Our Blooming Sick Lake Tuggeranong

Tuggeranong Community Council Newsletter Issue 11: January 2012 Our blooming sick Lake Tuggeranong

never be swept or blown into drains. As they travel down the stormwater system they end up rotting in the lake.

Reduce the amount of fertilisers used in the garden, especially on the lawn. Liquid fertilisers quickly rinse from gardens and lawns during rain and join other organic matter to feed the algae.

Prevent any rubbish from finding its way into drains. Waste prod- ucts and rubbish that collects in the „gross pollution traps” near the lake break down to form nutrients for algae.”

“Remember, drains are just for rainwater. They all lead to our lakes and rivers without any form of „treatment‟ unlike our sewerage system,” Mr Lind said.

“Concerned residents can also become informed about issues to do with our lake A warning sign greets visitors to Lake Tuggeranong after it is once again and waterways by contacting the South- infested with toxic algal blooms. (Inset) A blue-green algae bloom. ern ACT Catchment Group. We are ac- tively working towards improvement to a Toxic blue-green algal blooms have “The organism has the ability to rise and local stormwater system by supporting again forced the closure of Lake Tugger- sink in the water column. This allows it to community project s and lobbying local anong. This is becoming an annual oc- reach both the best light and the best government.” currence for what should be Tugger- nutrients in the lake and in which it can anong‟s centrepiece and attraction to the grow and divide,” Mr. Lind said. “Our Waterwatch network keeps a Tuggeranong Town Centre. monthly eye on the lake and waterways “As long as we have recreational lakes at and report algae and nutrient levels as Martin Lind of the Southern ACT Catch- a set depth, there is little we can do well as other pollution issue to local gov- ment Group says research has found about the blooms other than just to moni- ernment, rangers and the Environment that algae blooms, or cyan bacteria, usu- tor them. Having said this, there are Protection Authority,” Mr Lind said. ally form in recreational lakes in summer things we can do as Tuggeranong resi- because of the depth of the water body, dents that will work to reduce the likeli- Waterwatch volunteers provide vital and its origins and its behaviour. hood of blue green algal blooms: immediate information on the state of our waterways, which is being increasingly He says the warm upper layers over Reduce the amount of nutrients used by government and corporations cooler lower layers provide an excellent that provide the „nitrogenous and locally and nationally. For more informa- environment for blooms especially when phosphoric compounds‟ that the tion contact the SACTCG Waterwatch a soup of nitrogenous and phosphoric algae thrive on. Leaves, grass Coordinator on 6296 6400 or Water- compounds is washed in by urban storm and other compost matter should [email protected] -water. .

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 1

CONTENTS PAGE Master planning comments open

Our blooming sick Lake Tuggeranong 1

Master planning comments open 2

Election campaign start in Brindabella 3

Greens call for comment on Bill 3

Consultation period criticised 4

Aged care land sales announced 4

Airport noise information pack available 5

East Greenway traffic study released 5

Tuggeranong groups first in Centenary fund 5

Hyperdome fills Myer gap 6

Call for bushfire anniversary ideas 6

Building sharing and caring neighbourhoods 7

Work starts on new multi-purpose hall 8

News in Brief 8 The Tuggeranong Town Centre is subject to Master Planning by the ACT Government. How to be more health consumer aware 9

A happy and slimmer 2012 10 Master plans for the three urban centres each centre and provide direction for in the Tuggeranong Valley are well under how they could develop and redevelop Don‟t Forget 10 way with Kambah the most advanced. over the next 30 years.

Following the closure of public consulta- The draft Tuggeranong Town Centre tion on the draft Kambah master plan in master plan offers the opportunity for October 2011, over 100 submissions higher density residential and mixed use were received by Environment and Sus- developments, which is in-line with the tainable Development. Most of these recently released Draft Planning Strat- contained broad support for the master egy. plan vision and principles. There were also some submissions which raised The plans include a proposal to relocate concerns about the proposed scale and the bus station in Tuggeranong to a level of development planned for the more central location on Reed Street to site. incorporate these public transport services into the centre of the busy retail The master plan is being amended in and residential area. Improved pedes- response to this community feedback trian links from the Town Centre to the and will be submitted to the Government lake foreshore should help to maintain for approval shortly. the healthy vibrancy of the area.

