9 August 2013 - Gippsland Medicare Local

The Gippsland Medicare Local Newsletter
Edition 28 - 9 AUGUST 2013
GML’s ‘Connection to Country’ Photo Competition
Gippsland Medicare Local‟s Closing the Gap team have partnered with Mirboo North Bendigo Bank and Dick Smith
in Morwell to run a photo competition titled, “Connection to Country”
We are asking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to submit a photo or artwork that best captures the feeling of
connection. It could be a landscape photo that signifies connection to the land, or an important event or place
where family meets together. Participants are asked to submit a few words to explain the feelings of connection
that the photo or artwork represents.
The competition runs from 19 August to 11 October 2013 and there are $3000 worth of prizes to be won with 12
chances to win. The Grand Prize is a Cannon Camera EOS600D dSLR with lens kit, worth around $800. Entry
forms, Release forms and Completion Rules can be found on the GML website: www.gml.org.au from 12 August.
The Closing the Gap team believes this photo competition will recognise talented individuals and showcase local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic talent. Winning entries will be utilised in the development of a 2014
calendar featuring GML partners delivering a healthier Gippsland. It will be distributed to Gippsland‟s healthcare
providers and to Aboriginal community members with chronic disease, to assist them in tracking their medical
appointments.
Gippsland Health providers interested in partnering Gippsland Medicare
Local in this exciting initiative can contact Nadine Long on 0428 824 819.
Winter PJs to Warm our Young Women!
headspace Morwell has been the beneficiary of a very generous and
„warm‟ donation from Kmart in Traralgon.
Thirty four pairs of women‟s winter mixed size pajamas were donated
to headspace to be distributed through the Morwell headspace centre.
Alison Fonseca, Clinical Manager, Mental Health, from headspace
Morwell said the gesture was a timely one indeed.
“We are very appreciative and we would like to thank Kerry Jacobsen
at Kmart Traralgon for the donation,” Alison said.
“I‟m sure they will be warmly received by the community as we
distribute them to those in need.”
Pictured at right during the presentation are Bec (youth worker) Kerry
and Darren (Kmart management) and Katrina (youth worker).
Late Breaking News - More Victorians Quit !
Smoking rates in Victoria have fallen to a record low, according to new research from
Cancer Council Victoria. The research data shows only 13.3 per cent of Victorians are now
regular smokers, compared with 21.2 per cent in 1998. That is a 37.3 per cent decline in the
number of smokers since 1998. If you want to Quit, call the Helpline 13 78 48
Almost 4000 Victorians die every year from smoking-related illness .

2
Chronic Kidney Disease Issues
For General Practice
Invitation to GPs, Practice Nurses
and Allied Health Professionals
Date: Thursday 22 August 2013
Time: 6.30pm Registration and dinner, 7.00pm to
8.00pm Presentation
Where: Austral Hotel, 34 Bridge Street, Korumburra
Cost: Free
Presenter: Dr Karen Dwyer
RSVP Monday 19 August 2013 to Sharlene
Dowthwaite
Phone: 03 5674 0900
Fax: 03 5674 3124
Email: sharlene.dowthwaite@gml.org.au
Cancer Care for Adolescents
and Young Adults
Enhance your understanding of issues and develop greater
confidence in working with this unique patient group
through free online learning modules that only take a few
minutes a day.
Developed by Royal Children‟s Hospital, ONTrac at Peter
Mac and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, modules can be
accessed at: http://cah.qstream.com
nb best viewed in a modern browser such as Firefox or
Safari
Headspace Suicide Postvention
Preparation workshops
Suicide Postvention Preparation workshops for
school teams are being run by headspace across Victoria,
commencing Term 3, 2013. These three hour
workshops are for all Secondary, Primary /Secondary
and Special schools in the Government, Catholic and
Independent sectors.
headspace School Support has partnered with Department
of Education & Early Childhood Development
(DEECD), Catholic Education Office (CEO) and Independent
Schools Victoria (ISV) to provide support to
secondary schools in Victoria.
Local workshops to be held in :
Moe
2 September 2013 - Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development
Warragul 9 September 2013 Community College
Gippsland (to be confirmed)
For workshop enquiries, contact:
Sonja Bottern headspace School Support Development
Officer. Email - sbottern@headspace.org.au
Telephone: 0458 559 901
GML education events
Scholarships now open to study allied health in 2014
A flood of applicants is expected for the opening this week of scholarships offering $15,000 a year to
study postgraduate allied health courses in 2014.
Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) is offering funds in a wide range
of postgraduate degrees including physiotherapy, clinical psychology, dietetics, social work, radiography
and speech pathology.
The scholarships are targeted at rural and remote Australia, where attraction and retention of allied
health professionals is most needed.
Applications open from 6 August for the Postgraduate and Clinical Psychology scholarships – both offering funds of
$15,000 a year for two years of study under the Commonwealth-funded Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and
Support Scheme (NAHSSS).
Interviews/Photo Opportunities: For scholarship recipients in your area, contact SARRAH Communications Officer,
Louise Pemble: (02) 6175 4008.
NAHSSS Scholarship Applications Open Funds Available
Undergraduate 3 September – 31 October 2013 Up to $10,000 a year over 4 years
Continuing Professional
6 August – 15 October 2013 From $1,500 to $3,000
Development*
Postgraduate 6 August – 15 October 2013 $15,000 a year for maximum 2 years
Clinical Psychology 6 August – 15 October 2013 $15,000 a year for maximum 2 years
Clinical Placement 27 August – 8 October 2013 Up to $11,000 per placement
*For CPD activities from 1 January – 30 June 2014

