Research Project Seeks Carers' Views
Research into provision of disability employment services is being undertaken by Dr Ann Nevile and Dr Janine O'Flynn of the Australian National University in collaboration with ACE, Jobs Australia and The Brotherhood of St Laurence. The research aims to provide information about how the funding and administration of employment service providers affects the quality of services provided to job seekers. Researchers hope that the research will be used to improve services for job seekers. Part of the project is investigating the experiences of people registered with agencies providing the national Employment Support Service (the old Program B) or Transition to Work, a program for school leavers in New South Wales.
Researchers are keen to obtain the views of carers to add another dimension to information gathered from job seekers and have developed a short anonymous on-line survey which is available on a secure site at the ANU. If you would like to participate, please go to the website. All information gathered will be held on password protected computers or in locked cabinets at the ANU. Results of the survey will be published in late 2011.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Research Assistant for the project Rosemary Lohmann on (02) 6215 4954 from Tuesday to Thursday or email.
|
EnableNSW Advisory Council – call for Expressions of Interest
Interested individuals are invited to apply for appointment to the EnableNSW Advisory Council. The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 17 September 2010. Read more. If you would like further information or to receive an Expression of Interest package, please contact Maria Passarello on 02 9685 3135 or email.
|
NSW Government's Local Carer Awards Program – Nominations Open Now!
The New South Wales Government recognises the vital role of carers in the community. There are over 750,000 carers in New South Wales who provide vital support to older people and people with a disability or an illness. In order to provide formal recognition of carers, the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 was assented to on 19 May 2010.
To further recognise the outstanding contribution of individual local carers the NSW Government is introducing the Local Carer Awards Program. This annual Awards program aims to recognise carers who have achieved something outstanding and at the same time raise awareness of, and focus public attention on, the vital role played by carers.
The NSW Award consists of a Carer Award Certificate from the Minister and a cash prize up to the value of $2500. The Award recipient may choose to retain the prize money independently or donate it to a charity or not-for-profit organisation that supports carers. If a young carer (under 18 years) receives this award it is proposed that the prize money be used to establish a savings account or facilitate education, training or employment activities for the recipient.
The Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, Minister for Disability Services will approve the Award recipients and the Awards will be announced at local ceremonies commencing in Carers Week, 17-23 October 2010.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 3 September 2010.
To access the nomination form, follow this link or apply online from 25 August 2010.
|
Carers invited to nominate for the NSW Carers Advisory Council
People with knowledge and experience relating to carers are invited to apply for membership of the NSW Carers Advisory Council. Up to 12 members will be appointed. Members will normally serve for 3 years. Sitting fees and associated costs will be payable to members who are not public sector employees. The NSW Government is establishing the NSW Carers Advisory Council under the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010, to advance the interests of carers and to review and make recommendations to the Minister on legislation, policy or other matters having a significant impact on carers.
Members will be selected to ensure that the diverse needs and interests of carers are represented including (but not limited to) Aboriginal carers, carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people caring for a family member with a physical or intellectual disability, young carers, ageing carers, carers of people with mental illness, carers of people with a chronic illness and carers from both metropolitan and rural/remote areas.
Selection criteria
Applicants for membership of the Council will need to have:
- experience as a primary carer
- capacity to represent the broader views of carers
- demonstrated commitment to the wellbeing of carers
- good communication skills
For an information package on how to apply for membership, please contact Jenny Noble, Executive Assistant, Respite and Carers Directorate, Ageing, Disability and Home Care, NSW Department of Human Services on (02) 9277 5618 or at jenny.noble@dadhc.nsw.gov.au. Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 13 September 2010. This advertisement is currently online.
|
Outstanding carers to be recognised
Individuals or organisations that make an outstanding contribution to caring for a person with a disability in the community are to be recognised through new awards to be introduced by the Keneally Government this year. The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said that more than 90 awards would be presented covering every community in the State. Mr Primrose said that Members of Parliament, along with Carers NSW, would recommend recipients and ask constituents for nominations.
