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National Rural Health Alliance eforum - 20 August 2012
In this issue: * Mount Isa Statement: how to reduce quad bike accidents
* July 2012 eNews from the Alliance
* Rural Pharmacists: Invitation to Participate
* The Indigenous Oral Health Workshop is fast approaching!
* Why has dental health been getting the brush off?
* RVTS Applications Now Open
* Dementia Behaviour: A Management Challenge
* 2nd International Conference on Global Telehealth - GT2012
* 12th National Rural Health Conference
* National Stroke Week
* A Guide to Managing Difficult Consultations - Active Learning Module and DVD
* Research and Data
* Lowitja Institute e-Bulletin
* ACRRM Country Watch
* Federal Government News
* Heart Foundation News
* Rural Health on the Web
* RDAA News
* Rural Health on the ABC
* Articles in Rural and Remote Health
* What's On
* Contribution and subscription information and disclaimer
* Full text of Mount Isa Statement: how to reduce quad bike accidents
MOUNT ISA STATEMENT: HOW TO REDUCE QUAD BIKE ACCIDENTS
The Mount Isa Statement on quad bike safety outlines a number of decisions that could be
made immediately to reduce deaths and injury caused by quad bikes in rural and remote
areas. The Statement was produced by farm health and safety experts from Australia, New
Zealand and the United States. The full text of the NRHA media release is at
http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au and is reproduced below.
JULY 2012 eNEWS FROM THE ALLIANCE
National Food Plan - Green Paper
A National Food Plan Green Paper has been released. Does it give sufficient attention to food
as a determinant of health, to food security for all Australians, and to the availability,
affordability and quality of food for people in rural and remote areas? You can participate in
public consultation until 30 September 2012 by: attending one of 24 public meetings held
around Australia; sending in a written submission; or participating in online discussion or
following on twitter at @NatFoodPlan.
Proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
From July 2013 the Commonwealth and several States will be trialling launch sites for the
first stage of an NDIS (see COAG Communiqué). The challenges relating to sparse
populations will remain, but a universal person-centred disability support scheme, funded
through insurance, should reduce some of the inequity that currently exists in rural and
remote areas. We would like to hear from people with disabilities and their families and
carers about collaborative work across the health, aged care and disability sectors.
AJRH August 2012 issue is now online
The August edition includes articles on the experiences of overseas-trained health
professionals in rural and remote areas of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the
USA; dementia awareness in remote Aboriginal communities; GP management of chronic
kidney disease; the effectiveness of an eating disorder service delivery; mental health care;
and delivery of health services to remote-dwelling Indigenous mothers and infants.
eHealth record
Rural people are encouraged to visit www.ehealth.gov.au to learn more about Australia's
eHealth record system and to consider following the links to register online for a personal
eHealth record. The Alliance welcomes feedback to inform its stance on the matter.
3rd Rural & Remote Health Scientific Symposium
Research ideas developed at the symposium in Glenelg are being followed up by the Alliance
and opportunities to contribute to the next steps will be posted shortly. Symposium
presentations and the Alliance's summary of outcomes are now available. And there will soon
be an NRHA TV program about the 3rd Symposium on the Rural Health Channel.
Trucking along with the National Broadband Network
The NBN Co Discovery Truck will be in rural New South Wales, Western Australia and
Northern Territory during August. See locations and dates.
AHHA/NRHA Think Tank on rural and remote health
A report from the Joint Policy Think Tank on the impact of health reforms in rural and
remote communities held in Canberra on 19 April 2012 has been posted on the Alliance
website where all presentations are also still available.
Opinion piece
This is our opinion on the National Maternity Services Plan: first annual report. What's
yours? [email protected]
Watching with interest
There are 26 Medicare Locals that have at least 50 per cent of their population in rural or
remote areas. The Alliance has made contact with these 26 with a view to seeing how it might
support the work they do. Topics of particular mutual interest include Medicare Locals'
health workforce activity, after-hours services and GP locums, and their involvement (actual
and potential) in oral health and mental health.
Doctors and specialists
The Alliance continues to chase down the facts in relation to the supply of GPs and
specialists to rural and remote areas. Volume 3 of Health Workforce Australia's report on the
matter will be useful in this respect. The Alliance is also pursuing its plan for a greater
number of junior doctors to be trained in rural settings, its interest in locums and short-term
contractors in the health workforce, and consideration of the impact of fly-in fly-out specialist
services on local providers.
Do you want to present at the 12th National Rural Health Conference next April?To get a
spot on the program you will need to submit an abstract that jumps out at the program panel
because of its importance and its freshness: because of the Bright Future it paints. So if you
have a Strong Commitment to rural health in Australia start writing your abstract now. The
online portal is open (via www.ruralhealth.org.au) and will close on 1 October 2012. Please
forward this to others in your networks who may also have something special to tell the
1,000+ delegates expected at the conference.
Media and Communications
The Alliance had an article on farm safety ("Farmers at risk - help is at hand") published in
the July issue of PHA's In Touch. A media release was issued on farm safety on 19 July (Our
farms and farm families can be safer still).
RHCE2
Registrations and online applications in the fourth round of RHCE2 grants are being accepted
until 8 August 2012. Outcomes of the assessment of applications by an Independent
Assessment Panel will be available by the last week in August 2012. All round 4 projects
must be completed by 30 October 2013. Further information:
http://rhce.ruralhealth.org.au/about-rhce2, phone 1800 987 440 or email
RAMUS Alumnus program
Dr Sally Banfield has been awarded sponsorship from the RAMUS Alumnus Program to
attend the 2012 Training Rural Australians in Leadership (TRAIL) program in September.
The RAMUS Alumnus program is the network for former scholars and current and former
RAMUS mentors which supports RAMUS scholars to 'go rural'. Further information:
http://ramus.ruralhealth.org.au/alumnus
RURAL PHARMACISTS: INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Are you, or have you been:
* a community pharmacist servicing a local rural hospital?
* a community or hospital pharmacist servicing a hospital without a full-time pharmacist
within your rural district?
* a consultant pharmacist servicing a rural hospital?
You are invited to participate in a telephone/Skype interview to help explore the benefits and
challenges of sessional employment in rural areas. This is part of a study in the School of
Pharmacy, The University of Queensland. A small gift voucher will be offered to
acknowledge your time and participation in the study. Please contact Amy Tan (PhD
candidate) at [email protected]
THE INDIGENOUS ORAL HEALTH WORKSHOP IS FAST APPROACHING!