The Draft Master Plans for Tuggeranong Erindale‟s draft master plan is centred and Erindale were released for public around a new transport hub which will comment in early December 2011. The provide better links to both the Tugger- extended public comments period re- anong and Woden town centres as well mains open until 17 February 2012. as the city. Provision is being made for additional retail shopping space which This means residents can still have a say could include a second supermarket for on the plans which outline a vision for the centre. Public transport is a key feature of the plan, parking options have also been addressed with new car parking spaces, some of which would be underground. The ACT Government recognizes the key role the community played in the development of this plan.

The public can comment on the Tugger- anong and Erindale Master Plans at www.environment.act.gov.au/ tuggeranongerindale. To see the draft Kambah master plan visit www.actpla.act.gov.au/kambah .

Source: ACT Government

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 2 Election campaign starts in Greens call for Brindabella comment on Bill

The ACT Greens are calling for public comment on a proposed Bill to give people living in care a stronger voice in the complaints process.

The Exposure Draft of the Public Advo- cate (Official Visitors) Amendment Bill 2012 for consultation has been released for public comment by ACT Greens Health, Disability, Housing and Correc- tions spokesperson and Member for Brindabella, Amanda Bresnan.

Ms Bresnan said vulnerable people living somewhere where they are being cared for or held, have a limited ability to speak up for themselves to make sure they are treated fairly.

“That is why the community has „Official Visitors‟ to inspect places where vulnerable people are being held or live, and advocate on their behalf if they have

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher introduces the ALP candidates for Brindabella. (L to R) Mike complaints or problems. Such facilities Kinniburgh, Rebecca Cody, Karl Maftoum, Joy Burch (sitting member) and Mick Gentleman. traditionally include mental health wards, correctional facilities, and orphanages,” she said. The ACT Labor Party has announced its as a further $5 million towards potential candidates for the electorate of Brinda- capital costs. Ms Bresnan said the Bill proposes a bella in the lead up to the 2012 ACT number of improvements to the way Offi- election. “The ACT Labor Government has worked hard to deliver innovative solu- cial Visitors operate, many of which have The candidates were introduced by Chief tions in health care. In May 2010, this been promised by Governments over the last decade but never implemented. Minister Katy Gallagher over morning tea Government opened Australia‟s first ever at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre at which public nurse-led Walk-in Centre at Can- she also announced a re-elected Labor berra Hospital,” Ms Gallagher said. “The changes seek to provide Official Visitors with greater power and stronger Government would expand health ser- representation for vulnerable people vices in the Valley. “Since then, the Centre has treated more living in or being held in care. The than 15,000 people, filling a gap in the The Labor candidates for Brindabella are delivery of free, extended hours health changes also seek to broaden the scope of Official Visitors to enable them to visit small business representative, Mike Kin- care in Canberra,” she said. places where people aren‟t necessarily niburgh, former public servant Rebecca being held against their will, but have Cody, public servant Karl Maftoum, sit- “For some families, the cost of accessing ting member and Minister Joy Burch and after-hours health services is a signifi- little choice to be elsewhere. Examples being people with disabilities in group former MLA Mick Gentleman. cant burden when faced with an unex- homes, or people staying in accommo- pected accident, illness or injury. Low dation run by a non-government pro- The Chief Minister Katy Gallagher en- bulk billing rates also add to that pres- dorsed the result of the preselection, sure, so the Walk-in Centre has filled a vider,” she said. stating “I‟m proud to lead a hard-working gap for some people, “ she said. “While we no longer have institutions, team in our Assembly, now joined by a there are many vulnerable people being diverse and talented group of candidates “ACT Labor believes that the Walk-in wanting to make a public contribution to Centre model would work well within held or living in situations over which they have little choice or control. The our great City.” other community settings by making free, Greens want to strengthen the ACT‟s high quality primary health care services Official Visitors to give vulnerable people “We are fortunate to have a broad, ex- more available for minor illnesses and perienced and talented pool of candi- injuries.” a voice,” Ms Bresnan said. dates to choose from. I am confident that The Exposure Draft of the Public Advo- the Party and the community will get “Most people presenting with minor ill- cate (Official Visitors) Amendment Bill behind our team and help ensure Can- nesses and injuries do not need to be berra continues to have the good gov- treated on a hospital campus and we are 2012 is available for public comment until 24 February 2012. The Bill and an ernment it deserves,” she said. committed to providing services close to accompanying discussion paper can be where people live. This will mean that During the introduction of candidates Ms residents in the north and south will be accessed at http:// Gallagher announced that a re-elected able to more easily access this highly www.legislation.act.gov.au/ed/db_43749/ default.asp. Labor Government will provide an addi- skilled nursing service without having to tional $10 million over four years to ex- travel too far,” Ms Gallagher concluded. pand the nurse-led Walk-in Centre model Source: Media Release to Tuggeranong and Belconnen, as well Source: Media Release

