The gazette february 2014

February 2014Volume 5, No 1

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

Scholarship winners celebrateGreat Southern Institute of Technology’s scholarship winners for Semester 1 gathered with family, friends and scholarship sponsors at a ceremony at the Albany campus on 14 February.Thirty-two scholarships, each valued

at $500, were presented to the students by Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa and representatives of the sponsors.Lidia said the range of applications

reflected the diversity of students at the institute – from school levers to single parent and mature-age students, and people from various cultural and economic backgrounds.“Many of you are juggling your study with

full-time or part-time work, family, and other personal commitments,” Lidia told the gathering.“As you embark on the next stage of

your journey, we trust our continued encouragement and the assistance

provided by the scholarship sponsors will help you to make a positive contribution to our community through your chosen career paths,” she said.Lidia extended her thanks to the sponsors.“Your sponsorship of our students shows

your commitment to rewarding educational effort and helping to remove obstacles to their academic success,” Lidia said.Richard Grist representing the trustees

of the Jack Family Charitable Trust was there to present 20 scholarships. Presenting two Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry scholarships for students of business, accounting or information technology was ACCI President Rod Hedderwick, and GSIT Governing Council Member Anne Stafford presented the certificates from the Mick Young Scholarship Trust, which is funded through TAFE Directors Australia.

Continued on pages 14-16

Winners are grinners – each of these students received a $500 cheque towards their tuition fees at Great Southern Institute of Technology this semester.

Great Southern Gazette 2

To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888.To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.

Want to read The Gazette in another format?

Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Great Southern Institute provides study support to help all students. If you would like some

help with your course or have study or access needs due to a disability, medical or mental health

condition, come and see me at Customer Services on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. You may phone me on 9892 8741 or email [email protected].

As Study Support Coordinator and Disability Officer at the institute, I can help arrange the support you need. Assistance may include

books and learning materials in electronic format or large print, individual support such as a note-taker, tutor or in-class assistant, ergonomic chairs or equipment, computer access or literacy software, or regular contact to track how you are going. Appointments can be

made for students at our regional campuses.All enquiries are

confidential. Let us support you to be

successful.

Study Support for students

Bright sparks – here’s your chance to shineYou may have noticed the yellow suggestions box on the intranet – it’s below your favourite pages.

If you have any bright ideas for improving our services to our customers or colleagues, click on the box to send an email.

Your idea might be about streamlining a process, reporting faults, or saving

resources.Your email will be forwarded to the

appropriate section for the necessary research and consideration.

Not all suggestions will be appropriate for action, but you will receive acknowledgement and you will be advised if your idea is adopted.

www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au


Students from the UK, Philippines, Germany, Korea, Italy and India will study at the Albany campus of Great Southern Institute of Technology this year.Some of the group of international

students recently gathered at the institute for an induction morning conducted by International Student Coordinator Ches Leonard and a welcome by Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa.All have chosen to study at Great Southern

Institute, some because they have family members living in the region, and others because they have found part-time work here. Most of the group have recently arrived in the region and are acclimatising to their new surroundings while settling in to study.Aged care, community services,

horticulture, children’s services and information technology are their chosen study areas, and once they have their qualification, they may elect to undertake further studies or use their training to find work in their home country.Addressing the group on their induction

morning, Lidia said having a wide representation of countries was a wonderful thing for our multicultural organisation.“We strongly believe that a broad mix of

people of all ages and cultures is a healthy environment which benefits not only our institute but also society as a whole,” Lidia said.She assured the students they would

have all the necessary support to help them achieve success in their studies, and wished them well for the future.

Learning a long way from home

Wonjun Kim, Laura Dall’olio, GSIT Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa, Sofia Grijalva, Jayson Algallar, Bency Ulahannan and Anne Arendt.