The award winners will be announced during Carers' Week celebrations in October. Read the media release.
|
NSW Health seeks comments on Local Health Network Discussion Paper
NSW Health has released a discussion paper proposing the establishment of 17 Local Health Networks (LHNs) in New South Wales. There is a 4 week consultation period.
The discussion paper proposes 15 LHNs comprising a group of hospitals with geographical or functional links which will work closely with new Medicare Locals to ensure better integration of services. In addition there will be 2 specialist networks – the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Randwick and Westmead) and Forensic Services. The paper gives a practical outline of the responsibilities of LHNs including: local planning and delivery of clinical services, budget management, clinical governance, patient services, infection control and workforce management.
The paper also includes a commitment to ensure that some of the gains made in recent years such as clinical service networks and our focus on the health needs of the population continue. This reflects the very strong feedback of our clinicians. Each LHN will have a Chief Executive and Governing Council which will comprise members with a variety of health, clinical, business and other skills. Local clinicians will be included in the membership of governing councils.
Access the paper here.
|
Don't wait - our future in now! Carers Australia election platform 2010
30 07 2010
Carers Australia CEO, Ms Joan Hughes announced Carers Australia's Election Platform 2010 - Don't Wait - Our Future is Now! Carers can't wait, they need support now, she said. It will be the parties that provide leadership on these issues who will secure the votes of carers. Carers want clear direction and funding commitments from politicians on how they intend to support them, said Ms Hughes.
Visit the Carers Australia election website or view the election platform 2010 here. How can you become involved? Read more.
|
Mental health carers survey
15 07 2010
The Mental Health Council of Australia is calling for mental health carers to take part in their annual survey based on their top 15 issues to see if things were getting better or worse. The results of the survey will be formulated into a report to inform government. Year on year the compiled data will provide solid evidence about the lives of mental health carers.
To complete the survey, go to http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/286309/mental-health-carers-survey-2010
|
Younger Onset Dementia Association formed
14 07 2010
This newly formed association has been set up with the vision that all those living with younger onset dementia are able to receive appropriate support.The association's goals are:
To provide information and support those under the age of 65 living with a diagnosis of dementia.
To provide information and advice to the carer and the extended family and friends
To educate and inform organisations and decision makers regarding the needs of people living with younger onset dementia.
To see more about this association, or to join, please go to www.youngeronset.net or email youngeronset@yahoo.com.au
|
2010 Carers Week
07 07 2010
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2010 CARERS WEEK GRANTS PROGRAM ARE NOW CLOSED. Successful applicants will be notified shortly.
National Carers Week takes place from Sunday 17 - Saturday 23 October this year. “National Carers Day Out” will be held on Tuesday 19 October.
The program, funded by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW (ADHC), will provide eligible carer support groups and organisations across New South Wales with funding of up to $250 to organise an event or activity for carers during Carers Week.
Organising an event is a wonderful way to give carers a much-needed break, and to honour them in the community. Most events also bring in new members to carer support groups and are a great way to reach out to the ‘hidden carers’ in your area.
You will be able to order free Carers Week promotional posters from the National Carers Week website shortly. The National Carers Week website is: www.carersweek.com.au
|
Carers NSW congratulates Queens Birthday honour recipients
16 06 2010
The following people have received Queens Birthday Honours for their contributions in the fields of disability, mental health and carers. Carers NSW congratulates them for their awards and commitment.
Bruce Bonyhady
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to people with disabilities, their families and carers, particularly as Chairman of Yooralla, and to the community as a contributor to a range of charitable organisations.
Professor Richard Matthews
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the health sector through leadership roles in the areas of service development, primary health care, mental health, and drug and alcohol policy.
Catherine Murray
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to people with disabilities, and to their carers and families.
