May 2013 Volume 4, No 3 Monthly Newsletter The Gazette As musicians The Outback Gypsies, Great Southern Institute of Technology students Del and Andrea Fisher have watched their following grow since arriving in Denmark two years ago – but now they are preparing to expand their audience to a potentially global one. The lively and likeable couple are marking time until July, when they take off for the US – and a five-week tour as the headline act at a series of four performances which will be streamed live to the world via the internet. Since arriving in Denmark two years ago, the Fishers have stamped their individual style of music and song writing on the Denmark music scene by playing at hotels, wineries and local events. Andrea said she had seen the Kaypacha Healing Festival advertised on the internet and was attracted by the holistic flavour. “We are interested in healing, and this is a music and healing festival which combines workshops such as meditation and yoga during the day with music in the evening,” Andrea said. They submitted an application, complete with demo CD, and were delighted to be chosen as the headline act. Del explained the couple would fly to San Francisco and pick up a camper van which would be their home for the ensuing five weeks. “Our first gig will be in California, then we travel to Oregon, next to Washington State and then back to Oregon for the last gig,” Del said. Continued on page 8 GSIT music students Del and Andrea Fisher – The Outback Gypsies – will play in the US in July. Gypsies off to US festival
Transcript
May 2013Volume 4, No 3
Monthly Newsletter
TheGazette
As musicians The Outback Gypsies, Great Southern Institute of Technology students Del and Andrea Fisher have watched their following grow since arriving in Denmark two years ago – but now they are preparing to expand their audience to a potentially global one.The lively and likeable
couple are marking time until July, when they take off for the US – and a five-week tour as the headline act at a series of four performances which will be streamed live to the world via the internet.Since arriving in Denmark
two years ago, the Fishers have stamped their individual style of music and song writing on the Denmark music scene by playing at hotels, wineries and local events.Andrea said she had seen
the Kaypacha Healing Festival advertised on the internet and was attracted by the holistic flavour.“We are interested in
healing, and this is a music
and healing festival which combines workshops such as meditation and yoga during the day with music in the evening,” Andrea said.They submitted an
application, complete with demo CD, and were delighted to be chosen as the headline act.Del explained the couple
would fly to San Francisco and pick up a camper van which would be their home for the ensuing five weeks.“Our first gig will be in
California, then we travel to Oregon, next to Washington State and then back to Oregon for the last gig,” Del said.
Continued on page 8
GSIT music students Del and Andrea Fisher – The Outback Gypsies – will play in the US in July.
Gypsies off to US festival
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, click on the icon under the bookshelf at
http://documents.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au or visit our website: www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au
and click on the icon on the front page.
Want to read The Gazette in another format?
Most people employed at the institute issue written information to others at some stage. The information might be for students, other staff or people outside the institute.To ensure this information is accessible
to people with disability, we need to follow guidelines issued for employees of the WA Government.The State Government Access Guidelines
for Information, Services and Facilities is a publication issued by the Disability Services Commission to help all government employees ensure accessibility of information for people with disability.The section on printed information
recommends:• It is in clear, easy-to-understand
language.• It is written in a minimum font size of
12 point, with a sans serif font such as Arial, Helvetica or Univers.
• Text is left aligned.• Text should be uncluttered without
background graphics or watermarks.• Text must contrast significantly with its
background.
• Important information is in bold or larger print.
• Underlining and italics are avoided.• Red and green coloured lettering
should be avoided.• It is printed on matt, non-reflective
paper.For more information on publications,
download the guidelines from this link: http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/Global/Publications/Understanding%20disability/Built%20environment/State%20Government%20Access%20Guidelines.pdf.
Reach everyone with your message
State Government Access Guidelines for Information, Services and Facilities
A guide to assist government meet legislative requirements
and support everyone to create an accessible and inclusive Western Australia.
The Hon. Colin Holt MLC was welcomed to the institute on Monday, 13 May. Mr Holt, who was recently
appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Training and Workforce Development; Water; Forestry, was making his first visit to a State training provider in his new position.The institute’s executive
management team gave Mr
Holt a short introduction to their areas and described the institute’s business operations over a working lunch in the Albany campus boardroom.Following lunch, Mr Holt
accompanied Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa on a tour of the campus, visiting most areas and meeting staff and students at work. Mr Holt said as he was
new to the position, the visit had helped him to understand how the state training providers were funded. He said his two-hour visit
to the institute had been enlightening and he had enjoyed it.“I’m surprised at how big
and how well coordinated it is,” Mr Holt said, thanking Lidia for her hospitality.
Tour enlightening for VIP guest
Left: The Environment and Primary Industries Portfolio Manager Neil Binning and Wool Handling Lecturer Peter Young show The Hon. Colin Holt and Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa an e-book on Wool Handling written by Peter.Below left: Horticulture coordinator Terry Madden and Neil Binning accompany Mr Holt on a tour of the horticulture section.Below: Mr Holt watches as hairdressing student Jessie Mills hones her skills.
