kalgoorlie Miner. The photo appeared on the front cover of the Kalgoorlie Miner on Monday 23rd February 2015. 4 4 Eating a Rainbow 16 - 20 February 2015 All fruit and vegetables have different vitamins and minerals and can benefit your health in different ways. That’s why it is important to get some colour in your diet. The Veggie Cups are a quick and easy way to eat a rainbow: Shopping List: 2 Sticks of Celery Cost: (whole celery) $3.50 1 Capsicum $2 1 Cucumber $2.50 2 Carrots $0.50 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (Cubed cheese optional) $4 (without cheese) $12.50 Pictured (top left clockwise): Daz Blunt (Manager Health Programs) and Loretta Trott (Coordinator, New Directions) making yoghurt cups. Method: Wash all ingredients. Lay out cups of 250ml containers (makes around 15 cups). Cut veg in strips to fit container. Top a cherry tomato and cube of cheese if desired. Pack and Go! Serves: over 15 Preparation time: 15 minutes for 15 snacks isn't bad 5 Fred Edwards (Maintenance Officer) assisting with transporting some of the 1,500 odd fruit. Carol Escudero (Administration Assistant, Clinic) delivering yoghurt cups to clients. Myat Soe (Public Health Officer), Sachin Khera (Healthy Lifestyle and Tobacco Action Coordinator) and Joanna McDonnell (Specialist Administrator) packing veggie cups to go. 5 Employee of the Month Employee of the Month is an award given for outstanding service to well deserving employees. The mob at Bega are all doing different things to come together to provide quality services for our clients. In recognition of this, employees are nominated by management for their contribution. All those nominated celebrate with a lunch with the Chief Operations Officer, Clive Holt, and the Employee of the Month receives a certificate and gift as well. February’s nominations saw the same employee nominated which has never happened before. The nominations were... And the January Nominations were... Carol Escudero Carol is always friendly, professional and always helpful to everyone. Nothing is ever too much for Carol, from preparing reports to chopping up fruit! You are amazing Carol, thank you and keep up the good work. Haysie Penola Haysie spends her days transporting our maternal clients around for appointments, visits them at home and at the hospital, and goes above and beyond to make our clients happy and comfortable with our service. She has also been allocated the collection of data and has embraced this role with no questions asked. Haysie is an asset to the New Directions team, and we can’t wait to have her on board as a Health Practitioner. Elaine Bourne For all the commitment and hard work she put into Health Weight Week to make it a huge success while most of the team were away. She went way beyond her usual duties to assist the whole organisation in making this a success, on top of attending to everything else she does. A huge thanks to Louise and everyone else from other departments that helped out. Louise Crogan Louise has been nurturing the Healthy Lifestyle program since the staff have diminished in the area. Louise has also done a fantastic job with creating our first calendar. Louise is always polite and willing to help in any area. Well done Louise and keep up the good work. Elaine often goes beyond her role as Rough Sleeper and can be called on to help other departments when needed to deal with reluctant clients, often with happy endings. Elaine has a great attitude to the work she does and never complains. She does what is required and a whole lot more. No job is too big or too small for her. Keep up the great work. Henry Dalgetty, Karen Rooimans, Robbie Bonney, Lisa Bell, Stephen Morrison and Daniel Graham This mob attended the Survival Day Concert in Perth on Australia Day and provided health promotion in all areas covered by Bega, in particular smoking cessation. This mob gave up their long weekend and did a fantastic job, having almost 600 people look at our mobile clinics. They let Beth know where they were and what they were doing on and off all weekend. Tony Shaw called me after the event and commented on how well the mob represented Bega. Henry also spoke on the Noongar radio station at the event. Well done to all of you, we at Bega are proud of you all. Carol Escudero (below) receiving the award from Clive Holt 6 Louise Crogan 6 Louise Crogan For the work and promotion of the Healthy Weight Week. Louise Crogan with the fruit bouquet for the GSM. Below receiving the award from Clive Holt, COO. Rebecca Forster HR Officer & Exec Assistant to COO Rachael Dimer Payroll As a new employee we welcome you to Bega. We consider the employment of every individual to be an important factor in the constant growth of our organisation. You have been employed here because of the skills you have and the contribution you can offer to our service. Dr Keen Cheok GP Registrar