The gazette november 2014

November 2014Volume 5, No 9

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

Reports and pictures of our celebrations –

see pages 6 to12

Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa and Regional Development Minister The Hon. Terry Redman MLA put a new time capsule in a wall cavity at the new health science building.

Our biggest week in 40 years

Lecturer meets slippery customerPage 16

History enterprise a walk in the parkPage 3

Also in this editionCatering group gets

tastyPage 2

Reconciliation Action Plan | Health block | 40th anniversary

Great Southern Gazette – November 20142

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?

Caterers turn Indian for good causeFor a group of people with disability, this year’s Creative Catering course has been a revelation.They have learnt the finer points of cooking

for big numbers, and happily, the institute’s staff and students have also benefited.Regular catering assignments for institute

functions have given the group real experience of food preparation, cooking and presentation, under the guidance of lecturers Mark Crabtree and Steve Speight.Not only have their talents impressed

those enjoying the fruits of their labours, but they have also raised $853 for the Heff ‘n’ Puffers Relay for Life team with their sales of soup, Anzac biscuits and – for their latest project – butter chicken.Heff ‘n’ Puffers captain Carolyn Heffernan

said she had been amazed at the efforts put in by the group and at the high standard of food they produced.“We are extremely grateful that the

caterers chose to donate the proceeds of

three projects to our Relay for Life team,” Carolyn said.“Judging by the excellent feedback from

those who enjoyed their food, they have learnt some great skills. It’s been awesome!”

First in the queue for the delicious butter chicken this week were Debbie Williams and Kathy Keay.

Support worker Belinda Bolger (left) helps students Veronica Koster, Kate McRae and Jason Ball to portion the butter chicken for sale to institute staff and students as a final Relay for Life fundraiser for the year.

www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Great Southern Gazette – November 2014 3

This month’s Anzac commemoration has given a new slant – and a potential boost – to a fledgling tourism business which was inspired by a great idea and a training course at Great Southern Institute of Technology.Former tourism student Perri Pires

launched her business iTrails Down Under after recognising the potential of a pilot project she worked on for the Albany Heritage Festival in 2013, while studying at the institute.As part of the iTrails Down Under concept,

participants walk or drive around a pre-determined course which takes them to historic places of interest.They have the choice of either following

directions using GSP coordinates, or using cryptic work play and photo clues to solve puzzles, which are as entertaining as they are informative.The innovation also gives people a

greater insight into local historic icons and destinations. Perri developed the initiative and now

produces a series of trails to include Albany heritage and public art, whaling, Denmark and the Porongurups, as well as a Hero trail centred around the Anzac theme.Educational and absorbing, the products

are popular with all ages. They are professionally printed and packaged, and can be ordered through the iTrails Down Under website, or through the numerous tourist businesses and centres now stocking them.Using the trails, locals and tourists

are discovering much about the hidden treasures, history and heritage of the city. They are trying out new ones and recommending them to others.Perri attributes the popularity of the

packages to their appeal to people’s adventurous spirit – or inner child – as well

as their flexibility. “You can pick your own time for your

adventure, and because the weather is unpredictable, the trails can be completed in stages,” Perri explained.Having researched and created the trails,

the former teacher said she had to tackle the marketing, which had been the most difficult part of the process for her.Her exacting standards are evident,

though, in the exciting iTrails Down Under website and vibrant Facebook page. Perri said her training at Great Southern

Institute gave her a feel for the potential of the project and a good grounding on which she had built her business.As for the future, she has been

approached to consider preparing projects for other regions, and she is kept busy adding to the range and custom-designing trails for groups and individuals.To find out more about Perri’s business,

search on Google for iTrails Down Under. For more information on tourism courses at Great Southern Institute of Technology, phone 9892 8795.

Former tourism student Perri Pires at the fish shack at Mouchemore’s Cottage in Albany’s historic precinct – a destination on one of her iTrails.

New venture breathes life into our local history


From the MD’s Desk

As we enter our last few weeks of the year, people all around the institute are as busy as ever.We still have work to do to

ensure we reach profile, but I am pleased to see that we are just about there.