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 3 Consultation Aged care land sales announced

period criticised The sale of land in Isabella Plains and expected to commence by mid-2012. Calwell to two prominent operators of accommodation for people over 55 and "With an ageing population, this is good residential aged care will provide more news for older Canberrans, particularly housing options for older persons in Tug- those in Tuggeranong who wish to re- geranong, ACT Minister for Community main in their communities in their retire- Services and Member for Brindabella, ment,” Ms Burch said. Joy Burch has announced. The other entrant is Victoria-based Inno- Ms Burch welcomed the sale to Lend vative Care Ltd who own and operate 11 Lease - Australia's largest owner, opera- aged care facilities in Victoria, NSW and tor and developer of accommodation for Queensland with 860 aged care beds. people aged over 55 - of a 4.468 hectare Innovative Care has purchased a 2.1 site on the corner of Ellerston Ave and hectare site in Ware Street in Calwell for Drumston Street in Isabella Plains for more than $2 million and will provide more than $5 million, which it will de- High and Low Level Care Places, Res- velop as a retirement village and an as- pite Care, Day Care, and Independent sociated community centre. Living Units (ILUs). Shadow Economic Development Minister and Member for Brindabella, Brendan Lend Lease currently own and operate Ms Burch said it is anticipated that the Smyth (pictured), has described as a 70 retirement villages and 30 aged care Development Application will be lodged sham the Government‟s consultation facilities across Australia and New Zea- by mid 2012 with construction to be com- process on economic diversification for land comprising 12,740 retirement living menced by the end of the year. the ACT. units and 2,318 residential aged care beds providing quality services to more "The strategic decision by Lend Lease Mr Smyth also accused Treasurer An- than 18,000 seniors. and Innovative Care to come to Can- drew Barr of going against his govern- berra reflects the opportunities for in- ment‟s own guidelines for community Ms Burch said work will commence creased investment in this market sec- consultation timeframes when he called shortly on the master plan for the site to tor," Ms Burch concluded. for input into the economic diversification be followed by the lodging of the Devel- discussion paper. opment Application with construction Source: Media Release

"After ten years of urging by the Can- berra Liberals, ACT Labor has finally released a discussion paper which rec- ognises the importance of diversifying the ACT economy to make it more resil- ient and effective in creating employment," Mr Smyth said.

"Unfortunately for the people of the ACT, the Treasurer, Andrew Barr, arranged the consultation period largely across the Christmas and New Year holidays, which meant that many people either were not aware of this invitation or have not had enough time in which to prepare re- sponses,” he said.

Mr Smyth said the timing of the consultation on this important topic clearly contra- vened the ACT Government's guidelines for community engagement, which state that:

'Activities undertaken at inappropriate times (e.g. during school holidays or over the Christmas/New Year period)...are counterproductive and minimise the ability of many to participate.'