Dianne Logan has been made permanent in the position of Social Support Unit Manager Kerrin Yepwi Marelda Tucker Bringing Them Home Counsellor Aboriginal Health Worker (New Directions) Daz Blunt has been made permanent in the position of Health Programs Manager Jocelyn Carmichael has been made permanent in the position of Nindila Training Centre Manager 7 Erin Zaro Administration Assistant Corporate Services Lisa Bell has accepted the position of Mobile Clinic Coordinator 7 Sustainable Gardens Taking off at Bega Bega is getting set to roll out Sustainable Gardening in our community with a self watering idea. Gardening guru, David de Vries has worked with rural and remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to develop a system of sustainable garden suitable to the desert climate. David recently visited Bega’s Nindila Training Centre to share his learning and expertise on the topic with Bega employees. Eddie and Edward Evans also got a grape vine and some help with existing fruit trees. The trees were planted some time ago and the lawn had encroached its growing space soaking up previous water. The team got stuck into it, despite the searing and humid heat, to get rid of the weeds and lawn and put in some mulch using the lawn clippings. The training on creating sustainable gardens within community houses and around the homes was not only about placement, materials and technique but also about helping our clients become involved in a rewarding activity. A wealth of knowledge, employees learnt from David’s experience and lessons on the best way to encourage community members to take on their own project and to ensure it is one that can be left when gardeners go travelling. Staff used second hand barrels, added their own pattern and flare, and turned them into wicking beds. The concept is simple – create a space in the bottom for water to sit and seep up into the soil allowing the gardens to go around a week without watering. Once staff were up to speed, it was time to put theory into practice and the mob went on a mission to install a couple around the place. First stop was to deliver a Melanie O’Donoghue, Gareth L-R .Graham Nudding, Ripley, wing off de Vries and Jodie Reid sho Stokes, Cody Winter, David . the new sustainable garden couple between Clinic, Creche and Social Support Unit so everyone can keep an eye on how it all goes. The kids are loving watering their own garden too! Next stop Ninga Mia to help show active gardener, Melanie O’Donoghue, and her family how to make their own barrels and tubs. From repotting her fruit trees to herbs and a new silky pear, it was all hands on deck. It also goes to show that second hand materials can be used to complete the garden, with an old gate used to run the silky pear along. What is a Sustainable Garden? A garden that will survive in the environmental conditions at low cost and is often one that provides edible plants for their owners. 8 8 Left: Watering the new garden. Above: Sachin Khera installing the fig tree in the clinic courtyard. If you have a chance, check out the one in the Clinic courtyard next time you are there. Sustainable Gardens at Ninga Mia Graham Nudding, Ninga Mia Substance Misuse Worker, new sustainable gardeners, Edward and Eddie Evans and Cody Winter, Environmental Health Worker, showcasing the new grape vine. Eddie will also make his own vine support. What Next? Bega hope to help establish many more sustainable gardens for the community and its members. Gardening is a beneficial health activity as it can be very therapeutic, create many social discussions and be rewarding through both a sense of achievement and from eating the fruits of your own labour! Watch this space. Left: (the before shot) fruit trees in pots were not taking off as fast, so the Bega team helped Melanie and Gareth to replant them. Right (the after shot): Gareth Stokes and Jodie Reid, Youth Support Worker, making the final touches to the fruit trees. Planting in tubs is also great because they are portable take them with you when you move! Tips for planning your garden: Choose a location close to the water supply is to make it easier Find a spot that has some shade from the afternoon sun, either under trees or next a fence, house or shed Use mulch to keep the moisture in Use a good fertilizer once a month, such as seasol Recycle old barrels, fences, crates to get the job done Try find manure to mix in with the soil 9 9 April Specialist Clinics Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26 Antenatal Class: Relaxation and Pamper - looking after yourself, baby and pregnancy Good Friday (closed) 6 7 8 9 Easter Monday Dentist DENTIST (extra day) Podiatrist Physio Diabetes Clinic with Dentist (extra day) Dr George Paediatrician Diabetes Educator Jane Walton (closed) 13 10 14 DENTIST (extra day) Dentist 15 16 DENTIST (extra day) 17 Physio Paediatrician 20 21 23 