From the MD’s Desk

First, I’d like to welcome you all back for 2014.We’re off to a flying start

to what promises to be a challenging year for our institute with the new funding arrangements.However, all indications

are that students are still enrolling in good numbers and portfolio managers are confident profile will be filled. There is already a definite increase in numbers for diploma courses with 65 enrolments.ScholarshipsAt our ceremonies over the past week, we distributed the following scholarships:• 20 of $500 each for

students in any study area, sponsored by the Jack Family Trust• 10 of $500 each for

students in any study area, sponsored by the Mick Young Trust• Two of $500 each to

music students, sponsored by the Denmark Music Foundation• One of $500 to a

music student, sponsored by Denmark community members Valerie Heath and Bob Johnson • Two of $1500 to music

students, sponsored by an undisclosed donor• Two of $500 to a student

of accounting, business or information technology, sponsored by the Albany

Chamber of Commerce and Industry.My sincere congratulations

go to the winners of these scholarships, I wish you all the best with your training at this institute. See pages 1, 14, 15 and 16 of this issue for details of the winners.Throughout the year,

we will be continuing our campaign of procuring as many scholarships as possible to support our students financially.Capital WorksThe Health Science building project is progressing in line with the schedule of works and is due for completion in October. This is part of an extensive

program of work around our campuses under the management of Neil Augustson.See the report and photos

on pages 20 and 21.PortfoliosThe Executive

Management Team, comprising the corporate executive and portfolio managers, will meet monthly in 2014. I look forward to receiving

your input into the Academic Board, which will also meet every month. A small realignment of

portfolios late last year moved some study areas from the Communication

and The Arts portfolio, which was renamed Teaching and Learning. Responsibilities of this

portfolio include:• Provision of academic

language, literacy and numeracy programs and other learning support through profile delivery of courses such as CAVSS, USIQ and other drop-in study skill sessions• Provision of professional

development for lecturing staff in accordance with a PD calendar and supported by our principal lecturers• Provision of academic

guidance, support and professional development for lecturers on an as-needs basis, as provided by the principal lecturers, and coordination of the Academic Leaders Group• Support of e-learning

provision, including staff training and ongoing support for staff• Via the Academic

Board, oversight of policies and procedures related specifically to academic compliance and excellence • Scope management• Partnering relationships

with external agencies with cross-institutional delivery requirements, such as VETiS and prison.In the Health Sciences

and Community Services portfolio, courses in allied health, nursing and aged care are popular. Numerous school leavers

have also been attracted to the fitness program, which is offered this semester.

Continued on page 5


From the MD’s Desk

From page 4Good numbers of students

have enrolled in diploma courses, particularly for the Diploma of Community Services. The availability of VET FEE-HELP may have influenced people to train at this level.The first lecturer visit

to Christmas Island to supervise Children’s Services trainees is taking place this month.Reregistration auditI was pleased to hear the institute’s application for reaccreditation through the Training Accreditation Council had been approved. An initial professional and

career development session for staff identified by portfolio managers as potential internal auditors was held last week, and I am working with the portfolio of Teaching and Learning on a 12-month calendar of PD to ensure academic excellence across our organisation.My sincere thanks to all

who worked so hard for the audit.Information TechnologyCongratulations to IT Manager Justin Laing, who has managed the implementation and deployment of our new website. The planning which went

into this was massive, and performing the work in-house kept the project within our budget.The busy IT section

has also completed a replacement program of 126 computers across the institute.Another exciting project

in the starting blocks is the new intranet, for which the specification has been developed. PromotionsPortfolio staff, regional campus coordinators and our communications section have been busy promoting courses for 2014.In addition to numerous

advertisements in the press and on radio, we have held displays in the Albany Plaza, outside Woolworths in Katanning and at IGA in Mount Barker.Our new website and our

Facebook page are other avenues for putting out course information and our enrolment numbers suggest these are effective.Award NightOur student support section is gearing up for our annual Award Night on Thursday 13 March. We will distribute 68

course awards and nine major awards at the event, which will be held again at the Albany Entertainment Centre.Disability liaisonPeople with disability are offered a variety of courses for part-time study in Semester 1.The Albany campus is

offering:• Certificate III in Clothing

Production (Foundation Skills Pathway course)• iPad Learning for the

Future – Course in Initial

General Education for Adults (Foundation Skills course)• Digital Photography –

Certificate I in Visual Art (Foundation Skills Pathway course).At Katanning, students may

enrol in:• Access Art – Certificate

I in Visual Art (Foundation Skills Pathway course).If you identify students

with disability who would benefit from seeing our Disability Liaison Officer Wendy Macliver, please encourage them to make an appointment to see her.International studentsThe Skills Development Centre welcomed a new group of international students this year. These students, who come from Korea, the UK, Germany, India, the Philippines and Italy, join some of last year’s intake of international students who are still studying at our institute.I send these students a

warm welcome and wish them well as they settle in to their life in Albany and start their studies towards a qualification. See the story on the

international students on page 3.Finally, it’s great to see the

level of enthusiasm from all sections as we tackle the new year.I hope you enjoy this first

edition of The Gazette for 2014, and I look forward to hearing about activities across the institute during the year.Happy reading,Lidia


