Annual Report 2013-14...2012 Ramahyuck celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Corporation. Contributions of the community, staff and stakeholders over two decades were acknowledged

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Annual Report 2013-14

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Registered Office: 117 Foster Street, Sale, Victoria 3850 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1240, Sale, Victoria, 3850 Telephone: 03 51431644 Fax: 03 51446275 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ramahyuck.org ABN: 617 1093 2590

Bankers: Westpac Solicitors: Sullivan Braham Pty Ltd Auditors: LSH Accounting External Accountants: WHK Insurance Brokers: McNair Hurle Latrobe – Designed by Thought & Process

Reflections Over Time – Our Story of Success .................................................................. 1 Key Achievements in 2013-14 ............................................................................................ 3Chairperson’s Report .......................................................................................................... 5Chief Executive Officer’s Report ........................................................................................ 7Strategic Direction ............................................................................................................ 11Ramahyuck Program Structure ......................................................................................... 12Feature Story .................................................................................................................... 13

Section One:Primary Health Care ................................................................................. 15Ramahyuck Primary Health Care Clinics ........................................................................ 16Ramahyuck Gippsland Family Practice (Sale) ................................................................. 16Nindedana Quarenook Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service (Morwell) ............. 17West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service (Drouin) ....................................................... 17Loch Sport Community Health Outreach Clinic ............................................................. 18Indigenous Regional Hearing Health Program and Ramahyuck Audiology Clinic ........... 18Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Clinic ............................................................................... 18Close the Gap ................................................................................................................ 19Koori Maternity Services ................................................................................................ 20

Section Two: Social and Emotional Wellbeing ............................................................ 23Social and Emotional Well Being Program (SEWB) ........................................................ 24Aboriginal Health Promotion .......................................................................................... 24Home and Community Care Services ............................................................................ 25Aboriginal Health Worker ............................................................................................... 25Youth Program ............................................................................................................... 26Aboriginal Family Decision Making ................................................................................ 26Gunai Lidj Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Service ................................................ 27Djillay Lidji Best Start Program ....................................................................................... 28 Local Justice Worker Program ....................................................................................... 28Stolen Generation .......................................................................................................... 29Drouin’s Parenting Program: Yarning Over Lunch .......................................................... 29Wanjana Lidj Family Services ......................................................................................... 30

Section Three: Community Enterprise and Engagement ........................................... 33Warreeny Sports Committee ......................................................................................... 34Registered Training Organisation (RTO) ......................................................................... 34Business enterprise ....................................................................................................... 34

Section Four: Operational Management ...................................................................... 37Financial Management ................................................................................................... 38Human Resource Management ..................................................................................... 38Occupational Health and Safety Management............................................................... 39IT Support ...................................................................................................................... 39Continuous Quality Improvement .................................................................................. 39Quality management ...................................................................................................... 40

Section Five: Corporate Governance ............................................................................ 41Governance structure..................................................................................................... 42Organisational chart ....................................................................................................... 43

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2002First Community Corporation Plan unveiled 2003-2007.

2003Opening of the new head office at 117 Foster St Sale.

2004Construction of Head Office, Sale. Replaced the old building with the current state of the art premises with a total funding of $1.4million.

2005Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service Morwell. Managed successfully the operation of the Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service – Nindedana Quarenook over the five year period.

2006Ramahyuck History Wall, Sale. The History Wall was commissioned in 2007. It was unveiled by Dr David de Kretser AC, Governor of Victoria on 6th August 2008.

2008Ramahyuck Audiology Centre, Sale. Established state of the art diagnosis facility for the Koori community. Undertook detailed research on middle ear infusion among Indigenous children, resulting in designing the Ear Health First Aid “Koori Ear Care Kit” by Dr Ali Khan.

Strategic Plan 2008-2013. Launched new strategic plan incorporating Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service – Nindedana Quarenook.

Reflections over time Our Story of Success

2009Ramahyuck Dental Centre, Sale. Opened three chair dental clinic on Foster Street servicing the community across Gippsland. Funded by RDAC at a cost of $1 million.

West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Drouin. Opened a primary health care complex for the community of West Gippsland.

2010Family and children services, Morwell. Sketch Plans along with funding of $400,000 for a new complex to be commissioned on 72 Latrobe St in Morwell to accommodate Family Preservation, parenting and Best Start program.

2011South Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Wonthaggi. New service opened for the community in South Gippsland.

2012Ramahyuck celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Corporation. Contributions of the community, staff and stakeholders over two decades were acknowledged during a special event attended by Graham Watt MP and John Shatter MLC.

2013Traineeships. Successful completion of traineeships for young Aboriginal youth resulting in enhanced employment opportunities. Paige, Sharnah and Jodie as role models.

Closing the Gap. Outstanding and tangible outcomes of open health days as part of close the gap in quit smoking for staff and incentive based health care plans for the community.

2014ISO 9001 accreditation. Ramahyuck certified compliant against the ISO 9001:2008 international quality management standard.

Rosedale medical outreach clinic. Ramahyuck opened a new outreach clinic in Rosedale. A GP will be working in Rosedale three days per week extending much needed medical services to the community.

1 RAMAHyuCK DISTRICT ABORIGINAL CORPORATION 2 ANNuAL REPORT 2013-14

4 ANNuAL REPORT 2013-14

Key Achievements in 2013-14

Access to Primary Health Care services

Primary health care services extended to

Rosedale and Stratford

Engagement of a dietician

Engaged a dietician who will be involved in community education

and who will work with clients with chronic

diseases and diabetes

Night Clinic

Ramahyuck Gippsland Family Practice is now running the only after-hours medical clinic in

Sale. This service offers a convenient option and relieves the pressure on local hospital emergency

departments

South Gippsland GP

Ramahyuck South Gippsland has an

agreement with a GP who will dedicate one day a week to Aboriginal patients

Substance abuse educator in West/South Gippsland

Funding has been secured for a substance abuse educator in West and South Gippsland

Review of Constitution

Ramahyuck Board of Directors have been working hard to develop ways of engaging and incorporating satellite

communities. This has resulted in a review of Ramahyuck’s constitution. The process

of having the modifications accepted by all communities

of interest involved has commenced

Youth Program

Achieved annual participation of 1,600 young people with

16-20 people attending each session offered throughout the year

Djillay Lidji Best Start Program

37 Aboriginal children across Latrobe and Baw Baw were screened through the Best

Start Program to identify any potential health issues before

the children commenced kindergarten or school

Warreeny Sports Committee

Established the Warreeny Sports Committee to engage

the local Indigenous community in sports activities as a means of improving general health

and wellbeing

Quality management

Achieved certification against the ISO 9001 Quality

Management Systems standard and successfully

maintained compliance for certification with the Department of Human

Services and the Australian Quality Training Framework

Staff professional development

Supported two young Indigenous male staff members to undertake Certificate IV training

in ATSI Primary Health provided by VACCHO

Indigenous Regional Hearing Health Program

Increased the number of clients participating

in review appointments throughout the region

with 74 kindergarten and school children reviewed

Gunai Lidj Multifunctional

Aboriginal Children’s Service

52 children enrolled and 40 families

accessing the service



On behalf of the Board of Ramahyuck, it is my pleasure to present to you the Annual report for 2013-14.

This year saw a number of significant changes within the Aboriginal affairs landscape nationally with the new Federal government. Within this period the Prime Minister made public that he will be the Prime Minister for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with that statement Government commenced the transference of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services across to the department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

This decision then saw the dismantling of some government departments that supported the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, defunding of the National Representative body - The National Congress for Australia’s First Peoples, and the establishment of a ‘hand-picked Advisory Committee to provide advice to government in its place. The government recently announced that millions of dollars will be cut from the Aboriginal affairs budget with over 150 programs and services reduced to five priority areas and those remaining grants open for public tender, which may affect vital service delivery in our communities and impact on our health and wellbeing.

During this period the Board introduced tighter financial controls, reviewed current spending, substantially reduced our deficit from last year and looked at opportunities to generate additional income streams to support the aspirations of our members and the communities that we provide services to and support.

We were successful in achieving the ISO 9001 accreditation earlier this year, which is a wonderful milestone for the Corporation from its humble beginnings 22 years ago.

On behalf of the Board, I wish to convey our appreciation for the hard work of the Chief Executive Officer and all staff for their contributions in achieving the target in record time.

In order to enhance local community input in decision making from our sub regions the Board resolved to review and investigate the opportunity to have formally established Regional Advisory Committees in Central, West and South Gippsland. Accordingly the Corporation’s Solicitors, Sullivan Braham were given the brief to develop the recommendation and the necessary amendments that will be required to have them recognised in our Constitution.

I am pleased to say that the first draft has been considered by the Board and very soon the details of the proposed initiatives will be presented to the Ramahyuck Community in a Special General

Meeting, after which the current Regional Advisory Committees will have the opportunity to consider and discuss this proposal and a consultation process with the Regional communities will begin. We look forward to seeing the enhanced representation of the Regions in the 2015-16 financial year.

During this year, the Board, staff and the communities along with the Advisory Committees of the three regions undertook a comprehensive look and participation in drafting of the 2014 – 2019 Community Strategic Plan. It is indeed timely to update the plan in this extremely challenging new political and economic environment.

We are pleased to confirm that our progress to build a more sustainable base for our organisation and communities has been supported by extending our service delivery in the regions. We have recently opened two new GP facilities at Rosedale and Stratford in collaboration with Wellington Shire Council and Central Gippsland Health Service respectively.

As we move forward the hard work continues, while the new funding models are being introduced both at State and Federal Government level, the Board is focused on building its capacity to meet the expectation of the funding bodies and the Community.

As your Chair, I was honoured to continue my representation on the Board of the National Congress of the First People and on the Board of Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).

Both organisations are strong advocates for our peoples, organisations and communities.

On behalf of the Board of the Corporation and the Community, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Management team and all our staff for their hard work and dedicated efforts, which has ensured the steady growth of the Corporation.

I would also like to recognise the work, guidance and support provided by the Regional Advisory Committees whose input on issues and services in their communities help us to tailor the services to meet their local needs and their contributions to the development of the new Community Strategic Plan has been greatly appreciated.