"If Andrew Barr is serious about engag- ing with the community to achieve sus- tainable economic growth in the ACT, he should ensure that his consultation period falls at a time when people are able to respond most effectively,” Mr Smyth concluded. Source: Media Release

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 4 Airport noise East Greenway Tuggeranong information pack traffic study groups first in available released Centenary fund

ACT Director of Roads, Tony Gill, will Chief Minister Katy Gallagher recently address residents on the outcomes of a announced the first eight recipients of recent traffic survey in East Greenway. the Community Centenary Initiative Fund. Mr. Gill will be guest speaker at a public meeting to discuss the concerns of East The fund supports community-driven Greenway residents on traffic flow, pe- projects and events that enhance the destrian safety and general community program of activities being developed for safety. The meeting has been organised Canberra‟s Centenary in 2013. Two of by East Greenway resident, Beverley these projects will have a focus of activ- Flint. ity in the Tuggeranong region. Airservices Australia has released the Canberra Airport “Noise Information Ms Flint said the meeting will consider The Tuggeranong Community Arts pro- Pack”. It says the purpose of the pack is the outcomes of the traffic survey re- ject Lakeside will produce a family week- to provide information to the community cently undertaken in Mortimer Lewis end with temporary sculptures situated on aircraft operations around Canberra. Drive and proposals for a footpath. alongside Lake Tuggeranong in Septem- ber 2013. Air Services Australia says Canberra Advance copies of the survey report are Airport is situated approximately 7kms to available by email on request by contact- The weekend will feature children‟s the east of the city. It says the area is ing ACT Roads on 6207 6868. workshops, artist forums, artists talks affected by aircraft noise either from heli- and a site specific work to be developed copters, fixed wing propeller or jet pow- She said the meeting will also provide an for the arts centre. ered aircraft. Operations may occur at opportunity for residents to raise other hospital helipads, Southcare Helicopter concerns such as new road signage to The project has been in development for base (6.5kms south of the airport) or control the flow of traffic through their over two years, and will build on previous from Canberra Airport. Helicopters and neighbourhoods. exhibitions and community and schools light aircraft often follow regular scenic workshops. routes. “We will also consider calls for better lighting in the Lake Park and dog exer- Erindale-based creative arts organisation Canberra Airport Planning Director, Noel cise area, improvements to the pedes- Kulture Break will produce two dance McCann, has described the pack as a trian/bicycle path and bus services in festivals and expos in June 2012 and great community initiative. He says Can- East Greenway,” Ms Flint said. 2013 titled Dance Nation. berra Airport is one of the first airports to be provided with this information pack. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Workshops and master classes will be 16 February commencing at 7pm in the offered to children, young people, adults For copies of the information pack visit: Tuggeranong Library Community Room. and seniors, culminating in a 2013 per- http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/wp- For more information contact Beverley formance that celebrates and pays trib- content/uploads/Canberra-nip.pdf . Flint on 0418 409 798. ute to our city‟s rich multicultural diversity and heritage through dance.

Funding is still available and individuals, community, sporting and cultural organi- So Bluey…...where did you Ah Greenie…...we had a sations and service clubs are urged to consider how they might mark this sig- and the gang spend the bloomin good time. Al, th’ nificant milestone in Canberra's history. summer holidays this gals n’ I were just lazing Application details, including guidelines year? round Lake Tuggeranong. and an application form are available at: www.canberra100.com.au/projects/ commu- nity_centenary_initiatives_fund.php or call Centenary of Canberra Community Engagement Officer, Mr. Dan Watters on 6205 8408.

Applications close on 30 June 2012 or when all available monies have been committed.

Source: Centenary of Canberra Unit, Chief Minister and Cabinet.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 5 Hyperdome fills Call for bushfire anniversary ideas Myer gap The ACT Government is seeking sug- "Nine years on there are those who will gestions from the public on how best to still struggle to deal with the horrors of

mark the 10th anniversary of the devas- that day and the memories that come The Tuggeranong Hyperdome manage- tating Canberra bushfires. with it. My heart goes out to each and ment has announced plans to redevelop every one of those people, particularly to the centre in early 2012. This follows the Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the the families and friends of those who lost announcement by Myer last month that it 18th of January remains a difficult day their lives.” will not renew its lease at the Hyper- for many in the Canberra community and dome and will close its store. most of us can remember exactly what Ms Gallagher said at the same time she

we were doing back on that hot, windy is proud of the way we, as a community, Centre Manager, Pearce Coleman said January day in 2003. have supported each other in those diffi- the redevelopment of the store will in- cult days, weeks, months and years of clude some exciting introductions and She said everyone in Canberra knows recovery and rebuilding.” refurbishments. someone who was affected by the fire-