3
Understanding and Responding to
Sexual Assault
When: Tuesday 20 August 2013
Where: Lifeline Gippsland, 2 Fleming Street,
Morwell
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Cost: $100 inc morning tea lunch and notes
An introductory workshop for professionals working in
the human services field, that may be in contact with
individuals, children and families affected by sexual
assault. Suitable as an induction for new employees.
More information: http://www.gcasa.org.au/training/
Introduction to Cost Effectiveness
Analysis in Health
When 23 August and 22 November 2013
Time 9.30am – 4.30pm
Where Graduate House, 22 Leicester St, Carlton,
The University of Melbourne
Provides an introduction to the application of cost
effectiveness analysis in health.
Specifically this course will provide participants with
an understanding of how economic analysis can be
used to assist with the evaluation of health
interventions and programs and how this information
can aid decision making.
For more information, call (03) 8344 9111
www.healthprograms.unimelb.edu.au
health-economics@unimelb.edu.au
The deadline is approaching !
Get your applications in for GlaxoSmithKline's
(GSK) Adult Immunisation Grants
We are looking to support practical, sustainable and
innovative projects that can improve adult immunisation
rates in Australia. The winners receive $20,000
to implement their idea.
Grant applications close Monday 12 August 2013.
Click here to apply.
ICD Forum –Save the Date
When: 26 August 2013
Where: Room 1.01, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
The purpose of the ICDM Innovation forum is to:
Share learning
Identify and discuss common issues and possible
solutions
Promote best practice
Provide opportunities to engage with subject experts
Prostate Cancer Roadshow
When 28 August 2013
Where Bairnsdale
Information regarding the Prostate Cancer Foundation of
Australia‟s announcement on the Rural Education Roadshow
to be held in Bairnsdale on Wednesday 28 August
for GP‟s, Health Professionals and Community Members.
There will be an afternoon session for community members
and an evening session for health professionals on
this date.
Further questions please contact:
Jessica Roberts, Project Officer,
T 02 9438 7032 F 02 9438 7099
Free Call 1800 22 00 99
Email jessica.roberts@pcfa.org.au
Two-day Tai Chi for Arthritis Leader Training
Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria
When 17 and 18 August
Where Warragul www.arthritisvic.org.au
As an effective program for people with arthritis, Tai Chi
for Arthritis incorporates exercises that improve muscular
strength, flexibility and fitness. The Tai Chi for Arthritis
program also focuses on weight transference, which
improves balance and prevents falls.
If you have any questions and/or would like to register
for the training, please contact our Programs Administrator
on (03) 8531 8000 or programs@arthritisvic.org.au
Nominations Open for GML Board of Directors
Gippsland Medicare Local is seeking high-performing non–Executive Directors to fill two vacancies on its skill-based Board of
Directors.
Advertisements have been placed in major Gippsland newspapers this week inviting nominations from suitably qualified individuals
interested in serving as a Board Director with Gippsland Medicare Local. Retiring Directors are also eligible to renominate.
Board Directors of Gippsland Medicare Local are collectively required to demonstrate professional skills relevant to the Board‟s
key functions and industry skills relevant to the primary health sector and must demonstrate professional behaviours commensurate
with performance requirements for Company Directors.
Potential nominees should review the on-line information and complete the document now available at:
http://www.gml.org.au/about-us/nominations-gml-board-2013/
Applications close at 5pm on 19 August 2013 and all enquiries should be addressed to : Ms Wendy Gilbert on (03) 5126 2899.