As a Board, we thank the local Councils within our geographical jurisdiction including Wellington, Baw Baw, Latrobe City, Bass Coast, South Gippsland and East Gippsland for their ongoing interest in working together and their genuine support for the Local Aboriginal Communities in their catchment areas.

The Corporation has also benefited from the generous support of Local business and other Non-Government Organisations, we thank you for your partnerships, friendship and guidance.

I would also like to acknowledge our appreciation for the State and Commonwealth Government departments and agencies for their confidence in our operation and service delivery.

As a member of NACCHO and VACCHO, Ramahyuck has been privileged to participate and learn from the experience and expertise of other ACCHO’s. I thank our peak bodies for their advocacy and support and the acknowledgement that a community led approach achieves real outcomes for our health and wellbeing and this can only be attained when Aboriginal Health continues to be in Aboriginal community hands.

Finally, to our Community members, and Clients using our various services from across Gippsland, a big thank you for your contributions, participation and support and we look forward to working with you all in the coming years.

Daphne Yarram Chair of the RDAC Board

Chairperson’s Report

Daphne Yarram

5 RAMAHyuCK DISTRICT ABORIGINAL CORPORATION


In order to prepare Ramahyuck for the competitive tendering era, the Board of the Corporation embarked on the path to effective execution focused on the two fundamental pillars of ability and agility.

Execution ability – preparing Ramahyuck for meeting the challenges of the 21st Century through long term strategic planning and implementation of the strategic direction.

Execution agility – preparing Ramahyuck for the changing environment by responding to external threats, exploiting emerging opportunities, adopting reforms, and responding to stakeholder needs and organisational structural issues.

In order to prepare the Corporation to embark upon the journey to enhance productivity, efficiency and effectiveness, we commenced the pathway to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation during 2013-14. This project was strategically planned and executed with perfection under the guidance of Michael Klein, QMS Program Coordinator, as the Team Leader and supported by Melissa Hunt, CQI officer. ISO 9001 certification was a great milestone in the history of the Ramahyuck Corporation.

PRIMARY HEALtH AND SoCIAL SERvICES

We successfully entered the final phase of the ‘Close the Gap’ four year action plan, which targeted smoking, obesity and nutrition and physical activity across all ages. The notable achievements in these fields were possible because of community ownership and local solutions to local problems.

As we engage with Koolin Balit, a new Aboriginal Health Initiative, we are focusing our attention on client care coordination and oral health especially for the youth under the new funding from the State Government.

The primary health sector performed well with steady growth of clients across the board in Wellington, the Central and West Gippsland Regions. The opening of two new GP Consulting outlets at Rosedale and Stratford have enhanced our corporate image and extended our service delivery in the greater Gippsland region.

During the year, we welcomed Dr Sajjad Syed, Dr Kanwal Kashif and Dr Gan Xiao Min.

On our nursing panel we are pleased to have Karen Araneta, Stella San Pedro and Rebecca Curtain joining our strong medical team under the guidance of Dr Umar Ali, Regional Practice Manager. Our team of dedicated Health Workers, Brenda Farnham in Sale, Merinda Harrison–Drake in Morwell, and Graham Norris in Drouin and Clinic Practice Nurses Stella San Pedro and Glenda Jarred along with our Senior Practitioners, Dr Kathy Brotchie, Dr Deepthi Mudunna, Dr Malik Majoka, Dr Bashir Gondal, Dr Vidya Chakrapani and Dr Pradee Warnakulasuiriya have been the corner stone of our success story.

The Tim Farnham Dental facility performed superbly well during the year and growth in client numbers was the best since the facility opened its doors in 2009. The pioneer Dentist Dr Charles Moatlhodi, Dr Kentse Phokoje along with Dr Kabo Phillips and our team of technicians, Rupa Sharma, Aimee Patch, Kate Saunders, Amanda Jackson, Rebecca Letchford, Katherine Brady, Emma Lindrea and Jennifer Weir deserve commendation for their dedication and excellence in customer service. The subsidy to the Aboriginal clients during 2013-14 was $93,872.

Our special effort on attending to the middle ear infusion among the children in schools continued with Nevagine Castro, the Clinical Audiometrist, covering 52 primary schools.

The state of the art audiology facilities in Sale focused on industrial screening services for Wellington Shire Council and Transfield Services including pre-employment audiology and referral from the general practitioners from the mainstream clinics.

The service to the elderly and those with disabilities under the HACC program performed well in areas of Planned Activities Group and home maintenance. The jurisdiction of the program was extended during the year to cover areas around Sale including the Maffra and Yarram townships. Tanya Harris, Coordinator continued her good work supported by Kim Hills and Kathy Seymour.

Dr Ali Khan JP BJChief Executive Officer’s Report


Organisational success hinges on

effective implementation and effective

implementation is a matter of ability and

agility. There are two key questions when

building an able, agile organisation:

1

2Can the organisation deal effectively with continuous change in a competitive environment?

Can the organisation quickly convert strategy into action?


Mark Munnich, Coordinator Social and Emotional and Stolen Generation Program provided strategic input in the delivery of the program throughout the greater Gippsland region. The position of Substance Abuse Educator was introduced for South, West and Central Gippsland and Barbara Job was appointed to undertake this role. Later in the year, Kellie Muller was appointed as the Team Leader based in Wellington to oversee the outreach areas of Bairnsdale, Lake Tyers and Orbost.

Maternal and child health in the West and Central Gippsland took good care of mums and bubs. Our midwife Sue O’Shannassy, Michelle Peters and Paula Saddington coordinated the delivery of service supported by Melita Maynard as the Health Worker.

Our relationship with Latrobe Regional Health Service for delivery of babies continued and a total of 26 births took place in the Valley and 21 in the West Gippsland Region.

The recent appointment of Caroline Gray as the Coordinator/Midwife of KMS will enhance the efficiency of the program which expanding its services in the Wellington Region.

Aunty Carol as the Program Manager of Wanjana Lidj along with her team performed well during the year achieving the targets set for Family Restoration and significantly enhancing its performance in areas including parenting and family innovation programs.

The Strengthening Families program was added to our profile during the year. The successful implementation of the program continued with tangible outcomes. An MOU with Anglicare has been signed to facilitate the evaluation of program delivery.

Gunai Lidj Child Care Centre under the direction of Michelle Went continued its outstanding performance within its budget. During the year Ghazala Malik joined the centre to assist with the developing of a quality framework and the implementation of the new Parents Advisory Committee.

Gunai Lidj Child Care Centre continues to enjoy the support of all stakeholders. Several dignitaries visited the Centre during the year and recorded their appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the staff.

Our operation of Cultural Competency Training was revamped during the year with the appointment of a facilitator on a contractual basis for delivery of the Competency Model. This has enhanced productivity both in economic and quality terms. Rick Coleman was appointed as the Coordinator and Phil Perry’s valued contribution to the program has been well recognised by the Board and his colleagues.

The small business enterprise Land Care Lawn and Mowing Services covered private clients as well as HACC clients. The program has been supervised by Joe Kiss, Project Manager, and implemented by Rob Young and Paul Beswick. The service is well received by the general public with a total of 92 permanent clients and a steady growth of contract work demonstrating the quality of the service.

Annemarie Frawley, Sherise Griffin, and Nancy Binotto along with Joanne O’Farrell from Morwell constituted our finance team during 2013-14. Our external accountants Crowe Horwath provided the external support in compiling the annual financial statements and the external audit was conducted by LSH Accounting Simple Solutions.

The Corporation performed extremely well during the year despite the external challenges such as the discontinuation of Close the Gap Program and the Youth Suicide Prevention Pilot Project. I am pleased to report that there were no job losses as a consequence.

Our satellite Aboriginal Health Services in Central, West and South Gippsland recorded exemplary performances during the year and focused on improving service delivery and customer satisfaction. Frank Grubb, Mike Moyle & Sonia Weston as Business Managers of the respective regions displayed professionalism while achieving a high standard of excellence in meeting community needs.

The Human Resource section headed by Marie Griffiths did an excellent job despite ongoing challenges.

Our information technology systems were supported by Peter Turner, IT Officer, who worked closely with our consultants, Latrobe IT, to ensure necessary upgrades to the system in order to keep pace with the growing needs of the Corporation.

As we move forward the focus remains on improving efficiency and effectiveness in our operations. To this end, I wish to acknowledge the dedication to duty by our support staff in all regions especially the customer service officers/receptionists and our medical drivers who have performed exceptionally well and set a benchmark in customer service.

I take this opportunity to thank our Chair, Daphne Yarram, and the Directors of the Board for their continued support and guidance. My sincere gratitude to the Senior Management for their team effort and to the support staff for their dedication and commitment which has helped in enhancing the corporate image of Ramahyuck and the successful implementation of the 2008-2013 Strategic Plan.

A special thank you to the Advisory Committees of Central, West and South Gippsland for bridging the link between the community and the Corporation.

Finally, I take this opportunity to acknowledge Daniela Newnham, my Executive Assistant, for her exemplary performance in meeting the statutory obligations for the Corporation and providing the professional administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors during the year.

A vote of thanks to the State and Commonwealth funding agencies on behalf of the community, the Board, and Management for their ongoing support and confidence in the operation and governance of the Corporation.

I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead.

Dr Ali Khan BJ JP Chief Executive Officer


Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Dr Ali Khan JP BJ

12 ANNuAL REPORT 2013-1411 RAMAHyuCK DISTRICT ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

In 2013-14 Ramahyuck continued its work on the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan including wider community and staff consultation. The plan will build on the considerable growth that has occurred over the past five years and will chart a strong direction for the organisation. This Annual Report reviews achievements in 2013-14 against our key priorities which are set out in our 2008-2013 Strategic Plan and are based on an understanding of the challenges that confront our community.

