The gazette october 2015

October 2015Volume 6 No 9

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

A group of Digital Photography students at the Albany campus went out and about on their last day of term to try out various techniques.While enjoying the spring sunshine, the

group learnt about panorama photographs and the effects created by objects moving within the frame.Under the guidance of Visual Arts Lecturer

Kaye Embleton, the Certificate I in Visual Arts group has had a busy term.They have travelled off campus to capture

the scenery at Denmark and other sites around Albany. On their return to the classroom, they

selected their best examples and created a

PowerPoint presentation and a photobook using Publisher.Kaye said the group had grown in

confidence and gained valuable social skills while working as part of a group.Student Sherree Kelly said the enjoyment

of the photography class had prompted her to buy her own camera, which she had used to brush up her skills in her spare time.“I’ve been to the Boardwalk and taken

photos there,” Sherree said.The group has learnt basic camera

functions as well as photography skills, but the best part, they said, was that it had been fun.

Happy snappers around the traps

Enjoying the spring sunshine are Pauline Weir, Pattie Hatelie, support worker Meg Coyne, Alison Sprigg,Visual Arts Lecturer Kaye Embleton, Zachary Manger, Sherree Kelly, Madeline Bolt, support worker Ainsley Harrison, Sandra Carlsen and Trevor Oborne.

The Gazette – October 20152

For just over a year, the staff and students of the Community and Health portfolio have enjoyed the state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary learning spaces of the new M Block.The institute’s

recognition of its excellence was recently borne out by the Master Builders Association, which named building company BGC winner of the Commercial Alterations and Additions priced between $2.5 million and $6 million in its recent Building Construction Awards.Acting Managing

Director Chris Jones and Governing Council Chair Scott Leary recently met with BGC Construction Supervisor Andrew Mexsom on site to congratulate him on the award.Chris said the

building, which was designed to meet the stringent principles of environmental sustainability, had given students a modern, comfortable environment for study and relaxation.

He acknowledged the quality of construction carried out by BGC, which had completed the project within the budget and time frame.Andrew said it had been

a pleasure to work on the construction.“Albany has a strong

skill base in the trades, which contributes to the quality of a project like

this,” Andrew said.“But the most rewarding

part about the project is seeing it being used,” he added.For students, the new

block comprises modern classrooms, specialised workrooms and computer and leisure areas.Lawns and gardens at

the front are well-used recreation spaces.

New block takes out honours

Great Southern Institute of Technology Governing Council Chair Scott Leary with BGC Construction Supervisor Andrew Mexsom and Acting Managing Director Chris Jones outside the award-winning M Block.

To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888.To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.

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www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

The Gazette – October 2015 3

Former Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) students Ruby Raymond and Zuleima Sanchez now have the language skills for mainstream studies.

Every year, Australia welcomes migrants who bring valuable skills, a positive attitude and a desire to do their best in their new country. But if English is not their first language,

many of these people have to overcome significant obstacles to progress.Great Southern Institute of Technology’s

Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) courses are popular with migrants needing to develop their language skills while receiving support from lecturers and fellow students and practical tips for living and working in Australia.Two students who completed the

Certificate III in Spoken and Written English and are now in a mainstream course are Zuleima Sanchez from Venezuela and Ruby Raymond from Vanuatu.The women, who are taking the Certificate

IV in Bookkeeping, both arrived in Albany in 2013, since when their language skills have come along in leaps and bounds.

Zuleima explained she had a little knowledge of English before she left South America.“But when I arrived and met people, I

realised I didn’t know anything,” Zuleima laughed.Having started in the Certificate I in

CSWE to gain confidence, Zuleima quickly progressed to her more realistic level of Certificate II, for which she won a course award last year.Moving on to the Certificate III, Zuleima

then also became interested in taking the bookkeeping course.“I studied bookkeeping in Venezuela and

I wanted to update, but I didn’t have the language skills,” Zuleima said.“When I was feeling more confident, I

talked to the lecturers about it and they were very supportive and kind,” she said.“I’m doing well and I’m enjoying it, and if I

can work as an accountant or bookkeeper, it would make me absolutely happy!”

