ACT Veterans & Seniors Newsletter - June 2016 CONTENTS: Major News Items and Activities…………………………………………..page 2 Forthcoming Events ……………………………………………………………..page 4 Notices and Activities ............................................................page 8 Learning and Development ..................................................page 15 Volunteering Opportunities .................................................page 16 Mailing List & Future Articles …………………………………………….page 17 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Major News Items & Activities Calling All Mature Age Workers You are cordially invited to have a FREE career check up at the inaugural “Career Check Up Expo for Mature Workers” The “Career Check Up Expo for Mature Workers” is an initiative of IRT Foundation being delivered in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission and the ACT Government – the Expo will provide workers 45+ a one-stop-shop for planning their future and getting the right advice about working and retirement. The Expo will put age-friendly employers, training organisations, career coaching, HR advisers, and financial planners all in direct contact with mature workers to break down the barriers to accessing information. IRT Foundation’s Career Check Up Expo will assist mature workers to: • identify potential career opportunities; • find relevant and suitable training providers in the ACT; and • link with potential employers and industry groups who support mature workers. The Expo will be held on Wednesday, 29 June 2016, 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Ann Harding Conference Centre (Building 24) at the University of Canberra. If you are a mature worker you are encouraged to register immediately for this exciting event by going online to www.irtfoundation.org.au and following the links to the Career Check Up Expo. For specific information about the Expo contact the IRT on 1800 024 915. 2 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Voting is different this Federal Election The Australian Electoral Commission would like to provide your organisation with information about the upcoming Federal Election in 2016. You may also be aware that the Australian Parliament recently passed changes to the way you vote for senators and these changes will apply at the upcoming 2016 federal election. This is the most significant change to Australia’s democratic system in some time and will affect all Australian citizens ages 18 years and over. The Australian Electoral Commission website has information in 27 languages about enrolling and voting. Go to http://www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/Translated_information to find out more. What are the changes to voting? On the Senate ballot paper voters will have new ways to decide their preferences. The Senate vote can be cast above the line by numbering at least six boxes, from one to six, for parties or groups of your choice. Or you can vote below the line by numbering at least twelve boxes, from one to 12, for individual candidates in the order of your choice. Translated information regarding the recent changes to the Senate voting system can also be found as part of a dedicated communication kit. Concession Scheme Support for low-income households As part of the 2016-17 Budget, the ACT Government will increase funding for the Concessions Program to support the most vulnerable members of our community. The extra $35 million over four years reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to a fairer, more sustainable and more accessible program that targets support to those Canberrans who need a helping hand most. Concessions play an important role in supporting around 30,000 Canberra households and the need for support is increasing. The ACT Government offers numerous concessions, including concessions for electricity, gas and water bills, household rates, public transport, motor vehicle registrations, driver licences, taxis, glasses and funeral assistance. Following a review of the Concessions Program and community consultation period, the Government 3 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 has decided that most concessions will not be changing and has provided additional funding to meet forecast demand. Changes that have been announced include maintaining ‘uncapped’ General Rates Rebates at 2015-16 levels, introducing a combined Utilities Concession from 2017-18, and gradually increasing the eligibility age for the ACT Seniors Card to 65 by 2025. Forthcoming Events Integrated Women's Network’s (IWN) "Let’s Talk" fifth event Talk by Dr Sharmila Sambandam on "Osteoporosis prevention and treatment". Sharmila has a double degree, one in Allopathy from Australia and the other in Siddha medicine from India. The talk will be followed by Q&A. Where: Meeting room, Level 2, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic When: Saturday. 18 June 2016 Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Cost: free and open to all More info: RSVP to [email protected];www.integratedcultures.org International Day of Yoga – Panel discussion Date: Tuesday, 21 June 2016 Time: 5:15 pm Where: ANU University House, Balmain Crescent, Acton. Canberra ACT 2601 Cost: free. More Info: Please RSVP by email or [email protected] Register before 15 June 2016 to http://www.anu.edu.au/events/international-day-of-yoga More Info: [email protected] Midwinter Arts and Crafts Show The event showcases the work of local craft workers and artists and the funds raised support vital community programs. Recipients last year included Sids for Kids, Companion House, Canberra Refugee Support, Paperworks inc, Kairos Outside and Chaplaincy at the Canberra Hospital. The show will be officially opened by Margaret and Ron Reeson at 6.00pm on Friday followed by a fashion show featuring designs exhibited at the show. The Midwinter Show also includes a concert program with the following line up: Friday 24 June 2016 from 1.00pm : Keibilou 4 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Saturday 25 June 2016 from 12.30pm : Recordare, Orana choir, Gospel Folk, Canberra Community Voices, Harmonic Means, Patrick Keating, Calculating Women, Portable Singers Sunday 26 June 2016 from 1.00 pm: Young at Heart Music Makers, Andante Andante Choir, Lady’s Mantle, Dante Musica Viva choir, Tea for Two, Sticks and Tones, Canberra Harmony Chorus Date: Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June 2016 Time: Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm Where: Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman St, Yarralumla Cost: Free, Donations requested Everybody welcome! More Info: 6281 3396, 6281 4497 or [email protected] Improvention 2016 Australia's premier international festival for Improvisation and Improvised Theatre with international guests from Singapore, USA, France, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Austria, Taiwan, and of course many renowned improvisers from Australia. The festival includes theatre shows, workshops and conference sessions held at the Street Theatre and various other locations in Canberra’s city centre. Date: 2 July to 9 July 2016 Time: Daytime workshops and evening performances (check website or Facebook page for times) Where: The Street Theatre - 15 Childers St, Canberra West, ACT Performing Arts Services Hub (PASH) - Suite 301, 20 Allara St, Civic, ACT Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant - ANU Arts Centre, University Avenue Cost: Yes. Booking details at www.thestreet.org.au More Info: Website: www.impro.com.au | www.improvention.com Facebook: Improvention - Festival Shows of Improvised Comedy and Theatre Twitter: @Improvention, Email: [email protected], Phone: 1300 851 055 5 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Integrated Women's Network’s (IWN) "Let’s Talk" sixth event Talk by Ms Giulia Jones MLA Shadow Minister for Women on “Work life balance”. The talk will be interactive. Date: Saturday, 23 July 2016 Time: 3:00-5:00pm Where: Meeting room, Level 2, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Canberra City Cost: free and open to all RSVP: [email protected] More info: www.integratedcultures.org State of Origin Game II Experience @ Gio Stadium Wednesday 22 June 2016 at 6:45pm for 7:00pm start. Show your support for your State of Origin team and get along to GIO Stadium to watch Game II on the big screen (the next best thing to watching it live!) on Wednesday 22 June 2016. Fully catered in-door function and grandstand seating Enjoy pre-game live music, as well as Origin tips and stories from former NSW Origin representative and Canberra Raiders legend, Ken Nagas Enjoy a pre-match guided tour at GIO Stadium, including the players tunnel, the Canberra Raiders players change room, and the event technical control room Prizes to be won including a major prize of a Canberra Raiders private suite for one game for you and 15 friends! Purchase tickets now Book Now to Attend the 2016 International Mental Health Conference - Early Bird Closing Soon! The International Mental Health Conference, now in its 17th year, holds it's position as one of the "must attend" events on the mental health calendar. Professor Philip Morris, President of the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association encourages all those in the mental health field to join the conversation and mark their calendar with this important event. “With the importance of mental health for individuals, communities and nations greater than ever, I am so pleased to be involved in the International Mental Health Conference for the past 17 years. Over this time the Conference has grown from strength to strength and has seen over. 6 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 850 presenters share their knowledge and entertain new possibilities as we explore the challenges and opportunities that we face together.” Early bird registration closes on Wednesday 29 June 2016. Now is your chance to save $100 on your registration fee. Delegates attending will receive the following benefits: Hear keynote presentations by renowned speakers Have access to over 70 concurrent sessions, six workshops and nine keynote addresses Participate in the discussion with Q&A opportunities Be one of the first 100 to register to receive complimentary workshops (save up to $130) Network with like minded professionals at the free Welcome Reception (Full Registration only) Attend the Conference Dinner at Australian Outback Spectacular (Included with Full Registration only) Access the Presenter podcasts to catch up on any sessions you may miss Have access the online copy of the Book of Proceedings Enjoy meals for the duration of the event including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea Receive conference materials including satchel and handbook Meet with exhibitors and peruse the poster displays Registrations start at just $475.00. To register or view the Program, visit the Conference Website http://anzmh.asn.au/conference/ Woden Seniors BIG Book Fair Woden Seniors BIG Book Fair is on again. The Third BIG Book Fair will be held over three days at the Club premises, 12 Corinna Street Woden on: Friday, 12 August 2016 from 11:00am-6:00pm Saturday, 13 August 2016 from 10:00am-4:00pm Sunday, 14 August from 10:00am-4:00pm. The Club will be filled with a huge range of quality books, including collectables, children's books, fiction and non-fiction, as well as magazines, games, vinyl records and DVDs – all for sale at very reasonable prices. For browsers who wish to linger, the Coffee Shop will be open for morning or afternoon tea. On Sunday, 14 August 2016 there will be a 'Happy Hour' from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, when anything that is left will be at rock bottom prices. 7 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Entry is by gold coin donation. There is parking at the Club. For further information visit www.wodenseniors.org.au . Notices & Information Women’s Health Utilisation Survey Women’s Centre for Health Matters (WCHM) is conducting a community consultation survey around women’s health utilisation. This is an opportunity for women to share their voices and let us know what is working and not working for them when seeking to maintain good health. We are looking for women aged 16 and over, who live and work in the ACT. The goals of the survey are: 1) How do women understand and manage their health needs? 