Planning daysMembers of the Strategic Think Group gathered for three days of planning last week.On the first day, our

facilitator Hazel Wemper encouraged us to think outside the square in an energetic session on change management and team building.We examined our business

from a different perspective, considering our strategies for continued success and how best to realise them.Several members of

the Governing Council were present on the first day to benefit from the experienced presenter and share philosophies and ideas with the group.Presentations from

each section manager on the following two days demonstrated our achievements in 2014 and detailed our plans for 2015.What became clear from

the presentations is that 2014 has not been as daunting as we expected, and we have competently managed the financial constraints imposed on

us this year. We reviewed our business

operations, questioned our capability to attract the best people and produce the best training, and discussed strategies to strengthen the institute’s position over the next few years.On the afternoon of the last

day, the group was joined by representatives of the Emerging Leaders group. Nine recommendations

from the Emerging Leaders’ meetings were discussed. These will be addressed

by the corporate executive and information will be disseminated at the whole-of-institute professional development day on February 6.My sincere thanks go

to Hazel for her lively presentation, to the Governing Council members for their valuable input, and to the Emerging Leaders group for their attendance.Aboriginal ProgramsShirley Hansen is on leave until early 2016, and Ron Grey has been appointed Acting Manager Aboriginal Programs in her absence.Shirley’s work on the

Reconciliation Action Plan was commendable. Her consultation with the Aboriginal community and Reconciliation Australia resulted in an excellent plan, which was launched

on 27 October. See the report and photos

on pages 6 to 8 of this edition.I wish Shirley all the best

for her leave, and extend a warm welcome to Ron, who is well known to many around the institute as a lecturer.Block opening and anniversaryThe Reconciliation Action Plan launch was followed a few days later by the official opening of the health sciences block combined with the institute’s 40th anniversary celebration.Regional Development

Minister the Hon. Terry Redman MLA attended and also represented Training and Workforce Development Minister the Hon. Dr Kim Hames MLA.Given the Anzac weekend

was in full swing in Albany, we had an excellent turnout for this happy occasion. Reports and pictures are on pages 9 to 12.

OAG

Representatives from the Office of the Auditor General are in the institute this week.They are forensically examining our financial compliance and exploring our selection and recruitment practices, which will be benchmarked against other agencies.

Data AdministratorMy best wishes go to our Data Administrator Mark Draper, who is leaving us to go to Geraldton.

Continued on page 5


From the MD’s Desk

From page 4Jo Hawkins put in an expression of interest

and has been successful in securing the position in the short term. Christmas morning teaThe institute’s Christmas morning tea, which

will include the presentation of staff awards, will be held on Wednesday 10 December in the institute café at the Albany campus at 11am. If you haven’t already responded to the

invitation sent out at the end of October, please let Jan Auld know of your attendance as soon as possible.

Until next month, happy reading,Lidia

HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Positions advertised• Manager Aboriginal Programs – successful applicant was Ron Grey• Research Officer – successful applicant was Kristine Deutschmann• Lecturer Massage – applications closed on 30 October, selection process is

underway• Lecturer Health Sciences – applications closed on 30 October, selection process

is underway• Portfolio Liaison Officer – applications closed on 30 October, selection process

is underway• Lecturer Tourism and Events – applications closing 20 November• Casual Lecturer Tourism, Katanning (12 month recruitment pool) – applications

closing 20 November• Data Administrator – applications closing 24 November.

New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Patrick Gillespie, Casual Lecturer Land Management• Aimee Ingersen, Casual Lecturer Beauty Therapy• Margaret Jones, Casual Support Aboriginal Programs.

Staff exitingThere are no exits this month, apart from staff on extended leave.

Drop any items in to Sue Dawes or phone her on 8828 to arrange collectionNeed stationery?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!


