The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomes the Victorian Government’s recent announcement of a new Multicultural and Social Cohesion Division.

“Maintaining harmony and promoting social cohesion without compromising our social and religious diversity is important to all of us,” said APS President Professor Michael Kyrios.

“Social divisions impact all the community at varying levels, including levels of wellbeing and mental health.”

He added: “At this time, there are forces trying to divide us. We are being bombarded by dangerous and divisive messages that are creating fear by singling out certain groups as threats. Victorians have traditionally embraced multiculturalism and it’s important for Government and community leaders to build on that history.”

As part of his Presidential Initiative, Professor Kyrios has prioritised addressing social cohesion as one of the major challenges facing Australian society in the 21st Century, along with climate change and community wellbeing. Earlier in the year, Professor Kyrios hosted a Social Cohesion Roundtable, inviting experts from key areas to consider what psychology can contribute to social cohesion.

“At the APS we are focusing on social cohesion as a key priority and in particular identifying evidence-based strategies that can help inform policy and programs.”

“We are delighted to see an agency being set up to take a strategic policy approach to promoting social cohesion and celebrating our multicultural society, and we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate as there are many learnings from psychology that can be applied to bring communities together,” Professor Kyrios emphasised.

This Media Release was originally sourced from APS. 

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the AMA is calling for a whole-of Government approach to close the health inequalities that exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is dedicated to supporting the right to education.

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that we need genuine collaborative action to

improve health and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “There are clear links between education and health,” Dr Gannon said.

“We know closing the gap and improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also means closing the gap in education and literacy.

“Now is the time to develop a whole-of-Government approach to improve access to education and provide health services in culturally appropriate ways to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“All current and future policies addressing education, employment, poverty, housing, taxation, transport, the environment, and social security should be assessed according to their impact on health and equity.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will not achieve equal health outcomes until their educational, economic, and social disadvantages have been eliminated.

“We still have much work to do as a nation to close the gap in life expectancy and the overall health of Indigenous Australians compared with the rest of the community.

“The AMA remains committed to improving the health outcomes for Indigenous people by working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to advocate for greater Government investment and cohesive coordinated strategies.”

The AMA strongly endorses the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and the goal of equal access to all education and training for Indigenous peoples.

This Media Release was originally sourced from AMA. 

Grants for community leadership announced

[12/8/16] Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew has today announced the first group of grant recipients from the new Community Leadership Fund – Hapori Whakatipu.

“It is fantastic to see such a range of recipients being assisted to improve the sustainability and resilience of the Community and Voluntary Sector,” says Mrs Goodhew.

The new fund has the express purpose of strengthening leadership and capability building across the community and voluntary sector and has priorities that support collaboration and connection across the sector, social enterprise, volunteering, and community led-development.

This year’s allocation of $500,000 was distributed among six organisations; Ara Taiohi Incorporated, Hui E! Community Aotearoa, Ākina Foundation, Inspiring Communities Trust, Volunteer Army Foundation and Volunteering New Zealand.

“Whether it be nurturing the capability and leadership of organisations working in youth development, growing social enterprise, promoting community led development or engaging the volunteers of the future, these efforts to strengthen collaboration and leadership across the sector will all contribute to the strong and resilient communities of the future,” Mrs Goodhew says.

Notes for Media - List of grant recipients:

Ara Taiohi Incorporated - $60,000

Ara Taiohi is an umbrella organisation focussed on building leadership and capability in a specific community and voluntary sub sector; youth development. Ara Taiohi does not work directly with youth, but with organisations and individuals who work with youth. The funding will support a Youth Sector Development Project.

Hui E! Community Aotearoa - $120,000

Hui E! is at the forefront of the community and voluntary sector and is recognised as a leader in growing sector capability. Hui E! has adopted a collaborative leadership approach and fostered strong relationships within the sector. The funding will support Hui E!’s core operations to continue its work.

The Ākina Foundation - $85,000

The Ākina Foundation is acknowledged as the lead organisation in a specific community and voluntary sub sector; social enterprise. The Ākina Foundation is achieving its purposes through growing emerging social enterprises across New Zealand. The funding will support the Ākina Foundation’s core operations.

The Inspiring Communities Trust - $120,000

The Inspiring Communities Trust is regarded as the lead organisation in a specific community and voluntary sub sector; community led-development. Nationally and internationally recognised, the Inspiring Communities Trust plays an enabling and hands on role in supporting community led-development across the country. The funding will support the Inspiring Communities Trust’s core operations.

