Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Author: Ashleigh Brissett

GOANNA3 Survey – ONLINE NOW!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The GOANNA3 study aims to understand the social and behavioural factors related to Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 16-29. 

AH&MRC is again participating in the co-ordination of this important survey. You can see previous survey results for GOANNA2 here. 

New this year there is now an online version – here is the survey link!

Attached you can find posters that can be displayed in your services (bathrooms/clinic rooms etc) with a QR code linking to the survey so young people can complete it online and go into the draw to win 1 of 10 $250 vouchers. 

Don’t let COVID stop the festivities: New Vaccine and Easier Antiviral Access

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

COVID-19 cases are expected to rise this festive season, but it’s possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones from serious illness. Here are two key updates to help you stay safe: 

Exciting News: New COVID-19 Vaccine Targets Latest Variant! 

The new COVID 19 vaccine COMIRNATY JN.1 is specifically designed to combat the latest variant, JN1, and is now available for individuals aged 6 months and older, including adults, infants, and children. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the new COVID-19 vaccine, in October 2024. 

Key Points: 

  • Primary Vaccination: For everyone aged 6 months and older. 
  • Booster Vaccination: For individuals aged 12 and above. 
  • Convenient Forms: Multi-dose vial (6 doses) or pre-filled syringe (1 dose), no dilution needed. 

Stay up to date with your booster vaccination as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook to prevent severe cases and hospitalisations. 

Easier Access to COVID-19 Antivirals 

Great news! The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has relaxed the eligibility criteria for subsidised COVID-19 antiviral treatments. Now, with just a positive RAT test, you can access Paxlovid or Lagevrio. Previously, a positive PCR test was needed, but that requirement has been lifted and those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can now start antiviral treatment without the unnecessary hurdle of having a PCR test if they already have a positive RAT.   

This change helps protect those at high risk of severe illness, especially during holiday gatherings. For more details, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website: Eligibility for oral COVID-19 treatments 

Stay safe and healthy this festive season! 

Workforce development opportunities: Building capacity to respond to co-occurring mental health conditions in AOD treatment settings

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

NSW Health has partnered with the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre to deliver a series of free skills-based training and train-the-trainer workshops, building capacity to respond to co-occurring mental health conditions in AOD treatment settings.

Training programs have been developed to align with the Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment settings.

Skills-based Training Workshops

3.5 day, in-person training, designed for professionals supporting people using AOD. This training covers what you need to know about mental health presentations in your clients, including:

  • A range of co-occurring mental health conditions;
  • Screening and assessment;
  • Motivational enhancement, cognitive, and behavioural approaches.

When and Where?

  • Moree: 18 – 21 February 2025, Moree Services Club, NSW
  • Sydney: 25 – 28 February 2025, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW

Attendance is free, but places are limited. Please see flyer for full details and register your interest now.

EOIs close 5th January 2025.

Train-the-Trainer Workshops

1 day, online specialist skills workshop suitable for trainers with moderate to extensive clinical experience in co-occurring AOD and mental health conditions. Trainers will become registered trainers through the Matilda Centre, and able to deliver the Guidelines skills-based training program.

When:

  • Thursday 20 March 2025
  • Thursday 22 May 2025

Eligibility:

People who:

  • Are professionals supporting people using AOD in NSW Government or NGO and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health services operating in NSW;
  • Have completed tertiary training in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience;
  • Have comprehensive knowledge of, and/or experience working with people experiencing co-occurring mental and substance use disorders;
  • Have experience delivering interventions for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems; and
  • Possess sound training skills and have the capacity to deliver workplace training.

Attendance is free, but places are limited. Please see flyer for full details and register your interest now.

EOIs close 5th January 2025.

For any questions about these opportunities, please contact MOH-AODSafetyQualityFeedback@health.nsw.gov.au

Join AH&MRC Community of Practice: Earbuds

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Unsure how to bill for ear health in your clinic? Confused about ear health nKPI’s? Not sure how to replace or check your tympanometers and otoscopes? You are not alone!

Are you looking to learn more about ear health, troubleshoot challenges, and upskill? Join Earbuds – a supportive community where you can:

  • Connect with local health practitioners.
  • Share knowledge and experiences.
  • Exchange ideas with like-minded professionals.
  • Explore upskilling opportunities and practical tips for your clinic.

To get involved, simply email healthprograms@ahmrc.org.au and become part of the yarn today! 

Healthy Eating and Active Living Aboriginal Action Plan

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

We are excited to invite you to help shape NSW Health’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Aboriginal Action Plan.

By joining one of our yarns and sharing your insights, ideas, and experiences on the needs of your community, you will play a key role in guiding NSW Health to identify solutions for the way forward with health and wellbeing for our mob across NSW.