storm. She has called on Canberrans to con- He said the Hyperdome is looking to sider how we should mark the 10th anni- welcome household Australian retailers, “It was a time in our city's short history versary of this important occasion. Big W, JB Hi-Fi and Harris Scarfe as part where we were challenged by the force of a retail mix following the departure of of nature and where the people of Can- Suggestions can be posted on the „Time Myer. berra rose to that challenge and worked to Talk' website (http://

together to support those who had lost timetotalk.act.gov.au/), by calling Can- He said the potential redevelopment will loved ones, homes, animals and posses- berra Connect on 132281 or via Twitter begin after the Christmas trading period sions,” she added. to @actcomms. and will position Hyperdome as the only shopping centre in the region to offer all three major discount department stores, Target, Big W and Kmart, under the one roof. He said this will strengthen the Centres convenient community base retail offer.

“We are excited to announce Coles, Woolworths and Kmart have all renewed their commitment at Tuggeranong Hy- perdome, with Coles and Woolworths having now completed extensive refurbishments and Kmart are due to commence their refurbishment early 2012,” Mr. Coleman said.

“The new format stores align with the centre‟s long term strategy to improve and upgrade centre facilities and retail tenancies.

“Over the past 18 months there have been over 40 new retailers and 16 refurbishments delivered at the Hyperdome, including Canberra‟s newest cinema complex, Limelight Cinemas,” Mr. Cole- man added.

Tuggeranong Community Council Presi- dent, Darryl Johnston, said while the closure of Myers in Tuggeranong had been on the cards for some time he was surprised the announcement had been made so close to Christmas.

“I feel sorry for the staff but I am glad the uncertainty is now over. I hope Myer will make other employment arrangements for its Tuggeranong based staff,” he said.

Mr. Johnston said he now looked for- ward to the new developments at the Hyperdome.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 6 Building sharing and caring neighbourhoods

streets. When you meet your neighbours with the Sharehood you immediately have a common interest – a belief in the value of sharing things!

Knowing your neighbours is handy: it makes us safer, it can get you out of a pickle and it‟s a lot of fun. But connecting with your neighbourhood goes beyond all that. It answers the deep need within us for a sense of belonging to the place we live. It improves our wellbeing and goes to the heart of what it means to have a home.

Tighter local communities will help us flourish, restore hope and increase posi- tivity despite uncertainties. Reducing people‟s isolation will drastically improve their quality of life. This is particularly important for those vulnerable members of our communities; elderly people living alone, new parents or emerging refugee Neighbours join forces in a Sharehood community gardening project in inner Melbourne. communities, for example.

