CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR ORAL PRESENTATIONS WORKSHOPS AND
SYMPOSIUM
The conference committee invites abstracts for oral presentations for paper sessions and symposium, for the
WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt Rural & Remote Mental Health Conference 2013.
This year’s conference is being hosted by the WA Country Health Service and the Wheatbelt Mental Health
Service over the 17th, 18th and 19th of September 2013. The conference will be held in Northam. The theme
for this year’s conference is: From Country to Coast; Adaptation and Change. The WACHS Rural & Remote
Mental Health Conference will explore the changing face of rural mental health service delivery, in response
to the evolving challenges presented by social, economic, environmental, cultural and substance use issues.
The conference will be located at the Bridgeley Community Centre in the heart of Northam, Western
Australia. This venue space will offer: laptop computer, data projector, screen and microphone. Further
equipment requirements need to be discussed prior to presentation development. The PowerPoint must be
compatible with Microsoft Windows 7.
Presenters are encouraged to draw on their general communications strengths and encourage the use
handouts for delegates to accompany presentations.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The abstract should be submitted as per the abstract template (sample below). The body of the abstract
should contain the objectives or purpose; a brief statement of methodology, if pertinent; issues to be
addressed; conclusions and/or implications; and the utility or relevance to other services and should be
approximately 300 words.
By submission of abstracts, authors agree to release the license to the conference committee to give
permission for the publication of the abstract in the conference handbook and/or website, and certify that
the abstract is original work.
Key Note Speakers
Headlining the conference will be four keynote speakers;
Professor Steven Allsop, Professor and Director of the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University.
He will speak about FAS social issues - antecedents and aftermath of foetal alcohol syndrome using the
Kimberley as an example including the social solutions.
Dr Nick Kowalenko BMBS FRANZCP is a child and adolescent psychiatrist from the NSW Institute of Psychiatry.
He will speak about the role of fathers in children’s mental health and the significance of mental illness in
the fatherhood.
The Hon. Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC will speak on the intersection of mental illness and the law - perhaps
touching on the new mental health act.
Gina Williams is a Balladong Noongar woman who uses the traditions of her elders (songs and storytelling) to
take audiences on this amazing journey of proud Aboriginal woman living in contemporary Australia. Gina’s
presentation is in word and song with the use of a pianist for accompaniment.
PRESENTATION TYPES
Oral Presentations
Oral presentations will be 30 minutes. Suggested timeframe is 20 minutes presentation and 10 minutes for
open discussion amongst fellow delegates or question and answer time. Each presenter (where more than
one person per session) must submit an abstract clearly identifying their perspective and a separate
biography.
Workshops
Workshops will preferably be of a practical application / skill /demonstration for delegates. Workshops will
either be ½ day (4 hours) or ¼ day (2 hours) in length. Each presenter (where more than one person per
session) must submit an abstract clearly identifying their perspective and a separate biography. All materials
and props for the workshop sessions must be provided by the presenter. Clean-up of activities is also the
presenter’s responsibility.
Symposium/Hypothetical
Symposia will be 90 minutes (inclusive of discussion time). A symposium will consist of up to four (4) papers
offering perspectives on the theme of the conference or a pertinent issue in mental health. The symposium
coordinator should prepare an abstract for the overall symposium containing a description of the unifying
theme(s). Each presenter must submit an abstract clearly identifying their perspective and a separate
biography.
CLOSING DATE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS IS 31st MAY 2013
SUBMISSION, SELECTION & ACCEPTANCE PROCESS
Submission
Please complete the abstract template available from the WACHS internet/intranet, and e-mail as a word
attachment to mia.monger@health.wa.gov.au An e-mail acknowledging receipt of the abstract will be sent
within ten (10) working days.
Selection
In selecting presentations the conference abstract committee will have in mind the conference themes. The
committee however reserves the right to choose a potentially interesting presentation addressing a different
question. First-time presenters are welcomed. Abstracts will be assessed against the following criteria:




Relevance to the conference theme
Originality of material
Overall quality of content including innovative
programs
Clarity of purpose and objectives




Relevance/timeliness of current issues
Well-defined focus
Significance of results in terms
applicability
Clarity of conclusions
of
Acceptance
Advice regarding the outcome of your application will be given by email on or before 8th May 2013. Successful
presenters will need to complete the registration process (registration application & payment). Presenters
will be entitled to a discounted registration fee. A pre-liminary submission of your presentation to the IT
Coordinator must be provided by the 15th July 2013. This will ensure a smooth running schedule during the
conference proceedings.
Successful presentations must complete the registration process by 15th
July 2013 for inclusion in the final conference program.
Enquires to:
E-mail:
Mia Monger, Project Officer,
Rural & Remote Mental Health Conference 2013
mia.monger@health.wa.gov.au
Phone:
(08) 96210999
WA Country Health Service
Rural & Remote Mental Health Conference 2013
17-19th September, Northam, Western Australia
Abstract Template
Abstract Title:
Name of Author(s):
Name of Presenter(s):
Authors/Presenters - surname to appear first followed by initials (as per
APA standard, omit degrees and titles eg. Dr, Prof).
Authors/Presenters - surname to appear first followed by initials (as per APA
standard, omit degrees and titles eg. Dr, Prof).
Organisation:
Mailing address:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Fax:
Presentation Type:
(indicate with X)
Subject Area(s):
(indicate with X)
 Oral
 Workshop
 Symposium/Hypothetical
 Mental Health
 Social & Emotional Wellbeing
 Drug & Alcohol
 Aboriginal & Cultural Diversity
 Youth & Family
 Other___________________
Abstract Text (Please do not exceed 300 words).
The body of the abstract should contain the objectives or purpose; a brief statement of
methodology, if pertinent; issues to be addressed; conclusions and/or implications; and the utility or
relevance to other services and should be approximately 300 words.
Font - Microsoft Word (Arial, 11 point).
Paragraphing - Single line spacing, with one free line between paragraphs. No indentation.
Abbreviations - spelled out at the first occurrence with abbreviation in parentheses immediately
following.
Do not use references, tables, graphs, footnotes or symbols.
Brief Biography (please do not exceed 75 words).
Include a brief biography for each author (approximately 75 words).