Professor Gordon Parker
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to psychiatry as a clinician and researcher, particularly as a major contributor to the understanding and innovative treatment of mood disorders and as founder and Executive Director of the Black Dog.
|
Survey for service providers on CALD communities affected by stroke
08 06 2010
The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) is keen to strengthen linkages between its Clinical Networks and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. If you work for a NSW Area Health Service or NSW Government Department or a non-governmentorganisation that represents a CALD community, your feedback is welcomed.
The ACI is conducting a series of surveys to help determine what information should be relayed to CALD communities affected by stroke, and how best to communicate it.
The survey should only take 5 minutes. Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/GovandNGOs
|
NSW Ombudsman: Consultation with families with children with disabilities
07 06 2010
The NSW Ombudsman is interested in hearing from families which have a child with a disability living at home. The consultation is around specialist disability services and community based services such as transport, schooling etc. What services work? Are you getting enough support?
You can share your views in person, by telephone or email. To participate contact Christine Flynn, Project Manager on 02 9265 0410 or email cflynn@ombo.nsw.gov.au or Linda Blue, Project Officer on 02 9286 0950 or email lblue@ombo.nsw.gov.au
|
Public hearings into disability care and support
20 05 2010
Public hearings will be held as part of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into disability care and support (and specifically the idea of a National Disability Insurance Scheme). On Monday 19 July, Tuesday 20 July and Wednesday 21 July, NSW hearings will take place from 9am-5pm at the Medina of Crown, 359 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Click here to register online or fill out this form and fax back or post by mail.
|
Productivity Commission Issues Paper on Disability Care and Support
19 05 2010
The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, has welcomed the Productivity Commission Issues Paper on Disability Care and Support. “It identifies many of the weaknesses in the current systems, including gaps in funding, a lack of co-ordination between services, lack of individualised services and a lack of certainty about the future for many people with disability, their families and carers,” Mr Shorten said.
For those people wanting to contribute to the inquiry, public hearings will be held in June and July this year with initial submissions due at the end of June 2010. The inquiry will report back to the Federal Government by July 2011.
The issues paper is available at www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/issues
|
Have your say! Carers NSW Carer Consultation on the National Standards for Disability Services
11 05 2020
Consultations are being held nationwide for the revision of the National Standards for Disability Services. If want to have your say, there are several ways you can go about it.
- Carer focus group. Carers NSW is running a focus group with carers about the National Disability Service Standards on Thursday June 17, in Sydney. If you are interested in attending please contact Alison Parkinson on 02 9289 4744 or alisonp@carersnsw.asn.au
- Online survey. This survey will be available online soon at the National Quality Framework website (Link provided below).
- Written submission. You may also make a written submission to the review using the template provided online. See the link below for more details.
- Telephone interview. The NSW Fair Trading Information Centre will be open for telephone feedback on 1300 528 937.
Please click here for more information about the consultations. |
Mad as Hell Campaign
06 05 2010
The Mad as Hell Campaign is being led by Sue O’Reilly and Fiona Porter – mothers of children with disabilities who are rallying the community to only vote for parties that support a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The group argues that Australia has a third world disability support system and that people with disabilities and their carers have to struggle for equipment, therapy, respite and basic support services.
Click here for more information or to take the Mad as Hell pledge.
Over 10,000 people take Mad as Hell Pledge
|
New Directions for Disability Respite Services in NSW
30 04 2010
Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW, have released the paper New Directions for Disability Respite Services in NSW. Following consultation with carers and other stakeholders, the paper was developed with the aim of building a disability respite Service system that is more responsive to the individual needs of people with a disability and their carers.
Click here to read the paper.
|
Health Literacy Project Scoping
22 04 2010
NSW Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) and NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)
The HCCC will be working with the CEC to undertake a health literacy project in the coming year. The HCCC is seeking input from organisations about the key issues for their clients in relation to health literacy to inform the project planning and scoping.