Great Southern Gazette 4
From the MD’s Desk
Welcome back to everyone for Term 2, which promises to be a busy term. We successfully negotiated with the
Department for additional SCH, and at the last count, we reached 52 per cent of our original profile. Enrolments are coming in steadily and there has been an increase in fee-for-service activity.BudgetsAs you are all aware, Treasury has placed
an embargo on all promotions, advertising and non-essential expenditure until 30 June. This will impact on our budgets well beyond that date. So for the remainder of the year, we are working towards budget cuts of at least 2 per cent in all sections. Edward Armstrong is working on corrective measures to help us achieve our targets, and I urge you all to request or buy only essential items, no matter how small.StaffRecords Officer Loryn Green has left us
to go to Perth, where she has secured an appointment with the Disability Services Commission. I would like to thank Loryn for the work she has done in the TRIM area and in quality assurance, and I wish her all the best in the big city.I’d like to welcome David Hansen back
to his role of HR Manager and hope he enjoyed his year away. I look forward to working with him as we strive to meet all the standards of HR practice.Business SystemsI’d like to remind everyone that the
institute’s audit for reaccreditation will take place in October. Jenny Tetlow and her team are working to ensure we are complaint with all the required standards.Workforce Development planThe Workforce Development Plan
2013-2016 has been endorsed by the Public Sector Commission and is now on the intranet. Apart from the actions for executive, the Strategic Think group are working through the items on the plan. See
the article on page 10 for details.TRIM trainingCarolyn Heffernan has organised the TRIM
training sessions for 1-3 July. The compulsory training for all non-
lecturing staff will include hands-on learning to give a comprehensive understanding of our record system. It will be conducted by TRIM specialists from Perth.OSHInjury management training has been
held in response to requirements detailed in a circular from the Premier. This was a joint initiative between the institute and the City of Albany, and the training was held in George’s Restaurant.Capital works projectsThe Skills Development Centre’s
commercial shed is due for completion at the end of July, and the forward works are progressing on the Health Science building project. These should be completed by mid-June, in time for the start of the scheduled construction in July.Training Services DirectorateCongratulations to Sustainability Lecturer
Laura Bird, who has been selected for a Sustainability Champion Scholarship Program for 2013, enabling her to complete a Vocational Graduate Certificate in Education and Training for Sustainability. The institute will benefit from the training Laura receives, particularly as she is also a member of the sustainability committee.The Business and Creative Industries
portfolio has been discussing future training needs with the City of Albany. Under this partnership, the portfolio is providing computer training to the City’s staff and planning management and leadership workshops.In partnership with Indian Ocean Group
Training, the Health Sciences and Community Services portfolio is delivering dental nursing traineeships on Christmas Island. Also in this portfolio, Community Services students will gain practical training at WA Disabled Sports camps because of an agreement the institute has with the WA Disabled Sports Association.
Continued on next page
Great Southern Gazette 5
From previous pageWhen Peter Young of the Environment
and Primary Industries portfolio took a draft copy of his Wool Handling e-book to the Food, Fibre and Timber Industry Training Council meeting at Manjimup, his peers were suitably impressed. I would like to congratulate Peter, who wrote the book, and everyone who had a hand in its production. We will celebrate when it goes for sale online and the tills start ringing! The successful production of this e-book
has led to the development of another for Aged Care. This is now underway.Responding to industry demands, a
wool classing course will be held at the Katanning campus on a Saturday. Also, the WA College of Agriculture’s Denmark Campus will send a group of eight students to Albany every Wednesday evening to advance them through Certificate III in Wool Handling under the VET in Schools program.The Trades and Allied Industries portfolio
is scoping the Certificate IV in Building and Construction in response to the changing requirements for Builders’ Registration licensing over the coming months.In the library, the new Primo discovery
layer – software to enable simultaneous searching of multiple databases – is in the final stages of testing. An Apple Airplay has been installed in the Group Study Room to enable wireless connection of iPads to the data projector.Aboriginal ProgramsStaff are marketing the Certificate IV in
Training and Assessment to employed Aboriginal people within the community. Good interest has been shown and workshops are being organised to help the students to gain the qualification.Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley
Hansen will attend a two-day workshop which will focus on the aspirations and needs of Aboriginal people in the Great Southern. Shirley will also take part in a pre-employment, education and training and recruitment panel alongside other regional workforce development organisations and employment agencies.