24 Dentist Podiatrist Physio Paediatrician Dietician 27 28 Anzac Day (closed) Dentist 10 22 29 30 Paediatrician 10 May Specialist Clinics Monday 4 Tuesday Friday Sat Sun 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 Dentist Podiatrist Physio Paediatrician Diabetes Clinic with Dr George 16 17 23 24 30 31 5 Wednesday 6 Thursday Diabetes Educator Jane Walton 11 18 12 13 14 15 Dentist Physio Paediatrician Opthalmologist (eye) 19 20 Dentist 21 22 Podiatrist Dietician 28 29 Paediatrician 25 26 27 Dentist Physio Paediatrician 11 11 June Specialist Clinics Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 Dentist Podiatrist Physio Paediatrician Diabetes Clinic with Dr George 20 21 27 28 Dentist Podiatrist Paediatrician 8 9 10 Diabetes Educator Jane Walton 15 16 17 Dentist 18 19 Podiatrist Physio 25 26 Paediatrician 22 23 29 24 Dentist Physio Paediatrician Dietician 30 Dentist Paediatrician 12 12 THE SPECIALIST CLINICS/CHRONIC HEALTH TEAM Joanna McDonnell Albert Dougherty Jane Walton Administrator Specialist Clinics Aboriginal Health Worker Diabetes Educator Diabetes, Renal, Australian Hearing and Ophthalmologist (Eye) Clinics See Jane for any concerns related to Diabetes: Eating, Exercise and Foot Health Dental, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Spectacles Reminders from the team: Have you had your Flu Vax this year? See Albert Have you had your Health Care Plan made up with the Health Worker? And have you had your annual Health Check by Dr? Does your children need their ears checked? What about a Dental Health Check or do you need to see the Physio or Podiatrist? See Joanna Do you need glasses? See Joanna Diabetes Education? See Jane The Bega Team is here for the mob. We will assist you as far as possible—even with Transport. Please come in and place yourself in our care, because we are here to support your health needs. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable. Flu Vaccinations are now available, Flu Vaccinations are now available Who is particular at risk of complications from influenza? please see Albert People with underlying medical conditions such as: Heart Conditions Severe asthma COPD and other lung conditions Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) Kidney problems Impaired immunity such as HIV infection Malignant cancers Chronic neurological disorders Pregnant women People ≥ 65 years of age, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island adults aged ≥ 15 years are also at increased risk of severe complications from influenza. Who else should be protected by vaccination? People who care for or are in close contact with at-risk individuals are advised to protect themselves against influenza to avoid passing on the disease. Vaccination is also recommended for travellers and many otherwise healthy Australians who wish to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza. 13 13 Mobile Clinic at Clontarf Academy Facilitating health pathways for Aboriginal youth both internal and external of Bega Garnbirringu health services Developing and maintaining culturally appropriate service. The program promotes that the importance of health checks as a way of helping to find problems before a persons health gets worse. The health assessment program takes a view of health that includes the social, physical, emotional and spiritual parts of a person. The Mobile Clinic not only services the Communities outside Kalgoorlie, but also within the local community and has attended local schools to conduct health checks. Recently, the mobile clinic visited the Goldfields Clontarf Academy and with great success. With a strong focus on primary health care, the mobile clinic involvement with the Goldfields Clontarf academy youth program has several aims including: Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal youth within Kalgoorlie and surrounding areas Advocating for Aboriginal youth and community involvement Working with the Goldfields Clontarf Academy, participant’s age range from 12yrs to 17yrs. At the conclusion we conducted 63 child health assessments. We also put on a BBQ for the participants, this was a good opportunity to hear their views and ideas on how they see and think about their family and themselves in future and for a healthy lifestyle. The Mobile Clinic is run by a small team, but is an invaluable service that encourages more people to look after themselves and see a doctor whether within the local or wider Goldfields community. Australia Day Concert Mobile Clinic and the Social Support Unit attended the Survival Concert for Australia Day held in Perth this year. The event was very successful, despite the very hot day, and the clinic saw around 600 people. Bega also had a stand distributing pamphlets about the whole of Bega, giving away promotional items and Henry Dalgetty also spoke on Noongar radio about Bega. Pictured below left, the