Great Southern Institute of Technology welcomed two new members to the board of the Governing Council in December. Between them, Veronica (Ronnie) Fleay and Suresh Balakrishnan bring wide experience in the areas of education, local and State Government, and law.

Board welcomes new members

A passion for regional development and a desire to improve education and training opportunities for regional people motivated Kojonup Shire President Veronica (Ronnie) Fleay to join Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Governing Council.Ronnie has lived in regional Western

Australia all her life. Born in Kojonup, she moved to Exmouth with her young family and lived there for 12 years before returning to the Great Southern in 2011.Ronnie’s extensive CV lists high-level

community service, State Government and local government appointments. She has also operated a small business, so she brings invaluable experience and knowledge from various perspectives to benefit the institute. As Chair of the Gascoyne Development

Commission, Ronnie also sat on the Regional Council. For three years, she was a member of the WA Planning Commission, and she was appointed as a State Councillor for the Western Australian Local Government Association. She is still on the Ningaloo Coast Planning Committee 11 years after joining.Having served as President of the

Exmouth Shire and now as President of the Kojonup Shire, Ronnie has extensive knowledge of local government issues and the challenges facing regional people and communities.She said she was interested in improving

the prospects for disadvantaged youth and Aboriginal people, particularly from an educational perspective.“I look at how we can gear up youth for

the future and drive them to stepping up rather than sitting back and forgetting

about life,” Ronnie said.“And I’d like to see more opportunities

for Aboriginal people in the community, as there’s a lot of potential there,” she said.Ronnie explained she had connections

with TAFE colleges from the student perspective – at Durack Institute of Technology – as well as from her ties with government.Having influenced decisions at strategic

level, Ronnie said she had gained personal and professional satisfaction from her ability to effect change for the better.“I have a broad perspective of the issues

in remote communities and it’s satisfying giving something back,” she said.Ronnie said she was looking forward

to attending her first Governing Council meeting in early 2014, and seeing how the council worked.


The Governing Council is the governing body of Great Southern Institute of Technology, having the right of authority to control and influence its operations and affairs. The council is also designated as the employing authority and the accountable authority under the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985.

Membership of Great Southern Institute Governing Council is made up of community and industry representatives applying to, and nominated by, the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

A Barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Western Australia since 2005, Suresh Balakrishnan has lived in Albany for 12 years, and is now employed by Latro Lawyers.Suresh had practiced law in India for seven

years before moving to Australia in 1999, and graduating from Murdoch University with a Master of Laws a year later.Suresh believes his professional

experience will be valuable to Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Governing Council as he will be qualified to supply informal legal advice on difficult issues, which will save the institute time and legal costs.He explained that Latro Lawyers

encouraged all employees to contribute to community causes through sponsorship or membership of committees.“I am already on sporting committees, and

I thought being involved with the Governing Council was the best way to contribute to the institute and the community at large,” Suresh said.While he has not attended the institute

himself, he has an interest in education and training.“I’m in a unique position because I studied

and worked in two countries – India and Australia,” he said.He has also had connections to the

institute for the past few years as his

wife has taken several courses, including brushing up on her English when she first arrived in Australia.Suresh said he appreciated the opportunity

to work with the people already on the council, and the diversity of experience they brought to the table.“I’m looking forward to being part of

the decision-making process, and being involved in a great institute such as TAFE,” he said.“I’m also looking forward to seeing how

it works and to contribute to a better educational environment.”

Terms of ReferenceUnder the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, the Governing Council is to:a) prepare an institute training profile for the approval of the Minister as and when required by the Ministerb) develop and implement strategic and management plans for the institutec) ensure the institute’s courses, programs and services are responsive to, and meet, the needs of students, industry and the communityd) ensure that the institute’s commitments under its resource agreement and any other contractual arrangements are met.