Many Melbourne residents have em- The Sharehood provides a means to barked on Sharehoods, neighbour- Most of us own stuff that we haven‟t remove barriers between people by hoods that share everything, saving used in years. Do you have a shed full showing that “everyone can be your money and the environment and form- of things you use occasionally, such as a neighbour”. The principle of the Share- ing stronger communities. Liz Shield, lawnmower, a sewing machine, a ladder hood is that you can share with your a Sharehood project worker relates or a wheelbarrow? Many of these things neighbours and get to know them, and the experiences of one Sharehood take up a lot of space so people in small then “everyone is your neighbour”. There community and how it is gaining in dwellings simply don‟t have room for is an identified link between people‟s popularity. them, and low income people can‟t afford sense of belonging in a place, or a com- them. munity and being connected with other Theo was living in an inner city suburb of people that is critical for good mental Melbourne‟s north and his house didn‟t Wouldn‟t it be great if we could all get health. have a washing machine. He was walk- what we needed by borrowing and lend- ing to a friend‟s house to do his laundry ing things within our neighbourhoods? People‟s isolation from others contrib- when he realised many folks in his street Sharing things with people means we utes to poor self image and mental would have washing machines and if he don‟t have to all go out and buy every- health. In Western capitalist societies, knew his neighbours, he might have thing we may need. This reduces waste participation is often dependent on an been able to borrow theirs. and excess items ending up in landfill. ability to buy something, such as items from a shopping centre or the entry price He made a list of all the things that could Some Sharehoods have started commu- to an event. be shared between neighbours and it nity gardens in their neighbourhoods. was a long list! Then he letter-boxed all Growing your own fruit and vegetables The Sharehood offers an alternative to the people living within a 5 minute walk saves money and helps the environment “inclusion by consumption” as we pro- of his home, to share his idea and ask by reducing the pollution associated with mote sharing resources we already have them to contact him if they wanted to transportation and packaging of conven- with those who don‟t have access to participate. From there, the first Share- tional produce. them. The Sharehood has been discov- hood was formed. Since then, the Share- ered from New Zealand to the UK. hood has grown to have over 1,500 Sharing locally is part of a low-carbon Joining is free! And once you have en- members across 4 continents. lifestyle that can reduce our collective tered your details, you will be linked to impact on the environment. Most every- the closest 100 members to you, where People have been borrowing ladders to day items involve using fuel for transpor- you can see what they are offering and put in light bulbs and working together to tation, petrochemicals in construction seeking to share. create food producing gardens or grey (plastics) and create pollution caused water systems. There have been film during production. The more we can If there aren‟t enough people close to nights and BBQs in local parks and sew, bake, create, grow and borrow you, the website has instructions and a street wide garage sales. People have means the less dependent we are on form letter to help you get a Sharehood found babysitters and had their pets these non-renewable resources. started in your neighbourhood. And then walked or minded. the fun begins! It really is as easy as Perhaps the best reason for sharing is to crossing the street. There are so many reasons to share with meet other people in your local area. people and the experiences are as indi- This builds trust and that warm feeling For more information visit: vidual as we are. Sharing things with you get when you walk down the street www.thesharehood.org people in your neighbourhood means and people say hello. It also reduces you don‟t spend as much money. social isolation and makes for safer

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 7 Work starts on new multi-purpose hall News in Brief

ACT ignored, Greens

ACT Greens Multicultural Affairs spokesperson, Amanda Bresnan, is lobbying the Federal Government to include an ACT representative on its Federal multicultural advisory body.

The Australian Multicultural Council is responsible for advising the Federal Government on multicultural issues and ensuring Government services respond effectively to the needs of diverse communities. It does not have a representative from the ACT.

“I was very disappointed to learn that the Australian Multicultural Council does not include an ACT representative,” said Ms Bresnan. In December last year I wrote Community Services Minister and Mem- She also joined Minister for Education, to ACT Senator Kate Lundy, who is also ber for Brindabella, Joy Burch, was Chris Bourke and Member for Canberra, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicul- joined by members of the Tuggeranong Gai Brodtmann, in announcing the seven tural Affairs. I argued that the ACT de- Archery Club (pictured) for the turning of Tuggeranong schools which have re- serves representation and asked her to the first sod for construction of a new ceived funding as part of the Trade reconsider the membership,” Ms multi-purpose indoor community facility Training Centre in Schools Program. Bresnan said. in the Tuggeranong Valley.

Existing trade training facilities will be Ms Burch said the new facility will be refurbished at Calwell High School, Lan- used by a number of community organi- yon High School, Chisholm School, Property sentiment sations and sporting clubs, including the Wanniassa Senior School, Lake Tugger- undermined Tuggeranong Archery Club, and will pro- anong College and Erindale College, vide a new space for the Tuggeranong while new facilities will be built at Na- In an alarming survey commissioned by Men‟s Shed. After the sod turning cere- madgi School. the Property Council of Australia, the mony construction began on the new ACT has been found to have the worst $2.1 million dollar facility at Greenway. Source: Media Release investor confidence in Australia, ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries has claimed.

The survey polled 2800 property industry professionals across all states and terri- tories and shows the ACT as the only capital city to record a shift from positive to negative sentiment between Septem- ber and December 2011.

“The figures released by the Property Council are a major concern to our Terri- tory”, Senator Humphries said.

Herbicide training

Southern ACT Catchment Group is or- ganising a herbicide use training course for 18/19 February 2012 to be held at Westwood Farm near Kambah.