If you plan on attending, we'd like to invite you to please register by Friday the 24th of
August.
If you're planning to attend but have yet to register, please do so at your earliest convenience
as places are limited. The registration form is available to download from
http://www.arcpoh.adelaide.edu.au. Please remember to tick the box indicating whether you
wish to pay $100 (for the workshop only) or $165 (workshop and dinner). All necessary
instructions are on the form, you're welcome to scan and email the completed form back to
me or send it through the post.
If you've already registered you've most probably received your receipt by now, in which
case your registration is confirmed. If you've registered but haven't yet received your receipt,
please let me know - some payments are more complicated than others to process, and so we
apologise to those who have been kept waiting. As the Indigenous Oral Health Unit is part of
the University, all financial transactions are organised by the central University finance
division, not us. This makes it difficult for us to keep track of how far transactions have
progressed, but as soon as I receive your receipt I will forward it on.
If you are unable to represent your department/organisation but know of someone else who
would be interested, we are still able to accept nominations. And of course please don't
hesitate to get in touch with any questions. We hope to see you next month!
Maddy Shearer
Coordinator - Indigenous Oral Health Unit
Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
122 Frome St, The University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA 5005
Ph : +61 8 8313 3290
Fax : +61 8 8303 4858
e-mail: mailto:[email protected]
http://www.arcpoh.adelaide.edu.au/iohu/
WHY HAS DENTAL HEALTH BEEN GETTING THE BRUSH OFF?
The health and social sectors combined forces last week to put the spotlight on the human and
financial costs of Australia's failure to ensure equitable access to oral health and dental care.
See Croakey article at http://blogs.crikey.com.au and full proceedings via
www.ruralhealth.org.au
RVTS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
RVTS is currently accepting applications for positions in the 2013 intake. RVTS offers an
alternative pathway to FRACGP/FARGP and FACRRM for GPs working in remote and rural
locations. The curriculum is delivered via distance education and registrars are supervised
remotely. Training commences on 4 February 2013. RVTS is fully funded by the Australian
Government. For complete eligibility criteria visit www.rvts.org.au, or contact (02) 6021
6235.
DEMENTIA BEHAVIOUR: A MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
With the recent announcement of dementia as the ninth National Healthy Priority Area, the
Rural Health Education Foundation will be broadcasting a live panel discussion on dementia
behaviour. The panel will examine best practice strategies and principles for a range of
behavioural and psychological dementia symptoms.
Tuesday 28th August 2012
8pm NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD & VIC; 7.30pm SA & NT; 6.00pm WA
View: Rural Health Channel (VAST Channel 600) and simultaneously online
Pre-register for the online webcast
For more information on how to view the program visit the program webpage:
http://www.rhef.com.au
2nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL TELEHEALTH - GT2012 26 - 28 November
Four Points By Sheraton, Sydney
"Delivering Quality Healthcare Anywhere Through Telehealth"
Telehealth, including telemedicine, patient monitoring and associated eHealth considerations,
is currently experiencing a rapid expansion in adoption worldwide. Deployment of new
information and communications technologies, and their enabling systems and infrastructure,
offer many emerging avenues for implementation of Telehealth solutions. Widespread
initiatives by public and private sector health providers with government reimbursement and
regulatory support are transforming previously small scale activities into widespread
adoption. This situation provides a great opportunity to raise levels of access and increase
quality of healthcare globally. The conference will offer a limited number of half-day
Workshops, for presentation of "work-in-progress" on thematically related sets of current
Telehealth projects, and half-day Tutorials, for experts to provide concentrated overviews on
topics of contemporary interest.
http://www.GT2012.org
PUGGY HUNTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN: CLOSES 16
SEPTEMBER 2012
Do you know an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student studying their entry level health
course? Or are you one yourself? The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme provides
funding to assist Indigenous Australians who are intending to or are studying an entry level
health course in 2013.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is now open. Visit the PHMSS webpage to
find out more information on the Scheme. Or contact Australian College of Nursing on
[email protected] or 1800 688 628.
The best way to apply is to apply online, the online application is available here. If anyone
has trouble accessing the online application a pdf is available on the PHMSS webpage to
download and print out to return to ACN.
Please feel free to circulate this information in your networks.
12th NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
Strong Commitment. Bright Future
Abstracts are now being received for the 12th National Rural Health Conference.
If you would like to be on the program for the 12th National Rural Health Conference in
Adelaide, 7-10 April 2013, providing an abstract is the first step!
The 12th Conference website has all the information you need about submitting an abstract.
Even more than previous such events, the 12th Conference will focus on the positives in rural
and remote Australia. Building on the Strong Commitment of country people, and the
creativity, teamwork, resilience and sense of community that characterise rural and remote
Australia, what do we need to do to guarantee a Bright Future?
Make sure you are part of the action. Join others from around Australia at the Adelaide
Convention Centre to share ideas, discuss challenges and celebrate successes in rural and
remote health and wellbeing.
Make your mark at the 12th National Rural Health Conference!
Mark the date: 7 -10 April 2013
Bookmark the website: http://nrha.org.au/12nrhc/
Further information: 02 6285 4660 or [email protected]
NATIONAL STROKE WEEK
Stroke Awareness week occurs each year. This year the campaign is running from the 10 - 16
September with a theme of '1 in 6'. 1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Know
your stroke risk. We would like to encourage a wide range of groups and individuals to get
involved by ordering a Stroke Week pack (free of charge) and holding a display or activity
during National Stroke Week. See www.strokefoundation.com.au/national-stroke-week for
more information.
A GUIDE TO MANAGING DIFFICULT CONSULTATIONS - ACTIVE LEARNING
MODULE AND DVD
A 6-hour Active Learning Module around the topic of managing difficult consultations is
now offered online through the Rural Health Education Foundation at no cost. The module
"The Discomfort Zone: A Guide to Managing Difficult Consultations" includes resource
material combining audio visual material and structured learning activities. This is offered as
a useful guide to all health professionals in primary healthcare who often encounter a range
of difficult consultations arising from situations such as drug-seeking, somatisation, poor
communications and anger. The key for health professionals is not to 'label' patients but to
examine the communication process, be aware of the different agendas, listen more carefully
and respond appropriately to the cues. The panel discussion program and the resources
explore how consultations become difficult and the practical strategies you can use to
recognise and respond more effectively.