Fast Facts


Keeping abreast of the latest developments and best practice in industry is a primary aim of Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers and program coordinators. Students enrolling in courses can be confident they are receiving up-to-

date training to industry standards, and employers can expect a level of competence from those trained on our campuses.All lecturers are encouraged to participate in industry consultation

and attend seminars and conferences, and portfolio budgets allow for professional and career development opportunities.The Gazette’s series of articles featuring staff committed to providing

cutting-edge training continues this month with the focus on Children’s Services Lecturer Sally Lawrie BEd.

Education not all child’s playWhen attending the University of Western Australia’s annual award ceremony in December, Sally Lawrie was expecting to celebrate the completion of her degree, but she got more than she bargained for.She was awarded the title of Highest

Achieving Student of the Bachelor of Education at UWA Albany, which came as a complete surprise on the night.Sally, who studied for the Curtin University

degree under the auspices of UWA’s Albany Centre, said the evening was special, not only for the presentation of the award, but also because her family was there to share the celebration.The affable mother-of-two, who has

worked as a Children’s Services lecturer at Great Southern Institute of Technology since 1999, embarked on the course of study to advance her qualifications and her opportunities for promotion at work. Since finishing her degree in June, she has attained Advanced Skills Lecturer (ASL) 1 status, and aims to go on to ASL 2.Sally started studying externally for her

degree in 2009. While it is a four-year full-time course, she chose to study part time. Using her experience to gain credit for some units through recognition of prior learning allowed her to complete it in 4½ years, which included a 10-week practical component.

Though it is clear Sally is driven to academic achievement, the nature of her vocation gives her the most pleasure.“I love working with children,” Sally said.“Supporting creativity in children is my

biggest passion, particularly encouraging playing and learning outside,” she said.Lecturing takes her away from the coalface

and into the classroom, but she hopes to address this in the future.

Continued on page 9


Aboriginal Programs Assistant Melissa Meyer helped Chantelle Stevenson and Cathy Watson of Aboriginal Health set up their stand in the café foyer recently.The pair were there to hand out information on many aspects of health, drawing attention to the theme with games and other activities.

From page 8“My long-term plan is to work part time

here and work in kindergarden or pre-primary part time as well,” Sally said.She explained children’s services new

industry regulations stipulated each child care service employed an early childhood teacher with a degree and she could now fill that role.

While the degree has taken the lion’s share of Sally’s professional development time, she has continued to attend conferences and maintain industry contacts.With her colleague Anne Parker, Sally will

attend an upcoming child care conference

at Camp Quaranup, where the pair will also present a workshop.For now, though, she is enjoying the

quieter pace and new opportunities for which she has more time.“I’m off to Christmas Island for four days

to supervise four Children’s Services trainees,” she said, explaining two were taking the Certificate III and two the Diploma, and all had English as their second language.“I’ll set up their study and learning in the

workplace, then I’ll have regular contact with them and visit them three or four times over the year,” she said.She said it had sometimes been an

arduous task to juggle her work with study and family life, but it had been well worth the effort. She also paid tribute to the support of her family and colleagues, as well as UWA staff, while studying.Although Sally’s study regime demanded

much of her attention, it also set a fine example for her children, who are now at high school.“They knew I sometimes had to devote

time to study, and now I can help them with theirs,” Sally said.

Supporting creativity in children is my biggest passion

Education not all child’s play

Healthy approach to student wellbeing


Taking a bus trip around the south coast’s most beautiful tourist spots and local icons is great fun, but for a group of Great Southern Institute of Technology students on their annual outing, it’s a learning experience at the same time.The end-of-year excursion is organised

by Tourism students for the Certificates in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) students – and forms part of the course assessment for both groups.Tourism Lecturer Cathy Glen, who also

drives the bus, explained her group organised the annual event in consultation with the CSWE students and their lecturers Sara Lembo and Jill Buchanan.“They meet the CSWE group and tailor the

outing to suit them,” Cathy said.“They research the places they will visit,

and on the day, they also do a commentary on the attractions,” she said.The CSWE students, for whom English

is their second language, practice their conversation and literacy and expand their vocabulary while taking the opportunity to view local attractions – often for the first time.CSWE Lecturer Sara Lembo explained