2) Which health services are being utilised and whether there are barriers to that access? 3) What are women’s preferred methods of seeking health information and are there barriers to information seeking? The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCHMWHUS2016_E All survey information is confidential. The survey will close on Sunday, 31 July 2016. Contact: Health Promotion Officer to [email protected] or on 6290 2166. ACT Health fact sheets on various health matters for the public ACT Health has produced fact sheets on various health matters for the public, including: Communicable diseases Emergencies and extreme weather Environmental health Food safety Health improvement Medicines and poisons Vaccination and immunisation Water quality More info: http://www.health.act.gov.au/research-publications/fact-sheets Anxiety Disorders Support Group Queanbeyan A free support group meeting is held in Queanbeyan for people living with an anxiety disorder and their family and friends. 8 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 We meet in a friendly, caring and supportive environment to share experiences. Groups are for ages 18+.Anxiety disorders include: Generalised anxiety disorder, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety and Specific Phobias. Groups do not run in January and December. When: 3rd Saturday of each month Time: 2:00pm Where: Karabar Community Centre, 183 Cooma Street, Queanbeyan Cost: FREE More info: Call the WayAhead Anxiety Disorders Info Line on 1300 794 992 Australian Cultural Fund The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a collective funding platform for Australian artists. The fund was established to encourage donations to the arts and is managed by Creative Partnerships Australia. Through the ACF, artists register their project and invite art lovers and supporters to donate. Registration is quick and simple and provided that all the terms and conditions have been met, projects can be attracting donations within a few days. The ACF enables artists to offer tax deductibility to donors as well as offering artists the potential to build and develop deeper relationships with donors and networks, and access Creative Partnerships Australia’s resources and advice. To find out more visit www.australianculturalfund.org.au. More info: If you would like further information on the ACF and registering with the ACF, please email [email protected] or call (03) 9616 0326. Consider Hosting an International Student The Education and Training Directorate international education program invites Canberra families to open their homes to international students and provide them a safe and nurturing place to live during their stay in Canberra. Placing international students with a homestay host family helps bridge the cultural and language gap, giving students the opportunity to experience the life with an Australian family. Homestay parents and their children gain a greater understanding of cultural diversity through the relationship that develops with their student. Many of our host families have been providing accommodation for international students for many years. The Directorate is currently experiencing a shortage of homestay host families throughout Canberra and we invite you, or someone you know, to consider hosting a student. More info: Please contact Nicole King, Manager, International Education Unit on 6205 6998 or [email protected] 9 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Death Cap Mushrooms Found in Canberra The ACT Chief Health Officer has alerted the community that Death Cap mushrooms have recently been found in several locations in the ACT due to the recent wet weather. In previous years, Death Cap mushrooms were typically seen in Canberra from late March. For the last two years Death Cap mushrooms have been found as early as February, due to lower temperatures and heavier than usual rain fall. In Canberra, Death Cap mushrooms grow mainly near established oak trees in the wet, warm weather typically observed in late summer and autumn. However this year, due to recent wet weather authorities been alerted to mushroom sightings earlier than usual. In light of these sightings, Canberrans are reminded that Death Cap mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can easily be confused with other wild mushrooms. People should not pick or eat any wild mushrooms. All parts of the Death Cap mushroom are poisonous, and eating just one can be fatal. Cooking the Death Cap mushroom does not make it safe to eat. It can be extremely difficult for even experienced collectors to distinguish Death Cap from an edible mushroom. Anyone who suspects they may have eaten Death Cap mushrooms should seek urgent medical attention at a hospital emergency department. The sooner treatment begins, the better the patient’s chances of survival. During the last 16 years, there have been a number of poisonings, including four fatalities associated with Death Cap mushrooms in the ACT. The community is reminded to remain vigilant and tell friends and family who are visiting or new to Canberra not to pick and eat any wild mushrooms. For safety, all mushrooms should be purchased from a reputable supplier. More info: Important information about the Death Cap mushroom is available on the ACT Health website at: http://www.health.act.gov.au/datapublications/fact-sheets/environmental-health Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) Canberra Services Having trouble doing the things you love because your vision has changed? Are you vision impaired and confused about NDIS or aged care reform? Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) Canberra are delivering an increased range of services to meet the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired in the ACT and surrounding region. Targeting every area of life, services are designed to maximise a person’s independence so they have every freedom to live the life they choose. 10 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 RSB Canberra provides free NDIS pre-planning advice and is registered to provide NDIS coordination services. Staff also specialise in changes to aged care reform. RSB Canberra services include: Occupational Therapy Independent Living Training and Assessments Case Management Support and Counselling Adaptive Technology Print Alternatives Community Education Social Support, Health and Wellness Programs Volunteer Services Training for service providers. More info: For further information please call (02) 6247 4580 or visit the following link: http://www.rsb.org.au/contact-us Salvos NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) The No-Interest Loan Scheme provides loans to people in need on low incomes who need to make essential purchases to provide for themselves or their family. What can loans be used for? Loans may be used to purchase essential household and personal capital items. Loans may also be used to pay for emergencies or for urgently needed things such as vehicle repairs, medical and dental procedures, and for educational purposes. What can't loans be used for? Loans cannot be used for the repayment of current bills or debts and cannot be paid to the applicant directly. They also cannot be used for bond or rent money, rent arrears or living expenses. 11 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 How does it work? You need to be on a low income e.g. receiving a Centrelink payment, holder of a Health Care card or have a low household income. Exceptional circumstances can be considered. The No-Interest Loan Scheme relies on the repayment of loans to continue to be of service to other members of the community. Loans can only be up to a maximum of $1500 and can be for more than one item in total. Loans need to be repaid over a period of up to 18 months. Repayment plans are tailored to suit individual circumstances. More info: For more information or to find a NILS centre near you visit: salvos.org.au/nils What is the Women’s Return to Work Grants Program? The Program aims to enable the provision of practical financial support to women returning to the workforce by providing funding for them to attend short courses, pay for child care to attend interviews as well as more formal training or education. It may also provide support for the purchase of equipment or clothing directly related to the woman’s return to work for women on low incomes including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women with disabilities, younger women and mature women. Each grant provides up to $1000 in assistance for women enrolling in training or other employment associated costs that will improve their workforce skills or capacities. More info: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/women/grants_and_scholarships#returntowork What’s on for Women Calendar – Now Online The online What’s on for Women Calendar includes details on courses, events, information sessions, support groups, training, programs, workshops and activities for women in the ACT and region. The calendar can be accessed at: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/women/Womens-Information-Empower,Respect,-Connect Contributions and amendments to the calendar can now be made at any time to ensure the most up to date information is available for women in the ACT. While we are trialling the calendar online we would greatly appreciate any feedback that can assist us to improve the calendar overtime, including any feedback on ways we can ensure women who don’t have internet can access the information. More info: For further information on the calendar or to provide feedback on the new online format, contact Women’s Information on 6205 1075, or by email at [email protected] 12 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 The Actsmart Business Energy and Water Program Rebates The Actsmart Business Energy and Water Program provide rebates to small businesses and community organisations to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. If you have electricity bills that are less than $20,000 (including GST) OR employ less than 10 full time staff, and have non residential premises registered in the ACT, then you may eligible to participate in the program. The program is free to register and you receive a free energy assessment, a tailored report detailing ways to reduce your bills and up to $5,000 on a 50/50 cost basis to help replace out inefficient equipment such as lights, heating/cooling equipment, refrigeration and hot water systems. To find out more head to http://www.actsmart.act.gov.au/what-can-ido/business/business-energy-and-water-program to download a registration form. You can also search the web for Actsmart Business Energy. Complete the form and send it to [email protected] . If you would like to speak with someone about the program feel free to email us on the above address or call Access Canberra or 13 22 81. ACT Audit Office Report On Thursday 16 June 2016 the ACT Audit Office released a performance report on the Initiation of the Light Rail Project. For a copy of the report, please visit the ACT Audit Office website. Canteen Menu Planning Workshop: Creating Healthy Canteens FREE Workshop 20 June 2016 The ACT Nutrition Support Service has a FREE upcoming workshop to assist in developing healthy menus that meet Food and Drink Policy requirements. Who should attend? ACT school canteen managers, staff and volunteers. What will I learn? This 2-hour interactive workshop is a great opportunity to: understand the National Healthy School Canteen Guidelines learn how to apply the Traffic Light System to your menu learn about the ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy and how it applies to school canteens (if applicable) network with other canteen managers and volunteers over refreshments sample a range of GREEN rated recipes. Date: Monday 20 June 2016 Time: 3.30pm-5.30pm Location: Chifley Health and Wellbeing Hub, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley Refreshments provided. 