The gazette march april 2014

March/April 2014Volume 5, No 2

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

Great Southern Institute of Technology’s highest achievers for 2013 celebrated at the institute’s annual award night on Thursday.Students who had demonstrated

outstanding performance and academic excellence during the year were recognised with the presentation of course awards and major sponsored awards.Finalists and winners were joined at the

Albany Entertainment Centre by their family and friends, institute staff, members of the Governing Council, sponsors and invited guests.Great Southern Institute of Technology’s

Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa

congratulated those receiving recognition.“I am proud of these students, who have

demonstrated drive, determination and application,” Ms Rozlapa said.“I am also proud of the dedicated staff who

have nurtured them along their learning journey and helped them to achieve their goals,” she added.She spoke of the institute’s 40 years of

educating, enlightening, nurturing and presenting opportunities to people of all ages.“We have taught three or four generations

of some families,” Ms Rozlapa said.Continued on page 2

Brightest shine on our big night

Natalie Pearson receives the Rotary Club of Albany City Vocational Student of the Year Award from Rotary’s Stan Goodman. Photograph: Adam Halsall.

Great Southern Gazette – March/April 20142

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.

Want to read The Gazette in another format?

From page 1She also outlined the widening reach of

the institute, which delivers from Albany to Kununurra in the far-north of WA, to Christmas Island and through an auspice arrangement with a partner in Queensland.She also thanked the evening’s numerous

sponsors for their generous support.“We at the institute place tremendous

value on community and industry support, both in the nurturing and education of our students and on occasions such as this,” Ms Rozlapa said.The Rotary Club of Albany City Vocational

Student of the Year was awarded to Diploma of Nursing student Natalie Pearson.

Speaking on behalf of all 2013 students, Natalie thanked the lecturing staff for their dedication, support and knowledge, and advocated vocational education and training at the institute for people of all ages.Outlining her own training journey, Natalie

said gaining a qualification increased people’s self-worth and taught skills they could use for life.“This course was the beginning of my

career and it gave me a taste of what nursing can offer,” Natalie said.“I must say, I loved it.”The mother of three is now enjoying her

new vocation and spending more time with her family, though she plans to further her nursing studies in the future.

Brightest shine on our big night

Construction Training Fund Awards

Aboriginal Student of the Year for Construction TradesEthan Drew

Best Carpentry and Joinery ApprenticeZac Hart

Best Plumbing Apprentice Darryl Van Der Schaaf

Best Electrical ApprenticeJason Dekker

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS), Building and ConstructionChandler Askevold-McDonald

Major Awards

H+H Architects Trainee of the YearTahlia McSwain

Fletcher International WA Aboriginal Student of the YearCherilyn Michael

Soroptimist International of Albany Female Student of the YearMarlane Ainsworth

Great Southern Institute of Technology Governing Council Endeavour AwardDanneka Andreotti

Rotary Club of Albany City Vocational Student of the Year AwardNatalie Pearson

Student Awards for Excellence

See the photos in the Award Night Gallery on pages 10 and 11

www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Great Southern Gazette – March/April 2014 3

State Training Providers based in regional areas of Western Australia face a different set of challenges to those met by their metropolitan counterparts.Their location brings community service

obligations, the need for provision of training in far-flung places, and a commitment to answering the specific needs of regional people and employers.To address this special set of

requirements, the Managing Directors of State Training Providers (STPs) in regional Western Australia hold regular meetings for information sharing and to discuss issues.With the introduction of Future Skills

WA and the implications of the move to the Entitlement Model of training accessibility, the Regional MDs’ group

recently formalised their commitment to working together to respond to the State’s needs for skills development by forming a Regional Business Development Network (RBDN).At their February meeting, the alliance

members signed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of a pledge to share information and provide mutual support and advice while developing a strong and viable regional STP network. Network activities will also enable

the strengthening of partnerships in a competitive environment, exploration of opportunities for innovation, and implementation of State Government workforce objectives.

Continued on page 7

Managing Directors of regional STPs have signed an MOU to maximise competitive advantage and support the sharing of commercial knowledge and resources. At the memorandum signing are Kevin Doig (Goldfields), Lidia Rozlapa (Great Southern), Marlene Boundy (Pilbara), John Scott (CY O’Connor), Bert Beevers (Durack) and Karen Dickinson (Kimberley). Signatory Duncan Anderson (South West) was unavailable for the photograph.

