October 2013Volume 4, No 8

Monthly Newsletter

TheGazette

Great Southern Institute of Technology student Jason Miniter enjoys the tranquil setting of Yorrl Park in Lower King.

Historic site a celebration of cultureFor two groups of Great Southern Institute of Technology Noongar students, work on a historic Aboriginal site has honed their vocational skills and brought personal rewards.The students’ work was

acknowledged by Education Minister Peter Collier at the recent opening of Yorrl Park in Lower King, a site of significance to local Noongar people.Noongar students

of Conservation and Land Management and Horticulture at GSIT had helped to transform the park by installing bollards and aggregate pathways, spraying weeds and revegetating areas around the freshwater lake.Plants were donated by

the institute’s horticulture section and the students have carried out ongoing work to control weeds and establish vegetation.The project, instigated

by the Albany Heritage Reference Group, has developed the site into an idyll of natural beauty which celebrates the Noongar people’s culture and traditions. Archaelogical excavation

proved that Aboriginal

people lived in the area at least 12,500 years ago, so the park is a significant part of local history.For GSIT student Jason

Miniter, working on the project was a memorable

and rewarding experience and a celebration of local Noongar culture which has become even more poignant now he is enjoying the park with his own family.

Continued on page 2

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?

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Historic site a celebration of cultureFrom page 1He said he could appreciate his

ancestors’ attraction to the area, which had been a water hole with a campsite dotted along the sheltered parts.“Today, the park is a sharing place again,

just as it was in old times,” Jason said.“It brings communities together, it

allows young people to connect with the environment and learn from both a Noongar and a scientific perspective,” he added.“It reinforces the connection to country

when we’re teaching youngsters.”Jason recalled the contribution from

Aboriginal people from outside the area.“Young people from other regions of

WA, who were in Albany with the Clontarf Academy, helped with the work,” he said.“It was a cross-cultural experience and

sharing, and they learnt about Noongar history,” he said.The park, located on Cumberland

Road at Lower King, features a series of signs depicting the Aboriginal people’s connection to the land, with artwork by local Noongar primary school students.For information on Aboriginal Programs

at Great Southern Institute of Technology, phone 9892 8888.

Need stationery?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!

Great Southern Gazette 3

Jerramungup apprentice Dean Pocock attends Great Southern Institute of Technology every few weeks on a block release.

Block release to tackle trainingWhile most apprentices studying through Great Southern Institute of Technology attend the campus one day a week, those in outlying rural areas of the region can find travelling takes up a large proportion of their day.For these apprentices,

a block release can be arranged, allowing them to train in the workplace continuously for several weeks, then stay in Albany to attend the campus daily for a two-week stretch. This arrangement, which

demonstrates the institute’s flexibility, is appreciated by students such as Dean Pocock, who lives and works in Jerramungup.Dean, a final-year

apprentice taking Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade [Heavy]), said the block release meant he did not have to spend up to four hours travelling to and from Albany each week.He said he could

concentrate on his work for most of the term, then dedicate uninterrupted time to his studies while receiving excellent support from his GSIT lecturers.“I find it more manageable,”

Dean said.“I enjoy coming to TAFE

and the lecturers are very good, particularly if you’re struggling with anything,” he added.Dean is employed by

Harry Vandermaat at HJ Machining and Welding

in Jerramungup, which manufactures and repairs industrial and agricultural machinery.Harry said the block

release suited his business better than the usual one-day-a-week arrangement.“It works out well for us,”

Harry said.“We have Dean here every

day during the week, then when he is away at TAFE, we take our holidays,” he said.Harry also appreciates

the standard of work Dean produces, and his respectful attitude in the workplace.Projects Dean has

worked on include trailer modifications, buckets,

augers, and many types of farm machinery.Dean said he enjoyed

the variety of his work with Harry. Manufacturing items from

steel and aluminium, he has gained experience in various welding techniques.“The main types I have

done so far are TIG, MIG, oxy, and arc welding,” Dean said.Dean’s trips to Albany have

not enticed him to further his career in the city, however.“Once I get my trade

certificate, I’d like to stay working with Harry,” he said.“It’s a good place to work

and there’s a great social life in the country,” he said.