The Volunteer Army Foundation - $50,000

The Volunteer Army Foundation is a national organisation focussed on the provision of leadership and capability building within a specific community and voluntary sub sector; volunteering. The funding will support the Foundation’s programme of working with schools to develop the volunteers of the future.

Volunteering New Zealand Incorporated - $65,000

Volunteering New Zealand Incorporated plays a significant leadership and capability building role within a specific community and voluntary sub sector; volunteering. The funding will support Volunteering New Zealand’s core operations.

This media release was originally sourced from Scoop Media. 

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Eagles to the position of Chief Executive.

Effective September 29, Eagles will step into the role currently held by Alex Cutler, who has led the organisation since May 2010. Ms Cutler’s final day with the NZGBC will be September 30.

Announcing the appointment, NZGBC Board Chair Mary-Jane Daly said that in a strong field of candidates, Eagles stood out for several reasons.

“Andrew has a breadth of technical skills relevant to the property, building and construction industries, and has been directly working in the field of sustainability for more than 13 years. His enthusiastic leadership and strategic experience will be an invaluable asset to our organisation.”

Taranaki-born Eagles is currently working in London as CEO of the Brick Development Association, and prior to that was the Managing Director of Sustainable Homes for nine years. He has an honours degree in public policy from Victoria University of Wellington.

“At Sustainable Homes, Andrew led a business focused on providing sustainability solutions for the built environment, with core services in consultancy and professional training. This is a perfect fit with NZGBC’s work, as we continue to work with the building and construction industries to create healthy, efficient and productive buildings,” adds Ms Daly.

“Andrew has demonstrated his abilities as a leader and a commercially minded public advocate for sustainability. He has enjoyed a successful track record of growing revenue, diversifying services and product offerings, and keeping the practice of sustainability relevant. We believe Andrew is well placed to continue to grow NZGBC on the back of Alex’s contribution over the past six years.”

Eagles has been living in the UK for more than 13 years, and says he’s keen to bring back his international experience to help influence the New Zealand market.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity, to lead the NZGBC and to return home to New Zealand with my family. I’ve seen the appetite for sustainability in residential and commercial buildings increase worldwide over the past decade, and I hope to inspire others to create the kind of sustainable built environment New Zealand deserves,” Eagles says.

“Last year the world committed to a historic climate agreement that is desperately needed; this year alone, we have seen record after record broken on temperature rises. As we heat up for a changing future, I am excited to assist home owners and landlords, office-building owners, renters and others to have buildings that are fit for the future.”

NZGBC is celebrating its 10th anniversary later in the year.

This Media Release was originally sourced from Scoop Media.

How did you first become involved with BioGro?

When BioGro New Zealand Ltd. was looking for a new CEO in September of 2014, they found me through LinkedIn. I have 20 years in the organic certification sector mainly based in Japan but doing work all over the world in my role as managing director of Quality Assurance International Japan Ltd. and Ecocert Japan Ltd. Some of their licensee members and councillors had met me while they had been attending trade shows in Japan and these connections are what helped me find this role.

Although I had visited New Zealand as an organic auditor for Ecocert SA, I didn’t have much connection with New Zealand. Being in the organic certification sector and knowing about the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, which BioGro is a longstanding accredited member, I knew about BioGro. Also, BioGro New Zealand is one of the oldest certifiers in the world and certified Zespri. Since we eat a lot of kiwifruit, I knew about BioGro from the packaging being on our kitchen table. We also certified the repacker for Zespri’s fruit in Japan. When the opportunity to work for BioGro happened, we were thrilled. I still can’t believe how fortunate I am to be working in New Zealand in an organization like BioGro.

Can you share how the organisation came about and the benefits it presents to its members, and the wider public health workforce?

BioGro New Zealand Society is a membership organization that is the shareholder of BioGro New Zealand Ltd. the certifier. We work together to ensure a sustainable future for producers and consumers. Over 33 years ago the Soil and Health Association of New Zealand, the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation and the Biodynamic Association established the BioGro Society to create standards for organic production for New Zealand. BioGro was run from the Soil & Health offices for 10 years. Later the BioGro Society in May 1995 established the subsidiary BioGro New Zealand Ltd. to be a professional certification body.