Access and InclusionThe section has recently completed the
development of a DVD, ‘Moving on from School: Experiences of young people with disability’. It details eight young people sharing their training, employment, volunteer and community experiences since leaving school, and giving advice and inspiration. The launch is planned for early August.Regional campusesIn Denmark the new Certificate III in Music
Business will be offered in Semester 2, as well as Certificate III in Music. The Skills Development Centre is holding a Music Jam course for students of the WA Agricultural College in Denmark.A flexible approach to delivery in Katanning
is expected to boost numbers in business courses. Online learning will be supported by one day a week on campus.In Mount Barker, an Introduction to
Computing course for complete beginners and White Card Language training for people with English as a second language have attracted good numbers of students. Multilingual advertising has been organised for the Certificates in Spoken and Written English at preliminary and Certificate I levels.Student ServicesThe date for next year’s Award Night has
been set. It will be held on Thursday, 13 March at the Albany Entertainment Centre.SustainabilityStage 2 of the main car park landscape
upgrade at the Albany campus has been completed. This has created an impressive entrance to the campus as well as being water-wise and low-maintenance.Website redevelopmentThe wireframe of the new website is now
complete and feedback from managers is being acted upon before the project is handed to the developer. We are hoping to have the website up and running by the start of next year.That’s all for now, I wish you all the best for
this term.Happy reading,Lidia
Great Southern Gazette 6
Getting off campus and working with people in the community has brought a new dimension to learning for Great Southern Institute of Technology students Perri Pires and Soshana Botting.The lively pair, who are studying
Certificate IV in Tourism, ran a cryptic heritage and art trail as part of the recent Albany Heritage Festival, which brought valuable work experience and a chance to make their mark within the city’s tourism industry.Perri and Soshana took up an invitation
from the WA Museum Albany to produce a free, family-friendly project for the festival, and chose a cryptic challenge combining geocaching, a treasure hunt, word play and walking, using GPS coordinates, clues and photos.“We wanted to make it attractive for
people of all ages,” Perri said.In preparation, the students liaised with
the museum, approached sponsors for funding, produced and distributed flyers and sent out a media release to maximise publicity for their event. This led to other new experiences – being interviewed by the Albany Advertiser and appearing on Albany Community Radio.As part of the trail, participants took about
an hour to read clues as they walked around the city uncovering snippets of Albany’s history. At the end, they were given a show bag containing information on the sites they had visited.Soshana said the project had been
educational for her as well as for the locals and tourists who had taken part in it.“I learnt quite a lot about Albany’s history
which I had taken for granted beforehand,” Soshana said.“It was interesting doing the media
interviews, so we learnt some life skills as well,” she said.Perri agreed, saying she had gained
confidence from the real-life experience, particularly from approaching sponsors.Both were pleased with the number of
participants and their positive response to the trail.“People from seven to 87 took part,” Perri
said.“It was educational as well as fun, and a
great event for Albany.”
Certificate IV in Tourism students Perri Pires and Soshana Botting produced a cryptic heritage and art trail as part of Albany’s recent Heritage Festival.
Pair clued up on tourism
CommunityOut and about in our
Great Southern Gazette 7
On 24 April, the institute hosted US Consul General Aleisha Woodward, who was visiting the south west from her base in Perth.Ms Woodward was met by Managing
Director Lidia Rozlapa and introduced to the corporate executive and portfolio
managers in the boardroom at the Albany campus.Over afternoon tea, the GSIT managers
talked about their areas of responsibility and Ms Woodward regaled them with the story of her own career journey and the duties of her position.
Warm welcome for US Consul General
Corporate Services Director Edward Armstrong, Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa, US Consul General Aleisha Woodward, Training Services Director Sue Bennett-Ng and Student Services Director Chris Jones.
Do you have unwanted stationery?
Drop any items in to Sue Dawes or phone her on 8828 to arrange collection
Please consider donating it to our Freecycling event
to be held at the beginning of
Semester 2
All donations are gratefully received and go to students, staff, lecturers and anyone who needs them.
Great Southern Gazette 8
From page 1He explained they would play for 2½ hours each evening from Friday to Sunday and spend the other four days helping to set up and take down sets, travelling to the next venue and enjoying the vibe and sights of the US as well as the company of their 30 or so fellow performers.Coincidentally, The
Outback Gypsies’ second CD Beautiful Soul is being produced in San Francisco and the couple will pick up copies of it on their arrival in the US. This follows their debut album Unconditional Love, which featured nine original folk love songs, released last year.Both play acoustic guitar
and sing, and Andrea will play the native American flute for some of their music, which Del describes as “foleggae”.“It’s a reggae beat with folk
lyrics, and we play soft rock as well,” Del explained.“We have a large repertoire
from soft ballads to rhythmic dance music,” he said.“Essentially, our act
promotes the performing of music which audiences can connect to,” Andrea added.“Through the sharing
of both original and cover songs and the encouragement of audience participation, we have become known as performers who stand for freedom and love of the human spirit.”
Andrea said the couple would be self-funding for the trip as well as applying for grants from the Vancouver Arts Centre’s Emerging Artist Fund and the WA Department of Culture and The Arts to help with their costs.“We’re very excited and
looking forward to new opportunities, such as networking with other artists and business people at the festival,” Andrea said.“We have been talking
to someone involved in documentary making about using our music as the backing track in his films,” she said.
They applauded the teaching of the institute’s Music Lecturer Tony King, who supported their playing at the festival as a step forward in their careers.“Tony has been amazing,”
Del said.“He has helped and
supported us and he has been a big influence on our music,” he added.Both plan to continue
their music studies at the Denmark campus in Semester 2 and will be enrolling in Certificate III in Music Business.To stream the Outback
Gypsies’ gigs in the US, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kaypacha-s-healing-festivals.
