SPECTRUM CONNECTIONS
WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS!
Monday 16th of March to Friday 20th of March
Volume No 34
SUPERANNUATION AND DEMENTIA - ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA BOOKLET
The progressive deterioration in cognitive functioning associated with dementia will often mean that the
person with dementia will eventually need to scale back or cease paid employment. This has considerable
financial implications for the person living with dementia and their family, particularly for those with
Younger Onset Dementia who often have additional financial responsibilities such as supporting children,
education and mortgage repayments. People with dementia and their families often ask whether they
have a right to access their superannuation early to assist with their financial situation, given that they
have a terminal illness.
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of some of the options which may apply to people
with dementia who want to access their superannuation and also to provide information about how to
make a complaint if you are not happy with how your superannuation provider and insurance company
have responded to your claim.
Download booklet
THE FULL STOP FOUNDATION - STOPPING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE –
FULL STOP
Hello all, please note even though this service has some State Funding from NSW, this is a counselling
service that is national wide and there is plenty of information to draw on.
The Full Stop Foundation - stopping sexual assault and domestic violence – Full Stop
Australian businesses and communities are being called on to help put a stop to rape and domestic
violence with the launch of the Full Stop Foundation in Sydney today.
The service is seeking to raise a minimum of $500,000 in 2015 to fund prevention programs and services to
stop sexual assault and domestic violence.
NSW Minister for Women and Minister for Planning, the Hon Pru Goward, hosted the launch of the Full
Stop Foundation which will support the work of Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia.
Tara Moss bestselling author of The Fictional Woman, sexual assault survivor, and long time advocate for
women and children was named Patron of the Full Stop Foundation. In accepting this role she spoke
passionately about how all Australians can work together to change attitudes and behaviours and bring an
end to violence against women and children.
www.rape-dvservices.org.au or Click here for the media release in fill.
DISABILITY ADVOCACY IN ACTION - ADVOCACY SECTOR CONVERSATION FORUM
Disability Advocacy In Action
Advocacy Sector Conversation Forum
Advocacy Sector Conversations (ASC) is a series of Forums for the disability advocacy sector and people
with a disability. The aim of the Forums is to support disability advocates to regularly get together and
discuss matters which directly impact on our work, as well as to provide informal time to network. Sessions
for the March forum include:
1. Safeguard the rights of people with a disability
Violence against people with a disability has recently become a high profile issue in Australia. Likewise,
awareness about violence against women is increasing. As advocates, how can we respond to violence
against women with disabilities?
Jen Hargrave from Women with Disabilities Victoria will chair a discussion on prevention and response
strategies for women with disabilities who have experienced family violence or sexual assault. Speakers
will discuss ways to uphold the rights of women with a disability. A woman with a disability will talk about
her experience of family violence services. We will also hear from representatives from No To
Violence/Men’s Behavioural Change, the Women’s Legal Service, Berry Street Family Violence Service, and
the Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault.
2. Developing disability advocacy
Disability advocacy plays a significant role in safeguarding the rights of people with a disability. Whilst
those of us working in the area understand the value and need for independent disability advocacy, many
members of the community are unaware of it’s vital role. With the pending roll out of the NDIS and recent
announcements about funding of disability peaks and representative groups, it’s time for us to showcase
the great work we do!
DARU has established a working group to develop a bank of key messages about the value and role of
disability advocacy. Representatives from the working group will take us through the key messages and
launch a media tool kit to be utilised by disability advocacy organisations operating in Victoria.
3. Q&A with the Office for Disability
Michael Cromie, Manager Strategic Engagement, Office for Disability will provide an update on changes
within the office. This is also an opportunity for people to raise any issues of concern with the Office for
Disability.
Registrations are now open for the march forum.
Tue 24th Mar, 2015: 11:15am - 4:00pm, Melbourne
Thu 30th Jul, 2015: 11:15am - 4:00pm, Melbourne
Thu 22nd Oct, 2015: 11:15am - 4:00pm, Melbourne
Register online
More information
‘GOOD PRACTICE, GOOD BUSINESS’ RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
The Australian Human Rights Commission is reaching out to the business community to help employers
embrace diversity and prevent discrimination in the workplace, launching a suite of free online resources.
The ‘Good practice, good business’ resources provide advice on a range of issues including recruitment and
retention of older workers, gender equality, sexual harassment, race discrimination, employment of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, employment of people with disabilities, domestic and family
violence, mental illness and supporting carers in the workplace.
Australian Human Rights Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs said the resources provide support
for employers to meet their obligations under Australian anti-discrimination law.
“'Good practice, good business' offers practical measures to promote inclusive practices and achieve
workplace diversity,” Professor Triggs said.