that, for the 2013 trip in November, her group of beginners visited the Vancouver Arts Centre and the wind farm, and Jill Buchanan’s students of Certificates II and III took a jaunt to The Gap and Natural Bridge

in the Torndirrup National Park, and the Brig Amity replica.“The CSWE students practice their

listening and speaking skills and learn about our area,” Sara said.Jill’s group also write about their

experience as part of their assessment when they return to the classroom.This happy alliance between classes

demonstrates the benefits of sharing resources and a collaborative approach to learning in a real-life situation. It is also a much-anticipated and enjoyable event for the participants.Cathy said the experience was invaluable

as everyone worked together in a socially diverse environment and enjoyed an excellent cultural exchange.

More pictures on the next page

Collaboration broadens horizons

Taking a ‘selfie’ with the harbour as a backdrop.

Tourism and CSWE students gather at the wind farm.


The scenic beauty of the south coast is a major attraction.

A happy group enjoying the bus ride around the south coast’s most popular tourist spots.A hot drink to warm up.

Tourism Lecturer Cathy Glen with two of her students.

Peering through the gloom – below decks on the Amity replica.

A blustery day, but these students enjoy their visit to the wind farm.


At a special celebration on 9 December, the achievements of a group of AIEOs (Aboriginal Islander Education Officers) were recognised. AIEOs throughout the region have

been studying for their Certificates III and IV in Education Support at Great Southern Institute of Technology since 2011, their studies funded through the Department of Education.Louann Miniter (Yakamia Primary

School), Pat Bolton (Albany Primary School) and Rachel Brown (North Albany Senior High School) all completed their Certificate III in Education Support last year. It was an honour to see their

achievements recognised and hear from deputies how valued their work is in their schools. Of particular mention is Louann

Miniter, who has been an AIEO at

Yakamia for 17 years. The high standard of her work and

commitment to her studies was commendable. All the students are keen to continue

their studies in Certificate IV this year. The training was delivered through

the Health Sciences and Community Services portfolio, and the institute’s Aboriginal Programs section supplied additional administrative and student support.Aboriginal Culture Lecturer Larry

Blight also attended the celebration, allowing valuable time for the group to yarn about Aboriginal cultural awareness and ways to bring this knowledge into the schools. It was a very successful way to finish

2013 – congratulations to all involved in the program.

– Rebecca Lovitt

Cultural contribution valued

Aboriginal Islander Education Officers Rachel Brown, Louann Miniter, Dianne Williams, Margaret James and Pat Bolton gained qualifications in Education Support in 2013.


Need stationery?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!

It’s always a happy time when students complete their studies. It was no exception when this group of Certificate IV in Education Support students celebrated their achievements with an end-of-term lunch. It is the end of a year of study for most –

who completed their Certificate III in 2013. Two students achieved their qualification

after a few years through a mix of on-campus and flexible study. The Certificate IV in Education Support

qualification has a large emphasis on working with students with additional

needs. Students successfully juggled study commitments with regular paid education assistant work, which was a bonus as these days counted towards their placement hours. Next year, the students are all looking

forward to using their skills to gain employment in the region. The relationships built up within existing

schools this year will see them in great demand. We wish them all the best for the future.

– Lizzie Bigwood, Lisa Hassell and Rebecca Lovitt

Celebration at end of busy year

For this group of Certificate IV in Education Support students and their lecturers, the culmination of their year of study was a get-together over a relaxing lunch.


Scholarship winners celebrate From page 1

Jack Family Charitable TrustWinners:Toni Bourbon, Certificate IV in HorticultureJames Carter, Certificate IV in Design Hayley Coomber, Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy Emmaliene Cutten-Gaunt, Certificate II in BusinessMadeline Francis, Certificate III in BusinessAnne-Marie Garvey, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping Samantha Grose, Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Che Kelly, Certificate IV in BookkeepingJulie Lee, Certificate III in Aged CareRuby Moon, Certificate II in MusicLuke Norton, Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management Mitchell Page, Certificate II in MusicAmelia Powell, Certificate II in Production HorticultureAndrew Renfrey, Certificate III in Allied Health Matthias Rost, Diploma of Community ServicesTaylor Spinks, Certificate IV in Information TechnologyAnne-Marie Stewart, Certificate III in Aged CareTiffany Stewart, Certificate III in Aged CareCallum Torr, Certificate III in Fitness Sarah Turvey, Certificate II in Music

The Jack Family Charitable Trust was set up from the will of the late Muriel Freeman, who endowed the trust with some $2.5 million, of which about $250,000 is distributed each year to worthwhile causes in the fields of education, health, youth, the arts and community services. This assistance has been provided in the Albany area for about 10 years.Though Mrs Freeman was

passionate about education, the trustees believe this was the first time the trust had funded scholarships in technical education.