The concept is to deliver an advanced practical/theory session over the two days which will include using UV light to show droplets of water coloured with dye and applied to stubble, leaves or grasses at different rates, nozzles and pressures to show variables of application. Partici- pants must attend both days.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 8 How to be more health consumer aware ance committees, and through involve- ment with system-wide quality and safety monitoring. The input and presence of consumers can provide balance to the contributions of professionals, service providers and industry,”

“Consumers have the ability to point out the obvious when health care specialists may be bogged down in minutiae. The presence of consumer representatives in these forums helps to create services which best suit the needs of the community and ensures the transparency of decision-making processes,” she said.

“HCCA trains and endorses representatives to provide a consumer perspective on a large number of service delivery oriented committees in the ACT.”

“Through consultation and networking, our representatives are able to accurately reflect the issues faced by users of particular services. Consumers are able The Health Care Consumers‟ Associa- simply by going about our daily lives. to ask the “how”, “why” and “what if” tion ACT (HCCA) is calling for new con- Health care consumers have dealings questions regarding the planning of ser- sumer representatives in 2012. The with GPs, surgeons, oncologists, hema- vice provision, ensuring considered ap- HCCA will commence training for new tologists, physiotherapists, nurse practi- proaches to all aspects of planning and representatives in March with further tioners and a range of other specialists,” implementation.” training sessions in June and Septem- she said. ber. “Finally, involving consumers at the Ms Cox said the HCCA is a firm sup- State/Territory-wide and national levels HCCA Executive Director, Darlene Cox, porter of the old adage, “nothing about is important in accurately orienting priori- says a consumer representative is some- us, without us” and that is why we see it ties for the whole region and for all of one who is endorsed by the Health Care as vitally important to have consumers Australia. HCCA strongly believes that Consumers' Association of the ACT engaged within the health system in a consumer needs and desires should (HCCA) to represent the views and inter- number of ways. drive national health policy.” ests of health consumers. She said HCCA consumer representatives have “Firstly, consumers must be given the “Through consumer participation at the experience of health services primarily skills and opportunities to engage as grass roots level, consumer perspectives as consumers of services. partners in the provision of their personal are able to be conveyed to those at the health care, as well as that of their highest levels of government, with the “They commit to being well informed friends, family and those they care for. result that services are more effective, about relevant health issues and repre- Studies have found that involving con- more inclusive and are more likely to be senting a broad range of consumer sumers in the decision-making proc- aligned with consumer expectations.” views by ensuring they are accountable esses related to their own care improves to others through HCCA and/or other outcomes and increases both patient “The strength of consumers lies in our community groups,” she said. and health professional satisfaction,” she expert knowledge gained by being users said. of the health care system. Consumers Ms Cox said the HCCA was established can, and should, work to shape the ser- more than thirty years ago to give an “HCCA runs training and information vices provided by the government to be official voice to users of the health care sessions designed to provide consumers more consumer-centered, and to truly system in the Australian Capital Terri- with some of the skills required to partici- consider the needs of users,” Ms Cox tory. pate as equal partners in the provision of said. their care. Consumers are introduced to “A health care consumer is anyone who the Australian Charter of Health Care Training for new consumer representa- uses, has used, or may use, any health Rights, a national document which sets tives is being held in March, June and or health-related service, and as such, out the seven rights to which consumers September in 2012. Training is free and consumers are important stakeholders are entitled as users of the health care will be held at the HCCA offices in Hack- within the system. As consumers, we system. HCCA endorses a patient- ett on Friday 23 and 30 march between can contribute in unique ways to the dis- centered care approach to service deliv- 10am and 2pm. cussions around health care service pro- ery and presents this view to the ACT vision,” Ms Cox said. Government and ACT Health Director- If you are interested in the training or ate.” would like to find out more about HCCA “Our focus and backgrounds differ from please call the office on 6230 7800 or go that of health service providers and “Secondly, consumers must be engaged to our website www.hcca.org.au medical practitioners, and we accrue in health service delivery, through repre- experience of the health care system sentation on policy, planning and govern- Source: HCCA

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 9

A happy and Valley Voice

slimmer 2012

With Christmas behind us (literally) some of us resolve to be fitter and trimmer in 2012. Here are some stories to inspire you to reach your goals.