“It will assist Australian employers to prevent discrimination in all its forms and advance human rights in
the community.
“The resources will also help employers to recruit and retain the best talent, enhance productivity and
improve performance through promoting diversity and preventing discrimination.”
Go to resources
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT THE ADVOCATE SUMMER 2015 EDITION.
(ATTACHMENT 1 & 2)
ASPECT PRACTICE CONVERSATIONS - EARLY INTERVENTION
http://enews.autismspectrum.org.au/link/id/zzzz5506501baa1d5301Pzzzz5328d6f6173a2704/page.html
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ASPECT?
http://enews.autismspectrum.org.au/link/id/zzzz55024aeecd953964Pzzzz5328d6f6173a2704/page.html
THANK YOU FOR HELPING JACKSON LOOK FORWARD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE!
http://enews.autismspectrum.org.au/link/id/zzzz55024a308068e232Pzzzz5328d6f6173a2704/page.html
GREEN ARMY YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM (ATT.3)
The Green Army youth training program will be running in Yarra Ranges region, starting at the end of
March and running for 6 months.
They are currently recruiting participants from the local area to take part in this unique conservation
training program. Being a part of the program will provide skills, training and experience that will support
participants in future career prospects and opportunities for accredited training.
The Green Army is an Australian Government initiative that taps into local knowledge and supports
grassroots action to meet local environmental and heritage conservation challenges. By participating in
projects that deliver tangible benefits for the environment, Green Army is a great opportunity for young
Australians to gain training and experience that will help them to enter the workforce or improve their
career opportunities.
Green Army is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 17 - 24. Participants will be paid a
Green Army allowance determined by school achievement level and years since leaving school.
Please refer to the attached promotional material and distribute though your networks as appropriate.
If you have interested youth or would like to find out more information please contact Liz
Lockwood elockwood@conservationvolunteers.com.au or 03 9326 8250.
Alternatively youth can apply directly via www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/green-army
INTERESTING TALK ON RADIO NATIONAL ABOUT SUPPORT FOR CARERS
In case you missed it, there was a really interesting talk last night on Radio National’s Big Ideas program by
Prof Marilyn Waring about how we value caring roles in society - which are still largely provided by women.
Important listening for anyone interested in the larger questions about how we recognise and support
caring in our society.
Economics of Dignity. Marilyn Waring no longer believes that we should put monetary values on
unpaid work and the environment. Instead she has developed a human rights approach that puts
women and other vulnerable people at the centre. What would make women’s lives easier, safer
and freer? And what would make women more valued? This in the 2015 Pamela Denoon Lecture.
Her description of the South Korean model of carer insurance is particularly interesting.
POST SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDE 2015 (ATT 4)
I have attached an electronic copy of the 2015 Post School Resource Guide, which is a resource developed each year by
the Departmental Disability Client Services Transition Planning Team, in conjunction with the service sector. The guide has
services in the Inner and Outer Eastern Melbourne areas.
Although the guide is designed for school leavers with a disability, it is a useful resource and includes Commonwealth funded
options and information about TAFE courses.
Please find attached information from Swinburne Tafe on an 11 week pre-apprenticeship in carpentry,
bricklaying and stonemasonry that may interest youth and young adults.
It is delivered at the Wantirna TAFE campus, a short distance from Knox City Shopping Centre.
To apply, you must be at least 15 years old and have a year 10 pass or equivalent.
You can apply in person by simply visiting Student Headquarters at Croydon or Wantirna. If you have any
questions about this program, simply call Swinburne Start on 9726 1442.
AUTISM EVENT AND THE OPENING DOORS PROGRAM
Hello all, please see attachments 5, 6 & 7 for more information on the ‘Opening Doors’ program
RACV COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT SEEKER FORUM (ATT 8)
As part of RACV's greater engagement with the NFP sector, we are holding a number of forums for grant seekers in April ahead
of our 2015 grant round.
Session One
Grant Seeker Forum – Metro
Wednesday, 1 April 2015,
Session Two
Grant Seeker Forum – Metro
Tuesday, 14 April 2015,
2.00 – 5.00pm
2.00 – 5.00pm
RACV Noble Park,
RACV Noble Park,
550 Princes Highway
Noble Park North 3174
Email foundation@racv.com.au
550 Princes Highway
Noble Park North 3174
Email foundation@racv.com.au
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Please join us for a thought-provoking evening at this year’s Bruce Woodcock
Memorial Lecture, featuring world renowned psychologist and academic Dr
Eleanor Longden.