From page 1A second scholarship presentation ceremony was held on Thursday 20 February at the Denmark campus for the institute’s music students.Conducting proceedings was Director

of Organisational Effectiveness Chris Jones, who thanked the sponsors for their generosity.Chris said the scholarships had helped to

alleviate the financial pressure of study and

encouraged students to enrol in GSIT music courses.He congratulated the winners and wished

them well with their music studies, and thanked the music lecturers, led by Tony King, for their professionalism and expertise in nurturing local talent.Dual-enrolled student Mitchell Page

of Albany Senior High School will be presented with his scholarship at the school.

Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Winners:Jake Gregory, Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology Susannah Johnston, Certificate III in Business

The Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry sponsors two scholarships of $500 each to students of accounting, business or IT.


Mick Young Scholarship TrustThe Mick Young Scholarship Trust was set up in memory of the late Mick Young, a former Member of Parliament and Federal Cabinet Minister, who sought to enhance opportunities for people who may be disadvantaged but have a motivation and commitment to furthering their education and improving life circumstances.

Winners:Stacey Bush, Certificate III in BusinessSasha Fernando, Certificate III in Allied HealthCameron Golding, Certificate II in ElectrotechnologyTess McKenna, Certificate III in Allied Health Oona Mansour, Certificate IV in Financial Services Carlen Miller, Certificate IV in BookkeepingSheila Percy, Certificate III in Education Support Tia Stevens, Certificate IV in AccountingCaroline Walmsley, Certificate III in Education SupportLisa Wise, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping

Denmark Music FoundationThe Denmark Music Foundation wound up operations in 2009, but left $10,000 in trust to be distributed to GSIT music students over the ensuing 10 years.This gesture of committing funds to the development

of music in the town proved the foundation’s dedication to the local music industry and it has helped to promote music education while encouraging our talented and dedicated up-and-coming musicians to pursue a career in music.This year, one Denmark Music Foundation scholarship of

$500 is being awarded in each semester.

Celebrating after receiving their music scholarships are students Karen Richards, Phoebe Scanlon, David Sherrott, Ruby Moon and Dawn Barrington.

Winner:Phoebe Scanlon

Continued on page 16


$1500 Music ScholarshipsA donor who wishes to remain anonymous has generously donated two scholarships of $1500 each to music students at GSIT in Semester 1.

Valerie Heath Music ScholarshipDenmark community members Valerie Heath and Bob Johnson generously sponsored a scholarship of $500. Their philanthropic gesture will encourage a music student to continue their studies.

Winner:Dawn Barrington

Valerie Heath and Bob Johnson congratulate Certificate IV in Music student Dawn Barrington (centre) on winning the Valerie Heath Music Scholarship.

Winners:Karen Richards, Certificate IV in MusicDavid Sherrott, Certificate IV in Music.

Check out what’s happening at

Your Regional TAFE


SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

Help steer the environmental ship

The Sustainability section of the institute’s new website is under the ‘About Us’ tab on the front page.

The sustainability page on the institute’s new website contains a wide range of information on this important aspect of our operations.Located under the ‘About Us’ tab on

the front page, the sustainability section details the institute’s ethos and the work of the Seeds of Sustainability committee, including notable achievements.Also on this page is a link to details of

the Diploma of Sustainability, and PDF downloads of the Sustainability Map and the Sustainability Action Plan 2012-2015.The Sustainability Action Plan underpins

the institute’s strategies for carrying out business in an ethical and sustainable manner.It addresses the following key action

areas:• Developing a skilled workforce• Supporting sustainability through

products and services• Demonstrating leadership• Reducing our carbon footprint.For each of these areas, the plan details

a summary and the committee’s many and varied achievements.It ends in a call to action to students

and staff interested in furthering their commitment to environmental sustainability.Staff who are interested in contributing

to, and influencing, the institute’s environmental sustainability philosophy are invited to the Seeds of Sustainability committee’s next quarterly meeting on Monday 31 March at 1pm in the boardroom of the Albany campus.For more information on the committee

meetings or any aspect of sustainability on our campuses, phone Seeds of Sustainability Chair Neil Augustson on 9892 8711.