Great Southern Gazette 4

It’s great to be back on deck after nearly three months away.Thank you to you all for your hard work

while I was on leave, and particular thanks to Acting Managing Director Bill Swetman, who took the reins so capably.Judging from the feedback I have received,

Bill did a great job leading the institute. He is now taking a well-earned holiday before returning to his position at Polytechnic West.

Future Skills WA Major events while I was away include the introduction of the much-anticipated entitlement model under the label of Future Skills WA.As a result of this initiative, decisions are

still being made about the fees and charges for 2014. When these are published in the Western Australian Government Gazette, we will have a clearer picture of the direction we will take next year. The Executive Management Team will

take the opportunity during the two-day planning session in November to debate the outcomes of Future Skills WA.

Voluntary SeveranceFollowing the announcement of the voluntary redundancy scheme by the Western Australian Government in June, four staff of the institute have had their applications endorsed.I send my sincere thanks to Sue Bennett-

Ng, Tom Savich, Beth Kirkland and Diane Sheehan for their years of service to the institute.As they prepare to leave us within the next

few weeks, farewell celebrations will be held in their sections, and everyone is invited to a morning tea for Training Services Director Sue Bennett-Ng on Wednesday 20 November.To the four, you leave with my best wishes

for the future, and I am sure I am joined in this by your colleagues within the institute and by your professional contacts outside.

AuditThank you to the Quality Team led by Sue Bennett-Ng for their work towards planning for the reregistration audit this week.My thanks also go to staff in the portfolios

for their thorough preparations, which will smooth the way to our reregistration.

Capital WorksBad weather delayed completion of the building work on the Skills Development Centre’s industrial training shed on the south side of Anson Road.However, this has now progressed and

with the installation of racks and the rigging tower this week, training delivery can proceed.Construction of the Health Science building

at the Albany campus is still on schedule.

ITThe developers of the institute’s new website have indicated it will be launched in the week before the Christmas break.A project to allow remote access to

institute systems is also progressing and this should be available within the next few weeks.

Denmark CampusThe Denmark campus will host a Denmark Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Wednesday 6 November.The institute’s corporate executive and

portfolio managers will attend the after-work meeting, which will allow staff to build networks with members of the Denmark business community. Teaming with the institute for this event are Temptations, which will provide the catering, and The Lakehouse winery.

Continued on page 5

From the MD’s Desk

Great Southern Gazette 5

From page 4

Student SupportPreparations for VET FEE-HELP are being finalised for next year’s enrolments. This Australian Government initiative will make available loans for students taking a limited number of Certificate IV courses, or a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

ScholarshipsApplications close next Monday, 28 October, for Mick Young Scholarships. These are sponsored by TAFE Directors Australia. Up to 10 scholarships of $300 each will

be awarded to financially disadvantaged students enrolled in any full-time course this semester.Students may pick up – and return –

application forms at Student Services in L Block at the Albany campus or at the offices of the regional campuses. Forms may also be downloaded from the

institute’s website.

VET in SchoolsThe culmination of work on the 2014 VET in Schools program by the Communication and The Arts portfolio will be marked by the institute’s signing of agreements with the region’s high schools on 15 November.Representatives from the schools will

attend an information morning, which will be followed by an agreement-signing ceremony in George’s Restaurant.

PACD Preparations are well under way for our one-day professional development event at Camp Quaranup. We are all looking forward to being entertained and enlightened, under the leadership of Brendon Donaldson.The PACD committee will issue regular

updates of progress on the planning for the day.

Finally, I wish you all the best as Term 4 gets underway and we approach the sharp end of the year. As we make preparations for the challenges next year, I will keep you informed.Happy reading,Lidia

From the MD’s Desk

Safety First

With Rick Muller

Safe Work Week28 October to 1 November

is Safe Work Week

Safe Work Week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on practical ways to improve workplace health and safety within our areas.Great Southern Institute of Technology

is playing its part to support the week by hosting a training session on forklift safety, an OSH Committee meeting and email safety alerts to all staff throughout the week.

This is your opportunity to get involved and share your comments or suggestions for creating a safer workplace, to be tabled and discussed at the next OSH Committee meeting. This will help us ensure our workplace

is safer and healthier.Please forward any comments

and suggestions to rick.muller@gsit.wa.edu.au.