RAP launch

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

About 120 guests celebrated the launch of Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Reconciliation Action Plan on 27 October.Managing Director Lidia

Rozlapa welcomed staff, students and community members, who gathered for the outdoor ceremony at the new health science block. Reconciliation Western

Australia board member and Noongar man Jim Morrison, and deputy chair Alan Carter travelled from Perth to launch the plan.After welcoming the guests,

Lidia introduced Noongar Elder Ezzard Flowers, who also welcomed everyone on behalf of the original custodians of the land.Ezzard also unveiled a

painting by Errol Eades, which the institute had commissioned especially for the plan launch. Read more about the painting on page 8.Setting the scene for

the morning’s celebration were didgeridoo player Graham Simpson and the Kinjarling Ngoorlak Karak Dance Group of Gillian Woods, Jezelda and Charlie Lethbridge and Romeka Kelly.Lidia said for many

years, the institute had advocated for equal opportunities for Aboriginal

people in all areas of life, by strengthening its relationships with the Noongar community and actively supporting reconciliation through its role as an educational organisation.“We have developed firm

bonds with the Aboriginal communities of the Great Southern and with Aboriginal organisations locally and further afield,” Lidia said.“With these strong

relationships in place, the next step has been to formalise this institute’s commitment to a greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people through a Reconciliation Action Plan,” she added.Launching the plan, Jim

Morrison said it was time for

reconciliation and time all people worked together.He also urged the institute,

as a RAP organisation, to work with others.“Don’t work in isolation,

help other RAP organisations to reach their goals too,” Jim said.“Work with the community

and work in a genuine way so we can close the gap,” he said.Addressing the gathering,

Alan Carter said reconciliation was about two parties coming together.“We need to make sure the

key drivers of reconciliation are the 97 per cent of us who are not of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent,” Alan said.Lidia thanked Jim and Alan

for their inspiring words.Continued on page 7

Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa addresses the gathering.

Institute formalises commitment to reconciliation


RAP launchKadadjiny Noongar Moort

From page 6Before inviting

the guests to enjoy morning tea, she thanked Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley Hansen for her excellent work over several months to produce the plan, and to Shirley and her team for their ongoing commitment to helping Aboriginal people achieve their potential through advice, mentoring and encouragement.She said she was

proud that this institute was the first Albany-based organisation to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, and urged others to follow the example.“The greater the focus

on reconciliation, the better the future for all Australians,” Lidia said.

Aden Eades and Brendan Kelly. Averil Dean, Winnie Larsen

and Treasy Woods.

Sara Lembo (third from left) with her group of English students.

Keith Bodman, Alan Carter, Ihape Taoi and Jim Morrison.

Graham Simpson on the didgeridoo.

Justine Grey and Joshua Krakouer.

Melissa Berrigan, Shirley Hansen and Shiekiel Ford.

Kinjarling Ngoorlak Karak Dance Group.

RAP launchInstitute formalises

commitment to reconciliation


Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

For Aboriginal artist Errol Eades, the opportunity to produce a piece of artwork to commemorate the institute’s Reconciliation Action Plan was an honour.Errol was commissioned

to produce the painting through Aboriginal art centre Mungart Boodja.Carefully planned and

executed in Errol’s signature style combining traditional painting with landscapes, the artwork represents people coming together towards reconciliation.Describing the painting,

Errol explained the large

circle at the bottom represented the institute reaching out to Noongar people through education and training, with pathways to careers and an exchange of cultural understanding.The many dots around

the border represented the opportunities to be explored when knowledge and skills were gained through reconciliation, he said.Great Southern Institute

of Technology Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa said the institute commissioned the painting to inspire and motivate people as they

work towards reconciliation, and as a celebration of the special relationship between the institute and the Aboriginal community.“We also wanted a piece

which would symbolise the connection between our institute and the Aboriginal community,” Lidia said.“This artwork does this

brilliantly,” she said.She thanked artist Errol for

producing the inspiring and evocative art especially for the institute.“We will display it in our

boardroom and treasure it,” Lidia said.

Noongar artist Errol Eades with his painting Kadadjiny Djooroot Kolbang, which the institute commissioned through Mungart Boodja.

RAP launchNoongar art symbolises relationship


A new Health Sciences and Community Services block will enable Great Southern Institute of Technology to better meet growing community demand for nurses, allied health workers and community and children’s services workers.Made possible by $5.76 million

from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, the new building was officially opened on 31 October by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman, who was also representing Training and Workforce Development Minister Kim Hames.