Agreement formalises alliance


From the MD’s Desk

In the run-up to the end of term and the Easter break, we’re as busy as ever across all our campuses.I’m pleased to report that

our enrolments are only slightly down compared to the same period last year, and indications are that this situation will improve as the year progresses.Students have taken

advantage of payment plans, VET FEE-HELP and an increased number of scholarships on offer.We have issued 35

scholarships this semester and already have 20 more to be issued in Semester 2.

Award NightA highlight of the month was the annual Award Ceremony held at the Albany Entertainment Centre. This was a wonderful

evening on which we celebrated with our highest achievers and their friends and families.Course awards were

presented to 68 students who had performed best in their class. This was in addition to

five Construction Training Fund awards and five major awards. My congratulations go to

the deserving winners, and my sincere thanks to the sponsors who make the annual event possible. See

pages 1 and 2 for the report on our award night and photos on pages 10 and 11. Capital WorksThe Health Science building is progressing in line with the schedule of works, and is expected to be completed in Term 4. Once it is in operation, work will start on the refurbishment of A and M Blocks. This will be completed by the end of the year.

ITJustin and Jo have held numerous consultation workshops with staff about the new intranet and users’ expectations of it. With the same meticulous planning our IT section used for the website, we can be confident this will be a valuable product to help streamline our day-to-day business.The wifi network which

has become indispensable in Albany will soon be rolled out to our regional campuses, expanding online opportunities for staff and students.

PACDThe health and safety of staff and students are priorities for the institute. Our OHS Coordinator Rick Muller recently attended a Healthy Workplaces

workshop and PACD coordinator Cassie Farnell has been working to implement the free ‘Get on Track’ challenge to encourage activity among staff. Cassie has emailed details of this program, but if you haven’t registered yet, or want more information, email Cassie.

Aboriginal ProgramsOur institute could be the first educational establishment in Albany to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan. Shirley and her team are working on this document, which will go for registration with Reconciliation Australia.

Open DayIn place of the Career Expo which we have held in June over the past few years, we will have an Open Day for our institute this year. The format of the day

will change, but the main focus of providing career information will remain. All sections will prepare

informative and entertaining presentations to engage students and advocate vocational education and training at Great Southern Institute. While the regional high schools bring students to the open day, people of all ages will be encouraged to attend and discover all we offer, so this is an excellent opportunity for us to show the community how we can provide solutions for training and lifestyle courses as well as apprenticeships and career pathways.


From the MD’s Desk

Access and InclusionGrants of up to $2500 to help with education for Indigenous Australians and people living with disability are available through the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund.The first round of

applications closes on 31 March. For more details, see the institute’s web page at: http://www.gsit.wa.edu.au/apply/financial-assistance. To apply, visit http://www.adipef.org.au/.

VIPsThe institute hosted Director General of Training and Workforce Development Dr Ruth Shean on Wednesday 12 March. She joined the Executive Management Team for lunch in the boardroom, then joined me and some of the Governing Council members for a look around the health sciences construction site. Next week, we will host

The Hon. Dr Kim Hames, Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Training and

Workforce Development, who will join the EMT for morning tea in R Block, followed by a tour of the campus.That’s all from me until the

next Gazette in May, when we will also be publishing the second edition of our Prime magazine.Happy reading,Lidia.

Governing Council members Suresh Balakrishnan and Anne Stafford, MD Lidia Rozlapa, Facilities Manager Neil Augustson, Director General of Training and Workforce Development Dr Ruth Shean and site supervisor Dwayne Simmons inspect the plans at the institute’s new Health Sciences building.

Email [email protected]

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

http://www.gsit.wa.edu.au/apply/financial-assistance



http://www.adipef.org.au/


After 3½ years of study and with a nursing degree under her belt, Portia van Baaren is excited about her future and looking forward to a long career in her new vocation.Last December, Portia

celebrated her graduation from Curtin University’s BSc (Nursing), which was delivered at Great Southern Institute of Technology’s Albany campus.But even the graduation

was outshone by a letter Portia recently received from Curtin University, telling her she had been named on the Vice-Chancellor’s List for academic excellence.The list is issued each

semester in recognition of those within the top one per cent of students from across the university, which is a significant achievement and not surprisingly, one which brought great excitement for Portia when she heard the news.“It came as a complete

surprise,” Portia said.“I opened the letter and

read it, and re-read it – then I gave a little scream and called my mum,” she laughed.Portia joins an elite band