The White Card Language Training class is a five-week course being delivered to Mount Barker’s migrant community. After studying the terminology relating
to Occupational Health and Safety and developing an awareness of the OHS legislative requirements with lecturer Jen Hasleby, the students will be assessed in early June by Rod Connell to obtain their National OHS Induction White Card.The participants selected for this course
are already proficient in the English language, some at an intermediate level, and others at a more advanced level. Their motivation for enrolling in the
class varies from increasing their job opportunities in the construction industry to considering career options OHS has to offer.Students, mostly from Afghanistan and the
Philippines, have commented on their first week of study.“Jen asks us to provide examples from
various workplaces we experienced or that we know of and it helps us understand what a safe working environment is,” one student said.“I like the class because it is a great
opportunity to improve our vocabulary too!” – Karine David
Do you have a good idea for an article or column in The Gazette?Email [email protected]
thedesk Study can be really exciting. It can also be really stressful! Assessments, tests, balancing study with work and life…Most students find that
when they’re not feeling on top of things, they don’t do as well as they want to or as well as they can.thedesk is here to help
you. It’s your toolbox for success and wellbeing while you study. It can help you deal with some of the issues that get in the way of success, such as stress, procrastination, feeling
down, relationship issues or managing worries.What’s in thedesk?
• Modules to develop problem-solving and self-management skills.
• Tools to help with everyday issues.
• Quizzes about different areas of life, such as relationships, physical health and mental
wellbeing.• Links to information and
support services to help deal with a range of common issues.
• A Coffee House to share music, art, recipes and more!
How do I sign up?It’s easy, and free! Click
here to get started: www.thedesk.org.au.
Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver
Every three years, the institute produces a plan for its own workforce, allowing management to analyse the employee profile, identify areas for staff development and determine actions aligned with the strategic plan.The institute’s Workforce Diversity Plan
for 2013-2016 was produced in February and endorsed by the Public Sector Commission. The document incorporates the institute’s equity and diversity management plan.It is now available to all staff by entering
the title into the search box on the intranet or clicking on this link: http://intranet.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au/G/Intranet/Quality/procedures/hr027.docx.At this month’s Strategic Think Group,
seven key focus areas were the subject of discussion, and actions allocated.These are:
• Identify and investigate areas where the institute is encountering skills shortages, and develop initiatives for mitigating these.
• Promote a workplace culture that is
supportive and flexible in meeting employees’ needs.
• Increase levels of cross-cultural awareness in our staff.
• Develop training for all employees in different and emerging facets of digital technology.
• Continue to implement management development programs to build management capabilities of staff within the institute.
• Research and develop initiatives to ensure that youth are encouraged and recognised in the institute’s recruitment processes.
• Provide training to regional staff relevant to their working environment.
Staff are encouraged to take time to read the document, which contains some interesting statistics on the profile of our staff, and compares our institute to the Western Australian public sector average.It also details the institute’s direction
for attracting skilled staff, professional development, and the needs of regional communities.
Bronwyn O’Shannessy of Soroptimist International of Albany presents Female Student of the Year Raelene Wood with the winner’s plaque.
Many people, for myriad reasons, choose a new career path in mid-life.A Mount Barker woman’s recent award
shows how training can make a difference to your life no matter how old you are. When she won the title of Soroptimist
International of Albany Female Student of the Year at Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Graduation and Award Night at the Albany Entertainment Centre, Aged Care student Raelene Wood said she had not studied for 35 years.Raelene, who was also nominated for
the Rotary Club of Albany East Vocational Student of the Year award, had worked at Plantagenet Hospital as a domestic and kitchen assistant before enrolling in the Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home and Community Care, qualifying her to become a support worker. She impressed her lecturers with her
dedication to completing the course, which involved a 45-minute journey to and from classes, with a 100 per cent attendance record. Raelene inspired and supported other class members throughout the year and produced work of a consistently high standard. She also displayed excellent skills during work placements.Raelene’s achievement was particularly
remarkable because she had been out of the classroom for so long before embarking on her course.“It’s absolutely fantastic, very unexpected
and I’m proud to have been nominated,” Raelene said, thanking Soroptimist International of Albany for their sponsorship of the award.For Raelene, aged care was a dream job.
“I had worked in the industry and watched other aged care workers, and I thought ‘I could do that’,” she said.She combined her studies with full-time
work, which she said had been facilitated by the supportive learning environment.“The teachers and the other students
were brilliant – we all got on really well and helped each other,” she said.“I’d advise people who are thinking of
studying to go for it.”Raelene said her biggest challenge had
been getting back into the learning mindset as a mature-age student, but she had adapted quickly and enjoyed her studies.She is now reaping the rewards for her
efforts in an enjoyable career in aged care.“It’s a good industry to be in,” Raelene
said.“With the ageing population, it’s a growing
industry and jobs are available,” she said.
Late starter’s impressive performance is a winner
Great Southern Gazette 12
Since joining the institute as coordinator for Curtin University’s nursing degree program in 2007, Ruth McLean has been a strong advocate and driver of student learning and development.Now as principal lecturer, Ruth has shifted
her focus to staff professional development (PD), an area of specialisation for Ruth as she wrote her thesis on the subject for her Master of Education degree in 2000.While advocating PD for staff to grow and
improve their knowledge, performance and enjoyment of the position, however, Ruth also acknowledges the value of the spin-off to students.Ruth’s background in both education and
nursing has influenced her own vocational journey in recent years.Combining study and her nursing career,
Ruth worked as an assistant in nursing while studying and upon graduating, she worked on oncology, respiratory and medical wards.She completed a Post Graduate Certificate
and became a theatre nurse specialising in orthopaedics while simultaneously completing her Master’s.A move to the south coast brought her
to the institute and the position of Curtin coordinator, and this year, to the position of principal lecturer.“I was attracted [to the PL position] by how
I could make the biggest difference for the greatest number of people,” Ruth said.