Please send your top five health priorities to kbeitat@hccc.nsw.gov.au
For more information contact Katja Beitat, Communications and Stakeholder Relations NSW HCCC on 02 9219 47497.
|
Federal Government to take over full responsibility for aged care
12 04 2010
As part of the Rudd Government’s $739 million investment in aged care to better support older Australians, for the first time the Federal Government will take full policy and funding responsibility for aged care.
The Federal Government plans to build a nationally consistent aged care system allowing people to seamlessly move from basic help at home through to residential care as their care needs change, assisted through improvements to aged care information and assessment services.
Key changes include:
• A transfer of resourcing for aged care services currently provided by the states under the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program to the Commonwealth from July 2012. The Government will also provide an additional $34 million for the transition of the Home and Community Care Program.
• Support for the development of 2,500 new aged care places through Zero Real Interest Rate Loans.
• An estimated $280 million to the states and territories over the next four years through the allocation of up to 2,000 time-limited flexible aged care places for Long Stay Older Patients in public hospitals who have been assessed as eligible for an aged care place.
• An increase in incentives to GPs to provide more services in aged care homes.
• Expanding the capacity of Multi-Purpose Services – which provide aged care and step-down services in small rural communities – by 286 sub-acute beds or bed-equivalents.
• $25 million to improving the consumer focus of aged care by better equipping the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme and strengthening the regulation of aged care providers who hold accommodation bonds, with effect from 1 July 2011.
• $32 million over the next four years in one stop shops located across the country in order for older Australians and their families to have better access to information and assessment for aged care services.
For more information on the changes, go to www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Home
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has welcomed the announcement. Click here to read a transcript of an interview she did on ABC Radio.
|
Have your say on Health and Hospital Commission Reform
26 03 2010
As part of ongoing state and territory discussions on the proposed Commonwealth reforms to the health and hospital commission, the NSW Government is encouraging the public to have their say and view more information on this issue.
|
National Carer Recognition bill tabled
17 03 2020
The National Carer Recognition Bill has been tabled in Federal Parliament today.
The National Carer Recognition Bill consists of ten core principles that acknowledge the diversity of carers and identify key areas to be addressed in a national carers strategy including health and wellbeing, financial stability and employment and education participation.
This legislation is just one part of a broader National Carer Recognition Framework announced by Jenny Macklin, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, in October 2009. Click here to view the file.
|
Disability Standards for Access to Premises
15 03 2010
The Australian Government has launched the Disability Standards for Access to Premises, which for the first time set the national minimum access requirements for people with a disability to publicly accessible buildings.
The Standards cover features such as accessible lifts, stairs, ramps, toilets and corridors and include buildings such as office blocks, shops, hotels, motels, and common areas of new apartment buildings.
The Standards will also provide greater certainty for business by providing for national consistency and reducing different regulatory arrangements. They will also provide the basis for improved arrangements for disability access in the Building Code of Australia.
The Disability Standards for Access to Premises will commence on 1 May 2011. To see the Standards, click here
|
Survey for carers of parents with cancer
15 03 2010
As part of the doctoral program at Charles Sturt University, carers who are over 18 and caring for a parent with cancer are invited to participate in an anonymous survey. The aim of the survey is to investigate the experience of this group of carers, and ultimately to improve the levels of services delivered to families of people with cancer.
The online survey should take 50-60 minutes to complete.
The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentalcancer and will be open until 30 May 2010.
For more information or any queries, please contact Janelle Levesque on 0430 878 940 or by email at jlevesque@csu.edu.au
|
Show support for the Carers Recognition Act
04 03 2010
Contact your local state MP now! Write, call or just drop in to the electorate office.
Carers NSW is urging carers, their friends and colleagues to show their support for the Carers Recognition Act that will be introduced to NSW Parliament as a Private Members Bill by the MP for Bega, the Hon. Andrew Constance.
The Bill has been drafted in very close consultation with Carers NSW. This is a victory for all carers and Carers NSW, the peak organisation for carers in NSW, and its members who have been advocating for carer legislation for years.