Last year and over the Christmas break, numerous building works and renovation projects were carried out at the Albany campus. Some of these projects were occupational

health and safety compliance requirements, while others were necessary for maintenance of our buildings and facilities.• Roof anchor points have been

installed. These allow contractors to harness themselves to the roof and prevent falls while they are working.

• Asbestos fascias along walkways have been replaced with an asbestos-free product.

• The painters have been busy on the demountable classrooms and trades block.

• Gardens outside M Block have been removed ready for the construction of a storage room.

• Smart new carpet tiles have been laid in the foyer between the café and the library.

• A new security camera system will extend coverage over the campus.

• The new road to the car park at D Block is now sealed and in full use.

• Garden beds in front of D Block have been revamped and damage to the reticulation system repaired.

• The hoppers outside the carpentry and joinery workshop have been sandblasted and repainted – see the photo below.

• And finally, the Health Sciences and Community Services building is growing like a mushroom, and is still on schedule for completion by November.

See the Health Sciences block’s progress photos on the next page.

Albany campus capital works

Sandblasting and painting the carpentry hoppers was a big job.


August 2013

October 2013

December 2013

February 2014


Quality document updates

The following Quality Documents have been deleted, added or updated on the intranet:

Deleted:CSRD009 Workforce Development Group Terms of Reference Functionality of this disbanded group will be via Strategic Think GroupHR005 Induction of Staff procedure Now in the combined POCS073 Induction – Staff policy and procedureHR005a Induction of Staff Flowchart Flowchart is no longer relevantHR006 Redeployment procedure Now in the combined POCS071 Redeployment policy and procedure QFAS0054 Application of Re-Mark or Report of an Assessment Combined into QFAS0021 Assessment Appeal ApplicationQFAS0087 Statement of Attainment Notification Process done through the Zen deskQFAS0122 Equivalence Matrix Now combined into updated QFAS0125 Competency MatrixQFSP0033 Mailing List Approval No longer used

New:Reviewed and Updated:ASRD007 Field Placement Information Handbook Reformatted, updated duty of careCS012 Asset Manual Updated procedure, increased Category 2 value from $500 to $1000, updated Asset Register to reflect three registers (previously one)CS019 Loan of Equipment and Facilities Included videoconference bookings ratesCS020 Vehicle Management Removed Government LGP Policy, updated 4WD disposal criteria, updated approximate cost of hiring a driver, removed charging for fleet trips, increased maximum days for fleet trips, increased contribution ratesCS027 Insurance Claims Change to Personal Vehicle UseCSRD006 Executive Management Team Terms of Reference Renamed from Corporate Executive, updated membershipCSRD014 Occupational Safety and Health Committee Terms of Reference Added the Role, Standing Items, Term of Office and Training, the Chair and minute taker have changed, updated the Membership and Terms of ReferenceCSRD031 Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee Terms of Reference Substantial changes to Terms of ReferenceCSRD033 Seeds of Sustainability Committee Terms of Reference Substantial reviewHR022 Employee/Contractor Guidelines Updated guidelinesPOCS001 Relocation policy Policy more clearly defined