“I wanted to make it easier for people to understand the complex training system and to improve and reinvigorate their practice,” she added.Promoting motivation and enthusiasm
in lecturers is part of Ruth’s duties, and through appropriate professional development programs, she helps them to achieve currency in their vocational qualifications and take up opportunities in e-learning.
Continued on next page
Great Southern Institute of Technology has three principal lecturers, Ray Tuckey, Paul Dollery and Ruth McLean.Principal lecturer – or PL – duties centre around leadership, mentoring
and support. The PLs, who themselves have high-level teaching skills, help lecturers with their delivery of training packages, use of resources, business paperwork and delivery strategies.PLs sit on the academic board and report to the Director of Training
Services.They are selected for their broad experience and knowledge of the vocational
education and training system, rather than of their own subject. This month, Ruth McLean talks about her specialised area of professional
development for lecturers.
Ruth’s career takes a new course
Great Southern Gazette 13
From previous pageTo do this, she must keep abreast of
changes in the vocational education and training system as well as advancements in technology.Researching information and informing
lecturers of available courses is a vital part of Ruth’s work. She contacts staff directly and uses Q and A forums as well as a section of the desktop wallpaper calendar on staff computers, and sends out the periodic newsletters Towards PD Today, to encourage lecturers to use flexibly delivered PD sessions and online workshops.Working with Jenny Tetlow and Paul
Dollery, she has identified ways to inform staff of risk areas for the upcoming audit, and organised Moodle videos on
topics including validation, equivalence, authenticity, vocational currency and recordkeeping to ensure staff comply with requirements.By visiting regional campuses each term,
Ruth ensures lecturers across the institute can access her services and the results of her research, and she can analyse their specific PD needs.The .8 FTE position allows Ruth to
continue teaching nursing on one day a week, a situation she clearly enjoys.“I love the job – it was offered originally for
six months, but I hope it continues,” Ruth said.“I really enjoy the feedback and ideas from
the staff, and I have been well supported,” she said.“When I’ve approached staff to present PD
sessions for others, they have been happy to do it – they have amazing support for one another.”
Ruth’s career takes a new course
Anne Pinchen demonstrates the wonder gadget which recharges normally non-rechargeable batteries.
Charge up at no chargeDespite a growing number of people using rechargable batteries, the institute recycles thousands of non-rechargeable batteries every year. Some of these ‘normal’ batteries are given
a fresh lease of life after processing through a new recharging gadget which Facilities Officer Anne Pinchen operates.Anne keeps a steady stream of batteries
under charge, and invites people from all areas of the institute to use them. The recharged batteries, which are best used for low-power devices such as remote controls and clocks, come in sizes AAA, AA, C and D. Call in and see Anne if you’d like some.
Great Southern Gazette 14
Why choose us? 1. Ensure promotions address:• Access• Achievement• Cost• Sense of community• Choice of delivery.
2. Brochures and website to reinforce:• Extent of academic offerings• Academic and physical environment• Staff as a resource• Knowledge place.
3. Promote flexibility, distinguishing between online learning and e-learning. 4. Invest in technology and innovative methodologies via Academic Board.
5. Review ‘reputation’ as a major strategic risk.
Ways to generate interest and excitement
1. Promote case studies through different and appropriate avenues – tell the story. 2. Review all comments to inform the 2013-14 Business Plan.
3. Support a vibrant Facebook presence to complement the communication strategy. 4. Gain sponsorship from high-level
industry partners and review operational opportunities. 5. Invest in a continuous improvement culture. Investment for a competitive edge
1. Promotional material to emphasise embedding in the community. 2. Support flexibility with continuous review of administrative processes. 3. Support innovation through Skills Development Centre and Academic Board.
Pride and satisfaction at work
1. Consider peer recognition opportunities.
2. Continue strategies for acknowledging effort and success and refer to Academic Board. 3. Support a team approach in decision-making.
Slogans
Promotions to include variety of slogans, such as:• Your career starts here• Make it happen• What’s your passion?• Your TAFE, your future• Choose how you learn.
Following the professional development day at Camp Quaranup, staff responses from the question session were collated and grouped for analysis.The resulting actions have been endorsed by Corporate Executive, and
actions assigned to the appropriate managers and sections.The following is the list of actions, some of which will be addressed once in the short term, while others are ongoing.