Currently, NSW has no carer legislation, unlike WA, SA, NT, Qld and ACT. This proposed Bill, if passed, will bring us in line with other states and territories in having legislation that recognises and supports carers, and which will provide legislation for proposed Commonwealth legislation to build on. Most importantly, it will recognise carers as individuals in their own right with their own need for assessment.
The NSW Carers Recognition Bill 2010 is designed to enact a NSW Carers Charter and establish the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council for Carers, which would be co-chaired by the relevant Ministers responsible for carers. The majority of Council members will be current carers from the diversity of disability, frail aged, chronic and mental illness sectors.
Carers NSW is encouraging carers and community members to write to their local MPs (see the sample letter) and/or to attend local meetings in their region being hosted by Andrew Constance throughout March and April, to show support for this Bill.
To ensure it gets passed, all party and Independent support is needed. Carers needs are beyond party politics!
For meeting dates and locations, go to www.caring4carers.com.au and click on ‘Calendar’.
|
Government launches new Disability Employment Services
03 03 2010
The Australian Government has launched new Disability Employment Services.
The new Disability Employment Services will operate under two new programs:
- Disability Management Service – assistance for those job seekers who are not expected to need regular, long-term support to maintain their job; and
- Employment Support Service – assistance for job seekers who will need regular long-term support to maintain their job.
Minister for Employment Participation, Senator Mark Arbib, said the new arrangements meant more jobs for people with disability, improved choice for job seekers and employers and more innovative service delivery.
The Australian Government has also launched a Disability Support Pension (DSP) Employment Incentive Pilot which will trial a new way of encouraging employers to offer employment to people with disability and allow DSP recipients to demonstrate their skills.
The pilot will operate in the following NSW Labour Force Regions with the most Disability Support Pension recipients and will run until February 2012:
Richmond-Tweed and Clarence Valley
Newcastle
Northern, North Western and Central West
North Western Sydney
Fairfield-Liverpool
Gosford-Wyong
Employers would be supported through wage subsidies of up to $3,000 after the job seeker has remained in work for 26 weeks.
In addition to the new Disability Employment Services, a Disability Employment Services Reference Group will also be established to provide strategic advice on the future of Disability Employment Services.
More information on the Disability Employment Services can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/DES.
|
Productivity Commission to conduct inquiry into National Disability Long Term Care and Support Scheme
03 03 2010
The Australian Government has asked the Australian Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry into the proposed National Disability Long Term Care and Support Scheme for people with disabilities and their families. The inquiry will begin in April 2010, and the Commission is to report by 31 July 2011. Read the terms of reference and click here for other information about the proposed scheme.
|
NSW Liberals and Nationals to Introduce Carers Recognition Bill
23 02 2010
The NSW Liberals and Nationals announced they will introduce the NSW Carers Recognition Bill 2010 into the NSW Parliament in the upcoming Parliamentary session commencing on Tuesday and also launched an online campaign through the Caring4carers.com.au website urging carers to sign a petition to support the Bill. Click here to read the media release.
|
Free tickets to the circus for children with disabilities or illnesses and their families
17 02 2010
Do you care for a child with a disability or an ongoing illness? If so, thanks to the Rotary Club of Liverpool West, Carers NSW can offer you and your family free tickets to the 8th Annual Children’s Circus Extravaganza.
The Circus will be held at the Liverpool Catholic Club Grounds, Hoxton Park Road, Liverpool, with tickets available for the following sessions:
Saturday 27 March
10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm
Sunday 28 March
10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm
Monday 29 March
10.00am, 12.30pm
Tuesday 30 March
10.00am, 12.30pm
Each performance runs for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and is suitable for all ages. The circus includes acrobatics, hire wire trapeze, clowns, comedy and more.
If you are interested in tickets, please contact Margaret Dunne at Carers NSW on 02 9280 4744 by March 1. Tickets are limited.
|
Research on the support networks of elderly people and their carers
16 02 2010
Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) has funded a research project to investigate the active engagement of older people living in their own homes. The research is being conducted by a team from the University of Western Sydney.