At 18 Eleanor Longden was diagnosed with schizophrenia and told she would never
recover. Today Dr Eleanor Longden is making a major contribution to how we think
about mental illness and recovery. Her 2013 TED talk on voice hearing has been
viewed almost 3 million times and was named by The Guardian as one of ‘The 20
online talks that could change your life’.
Eleanor will be joined by Professor Helen Herrman to share different ideas about the
causes of mental illness and what can work for an individual’s recovery. Professor
Helen Herrman is Director of Research at Orygen and Professor of Psychiatry in the
Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne.
Join us for the first in a series of uncomfortable conversations as we tackle the
tough questions in mental health.
Date: Thursday, 7 May 2015
Time: Registration from 6pm for a 6:15pm start, until 8:30pm
Location: ANZ Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne
RSVP: This is a free event, open to all, but bookings are essential.
Book your place and find out more about the event and our speakers.
MI Fellowship
276 Heidelberg Road
Fairfield Victoria 3078
NEW RESEARCH HELPS IDENTIFY MEN WHO MIGHT BE AT-RISK OF SUICIDE
Men who feel suicidal often share similar distinctive traits and experiences before they try to end their
lives, helping to identify those potentially at greatest risk. New beyondblue research, conducted by the
Black Dog Institute and funded by beyondblue with donations from The Movember Foundation, also
highlighted the vital role families and friends of these men can play in stopping their downward spiral.
Suicide is a major public health issue in Australia and more than five men die by suicide each day. This is
almost double the number who die in road accidents and means that Australian men are three times more
likely to die by suicide than women. For more details please visit the website.
Click here for a copy of the report
Maroondah All Inclusive Performance Festival Wednesday April 29th 2015 7:30pm (att 7)
WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015
The Maroondah City Council All Inclusive Performance Festival will allow community groups, primary and
secondary schools, special development schools (SDS’), disability service providers, tertiary institutions and
other community
organisations to come together and explore the performing arts in an open, engaging, accessible and
enjoyable way.
Community groups will present 5-8 minutes of performance material (drama, music, dance or any other
performance medium) during the first act of the evening performance.
In the lead up to the festival, participants will share their views on what inclusion means to them. Starting
with “Inclusion is..” Participants will film their responses in their own individual ways. These recorded
responses will form
part of a video presentation that will be presented during the second act of the evening performance. This
video presentation will celebrate what Inclusion means for young people living within Maroondah.
WHAT DOES ‘INCLUSION’ MEAN TO YOU?
DO YOU WANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM?
Proudly sponsored by YOUR DNA creative arts school
*For more info contact James Andrews
mob - 0407 878 983
email - james@yourdna.com.au
NDIS QUALITY AND SAFEGUARDING FRAMEWORK – CONSULTATION
The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part
in everyday activities. The Scheme is being progressively rolled out in trial sites around Australia.
Australian, state and territory governments are developing a national approach to quality and safeguarding
for the NDIS.
We are looking at ways to make sure the NDIS provides quality supports, choice and control, and keeps
people safe from harm.
We want to hear what you think about the options for quality and safeguarding and how they will affect
you.
The consultation paper includes a proposed framework and options for discussion.
Register now or log in to get involved in the consultation in many ways, including:
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make a submission
join the discussion
complete a questionnaire
attend a public meeting
view the current submissions.
We are interested in your views on eight specific topic areas:
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NDIS quality and safeguarding
Building participants’ capacity
Monitoring and oversight
NDIA provider registration
Systems for handling complaints
Ensuring staff are safe to work with participants
Safeguards for participants who manage their own plans
Reducing and eliminating restrictive practices in NDIS funded supports.
‘THE WHY’S’ OF ACCESS HANDBOOK
New Access Guide for the Built Environment
Ever wondered why you have to provide certain dimensions and designs for access? The Access
Standards detail ‘What’ the requirements are, but not ‘Why’.
‘The Why’s’ of Access.
Developed by IATA is a simple guide to understanding the rationale behind the mandatory Australian
Standards for Access and Mobility.
The aim of this new guide is to provide a simple to understand resource to support a range of people who
are working with the Australian Standards for Access and Mobility. This guide explains in simple language,
the ‘Whys’ – the rationale - behind the Standards and why certain elements and specifications are required
in order to provide access for people with range of disabilities.
This guide covers the Australian Standards that are mandatory i.e. called up under the Building Code of
Australia and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings Standards) 2010.
Click on the cover to download your free copy. Click here to find out how to purchase hard copies.
WRITE-ABILITY WRITER'S GROUP (ONGOING)
("Write-ability aims to support writers with disability who want to develop their skills and writing careers.")