The Module is an RACGP Category 1 Activity equivalent of 40 CPD points. Points from
other professional groups can be gained on a self-reporting basis. Access the Active Learning
Module or order the DVD and Learning Guide by visiting the program webpage
http://www.rhef.com.au/. (If you are in NSW or ACT you can order the DVD free).
Rural Health Education Foundation - www.rhef.com.au or (02) 6232 5480
RURAL HEALTH ON TWITTER!
National Rural Health Alliance - https://twitter.com/NRHAlliance
Growth on Telehealth: TransWorldNews http://ow.ly/1OrM9R
Help promote Hearing Awareness Week - http://bit.ly/2ZtQAt
They've got the whole world in their hands, watch our TV ads and support nurses and
midwives. http://bit.ly/Qcmk0H #oznurses
Australia's Nurses and Midwives. You Couldn't Be In Better Hands. ANF launches new
national campaign - http://bit.ly/QNrjp9
Awesome photo! "@OUTBACKmagazine: Another gorgeous mustering picture from Lake
Nash, NT. Have a relaxing Sunday! pic.twitter.com/yjCGD234"
Young Australians outside the big cities! tell your stories, your way and win! Enter
http://bit.ly/MFpCL0 now @Heywire #youth #writing
Why Telehealth consults are better than Face-to-face - wisdom from Dr. Jay Sanders - Hands
On Telehealth http://ow.ly/1Orllt
Welcome to @HealthInfoNet as Exhibitors at #12NRHC - #ruralhealthconf
Welcome to National Rural Faculity of @RACGP as exhibitors at #12NRHC. Booth 16.
#ruralhealthconf - http://nrha.org.au/12nrhc/
@Sue_Dunlevy from The Australian at #Dental Health Policy Forum - view video and
powerpoint slides here: http://bit.ly/LtEVp3
James O'Brien - @EveryAustralian at #Dental Health Forum - view video and powerpoint
slides here: http://bit.ly/LtEVp3 #NDIS
The rural health crisis has long been seen as a losing battle but rising interest among med
students may change this http://bit.ly/P6MKVD
Rural health isn't about money - it's a life opportunity. See today's Ballarat Courier
http://bit.ly/Sq6lxX
#AHCRA #Health Reform Summit, Canberra, 14 August 2012 - presentations and
powerpoints here: http://bit.ly/R6rekE
Proceedings from #Dental Health Policy Forum now online. View video and powerpoint
slides here: http://bit.ly/LtEVp3
Stephen Duckett, when asked if he was happy with where health reform has ended up, "I
wasn't happy with where it started!" #AHCRAconf
Attend a Lifeline Out of the Shadows suicide prevention walk this September and you will
receive a complimentary... http://fb.me/23NSe1Wtf
Looking forward to next mtg of 12th Nat. #ruralhealthconf Advisory Cttee on Monday. Call
for abstracts still open via http://www.ruralhealth.org.au
Delegation from #Dental Health Policy Forum heading to Parliament House to deliver
communique to @tanya_plibersek. pic.twitter.com/I0W1SXge
#Dental Health Policy Forum Andrew McAuliffe: patients' assisted travel: "A boil on the
bum gets you on the plane; a dental abscess doesn't"
Packed house in Cba to discuss "Why has #dental #health been getting the brush off?" -
program at http://www.ruralhealth.org.au pic.twitter.com/V9JullAe
#AHCRA Executive in Canberra for #HealthReform Summit: the long and winding road -
http://www.healthreform.org.au pic.twitter.com/TdT0NM7B
Dental Policy Forum: Why has dental health been getting the brush-off - http://bit.ly/NefYyY
Billions in health benefits from targeted climate action - Release from CAHA -
http://bit.ly/QwCAKi
New report on health benefits of climate action from Climate and Health Alliance/Climate
Institute - http://caha.org.au/
@tanya_plibersek Minister Plibersek opens #Health Reform Summit in Canberra this
morning - http://www.healthreform.org.au pic.twitter.com/yGIjZ3bg
#AHCRA #Health Reform Summit in Canberra today - speakers include Prof Fran Baum and
Stephen Duckett http://www.healthreform.org.au/summit/
6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drs appointed to NHMRC Council &Principal C'ttees
http://ow.ly/cS5jG
#nurhc2012 How good are our rural health students? Catherine King reckons they're
awesome http://bit.ly/PIblM9
12th Nat #Rural Health Conf - Strong Commitment. Bright Future - Call for Abstracts open -
http://nrha.org.au/12nrhc/
#Naccho & #menziesresearch holding public consultations on Indigenous suicide prevention
Register for a forum http://www.indigenoussuicideprevention.org.au/
Doctors and the bush - money isn't everything http://bit.ly/O4bIDA #ruralhealth
Some other Twitter sites: ABC Health Online - http://twitter.com/#!/ABCHealthOnline
ABC Open - http://twitter.com/#!/abcopen
ACRRM - http://twitter.com/#!/ACRRM
AgHealthSafety - http://twitter.com/#!/AgHealthSafety
AIHW - http://twitter.com/#!/aihw
Australasian College of Health Service Management - http://twitter.com/#!/ACHSM
Australian Rural Doctor Magazine - http://twitter.com/#!/OzRuralDoc
Consumers Health Forum Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/CHFofAustralia
Country GPs (NZ) - http://twitter.com/#!/CountryGPs
Croakey Blog - http://twitter.com/#!/croakeyblog
eHealthAus - http://twitter.com/#!/eHealthAus
eHealthspace - https://twitter.com/eHealthspace
FutureHealth Leader - https://twitter.com/FHLchat
HealthInfoNet - http://twitter.com/#!/HealthInfoNet
Indigenous Health Worker - https://twitter.com/aihhw
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation -
https://twitter.com/NACCHOAustralia
National Centre for Farmer Health - http://twitter.com/#!/FarmerHealth
NHMRC - http://twitter.com/#!/nhmrc
NSW Health - http://twitter.com/#!/NSWHealth
Queensland Health - http://twitter.com/#!/qldhealthnews
Royal Flying Doctor - http://twitter.com/#!/RoyalFlyingDoc
Rural Doctors Association of Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralDoctorsAus
Rural Doctors Association of Queensland - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralDocsQ
Rural Health Education Foundation - http://twitter.com/#!/RHEFAustralia
Rural Health Workforce Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralHealthOz
Rural Mental Health - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralMH
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria - http://twitter.com/#!/RWAVictoria
SuicidePreventionAus - http://twitter.com/#!/SuicidePrevAU
Victoria Department of Health - http://twitter.com/#!/VicGovHealth
WA Health - http://twitter.com/#!/WAHealth
YourHealthGovAu - http://twitter.com/#!/YourHealthGovAu
RESEARCH AND DATA
Getting Doctors into the Bush: General Practitioners' Preferences for Rural Location
The aim of this study is to examine the preferences of general practitioners (GPs) for rural
location using a discrete choice experiment. This is used to estimate the probabilities of
moving to a rural area, and the size of financial incentives GPs would require to move there.