Continued on page 6

English opens door to a full new life


My warmest congratulations go to Ezzard Flowers, who was awarded the prestigious John Curtin Medal for services to the Aboriginal community at a ceremony at Curtin University in Perth last week.Ezzard, who is a member of the institute’s

Governing Council as well as chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee, was joint winner of the medal with the late Angus Wallam. This recognition of Ezzard and Angus was for their work to return the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup artworks to Australia in 2013.Read the story on Ezzard’s

accomplishment on pages 8 and 9.I would also like to congratulate Primary

Industries Manager Neil Binning on his selection for the Jawun program in the East Kimberley.Neil is supporting student recipients of

Aboriginal scholarships in various centres, and working with people from a diversity of backgrounds and organisations. This is an excellent initiative which

allows people such as Neil to make a real difference to Aboriginal people and communities. BGC Construction, the building company

responsible for the new M Block at the Albany campus, has won a Master Builders Association Building Excellence Award for that project. The company won the category of

Commercial Alterations and Additions priced from $2.5 million to $6 million in the recent annual awards. This is an excellent achievement, which is reflected in the way

the building is being enjoyed by students and staff.In early October, we welcomed Carolyn

Holling from CDS, the distributor of the CELCAT timetabling system, to present an overview of the product to managers and key users. Carolyn demonstrated the software and

answered questions before spending time with staff in three of our business areas to gain a greater insight into our individual requirements.We expect to move to the CELCAT system

in mid-2016, and we have to work hard to ensure a smooth changeover. However, once CELCAT is in place, it will be a streamlined system which will integrate with the new student management system planned for 2017.Many of our managers have attended

Accidental Counsellor training, to learn how to handle spontaneous student issues. This valuable program was well received

and some managers are recommending other staff to attend future sessions.A major event on the management

calendar was the executive planning day on Friday 9 October.The workshop’s objectives were:• A shared understanding of the

constraints imposed by our operating environment.• A consensus on what actions need to be

undertaken to generate efficiencies.• Development of new training products.• Identification of new market segments.A presentation by one of our key

apprentice and traineeship partners ATC Work Smart was enlightening.We also looked at ways in which we

deliver short courses, and opportunities

FROM THE

MD’s DeskAROUND THE INSTITUTE


FROM THE

MD’s Deskfor new business and improving current business relationships were highlighted. Strategies will be further developed for the

2016 academic year.Staff awards – a high priority for our

recognition of excellence – have been restructured this year. The Trainer of the Year Award winners will be supported to submit an application for the WA Training Awards 2016.

CommerceCommerce Manager Lee-Anne Smith has met with the Busy Blue Bus to investigate possibilities for the delivery of training for tour guides. This is a great initiative which we hope to build on by offering training to people within the hospitality and tourism sectors.Entertaining people around the region –

and bringing accolades from audiences – are the best rewards for music students. Ours have been performing at the Hope

Tent, to raise awareness of suicide, and end-of-year concerts at Teahouse Books and the Denmark Hotel are planned. Music student Liz Jack has also been

invited to perform at state-wide events further afield, including the Broome Arts Festival.

Primary IndustriesPeter Young, who is acting in the role of Manager while Neil Binning is working in the north of WA, attended the Australian Wool Exchange trainers’ meeting in Sydney last month.This allowed Peter to engage with other

private and state training organisations and discuss topics such as wool classer

registration, development of resources and quality assurance within the wool industry.Jay Rowles has also been in New South

Wales, at the Dairy Australia Trainers’ Workshop at Tocal College. This was organised by the National

Centre for Dairy Education, which is Dairy Australia’s training arm, and issues discussed included using industry resources to enhance the student experience and quality assurance.

TradesThe portfolio has been working with Pardelup Prison to develop new traineeships.Warren Sloss has shown innovation in

developing a delivery pattern for Active Plumbing apprentices to accommodate their workload peaks and troughs during the year.