Great Southern Institute of Technology Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa said the new block was a modern facility for course delivery.“There’s a greater demand for

training in the Great Southern and the new building is an important part of the institute meeting that demand,” Lidia said.“Having this new building has

allowed us to refurbish our adjoining blocks to provide more space and better facilities across the entire portfolio, giving staff and students a modern environment for teaching and learning,” she added.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman unveils a plaque to mark the official opening of the new Health Sciences and Community Services building at the institute’s Albany campus.

Block opening

Building a modern environment for training delivery


The official opening of the health sciences block by Minister Redman on 31 October also marked the institute’s 40th anniversary.Managing Director Lidia

Rozlapa spoke of the original opening on 1 November 1974, when The Hon. Graham McKinnon, then Minister for Education, attended the Albany campus. Lidia revealed the contents

of a time capsule interred in 1979 for the college’s WAY ‘79 celebrations, and introduced two special guests who had submitted messages in that capsule.They were local artist and

former arts lecturer Joan May Campbell, and Graham Jeavons, who had travelled from Perth with his wife Anne for the occasion. In 1979, Graham had served as the college’s student counsellor and Anne had been a language lecturer. A third guest, former

librarian Joan Bayly, was unable to attend on the day.Four students who had

signed their names in the concrete of the crypt holding the 1979 time capsule were

also invited. Robert Davies, Peter Hale, Peter Hart and Michael Hart had helped to keep the capsule safe for 35 years.The institute’s longest-

serving staff member Terri Michael, who has worked at the institute for nearly 34 years, then cut the cake, assisted by Graham and Joan May.At the end of the

proceedings, Minister Redman sealed a new time capsule due for opening in 2054. This contains a variety of

corporate documents and a copy of the 40th anniversary book of photographs taken over the first four decades.The capsule itself is the

1979 one, which has been polished and recycled. Metal Fabrication Lecturer Josh Cunningham made a new stainless steel liner to replace the old lead one, and the capsule now sits in a wall cavity in the reception area of the new health science building.

Terri Michael cuts the cake watched by Lidia Rozlapa, Joan May Campbell and Graham Jeavons.

Left: Graham and Anne Jeavons travelled from Perth for the event.

40th anniversary

Milestone celebration a reunion of institute’s

people

More photographs on pages 11 and 12


Peter Hart, Peter Hale, Robert Davies and Michael Hart, who built the crypt for the original time capsule, with Lidia Rozlapa.As teenagers in 1979, the men had written their names in the concrete before placing the lid on the crypt.

Averil Dean and Lorraine Tichelaar. Daniel Lee, Tony Caramia and Terry Nostrini.

Jenni Eatt, Terri Harwood and Ruth McLean.

Bill Corden, Robert Davies and Syd Wheelwright.

40th anniversary


people


Top left: Peter, Brian, Laura and Maria Hart.

Above: Christina Penn and Jo Pears.

Left: Suresh Balakrishnan and Rob Stockdale.

Below left: Stephanie Lindesay, Carol Thomas and Barbara Watson.

Below: Kathy Keay and Bill Tichelaar.

40th anniversary


people


Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Do you want information on a range of jobs and their inherent requirements? Informed choice factsheets list the

essential requirements for a range of jobs and also the important personal qualities that are needed.

From accounts clerk to tour guide, find out what abilities and skills are required to be successful for that job. This information can help students

and prospective students make informed choices about training courses and employment possibilities.

Is this just the job for you?

Safety First

With Rick Muller

Constant supervision not necessary

Do students needs constant supervision? A common question asked by lecturers is “How am I supposed to supervise all my students all the time?”Depending on the task and competency,

supervision does not mean keeping constant surveillance of your students’ activities. It means giving students clear direction, and coordinating and overseeing their work. Every day at the institute lecturers are

required to supervise students. Effective supervision is essential to ensure we create and maintain a safe workplace. Effective supervision involves all of the

following:• Giving students appropriate induction

and instructions.• Conducting regular inspections of the

worksite.• Giving prompt directions when safe

operating procedures are not being followed.