mobile clinic in action at the Survival Concert and right, all the staff manning the stand: Daniel Graham, Robby Bonney, Steven Morrison, Henry Dalgetty, Karen Rooimans and Lisa Bell. 14 14 The NEW New Directions! Libby Berry Chantelle Gleeson New Directions, also known as Mums and Bubs, have had a change of scenery. Specialist Clinic and New Directions have swapped around to make better use of the space. Specialist clinics are now all held in the same location and have a larger waiting area since we can sometimes have clinics daily and they are always busy. New Directions have also benefited by linking the Coordinators (Loretta Trott’s) room better with the Health Practitioners, Midwives and the Maternal Support Worker. The Paeds Clinics will now be held in the New Directions area as well. To visit New Directions, when you go through the clinic doors and into the court yard, you will find their offices straight across the court yard. Kerrin Yepwi Jane Walton Specialist Clinics are now all held in the back left corner - where the Dentist and Podiatrist have been running from already. The New Directions team now have all positions filled and are running full steam ahead! Meet the team, pictured left. Libby - Midwife, Chantelle - Health Practitioner, Kerrin - Health Practitioner, Jane - Midwife & Diabetes Educator, Delveen Midwife, Haysie - Maternal Support Worker & Loretta Coordinator of New Directions. Delveen Dowsett, Haysie Penola and Loretta Trott Bike Week Bike week is the Department of Transport’s annual celebration and promotion of riding a bicycle for transport. It is held every year in March across Western Australia. In Kalgoorlie, the Bike week was held from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd March 2015. The main aim of the event was to encourage people of all ages to take up cycling as a healthy and inexpensive mode of transport, thus promoting health benefits of everyday bike riding. Bega has worked in partnership with Population health, Cancer council WA, Department of sports and recreation, Eastern Goldfields cycle club and SDERA to promote the event. One of the Learn to ride sessions’ held behind the Goldfields Oasis by the Eastern Goldfields Cycle Club. Promotional displays at Bega Clinic Reception Area 15 Bike week was promoted through a collection of activities conducted throughout the week., including ‘Bike and road safety education sessions’ at primary schools and ‘Learn to ride sessions’ by the Eastern Goldfields Cycle Club . The participants learnt skills and practical knowledge on safe riding. The course benefited to everyone, even if the person is new rider or confident rider. Hundreds of community members benefited from the range of activities ran throughout the week. Bega promoted the event by setting up a display at the clinic reception area for clients and staffs; and radio announcements. Bega has also supplied fresh fruits and water during the ‘Learn to ride’ sessions. Bega would like to encourage our staff and clients on bike riding and become healthier. 15 Closing the Gap Celebrations The ‘National Close the Gap day’ is celebrated to create awareness about improving health of Aboriginal people. In Australia, the life expectancy of Aboriginal people is 10 -17 years less than non-Aboriginal people. This event gives people the opportunity to show their support and commitment for closing the life expectancy gap within the generation. talked about the importance of language and rituals such as the smoke ceremony and after, a group of kids played musical symphony organised by the music teacher at the Nulsen primary school. There was a good audience of kids who enjoyed the show and sang along with the music. The school teachers then divided each class into groups of 15-20 kids and attended individual stalls, completing activities and learning about the services they offer. The Bega mob took the Community Engagement Vehicle to supply fresh fruits and water during the event. The kids took part in an apple slinking activity, run by Stephen and Sachin, as an innovative way to eat fresh fruits with around 100 kids eating a slinky apple they made (pictured left). Hand hygiene was encouraged with kids asked to sanitise their hands before performing the activity and eating fruit. Kids’ parents were supplied with promotional materials, bananas, water bottles and mini hand sanitisers that can be attached to a belt or bag. Marelda also talked with community members and gave On Wednesday 18th Mar 2015, Bega Health Programs and out promotional material. Social Support teams travelled to Esperance to attend The organisers supplied damper and stew for ‘National Close the Gap day’ event at Nulsen primary participating agencies and everyone was able to enjoy school in Esperance. Sachin Khera, Stephen Morrison and the live band. Kids and their parents enjoyed the overall Marelda Tucker