GPs were asked to choose between two job options or to stay at their current job as part of the
Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) longitudinal survey of
doctors. 3,727 GPs completed the experiment. 65% of GPs chose to stay where they were in
all choices presented to them. Moving to an inland town with less than 5,000 population and
reasonable levels of other job characteristics would require incentives equivalent to 64% of
current average annual personal earnings ($116,000). Moving to a town with a population
between 5,000 and 20,000 people would require incentives of at least 37% of current annual
earnings, around $68,000. The size of incentives depend not only on the area but also on the
characteristics of the job. The least attractive rural job package would require incentives of at
least 130% of annual earnings, around $237,000.
http://www.melbourneinstitute.com/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2012n13.pdf
See also articles in 6 minutes, Australian Doctor and The Conversation
AMA reaction at http://ama.com.au
Safe and supportive Indigenous families and communities for children: A synopsis and
critique of Australian research
Shaun Lohoar Child Family Community Australia
This paper reviews the research on building safe and supportive families and communities for
Indigenous children in Australia. Based on assessments of 22 research and evaluation reports,
it examines the evidence base in the areas of: building safe and supportive Indigenous
communities for children and families; support for vulnerable and at-risk Indigenous
families; and prevention of child abuse and neglect in Indigenous families and communities.
http://www.aifs.gov.au
Hear our voices: community consultations for the development of an empowerment, healing
and leadership program for Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley, Western Australia
This report details the methodology and findings of a research project undertaken in response
to the high number of suicides in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The primary
aim of the project was to develop an Aboriginal-led empowerment, healing, and leadership
program that would appropriately meet the needs of the local community members.
Community consultations were held to seek feedback from members on the development of
such a program. Knowledge was also gained through a literature review and an examination
of similar programs. The findings demonstrated an apparent need to support people to change
their lives, with participants speaking of the need to initially focus on strengthening the
individual and rebuilding family. Participants also spoke of the urgent need to focus on young
people. The findings also demonstrated that the efficacy of a program was largely dependent
on the program being culturally-based and the inclusion of traditional elements.
http://aboriginal.childhealthresearch.org.au
Communities working to reduce Indigenous family violence
This brief describes some of the promising efforts to reduce Indigenous family violence in
Australia and overseas, including both government and community initiatives, as well as
support mechanisms and measures for victims.
http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/
Suicide and drought in New South Wales, Australia, 1970-2007
There is concern in Australia that droughts substantially increase the incidence of suicide in
rural populations, particularly among male farmers and their families. Using a generalized
additive model that controlled for season, region, and long-term suicide trends, we found an
increased relative risk of suicide of 15% (95% confidence interval, 8%-22%) for rural males
aged 30-49 y when the drought index rose from the first quartile to the third quartile. In
contrast, the risk of suicide for rural females aged >30 y declined with increased values of the
drought index. We also observed an increased risk of suicide in spring and early summer. In
addition there was a smaller association during unusually warm months at any time of year.
The spring suicide increase is well documented in nontropical locations, although its cause is
unknown. The possible increased risk of suicide during drought in rural Australia warrants
public health focus and concern, as does the annual, predictable increase seen each spring and
early summer.
http://www.pnas.org
Look after your brain
This booklet is specifically designed for and by Indigenous people to confront the issues of
dementia with knowledge and dignity.
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au
Indigenous family violence primary prevention framework
Family violence has been an issue of serious concern to Aboriginal people, families and
communities in Victoria for a number of years.
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au
ABS conducting largest survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has commenced the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander health survey which will improve our knowledge of the health issues affecting this
group of Australians. This survey will expand on the 2004-05 survey by increasing the
number of participants by 30%, collecting new information on exercise, diet (including bush
foods) and measures of cholesterol, blood glucose and iron.
http://www.abs.gov.au
Partyline
The next edition of Partyline - the magazine of the National Rural Health Alliance - will be
published at the end of this month. The August edition will contain articles on the importance
of the political process for rural health, disability insurance for rural people, the National
Food Plan, the Gonski Review, the new rural health TV channel, mental health funding cap,
workplace safety, and getting better at 'selling' rural placements for health students. Back
copies available at www.ruralhealth.org.au (under Publications). Subscription is free.
LOWITJA INSTITUTE E-BULLETIN (subscribe at http://www.lowitja.org.au)
20 August 2012
* Resignation from the Lowitja Board
* Congress Lowitja 2012
* Revamped Lowitja Institute website
* CQI Conference presentations
* Published by the Lowitja Institute
* National Preventive Health Research Strategy 2012-2016
* Conferences
* Events
* Jobs
* Media
* Publications
* Resources and Websites
* Scholarships, Awards, Funding, Grants and Tenders
* Seminars, Courses and Workshops
6 August 2012
* A very special birthday
* Revamped Lowitja Institute website
* Congress Lowitja 2012
* CQI Conference presentations
* Published by the Lowitja Institute
* Congratulations
* Human Rights Awards 2012
* National Preventive Health Research Strategy 2012-2016
* Conferences
* Events
* Jobs
* Media
* Publications
* Resources and Websites
* Scholarships, Awards, Funding, Grants and Tenders
* Seminars, Courses and Workshops
JOIN Friends
Are you a Friend?
Friends of the Alliance is a network of people and organisations working to improve health
and well being in rural and remote Australia by supporting the National Rural Health
Alliance. The primary aim of Friends is to support the work of the National Rural Health
Alliance and to facilitate communication among people and organisations interested in health
issues in rural and remote Australia.