13 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 RSVP at http://www.actnss.org/events/canteen-menu-workshop-2/mon-20-jun-2016-330pm-5-30pm. For more information on the ACT Nutrition Support Service visit: www.actnss.org or phone 6162 2583. The ACT Nutrition Support Service is supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program and managed by Nutrition Australia ACT. The ACT Nutrition Support Service is part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Weight Initiative, supporting a healthy, active and productive community. Future of the Arboretum – Have Your Say We want to hear what you think about the National Arboretum Canberra and its future. The short survey will help the ACT Government understand how people experience the Arboretum, and how it can be developed for the future. The survey should take about 5 minutes and you can enter the draw for a $200 voucher from the Curatoreum gift shop. Your answers are confidential. If you have more to say or would like more information, please email: [email protected]; mail to: The National Arboretum Canberra, Strategic Directions Consultation, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601; or call 02 6207 8484. Survey closes 27 June 2016. Survey link: http://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/survey Financial Incentive to Replace Your Wood Heater The Wood Heater Replacement Program is managed by the ACT Government in association with ActewAGL. The program aims to reduce winter air pollution from wood smoke, offering a financial incentive to replace an old wood heater. A 12 month trial to include a rebate for electric reverse cycle systems commenced late 2015 - Limited rebates available. For rebates and eligibility requirements visit actsmart.act.gov.au or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81. 14 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Learning & Development Lake Nite Learning Program The Lake Nite Learning program at UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra aims to provide affordable evening courses that have personal and/or professional interest(s) to the ACT community. We offer evening classes (minimum enrolment applies) in Arts and Crafts, Business and Finance, Computing and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, Recreation and Relaxation and Languages and Expression. Specific information related to the classes should be referred to the relevant instructors. General information on the program, including schedule, fees and discounts can be found at http://www.lakenitelearning.com.au/ You can also contact us at [email protected] or 6142 0221. Please note that our office hours are Monday to Thursday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm. CIT Basic Dog Grooming and Styling Discover the basics of grooming and styling with CIT’s Basic Dog Grooming and Styling so you can best look after your dog. Learn about: grooming equipment grooming techniques detangling coat or hair coat trimming/clipping techniques. This training includes both theory and practical sessions and runs for four hours. Participants are encouraged to bring their own dogs. This training is designed for dog breeds that require clipping. Cost: $165 Location: CIT Bruce Date: 25 June 2016 Click here to book your place! This is non-accredited training. 15 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Volunteering Opportunities Volunteering Opportunity on ACT Public School Boards An opportunity exists to engage with a school community by becoming an appointed member on a school board. The ACT Education and Training Directorate is seeking people to fill appointed members positions on ACT public school boards. Being the appointed member of a school board is a rewarding way to serve your local school and community. Appointments are made for periods up to two years and usually commence in April. What is an appointed member? An appointed member is usually someone from outside the immediate school community, interested in and committed to public education. The role of the appointed member is to present an independent view to the school board. Interested persons appointed as appointed members may enhance the knowledge and composition of a school board through their particular skill sets (for example, appointed members with an understanding of financial management, ICT or policy). Training for all new school board members is provided by the Directorate during the year. Functions of a School Board All ACT public schools are required to have a school board, meeting at least four times per year. School boards work in partnership with the principal and have specific responsibility for establishing the strategic direction and priorities of the school, monitoring and reviewing school performance, developing, maintaining and reviewing curriculum, approving budgets and policies for the effective use of school resources and management of financial risk. How to register your interest? If you are interested in the role of appointed member, the expression of interest form is available on the ACT Education and Training Directorate’s website (www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/school_boards). 16 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016 Mailing List & Future Articles Please let us know if you want to be added to our Newsletter mailing list (email or postal), or if you have an article you would like included in future editions, by emailing [email protected], and please pass on information about this newsletter to your friends and colleagues. Our role is to assist you and to disseminate information to the ACT veterans and seniors’ community. ACT Office for Veterans and Seniors, Community Participation Group. 17 ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter – June 2016
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