Ramahyuck Program Structure

– RTO for Cultural Competency Training – Asset renovations and upgrading of property – Land care and environmental services

– NAIDOC Week celebrations – Community Newsletter - Bi monthly – Community Meeting - Quarterly – Community Feedback Open Days – New partnerships – Elders gatherings – Family Day – Kid’s Christmas Santa Claus

Economic development

Community engagement

– Regional Bringing Them Home (Stolen Generation) – Regional Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program – Koori Local Justice Young Offenders Program

– Gunai Lidj Multifunctional Children’s Service, Morwell – Djillay Lidji Best Start Program – Parenting Program Central & West Gippsland – Youth Development Programs

– Home and Community Care, Wellington

– Aboriginal Family Decision Making Program – Wanjana Lidj Family Services, Central & West Gippsland – Youth Suicide Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley

Social and Emotional Wellbeing support

Children and youth

Aged, frail and disabled care

Family & Child Services

– Drug and Alcohol ProgramSubstance misuse

– Gippsland Family Practice, Sale – Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Morwell – Community Health Clinic, Loch Sport – ‘Tim Farnham’ Gippsland Dental Clinic, Sale – West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Drouin – South Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Wonthaggi

– Gippsland Regional Health Program including Regional Hearing Screening Program

– Allied Health Program including Optometry Service

– Koori Maternity Services Central Gippsland – Gunai/Kurnai Playgroup - Sale – Emergency Assistance Service

– Aboriginal Health Promotion

– Regional program covering Central, West and Wellington

Clinical care

Early identification and intervention

Family support

Health promotion

Closing the Gap

Strategic Direction

To ensure the operational management supports efficient and effective delivery of programs and services

OPERAtiONAL MANAGEMENt

To provide a range of complementary social and emotional support services in order to support a holistic model of care

SOCiAL & EMOtiONAL WELLBEiNG

To ensure the governance framework supports the organisation to operate strategically and in accordance with its statutory obligations

CORPORAtE GOvERNANCE

Establish a range of self sustaining enterprises to provide employment opportunities and strengthen practical reconciliation between the wider community and the Koori community

COMMuNitY ENGAGEMENt & ENtERPRiSE

To provide a health care service which meets the critical health care needs of the community

PRiMARY HEALtH CARE

PRiMARY HEALtH

CARE

SOCiAL & EMOtiONAL WELLBEiNG

COMMuNitY ENtERPRiSE & ENGAGEMENt

14 ANNuAL REPORT 2013-1413 RAMAHyuCK DISTRICT ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

In 2013-14 Ramahyuck undertook the two stage audit process to successfully achieve certification against the ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard. ISO certification ensures that systems are in place for the organisation to respond effectively to the requirements of our clients and stakeholders.

Through the certification process Ramahyuck has developed and implemented new and strengthened system for:

– Internal audit – Document management – Performance management – Resource planning – Workplace health and safety – Client feedback – Continual improvement

In 2012, Ramahyuck made a commitment to become certified against a recognised international quality standard and installed the LOGIQC Quality Management System to help achieve this aim. In addition, a Quality Coordinator was assigned the role to drive the necessary changes within the organisation needed for ISO 9001 Certification.

All areas of our operations were reviewed to bring them into line with the requirements of the Standard. After two years of focussed internal workshops, procedural reviews, and documentation development we were ready to be audited by an external certification body. In 2014 this process was concluded and we were certified against the ISO 9001:2008 standard by SAI Global, a leading Australian certification body.

But our work doesn’t stop there! External audits by SAI Global will now be performed annually to continually assess the progress of our improvements against the Standard’s requirements. This is where our improvement processes come into play - gathering information from internal audits, client feedback, incidents, and performance data and looking for ways that we can improve. The cycle is continuous.

RISk ANALYSIS & INtERNAL AuDItING

In 2013-14 a risk analysis exercise was undertaken to allow us to review and categorise risks across the organisation and from this we produced an internal audit schedule based on the identified areas of risk. The internal audit function is now also scheduled and controlled by our Quality Management System. Some staff completed Internal Auditor training which means we are now well placed to perform internal audits across all areas of our operations including:

– OHS (facilities, first aid kits) – Fire safety (equipment checks, fire drills) – Clinical (sharps handling, cold chain, doctor’s bag, client files)

– Operational (fleet, asset, program reporting) – Records management (records in the areas of HR, training, financial, maintenance)

– RTO – Quality systems (document control, improvement, compliance with ISO 9001)

We now have over 200 internal audits scheduled annually in the system. The results from these audits provide valuable information that help to drive our Improvement processes.

DoCuMENtAtIoN

Around 600 documents from the previous document register were imported into the new document management system. This gave us a unique opportunity to review all of our procedures, templates, checklists, and forms, many of which hadn’t been reviewed for some time and were due for updating. Where duplicate procedures were found, these were consolidated and redundant procedures were archived.

This exercise has ensured Ramahyuck has an up-to-date library of procedural documentation with a clearly defined review schedule and document owners for all program areas.

REGIStERS

Many of our old registers were merged into the new Quality Management System. Previously we had many disparate spreadsheets scattered across many different areas of the Corporation. The QMS allows us to centralise and to store all of our registers into logical groupings to conform to the various quality standards in areas such as:

– Audit – Compliance – Contracts – Documents – Feedback – Improvement – Incidents – Licensing – Repairs – Suppliers – Training

The QMS allows for linkages between records across registers. For instance, an Audit may uncover an issue that needs a repair to be initiated or a Client Feedback report may trigger an Improvement idea being generated.

WHAt DoES QuALItY MEAN foR RAMAHYuCk, ouR CLIENtS AND tHE CoMMuNItY?

Having achieved ISO 9001 certification we are now committed to constantly striving to improve on the effectiveness and quality of our service delivery. Our clients and the community will see benefit through ongoing improvement in services and programs.

Feature story

ISO 9001:2008 quality certification for Ramahyuck


Our primary health clinics and social and emotional wellbeing programs provide culturally appropriate and comprehensive primary health services for Aboriginal people across Victoria’s Gippsland region. In delivering these services we aim to:

– Provide access to culturally appropriate primary health care programs and GP clinics

– Raise awareness of health issues through health promotion education and activities

– Increase the rates of screening for early detection of disease – Provide access to dental, optical and other allied health services – Increase the rates of vaccination – Assist the community to access mainstream clinical and allied health services

In 2013-14, Ramahyuck’s healthcare services were provided through a number of clinics across Gippsland:

– Ramahyuck Gippsland Family Practice, Sale – Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Clinic, Sale – Nindedana Quarenook Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Morwell

– West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service, Drouin – Outreach GP Clinic through Loch Sport Community Health Services

– Leongatha Healthcare – Rosedale Outreach Clinic

With over half of Victorian’s Indigenous population living outside the Melbourne metropolitan area, primary health care services for Indigenous people in regional Victoria are critical. The key priority areas we remained focussed in 2013-14 were:

– Early onset of chronic disease: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary and renal disease

– General health – Injury prevention – Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) – Mental health – Nutrition – Ear health – Eye and vision care – Oral health – Women’s health – Maternal and child health

Our primary health clinics aim to provide health care services which meet the critical health care needs of the community and to provide holistic and quality health care for Ramahyuck’s community of interest. All the clinics are accredited against the RACGP Standards and registered with GPA+.

Our clinics provide a comprehensive range of health care services including:

– GP consultation – Assessment and education – Dental – Audiology – Diabetic management – Drug and alcohol counselling – Family, child and maternal health – Health promotion – Audiology – Home and Community Care – Home visits – Immunisation and vaccinations – Maternal and child health – Mental health counselling and psychiatric services – Nutrition – Occupational therapy – Optometry – Pathology – Physiotherapy – Patient transport services – Women’s and men’s health program

RAMAHYuCk GIPPSLAND fAMILY PRACtICE (SALE)

In 2013-14 Ramahyuck continued to expand its primary health care services for the community and is now providing services to the Rosedale and Stratford communities.

ACTIVITIES In 2013-14:

– Incentive Program continues to encourage Health Checks – GP Registrar training program – Men’s and Women’s Health Program – Home visits – More than 3,000 Nurse consults (Including phone consults), covering immunisations, pathology collection, and wound dressings

– Transports services provided for the local community including

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SECTIOn OnE

Primary Health Care



It is indeed very heartening to see children are suffering from ongoing ear pathology have their hearing restored by timely intervention, and they become part of a happy family at home and a cheerful student in schoolNEVA JANE CASTRO, CLINICAL AUDIOMETRIST, REGIONAL HEARING COORDINATOR

transport to Ramahyuck, external providers, and hospitals in Melbourne

– Visiting optometrist and optometry services – Allied health services – Visiting physiotherapist – Visiting asthma educator – Visiting maternal and child health nurse

NINDEDANA QuARENook CENtRAL GIPPSLAND ABoRIGINAL HEALtH SERvICE (MoRWELL)

The Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service provides a range of services to support the efficient and effective delivery of programs within the Latrobe Valley region.


– Full time General Practitioner provided at the clinic – Koori Maternity Services – Nurse and Health Worker home visits to Elders in the community

– Delivery of webster packs on a weekly basis – Transport provided for weekly dental services at Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Clinic

– Transport provided to access hospitals in Melbourne such as Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, and the Royal Children’s Hospital

– Allied health services – Sorry Day community event attracting more than 80 people from the community and service organisations across the Latrobe Valley

– Seven clients were supported to complete their community hours in collaboration with Community Corrections

– Provided accommodation for the “Many Artists” art group who met weekly and have 10 regular artists attend their sessions

– Employed two new trainees in the areas of administration and horticulture and supported a third trainee to complete a certificate and gain employment in the community

– Convened a number of community meetings as a result of the Hazelwood Coal Mine fires with the Department of Health and the Mine Inquiry Commission in relation to the impact on the Koori Community

– Successfully maintained compliance with the CSO standards – Provision of emergency services

A big success this year was the NAIDOC week celebrations that were by far the best attended and supported for many years. Events included flag raising, a community family day, Elders luncheon, children’s disco, visit to an adventure playground, ten pin bowling day and attendance at the Fulham Correctional Centre’s flag raising day and luncheon.

WESt GIPPSLAND ABoRIGINAL HEALtH SERvICE (DRouIN)

The West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service provides a suite of primary health care and SEWB programs with a special focus on giving every Aboriginal child the best start along the path to better education and reducing the numbers of people having negative contact with the criminal justice system.