Community and HealthBoosting the institute’s strong partnership with the City of Albany, the portfolio has just trained about 50 City employees in first aid.Staff are busy updating qualifications

under the training package.

Skills Development CentreCentre Manager Jan Davidson and her staff have been working with the Great Southern Employment Development Committee to look at partnership opportunities under the Industry Assistance Scheme.The centre is delivering short courses to

industries across the region in Chain of Responsibility and Work Health and Safety. Students taking part in the Federal

Government initiative Green Army – for which Green Skills is contracted to deliver programs – are also attending the institute for training. The students are taking units from the

Certificate III in Agriculture, including chemical spraying and weed control.

Until next month.Cheers,Chris

PORTFOLIO NEWS


From page 3Now she is considering her options for

the future, which may include studying for the Diploma of Accounting followed by the Advanced Diploma.Ruby agreed that having a little English

had been a good start on her arrival in Australia, but conversing with locals highlighted the gaps in her language skills.“My main barrier was reading, which was

why I came to the English class,” Ruby said.“And I could understand what was said to

me, but I had difficulty expressing what I had to say – putting it into words,” she said.She also had a little experience in

bookkeeping, and since taking the Certificate IV, her higher level of English allowed her to carry out the course requirements, which included internet research. She can also now understand speech at a normal speed.Ruby said she wanted to hone her skills in

the work environment and go on to further study or into the workforce.

“The main thing for me is to get a qualification and find a job in an area like accounting,” she said.Both women said their lecturers’ patience

and encouragement had been invaluable.“It’s a very good institute and there are

many tools and good resources,” Zuleima said.“In general all departments are willing to

help and very supportive,” she added.Ruby met the criteria for 50 hours

of English tuition under the Federal Government’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), which funds skills for education and employment.“It was a free course, and it’s available to a

lot of migrants,” Ruby said.She said she appreciated the chance to

study with funding support, and strongly recommended others to learn under the program if they were eligible.“I would say just grab the opportunity – it’s

free, so there’s no reason not to do it,” she said.

English opens door to a full new life


Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning has exchanged the mild spring weather of the Great Southern for the steamy heat of the north by embarking on a six-week secondment to the East Kimberley.Neil is taking part in a program run

by Aboriginal organisation Jawun, whose partnerships with education, government and corporate groups help to empower Indigenous people and communities throughout Australia.Securing one of the limited

secondment places amid keen competition was a coup for Neil, who left for Kununurra last weekend.Neil, who had been interviewed by

phone for one of the positions, said he was anticipating new challenges.“I’m looking forward to it – I’ll be

working in a completely different environment,” Neil said, explaining he would be experiencing Indigenous life and culture while sharing his own skills and knowledge.His first week is taken up by a

comprehensive induction, during which he receives four-wheel drive and work safety training as well as an outline of his responsibilities for the next five weeks. Then Neil will travel through the region staying at towns and settlements including Kalumburu, Warmun, Halls Creek and Billiluna.His duties will be to support students

receiving Jawun scholarships, ensuring they are maximising the opportunities presented to them through the scholarships and guiding them into pathways to further study.Neil’s colleagues wish him well for his

working adventure and look forward to hearing about his experiences on his return in early December.During Neil’s absence, Principal

Lecturer Peter Young will be acting in the position of Primary Industries Manager and Portfolio Admin Officer John Maddison will support Peter by taking on higher duties.

Neil’s excellent adventure

Primary Industries Manager Neil Binning is on a six-week secondment in the State’s north.