When is a greater level of supervision required?Greater levels of supervision are necessary any time unsafe work is performed. Examples are work that is hazardous or high-risk, such as working with hazardous chemicals, working at height, and work involving new plant or equipment. Feel free to discuss your all your

supervision concerns with your OSH representative or manager.

http://training.qld.gov.au/information/equity-diversity/resources-tools/informed-choice.html


At the end of their three-year stint at the helm of the Busy Bee Creations project, the clothing production students took to their annual Christmas sale like consummate professionals.Their experience clearly showed,

from the presentation of the goods on the stall, to the extremely high standard of product design and execution over the year leading up to the event.As part of the project, which was

funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, the students have learnt to design, cut, sew and finish an amazing array of useful and decorative pieces, all of which have earned them accolades from customers within and outside of the institute. The students, all of whom have

disability, have developed real-life skills, not only in clothing production, but also in basic business practice and marketing.Clothing Production Lecturer Robyn

Wills said the students had taken more than $2000 from the final sale and from custom-making orders following the sale.“It has been a great learning

experience for them, working out what sells and filling orders,” Robyn said.“They have gained a good insight into

marketing and current trends,” she added.Plastic bag holders in the shape

of giraffes, chooks and cows were best sellers, as were toy bags, baby supermarket trolley mats, children’s sparkly capes and Christmas decorations.Nappy clutches, aprons, pet rugs,

luggage tags, doorstops, quilts, bibs, headbands, scarves, wine bottle holders and evening bags are some of the products in a wide array of colours.

Continued on page 15

Busy Bees’ creativity unbounded


From page 14The range of about 40 lines has evolved

since Busy Bee Creations started in 2012, but the essence of the project has remained, and the group have gone from strength to strength as their experience has grown.For Robyn, seeing the students rise to

the challenge of producing goods for sale and responding to custom orders has been satisfying.She knows the skills they will take from

the workroom will stand them in good stead for years to come.“It has been a lot of hard work, but the

group has done brilliantly,” Robyn said.

Busy Bees’ creativity


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 Conservation and Land Management and Horticulture Lecturer Leah Goodrem, whose recent professional development session gave her the low-down on health and safety in the bush.

Some staff go to great lengths to learn skills for their job, but few would have been willing to tackle the professional development course lecturer Leah Goodrem recently took.As lecturer of conservation and land

management and horticulture, Leah frequently encounters snakes, so to learn how to reduce the danger for herself and her students, she travelled to Perth to take a course in venomous snake handling.“It was brilliant – I can’t stop talking about

it,” Leah laughed.“We work in the bush a lot, so we find

snakes now and again,” she said.“And when we carry out our fauna surveys,

we set pit traps and snakes crawl in.”Leah said she had handled pythons

before, but she had been apprehensive about handling deadly snakes as part of the course.Leah quickly put her fears aside, though,

as she learnt techniques which also boosted her confidence should she come across a snake in the bush.While ‘handling’ of the potentially lethal

creatures sounds brave, it is actually done with the correct equipment, not with the hands.Participants in the course learnt to identify

and catch tiger snakes, dugites and death adders.

“We learnt different techniques for catching them, using tongs or a hook, and a bag or bucket to put them in,” she explained.“For one of the tests, we had an office

scene, with a one-metre dugite somewhere in the room, and we had to find it and remove it,” she said.

Continued on page 17

Leah scales the heights of PD


From page 16“It was in the desk drawer.”Another 2½-metre long dugite in a toilet

block was another project for which the participants had to seek and remove the creature.“It was curled around the rubbish bin, but

it could have been anywhere,” Leah said, explaining when they had been caught and released a few times, the snakes

became irritated, making the task a bit more daunting for the last participants.However, she said everyone overcame

their reticence and by the end of the day, they were all nonchalant about the task in hand – even those with a real fear of snakes at the start of the day.“The course made you feel much more

confident and relaxed,” Leah said.“And I’m not scared of snakes now,” she

said.Conservation and land management

student Ross Remaj attended the course with Leah, and both also plan to take part in a wildlife handling course.For Leah, it’s all in a day’s work.

Leah scales the heights of PD

Is your face in our book?

Our 40th anniversary book is available for purchase through our website at

www.gsit.wa.edu.au/celebrating40

The first 40 years of Great Southern Institute of Technology

1974-2014

Forty Years

Years

The first 40 years of Great Southern Institute of Technology

Available in hardcover, softcover

and PDF for download.