The BioGro Society has certified licensee members and associate members who are not BioGro New Zealand Ltd. certified customers. Because we are a non-profit registered charity, we provide services to all our customers at reasonable cost. Members have a say in the role of the Society in promoting organics and sustainability. They also may have direct input into the standards and the technical committees. I think the real benefit to members is a feeling of supporting an organization committed to organics and sustainability like the producers and consumers are dedicated to supporting. Being members of organizations that share our values is what membership is all about.

What exciting projects are underway at BioGro?

BioGro is actually entering into a new era. At our AGM on 16 July 2016 the members unanimously voted to merge the Society with the Soil and Health Association. So we have come full circle. From 1 October the merged organization will be called the Soil and Heath Association and BioGro Society licensee members and associate members will become Soil and Health Association members.

BioGro New Zealand Ltd. will be owned by the Soil and Health Association as will the BioGro standards and trademark. This new era will mean that the assets will be combined and the mission of the BioGro Society to create standards and establish a certification body have largely been achieved, however it still remains to create a national standard and national regulation.

There is still a lot of work to do to make the agricultural sector more sustainable. We aim to be a big part of making this happen.

What would you say to someone starting out in the not-for-profit sector with a view to become a future leader?

Get your hands dirty. It is too easy just to sign up and not get involved. There are so many roles that need people who are passionate about the mission. If you find an organization that resonates with your values, get involved. Show up to the meetings and speak up about what you believe in. Perhaps this is the “American” way that I have used in many organizations, however I think people who consistently show up and speak up are the ones who can shape organisations for the better.

At BioGro we constantly need people to help us with our mission. Anywhere from board members to communications experts to people who can help us with fundraising. I think all not-for-profit organizations are challenged to deliver value to members without large overheads. This can translate into real challenges for attracting and keeping qualified people. If you want to be a leader in this sector, look to those already doing well and get involved with them.

I have found AuSAE membership to be a great way to meet leaders who have not only time to share but who have immense value to share as well for developing leaders.

All associations communicate with their members, but unfortunately that communication can often be ineffective. Why is that?

Ineffective communication is one of the big reasons that members feel disenfranchised from their association.

That’s because good communication is such an important part of any relationship, be it with your partner at home, or between members and their association.

Here are five sure-fire ways you can improve your communications to members, and enhance their relationship with you.

1. DON’T ‘BROADCAST’

Associations assume that all members want the same information all the time. They don’t. Members are individuals and will have differing content requirements. Content must be targeted. Yes, it takes a bit more time and effort but the alternative is to broadcast information that can be seen as unimportant, irrelevant or inconsequential and if that happens members will switch off. And nothing will spoil a relationship faster than poor communication.

2. FIX THE ‘NEWSLETTER PROBLEM’

Some associations publish newsletters that are almost impenetrable. Some fill the space with whatever is to hand come publication time. Often the business of producing the newsletter is so all-consuming that little thought goes into it anymore. However, it’s imperative that real care and attention is paid to newsletter content. Think about your newsletter and your social media platforms as a subscriber-based media. Ask yourself “would I pay to read this?” Because, effectively, your members are paying to read it and they may not always want to pay for it. This mindset might influence your choice of content. It might also enhance your member communications and engagement.

3. GIVE ‘EM NEWS THEY CAN USE

In line with the above, keep this thought in mind when casting about for content: Give them ‘news they can use’. This is how a journalist thinks. Most members don’t care about the administrivia of their association. They want content they will find interesting on a personal level or that impacts their business or other aspects of their life. So ask yourself – is it useful information, is it entertaining, is it meaningful to members in some way? Or is it space-filler?

4. USE THE RACSS FORMULA

When you construct content, use the RACSS formula. Write in such a way that your content is:

• Relevant to your audience
• Actionable in that the material motivates action or thought
• Compelling – it is difficult to ignore, forget, overlook
• Sticky – it is memorable
• Simple to understand

5. USE THE MEDIA TO ENGAGE WITH MEMBERS

Use the media whenever you can. Nearly 80% of NZers get their news from the 6pm news. Stuff is the most widely read site in NZ, closely followed by the Herald. Newstalk ZB 7am news rates off the scale. Your members are listening to, watching and reading those news outlets, among others. If your message is in the media, your members will get it. There are three key benefits to using the media to communicate with members.