Staff opinions endorsed for action
Actions from PACD Comments
Great Southern Gazette 15
Seeds of Sustainability
Great Southern Institute of Technology sets an example when it comes to disposal of wastes. It recognises the importance of
recycling our precious finite resources such as oil (plastics), aluminum (cans), sand (glass), gold, nickel, copper and iron. Too often, these end up in landfill when
thrown into the regular rubbish bin or skip bin. If they are recycled, manufacturing
companies can source the materials such as copper and plastic instead of digging up raw materials which impacts heavily on the environment.The institute also recognises the
pollution caused by landfills. This includes air pollution from rotting food (methane), water pollution as heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium leach into the ground (quite a concern for Albany where its water is sourced from underground aquifers), and soil contamination making landfill sites off-limits long after they have been decommissioned. Around the Albany campus you will find
a variety of recycling options including:• Mixed recycling stations for plastics,
cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and glass bottles
• Battery stations • Mobile phone stations
• Printer cartridge stations.And soon we will be adopting e-waste
recycling – using an environmentally aware local business called Activ Industries, which is working towards keeping toxic e-waste out of our landfill. All e-waste, essentially any old
electrical equipment, from computers, leads and printers to televisions, mobile phones and toasters, will now go to Activ Industries. When no longer required, please drop
the waste off at the facility’s maintenance shed located in the vehicle compound at the rear of C Block and place items into the crate marked ‘E-Waste’.The waste will then be delivered directly
to Activ Industries.But remember the first option for all our
materials is to• Reduce our use of them• Then repair what we can • Then reuse through the campus
Freecycle day• Before being recycled. So please keep up the good work and
keep our landfill rubbish to a minimum, while also recovering these finite resources. They will run out before we have come up with an alternative if we continue at the rate we currently dispose of them to landfill.
– Sustainability Lecturer Laura Bird
BOOKSHOP
Get in for these great products!
$25 $25NOW AVAILABLE Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2013
ORDERS TAKENMicrosoft Windows Pro 8 – 32 or 64 bit
End-of-life matters on our campuses
Great Southern Gazette 16
Safety First
With Rick Muller
OSH form revamped
Section C: Incident / Accident and Hazard Investigation & Control
4. INCIDENT INVESTIGATION – TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY MANAGER / OSH REPRESENTATIVE.
Status of person at time of investigation: _____________________________________________________________________________
Has the Health & Safety Representative for the area been consulted in relation to this report?_____ Name: _____________________
What were the factors that may have led to the incident / accident or hazard (there may be more than one)? Consider areas below.
Campus: _______________ Block: ____________ Room Number: __________ Off-Site (specify location): __________________ Date observed / incident occurred: __________________________________________________________________________________Details of Incident/Hazard: __________________________________________________________________________________________Did an Injury Occur?_______ Describe what happened: ________________________________________________________________Other Detail: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________Action taken since incident: __________________________________________ Recommended Control: ________________________Any witnesses: _______ Name: ________________Contact no: __________ Name: _________________ Contact no: ______________Name of person making report : _________________Contact no: _________________________________ Date: ___________________Section B: Report of Injury or Illness / First Aid Record3. COMPLETE ONLY IF INJURY / ILLNESS SUSTAINEDDescription of Injury or Illness: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Initial Treatment: ____________________ Person Transported?:___________________________________________________Status of person at time of completing report: _________________________________________________________________________
Has the injury resulted in loss of work hours? _____________________________ Time Lost: _________________________________
Click on the affected Location:
To be completed by First aid officer or the person rendering first aid.N/A ☐
Name of injured person: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________Any additional info:
1. PERSON INVOLVED DETAILS – FORWARD TO YOUR MANAGER WITHIN 24 HOURSFull name:________________________________Address: ________________________________Date of Birth:_____________________________Contact details: ___________________________
Relationship with Institute: __________________________Gender: ___________________________________________Management Unit: __________________________________Primary place of work/Study: _________________________Have you reported this to your Manager? ______ Date notified: ______________________________________
SERIOUS INCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED BY PHONE IMMEDIATELY TO THE OH&S coordinator 08 9892 8725A separate Workers Compensation Claim Form is required if compensation is sought
This form must be completed when an injury, occupational disease or disability requiring first aid or medical treatment is sustained
by any person whilst at work. This form also reports incidents or near-miss situations which may have resulted in injury.
Before you continue: STOP AND READ: This form can also be completed online by filling the boxes. Can also be printed if needed Please delete this info box "Click Here"
The institute has produced a new Accident, Incident and Hazard Report Form, which is available on the intranet by typing in ‘Accident/Incident Report Form’ or clicking on this link: http://intranet.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au/G/Intranet/Quality/forms/qfcs0012.pdf.This is an electronic form in PDF
format which can be completed and emailed online, or printed and completed manually.The form can be completed on a
mobile device using Adobe Reader.Posters around all campuses have
been designed to remind staff of the reporting procedure in the event of an accident, incident or hazard.
Great Southern Institute of Technology’s environmental sustainability ethos will be strengthened by two people who have gained scholarships to the ‘Sustainability Champions’ course delivered by a Melbourne university.Sustainability Lecturer
Laura Bird and Governing Council member Suzanne Yewers recently heard they had been awarded the scholarships for the 12-month course through the National Centre of Sustainability at Swinburne University of Technology. On completion, they will hold the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Education and Training for Sustainability.Laura is a member
of the institute’s sustainability committee and Suzanne delivers training to workers at Fletcher International WA. The women are graduates of the Diploma of Sustainability through GSIT and both are passionate about preserving and protecting the environment.Laura, who creates
PD workshops for the institute’s lecturers, said
the scholarship would assist her in that task as well as in her own delivery of units.“All training
packages now include sustainability,” Laura said.“Trainers are looking for
how to cover this, and I believe this course will assist me in providing more tools for their toolkits,” she continued.“I also sit on the
institute’s sustainability committee, where one of the key action areas is to provide products and services that support skills for sustainability. My ultimate aim is for sustainability to become second nature for everyone.”For Suzanne, the
course will allow her to share her new-found knowledge with staff, students and community groups – including GSIT’s Governing Council.“I want to make a
positive difference in our environment and be able to design, implement, evaluate, assess and practice sustainability in all I teach,” Suzanne said.“Being able to put a
sustainability component into the units I am delivering will make
our workplace and our industry better equipped to manage sustainable issues before they become an issue – they will already have been addressed within the students’ training in the units of their qualification,” she added.The women will attend
four three-day intensive training sessions in Perth and a regional workshop next May before gaining their qualification.
