REGIONAL WELLBEING SURVEY - UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE AND PLACES IN RURAL AND REGIONAL

Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership would like to encourage people in our area to take this survey. If there are more than 100 respondents they will collate the results for our area individually – please help us to get this valuable info and spread the word. To take the survey click here.

LIST YOUR EVENTS WITH MEDICARE LOCAL - GRAMPIANS

Medicare Local have an Events Calendar on their website that they try to keep up to date with events happening in the Grampians Region. If you are aware of any upcoming events that are targeting Primary Health Care Professionals or you would like to list an event then please shoot them a brief email with the details so that they can add it to their calendar. This will hopefully ensure the best attendance possible at all of the events in our region.

Emails can be sent to Belinda Browne - Event Co-ordinator at [email protected]

VOTE FOR BEULAH TO EAT CAKE

Beulah Business and Information Centre has the chance to win $10,000 and the Wimmera Mallee community can help make it happen with a simple vote. They have been shortlisted from hundreds of entries in The Local Project competition initiated by the Bank of and the Herald Sun.

Beulah’s ‘Let Us Eat Cake’ project is in the running for the Community Category. The project involves upgrading and registration of the not-for-profit kitchen to become a commercial class 2 to support community volunteers and micro-businesses. The project will enable members to prepare and cook their products and sell them at the community centre as fundraising projects.

For Wimmera Mallee residents to vote on the website, simply click here and click on ‘Community’ then scroll down to Let Us Eat Cake and click ‘Vote’. Don’t forget to add your name and email address to complete the voting. Voting will close on October 21st so there was an urgency for the community to act as soon as possible.

Further information: Beulah Business & Information Centre, Manager: Helen Dillon, E. [email protected] T. (03) 5390 2200

Page 1

HELP RNH TO FIND A PHYSIO

After searching nationally and beyond for a physiotherapist, Rural Northwest Health is appealing to the community for help. A departure has left a vacancy that is yet to be filled and has placed a huge workload onto senior physiotherapist Ngareta Melgren. The added difficulty for Ms Melgren is that she is also Community Health team leader and a member of the RNH executive.

If you can help please contact Ngareta Melgren on 5396 1238

$120,000 INVESTMENT IN GRAMPIANS COMMUNITY HEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the Victorian Government is investing $120,000 in Horsham to help young people develop skills, build confidence and make new connections for life after school. “Grampians Community Health – CoNexus in Horsham will receive the funding to support a range of local initiatives for young people,” Mr Delahunty said “The Grampians Community Health project will provide young people with enriching and empowering experiences and vocational skills development for youth, within creative activities.

CoNexus caters for the personal wellbeing of young people in the community in an environment that is welcoming and safe,” Mr Delahunty said. Nationals’ candidate for Lowan welcomed the funding from the Coalition Government’s Engage program which will help more young people in the Horsham area live active, healthy and fulfilling lives. “The Engage programs build on the Coalition Government’s commitment to give young people in western more opportunities to get involved in their local community and to develop skills that will help them in education and along employment pathways,” Ms Kealy said.

Mr Delahunty said this investment in Horsham forms part of the Coalition Government’s $12 million Engage program. “Through the Engage program, more than 100 Victorian organisations are assisting young people to make the most of volunteering and mentoring opportunities, helping them to develop wide-ranging skills for education, training and employment,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Engage program is another example of how the Coalition Government is working with the community to give young people more opportunities to follow their dreams and achieve their best,” Mr Delahunty said. For more information click here.

GRAMPIANS COMMUNITY HEALTH - ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG TREATMENT SERVICES (AODTS)

Grampians Community Health provides private and confidential care and recovery and counselling support for people experiencing problems associated with alcohol and other drug use. We provide support for young people and adults including home based support for people wanting to reduce their use, or to withdraw from alcohol or other substances. We also support people affected by the dual problems of mental health issues, acquired brain injuries and substance dependence.

GCH AODTS specialists work in collaboration with clients to support their goals for change. Available programs include Care and Recovery Coordination to assist clients with complex needs, Counselling Support, Home Based Withdrawal, Better Life Dual Diagnosis, Gambler's Help and Drink/Drug Drive Education Programs. GCH actively supports the community with educational forums.

GCH provides services across Ararat/Pyrenees, Northern Grampians and Horsham local government areas. Clients, friends and family are welcome to contact GCH to talk with us about their needs on 03 5358 7400.