• The media is distilling messages so they are accessible and digestible. Not all association newsletters do that. So using the media to deliver messages means members get relevant information in easy-to-understand chunks.
• You are being seen to be abreast topical issues. Members like the fact their association is on top of things and is respected enough by the media to have a voice. They take pride in that. It’s also important for stakeholders to see you in the media, for the same reasons. Being in the media gives you a cachet, some kudos.
• Members just want to feel that their association ‘matters’. They are paying you good money for an intangible service and part of keeping members happy is to make them feel they are paying their money to a worthwhile entity. Being quoted in the media reinforces that perception.

So there you have it. Five simple ideas to engage more effectively with your members. Why do you need to engage them as opposed to just communicate with them? Watch this space.

This article was written by: 

Daniel Paul

The PR Company

(021) 400-993

Theprcompany.co.nz

Daniel@theprcompany.co.nz

The changing face of dentistry: Treating people with dementia

Dentists are being provided with an exciting new tool to assist them in effectively caring for the 900,000 Australians who it is predicted will be living with dementia by 2050.

An initiative of the Australian Dental Association and Alzheimer’s Australia, the six-module online video series entitled Partnership in Practising Care: Quality Dental Care for People with Dementia, is a timely and valuable addition to dental resources.

Created with the aim of educating dentists on best practice processes to treat the increasing numbers of people with dementia they will encounter in their practices as the population ages, the series emphasises the importance of continuity of care, the use of preventative dentistry and ensuring that a high quality of life is maintained.

The encouraging news is that treating people living with dementia, an umbrella term that encompasses conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and which can be marked by progressive memory loss, confusion and personality change, can be managed through simple but effective amendments to the way a practice operates and some professional mindset changes by its staff.

For instance, one of the key requirements for treating patients living with dementia is to get to know them well if there is no pre-existing relationship; this means that any subsequent treatments will grow out of what is effectively a partnership between the dentist and their patient.

Encompassing a broad spectrum of caring for people living with dementia , the modules encompass the following material:

Module 1 – What is Dementia?

Provides an overview of the condition and easy and effective ways that dentists can treat people living with dementia that enhances their quality of life and oral health.

Module 2 – Dentistry and Ageing

Addresses the challenges created by a rapidly-ageing population and the issues faced by dentists treating patients with dementia.

Module 3 – Dementia and Your Practice

Leads dentists and practice through the best communicative, administrative and clinical procedures for treating people with dementia

Module 4 – Consent

Details the importance of informed consent, what is required to obtain it and the onus on the dentist to ensure that their patient understands the treatment they will undergo.

Module 5 – Treatment Planning and Delivery of Care

Takes a dentist through the necessary steps in formulating treatment for people with dementia from treatment options to risk factors, consent issues and post-operative care.

Module 6 – Domiciliary Care

Explores operating in a residential aged care facility and the need for infection control, patient management and liaising with staff before and after a consultation.

It is hoped that the Partnership in Practising Care will transform the way in which dentists treat patients living with dementia, and that they will come to understand that a few simple changes in practice and mindset can have a profound effect on the oral health and overall wellness of these patients.

All six modules of Partnership in Practising Care will be available on Wednesday 17 August via the ADA’s CPD Portal.

• Partnership in Practicing Care was funded by the Alzheimer’s Australia National Quality Dementia Care Initiative with support from J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust.

This article was originally sourced from ADA.

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) launches new flagship program designed to develop mid to senior level women and prepare them for advancement into executive leadership. A national scholarship initiative will be administered by WLA to support this launch.

$4,000 scholarships are now being awarded to female leaders across the country to support the nationwide launch of Executive Ready – WLA’s new flagship development program for mid to senior level managers.

Informed by the experiences of hundreds of talented and respected women across all industries, Executive Ready is a leadership accelerator designed to stretch participants and propel them towards executive level performance, behaviours and mindsets. Developed by the country’s foremost authority on women leaders and their unique needs, Executive Ready is for women who want to lead more confidently, transform the performance of their team and fully realise their future career/life potential.

The program’s content is purpose designed to extend leadership ability in preparation for future advancement. Due to its applied nature and performance orientated outcomes the program is also appropriate for leaders looking to consolidate their current position and independent business owners looking for practical advice and strategy to transform the performance of their staff.

To view the Executive Ready program prospectus Click here

Please note: Scholarships cover approximately 40% of the total enrolment fee.

Nomination Process

To make a scholarship enquiry, please respond via email and include the details below. A program expert will then make contact to discuss current opportunities in your state:

Name:

Position title:

Email:

Phone:

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask via email or on 1300 735 904.