of Curtin’s academic high achievers, which includes one of her fellow graduates, Paul Exton, who made the Vice-Chancellor’s List in 2012.“It’s recognition for the time

and effort you put into the course – you realise it was

all worth it,” Portia said.She explained she was

inspired and motivated to join the nursing profession by her mother, an enrolled nurse who worked while bringing up four children.“I’ve always wanted to help

people and nursing is a good career,” she said. Having the degree course

delivered at the institute’s Albany campus meant she had the same training as her metropolitan counterparts with the benefit of smaller classes and excellent lecturer support.Following her first

postgraduate year on the wards at Albany Hospital, she is hoping to spend her second year in the emergency department, or experience nursing in a

remote community.Eventually, Portia hopes to

work in wound care.“Helping people to regain

their self-esteem and confidence as they recover from a wound is very satisfying,” she said.For now, though, she

is preparing to attend a ceremony at Curtin University in Perth, where she will receive the prestigious pin – and discover the numerous opportunities – which come with the coveted Vice-Chancellor’s listing.The likeable young woman

is also modest about her achievement.“I didn’t realise I had done

so well,” Portia said.“It makes you feel very

special.”

Portia joins prestigious list

Portia van Baaren has been named on Curtin University’s Vice-Chancellor’s list of top-performing students for Semester 2, 2013.


From page 3Members of the RBDN are Great

Southern Institute of Technology, CY O’Connor Institute, South West Institute of Technology, Durack Institute of Technology, Pilbara Institute, Kimberley Training Institute and Goldfields Institute of Technology.The collaboration is designed to

maximise competitive advantage and support the sharing of commercial knowledge and resources.South West Institute of Technology

Managing Director and RBDN Chair Duncan Anderson said the memorandum was a formalised, contemporary solution to meet an ever-changing training sector.“It ultimately meets the needs of

industry in regional Western Australia,” Duncan said.CY O’Connor Institute Managing

Director John Scott went further.“The synergies and

complementarities created through the network provide TAFE with an expanded capability to provide turnkey training solutions in regional areas,” John said.The benefit to employers and

prospective students in regional Western Australia was a major advantage of the agreement for Great Southern Institute of Technology

Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa.“The sharing of resources and ideas

delivers innovative solutions for industry and business,” Lidia said.“It also has the potential to strengthen

not only each institute’s commercial activity, but also the network itself,” Lidia said.Pilbara Institute Managing Director

Marlene Boundy agreed.“In a collaborative model such as

this, we are able to bring the diverse strengths of each STP, and can assist enterprises and industry to achieve their workforce development goals more effectively and in a cost-effective manner,” Marlene added.A unified approach to improve

training outcomes was something regional TAFE institutes had always done, according to Durack Institute of Technology Managing Director Bert Beevers.“This MOU formalises those past

practices,” Bert said.Kimberley Training Institute Managing

Director Karen Dickinson also applauded the formalisation of the agreement.“The MOU paves the way for us to

work more collaboratively together into the future and leverage off each other’s strengths and unique capabilities,” Karen said.

Agreement formalises alliance

Check out what’s happening at

Your Regional TAFE


GATE opens onto fast track

A group of Aboriginal people are taking the first steps to sustainable employment by gaining the necessary skills to be competitive – and successful – job seekers.The students are participating in a career

development program run as a partnership between Great Southern Institute of Technology and Southern Aboriginal Corporation.GSIT Aboriginal Programs Manager Shirley

Hansen explained the two-week fast-track course, Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment (GATE), was giving students skills to prepare them for joining the workforce.“Initially, the course covers aspects such

as writing résumés, personal presentation and work ethic to help the students to become job-ready,” Shirley said.“The students will then go on to take short

industrial training courses in machinery operation, leading to tickets to operate excavators, front-end loaders, dozers and

graders,” she added. Shirley said some students would apply for positions with local employers and some would apply to take their skills into jobs on mine sites, taking advantage of the partnerships forged with a mine operator in the north of the State.SAC Employment Officer Alisia Anderson

explained the fast-track pre-employment course was for Aboriginal people on the Job Network.“This course is to help them to overcome

unemployment barriers,” Alisia said.“The vision is that they will go from this

course to further training, or get work and gain experience,” she said.“The long-term view for many of them,

once they have the skills and experience, is to apply for fly-in, fly-out jobs on mine sites,” she said.Two participants who were taking full

advantage of the program were Reuben Kennedy and Dennis Johns.