Scholarships for green champions
Suzanne Yewers.
Laura Bird.
Great Southern Gazette 18
Where do you belong?
Having strong social connections with friends, family and the wider community is an essential ingredient of a productive and fulfilling life. So for this month’s column, we look at belonging for health and happiness.The institute is grateful to Great Southern Population Health for contributing information for this column.
For more information, visit the Act Belong Commit website at http://www.actbelongcommit.org.au/, or phone Great Southern Population Health on 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287 (Katanning).
We often define ourselves through membership of our family, school or workplace, through our sporting interests and our involvement in community events. Feeling part of something – even
something like a football crowd or rock concert audience – boosts our mood and makes us feel good about ourselves and glad to be alive.There are many ways to increase our
sense of belonging. It is all about joining in and connecting with others.
Stay connectedKeep in touch with friends, family,
colleagues and the wider community. A chat in a queue, going to the movies with
a friend or catching up with old friends on Facebook are all good for our mental health and sense of wellbeing.People who surround themselves with
other people are happier, more productive and get more out of life!
Get involvedWhen was the last time you attended a
community festival, school fair, theatre production or local sporting event?Getting involved in local events is a great
way to feel part of the community, meet like-minded people and perhaps discover a new interest. Community events and festivals promote
cooperation, build a sense of community spirit and pride, help to shape a sense of community identity, promote awareness of local issues, reduce social isolation and promote economic and social development. You will also be supporting your fellow
community members, which will make them
feel good too!Organisers and participants of community
events experience added benefits – developing leadership skills, forming friendships, learning new skills and further boosting their sense of belonging.It is now widely recognised that community
events and festivals bind people together and improve the quality of life of local residents. Make a resolution today to get more involved in the community in which you live!
I get by with a little help from my friendsEverybody faces challenging times of
mental and emotional distress. Having friends to talk things over with and
a network of people to rely on, makes us feel valued, stronger and more capable of dealing with the challenges we face in our lives. If you have something that is troubling you, seek help from family, friends and other networks you are involved in.
Join a clubBeing a member of a club provides a
chance to turn a favourite hobby or new interest into an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and keep mentally agile.If you already belong to a club you can
encourage others to become involved by inviting friends or family to your next club gathering.
A group of students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) take regular excursions outside the classroom to broaden their experience of Australian life while expanding their vocabulary and conversation skills.For Sara Lembo’s ESL class, a recent
tour of the new Albany Hospital was a treat which gave them a chance to familiarise themselves with the layout of the state-of-the-art new facility.
Sara, who is a member of the District Health Advisory Council, organised the students’ tour on the hospital’s open day on 3 May.The students loved the hospital and were
particularly impressed with the bright new interior and the high-tech facilities, Sara said. The excursion also helped them to brush up
on useful medical terminology should they find themselves in hospital, or visiting others.
Healthy outlook on language training
Sara Lembo and her students gather in front of the Albany Hospital before their tour of the new building.
BOOKSHOP
Get in for these great products!
$25 $25NOW AVAILABLE Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2013
ORDERS TAKENMicrosoft Windows Pro 8 – 32 or 64 bit
Great Southern Gazette 20
There are often people in organisations whose work is known and understood mainly by that officer’s immediate work colleagues. This is the case with a significant component of Librarian Stephanie Lindesay’s responsibilities. Few know that Stephanie has been the institute’s representative on the State VET Learning Resource Services Network since its formation in 2004. The LRSN, comprising
all TAFEWA libraries, is an example of a highly successful shared service. A major LRSN success has
been the implementation of a shared statewide library management system, consortium purchase of a range of online databases, and other initiatives. Stephanie has always led
the field by researching changes in advance of their introduction, and has therefore excelled in the required transitions as they have applied at this institute.She is the person
responsible for testing new enhancements, and has often been the first to alert others to problems or opportunities. She works hard to remain abreast of current developments in the library information field.GSIT has frequently
acted as a pilot site, with Stephanie assuming the responsibility for testing new modules such as the Stock Taking module, and is currently testing
the shortly to be launched Primo database searching software for this institute.As the Systems
Administrator for Voyager at GSIT, Stephanie is responsible for the implementation of upgrades, policy groups and other systems administration functions.She has developed a
strong working relationship with the LRSN Support Office, and has an excellent rapport with her peers and colleagues in the LRSN. She is innovative in her approach to many areas and most importantly shares her expertise. Kay Schneider, LRSN
Systems Librarian, and Alexandra Dailakis, LRSN Convenor, describe Stephanie as “a person
of integrity, enthusiasm, humour and kindness. She is a very hard working individual and is highly respected for her work in the LRSN.”Stephanie is also the
Library officer responsible for managing the resources in those subject areas delivered through the Environment and Primary Industries portfolio. Her Bachelor of Science degree, specialising in Botany and Geography, her years of work as a librarian with the WA Geological Survey, and her recently completed Diploma of Sustainability all make her ideally suited for the task of sourcing the most relevant resources and information sources to support these courses.