attended this event. Bega received an event and received useful information. Bega would like invitation from the Esperance Community Mental health to thank the organisers, participating agencies and team, who were the organiser of the event. Other Nulsen primary school for the invitation and support. healthcare agencies including Population health, The event was successful and Bega will be happy to be Centrecare and Escare also had their stalls at the event, the part of future events and activities in Esperance which started at 10 am with Welcome to Country by local community. Aboriginal elder, Uncle Sonny Graham. Uncle Sonny 16 16 Thithigoo and Mobile Crèche Thithigoo Crèche is a service set up to help our clients by looking after their children while receiving health care at Bega. This is a complimentary service for any client who is seeing the GP or a specialist. indoor play spaces. The outside has also been upgraded and a new playground installed, shades for outdoor undercover play time and a Sustainable Garden commenced. Check out some of the material our crèche Staff are also able to utliise the service for any children have been working on... family member under 12 years old up to a maximum of 12 hours per week at the low cost or $4 per hour. Our crèche facilities are only available for limited times because we are a not for profit organisation, running a non-registered crèche. With that comes certain limitations that we cannot be flexible with. See below for full details. While in our care, we follow the Education Departments quality frameworks to deliver valuable education programs that are determined by the child’s own desire to learn. Healthy snacks and finger food are provided and along with organised activities children can take part in free play in the newly renovated Opening hours Crèche is open all week, Monday to Friday. We offer two Care Sessions. Care Session 1: 9.00am—12.00pm CLOSED FOR 1 HOUR. Parents will need to collect their children while crèche staff take a lunch break between 12 and 1. Care Session 2: 1.00pm—4.30pm (Closed at 4pm during school holidays) Children can attend Crèche for up to 12 hours each week. No more than 3 hours in one session. WHO CAN ATTEND We welcome all children aged 8 weeks to 12 years old who have parents or relatives: • Visiting the Doctor or Health Specialist at Bega • Enrolled in a course that is held at Bega • Working on the premises. 17 INTRODUCING THE TEAM Thithigoo and Mobile Crèche Coordinator: Ana King Senior Early Childhood Educator: Lulu Bourne Early Childhood Educator: Tiarma Harris Casual Educator: Leearnie Thorne Caroline Yarran 17 Bega General Staff Meeting Bega understand that without staff working together we would not be able to achieve as much as we do. Keeping everyone up to date is an important part of working together as a team. So every month a General Staff Meeting is held to get the mob together to share news and happenings about Bega. The meeting is hosted by a different department each month and also offers that department an opportunity to have a little fun with the event planning. These meetings are pretty light hearted and a little competition often crops up. Here’s what Health Programs did in March... Make a penguin competition - with no instructions, staff had to try make a penguin with the supplies provided in one minute. Some awesome masterpieces were made (above) and Marcus Mcguire (Youth Support), Carolyn Smail (Community Links) and Jodie Reid (Youth Engagement) from SSU won the prize packs. It was quite a laugh and showed our team work in action! Top Left: Sachin Khera and Louise Crogan running the penguin activity. Top right: winners of the best penguin, Marcus McGuire, Carolyn Smail and Jodie Reid. Bottom left: Bega mob ready for the meeting Center: edible fruity bouquet 18 18 Global Domes an Inspiration by Joanna McDonnell a primary school – that info is on the Cal-earth website. Then I found the Global Dome. A dome that you can erect in 4 hours. They are building a lot of them in Woodend in Victoria as emergency housing. Also in Queensland in a mine site. I particularly like the pinstripe effect inside. I think I would feel like a genie in a bottle. I think it would make a fantastic art room and would inspire a lot of creativity. You can buy a basic one for about $10,000 or less. Check out the Global Dome website. I am so inspired. First it was the Moon Cocoons, I just love them. I would like to build and live in one. They don’t cost much as you make them with long sandbags and dirt basically. You just need to buy the sandbags, barbed wire a selection of poly pipes and wood for the windows and doors and get a plumber and electrician in if you want that in your Cocoon. Also cement or lime. The Earth One homes are good as well and you can connect them to the Moon Cocoon. Just google Moon Cocoon and you can get to the Cal-Earth