As a member of the Governing Council and Chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee, Aboriginal leader Ezzard Flowers has a close association with this institute.So staff and students were delighted to

hear that Ezzard recently joined an elite circle of people recognised for their vision, leadership and community service, when he was awarded Curtin University’s prestigious John Curtin Medal.Last Wednesday, Ezzard was presented

with his medal at a ceremony at Government House, which he attended with his wife Lynthia and daughter Krystal. Now one of the line-up of highly esteemed

medal recipients, Ezzard said he was proud and humbled.He said he had been surprised to take

a phone call from Curtin University a few weeks ago, telling him he had been nominated, and even more surprised when he heard he had won.Ezzard and the late Angus Wallam were

jointly awarded for their work to return the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup

artworks to Australia.Children at the Carrolup Native Settlement

had produced the remarkable paintings between 1946 and 1951, but after Carrolup closed, they were bought by American collector Herbert Mayer.The paintings were later donated to

Colgate University in the US, where they were stored until they were rediscovered in 2004. In 2012, Ezzard and Angus led negotiations

between the Noongar community and Colgate University in a bid to bring the paintings home. Sadly, Angus died shortly after the paintings arrived back in Australia. Curtin University’s recognition of the pair

states:‘The artworks have been an avenue for

historical reflection, unearthing stories and family histories, for healing and strengthening culture.‘The contribution Mr Flowers and Mr

Wallam have made to [the collection’s] return home make them both worthy recipients of the John Curtin Medal 2015.’

Continued on page 9

Fitting honour for community leader

Krystal Williams, Lynthia and Ezzard Flowers, Curtin Chancellor Colin Beckett and Curtin Acting Vice-Chancellor John Cordery at the presentation ceremony.


From page 8Ezzard and Angus, both children of the

Stolen Generation, are strong advocates of the advancement of Noongar culture.Angus, who had worked as a caretaker

at Carrolup, and Ezzard, a mental health specialist at the Carrolup Settlement, have spent many years committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal people and communities.To be recognised together was

particularly poignant for Ezzard, whose deep respect for the man he calls ‘Uncle Angus’ is clear.“To be mentioned in the same nomination

as Uncle Angus was very emotional – I’m very pleased we were recognised together,” Ezzard said.“I looked up to him, not only as an Elder

and leader, but also as a mentor,” he said.

Fitting honour for community leader

Ezzard Flowers proudly shows his John Curtin Medal for community service.

Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Program changes text to speech

For students who struggle with literacy or come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, having texts read aloud can remove barriers to learning and provide access to knowledge and understanding.Many publishers provide texts as

e-books or will supply electronic copies of texts on request.Electronic texts, documents and

web pages can be read aloud using

textHELP Read & Write 10 GOLD. This software is available on student and staff computers at the institute and for loan from the library.Using textHELP Read & Write GOLD,

electronic material can be saved in audio formats so students can listen to this on the iPod, MP3 player or CD player.For more information go to textHELP

Read & Write 10 GOLD Introduction, ask the Disability Liaison Officer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZfNmBzRmg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZfNmBzRmg


Sparks fly for industrious group

Josh Bull milling a vice part.

Lecturer Peter Bassett’s Metal Fabrication apprentice group demonstrate their skills in the workshop.

Adam McPherson making a hydraulics circuit.

Samuel Graham using the lathe to make a thread.


Lower rainfall and warmer temperatures signal the start of Kambarang, a season of renewal characterised by colourful displays of wildflowers and an abundance of food.Reptiles wake from hibernation and young

wetland and woodland birds start to spread their wings.The mooja, or Australian Christmas tree,

comes into blossom and a vibrant floral display is created by acacias, banksias, grass trees, kangaroo paws and orchids, which also bring a melée of insect activity.Noongar people traditionally hunted frogs

(kooyal), tortoises (yaarkin) and freshwater

crayfish, which they caught in swamps and wetlands.As game became more plentiful, possums

and kangaroos were caught in pit traps, and berries, native fruits such as the quandong, and the gum from wattle trees were also collected for food.The women used long sticks called wanna

to dig up yams, throwing the shoots and tips of the tubers back into the holes to start the following year’s crop.Blossom developing into fruit brought

another welcome source of food late in the season.

Season of new life and abundant food

Noongar people describe the seasons differently to European people as they believe the land has its own rhythms.Local Menang people have

traditionally acknowledged six seasons.