The research team want to learn about the social and support networks older people and their carers make when receiving home care services. The research team will be visiting people at home to ask these questions.
In this project a technique called Photovoice is being used. Participants will be provided with disposable cameras so they can photograph how they are being supported or how they are giving support. ‘Support’ can mean things like driving people places, popping in for a chat, mowing the lawn, doing the shopping, giving ‘time out’ for the carer, and ringing people up to see how they are.
After the photos have been taken and developed by the research team, participants will be invited to discuss their photos.
At the end of the project an exhibition of photographs selected by those participating in the project will be held. The research team will use the information collected during the project to write reports and research articles. In these publications no real names of people or organisations will be used. Photos will not be published or used unless written permission has been obtained.
If you would like to learn more about the project please speak to home care staff who visit you. Or, please contact members of the research team based at the University of Western Sydney:
Susan Evans – 02 9772 6538 or email su.evans@uws.edu.au
Lisa Armitage – l.armitage@uws.edu.au
|
Four Corners looks at carers in crisis
15 02 2010
On Monday 15 February, ABC 1’s Four Corners program will look at what it’s like to live with a disability, or to care for someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle meets families at breaking point and exposes a system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia that is no longer adequate.
The program airs on Monday 15 February at 8.30pm on ABC 1. It will also be available online. http://abc.net.au/4corners
A public online forum with some of the people from the story will follow the screening on Monday night starting at 9.30pm AEDST. An invitation is extended to all to join in.
|
Dying Well - what do you think about palliative care in Australia?
10 02 2010
Click here to read Palliative Care Australia's media release.
|
4 Corners episode explores end-of-life issues
08 02 2010
ABC1 program 4 Corners has devoted its first show of 2010 to exploring palliative care and end-of-life issues.
The episode, entitled ‘A Good Death’, follows the journeys of four patients undertaking palliative care. Medical professionals are also filmed discussing the importance of accepting and funding palliative care.
The program will air on Monday 8 February 2010 at 8.30pm on ABC1. Click here to read the transcript or watch the program.
For further information on palliative care, see the Palliative Care Australia website which provides links to important sources of information and advice.
|
Opportunity for carers say on education for students with disabilities or special needs
08 02 2010
Carers NSW is preparing a submission to the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the provision of education to students with a disability or special needs. We would appreciate any comments or case studies you may have regarding these issues. Please note that we may use your case studies in the submission, but we will de-identify all information you provide.
Please email your comments to alisonp@carersnsw.asn.au or fax to 02 9280 4755 by Monday 15 February.
|
Sport and active recreation: Disability participation study
05 02 2010
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is undertaking a research project for the Australian Sport Commission on the sport and active recreation experiences of people with disability.
Recent research has consistently shown that people with disability participate less in sport and active recreation than people without disability. UTS is undertaking further research which targets people with disability and aims to profile the reasons for their underrepresentation in sport and active recreation.
In undertaking this research, a survey has been created. The survey is available online for completion until the end of March. If you cannot complete the survey online, alternative formats are available.
For more information about the project contact Ryan Sherry on 02 9514 5101 or email ryan.sherry@uts.edu.au
The survey is available here.
|
Carers Australia response to the Australian Government's third Intergenerational Report
03 02 2010
Carers Australia says that the Australian Government’s third Intergenerational Report reveals more than ever the need to support unpaid family carers. Read media release.
|
New directory to help older people to find services
29 01 2010
The Directory of Services for Older People 2010 has been released. The free directory provides important information for older people and their families with chapters on accessing aged care, legal rights, finance and health.
This year the directory has been printed with spiral binding allowing it to lay flat, larger type to make it easier to read and tabs to make finding the relevant section of the directory even easier.
Copies of the directory are available by contacting the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853, by contacting a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222, or through Centrelink offices.