Website. Check it out. Also check out if your shire will allow you to build one. They have made a couple of them in Melbourne in Dreamtime Story These dome buildings are becoming popular all over the world as they are said to be environmentally friendly, sustainable and strong and can endure strong winds and earthquakes. In fact it is stated that because of their round shape they are the strongest buildings you can construct. They are even stronger than the stress test machines! Not only is the strength of the domes amazing but the feeling inside of the round shape is comforting. It is said that it is like being in a womb. I hope you have enjoyed this info, it certainly inspires me as it has many other people all over the world. Bohra’s face and wake him up. This story explains how night and day began and explains why the Emu is a fast and scaly legged bird. In the dreamtime everything was dark because there was no daytime. Finally he said, "Dinewan, Come with me." So they went off into the darkness, stumbling along, falling over logs and especially scratching the emu's legs until the feathers around that area fell off, making her legs very scaly. Then they came to a clearing where Bohra said, to his wife, "Wait here." And he begun to roll back the night until daylight came through and his wife began to run around, happy at last, and he was able to lay around and sleep again. Bohra, the Kangaroo, took Dinewan, the emu, to be his wife and they were happy for quite a while. Then the emu became very restless because Bohra only wanted to lay around all the time and sleep. And because the Emu ‘s are used to a lot of exercise she longed to stretch her legs. So she began to complain about his laziness and then about the dark. Dinewan would fiddle with the leaves on the ground and the leaves would sometimes fall on 19 19 Hilarious Hiccups Triple Trouble it just wasn’t my day! It started out well – I got to work early! A short time later I thought I was in trouble when I spotted the Clinic Manager and the Clinic Co-ordinator outside my office. I looked around, there was nowhere to hide. But everything was still ok – it was Natasha’s Birthday – It seemed ok anyway! Then a client came into my office with a problem. After listening, questioning I decided to check with my manager. I dialed a number but this is where my day started to go bad. “Hello Tony” At this point I realised that I had made a mistake. The person on the other end was male it should have been a female. I read the name on the phone – it wasn’t Tony…………The mistake was worse than I had thought – how could I have got 3 numbers mixed up…….. I looked at my client (she was a former employee) with shock and horror, swallowed hard, took in a deep breath and bravely said “Hello Wayne, I am so sorry, I dialled the wrong number”, (it was Wayne, you know – THE WAYNE – THE CEO!) We ended up talking about cameras and global domes – will tell you about those later. The moral of the story is of course to make sure you dial the correct number especially as our CEO is very busy. The day gets worse. I was called into the clinic kitchen by you know who – the Clinic Manager – Beth! Am I in trouble, I wondered? Not in any trouble at all but a slice of her wonderful cheesecake! Yum Cheesy, creamy topping, made with no sugar and lovely biscuit base. Mmmmmmmmmm Delicious! Beth is so well known for making lovely treats and for goodness sake it was Natasha’s birthday. I went to grab a small muffin on leaving. Spot the difference Everyone was in fits of laughter at a recent management meeting, and its no wonder. See if you can spot the difference… Social Support Unit Manager, Dianne Logan pictured right (with shoes on) and the offending shoes also pictured. Not quite two left feet, at least they were for the right foot as well! 20 20 “No Joanna” a female voice said “You have had enough”. I desperately went to the other side of her where it almost came to push and shove and almost ended in blows. Some thought this very amusing, all I wanted was a small muffin. “Now go – get back to work!” I thought it advisable not to argue with management. I know who would come off worse. I skulked back to my office. It was a busy day the Renal Clinic, sandwiches, cups of tea and coffee to keep the clients spirits up. To my surprise AW appeared – “I have brought you the muffins, I felt sorry for you”. OOO thanks I just wanted to try the Choc Chip. The moral of this story is – “don’t mess with management but keep on the right side of your colleagues and they may bring you a nice treat”! The day turned out well really, Bega is a great place to work. There are rules that you have to stick to – like not ringing the CEO – (he is very busy working for the organisation), and fighting with the Managers doesn’t work – you will end up worse off. I wonder what tomorrow will bring? Holiday Destination By Haysie Penola Fingal Head NSW 13kms from the Gold Coast Airport and with a population of 544 people, Fingal Head is a small local beach community. But don’t let size fool you as this hidden treasure has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is known for its great fishing, surfing and untouched beaches. Send us through yours for the next newsletter! 