– Koori Maternal Health Service worked with Aboriginal Health Worker to deliver support to pregnant women and their families

– Aboriginal health promotion program – Regional Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program – Koori Local Justice Young Offenders Program – Djillay Lidj Best Start Program – Drug and Alcohol Program – Parenting Program Central & West Gippsland – Fully operational electronic patient information system – Diabetes education – Mental health nurse in attendance – Continence advisor and HACC services for Baw Baw Shire – VACCA Counsellor and WGH Community Health Family Counsellor

– Transport services for local Koori community to access health services, dental clinics, specialist appointments, screening appointments

– GP teleconferencing with specialists to reduce waiting times and transport

– NAIDOC Week celebrations – Flag raising – Family day – Koorie-oke Night – Bi monthly Community Newsletter – Monthly Advisory Committee meetings – Weekly Men’s Group Men’s Shed, Fitness Group, and Yarning Over Lunch

LoCH SPoRt CoMMuNItY HEALtH outREACH CLINIC

The Loch Sport Community Health Outreach Clinic provides clinic services to the community with an Enrolled nurse in attendance with a General Practitioner.


– Two clinics each week – Pathology collection – Wound dressings and minor procedures – Provided over 100 immunisations throughout the year including flu vac and pnuemovax

– Focus on chronic disease management plans

INDIGENouS REGIoNAL HEARING HEALtH PRoGRAM AND RAMAHYuCk AuDIoLoGY CLINIC

Ramahyuck is committed to improving hearing health outcomes within the community through an emphasis on early identification and intervention. The development of Hearing Health Clinics and audiology facilities in Sale, Morwell and Drouin operating in conjunction with the Gippsland Family Practice is our key strategy for meeting this commitment.

Our Audiology clinics are supported by high quality equipment and offer a wide range of services to the Indigenous and mainstream communities.

OuR SERVICES InCLuDE:

– Basic and full hearing tests – Pre-employment hearing tests – Industrial audiometry – GP referrals, ENT Specialist referrals, and other agency referrals such as Australian Hearing, Deafness Victoria, and Tinnitus Group

– Rehabilitation

Our key objective is to promote and enhance community awareness of the Hearing Health Program regionally, while striving to increase the number of community members being screened and reviewed annually. The key goal of our audiology services is to improve health and social support in the Ramahyuck community and provide regional services where required.

KEY OuTCOMES In 2013-14:

– Increased the number of clients participating in review appointments throughout the region

– Managed 85 GP referrals for clients across the three Ramahyuck sites

– Industrial audiometry testing conducted for Transfield Services-RAAF Base in Sale with 40 staff tested and eight staff reviews

– 90 children tested and 40 reviewed through visits to five kindergartens

– 229 children tested and 85 reviewed through visits to 34 Primary Schools

– Four Hearing Information sessions conducted throughout the HACC community members

– Organised and implemented specific Indigenous review appointments at approved sites


– Continuation of the development of a Regional Operational Plan 2013-2014 covering the Gippsland region

– Training undertaken by Hearing Health Officer: Cross Cultural Awareness, LOGIQC QMS, Bullying, Otitis Media and Aural Health, First Aid, Food Safe Handling

– Attendance at PMG meeting and the Ramahyuck Women’s Group meetings

– Hearing health show bags for the NAIDOC Family Fun Day – Joined the networking meeting with the Department of Education regarding hearing loss issues for Koori kids

– Installed new Tympanometer

RAMAHYuCk GIPPSLAND DENtAL CLINIC

The Ramahyuck Dental Clinic aims to improve access to dental services for the Koori Community and others across Wellington, Latrobe and Baw Baw Shire (Sale, Morwell and Drouin areas). With more than 5,500 registered patients, the services offered through the ‘Tim Farnham’ Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Clinic include:

– Preventative Dental Treatment – Teeth Cleaning and Polishing, Fissure Sealants and Oral Hygiene

– General Dentistry – Fillings, Extractions, Root Canal Treatments – Cosmetic Dentistry including Bleaching, Crowns and Dentures

Nindedana Quarenook Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service (Morwell)



Our dental service staff team includes two full-time Dentists, one part-time Dentist, a Dental Coordinator and a strong complement of support staff.


– Subsidised services to the Koori Community, Private Fees, HICAPS, Medicare Claiming (Teen Vouchers)

– Transports from West Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service and the Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service

CLoSE tHE GAP

The Close the Health Gap initiative aims to improve the life expectancy of the Indigenous population by focussing on prevention, early detection and management of chronic disease as well as striving to achieve long term health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the region.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can expect to live substantially shorter lives than other Australians – up to 20 years less in some cases.

The Gippsland Close The Health Gap Plan 2009-2013 guides our work in the following key priority areas:

– Smoking Cessation – Obesity and Nutrition – Physical Activity

The Program is aimed at achieving the following outcomes:

– Increasing knowledge and awareness of the risks of smoking and reducing tobacco consumption

– Increasing knowledge and awareness of the risks of alcohol and drug use and reducing consumption

– Increasing access to primary health care – Improving the patient journey – Assisting in a healthy transition into adulthood – Increasing knowledge and awareness of issues relating to obesity and nutrition – increasing awareness within the community of the potential benefits of a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating across all age groups

– Increasing participation in community and organised group activities

– Increasing physical activity

We understand that in order to be effective, health promotion action in the Koori community must be guided by the following best-practice principles:

– Inclusive of historical, social and cultural context – Community owned and driven and building on strengths to address community – identified priorities

– Flexible, allowing for innovation, and accountability – Comprehensive, allowing for multiple strategies to address multiple determinants

– Sustainable in terms of funding, programs and governance – Evidence-based with built in monitoring and evaluation systems – Builds and sustains the social, human and economic capital from a strengths-based perspective


– 20/20 Cricket Match – World No Tobacco Day – National Close The Gap Day – Smoking Support Group – Cooking with HACC – Road to Health Good Health – Swimming/pool passes – Gym – Cooking with the Youth – Women’s Group – Men’s Group – Pamper Day – School holiday programs such as ‘sport and rec’ days – Water Aerobics – Cooking Classes – Monthly BBQ’s – Safe Food Handling Course – Dreamtime at the G match – Basketball Clinic – Surfing with Surfing Vic – Tennis with Yvonne Goolagong – Shepparton Football/netball Carnival – Community fun days

kooRI MAtERNItY SERvICES

The Koori Maternity Services provided through the nindedana Quarenook Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Services in Morwell aims to improve access to child and maternal health services through the provision of antenatal and post natal care. The outcomes sought through the Koori Maternity Services program are:

– Improved birth outcomes for the women in our care – Improved birth weight of our newborns – Decrease in need for transfers to Melbourne hospital – Increase in breastfeeding rate – Increase in use of the Maternal and Child health Nurse – Increased knowledge and understanding of contraception to give women the ability to better plan their pregnancies

– Increase in Birth Registration of Koori babies – Promotion of early antenatal care – Improved maternal nutrition – Improved maternal oral health

Our work involves improving antenatal care and education by setting up shared antenatal care arrangements with Obstetricians, GP’s and the Latrobe Regional Hospital. In addition to antenatal education, the Koori Maternity Service provides transport and referrals as required by the client.

Koori Maternity Services plays a vital support role in the community by attending with women during labour and delivery and continuing support through the postnatal period.

The Mothers and Babies Group program has been introduced to help women to better interact with their children and gain greater enjoyment from parenting. The Program helped mothers learn what different babies cries mean, how to play with their babies, and how to settle their babies. We also provide information about the care of babies and young children in a relaxed warm and comfortable environment.


– Continuation in the Mothers and Babies Group Program – Monthly Maternal and Child Health Nurse visits seeing on average six children each session

We are proud of the results being achieved through the Koori Maternity Services and remain committed to the ingredients of trust in the carer, education, and continuity of care.

HOLISTICAPPROACH

TO CAREDELIVERy

KMS PROGRAM

FRAMEWORK

A HEALTHyCHILDHOOD

CLOSE THE GAP

HEALTHySTART TO

LIFE

Alan Tudge visit – Dental clinic



visits

Alan Tudge visit NAIDOC Week celebrations

Transfield visit

Chinese delegation visit NAIDOC Week celebrations

Visit by Jeanett Powell Minister, for Aboriginal Affairs and Russell Northe, Minister for Small Business

Bangarra Dance Workshop

Activites


10 years service presentation


Our SEWB program area provides a range of advocacy, support and referral programs across Gippsland including:

– Wannik Nalu (East and Far East) – Woolatrbe Werna (Central/West/South) – Social and Emotional and Stolen Generation Services – Alcohol and Drug Support Program – Youth Programs Morwell – Youth Programs Sale – Youth Suicide Prevention Morwell – Outreach services in Bairnsdale and Lake Tyers Mission in collaboration with Moogji

The Social and Emotional Well Being program is based on the Aboriginal definition of health (NAHS, 1989) recognising that achieving optimal conditions for health and wellbeing requires a holistic and whole-of-life view of health, referring to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

This principle recognises the essential need to support self-determination and culturally valid understandings of health, and recognise the impact of trauma, grief, loss, discrimination and human rights issues on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our approach is intended to highlight and build on the great strengths, resilience and endurance within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

ACTIVITIES In 2013-14

– New staff across more regions – New structure and policies to support SEWB programs roll out – Networking and partnerships established – Youth Suicide program in Morwell – NAIDOC 2014 activities – School holiday programs in Morwell and Sale – Community events in Morwell and Sale – Battaluk Trail – Wilsons Promontory trip and camps – The Knob days – Reconciliation Day – Sorry Day – Apology Day – Mabo Day – Grantville – Waterhole Creek nature project

– Bike Project – Heritage activities – Berry Street, state and local activities – Morwell fires response – VACCHO and VACCA activities – DHS/DOH activities – Indigenous meetings, BBQ’s, and community capacity activities – Family violence activities – Koori traineeships – Evaluations, audits and compliance activities – Sporting activities

Client numbers grew in 2013-14 which reflects the success of the SEWB program in being a key contributor to community capacity building and change in the region.