Great Southern Gazette 6

Judging by the crowds at their live performances and strong sales of their two albums, The Outback Gypsies have struck the right chord with local fans of their individual folk-reggae music in the two years since they arrived in Denmark.But now they are garnering a following

much further afield.Great Southern Institute of Technology

music students Del and Andrea Fisher recently returned from a five-week sojourn to the United States, where they performed at four concerts in California, Oregon and Washington State.Playing as the headline act at the

Kaypacha Healing Festival, the husband-and-wife singers, song writers and musicians rapidly expanded their fan base as well as their repertoire.

The couple nurtured several music industry relationships during their trip, and now they are planning to return next year.The holistic flavour of the festival was a

major attraction for The Outback Gypsies. Living in a camper van while travelling from one venue to another with like-minded people was a thrill, Del said.“Every gig was quite different,” he said.“Just being there with Andrea and doing

something we love was great – we were the only Aussies on the tour and we really connected with the audience,” he added.Echoing Del’s sentiments, Andrea said the

trip had been inspiring.“We came away with a strong sense of

clarity and insight into what we are doing and why,” she said.She also explained the couple had broken

new ground by co-writing a song with a radio presenter, then appearing on his program.She said radio personality and author

James Gilliland, who also hosted the final concert of the festival at his own ranch, wrote the lyrics with encouragement from the couple, who then worked on the melody and performed the song at the festival.

Continued on page 7

Musicians inspired by US festival

Percussionist Christopher Angileri joins The Outback Gypsies.

The Outback Gypsies, Del and Andrea Fisher, are back in Denmark after five performances in the US.

Great Southern Gazette 7

From page 6The couple’s friendship

with James also helped with sales of their albums, Unconditional Love and Beautiful Soul, which have sold well both at home and in the US, and underlined the value of radio for promoting their music.“When we go next year,

we plan to build on our contacts in radio stations in California,” Andrea said.Working on music for

movie soundtracks also appeals, as their song Home has already been used in a documentary about native American Indians in South Dakota.Now happily settled back

home in Denmark while planning their next US trip for May, the couple are working on their song writing, promotion and CD sales.“We put three songs on

Triple J Unearthed, and

within a couple of weeks Strong Man got to number 43,” Andrea said.Andrea summed up the

couple’s sentiments about the US trip which helped The Outback Gypsies to develop their talents while taking their music to a much wider audience and broadened their experiences of performance and promotion.“It was amazing, we can’t

wait to get back there,” she said.

The Outback Gypsies perform with Christopher Angileri at ECETI Ranch, Washington State.

On stage with Andrea and Del Fisher are Julie Bennett on drums and Ana Rozman and Joy Leen on backup vocals.

The Outback Gypsies are joined by a children’s group.

Del and Andrea Fisher with Michael Nisley (left) and Anouk Sophia (right).

Musicians inspired by US festival

Great Southern Gazette 8

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

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

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

cutting-edge training continues this month with the focus on the team in the automotive workshop – Geoff Bishop, Steve Szabo and Paul Taylor.

For Great Southern Institute of Technology Automotive Lecturer Geoff Bishop, keeping up with the latest developments in the motor industry is essential.

Lecturers rally in drive for excellenceIt seems almost every week, a new model of car appears on the Australian market – each with its own specialised service and repair demands.The constantly changing

landscape of the automotive industry brings challenges to mechanics, who need to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments and techniques to ensure the safety and confidence of motorists.This up-to-date knowledge

is just as important for trainers who skill people for careers in automotive workshops, which is why Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers Geoff Bishop, Steve Szabo and Paul Taylor regularly attend industry training to boost their own professional development.By constantly expanding

their expertise in this swiftly evolving trade, they can impart the latest information to their students.Geoff, whose career started

as an apprentice in the UK, has spent much of his four working decades in the factories and workshops of luxury car manufacturers

such as Jaguar and BMW, achieving the high standards for which those marques are renowned.