An online version is available online on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.health.gov.au
Braille and audio versions on CD are also available by calling the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
|
Carers NSW congratulates all Australia Day honours recipients
27 01 2010
Carers NSW would like to particularly acknowledge the following people who received Australia Day honours:
Australian of the Year – Patrick McGorry, a psychiatrist from Victoria and renowned expert in early intervention and young people’s mental health
From Dubbo, Kathleen Readford who received an Order of Australia Medals (OAMs) for service to people with dementia, their carers
From Sydney, Professor Philip Mitchell, psychiatrist, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work in mental health.
|
$10 million energy rebate announced for people with certain medical conditions
25 01 2010
The NSW Government has announced the new $10 million Medical Energy Rebate intended for citizens whose medical conditions necessitate higher levels of electricity usage to warm or cool their homes.
People suffering from Thermoregulatory Dysfunction (a condition primarily associated with MS, Parkinson’s and spinal chord injury) may be entitled to an extra $130 per year, automatically discounted from their quarterly energy bills.
Eligible customers will require written verification from a medical practitioner as well as either a Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veteran’s Affairs ‘Gold Card’ or certain categories of healthcare card.
To receive the rebate, customers must send an application to their energy suppliers. Customers whose applications are received by 30 June 2010 will have their rebate backdated to 1 January 2010.
Click here to obtain an application form or for more information.
|
New NSW Child Protection System
25 01 2010
Click here to view this document.
|
Senate inquiry into services for people ageing with a disability
20 01 2010
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee is currently seeking public submissions for an inquiry into planning options and services for people with a disability to ensure their continued quality of life as they age.
The Terms of Reference include carers: Access to planning options and services for people with a disability to ensure their continued quality of life as they and their carers age, and to identify any inadequacies in the choice and funding of planning options currently available to people ageing with a disability and their carers.
Written submissions are preferably sent by email to community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au as an attached PDF or Word document. The email must include full postal address and contact details.
Alternatively, submissions may be mailed to:
Committee Secretary
Senate Community Affairs References Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
The closing date for submissions is 28 May 2010.
|
E-Health draft legislation released
20 01 2010
The Federal Government’s plans to introduce an ‘e-health’ system are one step closer to reality, with draft legislation being released online.
The Healthcare Identifiers Bill 2010 is to be introduced in Parliament in the first half of this year and will allow for the creation of ‘healthcare identifiers’ – unique numbers assigned to all health consumers, professionals and organisations.
Click here to access the legislation and all Australians are able to send in their comments via the yourHealth.gov.au website.
|
Inquiry on the provision of education to students with a disability or special needs
20 01 2010
The NSW Legislative Council is currently undertaking an inquiry into the provision of education to students with a disability or special needs attending primary or secondary schools.
Written submissions from the public are encouraged and can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the committee secretariat by 19 February 2010. Click here to view the details on how to make a submission.
|
MS Peer Support Program (PSP) – Connecting You to Others
15 01 2010
- Are you a person with MS, or a partner, carer or family member of a person with MS?
- Would you like to share your experiences and skills to assist others in the same situation?
If so, and you live in the ACT or NSW, then you could become a Telephone Peer Support Volunteer.
The Telephone Peer Support Program is a telephone support program that allows people with MS and their partners/carers/family members to be supported via the telephone by other individuals who are also living with MS and who have completed a specific Peer Support Training Program.
As a Peer Support Volunteer you will be given the opportunity to use your life experience to assist others. You will receive comprehensive training and be supported in every aspect of the role. Being a Peer Support Volunteer is a rewarding role as you will be making a difference to other individuals just like yourself.
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer, please email to Rosanna Commisso, the ACT/NSW Peer Support Coordinator on rosanna.commisso@msaustralia.org.au and she will forward you an Application Pack which contains the application form and comprehensive details of the program and the role. Applications close Thursday 11 February 2010.
|
Invitation to give feedback on the draft NSW Youth Health Policy 2010-2015
21 12 2009
The NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health (NSW CAAH) and the Primary Health and Community Partnerships Branch of the NSW Department of Health are seeking comment and feedback on the draft NSW Youth Health Policy 2010-2015: healthy bodies, healthy minds, vibrant futures.