ABoRIGINAL HEALtH PRoMotIoN

The Aboriginal Health Promotion program aims to increase the community understanding of how to maintain good health and a healthy lifestyle. The Program aims are to:

– Provide access to the primary health services to the community – Reduce risk taking behaviours of women during first trimester of pregnancy

– Increase awareness within the community of interest of the adverse impact of smoking, drinking and other substances abuse on their health

– Increase awareness within the community of the benefits of healthy lifestyles and healthy eating across all age groups


– Coordinated care between the clinic and other health care providers

– Continuation of Aboriginal health checks program – Coordinated funeral arrangements based on the needs of the community

– Coordinated medical transport and medical appointments for clients-including local and Melbourne trips

– Organising Healthy Eating Cooking Classes with Elders – Organising physical activities for Elders including water aerobics classes

– Facilitated weekly visits to the Ramahyuck Gippsland Dental Clinic – Assisted the Gippsland Regional Hearing Coordinator in hearing screening

SECTIOn TWO

Social and Emotional Well Being Program (SEWB)

In 2

01

3-4 our S

ocial and Emotional Well-being program

contin

ued its work to strengthen the fabric of

our c

ommunity and promote positive feelings of well-being.



– Provided support to community members through home visits, telephone consultations and one-on-one consultations

– Provided information and education around health issues in consultation with General Practitioners

– Participated in regular training and educational activities – Provided assistance to the General Practitioners in relation to cultural awareness

– Supported community members to participate in camps – Men and women’s activities – Coordinated appointments for visiting optometrist – Coordinated ‘little ladies day’ based on the importance of good hygiene

– Helped coordinate a women’s group based around social and emotional well-being

HoME AND CoMMuNItY CARE SERvICES

Home and community care services (HACC) are aimed at enabling elderly people and young people with a disability to live independently within the community and to engage with the wider community. HACC services are determined by assessment using the SCOTT Tool and are decided on client needs and available resources.

The HACC Program and Access and Support Worker position has provided immense value to our community. The responsibility of the Access and Support Worker is to:

– Increase awareness and appropriate use of HACC services by Aboriginal people

– Develop strong partnership between mainstream providers and the Aboriginal community

– Identify and raise awareness of the barriers and service gaps for Aboriginal people within the HACC service system


– Successfully completed the HACC Program Accreditation – Increase in average numbers of attendance at Planned Activity Group and domestic assistance


– Monthly program information distributed to planned activity group participants in advance

– Christmas lunch for HACC clients and visit to Wattle Point – Activities organised as planned group activities

– Art and Craft activities – Regular attendance at NADAC Meeting by HACC Access and Support Worker

– Improved relationships and referral networking with other organisations which involved formal MOU’s

– Participated in the NAIDOC Committee and NAIDOC activities

For the coming year the areas we will focus on are:

– Communication and marketing – Workforce development and staff education – Assessment and Review – Client and Carer engagement in the service – Responding to special needs groups – Partnerships with other agencies

ABoRIGINAL HEALtH WoRkER

The Aboriginal Health Worker position is central to ensuring culturally appropriate care and access to primary health care services for the community. The services provided included:

– General health care and preventative Aboriginal Health Checks – Appropriate first aid techniques – Liaison with other health care providers (arranging outpatient appointments and transport)

– Health education and health promotion – Improving patient understanding of the care to be provided – Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals and community on health related issues

PROGRAMS PROVIDED In 2013-14:

Men’s Group – To learn about culture and to get the Aboriginal men in our community together to try and improve their health and social well-being.

– To enable men in the community to learn as much as possible about Koori culture so they can pass it down to their children and their younger family members.

– To collaborate with other organisations, such as the Drouin Men’s Shed to talk and discuss health issues with the men and try to give them a better understanding of some of the health issues that Aboriginal men might be at risk of developing throughout their lives.

Exercise program – To enable the community to get together and help encourage each other to exercise, eat healthy and to live healthy lives by working collaboratively with partner organisations such as West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

– To facilitate community access to exercise equipment by providing transport to the venue. In 2013-14 participants engaged in activities such as Zumba and Pilates.

Yarning Over Lunch – Enables the community to get together and have a yarn with each other to strengthen the relationships between families within the community.

– To encourage the community to eat healthy for better lifestyles and to share the load of cooking around with the group so everyone gets a chance to cook the group a healthy meal for lunch.

– A range of qualified health professionals also attended the lunch to discuss health issues with the group to allow the community to gain a better understanding of health issues and how to recognise key signs and symptoms.

YoutH PRoGRAM

The Youth Program aims to help young people to develop and strengthen self-confidence, life skills, resilience and self-esteem. The Program provides a variety of activities tailored to community needs to help support and develop youth in every aspect of their lives.


– 25 people attended the National Aboriginal Youth Day – Achieved annual participation of 1,600 young people with 16-20 people attending each session


– Rock Painting – Canvas painting – BBQ – Koori Music – Handprints on Canvas – Boomerangs – Basketball – Football

– Board games – Cooking – School Holiday Program – Excursions to Cinema & Healesville Sanctuary

The Youth Program is very well attended and we are looking forward to being involved in the journey ahead with the Youth over the next twelve months.

ABoRIGINAL fAMILY DECISIoN MAkING

The purpose of the Aboriginal Family Decision Making program is to enable Aboriginal young people, extended family and respected Elders to participate in decision making about the safety, development and wellbeing of children in their family and community involved with the child protection and out of home care system.

THE PROGRAM’S OBJECTIVES ARE TO:

– Improve relationships between child protection, Aboriginal families and the community when it comes to making decisions concerning children and young people involved with child protection and the out of home care system

– Identify and engage people who are significant to the children in the decision making process

– Improve planning and engagement regarding access to services and support for vulnerable children and their families

– Reduce the amount of children who are at risk of re-substantiation and further progression into the child protection system

Services provided through the Aboriginal Family Decision Making program include:

– Aboriginal Family Decision Making meetings – Cultural Support Plans for children in care – Assistance for families to attend meetings – Ongoing assistance for family access visits – Help and support for foster families


– Cultural Support Plans and Family Decision Making state-wide meetings have been held throughout the year and program staff have worked in partnership with the Morwell conveners. Assistance has also been provided to Bairnsdale DHS staff for

MANY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS HAVE BEEN COMPLIMENTARY ABOUT THE YOUTH PROGRAM, AND HAVE PROVIDED SOME VERY POSITIVE FEEDBACK:

“I think it’s an awesome, fun time”“I get to spend time with my friends having fun”“We do lots of different activities”“I love cooking, and we cook yummy things”


Youth Program


family cases throughout the year. – Conveners from the Gippsland, Latrobe and Wellington units have met monthly to discuss client matters. 2013-14 also saw many family meetings which is all about bringing the extended family together which is sometimes the only way that some children are getting to see and know their aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents..

– Advice provided to Ramahyuck community and staff regarding access to the Program.

This year we have been involved with 20 different families either through Program meetings or Cultural Support Plans.

GuNAI LIDj MuLtIfuNCtIoNAL ABoRIGINAL CHILDREN’S SERvICE

The Gunai Lidj Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Service provides a culturally specific Long Day Care Program. It offers children and parents a safe, hygienic, stimulating, and respectful environment that values the children’s individual needs.

Gunai Lidj provides a 25 place centre that operates 5 days a week from 8.30am to 5.00pm and has three operational rooms:

1. Birth to 18 months old and catering for 4 children2. 18 month to 3 year-old room which caters between

6 and 8 children 3. 3 to 5 year-old room that caters for 15 children on a daily basis

In 2013-14 we had 52 children enrolled and 40 families accessing the service. The Gunai Lidj Multifunctional Children’s Service operates in accordance with the Victorian Children’s Services Regulations 2010 and the Children’s Services Act 2011. There are currently eight children on the waiting list.

The need for placements in the Birth to 3 year-old rooms has again continued to be in high demand evidenced by the fact that all of the children on the waiting list are for this cohort.

This year we continued to strengthen our systems and planning processes to meet the National Quality Standards being introduced later in 2014. We also developed more extensive documentation for the staff to trial and updated the Quality Improvement Plans which are required under the Standard.

In 2013-14 we continued to support staff professional development for our two staff undertaking a Certificate III course. This support has enabled the staff to build on their exiting skills and their confidence in implementing the new requirements of the Standard. Our new philosophy is now in operation and we are currently updating our policies and procedures in readiness for the National Quality Standards.

We have continued to liaise regularly with organisations such as Wanjana Lidj Family Restoration Program, Department of Human Services, Kode Pre School, Noah’s Ark, Community Childcare, Lady Gowrie SNAIIC, IPSU – Professional Support Unit, VAEAI, local primary schools, and other childcare centres in both the local and Drouin area.


– Increased demand for placements in both the Birth to 3 year-old and the 3 to 5 year-old rooms

– Increased demand for the after school and holiday programs – Operating at near capacity with 22 children per day


– Participation in NAIDOC Week and the National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s day

– Review and improvement of our practices, policies and procedures

– Continued to develop and improve the children’s individual portfolios

– Formation of a Parent Advisory Committee – Commencement of numeracy and literacy activities for the children with the use of a tablet computer

– Training with IPSU around the National Quality Standards

Our goals for 2014-15 are to continue evaluating and reflecting on our practise and to strengthen the documentation and systems to support a stronger commitment to improving the quality of our service for the children, parents and the community.