Continued on page 9

Great Southern Gazette 9

From page 8In addition to wanting to provide the best

training for his students, having a keen interest in cars – and what makes them tick – is another reason full-time lecturer Geoff takes every opportunity for professional development.Like Geoff, Steve has more than four

decades of automotive industry experience, and Paul is not far behind.Steve explained the team regularly

attended industry training sessions, such as those conducted in Albany by parts manufacturer Repco, and others presented by local dealerships.“We need to keep up

with what’s going on in the industry, and we like to get to know the people,” Steve said.“If we have a problem,

it’s useful to be able to discuss it face-to-face,” he said.“It’s also a good

opportunity to network with others, such as the employers of our apprentices, and catch up with former students.”Steve, who has been

a lecturer at the institute for 13 years, said the team members were encouraged to attend professional development sessions, and Portfolio Manager Kathy Keay budgeted for staff to travel to presentations such as the recent workshop by German engineering company Bosch in Perth.Running his own

business is a real advantage to part-time lecturer Paul, proprietor of Southern Fuel Injection Services in Albany.

Not only are Paul’s wide experience and knowledge essential for the success of his commercial operation, but they also ensure his students gain industry-relevant training in this specialised area.“We can relay back to the students the real-

life experience of what we are doing today,” Paul said.Four years ago, the institute’s automotive

section moved into a new purpose-built workshop complete with modern classrooms, state-of-the-art equipment, and the latest technology to industry standards.The commitment of the automotive section

staff ensures Great Southern Institute of Technology students receive instruction and training of the same high quality.

Drive for excellence

Go online now for more info and complete the WA Student Survey at:

www.wastudentsurvey.com

Tell us what you think! Complete our survey, help your campus and have the chance to win some GREAT PRIZES!

• 1ST PRIZE Smart Phone or Tablet or $1000 cash

• 2ND PRIZE Smart Phone or Tablet or $750 cash

• RUNNER UP 10 x $50 cash prizes

This is your chance to tell your training provider what you think.

Please go online to complete the 2013 Student Satisfaction Survey.

Great Southern Gazette 10

Monster move a major operationThe recent replacement of the hydraulic press brake in the metal fabrication shop was an orchestrated process which took place during the term break.It started with the removal

of the old machinery and the creation of a concrete pad ready for its state-of-the-art

replacement.The old press brake, which

has been sold, was crane-lifted onto a truck and taken away. The next morning, the new one arrived on site.After it was lifted off the

truck and moved to the doorway of the metal fabrication shop, the eight-

tonne beast was placed on ‘skates’ for manoeuvring across the concrete floor and into position.Now staff have received

training, the new press brake will be used for cutting, bending and pressing metal for engineering applications.

Above: The old press brake is transported from the Albany campus.Left: The new machinery is lifted from the truck and moved to the nearby metal fabrication shop.Below: Heavy-duty ‘skates’ are positioned at the front for rolling the equipment into the workshop as the crane lifts and pushes the back end.

Great Southern Gazette 11

Trades technician Raiko Paunic sends signals to the crane driver as the delicate operation of shifting the press brake into the workshop progresses.

Finally in place on its concrete pad, the new press brake is ready for action. The concrete area at the bottom right of the photograph is the site of machinery it replaced.

Great Southern Gazette 12

MICK YOUNG SCHOLARSHIPFOR FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS

The Mick Young scholarships are available for students based on financial need – not academic achievement.

Up to 10 $300 scholarships will be available to successful applicants.

Scholarships ease the way to studyFinancial help with the costs of studying can reduce the stress on students and their families.So applications are expected to come in

thick and fast for the 2013 scholarships, which will be presented to successful applicants at a ceremony at the Albany campus on 6 November.Students who are enrolled in any full-time

course in Semester 2, 2013 are encouraged to apply.There are two main categories.Mick Young Scholarships, sponsored by

TAFE Directors Australia, are for financially disadvantaged students who are also permanent residents of Australia. Up to 10 Mick Young Scholarships of $300 each will be awarded.The Don McLeish Memorial Scholarship

awarded by Albany Halfway House Association is for a student studying full-time for the Certificate IV in Mental Health at Great Southern Institute of Technology

in Semester 2. One scholarship of $600 is available.Manager Student Support Jan Auld urged

students to get their applications in.“Anybody studying full time in Semester 2

may apply,” Jan said.“The Mick Young scholarships are

available for students based on financial need, not academic achievement,” she said.“Scholarship payments will be used to

clear any existing student debt before the balance is paid to the student.”Application forms may be downloaded

from the GSIT website. They are also available at L Block reception at the Albany campus, and at the offices of regional campuses.All applications must be handed in at L

Block or regional campus offices before 4.30pm on Monday 28 October.For more information on any aspect of

scholarship applications, phone Jan Auld on 9892 8746.