Show gives us a chance to shineThe Albany Agicultural Show is always a big event on the institute’s calendar.Student Support Manager

Jan Auld and her team were on hand to discuss 2015 course offerings with prospective students at this year’s show on 7 and 8 November.Also kept busy throughout

the day were beauty therapy students, who were giving free hand massages.Horticulture students

exhibited their best specimens in the horticulture pavilion, the culmination of a year of work. Now the show is over, they will start preparing their exhibits for 2015.

Horticulture students displayed their finest specimens in this ever-popular section.

Student Support Manager Jan Auld discusses the institute’s 2015 course offerings with Naomi Brand.


SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

R Block students have researched and installed passive rainwater runoff management systems at the front of the main building in line with the portfolio’s sustainability focus.The banks of the drains

have been planted out with native species and mulched to contribute to ‘water-wise’ landscaping strategies. Mulching reduces the need

for, and cost of, weed control and helps maintain moisture for plants during hot and dry periods. This means fewer weeds and less labour and chemical use.Gravel aggregate in the

base of the drain holds water and slows the runoff, preventing erosion.

– Peter Young

Above: Sedges and reeds in the side drains.Below: A big rain event and demonstration of the strategy’s success.

Front of R Block water management


When students of Sara Lembo’s Italian classes gather for their annual Christmas party, it is always a lively celebration of language, food and culture from one of the world’s most influential nations.Planning for this year’s festivities kicked

off several weeks ago, when students researched traditional foods to make and share on the evening, and started rehearsing their Christmas songs and poems.

Some former students were invited to join in the 18 November celebration and share the tantalising array of savoury and sweet treats.A warm-up mocktail got the group into the

Christmas spirit before their performance of the song ‘Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle’, and individual poetry recitals.Librarian Barbara Watson, who has

also lectured in Italian, invited the happy group to end their evening with another fun challenge in the library, where they practised their language skills while joining in a treasure hunt.

Buon Natale

Rachel Angelini makes the mocktails. Italian Lecturer Sara Lembo and Jules Whalley.

Noreen Jones, Lee Hamilton and Margaret Birch. Vicki Reynolds and Jennifer Carson.


Sara and the students prepare to sing this year’s Christmas song ‘Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle’.

Glenda Galante, Wasyl Antoniak and Rachel Angelini.

Barbara Marquand, Judy Maughan and Catherine Cuthbert.

A selection from the Italian Christmas feast.


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

There is strong evidence that making a personal commitment to something has a positive impact on our wellbeing and mental health.A commitment can be made towards a

personal pursuit or it may be a deeper commitment to a community organisation. A good example of this is volunteering,

and on December 5 we acknowledge the contribution of volunteers in our community during International Volunteer Day.Volunteering is a great way to stay

connected with people and groups in your local community. Your role as a volunteer not only benefits

the organisation you are servicing, but you will also be rewarded with a greater sense of self and satisfaction. You will feel good about yourself, improve your self-confidence and enhance your mental health in the process.It is easy to put your hand up to volunteer

and there is always a need for volunteers in your community. Volunteering WA is the peak agency for

volunteering and maintains a database of opportunities you can search online. Also, at a local level, the Albany and Regional Volunteer Service can put you in touch with Great Southern agencies seeking a helping hand – phone them on 9841 3588.

On International Volunteer Day, don’t forget to thank someone who has given up their own time to volunteer. They are contributing to personal and community mental health and knowing their efforts are appreciated will give them a stronger sense of satisfaction and achievement! Why not hold a ‘thank a volunteer’ event at

your sports club, service club or community organisation. Act-Belong-Commit event kits are available now and contain merchandise that can be used to thank volunteers and to promote the Act-Belong-Commit message. For more information and to request an application form, phone Joanna Steel on 9821 6280.

In addition to volunteering, the Act-Belong-Commit website has plenty of other ideas and more information on how you can make a healthy to commitment, visit www.actbelongcommit.org.au.

Commit for your own health and wellbeing

Volunteering makes you feel good.

Documents

The gazette november 2014