Continued on page 9

GSIT staff show students of the Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment around the carpentry and joinery workshop.

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort


From page 8Reuben, who has experience in metal

fabrication, is hoping the course opens doors to positions in the mining industry.“I’ve already done qualifications in

fabrication – boilermaking and welding in general,” Reuben said.“I’ll do anything, so I’m hoping this will help

me into the right career,” he said.Dennis, who hopes to build on his skills in

the areas of mechanics and welding, said he had found the program interesting and useful.“I’ve enjoyed the course so far and I’m

hoping to get a job at the end of it,” Dennis said.Ultimately, he said, he

would like to run his own

business, and he acknowledged the experience he could gain from employment would give him the necessary skills.The program, which started in March,

is the third and final one under a funding contract from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. For more information on training for

Aboriginal people at Great Southern Institute of Technology, phone Aboriginal Programs Assistant Melissa Meyer on 9892 7503.

GATE opens onto fast track

The experience staff gained during – and following – the institute’s reregistration audit at the end of last year prompted the formation of an Academic Leadership Forum to promote academic excellence, best practice and compliance.The forum, which

will meet regularly, is primarily made up of principal lecturers and advanced skills lecturers (ASLs), with representation by

portfolio managers and other key staff. At the first meeting in mid-February, GSIT Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa welcomed the members before handing the forum to Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean, who will convene meetings and lead the group.Ruth said the

leadership group had been formed to allow the institute to be more inclusive in decision-making and allow members

to disseminate information, resulting in a consistent approach and creating an environment of best practice.Training the group

members in audit and academic leadership and establishing protocols for the audit function were priorities set at the first meeting, the subject of which was, appropriately, validation.Ruth said topics would

be decided by the group at their meetings.

Forum members lead the way to academic excellence

The course is to help them overcome unemployment barriers


Kirsty, Sally and Murray Cameron.

Jillian Mathwin, GSIT Governing Council member Ronnie Fleay, MD Lidia Rozlapa and Jan Pope. Anita Cottle and Karen Carosin.

Rotary Club of Albany City Vocational Student of the Year Natalie Pearson with her husband Josh.

GSIT lecturers Anne Parker, Sally Lawrie and Jill Buchanan.

Award Night Gallery


Alana, Danneka, Orano and Marina Andreotti celebrate Danneka’s winning the GSIT Governing Council Endeavour Award.

Primary Industries Lecturer Jay Rowles celebrates with his high-achieving students Ryan Vlasschaert, Tahlia McSwain, Suzanne Shale and Ben McKie.

Angela Sofoulis with Alex and Judith Clarke.

Governing Council members Suresh Balakrishnan and Anne Stafford join three managing directors – John Scott of CY O’Connor Institute, GSIT’s Lidia Rozlapa and Duncan Anderson of South West Institute of Technology.

Award Night Gallery


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

Be a healthy worker

We all spend a lot of time at work, which is why it is a great place to improve your health.Just by thinking creatively and using the

facilities available in your workplace, you can turn work into a healthy experience by:• including physical activity• eating healthy foods• quitting smoking• consuming alcohol safely.Research shows that healthy workers

are motivated, up to three times more productive and take fewer sick days, so it’s good for your career too!Here are some tips to make your working

day a healthier one:• Cycle to work or park further away to

increase walking time.• Sit less – hold walk meetings or walk

the block at lunchtime.• Pack healthy snacks such as fruit,

unroasted nuts or wholegrain crackers.• Drink water and avoid sugar in soft

drink or energy drinks.• Quit smoking with colleagues. • At social events, limit your alcohol

intake to no more than two standard drinks and organise safe transport home.

There are a number of free programs and online events that your workplace can get involved in. For example, Fresh Start courses to quit smoking, Food Sensations workshops which focus on healthy eating or the Get on Track Challenge for your team to increase physical activity.

Want to know more? Small grants of up to $10,000 are currently

available to eligible workplaces for health and wellbeing programs: go to the Healthier Workplace WA website for more information on the grants, and look under the ‘Nine to five’ tab for ideas and practical tips on how you can make your working day a healthier one.

http://healthierworkplacewa.com.au/

http://healthierworkplacewa.com.au/


For the past 18 months the LRSN have been steadily working on an integrated discovery layer that would allow our clients to access all resources from a single point. After much angst and constant testing,

we are now ready to go live. What does this mean for you? This is not a library catalogue and it

does not work like one. Instead of having to access the

catalogue, specialist web sites, and our full text databases individually, you can now do it through one search box. Just a little bit Google-like! No more

logging in to individual databases. Your search terms will be sent to all

our sources and a consolidated list of search results will display. Icons will indicate the type of resource.