Scholarship applications for 2013 are

now open

Great Southern Gazette 13

Culmination of a year’s cultivationAlbany is one of the last places in Australia to enjoy fine spring weather, but the sun always seems to shine on cue just in time for the show.Which is fortuitous for a group of GSIT

students as it gives their exhibits a final push towards perfection.In the lush and lively horticulture

section at the institute’s Albany campus, students have been nurturing plants for numerous classes in one of the most popular sections of the Albany Show, which will take place on 8 and 9 November.Lecturer Leah Goodrem said the

students of Certificate III and Diploma of Horticulture and Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management were looking forward to displaying their finest specimens.She explained all students were

required to exhibit in the show as part of their assessment, and the institute was well represented each year.

“Some also act as stewards, and one of our former students is the chief steward for horticulture,” Leah said.She said directly after each year’s

show, preparations started for the following year’s event, and as one student cohort left the institute, others would take over their projects.Students nurture their plants and

monitor them for pests, diseases and damage, then select their best specimens for the show.“Rain wrecks the roses, so we’ll be

placing plastic tunnels over them to protect them in the lead-up to the show,” Leah said.Succulents, cacti, annuals, potted

colour, pelargoniums, native species, ferns and vegetables are among the classes students will enter.Leah said she always looked forward

to seeing the entries by former students and hoped some current students would bring home a crop of awards.

Horticulture student Cohn Weedon and Horticulture Lecturers Leah Goodrem and Jim Vonk prepare for next month’s Albany Show.

Great Southern Gazette 14

Recent updates to the Student Code of Conduct have clarified the institute’s position on plagiarism.

The Code of Conduct now states:

CopyrightFor referencing work, a knowledge of the

legal use of copyright material is essential.The Library Resource Centre has

extensive information on copyright, and staff will provide advice on any copyright issue, investigating complex queries for you if necessary.Library staff conduct information sessions

on copyright and referencing, and can customise sessions to staff needs. Good online information is available at

the following sites:• Australian Copyright Council: http://

www.copyright.org.au/.• Smartcopying: http://www.

smartcopying.edu.au/.Or visit the Library page at the institute’s

website, where excellent information on copyright can be accessed at any time: http://gsit.wa.edu.au/libraryresourcecentre/Pages/Copyright.aspx.

PlagiarismThe library also has useful information

on avoiding plagiarism at: http://campusguides.dtwd.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern_assignmenthelp.As the ability to reference correctly

is fundamental to the avoidance of plagiarism, check the APA Referencing tag on this guide. APA is the mandated referencing style for Great Southern Institute of Technology.Again, there is a wealth of information

on referencing on this guide as well as a series of tutorials and a plagiarism quiz.Anti-plagiarism software is also

available on the internet – and it’s worth remembering that if you can check others’ work for plagiarism, they can check yours!

Avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism and copyright

“In the teaching and learning environment, students are responsible for: • Actively participating in the

teaching and learning process• Acknowledging the work of others

when submitting assignments by appropriate referencing of source materials

• Submitting original work• Engaging in fair practice.Academic misconduct, cheating, plagiarism and breach of copyright are unacceptable.”

Your regional TAFE

GOVERNMENT OFWESTERN AUSTRALIA

Plagiarism – Is your work OK?Can you tick all the boxes – Are you OK?Plagiarism is copying other people’s work and not giving them credit. This is cheating and it will be taken very

seriously by your lecturer and the institute. Plagiarism in group work is pretending that you have all done the

work equally. Pretending like this is also cheating.Great Southern Institute has a Code of Conduct for students which explains that you must acknowledge the

work of others when submitting assignments. You can do this by appropriate referencing of source materials.

The code of conduct also says that academic misconduct, cheating, plagiarism and breach of copyright are

unacceptable.Referencing properly is difficult and there are several styles, each with its own rules that must be followed.