Nick Williams

Women & Leadership Australia

p 1300 138 037 | f 1300 451 031 | w www.wla.edu.au | e nwilliams@asam.edu.au

SKYCITY Convention centre ‘exclusive deal’ to’ AuSAE members’ only.

Exclusive offer for AuSAE members who book a conference at SKYCITY Convention Centre. For bookings made between 1 Jan -31 Dec 2016.

1. Free pre-dinner trio of canapés for dinners over 100 Delegates: minimum Value: $1,460.00

2. $2,000.00 discount voucher off the total bill for events over $40,000

3. Sponsored AV – Screen, Projector, laptop, 1 x lapel microphone, 1x lecterns with microphone and 1 x remote clicker

Is ideally situated in the heart of the Auckland CBD and is recognised as one of the premier event destinations for both international and local multi-day events, banquets, cocktail parties, day meetings and functions. Conveniently located in the heart of New Zealand’s premier entertainment destination, SKYCITY Auckland, the complex has a world-class casino, a multitude of bars and award winning restaurants, the iconic Sky Tower and two first-class hotels.

Tanya Dustin P: 09 363 7143 E: tanya.dustin@skycity.co.nz

Australian event organisers were impressed with New Zealand’s recent efforts to entice association events across the Tasman, with a destination package that involves bigger venues, easier access and dollars and sense.

Seven Australian association event organisers were flown to the CINZ MEETINGS Trade show in Auckland in June with the support of Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand. They attended the show and participated in an AuSAE educational session as part of a programme targeting more trans-Tasman association business.

Tourism New Zealand International Business Events and Premium Manager Lisa Gardiner says: “We are aiming to win more Australian and Australasian association business. With larger convention centres coming to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in 2019, and increasing air access, New Zealand is becoming a very viable option for our Australian association neighbours. Add in the benefits of widening networks and more knowledge-sharing opportunities, and it is really starting to appeal.”

Benjamin Graham, Senior Manager at the Migration Institute of Australia, was on the trip to look at the possibility of holding an event with a sister organisation in New Zealand, and the potential of taking his organisation’s conference offshore.

“We’re an Australian-based company but 60 per cent of our membership is from the East Coast. Flying to our last national conference in Perth I thought ‘If it was an hour more I would be in Bali and an hour less I would be in New Zealand!’ I wanted to see what is possible and viable, and Auckland and Wellington in particular would be - particularly with the assistance Tourism New Zealand offers,” he said.

“I was surprised by the enthusiasm and the effort that the New Zealand government puts into getting Australian associations to come to New Zealand. Its Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) is more than just showing you around hotels, it goes right down to the nuts and bolts of being able to assist with cost scenarios and present a business case to your board; that stuff is phenomenal. I was super-impressed. I think most Australians know New Zealand has the venues and capability, but it is that extra level, that New Zealand goes the extra mile, that they would find pleasantly surprising.”

Ivone Johnson of ANZBMS (the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society) added: “MEETINGS was beneficial in regards to finding out about venues, hotels and activities in all parts of New Zealand; in particular, the growth of venues in Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington. I have also taken away a new appreciation for Auckland as a business events destination. I was most impressed with the infrastructure, especially the yet-to-be-completed New Zealand International Convention Centre and the vast array of hotels in its vicinity. There is a diverse choice of activities and experiences for delegates to enjoy as part of the conference. Auckland would be an ideal destination due to its proximity to most of the Australian states and its increased flight access.”

Johnson was also impressed with the informative AuSAE education session, which discussed challenges and opportunities facing associations. “One speaker discussed the implications of an Australian association holding a conference in New Zealand in regards to GST. This was valuable to know for future New Zealand conferences our association might hold.”

Graham added that New Zealand also offered a point of difference to Australian destinations beyond new speakers and networking opportunities: “I also think the destinations really know their identity and come together with the business communities to sell that as a city. That cultural element really sets New Zealand apart. It is respected and involved in the day-to-day, which is really appealing to a multicultural organisation like ours. It is completely viable to bring a Maori cultural element into an Australian association conference. The core strength of having an event offshore is being able to incorporate that special, local, element that people adore - that becomes a memory for them.”

Tourism New Zealand's Gardiner added: “With CAP strategic funding and marketing support available to event organisers bringing more than 200 delegates across the Tasman, we're expecting even greater interest from the Australian association market as that awareness of New Zealand's attractions and benefits grows.”

For further information about Tourism New Zealand please visit www.businessevents.newzealand.com

The article was originally sourced from Tourism New Zealand.