HORSHAM ART’S COUNCIL – WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT

For Seniors – only $10! Friday 17th October at 11am – Horsham Centre Cinema To book phone Jackie on (03) 5382 9741 Page 2

THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW RELAXATION THERAPY??? JOIN US AT: HORSHAM RSL AND ARARAT RSL

Ararat RSL: 21st October, 6th, 11th, 18th, 28th November - @ 11am Horsham RSL: 22nd, 29th October, 5th, 19th, 26th November - @11am and 12th November @ 1.30 pm First 2 session are free; 60 minute sessions.

Positive Psychological influences: Improved mood, attitude, emotional relief, feeling of comfort, security, less stressed, hopeless and defiant, creating an empathic connection, improving social interaction engaging in integration and social interaction, positive emotional releases in people taking Music Therapy.

This program is suitable for adults/youth & children &family seeking improvement and relaxation. Limited attendance by groups, after the free session, or one to one session.

Ring to book your place & discuss your attendance with Gerardo. M. 0439 491 097 P. 03 5381 1108 PO Box 767 Horsham, Victoria 3402 E. [email protected] www.salsamusictherapy.com.au

9TH NOVEMBER – 10AM TO 2PM AT THE GERANG GERUNG HALL, GLENLEE ROAD

Live music by Emmasuke - Rock & Roll Dancing - Jumping Castle - Joy Flights - Facepainting

Stalls include cured meats, olive oil, cards, patchwork, veggies, plants, kids activity tent, craft, kids clothing & hats, toys, candles, wooden toys, nuts, gourmet breads, preserves, handbags, massage, donuts, biscuits and much more...

BBQ & Devonshire Teas available – more information www.facebook.com/GerangGerungMarket

PROGNOSTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING TREATMENT SELECTION AND PATIENT OUTCOMES IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Primary Health Care Professionals are invited to attend an educational event on the Prognostic Factors Influencing Treatment Selection and Patient Outcomes in Chemotherapy (including an update on NSCLC).

Topics: Prognostic factors in cancer: current developments influencing treatment selection and patient outcomes; Medical treatment and management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Radiotherapy and Lung Cancer: An update on new technologies at BAROC Speakers: Professor George Kannourakis, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Haematologist, Ballarat Oncology & Haematology Service and Dr Louise Gorman, BAROC/BRICC Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2014 Time: 6.45pm Venue: Wimmera Trade Training Centre, 310 Baillie Street, Horsham Details: Meal provided. Points: This activity has been Accredited for 4 (Category 2) points, as part of the RACGP QI&CPD Program in the 2014-16 Triennium. Activity Number: 3616 Register: Here Contact: For further information please contact Belinda Browne, CPD Events Co-ordinator, Grampians Medicare Local e [email protected] p (03) 5381 1756 f (03) 5381 0313

Page 3

LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Join the “Flame of Hope” as it passes through Horsham spreading a message of inclusion, hope and opportunity for those with intellectual disability.

Friday 17 October 2014 @ 2.00pm

The run will commence at the Police Station, Roberts Ave at 2.00pm with police and local runners conveying the ‘Flame of Hope’ to a cauldron lighting ceremony at May Park. Welcome from Mayor David Grimble; BBQ to raise money for Special Olympics Wimmera; Smoke Ceremony from Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Didgeridoo Performance; Games from Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly

There will also be a Torch Run in Kaniva at 9.00am and Nhill at 10.30am. Inquiries, contact Rural Access Worker Wendy Lynch on 5382 9585.

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST STREET LIGHTING PARTNERSHIP TO BE LAUNCHED

A Lighting the Regions project to provide better, energy efficient and safer street lighting for nearly 50% of regional Victoria will be launched at 2pm on Thursday October 16, 2014 at the Grange Bellinzone, 77 Main Road Hepburn Springs.

Through the Lighting the Region’s project almost 23,000 street lights will be replaced from the old mercury vapour style street lighting to more energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The project will reduce energy consumption, save 180,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases and provide regional communities with savings of more than $57M over 20 years in energy costs.

16 local governments across north, west and central Victoria have formed this important partnership to implement what will be the largest street lighting partnership in Australia. Buloke, Ararat, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera to name a few.

Powercor is the Distribution Network Service Provider for the Lighting the Regions project and maintains and operates the street lighting infrastructure on behalf of the local government partners. This $11.6M project, which covers nearly half of regional Victoria, includes $5M of funding from the Australian Government and will run until June 2016. The Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance and Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance have been instrumental in establishing the partnership.

For further information contact: Andrea Joyce, Project Manager - Lighting the Regions, Ph. 03 54346226 or email [email protected]

New Workshops Coming to Ararat

Ararat: Wed 29th Oct - Empowering Children, 10am-12pm Click here to book online Wed 29th Oct - Understanding Motivation & Children, 1pm-3pm Click here to book online Wed 19th Nov - Understanding Self- Esteem & Children, 10am-12pm Click here to book online Wed 19th Nov - Communicating Effectively with Children, 1pm-3pm Click here to book online

For more information click here.