DjILLAY LIDj BESt StARt ABoRIGINAL PLAYGRouP

Best Start is a Victorian government early years initiative. It supports families, caregivers and communities to provide the best possible environment, experiences and care for young children in the important years from pregnancy to school. Best Start aims to help families to improve health, development, learning and wellbeing of all Victorian children (0-8 years). It supports service providers to make links with Aboriginal communities, children and families in the early year’s areas to meet their needs. It has a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

The role of a Best Start Facilitator is to:

– Monitor the Djillay Lidji Action Plan – Decrease rate of re-reports to child protection and to improve reading, writing and numeracy in Aboriginal children

– Design and make literacy and numeracy bags for all Aboriginal children attending Kindergarten and grade prep

– Screen all Aboriginal children attending 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten and Grade Prep to identify any potential health issues before commencement of kindergarten and school

– Link in with kindergartens and schools to support families with enrolment, transitioning, and follow up referrals which are generated from the Screening Days

– Oversee the operations of the Djillay Lidji Playgroup at Noah’s Ark in Morwell

– Maintain healthy links with community by consultation and networking

Currently, up to 8 families are attending the program with 18 children and a wide range of activities are undertaken including:

– Sensory bins that contain a variety of different textures and smells

– Messy play with paint, glue, recycled items and lots of glitter – Play dough and clay using a variety of different items from play dough utensils to kitchen items

– Free play in home corner. This includes a dress up area, kitchen area and a pretend cleaning area

– Reading corner. Children can either read or quietly play – Free play outside with the play gym, sandpit or other equipment

In 2013-14 Playgroup organised swimming lessons for the children and engaged the parents who also took part in helping their children gain confidence in the water. At the end of Term 3, Playgroup had a day out at a local playgroup in Traralgon and a picnic lunch. At the end of Term 4, 2013 the Best Start Facilitator and Playgroup Facilitator organised a Christmas break-up at a local Gymnastics centre in Morwell which included a catered lunch for all the families.

For SNAICC celebrations we had one of the local Elders, Gloria Waylan attend our playgroup and read her own traditional stories to the children. The children were able to ask her questions and the stories were based on tales from her own personal family life.

For the most part of Term 3, staff from Good Beginnings and Anglicare were involved in the Program which helped to raise awareness about their programs.

Looking to the future, we will seek additional funding for new play items and materials. Most of our supplies have diminished and the toys that we do have are in need of repair. We also hope to take the playgroup families on excursions to places they may not normally be able to visit with their families.

LoCAL juStICE WoRkER PRoGRAM

Ramahyuck is registered with the Department of Justice as a work site where clients can do their community service.

The objective of the Local Justice Worker Program is to reduce the number of Koori’s coming into contact with the justice system. We service clients on community corrections orders and supervise them on-site. We also assist clients with court and legal assistance, hold regular Sheriffs meetings, work closely with the Department of Justice and more specifically ‘corrections’.

We are currently working towards programs for 2014-15 that will assist our clients to complete their orders successfully.

The services we offer include:

– Liaising and/or obtaining solicitors on the client’s behalf to help with court and other legal matters


Gunai Lidj Children’s Service

Our children are our present and future.


– Supporting clients with Sheriff’s meetings where the client can take responsibility for their fines through payment plans or community work

– Establishing payment plans for fines through the infringements court

– Facilitating referrals to drug and alcohol counselling and the Men’s Behavioural Change Program (Koori specific if required)

– Providing diversionary programs through Ramahyuck services such as Parenting Program and Men’s Group


In 2013-14 the Local Justice Worker Program converted $23,261 of fines and warrants into payment plans and community work orders. The program for community work clients has now expanded to our new site at 28 Young St, Drouin and we are currently servicing four community work orders.

Relationships continue to be strengthened with the Sheriff’s Department, Justice Department and our other service providers such as counselling services and the Men’s Behavioural Change Program. Around 10 clients per month are also assisted with other justice related issues such as court attendance, liaising with solicitors and two clients have successfully obtained court orders for driver’s license restoration.

We look forward to further expansion and success for the Local Justice Worker program in 2014-15.

StoLEN GENERAtIoN

The Bringing Them Home program aims to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of members of the community who have been affected by the past government removal policies of children - the stolen generation.

The Program provides a range of complementary social and emotional support services to support a holistic model of care and to improve the health and wellbeing of those members of the community who have been affected by the impact of the stolen generation. This is achieved by increasing support provided to the first generation of the ‘stolen generation’.


– Sorry Day - 20 people attended the event which included welcome to country, videos of the ‘apology’, guest speakers, painting, and morning tea

– Mabo Day - 15 people attended the event which included morning tea, welcome to country, and the Mabo movie

– nAIDOC Week activities - 100 people attended the event which included flag raising, smoking ceremony, awards, Aboriginal dancing , community events , family day, and the gala ball

DRouIN’S PARENtING PRoGRAM: YARNING ovER LuNCH

Yarning Over Lunch focusses on supporting the needs of parents and carers and has developed significantly over the past year. The weekly program is open to all ages.

Program participants benefit through a vast array of services including food relief, TAFE courses, cooking classes and regular visits by local health professionals. In addition, our participants steer the direction of the program and work cooperatively to make it their own.

Cooking responsibilities are rotated amongst the group and regular participant feedback helps guide our planning. The local community recognise the strong sense of unity within the Yarning Group and many now seek to support the program. In 2013-14 local Community Development Officers attended regularly and helped to direct community feedback to Council as well as expanding the group’s knowledge of community services.

The current focus of Yarning Over Lunch is to maintain our sense of teamwork while continuing to open up new doors of learning and opportunity.

WANjANA LIDj fAMILY SERvICES

Wanjana Lidj aims to keep Koori families together and to prevent out-of-home placement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are at risk. Wanjana Lidj helps families with ways to cope, help make families stronger, and become more in control and confident as a parent. Wanjana Lidj also assists families to talk and listen to each other and feel good about themselves.

Wanjana Lidj Family Services programs works in partnership with:

– Anglicare – Quantum – Take Two – QEC – Department of Human Services Traralgon, Morwell, Leongatha and Warragul

– Orana Gunyah – VACCA – CASA – KMS – Baw Baw parenting – Guani Lidj – MONASH – TAFE – Crinigan Road Primary

TRAINING SUPPORTED IN 2013-14: STAFF PARTICIPANTS

Building connections 4

Safe in OZ (working with individuals who have self-Destructive Behaviours)

5

Keys to Care giving 5

Family Violence for workers that assist in the housing sector

6

Cert IV in Aboriginal Family Violence 2

Level 2 First Aid 6

OHS 1

Suicide prevention 5

Reflecting practices (Stronger Families) 1


– Sisters Day – NAIDOC Week attendance and brokerage support – Funeral Supports brokerage support – Stronger Families launch – Community BBQ

WANjANA LIDj fAMILY PRESERvAtIoN PRoGRAM

The purpose of the Wanjana Lidj Family Preservation program is to:

– Prevent children from being put in care – Support families in reunification – Prevent further progression into the child protection system

In 2013-14 the program supported 20 clients and offered a 24hr on-call service across the Latrobe and Baw Baw region.

WANjANA LIDj PARENtING PRoGRAM

The purpose of the Wanjana Lidj Parenting program is to:

– Provide support, education, health, and guidance – Provide transport assistance – Support food preparation support as a learning tool

The program supports 40 sessions per year across the Latrobe and Baw Baw region.

WANjANA LIDj REStoRAtIoN PRoGRAM

The purpose of the Wanjana Lidj Restoration program is to:

– Prevent children from being put in care – Support families in reunification – Prevent further progression into the child protection system

In 2013-14 the program’s target was eight clients across the Latrobe and Baw Baw region.

Drouin Parentaing Group



CHILD fIRSt INtEGRAtED fAMILIES (IfS)

The purpose of the Child First program is to support families in the Latrobe and Baw Baw regions to reduce the risk and avoid involvement with the child protection system.

ABoRIGINAL fAMILY DECISIoN

The purpose of the Aboriginal Family Decision program is to provide consultative, culturally appropriate planning support for families with children involved in child protection intervention and where abuse or neglect has been substantiated.

The program operates in the Gippsland catchment area, has capacity for up to 20 clients each year, and works in partnership with a child protection case manager.

ABoRIGINAL StRoNGER fAMILIES YAAIL LuNG DARDEE

The purpose of the Aboriginal Stronger Families Yaail Lung Dardee program is to support families to avoid placement of children in the child protection system and return children from placement as soon as possible where it is safe to do so. The program also seeks to support children and families to avoid further progression into the statutory system for those at risk of removal from home.

The program operates in the Latrobe catchment area and can provide up to 12 months of support to 10 families each year.

DjILLAY LIDjI BESt StARt PRoGRAM

Best Start is a Victorian Government early years initiative supporting families, caregivers and communities to provide the best possible environment, experiences and care for young children in the important years from pregnancy to school.

Best Start aims to help families to improve health, development, wellbeing and learning of children 0-8 years. It supports service providers to make links with Aboriginal communities, children and families in the early years to meet their needs and has a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

Best Start staff work to:

– Facilitate better access to health services and early education for children and families

– Encourage families to link with service providers, and help build parents’ knowledge, skills and confidence to increase a better family environment

– Strengthen communities to be more child and family friendly


Partnership Committee: The Best Start Partnership Committee tabled their first Action Plan with a focus on two key indicators to improve reading, writing and numeracy and to reduce the rate of re-notification to Child Protection.

The partners will continue to meet quarterly to report against the indicators and to work collaboratively to make services more accessible for Aboriginal families.

Screening Day: In January this year, 37 Aboriginal children across Latrobe and Baw Baw were screened through the Best Start Program. The purpose of the Screening Day was to identify any potential health issues before the children commence kindergarten or school. Services worked together to conduct child health assessments and the information from these assessments was sent to the Best Start Facilitators to collate into a Screening Day Assessment Report. The Report was then passed onto the parent/carer, kindergarten and school teachers.

Services involved in the Screening Day:

ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVE REFERRALS

Vision Australia Orthoptist 8

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation

Hearing Co-ordinator and Health Nurse

11

Baw Baw Shire Maternal and Child Health Nurse

1

Latrobe City Council Maternal Child Health Nurse 0

Allied Health Services Speech Pathologist and Dietician

3

Latrobe Community Health Service

Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist

3

Dental 1

All children who participated in the screening day received a kindergarten bag with a lunch box, drink bottle and hat which was donated by Close the Gap.

Literacy and numeracy Bags: Last year, 105 literacy and numeracy bags were provided to all Aboriginal children starting at kindergarten and grade prep. The bags are provided to families so parents can spend time with their children reading, writing, matching, exploring numbers/letters, cut and pasting, and practicing their fine motor skills. Special thanks to Kaylene Mckinnon who donated a book to each bag.

Kindergarten Enrolments - Baw Baw: The KESO and Community Facilitator worked with over 16 families to promote the importance of kindergarten and to support them in lodging their kinder application to the Baw Baw Shire. Of the 16 children involved, 11 will have a kinder placement in 2015, and the other 5 deferring to the following year.