21 21 The Social Club On the Radio The Bega Social Club is run by staff for staff. There are various events and benefits including free or discounted tickets suitable to all tastes, sporting teams and a Race Round lunch to name a few. Every Thursday, Bega have a spot on the Tjuma Pulka radio station at around 10am, after the news, and different staff members go along to talk about their areas and what they are up to. Debbie is always helpful and friendly, so staff who have been once are at ease to go again. These are some of the staff members who have braved their nerves to tell the community what we are up to. If you are a Bega staff member and have something you would like to share from your work area, contact Joanna McDonnell. There is a Social Club Committee but ideas and suggestions are welcome from all members. To join the Social Club all staff have to do is fill in a Social Club Membership Form (HRI-07). This form is found on the Bega Intranet home page under Human Resources – Induction. New staff members are also given the option to join the Social Club as a part of the Induction process. The form is filled in by the new member and is to be returned to Finance. $6.00 per fortnight is the cost that is automatically deducted from your gross pay. Currently, Social Club Members are being asked whether they would like 2 adult fair tickets or 2 adult cinema tickets, paid for by the Social Club. All staff are busy within their roles and departments and this year have only met once and trying to have as many members as possible attend is hard but we do remain in contact with each other and hope to have another Social Club meeting in April If you want to find out more information or nominate to join the committee, then contact Naomie Zaro. Above: Melbourne Cup luncheon for Social Club Members. Right (from the top) On the radio, Sachin Khera with Debbie Carmody, Manager Tjuma Pulka Radio, Louise Crogan showing Debbie the Bega Calendar and Debbie on the spot with Bega. 22 22 The Scoop Haysie Got Married! Clinton & Haysie became ... MR & MRS Penola on the 25th of October 2014. Married on the QLD/NSW border line at Point Danger look out. Looking over Haysie’s favourite place and home town of Fingal Head. Photo credits to Mrs Penola, Kaleb Slabb and Wedding Pics by Jessica Togo . BRIDAL PARTY: Shari TOGO, Kerrin YEPWI, Sipa TONGA, Gemma TONGA & Jazmin Allen. Blaize PENOLA, Jia QUAKAWOOT, Stewart SATINIE, Jacob BOBONGIE & Dane NIELSEN 23 23 Delicious baked pears with ricotta, walnuts and cinnamon Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serving size: 4 (1 pear half being a serve) Per serve (1 pear half being a serve) Energy = 614kj/147cal Carbohydrate = 8g Fat = 7g Sat fat = 2g Fibre = 4g Ingredients 2 large firm pears, halved 100g of low fat ricotta ¼ cup of walnuts, chopped Ground cinnamon Methods 1. Preheat the oven to 180° and line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. Scoop out the seeds of the pears, leaving a small hole that can be stuffed with the ricotta mixture. 3. Combine the ricotta, walnuts and cinnamon (to taste). 4. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the pear hollows. 5. Sprinkle with cinnamon, place on the baking tray and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pears are tender. A Healthy recipe taken from diabetes SA—www.diabetessa.com.au “000” Call 000 in an emergency if you feel someone is at risk of harm Hospital 9080 5888 Poison’s Information 131 126 Men’s Domestic Violence Help Line 800 000 599 Women’s Domestic Violence Help Line 1800 007339 Family Violence Prevention Legal Service 9021 0244 Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 688 922 Crisis Accommodation Family Help Line Parenting Line Grand Care Quit line Alcohol & Drug Information Service 9021 2836 1800 643000 1800 654 432 1800 008 323 13 78 48 1800 653 203 Help Line Contacts Contact Phone Website Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au Crisis Care helpline 1800 199 008 (Country free call) E headspace 1800 650 890 www.eheadspace.org.au Healthdirect Australia 1800 022 222 www.healthdirect.gov.au Kid’s Help Line 1800 55 18 00 www.kidshelpline.com.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 www.mensline.org.au Men’s Line Australia 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au Mental Health 1300 555 788 Emergency Response Line Rurallink (mental health) 1800 552 002 (AFTER HRS) www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au The Samaritans Care Line 9381 5555 Free call 1800 198 313 24