Page 4

WORKING WITH MEN WHO USE FAMILY VIOLENCE

No To Violence is offering free one day training for agencies that want to know how to identify and work with men who use family violence safely.

Learn about : Forms of family violence; Gendered nature of family violence; Barriers to leaving; Dynamics of men’s use of violence; Myths about the causes of family violence; Direct involvement with men; Ongoing assessment, monitoring, and risk management; Collusion; Important information to gather; and Safe Practices in engagement.

On Wednesday 19th November 2014 at the Uniting Church Hall, Horsham. Contact: Regional Integration Coordinator—GIFVC Western District Ross Anders [email protected]

VICHEALTH PLAN TO PROPEL ARTS INTO A NEW ERA

An ambitious plan to boost the physical fitness of Victorians through the arts was unveiled this month with the launch of VicHealth’s Active Arts Strategy 2014-2017. A key part of the strategy combines our love of digital technology with the latest trends in design innovation from around the globe, to develop arts projects that act as a gateway to regular exercise.

As part of the Strategy, VicHealth has launched the Arts Innovation Challenge, a new program that offers funding support to arts organisations with a clever idea to get people physically active. Entries will open in early November so it’s time to start brainstorming!

The launch of VicHealth’s new strategy follows the release of National Arts and Health Framework launched by all state and territory Arts and Health Ministers in June. The framework recognises the role the arts can play across the health care continuum and the benefits of collaboration between the arts and health sectors.

Find out more Find out more about the National Arts and Health Framework

HONDA FOUNDATION GRANTS

To support organisations who focus their activities on the disadvantaged, disabled or those suffering from long-term and life threatening illnesses. To find out more click here.

R E ROSS TRUST GRANTS

To provide funding for projects that have a positive impact on people's lives. The Ross Trust will direct resources towards projects and other activites that address disadvantage and inequity, encourage and promote social inclusiveness, community connectedness and health and wellbeing. To find out more click here.

SUNSUPER'S DREAMS FOR A BETTER WORLD PROGRAM

Sunsuper Dreams is all about doing something positive for the community in a really meaningful way. This Sunsuper initiative give individuals groups and organisations the opportunity to be awarded a $5,000 grant to help realise a dream for a better world. To find out more click here.

Page 5

BREASTSCREEN VICTORIA REPORTS LOW PARTICIPATION RATES IN HORSHAM

BreastScreen Victoria is experiencing low attendance rates at its Horsham clinic located in the Wimmera Base Hospital.

The latest BreastScreen Victoria participation rate report card for Horsham shows that only 60-64 percent of women aged between 50 and 74 living in the area took advantage of the free service in the past year, which is lower than the BreastScreen Australia target of 70 per cent.

BreastScreen Victoria provides free mammography screening every two years, for the early detection of breast cancer at the Horsham clinic, targeting women 50-74 years of age. To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or book online.

MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITES

ReachOut is designed for people under 25 with factsheets, information and personal stories covering everything from finding motivation to getting through really tough times, with tools and tips for making everyday life a little easier.

ReachOut Professionals provides recommendations and advice for youth support workers and education professionals on a range of online interventions, tools and resources that can be used to support young people experiencing mental health difficulties and to build young people’s wellbeing and resilience.

Online services hub for disabled people in regional and remote areas Online inclusion "Oi" offers a structured and informal online support platform for people living with a disability, their families, carers and support teams. It aims to be a disability information hub where everyone can obtain accurate quality information, resources, support links and factsheets. Access online group sessions, workshops and conversations all in one place from a variety of service providers. This offers a perfect place online for people in regional and remote areas to access information and support as well.

SHOP, STORE, COOK AND EAT SAFE

The Department of Health has launched a new animation ‘Shop, store, cook and eat safe’ that illustrates the importance of food safety in the home. Food poisoning can be serious for unborn babies, young children, older people, and people with conditions that weaken their immune systems - but there are easy steps we can all take to prevent getting sick.

Watch ‘Shop, store, cook and eat safe’ here.

VICTORIAN EATING DISORDER STRATEGY LAUNCHED

The Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge, has announced an immediate $2.14 million to support education and early intervention for eating disorders, including a number of projects that will be led by EDV. Minister Wooldridge announced the funding commitment at the launch of the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy, hosted by Eating Disorders Victoria on October 9th.