April 14, 21; May 5, 19; June 9, 23; Melbourne
more info
GAINING THE PRIVATE RENTAL EDGE – WORKSHOP (ATT 9)
Please see below email and attachments for information about the “Gaining the Private Rental Edge”
workshop ran by Family Access Network and Anchor.
Gaining the Private Rental Edge is an interactive workshop which aims to provide sector
workers with information and knowledge on how they can assist the people they work
with in accessing and sustaining housing in the private rental market.
PREVENTION FIRST: A PREVENTION AND PROMOTION FRAMEWORK FOR MENTAL
HEALTH
Prevention First is a plain language document that provides a new national framework for strategic action
to prevent mental ill-health and promote mental health and wellbeing.
The Framework builds on existing models and policies developed here in Australia and overseas to:
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Define key concepts relevant to the prevention of mental ill-health and the promotion of mental
health and wellbeing;
Develop a new conceptual framework for prevention and promotion activity that clearly defines the
differences and the full range of activity needed;
Set an agenda for coordinated action and a commitment to prevention of mental ill-health and
promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
I have attached a copy of the document for your interest. I have also attached a short briefing document
with some background information and ideas to on how to use and promote the document.
The Framework is available for download from the Institute’s website at www.himh.org.au/prevention
The Framework is accompanied by a short video that can be shared via email or social media to promote
the document and the issue more broadly www.vimeo.com/hinstmh/preventionfirst
NEW AIHW WEBSITE UPDATES: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA (NOW
AVAILABLE)
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released new website updates today:
Mental health services in Australia: tranche 1
This web release contains updates to the following sections of the website:
-Expenditure on mental health services (2012-13)
-Profile of specialised mental health care facilities (2012-13)
-Private hospital-based ambulatory psychiatric services (2012-13)
-Updates to the above sections in the state and territory summary tables
View the media release and the updated website
THE CHILD ILLNESS AND RESILIENCE PROGRAM (CHIRP): HELPING FAMILIES COPE WITH
THE CHALLENGES OF CHILDHOOD CHRONIC ILLNESS
Family life can be stressful at the best of times, but almost 15% of Australian families care for a child or
young person living with chronic illness1. Research indicates that growing up with a chronic illness [1] can
introduce extra stress, as well as potentially impacting on family resilience and the mental health and
wellbeing of the whole family.
Children living with chronic illness often have to manage symptoms and ongoing treatments that affect
their health and lifestyle. Children and young people with chronic illness are also more likely to develop
social, behavioural or mental health problems such low self-esteem, poor social skills, challenging
behaviour, drug or alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety [2].
Parents and siblings are also impacted with increased demands and challenges related to understanding,
managing and coping with a diagnosed illness. These challenges can increase family members’ vulnerability
to mental health problems.
Fortunately, despite the increased risk, some families are able to lighten the impact of childhood illness on
their lives. Some families feel they grow from the experience, developing new skills and confidence so they
achieve a relative sense of wellbeing. This ability to adjust in healthy ways to change by building on
strengths and calling on available resources is referred to as family resilience. Resilient and well families
can be healthier, feel happier and can do better at school, even during tough times. A resilient family can
deal with challenges, bounce forward after difficult times and connect with others and reach out for help.
To find out more about CHiRP click here (link is external). Click here for the article in full.
‘GOOD PRACTICE, GOOD BUSINESS’ RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
The Australian Human Rights Commission is reaching out to the business community to help employers
embrace diversity and prevent discrimination in the workplace, launching a suite of free online resources.
The ‘Good practice, good business’ resources provide advice on a range of issues including recruitment and
retention of older workers, gender equality, sexual harassment, race discrimination, employment of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, employment of people with disabilities, domestic and family
violence, mental illness and supporting carers in the workplace.
Australian Human Rights Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs said the resources provide support
for employers to meet their obligations under Australian anti-discrimination law.
“'Good practice, good business' offers practical measures to promote inclusive practices and achieve
workplace diversity,” Professor Triggs said.
“It will assist Australian employers to prevent discrimination in all its forms and advance human rights in
the community.
“The resources will also help employers to recruit and retain the best talent, enhance productivity and
improve performance through promoting diversity and preventing discrimination.”
Go to resources
SURVEY FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITY
Women with Disabilities Victoria - WDV - wants to ensure that women with disabilities understand how the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can improve their lives, how to get the maximum benefit out of a package, and what to look for in a
gender sensitive quality service.