4
Living Well with Diabetes
Diabetes Australia – Vic invites you to a day of information
sessions to assist in living well with diabetes.
A panel of experts will be available for discussions
throughout the day, along with a live cooking demonstration.
Outline of the day: Introduction to DA–Vic Michael Goldman
– Director of Membership
Living Well: Dr. Ralph Audehm: A practising GP who
specialises in diabetes management
Eating Well: Adele Mackie – Practising Dietitian
Cooking Well: Travis McAuley – Head Chef of Hellenic
Republic and DA – Vic food ambassador
Time: 09:30
Date Saturday, 17 August 2013,
Location: Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster
Road, Doncaster
Contact: Places are limited and bookings are essential.
Phone: 1300 136 588
Email membership@diabetesvic.org.au
New Preventive Health
Web Tool Launched
Wide Bay Medicare Local and the Australian National
Preventive Health Agency have launched the
Preventive Health Matters web tool.
Preventive Health Matters has been developed to
improve the focus on prevention in primary health
care and connect staff right across the Medicare
Local network to the information and resources
they need in order to contribute towards achieving
healthy communities.
Preventive Health Matters will also help facilitate
the knowledge transfer between Medicare Locals
and harness the use of research and evidence to
improve the planning, implementation and evaluation
of preventive health initiatives.
Medicare Locals staff can register to join Preventive
Health Matters, using their Medicare Local
email address at:
www.preventivehealthmatters.com.au
Diabetes in Schools Seminars
TIP: YOU MUST ‘CTRL CLICK’ ALL LINKS TO ACCESS WEBSITES
These seminar offers teachers the opportunity to expand their knowledge and become more confident in supporting
and facilitating the day to day school experience of children with type 1 diabetes in their care. Sessions
will include information about diabetes and diabetes management in school age children, and practical workshops
covering a variety of specialised topics in more detail including monitoring, pumps, camps and excursions.
Morwell
Date Friday 25 October 2013
Venue Latrobe Community Health Services, 81-87 Buckley Street Morwell
Warragul
Date Friday 14 February 2014
Venue West Gippsland Hospital Commonwealth Rehabilitation Centre & Allied Health Services Building
Landsborough street Warragul
Morwell
Date Friday 6 June 2014
Venue Latrobe Community Health Services, 81-87 Buckley Street Morwell
Time 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost $100 per person ( incl GST ) Bookings are essential
For enquiries/ Registrations please contact:
Phone: (03) 5623 0647 ( Warragul ) Fax: (03) 5623 0650 Email: diabetes@wghg.com.au
Phone: (03) 5136 5253 ( Morwell ) Fax: (03) 5136 5450 Email: Carolyn.richardson@lchs.com.au

5
Sexual and Reproductive Health Research and Practice Forum
The Gippsland Health Promotion Task Group will host its second research and practice forum for the year on
Thursday 12 September from 1:00-3:00pm in the Gapper Room, Department of Health, 64 Church St, Traralgon.
The Australian Chlamydia Control Effectiveness Pilot (ACCEPt project http://www.accept.org.au/ ) is a chlamydia
testing pilot program that has been commissioned by the Department of Health and Ageing. Largely undertaken in
general practice clinics, the study is a collaborative project and aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, efficacy
and cost‐effectiveness of chlamydia testing in the general practice setting.
ACCEPt is the first community-based chlamydia testing trial conducted in the world and measures chlamydia as an
outcome across GP clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in 140 settings within Victoria,
New South Wales and Queensland.
Dr Jane Hocking, Associate Professor, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (University of
Melbourne), will provide an update on the pilot, which is being conducted as a randomised controlled trial over a
three year period. Along with members of her research team, Jane will provide an insight into data collected across
clinics; intervention versus control.
Please RSVP to barb.radley@cghs.com.au if you wish to attend the forum, or email for more information
New Study Shines Light
On Silent Killer
The results of a new comprehensive survey paint a
bleak picture of Australia's kidney health.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released
biomedical results from the Australian Health
Survey. Testing the blood and urine samples of 11,000
people for chronic diseases and key biomarkers, the
Australian Health Survey is the first time biomedical
measurements have been taken on a national basis.
"This is a historic development, the first time we've
actually taken the key measurements of Australians,
across the nation, to ascertain their kidney health" said
Kidney Health Australia's National Medical
Director, Dr Tim Mathew.
"What it highlights is there are a large
number of people with key risk factors
for kidney disease, such as diabetes
and cardiovascular disease.
One in Three Australians
Have High Cholesterol
The National Heart Foundation of Australia is calling
on the Federal Government to fund a national vascular
health check program after a landmark biomedical
survey shows 5.6 million Australian adults (32.8%)
have unmanaged high blood cholesterol.
The results, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australian Health Survey: Biomedical Results for
Chronic Diseases, 2011-12 released in Canberra
today, also revealed: There are a further 3.3 million
Australians at risk of having high blood cholesterol
with between 5 mmol/l to 5.5mmol/l; there are 1.3
million Australian adults with both unmanaged high
blood cholesterol and unmanaged high blood pressure;
that 46.1% of Australians aged 45 to 64 have
high blood cholesterol; high cholesterol was higher
among smokers (38.1%), people overweight/obese
(37.3%), those with high blood pressure(40.8%).
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/
Lookup/4364.0.55.005Main+Features12011-12
OpenDocument
Genetics and Medical Prevention in Cancer a Workshop for GPs
Date: 25 September 2013
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Hilton White Estate Conference Room in BRICC L1, Ballarat Integrated Cancer Services, Drummond
St, Ballarat
Please join us as leading experts present the latest evidence-based information on:
• GPs’ role in genetic counselling
• Risks and benefits of genetic testing
• The role of the genetic counsellor
• Medical prevention strategies
• Efficacy of treatments for preventing cancers in high risk groups
• Psycho-social implications of having a genetic mutation
The workshop will be presented by specialists from Austin Health. More information about Genetics & Medical
Prevention in Cancer Workshop, including topics, speakers and registration details please click on the link below
http://www.cancervic.org.au/calendar/default.aspmvCategory=gp-events