The draft NSW Youth Health Policy and feedback form are now available at www.caah.chw.edu.au/policy/policy.htm
Please make your feedback as specific as possible. For example, if you can envision that something can be improved, please suggest specific wording.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss anything further, please contact:
Fiona Robards, Coordinator, NSW CAAH on 02 9845 3338 or by email – fionar5@chw.edu.au or Professor David Bennett, Head, NSW CAAH on 02 9845 2446 or by email – davidb3@chw.edu.au.
Please email your feedback form to caah@chw.edu.au by Monday 18 January 2010. Alternatively you can mail your response to NSW CAAH, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145.
Responses by 18 January are appreciated. However if the holiday period prohibits your response by this date, NSW CAAH will accept feedback until the end of January.
|
Report of the Committee on Children and Young People: Kids 9-14 Years
17 12 2009
The Parliament of New South Wales Committee on Children and Young People has released and tabled in parliament its report on children and young people: Kids 9-14 Years.
The Committee looked at what children and young people want, think and need, as voiced by young people themselves. The Government’s response to the report is due in March 2010.
Click here to see the report.
|
Summer safety tips for carers of older people
14 12 2009
Australia is experiencing its third hottest year on record. The Australian Government has issued a reminder to prepare for the expected heatwave and is encouraging all Australians to check on the welfare of their elderly relatives and neighbours.
The Department of Health and Ageing’s advice says that due to aged-related changes, older Australians do not always recognise that they are overheating and are more prone to heat stress. They are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate fluid.
It is recommended that carers monitor the fluid intake of older people they care for, offering small amounts of fluid regularly as well as alternatives such as jelly, ice cream and fruit ice blocks. Other sensible precautions include ensuring the temperature in their rooms is comfortable; wearing loose fitting clothing; offering cooler showers, and keeping curtains and blinds closed during the heat of the day.
|
Carers Recognition Bill 2009
10 12 2009
A Carers Recognition Bill 2009 has been introduced into the Legislative by Andrew Constance, Shadow Minister for Disability in NSW. The Carers Recognition Bill was introduced as a Private Member's Bill on 2 December 2009. The contents of the Bill are currently not available, all information about the Bill is located at this link.
|
Survey for carers of frail aged people or people with dementia
07 12 2009
HammondCare has a significant grant from The Australian Department of Health and Ageing to conduct a 14 month project concerning assessment of need, use and outcomes of assistive technology for carers of frail aged Australians and those living with dementia.
If you’re a carer in this group and would like to give your input, click here to go to the survey.
|
Writing Competition - Spotlight on Seniors
07 12 2009
If you are 60+ or a carer, The Black Dog Institute wants to hear about your experiences of ‘late onset’ depression and how you managed the illness.
The competition invites entries from the Australasian region. Prizes will be awarded for the three best essay entries. Essays are to be no more than 1500 words. Prizes include: first place, $2000; second place, $1000 and third place, $500. Winners will be announced during Seniors Week in March 2010. Many of the stories will be included in a book to be published soon.
An application and further information can be obtained from the Institute’s website or call 02 9382 4523.
|
First Annual Home and Community Care (HACC) Program Report
24 11 2009
The first Annual Home and Community Care (HACC) Program Report has shown more than 830,000 people across Australia received HACC services and eight million hours of domestic assistance were provided during 2007-08.
Home and Community Care (HACC) is a joint Australian and state and territory government program that delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the individual needs of older people, and their carers.
Click here for a full copy of the report.
|
New national approach to disability care and support considered
24 11 2009
A feasibility study into a national disability care and support scheme for people with severe and profound disabilities however acquired was announced by the Prime minister. The study is to be conducted by the Productivity Commission and it is to report back by July 2011. The Commission will consult widely during its study. Read the media releases.
|