WDV now invites you to participate in a survey to share your experiences and tell us what you would like to see in fact sheet to
help other women.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KM2RYVH
EDAG April meeting
Eastern Disability Action Group
invites all people interested in disability issues to an
OPEN MORNING
Guest speakers Bruce Bromley, Managing Director
Accredited Disability Access Consultant (ACCA)
and Anthony Kolmus – Acting Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Disability Services Commissioner
DATE: Monday 27 April
WHERE: Mooroolbark Community Centre,
125 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark
TIME: 10am until 12pm
Light refreshments provided
marriott@alphalink.com.au
http://d-a-g-e-r.wikispaces.com
Please register your interest
with Woody Marriott
marriott@alphalink.com.au
9720 9800.
EXERCISE USED TO COMBAT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Following the mantra that a healthy body equals a healthy mind, exercise physiology students from the
University of Queensland are providing exercise and lifestyle programs to people with mental illness.
UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences clinical supervisor Dr Steve Bartlett said the new
placement scheme with Brisbane’s Metro North Mental Health aimed to counter alarming health statistics
for those with severe mental illness.
The program involves UQ students providing exercise and lifestyle modification services for inpatients and
home exercise programs developed for them to follow after discharge.
“There are much higher rates of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes
complications, among people with mental health issues.” Dr Bartlett said.
Click here for the media release in full.
ALZHEIMER’S BREAKTHROUGH USES ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY
Queensland scientists have found that non-invasive ultrasound technology can be used to treat
Alzheimer’s disease and restore memory.
University of Queensland researchers discovered that the innovative drug-free approach breaks apart the
neurotoxic amyloid plaques that result in memory loss and cognitive decline.
Welcoming the findings today at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, Queensland Premier Annastacia
Palaszczuk said they could have a wide impact for the community.
“The Government’s $9 million investment into this technology was to drive discoveries into clinics, and
today’s announcement indicates that together with the Queensland Brain Institute, it was a worthwhile
investment,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I want my Government to encourage more of this type of innovative research.
Alzheimer’s affects more than two-thirds of dementia patients, and approximately a quarter of a million
Australians.
The total number of dementia cases in Australia is expected to rise to 900,000 by 2050.
Click here for the media release in full.
CALLS TO BETTER SUPPORT WOMEN WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES CAUSED BY
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence support workers are calling for greater recognition and help for the hidden number of
women suffering from acquired brain injury after being abused.
The number of children in protection in Australia is rising and support groups say that could be a result of
an epidemic of undiagnosed acquired brain injury.
They say with better awareness, diagnosis and therapy, women would not have to suffer the loss of their
children as a result of domestic violence injuries.
Deborah Byrne from the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania said women who suffered domestic violence
were particularly susceptible to brain injury.
"Certainly a blow to the head, or repeated blows which is something you see in a domestic violence
situation, that repeated concussion effect can certainly cause brain injury," she said.
"The concern is that because it's not always something that may put a woman in hospital, you may find it's
that mild to moderate brain injury that's going to cause significant problems in a woman's life."
Alina Thomas from domestic violence support service Support Help Empowerment (SHE) said head injuries
were not always recognised by women who had been abused.
"Women often aren't aware of the risk of brain injury," she said.
Click here for the news article from ABC in full.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA LINKED TO EARLY PSYCHOSIS LATER IN LIFE
Research showing that patients with early psychosis report high rates of childhood trauma has important
implications for clinicians, a University of Queensland psychologist has found. UQ Centre for Clinical
Research and Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research psychologist Mr Michael Duhig said more
than three-quarters of early psychosis patients reported exposure to childhood trauma, including one or a
combination of emotional, physical or sexual abuse or physical neglect.
“Those people with early psychosis who experienced trauma during childhood faced higher levels of
depression, anxiety and stress,” Mr Duhig said.
“Women who were subjected to emotional and sexual abuse during childhood were also found to have an
increased risk of developing psychosis in adulthood.
Click here for the media release in full.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR OUR WORLD-FIRST CERTIFICATE IN YOUNG PEOPLE’S
MENTAL HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY
The Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre is now taking expressions of interest for it’s newly
developed Certificate in Young People’s Mental Health and Technology.
Spear-headed by Australia’s leading child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, this worldfirst certificate is focused on how technology can be harnessed to provide best practice mental and health
and wellbeing care in the youth sector.
It offers an evidence-based curriculum, informed by innovative research by world-leading experts, as well
as young people themselves.
The certificate accounts for approximately 28 hours of active (screen-based) professional development,
consisting of four online modules of approximately 7 hours per module, plus additional reading and selfstudy. Enrolment for each module is for a maximum 6-month period, with learning designed to be selfpaced with 24-hour access to materials.
The four modules are:
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Introduction to adolescent mental health and technology
Technology, suicide prevention and self-harm
Integrating technology in professional practice
Legal and ethical issues in technology in professional practice
Click here for further information