Options for refining your results are also displayed. You can also save search results.

When accessing it on campus, you will be authenticated automatically for our licensed resources. For off-campus access, you will be asked for your student or staff login. Check it out now at SuperSearch or

follow the SuperSearch link found on the Library Resource Centre webpage and on the institute intranet. It is expected that the resource

content will grow as more resources come online. Have a play and let us know what you think. The native versions of the library

catalogue and databases will still be available and accessible and at this stage the two terminals in the library dedicated to our catalogue searching still point to the native version.If you have any questions or feedback,

phone the Library Resource Centre on 8860.

– Stephanie Lindesay

Library layer ready for lift-off

Massage Therapy student Mark Robson tries out the integrated discovery layer in the Library Resource Centre.


Beauty students care for carersA group of people who are used to caring for others were recently on the receiving end of some much-appreciated attention of their own – and helped GSIT students to get valuable experience as part of their training.The Red Cross Carers’ group visited the

Albany campus for a pampering session in the beauty therapy room, where students practised their manicure skills.Amanda Davis of the Red Cross explained

the carers’ group met once a month for mutual support and information.“We provide information on support and

services available to help them in their caring role as well as promote carer wellness through self-care strategies,” Amanda said.“The carers get to have some fun in a safe

environment, and respite from their 24-hour, seven-day job,” she added.In the beauty therapy room, the students

went through their manicure routine, which included a soothing hand massage and thorough nail treatment.Carer Rhonda Halden said she had been

looking forward to the session, and had enjoyed it.“It’s very relaxing,” Rhonda said, as student

Sarah Cartwright applied polish to her nails.Student Kerry Kelly said the opportunity

for the beauty therapy group to practice their skills on outside customers had been valuable.“It’s the real thing,” Kerry said.While Kerry filed and buffed her nails, carer

Angela Brownbill said a manicure was a rare treat.“They’ve made us welcome, and it’s lovely

to be pampered,” Angela said.

Top: Beauty therapy student Angela Brownbill puts the finishing touches to Kerry Kelly’s nails.

Above: Rhonda Halden relaxes as student Sarah Cartwright applies nail polish.

Below: Members of the Red Cross Carers’ group receive pampering treatment from students in the busy beauty therapy room.


Quality document updates

The following Quality Documents have been deleted, added or updated on the intranet:

Deleted:QFSP0010 AQTF Internal Audit Report Combined into QFSP0035 AQTF Internal Audit Plan and ReportQFSP0038 AQTF Internal Audit Self-Assessment Guide Combined into ASRD022 AQTF Internal Audit (Academic) Information and Preparation PackQFAS0059 C-Grade Electrical Licence Register No longer used

New:QFCS0117-2 National Police History Check Application Form Now a two-part process (also see QFCS00117)

Reviewed and Updated:QFSP0035 AQTF Internal Audit Plan and Report Combined QFSP0010 AQTF Internal Audit Report into this formQFCS0174 Form A – Flexible Hours Arrangement Updated email address, amended signatoriesRPL RPL Enrolment Form Updated maximum course fee amounts and enrolment typeQFCS0180 Albany Fire Wardens, First Aid and OSH Reps Updated for 2014QFCS0117 National Police History Check Now a two-part process (also see QFAS0117-2)QFAS0087 Staff Induction Checklist Included advising Reception Staff of phone extension allocationASRD022 AQTF Internal Audit (Academic) Information and Preparation Pack Combined with QFSP0038 AQTF Internal Audit Self-Assessment GuideQFAS0048 Roll Management Form Updated Re-enrol result usageQFCS0123 BI/PERS Assessment Form Updated Department of Education and Training form

If you find any Quality Document with out-of-date information, please phone Caro Saunders on 8742.

Need stationery?Visit the GSIT bookshop first!


SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

At GSIT, we not only practice environmental sustainability in all our business operations, we teach it to others – and incorporate it into all our training.Sustainability Lecturer Laura Bird runs a series of workshops for trainers, helping them to integrate sustainability into their course delivery.As part of their assessment, each student is required to outline their learning strategies for incorporating sustainability skills into learning and assessment, and these strategies will be featured in The Gazette over the next few months.The first in our series is by Principal Lecturer Ruth McLean, who shares her light-bulb moments.

I entered the workshop with mixed feelings. I wondered if there was really any more that could be said about this topic.I soon found out there is a lot more to this

than recycling! We are only just beginning to explore the seven principles of education for sustainability (EfS) and for me it is like multiple light bulb moments. Laura led us into new territory and used

interesting strategies to open our minds to new and old concepts. We discussed sustainability – the big and small pictures – and systems thinking, equipping people to understand the connections between environmental, economic, social and political systems.We set goals for the session and for the

learning to come. I am already making changes to my delivery based on what we explored, and I am discovering that much of what we already do is education for sustainability.I realise now it is all about education for

all, lifelong learning and envisioning a better future. We can also model sustainable practice

by using Moodle and reducing print-outs. I may even leave the lights out during the workshop as Laura does. So I am doing little and big thinking and best of all participating – another EfS principle!Our time together was productive and

energising. Cleverly, Laura has organised for us to do assessments based in the real world of the TAFE lecturer. She has also

created an online presence to support our learning with Moodle. The workshop itself was a model in sustainable education and great instructional strategies that enliven interaction and create learning opportunities. From little things, big things can grow. For

those of us who are interested, it will be a matter of putting these new concepts into practice in our work and we will be sporting a new unit on our transcripts and one step closer to a Diploma in Vocational Education and Training. By the end of this series of workshops I will

have gained a great insight into sustainable educational practice and I will also be armed with answers to the one big question I had – is there any more I can do? The next workshop will be held on

Wednesday 28 May and Laura will catch up with anyone who fancies a challenge and wants to join in this essential conversation. Email [email protected].

– Ruth McLean


SUSTAINABILITYE D U C A T I O N F O R

Learn how to integrate sustainability into your training

Half-day workshops and online activities

Work at your own pace

Explore tools, skills and resources for effective delivery of sustainability concepts to your students

Presented by Laura Bird

Workshop 2 starts Wednesday 28 May

This unit may be used:

• Towards a qualification in Training and Assessment at Certificate IV or Diploma level.

• As study for personal development – no assessment necessary.

Email [email protected] for more information

Your regional TAFE


Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Study skills drop-in sessionsCould your students benefit from some extra help with their class work or assessments? Then encourage them to drop in to the

Study Skills sessions in F5 in the library. The study skills lecturers can help with spelling and grammar, writing essays or reports, referencing, maths problems, computing skills, taking notes, giving presentations, study and organisational skills and much more! Any student enrolled at the institute can

come along to these free sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3pm. Students may bring along whatever they need some help with.

Financial helpThe Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund (ADIPEF) has made grants of up to $2500 to eligible Indigenous Australians and people living with a disability to help with formal or informal education.Information on the grants, and a link to

the ADIPEF website for further details and application submissions is on the institute’s website: http://www.gsit.wa.edu.au/apply/financial-assistance. If you need help with your application,

phone Disability Liaison Officer Wendy Macliver on 9892 8741. The first round of applications closes on

31 March.

Drop in to hone your study skills

HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Positions Advertised• Lecturer OSH – successful applicant was Melissa Tickner• Lecturer Business, Management and Government – successful applicants were

Leaya Bailey and Louise Hillman Welcome to Melissa Tickner who is Bern Mardell’s replacement, and congratulations to Leaya and Louise. New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Sam Ahern, Relief Portfolio Support Officer – Trades and Business• Sunjung Bloomer, Casual Lecturer Visual Arts – Katanning • David Elliott, Casual Lecturer ESL – Albany • Samuel Goodall, Casual Lecturer Trades – Albany • Mark Stanton, Casual Lecturer E and PI – Albany • Katerina Andrews, Disability Support – Albany • Allan Sandwell, Casual Lecturer Welding – Katanning• Lee Griffith, Casual Lecturer Skills Development – Albany • Oona Mansour, Casual Lecturer Skills Development – Denmark

Staff exiting• Andrew Morrison, Lecturer Primary Industries Technology, ceased 14 February• Patrick Gillespie, Lecturer Environmental Monitoring and Technology, ceased

14 FebruaryWarm regards and best wishes to those leaving the institute, we wish you every

success with your new adventures.