The National Rural Health Alliance values the support of Friends and the contributions they
make to the work of the Alliance
Members of Friends receive discount registrations to the NRHA bi-annual National
Conference as well as a membership pack including twenty-one years of policy, conference
papers and research information on DVD. Organisations joining Friends receive a link to
their website.
For more information on becoming a Friend go to http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/friends
ACRRM COUNTRY WATCH
16 August 2012
* ACRRM Board elections: nominations close this Monday
* Just released! New and amended ACRRM clinical guidelines
* Last REST training place for 2012. Going . going .
* 500-plus tweet on ACRRM
* 300 John Flynn students matched to their mentors
8 August 2012
* Registrations now open: fourth keynote announced
* Independent Pathway 2013 intake: register your interest
* Student presents research to conference in Belgium
* Limited places in EM StAMPS: closing date now 31 August
* RVTS opens applications for training to Fellowship of ACRRM
* 94% of suicides see GP within month prior
* Medical alert: Australian bat lyssavirus and rabies
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEWS
$7.5 Million for Three Indigenous Health Research Centres
Three new Centres of Research Excellence have been funded by the Australian Government
to focus on important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues. 'Improving
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is a key Government priority, closing the gap
between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders health outcomes and those of the wider
Australian population,' Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon said. Another
centre focuses on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer outcomes.
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au
Healthier future for remote Northern Territory communities
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy,
launched a telehealth initiative that will help remote communities in the Northern Territory
get better access to healthcare.
http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au
Government Committed to Rural Training for Health Professionals
Hon Catherine King speech to the National Rural Health Students Network conference.
http://www.health.gov.au
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH
The Australian Journal of Rural Health is a multidisciplinary journal, which aims to facilitate
the formation of interdisciplinary networks to build and advance rural practice for all health
professionals. Get published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health! The Journal welcomes
short reports and letters to the editor as well as review articles, original research articles and
clinical perspectives. For useful tips on submitting your manuscript, read the FREE editorial,
How to get published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health.
Manuscripts can be submitted online at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ajrh Manuscript
Central or posted to AJRH. The Australian Journal of Rural Health is published on behalf of
the National Rural Health Alliance by Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 155 Cremorne
Street Richmond Vic 3121
Tel +61 (0)3 9274 3100 Fax +61 (0)3 9274 3101 E-mail [email protected]
August 2012 issue now available. Contents include:
Editorials
The AJRH: 20 years on
The 2012 National Strategic Framework for Rural Health: part of the solution?
Making a difference: An appreciation of the career of Professor John Humphreys (pages 173-
174)
Review Article - Experience of overseas-trained health professionals in rural and remote
areas of destination countries: A literature review
Original Articles
Theory in rural health
'We don't have anyone with dementia here': A case for better intersectoral collaboration for
remote Indigenous clients with dementia
Electronic records suggest suboptimal management of chronic kidney disease in general
practice
How prepared are rural and remote health care practitioners to provide evidence-based
management for people with chronic lung disease?
Food for thought: Enabling and constraining factors for effective rural eating disorder service
delivery
Helping and hindering: Perceptions of enablers and barriers to collaboration within a rural
South Australian mental health network
Prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in rural women: A report from the villages
of West Bengal, a state in the eastern part of India
Short Report - The readability of patient handouts from an inner regional hospital emergency
department
Quality Improvement Reports - Measuring what matters in delivering services to remote-
dwelling Indigenous mothers and infants in the Northern Territory, Australia
From the Journal Associates - Equal health is 20 steps away
LIFELINE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Lifeline Information Service provides access to a variety of self-help tool kits with
information about issues such as mental illness, depression, suicide prevention, and more.
Theses resources focus on practical steps to help promote mental health and are available
online at http://www.lifeline.org.au/infoservice. A limited number of printed tool kits are
available on request by emailing [email protected]. For more information please
visit http://www.lifeline.org.au. If you are in need of 24 hour crisis support, call Lifeline on
13 11 14
HEART FOUNDATION NEWS
Heart Foundation Doorknock Appeal 2012 - please give generously this September
An Australian dies of heart disease every 24 minutes - when a Heart Foundation volunteer
knocks on your door this September, please give generously to help reach the $5 million
target.
With over 118,000 volunteer collectors across the country, it's the Heart Foundation's largest
community-led fundraising event supporting their life-saving work. Funds raised will help the
Heart Foundation to champion the hearts of Australians by funding world-class research,
supporting health professionals and promoting health in the community.
The Heart Foundation's annual Doorknock Appeal starts from 1 September and runs
throughout the month. You can also raise precious funds for the Doorknock Appeal online
with just a few clicks. For more information, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/doorknock
Free patient support
The Heart Foundation's Health Information Service provides free support for you and your
patients. Use the referral form to order resources or encourage your patients to call one of our
qualified health professionals during business hours. The Health Information Service
provides personalised information and support on heart health, nutrition and a healthy
lifestyle. You don't need to make an appointment and apart from the cost of a local call, the
service is completely free. Call 1300 36 27 87, email [email protected] or
access the referral form at www.heartfoundation.org.au/referral-form.
The Salvos are among those at the coalface in rural areas with suicide prevention -
http://suicideprevention.salvos.org.au/
RURAL HEALTH ON THE WEB
Center for Excellence in Rural Health
The UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health was established in 1990 to address health
disparities in rural Kentucky, including a chronic shortage of health.
http://kyruralhealth.org/
Australian Organ Donor Register is Australia's only national organ and tissue donor
register and serves as a lifeline to the people on the organ transplant waiting lists. Register
online at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/register.jsp to be an
Australian Organ Donor now!