The funding will support Eating Disorders Victoria, the Victorian Centre for Excellence in Eating Disorders and headspace to deliver a range of exciting new projects, including: the development of a mobile ‘app’ for education and awareness; expansion and further rollout of education programs for GPs; and a new approach for early intervention for young people.

For more information and to download the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy click here Page 6

TRANSITION CARE FORUM 2014 – MY RIGHTS, YOUR RIGHTS, OUR RIGHTS

The professional challenges for clinicians grow each year as the clients who receive care become more complex. Transition and Community Care programs improve flow from the acute and sub-acute inpatient settings and provide patients with a greater opportunity to regain independence and return to living at home.

Transition and Community Care programs continue to expand and are an important clinical service in every health care organisation. Striking the balance between protecting the patient from harm and standing back, respecting their rights to take a risk, is especially challenging.

This seminar debates and opens the dialogue about the rights and responsibilities of managers, clinicians and consumers in the healthcare system. This is an opportunity to learn and challenge our assumptions of what is right when we work within a diverse healthcare system. This is a forum to discuss health and human rights, and ways in which to respond to issues in an informed and effective manner.

Who should attend? Health care providers, managers, educators, and policy makers involved in the managing complex clients in the acute, sub-acute and community settings Date? 13 November 2014 Where? Museum of Australian Democracy Eureka, 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350 Cost? $190 (incl. GST) $150 (incl. GST) if you register before 9 October 2014 Information: For more information click here

CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE SHORT FILM - RURAL PEOPLE: RESILIENT FUTURES - UNCOVERING A LEADERSHIP MODEL FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Hamilton Cinema - 109 Brown St, Hamilton on Friday October 31 @ 11.30am – 12.30pm

The Rural People: Resilient Futures Project is investigating vulnerability in the Southern Grampians Shire and how vulnerability is exacerbated under climate change. Southern Grampians Glenleg Primary Care Partnership is working with health and community agencies to identify climate change impacts and integrate strategies and actions to reduce vulnerability of climate change and enhance resilience. More at www.sggpcp.com

Please RSVP by 27/10/14 to [email protected] or 555 18475

DV-alert Awareness Session

Lifeline is committed to raising the awareness of domestic and family violence. DV-alert awareness sessions are two-hour interactive presentation where individuals and groups can talk about the issue of domestic violence and what they can do to help make a difference.

At the end of the awareness session  Identify the different signs and forms of abuse that constitute domestic and family violence  Familiarise themselves with the Cycle of violence and Duluth wheels – power and control, equality and empowerment  Reflect on and share what they can do if they know someone who is experiencing domestic and family violence  Have an opportunity to network with other individuals  Receive tools and references for domestic and family violence support and referral

When: Tuesday October 28th, Registration at 9.45am, Training begins at 10am & finishes at 12 noon. Where: Queen St State School – Cnr of Queen St & Dytes Parade Ballarat.

For enquiries phone Kellie on 5322 4951 or email [email protected] Page 7

HEALTHCONNEX is pleased to confirm keynote speakers for the HealthConnex Conference at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne on Oct 30-31.

Bronwyn Pike, Chair of Western Health will be presenting on health system reform and the role of technology. Patrick Johnson, Leadership Project Officer - Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT ( also known for his record 100m sprint time of 9.93seconds achieved in 2003), will be speaking on leadership in the Indigenous community. Anton Donker, CIO Healthdirect and Shane Solomon, Head of Telstra Health will also be presenting about their vision for the integration of healthcare services.

Full profiles of all the speakers can be found on their website.

Click here if you haven’t registered.

DO YOU NEED TO LEARN SUICIDE FIRST AID?

Most people thinking about suicide signal their pain and intentions – they offer us opportunities to respond. Suicide first aid learned in ASIST can help all of us see, hear and respond to these signals. It prepares us to work with and help persons at risk to increase their immediate safety and to get further assistance and support.

When: Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th November 2014 from 9.00am – 5.00pm Where: Queen St State School Cnr Queen St & Dytes Parade Ballarat Cost: $280 (includes GST + a tune-up session 6 months after this training; all materials, lunch and refreshments)

For further information, please contact: Kellie Dunn, Lifeline Manager & Trainer - 5322 4951 or 0402 789 672, [email protected] or Anne Watson, Get Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager & Trainer - 5364 2977 or 0419 755 780, [email protected]

NEW ITEMS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE PRIMARY HEALTH NEWS FOR OCTOBER 2014

 Integrated Chronic Disease Forum - Creating a Vision for Integrated Care- Presentations now available  Health in the East - Research Forum  Oral Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers – Symposium  Nationally Accredited Qualifications in Health Consumer Leadership and Engagement – Registrations Now Open  Challenging Responses to Family Violence Conference  The Future of Primary Health Conference  HealthConnex Conference - The Future of Health Connectivity  Foundation House – Course for Incidental Counsellors  Improving primary health care access for vulnerable people – PhD Scholarships on offer  Service Coordination On-line Learning Module  Service Coordination Tool Templates (SCTT) On-line Learning Module  5 day Health Promotion Short course

To read more click here.