Although I was only a few kilos overweight, my wife was harping at me to diet. One evening we took a brisk walk around town, and I surprised her by Feb 7: TCC General Meeting, jumping over a parking meter, leapfrog 7.30pm Tuggeranong Southern style. Pleased with myself, I said, "How Cross Club. (Open discussion many fat men do you know who can do on TCC priorities for 2012) that?" Tuggeranong Community Council‟s

"One," she retorted. newsletter, Valley Voice is designed to 12: Public comments due on inform Valley residents of issues that the Draft ACT Planning Strategy. Although I knew I had put on a few kilos, impact on them and to act as a vehicle Lions Club, Tuggeranong I didn't consider myself overweight until for other community groups and organi- Homestead Markets. the day I decided to clean my refrigera- sations to communicate with residents. tor. I sat on a chair in front of the appli- 16: Public meeting on East ance and reached in to wipe the back Valley Voice is produced on a regular Greenway Traffic Study. 7pm wall. While I was in this position, my basis and is circulated amongst TCC Tuggeranong Library. teenage son came into the kitchen. "Hi, members and friends. If you wish to

Mum," he said. "Whatcha doin', having receive copies of Valley Voice in the 17: Comments due on lunch?" future please email [email protected]. Tuggeranong and Erindale Mas I started my diet that day. ter Plans Meanwhile, if you have articles or im-

After noticing how trim my husband had ages you wish to contribute to Valley Mar 6: TCC General Meeting, become, a friend asked me how I had Voice please email them to 7.30pm Tuggeranong Southern persuaded him to diet. It was then I [email protected] by the 20th of each Cross Club. shared my dark secret: "I put our teen- month. age son's boxers in his undies drawer." 11: Lions Club, Tuggeranong Please feel free to pass Valley Voice on Homestead Markets. My daughter couldn't muster the will- to those who you think will be interested power to lose unwanted kilos. One day, in its contents. Apr 3: TCC General Meeting, watching a slim friend walking up our ______7.30pm Tuggeranong Southern driveway, she lamented, "Linda's so Cross Club. skinny it makes me sick." Valley Voice is published by the Tugger-

"If it bothers you," I suggested gently, anong Community Council (TCC). Mate- 8: Lions Club, Tuggeranong "why don't you do something about it?" rial in this publication comes from a vari- Homestead Markets. "Good idea, Mum," she replied. Turning ety of community and government based to her friend, she called out, "Hey, Linda, sources and therefore does not neces- May 1: TCC General Meeting, have a piece of chocolate cake." sarily reflect the views of the TCC. 7.30pm Tuggeranong Southern

Cross Club. A member of a diet club bemoaned her Material submitted to the TCC for inclu- lack of will-power. She'd made her fam- sion in Valley Voice may be subject to 13: Lions Club, Tuggeranong ily's favorite cake over the weekend, she editorial changes. Material that includes Homestead Markets. explained, and they'd eaten half of it. dates, times and contact details is cor-

The next day, however, the uneaten half rect at the time of publishing. Therefore, Jun 5: TCC General Meeting, beckoned. She cut herself a slice. Then the TCC cannot be held responsible if it 7.30pm Tuggeranong Southern another, and another. By the time she'd is not informed of any changes to that Cross Club. polished off the cake, she knew her hus- information prior to publication. band would be disappointed. 10: Lions Club, Tuggeranong "What did he say when he found out?" Homestead Markets. one club member asked. Tuggeranong Community Council.

"He never found out," she said. "I made E: [email protected] 30: Applications close for the another cake and ate half. W: www.tuggcc.com Community Centenary Initiatives

Fund www.rd.com Tuggeranong Community Council Inc. (TCC) is an incorporated, voluntary, not for profit, non political, community based association operat- ing within the Tuggeranong district of the Tuggeranong Community Council acknowledges its supporters. Australian Capital Territory.

TCC is formally recognised as the peak community representative body in Tuggeranong pro- moting the goals and aspirations of local residents and other community groups and organisations within the Tuggeranong Valley. TCC receives partial funding from the ACT Government.

Tuggeranong Community Council Working with our community www.tuggcc.com Page 10