RDAA NEWS
17 Aug 2012
Plain packaging more than just smoke and mirrors
http://www.rdaa.com.au
14 Aug 2012
RDASA media release -- Rural doctors encouraged to sign new agreement
http://www.rdaa.com.au
7 Aug 2012
RDAV and RDAA joint release -- Long overdue action on quad bikes applauded
http://www.rdaa.com.au
6 August 2012
RDAQ release -- RDAQ President gains commitment for Breastscreen Queensland
http://www.rdaa.com.au
6 August 2012
Rural Roundup -- August 2012
http://www.rdaa.com.au
BUSH SUPPORT SERVICES (formerly Bush Crisis Line) - 1800 805 391 The Bush Support Services Line is a 24 hour confidential telephone support service for
workers, and their families, who work in health related services in remote and isolated
situations. It is staffed by qualified psychologists with remote and cross cultural experience,
is toll free and available from anywhere in Australia. For more information:
http://www.bss.crana.org.au
RURAL HEALTH ON THE ABC
Suicide in rural men linked to drought
Rural men are more likely than their urban counterparts to commit suicide during a drought, a
new Australian study has found.
http://www.abc.net.au
Youth self harm neglected in parts of regional Australia
A leading Australian mental health advocate says state governments are neglecting services
for young people dealing with serious mental health issues.
http://www.abc.net.au
GET REGIONAL Get Regional is the new information and referral service for people living and working
throughout country Australia. Engaging and interacting rural, regional and remote
communities, via dynamic interactive technologies, to ensure a more sustainable future for
the bush. The most up-to-date and independent information service with a wide range of
broadcast distribution services.
http://getregional.com.au
ARTICLES IN RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH
'The influence of motivation in recruitment and retention of rural and remote allied health
professionals: a literature review'
In order to understand the complexity of rural and remote allied health professions'
recruitment and retention, this international review assessed positive and negative motivating
factors intrinsic to the work. The result is accessible, evidence-based advice for rural health
organisations wanting to recruit and keep its allied health staff.
http://www.rrh.org.au
'Cancer support services - are they appropriate and accessible for Indigenous cancer patients
in Queensland, Australia?'
With cancer mortality higher for Indigenous Australians in Queensland, these authors
mapped relevant support services and assessed access barriers for (mostly) rural Indigenous
clients. Location was just one factor identified.
http://www.rrh.org.au
'Depression in rural adolescents: relationships with gender and availability of mental health
services'
Is there a gender difference in the mental health of rural adolescents? This study into the
interplay of depression, gender and rural residency for Australian youth will be essential
reading for mental health clinicians and service planners.
http://www.rrh.org.au
'Why community members want to participate in the selection of students into medical
school'
Motivated by a mix of social, community and governmental accountability, many medical
schools involve rural community members in the undergraduate student selection process.
These Flinders University researchers investigated the motivation and more of a sample of
South Australian community members who make this pro bono contribution.
http://www.rrh.org.au
Hearing Awareness Week is Australia's annual event to raise community awareness of
hearing impairment and ways to protect your hearing. 'Have you heard? Hearing loss affects
everyone'
19 - 25 August 2012
http://www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au/
Bridging the AT Gap, ARATA National Conference Wednesday 22 - Friday 24 August 2012
Sydney, NSW
The ARATA 2012 Conference: "Bridging the AT Gap" will provide all stakeholders the
opportunity to share their knowledge, experience and expertise to help bridge the AT gap
between clients, technology, funding and policy. We would like to invite you to participate at
"Bridging the AT Gap". This is an opportunity to become an integral part of the development
and implementation of Assistive Technology while helping to influence thinking, increase
understanding and improve the experience for all stakeholders.
Further information and enquiries.
A.M. Meetings Plus P/L, Conference Management
Phone: +61 (0)3 9372 7182
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.arata.org.au
WA Carers Conference 2012: Caring at the Crossroads Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
23 - 24 August 2012
The Conference theme is Caring at the Crossroads. National carer recognition legislation, the
National Carer Strategy, and national and state reforms in health, mental health, aged care
and disability support, have presented carers with a new road map to navigate access to
services, both on their own behalf, and with the person they support. You may be in a
position to share information with carers about the way forward.
Streams - Mental health and wellbeing, Services, supports and skills, Transitions in caring,
future planning, New research projects for carers and caring.
http://www.wacarersconference2012.com.au/
Aeromedical Society of Australasia & Flight Nurses Australia 24th Scientific Meeting 29 Aug - 1 Sep Cairns.
http://www.aeromedconference.org.au/
21st National Conference on Incontinence A joint meeting with the International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA) and
UroGynaecological Society of Australasia (UGSA)
4 - 8 September 2012
Brisbane QLD.
http://www.continence.org.au
LCANZ 7 - 9 September 2012
Sydney
Join your fellow health professionals including lactation consultants, maternal child health
nurses, Plunket nurses, midwives, GPs, paediatricians, neonatal nurses and other interested
participants as we discuss the conference theme, "Breastfeeding - the blueprint for life",
across three days of workshops, plenary, concurrent and poster sessions. Prime networking
opportunities will also be available at the conference trade exhibition, welcome reception and
special gala dinner.
Keynote speakers
Ann-Marie Widstrom - Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, on skin-to-skin contact and the first
hours after birth.
Cathy Watson Genna - Private practice IBCLC, New York City, USA, author of "Supporting
Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants"
Sheela Geraghty - Cincinnati Children's Center for Breastfeeding Medicine, USA, on current
trends in breast milk expression and milk sharing
Other exciting speakers to be confirmed.
http://www.lcanz.org/conference2012.htm
Catherine Buckley
Secretariat
Lactation Consultants of Australia & New Zealand Ltd
PO Box A811
Sydney South NSW 1235
AUSTRALIA
tel +61 2 8211 2704 | fax +61 2 8211 0555
w http://www.lcanz.org
Population Health Congress Adelaide Convention Centre
10 - 12 September 2012
The overall theme of this four-yearly event is 'Population Health in a Changing World'.
Conference website is at http://www.conferenceco.com.au/PopHealth/Index.html
CAPHIA 2012 Public Health Teaching & Learning Forum 13 - 14 September,
Adelaide
http://caphia.com.au/events.php?event_id=38&PHPSESSID=d1b6724396439caa4945f9ea62
52091a
Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses, 14th National Conference
'Gettin' There' 19 - 21 September
Cairns, Qld
http://www.indiginet.com.au/catsin/
Chronic Diseases Network Conference 2012 'Promoting Healthy Childhood -
Preventing Chronic Conditions 20 - 21 September 2012
Darwin
The conference program will explore the range of factors during the early years that
contribute to chronic diseases later in life. Chronic diseases can be the result of influences
during pregnancy, childhood, or adolescence. Influences on chronic conditions later in life
include, but are not limited to, whether a mother smokes in pregnancy, a child's diet and level
of physical activity, exposure to domestic violence, parenting, and social determinants of
health such as level of schooling, and the socioeconomic status of the family.
