the gazette july 2014

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July 2014 Volume 5, No 5 Monthly Newsletter THE Gazette Career changer banks on a different kind of note taking Great Southern Institute of Technology student Kirsty Morgan is well on the way to a new career as a nurse. Making a career change is rarely without risk, but for Kirsty Morgan, mustering the courage to move from her job in a bank to a career in nursing was a no- brainer. As she progresses through her Diploma of Nursing course, the Great Southern Institute of Technology student reflects on her change of tack and acknowledges the wisdom of a move to an area of work she loves. Kirsty was employed in an Albany bank but the attraction of a career in nursing influenced her decision to enrol in the Certificate IV in Health Science Foundations last year, a precursor to the diploma course she started this year. “I rethought my career because I wanted to be doing something for others,” Kirsty said. “A career as a nurse brings diversity, you’re not doing the same thing every day, and there are a lot of individual challenges,” she said. “Doing the Certificate IV was good because it gave me a great introduction and helped me to gain entry to the Diploma of Nursing.” Continued on page 2

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Page 1: The gazette july 2014

July 2014Volume 5, No 5

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazetteCareer changer banks on a different kind of note takingGreat Southern Institute of Technology student Kirsty Morgan is well on the way to a new career as a nurse.

Making a career change is rarely without risk, but for Kirsty Morgan, mustering the courage to move from her job in a bank to a career in nursing was a no-brainer.As she progresses

through her Diploma of Nursing course, the Great Southern Institute of Technology student reflects on her change of tack and acknowledges the wisdom

of a move to an area of work she loves.Kirsty was employed in

an Albany bank but the attraction of a career in nursing influenced her decision to enrol in the Certificate IV in Health Science Foundations last year, a precursor to the diploma course she started this year.“I rethought my career

because I wanted to

be doing something for others,” Kirsty said.“A career as a nurse

brings diversity, you’re not doing the same thing every day, and there are a lot of individual challenges,” she said.“Doing the Certificate IV

was good because it gave me a great introduction and helped me to gain entry to the Diploma of Nursing.”

Continued on page 2

Page 2: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 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?

I rethought my career because I wanted to be doing something for others.

From page 1Despite the hectic pace of the first

few weeks, when she had little free time while completing assignments, Kirsty said studying had not been as daunting as she had anticipated.“I hadn’t studied since 2009,

but going back was easier than I thought,” she said.“And the hard work

pays off because when you get out on practical placements, it all starts to make sense,” she said.Kirsty acknowledged

the help of the institute’s Aboriginal Programs branch for support and encouragement along the way.“They helped a lot with the

financial side, with applications and enrolments, and there was tuition available – I didn’t need it, but it was nice to know it was there if I did,” she said.She also appreciated the help of her

nursing lecturers.“They were always approachable

and helpful, even out of hours,” Kirsty said.Her practical placements at Albany

Hospital and Bethel Baptistcare were also invaluable, Kirsty said, for hands-on experience.“Being in a professional environment

was very different to learning in the classroom,” Kirsty said.This industry experience had

been enhanced, she added, by the excellent training delivery in

the contemporary environment of the Albany Regional Health Trade Training Centre located next to the institute at North Albany Senior High School. “It’s set up to mimic

the hospital, and the modern facilities definitely helped,” she said.The hardworking and affable

young woman anticipates finishing her studies in mid-2015 with a qualification which will take her into a rewarding position in the health sector, and the prospect of a bright future in a vocation where she is clearly at home.Kirsty said she could branch out

once she had her qualification, but she was still open to the idea of further study, which could include the degree in nursing.

Career changer banks on a different kind of note taking

Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Page 3: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 3

Tackling live projects for external clients is a true test of a student’s capabilities once they enter the workforce.For two design and media students, the

opportunity to produce a website for the Albany 4WD club was a valuable project which tested their knowledge, innovation and tenacity.When Albany 4WD club secretary Alan

Clancy approached Media and Design Lecturer Paul Kelly with the prospect of the web design project, diploma students Jen Gillett and Michael Dolphin were eager to take it on.Jen explained she was taking the

Diploma of Graphic Design and Michael was studying for the Diploma of Interactive Digital Media, which meant they took responsibility for their own area of specialisation, each of which complemented the other for this particular project.“I have been working on the design side –

the part that people see and which creates

the initial impression of the site,” Jen said.“Michael is taking care of the functional

side, the part that makes it all work,” she said.Alan explained the brief was simply to

produce a website, and he was happy to relay ideas from members and listen to suggestions from the students.“Before this arose, club members

discussed what they wanted,” Alan said.“We already had a website but it wasn’t

working, we had no control over it and it was out of date,” he said.Since their first briefing in March, the

students have met with Alan every fortnight to discuss progress, source information and access images taken by the members. They have also corresponded frequently by email.Jen explained they had to determine first

who the site was to be used by.“It is aimed at two groups – club members

and the community,” Jen said.Continued on page 5

Jen Gillett, Paul Kelly, Michael Dolphin and Alan Clancy admire the website the students produced for the Albany 4WD Club.