Page 8

IREFER VIC APP

The iRefer Vic app is a searchable directory of programs and services for Victorian families caught up in the turmoil of separation. The app provides information and referral pathways through the Australian Family Law system to find assistance that helps parents agree on what is best for their children rather than fighting in the courtroom and living with ongoing conflict.

Download app FREE from GooglePlay and iTunes

FROM BLUES TO RAINBOWS: THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF GENDER DIVERSE AND TRANSGENDER YOUNG PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA

This report is the culmination of many months of engagement across Australia with young people aged between 14 and 25 who have shared their thoughts, understandings, experiences, hopes and dreams with us through an online survey and online interviews. Their narratives are insightful, touching, and hopeful. Young voices have told us how they care for themselves as well as shining a light on how health services, schools, government and policy makers can better serve their needs. This research was designed to expand on findings from previous Australian research with young people that found that gender-questioning and transgender young people not only experienced higher rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, but were also more likely to be involved in activism than their cisgender and same-sex attracted peers. This later finding is a potentially positive one and points to the need for research to not only explore the mental health needs of these young people but also the ways in which they advocate and care for themselves in the face of discrimination and abuse. Click here to read the report.

'LET'S TALK ABOUT CHILDREN' ELEARNING COURSE - THE EVIDENCE-BASED METHOD THAT SUPPORTS PARENTING AND CHILD WELLBEING

Let’s Talk About Children’ (Let’s Talk) is a brief, evidence-based method that trains professionals to have a structured discussion with parents who experience mental illness (or mental health problems) about parenting and their child's needs. It aims to make this conversation a routine part of the alliance between parents and professionals where they can explore the wellbeing and development of children and how their parent's mental illness is understood by them.

Who is it for? Professionals in: adult mental health settings; primary health care; non-government organisations; child mental health; child and youth services. Why take the course? It can be integrated into the recovery model; It supports healthy parent-child relationships, promoting protective factors for the child’s wellbeing; The method is evidence-based, with demonstrated outcomes for parents, children and families; It improves understanding of issues facing parents when they have a mental illness. What else? The course includes demonstrations of the method in practice in different settings. It is interactive, practical and engaging - making learning easier. It includes links to practical resources that can be used in practice. It’s FREE!

You can view all content on your iPad!

How long does it take? It is estimated that the course will take between five to ten hours to view (including watching videos and completing assessments). However, you can complete the course in several sessions at your own pace. The last page you visit will be bookmarked so that you can jump straight back to where you left off - whenever it suits you, 24/7. To enrol click here. Page 9

CLINICAL TRIAL OF ELDERBERRY

The Elderberry fills the folk remedies of three continents and for many years formed the bedrock for doctor's prescriptions after Hippocrates first acclaimed the Elder tree as his personal "medicine chest". The berry's benefits are mainly preventative, as it contains powerful antioxidants (anthocyanins and flavonoids) and vitamins.

Dr Evelin Tiralongo and Dr Shirley Wee from the Griffith Health Institute are conducting a clinical trial of Elderberry supplementation in preventing upper respiratory symptoms in air-travellers on intercontinental flights. They are testing the product of a European company called BerryPharma, who specialise in the production of high quality herbal extract.

This trial will follow the pair's 2010 research which proved that standardised Echinacea tablets taken before and during long-haul air travel reduce the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms for international airline passengers. The Echinacea research was backed by a large clinical trial led by Cardiff University where researchers also identified preventative effects of Echinacea.

For more information click here. If you would like more information, please contact Dr Wee on: Phone: (07) 5552 8131 or email: [email protected].

PREPARING YOUR MIND TO SURVIVE DISASTERS

Your property is prepared, you have practised your survival plan and the emergency survival kit is packed and on stand-by. But are you really ready for a disaster? The decisions you make during an emergency are important to your survival, which is why you need to prepare your brain and your emotions. Trauma psychologist Dr Rob Gordon says it's a matter of being clear in your thinking, as you prepare. "People need to decide 'do I want to put my life in danger'," he says. "If they say 'yes, I want to hang onto my house', then they need to be very clear that what is going to confront them is something enormously challenging. "They've got to have that confidence and determination, and the confidence should be placed in the fact that they have very good reason to believe that their house is defendable."

To find out more click here.

Page 10