Playgroup: The Djillay Lidji Playgroup provides a culturally friendly environment for Aboriginal families to come together and is held weekly at Good Beginnings in Moe. In 2013-14, 14 parents and 22 children accessed the service.

Over the year, the Playgroup Coordinator provided a number of learning experiences including:

– natural Environment: Exploring with leaves, bark, pine cones, tub play, collage, and dot painting.

– Theme Days: The very hungry caterpillar exploring food from the book, book corner, colouring in, and group reading with puppetry.

– Koori Kids Day: Arts and craft painting, singing, jumping castle, indoor/outdoor activities.

Our playgroup has also enabled other community agencies to engage and strengthen their links with Aboriginal families. Services we worked with this year included Small Talk, CASA, Good Beginnings, HIPPY Program, and the KESO’s from DEECD.



WARREENY SPoRtS CoMMIttEE

The Warreeny Sports Committee aims to engage the local Indigenous community in sports activities as a means of improving general health and wellbeing.

The Committee provides financial assistance to eligible participants to support engagement with sports activities. This assistance can be used for uniforms and fees and other things to help reduce barriers to sports participation.

All applications to the program are assessed by a local Indigenous Advisory Committee and all community members are also encouraged to join the Warreeny Sport committee.


– Get Our Mob Together @ Wonthaggi Community Arts Centre: This Event was organised by the Ramahyuck South Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service in partnership with Medicare Local, Gipps Sport Inverloch and the Active after school program. The idea of this event was to bring the local Indigenous community together and see where we have gone in sport for the last year. 100 community members attended this event which also involved awards for local Indigenous youth succeeding in their sport. Two Indigenous Sporting Mentors, Kyle Vander-Kuyp Gold Medallist in Hurdles, and Ronnie Burns ex-AFL Player for Geelong. This gave our youth the confidence to stand up and shine.

– Quarterly meetings of the Wareeney Sports Committee.

REGIStERED tRAINING oRGANISAtIoN (Rto)

The purpose of the Ramahyuck Registered Training Organisation is to develop cultural awareness within agencies working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and within the broader community. The RTO is one of Ramahyuck’s enterprise programs aimed at generating sufficient revenue to be self-sustaining.

The RTO provides a two-day training program which delivers the nationally accredited unit HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.


In 2013-14 we delivered six training programs and issued 35 Statements of Attainment to participants who successfully completed all the requirements of the program. A total of 68 participants attended the training with 57 from external agencies and 11 being Ramahyuck staff. The RTO generated $28,400 in revenue in 2013-14 and met all mandatory compliance requirements.

Some of the feedback from the program:

Thank you. Now have a better understanding of the history and impact of the historical events. The information was clear and easily understood and I enjoyed the activities.

Thank you very much. I now have a better understanding of what it means to be culturally competent and what I can do within my work to be more culturally competent.

I enjoyed working as a group as I was able to learn from others’ experiences and knowledge as well as learn about how other organisations work with different cultures.

BuSINESS ENtERPRISE

In 2013-14 the Ramahyuck Land Care and Mowing Service continued its quality customer service and maintained its market share despite increased competition. Key clients include Transfield services at the RAAF base, the HACC program, and First national Real Estate.

This year the Ramahyuck Board approved the construction of a new building with office and storage space to provide a permanent home for this enterprise. The new facility will be commissioned in 2016.

In 2

01

3-14 Ramahyuck established the Warreeny Sports Com

mitte

e to engage the local Indigenous

com

munity in sports activities.

SECTIOn THREE

Community Enterprise and Engagement


Thank you very much. I now have a better understanding of what it means to be culturally competent and what I can do within my work to be more culturally competent.

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RDAC History Wall

The History Wall Mounted in the foyer of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation is a spectacular three panel forged glass commemorative ‘History Wall’. It pays respect to the Gunai/Kurnai Aboriginal nation and peoples and tells the story of the Ramahyuck Mission. The story speaks of the plight of the people involved in ‘mission days’ and the proud heritage of the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation.

The History Wall was officially launched on 6 August 2008 by Katey Bryant and The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, A.C.

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation recognises and respects the Bratowooloong, Brayakuloong, Brabuwooloong, Tatungoloong, and the Krauatungalung people who are part of the Gunai/Kurnai nation.

THE BOARD MEMBERS AT THE TIME OF THE COMMISSIOnInG OF

THE HISTORY WALL WERE:

– Murray Bull – Robert Farnham (Chair) – Allan Green – Wendy Henry – Phillip Perry – Daphne yarram – Ivy yarram – Dr. Ali Khan (CEO)

RAMAHYuCk BEGINNINGS

For many years, the Indigenous community in Sale was supported by operations at Morwell and Bairnsdale. As the local Indigenous population grew the need for permanent service in Sale became evident. The late Mr. Noel yarram Senior championed the concept of an independent Indigenous corporation at Sale. The name Ramahyuck was chosen to remind and reinforce to the whole community that Sale had a significant Indigenous history. After Noel’s passing, his family and other members of the local Koorie community continued to pursue the establishment of a service in Sale. Noel’s daughter (Daphne) held a meeting attended by Aunty Bess, Bonnie and Terry O’Shannassy; Mollie Glass and daughters Irene and Gail; Aunty Lena Thomas; Aunty Angeline Morgan; and Aunty Regina Kennedy. From this inaugural meeting, a committee was established with the mandate of setting up the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation. This dream became a reality on 12 May 1992, when Ramahyuck District

Aboriginal Corporation was registered under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act with the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations in Canberra, ACT.

GuNAI/kuRNAI PEoPLE

“Gunai/Kurnai” is the name of the tribal group which inhabited the Gippsland region for at least 18,000 years. “Koorie” or “Koori” is a term widely used by Aboriginal people living in south eastern Australia as an expression of shared identity. Borun (the pelican) and Tuk (the musk duck) are the Dreamtime ancestors of the Gunai people.

The five clans are Bratwoloong, Brayakooloong, Brabuwooloong, Tatungooloong and Krowathunkooloong. Mostly the people lived in harmony with one another, meeting for corroborees which involved marriages and initiation ceremonies, dancing, feasting and trade of goods such as stones suitable for axe making.

Occasionally there were battles over tribal land and women. The area around Cann River and Mallacoota was the country of the Bidawal. People from tribes all over what is now Victoria and southern NSW who had breached tribal law were sent into Bidawal country for a period of exile. The Aboriginal people of East Gippsland fought against the European invasion of their land. However technical superiority in weaponry gave the Europeans an absolute advantage. It is difficult to be certain about the real death toll as so few records still exist or were even made at the time. Diseases introduced from the 1820s by European sealers and whalers also caused a rapid decline in Aboriginal numbers.

tHE RAMAHYuCk LoGo

The Ramahyuck logo was created by Aunty Rose Whitehurst and is designed as a message of unity. The Black and White Swans symbolise the Aboriginal and European people of Australia and the message Boon-ya-Bur-Werna means ‘to join us’. The Circles represent the coming together of the two races and are drawn using the colours of the Aboriginal Flag. The black symbolises the Aboriginal people and the yellow represents the sun, the constant re-newer of life. Red depicts the earth and peoples’ relationship to the land. It also represents ochre which is used by Aboriginal people in ceremonies. The black swan has spiritual significance in the traditional histories of many Australian Aboriginal peoples and is also the emblem of the city of Sale.


The word Ramahyuck is composed of the biblical

word ‘Ramah’ meaning the ‘home of Samuel’ and the Gunai (Kurnai) word ‘yuck’ meaning ‘mother’ or ‘own’


fINANCIAL MANAGEMENt

Our goal is to operate in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards and to provide comprehensive financial management reporting to all stakeholders.

We strive to:

– Be solvent and financially accountable, maintain books in line with Australian Accounting Standards, the Act and Regulations

– Ensure total integrity of all accounting processes – Ensure that salaries for staff and allowances are processed in time without error and in-line with approved delegations

– Review and control the Annual Budget having regard to the Board and State Government guidelines

– Ensure financial reports provided within agreed time lines to RDAC Board and State and Commonwealth Funding Agencies.

– Ensure all income for Medicare rebate is realised

KEY OuTCOMES In 2013-14

– Successfully completed an upgrade of the Reckon financial payroll program

– Improved superannuation processing systems – A decrease in Medicare income By 8.5% – Unqualified external financial audit

HuMAN RESouRCE MANAGEMENt

2013-14 saw an increased emphasis on human resource management at Ramahyuck to recruit and retain a committed staff team and provide ongoing support and workforce development.

The HR team strives to:

– Provide innovative HR management services to support the achievement of Ramahyuck’s goals

– Provide HR services which are valued, consistent, responsive and supportive to managers and staff


Professional Development and Traineeships This year Ramahyuck proudly supported two young Indigenous male staff members to undertake Certificate IV training in ATSI

Primary Health provided by VACCHO. Both participants are expected to complete their qualification in 2015 which will provide the Ramahyuck community with access to an additional two qualified male health workers across the region.

Ramahyuck also supported four Indigenous traineeships in Childcare, Administration, Community Services and Horticulture in 2013-14 in partnership with local training providers and Latrobe City Council Indigenous Employment Program. We look forward to continuing our support for Indigenous community members on their path to employment, professional development and new career opportunities.

Quality Improvement/Quality Management within Human Resources The HR Department, like the rest of Ramahyuck has become more ‘quality conscious’ over the last 12 months and looks forward to continuously improving our practice.With the help of the new LOGIQC Quality Management System, the HR Department is now able to schedule and track all training requirements across the corporation. As a result, 65 training activities in addition to the traineeships above have been completed by the RDAC staff and a further 285 training activities have been scheduled. The QMS software supports HR to track all mandatory training, licensing and registration requirements to ensure we are meeting our obligations to funding bodies, key stakeholders, staff members and most importantly to the communities of which we serve.

Internal audits of HR systems over the last 12 months have enabled us to improve our processes and systems dramatically.