This is something all students everywhere in the world have to learn. Your lecturer will tell you which style to

use.Before you hand in any assignment, use this simple checklist to make sure that YOU are OK.Part A - Individual work

I have not submitted this work previously for any other unit or assignment. I have not copied from any other source (for example internet, books, journals, workbooks, things other

people said). I have not copied from any other student.The assignment is all my own work My lecturer says it is OK for me to only use my own thoughts and ideas for this assignment.The assignment contains information gained from other sources I have used other peoples’ words. When I have used other peoples words I have paraphrased and referenced. When I have copied exactly what someone else wrote, I have used quotation marks and I have referenced.

I have used images (pictures or graphics) My lecturer wants me to include images. Images are relevant to the work. I have checked copyright rules and I know that the image is allowed to be used. I have included images in the format advised by my lecturer. I have included captions for the images if advised to do so.Before I hand in my work: I have a reference list that includes all the sources I used in my work. I have used the style of referencing that my lecturer wants. I have used in-text citation as advised by my lecturer. I can find all the sources in my reference list if asked. I have kept all my original notes and my original versions in case I need them. I have checked that the reference list for my final submission has all the sources used. I have checked that there are no old things on the reference list that I have edited out for the final draft.Part B – Group work

We have all worked together. We have each taken an even share of the work load. No-one did more or less than I did for the assignment.Need more help?Check with your lecturer.Ask for help at the Library Resource Centre where they have lots more information about referencing,

copyright and anti-plagiarism software.And remember...Doing a good job of referencing and citation is tricky and it is something we all have to learn.Nobody wants to be called a cheat!It is also cheating if you cover up for someone who is not being honest.

Download this useful Plagiarism Checklist here.

Great Southern Gazette 15

Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Apps support learning

BIG2ND-HAND

BOOK $ALE

Donations of books and DVDs

are needed for the

Sale will be held in Term 4 in the Library/Bookshop foyer

All proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis research

Please leave your donation of books or

DVDs at the bookshop

Mobile devices and their apps are a support strategy that can assist in developing foundation skills and increase accessibility for all learners.Love Apptually is a resource designed

to assist VET practitioners and learners to select apps for mobile devices that support inclusive VET teaching and learning.Go to: http://www.vetpd.qld.gov.au/

resources/pdf/love-apptually.pdf.

The resource highlights a number of mobile and tablet apps focusing on those who support the development of foundation skills such as learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy, and learners with disability.You can also catch up on the Love

Apptually webinar series at: http://online.evet.qld.edu.au/course/view.php?id=10.

Great Southern Gazette 16

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

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

Your idea might be about streamlining a process, reporting

faults, or saving resources.Your email will be forwarded to the

appropriate section for the necessary research and consideration.

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

Members of the Albany Ladies’ Probus Club visited the Albany campus of Great Southern Institute of Technology last month.Corporate Services Director Edward

Armstrong accompanied the group on a tour of the campus.About a dozen women viewed the

facilities and saw students at work in

trades and primary industries, then finished off their morning with lunch at the café.Organisers Margaret Williams and

Celia Barnesby thanked the institute for hosting the session, which had given the members a good overview of the scope of courses delivered and the excellent amenities.

Women’s group on tour of campus

Margaret Williams, The Environment and Primary Industries Portfolio Manager Neil Binning, Celia Barnesby and Lesley Whittle in the horticulture complex.

Great Southern Gazette 17

HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Email marketing@gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Positions Advertised• Lecturer Environmental Monitoring and Technology – successful applicant was Patrick Gillespie.• EOI Casual Lecturers Transport and Safety – no applicants.• Building Services Officer – successful applicant was Bob Vigar.• Aboriginal Programs Assistant Albany (0.5-1.0 FTE) – applications closed 26 September.• Aboriginal Programs Assistant Katanning (0.2-0.5 FTE) – applications closed 26 September.• Campus Clerical Officer Katanning (0.5 FTE) – applications closed 26 September.Congratulations to those successful in winning positions.

New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new staff:• Julie Quicke, Casual Lecturer Community Services• Daniel Robinson, Casual Lecturer The Environment and Primary Industries

Long-term absences and staff movements• Lidia Rozlapa, Managing Director, returned from leave on Monday 14 October.