Birak – December to JanuaryBunuru – February to MarchDjeran – April to MayMakuru – June to JulyDjilba – August to SeptemberKambarang – October to November

This month, The Gazette ends the series of articles on the characteristics of each Noongar season with Kambarang, the season of birth

Kambarang

The native quandong fruit.

Possums were trapped for food during Kambarang.


Check out what’s happening at Your Regional TAFE

The following documents have been added, updated and deleted on the intranet:

New:POAS033 Credit Transfers and

Exemptions PolicyQFAS0134 Employer Capacity to Train

Form

Reviewed and Updated:AS002 Credit Transfers and

Exemptions ProcedureAS006 Qualifications – Eligibility

ProcedureAS007 Qualifications – Issuing

Certification ProcedureAS027 Course Study Plan

ProcedureAS039 Student Study Plan

Procedure

ASRD026 Reference: Record Keeping Plan

POSP024 Qualifications Management Policy

QFAS0093 Apprentice/Trainee Induction Checklist

QFAS0094 Intervention Strategy for Students with Poor Academic Progress and/or Attendance

QFAS0096 Unsatisfactory Course Progress Report (International Students)

Deleted:QFSP0036 AQTF Internal Audit Follow-

up ReportQFSP0049 SDC Monthly Report –

ClientsQFSP0050 SDC Monthly Report –

Courses Programmes

The Quality Implementation Group (QIG) is systematically working through the Academic Quality Documents to ensure they comply with the Standards for RTOs. The list below shows the recently updated documents.

Academic Quality Document updates

If you come across a document with out-of-date information, please advise Caro Saunders (ext 8742).

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Southern-Institute-of-Technology/339725456121086


Students of the Certificate II in Business recently honed their practical skills with the help of the institute’s administration staff.In a new initiative, the

Records Management team of Ches Leonard and Carolyn Heffernan took part in a training video, recorded by institute photographer Lauchlan Gillett.The video, which

documents the pair’s daily procedures for the receipt, opening, recording and distribution of incoming mail and handling outgoing mail, is now a valuable resource in the classroom.Following on from the

video, Ches and Carolyn have hosted individual students in the mailroom to allow them to put their skills into practice.Student Danielle Spence

said she had found the course interesting and although it was sometimes challenging, the group had

received excellent support from Business Lecturer Gill Hazel.Danielle said she was also

benefiting from the hands-on instruction from Ches and Carolyn.Carolyn, herself a graduate

of the Certificates II and III in Business, was impressed with the attitude of the students, who were all keen to hone their new skills in preparation for entering the workforce at the end of their course.

Hands-on training pushes the envelope

Records Management Officer Carolyn Heffernan shows Certificate II in Business student Danielle Spence the finer points of mail handling.

Beauty therapy students at the Albany campus ended last term with a day of creativity.Each picked a theme and

designed the make-up, then all celebrated their assessments with a shared lunch.This term, the group will

work towards a Christmas beauty theme.

Mixed bag of beauty

Amy Quin and Rhi Viggers show their creativity.


Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2015In launching its Reconciliation Action Plan last October, Great Southern Institute of Technology demonstrated its commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that together, real benefits can be achieved for the wider community.To highlight Indigenous issues and track our progress as defined by the plan, The

Gazette publishes an article every month.This month, we look at the role of the institute’s Aboriginal Education, Employment

and Training Committee.

Consultation helps shape students’ futureThe institute’s Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) meets at least four times a year to discuss opportunities for Aboriginal people and overcome impediments to their study.Aboriginal Programs staff from both Albany

and Katanning organise the meetings, which are also attended by community members and representatives from the institute’s student body and local Aboriginal organisations.The committee is chaired by Ezzard

Flowers, who is well known throughout the region and a strong advocate of education and training for Aboriginal people. Ezzard is also a member of the institute’s Governing Council.Representatives of the Southern Aboriginal