POCS031 Delegation of Authority policy Minor updatePOCS061 Vehicle Policy and Procedure Amendment to Personal Use of Vehicles, deleted Defensive Driving ProgramsPOCS071 Redeployment Policy and Procedure Policy and procedure combined. Updated redeployment process, expanded information and made easier to readPOCS073 Induction-Staff Policy and procedure combined. Updated to include online/moodle induction POSP009 Personal Information – Privacy policy Substantial reviewPOSP025 VET FEE-HELP Grievances, Complaints and Appeals Policy Minor updatePOSP026 VET FEE-HELP Fair Treatment and Equal Benefits and Opportunity Policy Minor updatePOSP027 VET FEE-HELP Tuition Fee Refund Policy Minor updatePOSP028 VET FEE-HELP Re-Crediting a FEE-HELP Balance Policy Minor updatePOSP029 VET FEE-HELP Privacy Policy Minor updateQFAS0007 Unit Transfer Form Updated section titleQFAS0014 Student Details Amendment Form Updated section titleQFAS0021 Assessment Appeal Application Combined into QFAS0054 Application for Re-Mark or Report of an AssessmentQFAS0027 Draft Enrolment Form Request Added, DA, VO changed RN to RD, more user friendlyQFAS0047 Concession Fees Updated section titleQFAS0125 Competency Matrix Updated as per advice from Re-registration Audit. Combined QFAS0122 Equivalence Matrix into this updated formQFCS0040 Enrolment Fees – Credit Card Authority Minor updateQFCS0048 Travel Application Form Included kilometrage rates and airfare equivalent rateQFCS0121 Return to Work Program Reformatted (content the same)QFCS0142 Staff Development Funding Application Added ‘copy provided to HR’QPRD003 AQTF Internal Audit Schedule Updated for Semester 1, 2014QPRD004 Statement VET Tuition Assurance Minor update

If you find any Quality Document with out-of-date information, please phone Caro Saunders on 8742.


Sue Dawes’s Free-Cycling event at the Albany campus was an excellent source of free stationery for staff and students, as well as being a terrific green initiative.

GSIT staff get their messages out there...

At Katanning, campus staff set up this terrific stand outside Woollies to spruik our courses.


The word ‘library’ comes from the Latin word liber, meaning ‘book’. So naturally there

are many books in our institute library, though sadly not as many as in the past. However, apart from

books and journals and DVDs, which everyone knows are available, there are plenty of resources in other formats. These include maps,

globes, posters, games, puzzles, music CDs, flags, puppets and musical instruments – including no fewer than 10 djembes, a kazoo and a guiro! Apart from popular

games such as Guess Who, cards and chess, there is a sustainability game, Big Night Out – a game which demonstrates the consequences of drink-driving – and No Fault Zone, a game about conflict resolution.

With a little imagination, many of these resources can be introduced to nearly any class to add a little spice and fun to delivery, and as ice-

breakers.Lecturers are

encouraged to come to the library and explore these hidden and not-so-hidden treasures.

Hannah Orzel, Peter Green and Cyril Norment try out some of the musical instruments in the Library Resource Centre.

Library variety speaks volumes

Need software?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!


Summer is traditionally barbecue season and for many, barbecues mean salads. A salad is perfect on a hot day, and can go

a long way to helping you achieve your five recommended daily serves of vegetables. This salad can be made the day before

an event and refrigerated – taking some of the pressure off – and can be a meal on its own, or an accompaniment to another dish.

Rainbow Pasta SaladPreparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesServes: 4

Ingredients300g green beans, ends trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces 200g spiral or bowtie pasta (3 cups cooked)1x 420g can no-added-salt corn kernels, drained 1x 420g can no-added-salt four bean mix, drained250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium red capsicum, seeded and cut into thin 3cm strips½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped ½ cup drained fat-free semi-sundried tomatoes, chopped½ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped ½ cup basil leaves, shredded

Dressing1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard½ tablespoon honey½ tablespoon white vinegar or white wine vinegar½ tablespoon water

Method• Bring a medium-sized saucepan of water

to the boil. Add beans and simmer for two minutes until they are bright green.

• Remove beans with a slotted spoon and refresh under cold water. Alternatively cook beans in the microwave on high (100 per cent) for two minutes with a tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl.

• Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to packet directions until just tender.

• Drain well and add to a large serving bowl with drained beans and remaining salad ingredients.

• In a small jug, mix together dressing ingredients then pour over salad. Toss until well combined.

• Serve immediately or enjoy cold the next day.

VariationReplace tinned corn with kernels removed from one fresh cob which has been steamed or microwaved on high (100 per cent power) for three minutes. Add a small chopped avocado just before serving.

LiveLighter © State of Western Australia 2013. Reproduced with permission.For more recipes see www.livelighter.com.au.

This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).