http://www.cdnconference.com.au
Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health 2nd Biennial National Centre for Farmer Health Conference
Monday 17 - Wednesday 19 September 2012
Hamilton Performing Art Centre, VIC
The Biennial National Centre for Farmer Health conference engages health and agri-
professionals alike to raise awareness and develop strategies to improve agricultural health,
well-being and safety. 'Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health' conference themes include;
* Mental health - Wagging the black dog's tail
* Chronic disease and healthy lifestyles - Feast or famine
* Agricultural hazards and safety - Reducing harm on the farm
* Agriculture in a changing climate - It's not always fair weather farming
* The business of farming - Being productive in a digital landscape
* Human and animal health - All creatures great and small
* Ageing in place on farm - Duty of care versus dignity of risk
* Lucky dip - Tell us your specialty!
http://www.farmerhealth.org.au/conference2012/home
NCFH Photography Competition: 'In Focus - Celebrating Farm Life'
Hamilton Art Gallery, VIC
Exhibition: 29 August - 14 October 2012
Entries Close: 1st August 2012
The photography competition is part of the 2012 National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH)
conference, exhibiting entries from across the nation that 'Celebrate Farm Life'. The
competition showcases the talents of primary, secondary and open section photographers,
with winners announced at the Conference Welcome Reception on Monday 17th September
2012. More information on photography competition and the NCFH biennial conference
'Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health' at www.farmerhealth.org.au/conference2012/home.
Contact: Felicity Little, Event Coordinator
National Centre for Farmer Health
[email protected] or (03) 5551 8533
International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development Conference Brisbane, at the University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus
24 - 28 September 2012
The INIHKD is an international assembly dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous
peoples globally through Indigenous and community-led research, health services and
workforce development. It facilitates a framework for the exchange of ideas, models and
experiences in three main categories: Education, Training and Workforce; Health Services;
and Research. The theme for this conference is Building Resilience: Renewing Individuals,
Families and Communities. The aim is to translate new knowledge from the research setting
to real-world applications in order to provide more effective services, thereby improving the
future for Indigenous people. Streams include: Using resilience to Close the Gap; Urban
Resilience; Regional/Remote Resilience; Existing Resilience; Resilience through Indigenous
Cooperatives; Resilient Research: what are the priorities; and Resilient Policies. For more
information, please contact Lynda Caldwell at [email protected]
Considering a sea change? How to survive, thrive as a psychologist in regional, rural, remote
areas
Workshop, Sep 27 https://events.psychology.org.au
6th Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress 1 - 6 October
Alice Springs, NT
http://www.pridoc.org/
38th International Mental Health Nursing Conference 3 - 5 October 2012
Darwin
This year's theme, The Fabric of Life, reflects the historical, cultural and social significance
of fabrics in the region, for Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous Australians and for people
from across the Asia Pacific. Throughout the world and throughout history, fabric has had a
defining place in society and cultural identity. It is both literally and figuratively part of every
person's life from the new born baby's bunny rug to the funeral shroud. Speakers and
delegates are invited to consider the significance of mental health and mental health nursing
in the construction of individual and social narratives as they relate to the theme...there are so
many connections to explore here e.g. how we weave person centred care into our work; the
detailed tapestry that is mental health, physical health and wellbeing; exploration of the
patterns of life in our work with people who are vulnerable... The Darwin committee believe
that our theme will provide opportunity for speakers to address a wide range of mental health
issues.
http://conventionhouse.com.au/acmhn2012/
The Seventh World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of
Mental and Behavioural Disorders (Incorporating Our Mob, Our Minds, Our Spirit
Conference) 17 - 19 October 2012
Perth
http://www.perth2012.org
CRANAplus 30th Annual Conference - "our pearl anniversary" "Remote Pearls of Wisdom"
24 - 27 Oct 2012
The Sebel, Cairns
http://www.crana.org.au/201-cranaplus-30th-conference-.html
Breast Cancer Network Australia National Conference Financial support available for rural health professionals & women
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is delighted to be holding a two-day national
conference in Sydney on 25 and 26 October as part of the Sydney International Breast Cancer
Congress. The conference will allow health professionals and women to network and
socialise, hear from world leading authorities and to debate the key issues in breast cancer
research, treatment and care. To find out more about the conference, program and financial
support visit BCNA's website at http://www.bcna.org.au/events/bcna-conferences/national-
conference-2012
1st Biennial Australian Implementation Conference 'Making Change Happen' focusing
on the effective implementation of initiatives in the health, education and human service
sectors 25 - 26 October 2012
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
This groundbreaking conference will provide a unique opportunity for researchers, policy-
makers, service providers, project managers and practitioners working in the health,
education and human services sectors to come together to share their knowledge, insights and
practical experiences on what we can collectively do to ensure that 'the change we want is the
change we get' when policies, programs and practices are implemented in 'real world
settings'.
http://www.ausimplementationconference.net.au/
Rural Medicine Australia 2012 Fremantle
25 - 28 October
RMA 2012 will be held in Fremantle, WA. It will have the added attraction of being a
scientific forum. To be sure you do not miss out on your preferred workshops and sessions
next year, make a diary note to register early - and consider presenting your work as research.
http://www.acrrm.com.au/
Australian Doctor 2012 Rural Education 2 Day Seminar 3 - 4 November 2012
Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific
Topics - Paediatric emergencies; Managing pain in palliative care; Update on atrial
fibrillation; New treatments in diabetes; Fracture management; Anxiety disorders in adults;
Major depressive disorder; Contraception update; Interpreting abnormal liver function tests.