TRAINING SUPPORTED IN 2013-14: STAFF PARTICIPANTS

Childhood Trauma 5

Child Safety and Wellbeing 5

Asthma Management 9

Health and Safety Representatives 12

Conflict Resolution 3

Work place Bullying 17

Cert 4 in Family Violence 2

Managing Auditing Systems 12

First Aid 38

Safe Food Handling 15

Governance Training for Board Members 4

In 2

014 R

amahyuck achieved certifi cation against the

inte

rn

ational quality standard ISO 9001 Quality

Man

agement Systems - Requirem

ents.

SECTIOn FOuR

Operational Management



oCCuPAtIoNAL HEALtH AND SAfEtY MANAGEMENt

The purpose of OHS Management is to systematically reduce the possibility of accident, illness, injury or fatality in the workplace by ensuring that hazards in the workplace are eliminated or controlled in a systematic manner. This occurs through consultation between management and staff to manage health and safety concerns before they become problems.

Through the work of staff involved in OHS management we seek to provide a safe workplace and systems of work for staff, clients and general community. This work provides a long term cost effective way of protecting staff from and avoiding workplace injury and illness and reducing the cost of impact on Ramahyuck.


– 12 staff completed the five-day OHS Representative training course

– Staff representatives were identified at each Ramahyuck site in the following areas:

– OHS – Fire Wardens – Vehicles Officers – Electrical Safety Officers – First Aid Officers

– Conducted quarterly OHS Committee meetings at each site – Conducted one annual regional OHS meeting at the Sale Head Office with records of meetings displayed on the OHS noticed board, circulated by email to staff, and uploaded to the QMS

– Implemented a standard terms of reference and agenda across all OHS Committees

– Quarterly fire drill audits conducted across all sites and records uploaded to the QMS

– Quarterly first aid audits conducted across all sites to maintain adequate and in date first aid stocks. Records kept and uploaded to the QMS

– Quarterly OHS environmental audits conducted across all sites and records uploaded to the QMS

– External contractors completed the test and tag of all the electrical appliances. Records uploaded to the QMS

– Fleet management register put in place to manage the service and maintenance of all Ramahyuck vehicles.

– 74 OHS reports recorded in the QMS in 2013-2014 including 29 hazards, 2 illness, 15 incidents, 5 injuries, 4 near-misses, 1 property damage 9 equipment failures and 9 acts of violence

– 70 OHS reports resolved in the year with 4 actions still in progress at time of this report

It SuPPoRt

Our IT support officer provides network and systems support to staff across each site and maintains IT infrastructure.


– ‘Telehealth’ camera and software installed and staff training provided

– Encryption key and online registration with e-Health – Commenced planning for network upgrade to achieve a more centralised and uniform approach

– Upgrade of systems to offset end-of-life for Microsoft XP operating system

– Work diagrams/flow charts developed for clinical software – Conducted internal Audits – Managed confidentiality and security protocols – Risk management including test ‘restore’ of selected data, SQL data and email

CoNtINuouS QuALItY IMPRovEMENt

The purpose of continuous quality improvement system is to improve the health, social and emotional care of our Indigenous community by identifying problems, implementing and monitoring corrective action and studying its effectiveness.

Our work in this area ensures that a structured process is used to find opportunities for improvement in our health, social and emotional care delivery systems and that when such opportunities are found, staff are supported to develop and implement strategies for improvement.

This work is a long-term theory-based approach that:

– Looks at processes and outcomes, is data driven and uses tools to help quantify what we do

– Facilitates cultural change and shared success – Enhances information management, client records and documentation

– Provides a means to determine and track program performance and effectiveness

– Allows for creative and innovative solutions and creates an

environment in which management and staff constantly strive to improve the provision of services to our clients

– Helps to create an understanding of the needs and expectations of our clients


– Successfully completed Stage 1 audit and the self-assessment for the DHS certification

– Held fortnightly meetings at Family Services to plan and implement actions required to meet the new DHS standards

– Created a quality improvement plan for Family Services to meet the Stage 1 audit requirements

– Five staff attended the VACCHO Quality Forum in Melbourne – 86 new internal audit items created on the QMS software – 16 client feedback items added to the QMS with 15 items resolved and one ongoing at the time of this report

– 60 new compliance items added to the QMS with 186 compliance items actioned

– 60 new continuous improvement items created on the QMS of which 91.7% were identified internally

– 15 continuous improvements items created through audits results of which two were from customer feedback and two from OHS incidents

QuALItY MANAGEMENt

The purpose of our work in quality management is to achieve and maintain certification against the ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems standard and to further enhance quality improvement initiatives across Ramayhuck.

The aims of the Quality Management Systems put in place are to improve the quality of service that Ramahyuck offers to its community by looking at improving all areas of operations.

All business functions are looked at from a Quality perspective in areas such as:

– Internal auditing – Contractual and compliance requirements – Control of policy documents and records – Handling of OHS issues – Handling of complaints and feedback – Controlling our internal work requests – Implementing improvement strategies – Maintaining our internal training requirements

ACTIVITIES In 2013-14

In 2012 Ramahyuck started implementing a Quality Management System and in particular putting in place systems and processes to conform to the requirements of ISO 9001. This preparatory work has enabled us in 2014 to gain certification against the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems standard



GovERNANCE StRuCtuRE

Ramahyuck’s governance structure incorporates the Ramahyuck Board of Directors and the following advisory committees:

– Central Gippsland Advisory Committee – West Gippsland Advisory Committee – South Gippsland Advisory Committee

ADvISoRY GRouP MEEtINGS

DROuIn ADVISORY GROuP

Four Advisory Group Meetings held (August 2013, March 2014, May 2014 and June 2014). Retiring members: Gracie Hayes and Cheryl Drayton

Current Membership:

– Kaylene McKinnon (Existing member) – Judith Hood (Existing member) – Ruth Beecroft (New Member) – Sherralee Dow (New Member) – Scott Dumas (New Member) – Graham Norris (New Member) – Lynette Hayes (New Member)

MORWELL ADVISORY GROuP

Four Advisory Group Meetings held (August 2013, October 2013, November 2013, April 2014). Retiring member: Aunty Sarah Morgan.

WOnTHAGGI ADVISORY GROuP

Four Advisory Group meetings held (August 2013, November 2013, February 2014, May 2014) Retiring member: Aunty Doreen Green.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

BOARD MEETINGS

STATuTORy MEETINGS

AGMCOMMuNITy

MEETINGS

Daphne yarram 8 1 1 1

Marie Griffiths 9 1 1 1

Jodie Douthat 9 1 1 1

Phil Perry 8 1 1 1

Electra McLellan 6 1 1 1

Shayne Tilley 6 1 1 1

Ivy yarram 8 1 1 1

Vera Briggs

Daphne Yarram

Marlene Drysdale

Marie Griffiths

Jenny Solomon

Jodie Douthat

Scott Dumas

Danielle Cockerill Vacant

Sherralee Dow

Vacant

Sarah Morgan Joanne O’Farrell

Phil Perry Shayne Tilley

Trevor Terrick

Electra McLellanIvy Yarram

John MurrayAda Hume

Judy Hood

Steve Parker

Lynette Hayes

SOuTH GIPPSLAnD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEST GIPPSLAnD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CEnTRAL GIPPSLAnD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MEMBERS of tHE RAMAHYuCk BoARD ADvISoRY CoMMIttEES:

2013-14 RDAC BoARD of DIRECtoRS

In 2

012-

13, t

he Board and senior management along with the

Adv

isory

Committees of Central West and South

Gip

psla

nd commenced the development of

the

RDAC 2014-17 Strategic Plan.

SECTIOn FIVE

Corporate Governance


Kaylene McKinnon Ruth Beecroft

Doreen Green

Graham Norris

Organisational Structure

Board of Directors

Ramahyuck Community

CEO Dr Ali Khan

Central Gippsland Advisory

Commitee

South Gippsland Advisory

Commitee

West Gippsland Advisory

Commitee

External Accountants

WHK Accountants

Executive Assistant

Daniela Newnham

Quality Coordinators Melissa Hunt

& Michael Klein

West Gippsland Business Manager

Michael Moyle

Regional Coordinator Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Mark Munnich

Regional Close the Gap Coordinator

Barbara Job

Projects Manager

Joe Kiss

Regional Coordinator

Hearing Screening

Neva Castro

Human Resources Manager

Marie Griffiths

RTO Manager (Acting)

Phil Perry

Regional Practice Manager

Dr. umar Ali

I.T Officer

Peter Turner

Wellington Business Manager

Marie Griffiths

Deputy CEO Finance Manager

Anne-marie Frawley

Central Gippsland Business Manager

Frank Grubb

South Gippsland Business Manager

Sonia Weston


We

striv

e to re

cognise community aspirations and develop an

unde

rsta

nding and a committed approach for achieving

effe

ctive

services through programs that best

suit our community.

To achieve our vision

Ramahyuck is proud to maintain its memberships with a range of important agencies and to acknowledge its partners, associates and funding bodies.

Memberships

– Australian Dental Association – East Gippsland Primary Health Alliance – EGPAH

– Gippsland East Local Learning Employment Network – GELLEN – Medical Service Outreach Assistance Program – MSOAP

– National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation – NACCHO – Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee – RAJAC – Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – RACGP

– VACCHO CEO’s Professional Association – VCPA – Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation – VACCHO

– Victorian Employment Chamber of Commerce & Industry – VECCI – Victorian Indigenous Community for Aged Care & Disability – VICACD

– Wellington Best Start Program – Wellington Primary Care Partnership – WPCP

Major funding bodies

– Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) – Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD)

– Department of Employment & Workplace Relations (DEEWR) – Department of Family, Housing & Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

– Department of Health – Department of Human Services (DHS)

– Department of Justice – Office for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH)

RAMAHYuCk DIStRICt ABoRIGINAL CoRPoRAtIoN Registered Office: 117 Foster Street, Sale, Victoria 3850

Postal Address: P.O. Box 1240, Sale, Victoria 3850

Telephone: 03 5143 1644 Fax: 03 5143 3436

www.ramahyuck.org

South Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service

Wonthaggi

Frankston

Dandenong

Healesville

Melbourne

Mornington

West Gippsland Aboriginal

Health Service

Drouin