These yarns will be facilitated online by Nama Jalu Consulting, an Aboriginal-led consultancy firm working with NSW Health on this initiative.

Here are the dates and times for the yarns based on your region:

  • Metropolitan Region – Tuesday 11th February 2025, 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Northern Region – Wednesday 12th February 2025, 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Southern Region – Thursday 13th February 2025, 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Western Region – Tuesday 18th February 2025, 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Youth and family yarn – Wednesday 19th February 2025, 9:30am – 12:00pm

To be a part of this important conversation, please RSVP by 24 January 2025 to hello@namajalu.com.au, and let us know which organisation you represent and which yarn you’d like to be a part of.

Your voice is critical to shaping this plan, and we hope you’ll join us to help shape a healthier future for our mob. Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues who may be interested in participating.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Danielle Loggie at danielle.loggie@health.nsw.gov.au or 02 9391 9234 for further information.

Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Webinar Series: Aboriginal Aged Health Yarns with NeuRA  

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

As part of the Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Webinar series, Neura is joining them to yarn about their programs of work on Aboriginal Dementia and  Healthy Ageing. 

Online event
Date: Wednesday 4 Dec
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm AEDT

Hosted by the Agency for Clinical Innovation and Health Education and Training Institute (HETI). In collaboration with ACI’s Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network and Aged Care Network

Register here.

EOI for AOD Family Carers and Friends Grant

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The NSW Government has opened up EOI’s for the AOD Family Carers and Friends Grant. Total funding of $1 million per year is available, with a maximum of $250,000 per organisation per year. Funding is for an initial 3 years, with the possibility of extension.

This EOI is for ACCHS that already have an AOD or Social and Emotional Wellbeing program, with the aim being to enhance their ability to:

  • work with people using AOD in more family-inclusive ways
  • provide more services and supports for families/carers/friends/kin of people using AOD and
  • link families/carers/friends/kin with the services and supports they need to maintain their own health and wellbeing.

This aims to improve outcomes for people using AOD as well as outcomes for their families, carers, friends and kin.

The guidelines for the EOI and the application form here.  

Note that Stream 1 of the AOD Family Carer and Friends Grant is also currently open.  If you wish, you may apply for either or both of these streams, however only one grant per organisation will be awarded.

Further information is available here.

Both streams of the grant will close on 9 December 2024 at 12.00 noon.

Allies Against Violence: Turning Awareness into Action

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Australia is facing a national crisis of violence in our communities. Approximately one woman is killed every four days by a current or ex-partner, and men also experience high rates of violence from other men.

How can we prevent and reduce this violence?

As part of United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, join us for Allies Against Violence, a transformative event where we’ll delve into innovative and revolutionary approaches to addressing family violence.

What you’ll learn:

  • Everyday steps you can take to create positive change in your community.
  • Information on additional support services available to those in need, wherever they are on the journey.
  • Inspiring examples of how individuals in our community are already driving change.

Presenters

  • Matt Brown – Family violence survivor and author of ‘She Is Not Your Rehab,’ Matt will share his insights on the pivotal roles of community and collective healing in breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
  • Panel of community and sector leaders including representatives from No To Violence and When No one is Watching.
  • Turning Awareness into Action – Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network.

🗓️ When: Thursday, 5th December
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM for a 6:30 PM start – 9pm
📍 Where: Randwick Town Hall – 90 Avoca St Randwick

Cost: $7 + booking fee

Book your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/allies-against-violence

Active Kids Program

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The NSW government is making it easy for kids to be active and creative while helping you save money. The new Active and Creative Kids Program is offering families one $50 voucher for each eligible child issued in Term 1 and Term 3. The vouchers can be redeemed on a range of activities by registered providers. 

Vouchers can be used towards registration and participation costs.

  • Vouchers are available to families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, or Family Tax Benefit Part B, or both.​
  • The $50 vouchers will be issued in term 1 and term 3.​
  • Two vouchers may be used together for a combined value of $100
  • Vouchers must be redeemed before their expiry date.​

More information can be found at Active and Creative Kids voucher | Service NSW

GOANNA3 Survey Collectors

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

AH&MRC is excited to announce that we will be participating in the GOANNA3 study!

This study is led by Professor James Ward and The Poche Centre. This will be the third study undertaken and aims to understand the social and behavioural factors related to blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

We are looking for (paid) volunteers to assist with the survey collection at Yabun and Fair Day next year.

Survey collectors need to be:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
18-29 years

Must hold:
Working With Children Check (or endeavour to get one)

Be available:
Weekends or Public Holidays (Yabun and/or Fair Day)

Participate in a 90 mins introduction training.

Check out this flyer for more info.