Rural Health and Research Congress 5 - 7 November 2012
Wagga Wagga, NSW
http://www.hotelnetwork.com.au/conferences/Conferences/rural_health
The National Primary Health Care Conference 2012 (formerly AGPN National Forum)
8 - 10 November 2012, Adelaide
http://www.gpnetworkforum.com.au/agpn-national-forum-2012
First International Conference on Law Enforcement and Public Health 11 - 13 November 2012
Melbourne
This conference is about the inter-relationship of law enforcement and public health, with
invited papers from world experts in specific aspects of this relationship, from multiple
sectors and disciplines; and case studies of successful collaborations of police and public
health across a wide range of issues. Find out more at the conference website
http://www.policing-and-public-health.com/
Health Workforce Australia inaugural conference - Inspire 2012: Reshaping Australia's
Health Workforce Melbourne
13 - 14 November
https://www.hwa.gov.au/news-and-events/news/15-05-2012/announcing-inaugural-hwa-
conference
Congress Lowitja 2012 14 - 15 November 2012
Melbourne
www.lowitja.org.au
Draft Program Now available here
Early Bird Registration closes 1 September 2012
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Ian Anderson (The University of Melbourne): 'Setting the scene' The Lowitja
Institute's perspective on knowledge exchange and translation into practice
Dr Malcolm King (University of Alberta): The Aboriginal Canadian experience of
Knowledge Exchange and Translation into practice
Professor Alex Brown (Baker IDI Central Australia): Knowledge Exchange and Translation
into Practice - Experiences from the ground
Dr Dan McAullay (Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia): Importance of
knowledge exchange from his perspective as an Aboriginal health researcher who has worked
in academic, policy and public health settings
Congress Lowitja 2012 Awards for an Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Researcher and an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Student
These awards are focused on researchers and students whose area of interest is Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander health. Successful recipients will receive $5,000 towards their
professional development along with a trophy. Awards will be given during Congress
Lowitja 2012, which successful applicants are required to attend. Applications will be
assessed for a demonstration of excellence in research and knowledge exchange. Further
selection criteria and the application forms are available from our website. Closing date is 31
August 2012.
4th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium
"Putting People First: Mental Health Needs and Initiatives in Australia Rural and Remote
Communities"
19 - 21 November
Hotel Grand Chancellor on Hindley, Adelaide
http://anzmh.asn.au/rrmh/
First National Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference 20 - 21 November 2012
Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
http://www.phaa.net.au/NSRHConference.php
International Arts and Health Conference The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing 4th Annual International Arts and Health conference
Notre Dame University, Fremantle, Western Australia
26 - 29 November 2012
Conference Streams
* Arts and Health in Primary and Acute Care
* Creative Ageing and Aged Care
* Community Arts and Health Practice
* Health Promotion and the Arts
* Education and Training for Health and Arts Professionals
* Arts and Health Research and Evaluation
Preliminary Conference Program here
Conference Registration Form here
Latest Arts and Health News here
Research Symposium: The future of primary health care in Australia: opportunities
and constraints 27 - 29 November 2012
Alice Springs
Hosted by the SA Community Health Research Unit and the Central Australian Aboriginal
Congress, the symposium is a chance to participate in a summit engaging policy makers,
health service executives, managers, and practitioners and researchers in dialogue. You will
also be able to discuss emerging results from NHMRC-funded research on primary health
care models in Australia. This dynamic symposium will feature international guest speakers
and panel discussions with representatives from Medicare Locals, the Aboriginal Community
Controlled sector, specialist NGOs, South Australian GP Plus and other PHC policy experts.
http://www.flinders.edu.au
8th Health Services and Policy Research Conference 2-4 December 2013
Wellington, New Zealand
The purpose of the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand is to
facilitate communication across researchers, and between researchers and policymakers, to
promote education and training in health services research, and to ensure sustainable capacity
in health services research in Australia and New Zealand. More information from Jackie
Cumming, by email [email protected].
http://www.hsraanz.org
12th National Rural Health Conference: Strong Commitment. Bright Future
7 - 10 April 2013
Adelaide, SA If you are committed to a bright future for people living in rural and remote Australia mark
this date in your diary now and come to Adelaide in April 2013. The first Conference
Advisory Committee has been held and planning has commenced. You will receive a call for
abstracts postcard with the next edition of Party-line so start planting ideas if you have
something innovative to share with the rural and remote health community.
Further information: 02 6285 4660 or [email protected]
7th Australian Women's Conference 'Gender Matters: Determining Women's Health'
7-10 May 2013, Sydney The conference will continue Australia's focus on showcasing cutting edge research and best
practice approaches in women's health policy and practice locally, across Australia and
internationally.
http://www.womenshealth2013.org.au/
International Council of Nurses 25th Quadrennial Congress 18 - 23 May 2013
Melbourne
http://www.icn.ch
5th SNAICC National Conference For Our Children: Living and Learning Together 4 - 6 June 2013
Cairns Convention Centre
The conference is hosted by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
(SNAICC), the national non-government peak body in Australia representing the interests of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Enquiries to Sharyn Low, T: 02
4572 3079 or email [email protected]
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/index.cfm
United Nation's International Day of the World's Indigenous People 9 August
http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/
CONTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER
The NRHA e-forum is published fortnightly. Contributions are sought on any topic relevant
to rural health concerns. Please send contributions to the moderator at
[email protected] (do not "reply" to this email - send contributions to
[email protected]). Contributions received by the Friday of publication will be
included in the e-forum.
The NRHA e-forum is edited by a third party moderator, Jim Groves. As such, the Alliance
does not control postings and the contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Alliance. Nor do postings necessarily reflect the views of Jim Groves or any organisation he
is associated with. Jim Groves can be contacted at [email protected]
Please forward a copy to any colleague you think may be interested.
Media Release
3 August 2012
Mount Isa Statement: how to reduce quad bike accidents
The Mount Isa Statement on quad bike safety outlines a number of decisions that could be
made immediately to reduce deaths and injury caused by quad bikes in rural and remote
areas. The Statement was produced by farm health and safety experts from Australia, New
Zealand and the United States.
Quad bikes are the leading cause of death in Australian agriculture and a significant
contributor to injuries, and without urgent action the number of deaths and injuries related to
quad bikes will increase as more are sold.
Fitting a crush protection device (CPD) could reduce the number of quad bike deaths by up to
40 per cent and the science underpinning manufacturers' decision to oppose CPDs has been
demonstrated to be invalid. For twenty years manufacturers have had information about the
risks posed by quad bikes and have done very little.
Australia has had outstanding success in reducing tractor deaths through rollover frames.
It is therefore with confidence and certainty that the Mount Isa Statement proposes that crush
protection devices (CPDs) be mandated for all quad bikes, with a technical standard for CPDs
having been developed. New sales of child size quad bikes should be stopped and children
under the age of 16 should not be allowed to ride quad bikes of any size.
The purchase cost of quad bikes should include appropriate safety equipment, and all existing
quad bikes should be fitted with an approved CPD. New quad bikes must be fitted with an
approved crush protection device by the manufacturer or at point of sale.
Contributors to the Mount Isa Statement are the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote
Health, the World Safety Organisation Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety
Promotion, the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, Farmsafe Australia and
James Cook University.