• Terri Michael, PAO Communication and The Arts returned from leave on Monday 14 October.• Gill Hazel, ASL2 Business, returned from leave on 10 October.• Lisa Hassell, ASL2 Children’s Services, returned from leave on 15 October.• Mel Bishop, ASL2 Training and Assessment, returned from leave on 14 October.• Karen Robinson, ASL1 Nursing, returning from leave on 22 October.• Ray Tuckey, Principal Lecturer Delivery Enhancement, returned from leave on 7 October.

Staff exiting• Bill Swetman, Acting Managing Director, ceased on 11 October.• Nicola Henderson, PACD Coordinator, ceased on 7 October.• Amyjo de Jong, Portfolio Support Officer – Communication and The Arts, ceased on 15 October.• Julie Owens, Lecturer Nursing, ceased on 16 October.We bid a fond farewell to those leaving the institute and wish you all the very best. You will all be missed.

Do you have a idea for an article in The Gazette?

Great Southern Gazette 18

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

Focus on mental health

October is all about social and emotional wellbeing.National Mental Health Week, from 6 to13

October, was scheduled to coincide with World Mental Health Day on10 October.The aim of Mental Health Week is to

promote social and emotional wellbeing to the community. It encourages us all to take steps to

protect and strengthen our mental health, in turn improving the coping capacity of individuals, families and the broader community through increased personal resilience and strong, supportive networks.Each year, one in five Australians

experiences a mental health problem and most people will have at least some experience of anxiety or depression, whether personal or through family, friends or work colleagues. Mental Health Week serves as a

reminder to everyone to try and engage in activities which foster a sense of social connectedness in order to improve mental health:• Stay physically, socially and cognitively

active; this could be as simple as going for a walk, catching up with a friend and doing a crossword or reading a book.

• Belong to a sports club or community organisation, or even just attend local events.

• Commit to a cause by giving a little more of yourself to the activities you engage in; for example, you may like to volunteer or hold a position of office in a group you are involved with.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, and many of the activities we engage in for physical health provide mental health benefits in terms of opportunities to connect with others and make commitments. Having good friends and people to talk to

as well as having meaning and purpose in life are fundamental factors for good mental wellbeing, and these are all worth celebrating. For information on anxiety and depression,

see http://www.beyondblue.org.au/.

The institute flew the flag for the Dockers on Grand Final weekend, when the GSIT flag was replaced with that of the Fremantle football team.Facilities and Services Manager

Neil Augustson organised the temporary replacement, which was whipped up in a flash by our versatile Clothing Production Lecturer Robyn Wills.As the Dockers came second,

Neil was quick to remove it early on the next working day.

GSIT jumps on Dockers’ bandwagon

Great Southern Gazette 19

Check out what’s happening at

Your Regional TAFE

The lounge• Turn off appliances at the power point –

entertainment equipment and computers use power when they’re only switched off at the appliance.

• Big TVs use more energy than smaller ones, and LCD and LED models use less than plasma TVs, so choose wisely.

The kitchen• Try not to open the fridge unless you

have to. Check the seals, and ensure the fridge and freezer are located in cool, well-ventilated spots.

• Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.• Cook with gas rather than electricity, and

put lids on pots to simmer, rather than boiling the contents vigorously.

• Buy energy- and water-efficient appliances.

The bathroom• Use a timer to keep showers to under

four minutes.• Favour gas water heaters over electric

models.• Install a water-efficient showerhead.

The laundry• Wash in cold water• Hang out washing rather than using the

dryer.• Wash when you have a full load.

The whole house• Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using.• Open curtains to let in natural light rather

than switching on lights.• Exchange power-guzzling halogen

downlights for LED bulbs.• Look at the energy label before buying

appliances – the higher the star rating, the more energy efficient it will be.

• Check your hot water is no higher than 60C – or 50C for instantaneous systems. For adjustments, you may need to contact your plumber or electrician.

Sustainability begins at homeMaking easy, small energy-reduction changes in your home may not only reduce your impact on the environment – it can also improve your comfort and put dollars in your pocket.Here are some simple changes you can make in each room of the house to set you

on the road to sustainability.

For more information visit the Alternative Technology Association’s website and

download the ‘Guide to reducing your energy use and

saving money’.

SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

Great Southern Gazette 20

walk.com.auSupported by the Australian Government and by all state, territory and local governments

Download the free App at

Supported by the Australian Government and by all state, territory and local governments