– Barbara Watson
Stephanie with colleagues Kay Schneider, LRSN System Administrator, and Mervyn Joseph, Manager Student Resources, Central Institute of Technology, at a recent LRSN meeting in Perth.
Commission in Perth on 20 May. Loryn’s last day at GSIT was Thursday 16 May.• Ann Molan, Scope Officer – taking up the balance of the scope duties in Loryn’s
position. Ann is now full time and located at the desk next to Loryn, her extension number is 7505.
• John McKinnon, Computer Systems and Web Administrator – retired on 29 April.• Chris Zadkovich, HR Manager – finished her secondment on 15 April and returned to
Perth.• David Hansen, HR Manager – finished his secondment in Bunbury and returned to
Albany on 10 April.• Jan Davidson, Manager Skills Development – returned from extended leave on 15
April.• Jason Bloomer, Lecturer ESL Katanning – returned from extended leave on 29 April.• Jen Hasleby, Lecturer Literacy – recommenced as a casual in Albany on 26 April.• Robert Svanberg, ASL2 Lecturer IT, Business and Management – retired on 3 May.• Phyllis Mancini, Lecturer Business – retired on 17 April.• Leaya Bailey, Portfolio Admin Officer Business and Creative Industries (substantively)
– internal secondment to Lecturer Business from 29 April.• Tanielle Sherwood, Portfolio Support Officer Business and Creative Industries
(substantively) – acting as PAO Business and Creative Industries in Leaya’s absence.• Donna Blight, Portfolio Manager Health Sciences and Community Services – on leave
until 26 July.• Brendon Donaldson, Acting as Portfolio Manager Health Sciences and Community
services in Donna’s absence.• Lynne Scrimgeour returned from extended leave on 13 May.• Rebecca Lovitt returned from extended leave on 1 May.We bid a fond farewell to the staff who are leaving us, wishing you all the very best for the future.
New staff are:Megan Tuffley, Casual Clerical Officer Student Services in Albany – recommenced on 15 April.Natalie Radivojevic, Casual Lecturer Visual Arts in Denmark – commenced 1 May.Yasmine Welsh, full time Portfolio Support Officer Business and Creative Industries – commenced 13 May, relieving for Tanielle Sherwood.Welcome to our new team members!
Positions Advertised:Records Management Officer, Level 4 – closing for applications on 23 May at 4pm. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/.Manager Financial Services, Level 7 – closing for applications on 23 May at 4pm. See http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au/.
Staff movementsHR News
With Paula Pattinson
Great Southern Gazette 22
Quality document updatesThe following Quality Documents have been added and updated on the intranet:New:QFAS0121 Release of Confidential InformationQFCS0178 Denmark Emergency Evacuation Procedures Poster
Reviewed:POSP008 Promotions Protocol Updated referencesQFAS0107 Training/Assessment Statement Class G Gasfitting form UpdatedQFAS0108 Class G Gasfitting Pre/Apprentice form UpdatedAS030 Direct Supervision procedure Simplified procedureQFAS0068 Direct Supervision Record form Reduced Formal Contacts to 3ASRD023 Academic Board – Submission of Funding Applicartions Updated formula rates, included reporting processQFAS0045 Learning Contract Form Replaced references to Director of Training Services to Portfolio
Managers, changed name from Revised Learning Contract FormTD005 Disruptive Student Management procedure Replaced some references to Director of Training Services to Portfolio
Managers, included ‘in some circumstances’ procedurePOSP007 Institute Quality Policy Included Academic Board’s rolePOAS020 Trainer and Assessor Competence Included Evidence GatheringIf you come across any Quality Document that contains out-of-date information please let Caro Saunders (ext 8742) know.
SKILLSDEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Fancy a short course?Take your pick from the
Skills Development Centre’s latest Training Guide
See Tash Henderson for
your copy Freecall: 1800 675 781 • www.gsit.wa.edu.au
Albany • Denmark • Katanning • Mount Barker
GOVERNMENT OFWESTERN AUSTRALIA
ENROL NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE
Training Guide
April 2013
SKILLSDEVELOPMENT CENTREwe train people.
Paint Club See page 4 for details
Great Southern Gazette 23
The institute’s partnership with Curtin University has allowed dozens of students to study for their Curtin BSc (Nursing) from Albany.Professor Phill Della (Head of School – Nursing and Midwifery) and Dr Pam Roberts (Deputy Head of School) at Curtin University visited the institute recently to meet staff to discuss the partnership and plan for the future.Students and lecturing staff took the opportunity to meet Prof. Della and Dr Roberts.Pictured with Prof. Della and Dr Roberts are Registered Nursing Curtin Coordinator Catherine Attwell, Course Coordinator (EN to RN Conversion Course) Kristi Holloway, and Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean.
Shoring up partnership by degrees
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 it is adopted.