Council, the South West Land and Sea Council, the Wirrpanda Foundation, Aboriginal Health, South Coast National Resource Management, Corrective Services, job service agencies and other supportive organisations are invited to attend.Meetings provide an opportunity for

members and interested parties to share

their views and initiatives to benefit students and prospective students in the classroom and on the campuses.Discussions may include funding programs

and grants through the institute or other organisations, scholarships, study programs specifically for Aboriginal people and employment opportunities. Any specific issues such as attendance or progress are also brought to the table.When funding is received from other

bodies, the AEETC provides evaluation reports as required.An important duty of the AEETC is the

preparation of an annual Aboriginal Training Plan to inform the institute on community expectations. The plan, which is endorsed by the AEETC

Chair and the institute’s Managing Director, is a constant source of reference throughout the following year as staff ensure implementation of initiatives and monitor progress. Meetings are usually held in Albany, which

is where most attendees are based, but the committee occasionally meets in regional centres.

See next month’s RAP article for a recent example of initiatives brought to the committee by a student group.


HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Positions Advertised• Tenders and Grants Consultant – successful applicant was Sue Dawes• Lecturer Bookkeeping and Accounting – successful applicant was Bethwyn Hearle• Data Administrator – successful applicant was Andrew Morrison • ASL1 round two – successful applicant was Sara Lembo• Lecturer ESL (CSWE) – successful applicant was Rachel Rodriguez• Internal EOI Refunds Officer – closed 15 October• Principal Lecturer, Trades – closed 19 October• Farm Technician – closed 21 October• Internal EOI Fees Officer – closed 22 October• Lecturer Community Services – closing 26 OctoberNew staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Christopher Cassidy, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs• Stephan Blyth, Casual Lecturer Horticulture• Steve Landells, Casual Lecturer Massage Therapy• Lynda Robinson, Lecturer Work Health and Safety• Danielle Rule, Casual Lecturer Finance• Daniel Pinner, Casual Mentor Aboriginal Programs

Safety FirstWith Rick Muller

This institute’s commitment to workplace health and safety extends beyond our campuses and into the community.A recent acknowledgement of this was

received from St John Ambulance, which issued the institute with a Certificate of Appreciation for being one of the first 1000 organisations in Australia to register a defibrillator with its Community First Responder program.This means if a community member

suffers a cardiac arrest and the emergency services identify the defibrillator at our Albany campus as the nearest life-saving equipment, it will be called into action.A defibrillator delivers low-current

electrical impulses which can bring a heart back to a normal rhythm, but it is vital the equipment is used as early as possible for the best chance of saving a life.This is why the defibrillator registration

program is vital for St John Ambulance to locate the nearest equipment and ensure the fastest response.In addition to having a registered

defibrillator, staff in all sections of our institute have received first aid training, and can be ready to act in the case of an emergency.If you need first aid training, or

a refresher course, phone OSH Coordinator Rick Muller on 8725.

We’re ready to save lives


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

or 9821 6287 (Katanning).

Spring has sprung!

Email [email protected]

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

It’s a perfect time of the year to put on your walking shoes and go for a lunchtime walk. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day has huge benefits. Having more energy, strengthening bones and de-stressing are just some of them. And before your walk, fuel up on a healthy lunch – here’s a recipe idea to help!

Chicken and coleslaw sandwichIngredients: 1 cup green cabbage, grated 1 cup red cabbage, grated 1 small green apple, core removed, coarsely grated with skin on 1 small carrot, peeled and grated 2 tbs reduced-fat coleslaw dressing 4 slices wholegrain bread 100 g skinless chicken breast, cooked, shredded

Method:1. In a medium sized bowl, mix green and red cabbage, apple, carrot and coleslaw dressing.2. Arrange shredded chicken on two slices of bread and add the coleslaw salad.3. Top with remaining bread and serve immediately.

Tip: Store the coleslaw separate to the rest of the sandwich and assemble at the last minute to avoid a soggy sandwich.


Volume turned up on Albany campus

Trades organised a morning tea.

Admin staff and students flaunted their wild workwear.

On Loud Shirt Day, nearly $200 was raised to benefit deaf children. Well done to everyone who joined in and gave generously.

The gazette october 2015

Documents

Transcript of The gazette october 2015