4WD club’s fast track to new site

Page 4: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 20144

From the MD’s Desk

Welcome back to everyone who took the opportunity for a few days off during the semester break, I hope you relaxed and enjoyed it.With Semester 2 about to

kick off the rest of the year, we have a busy few months to look forward to.

31 OctoberOur institute has a big day planned for 31 October, when we will celebrate the 40th anniversary, and Ministers Hames and Redman will attend to officially open the new Health Sciences and Community Services block.Preparations are well

underway, and I will keep you informed of progress.

Capital worksStaff will move into the Health Science block in a week or two, and the subsequent refurbishment of A and M Blocks will be completed by mid-October.

Open dayI’m pleased to see everyone has been working hard towards their displays and activities for our open day on 8 August. This gives us an excellent opportunity to show what we can offer to people of all ages.

PACDA whole-of-institute professional development

day will be held on Friday 6 February. The theme will be

Academic Leadership into the 21st Century. We will explore the implications of the year ahead and the influence of information technologies on our business practices. Cassie Farnell in HR will send out a Survey Monkey to everyone for individual input. As Camp Quaranup is

unavailable on that date, we will hold the event at our Albany campus and divert venue hire savings into the afternoon activities. Food will be served in George’s, where we will also enjoy a sundowner to wind up the day.

Emerging leaders’ forumOur under 40s, as the leaders of tomorrow, will gather on 28 July for a forum to discuss issues that shape the future of our institute.This session, which will

be run by training program consultant Hannah Fitzhardinge, will be the first of an ongoing program.

RegionsKen McKinnon and I have been travelling around the regional campuses to talk to the coordinators about new purchasing guidelines. These permit the institute to purchase $250,000

without involving Building Management and Works, but purchases are subject to audit.Prompted by a productive

visit to the Shire of Cranbrook in May, Chris Jones, Justine Bradney and I visited the Shire of Kojonup last week to discuss the organisation’s training needs and opportunities. Our institute already has a

connection with the Shire, as Shire President Ronnie Fleay sits on our Governing Council. We met with Ronnie

and CEO Rick Mitchell-Collins, who has extensive experience in waste management. Rick will visit our institute to impart his knowledge on this topic, as we are considering including waste management courses on scope.

SustainabilityNew initiatives include a water fountain outside the café foyer to replace the one inside, which was old and creating a slip hazard.After the digging work at

the Albany campus has been completed, a series of information signs will be installed near each of our major sustainability initiatives.

HRAt a recent Consultative Committee meeting, a proposal was made to expand membership to include a portfolio manager and an additional support staff member.

Continued on page 5

Page 5: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 5

From page 3Jen and Michael then

worked together on the project, incorporating members’ photographs and ideas, and even modernised the club’s existing logo to complement the tones and image of the new site.They acknowledged

Paul’s valuable guidance which had rescued them on occasion.Michael said he would

now be working on a content management system tailored for the site, a task which

would take most of the rest of the year. This would then be followed by training sessions for people editing the site until they were confident.“Until that is done, we

will make any changes for them,” he said.The new site

emphasises the spectacular coastal scenery accessible by 4WD vehicles, which Jen said was a major point of difference between Albany and other 4WD clubs.Once the site was

finished and tested, Alan met the students and gave the final product the thumbs up.He said the pair had

responded to the brief and the project had been exemplary. He would also recommend other sporting and social clubs to work with the institute’s students on similar projects.“It was a very

straightforward process,” Alan said, clearly delighted at the finished product.“It’s been great –

magic,” he said.

4WD club’s fast track to new site

From page 4

Staff are invited to express their interest in these positions.

MusicMusic students have benefited from the excellent relationship the section has with the White Star, by performing at open mic nights. This allows the students to develop their

stagecraft skills as well as honing their performance, and they took full advantage of this opportunity over three weeks at the end of Semester 1.

HorticultureGarden tourism is becoming a burgeoning industry in Australia, as it is overseas.

Horticulture Lecturer Terry Madden recently attended a workshop on the subject at King’s Park, where he learnt how garden tourism can help the local economy, what the visitor is looking for, building garden tourism in the community and lessons from around the world.

EnrolmentsEnrolment figures are showing roughly the same as at this time last year, which is pleasing.We might achieve profile, but we must

focus on resulting completely before the end of the year so adjustments can be made in early January.

Finally, we have much to look forward to during this semester, and I wish you all the best as you gear up for the second half of the year.

Happy reading,Lidia

From the MD’s Desk

Page 6: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 20146

Since the start of the year, the aptly named Busy Bee Creations students have been working their magic with fabric in myriad designs and colours from their workshop in B Block.For the industrious group, who are

studying for their Certificate I in Industrial Skills, the program is an opportunity to learn about business basics including planning, design, production, marketing and the all-important financial side of the enterprise.Under the guidance of Clothing Production

Lecturer Robyn Wills, the students are working towards a big end-of-year sale for people to buy practical and useful articles for around the home and ideal Christmas gifts.Though the students’ high output is

impressive, Robyn said quality work was paramount, though this presented no challenge to the dedicated group. They proudly showed off their gift range

including scarves, nappy clutches, luggage

labels, funky aprons, elegant bags, animal doorstops, wine bottle covers and plastic bag holders which come in quirky giraffe, cow or chook designs.Table runners, jazzy Christmas trees

and fabric bowls are part of their festive collection, and in the children’s range, alice bands, hair clip holders, soft toys and play capes for superheroes are some of the colourful items.Even the family pet is well catered for with

soft, warm blankets, and a recent promotion for dog jackets had gone very well, Robyn said. Some accessories are being sold through Better Pets and Gardens in Albany.The group can tailor pieces to individual

needs and colour choices, and although they expect to be busy at the Christmas stall, they welcome customers throughout the year at the clothing production room.Now in its third year, the program is

funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

The Busy Bee Creations group show off some of their collection which will go on sale at the end of the year.

Workshop buzzes with creativity

Page 7: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 7

Check out what’s happening at

Your Regional TAFE

Your regional TAFE

Your regional TAFE

All roads lead to our training

Our 15 fleet cars travel more than 400,000 kilometres around the region every year, making them potential travelling billboards.From now on, our new cars will be

emblazoned with our logo and a splash of our corporate colours to spruik the institute’s training wherever staff travel.This builds brand awareness and boosts

our position as the region’s largest training provider.To reduce the overall cost, signwriting will

be staged to apply only to new cars, so it

will be a few years before all our fleet is branded.The downside, of course, is that poor

drivers will be instantly recognisable as belonging to our institute.Cars will spend their first day with the

signwriter before they are pressed into service, and at the end of their life with us, they will have their signs removed.The first car to sport the new signs will be

delivered to the institute at the end of this year.

These pictures depict how our corporate car fleet will look with the new signage.

Page 8: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 20148

A team project which is no doubt bringing joy to one young member of the community was recently completed by a group of Year 10 Try Tech students at Great Southern Institute of Technology.The students, who are

taking the Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment, grasped the opportunity to take on a project to build a cubby house during their five-week course in carpentry and joinery. As part of the TryTech program, the

youngsters from local high schools attend the institute one day a week to gain hands-on experience in a variety of trades.Trying their hand at building

and construction, welding, tiling, cabinetmaking, plumbing, bricklaying, fitting and turning, automotive and horticulture allows the students to explore each area and gain an insight into each trade as a career.Carpentry and Joinery

Lecturer Drew Young said the group spent the first week honing their skills in a

measuring, marking, cutting and chiselling exercise.“During the next four

weeks, the students worked on their project,” Drew explained.“The students worked in

pairs and were assigned tasks to complete,” he said.These included building

wall and floor framing, pitching a small gable roof, constructing a door and window frame with architraves, cladding walls, sheeting the roof and painting.

Continued on page 9

Group’s pride in charitable project

TryTech students with the cubby house they made as part of their five-week course in carpentry and joinery.

Page 9: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 9

From page 8“I was very impressed

with the skills the students demonstrated, and the way they worked individually and as a team to complete the final product,” Drew said.“There was a real sense of

accomplishment amongst the guys as the last bit of cladding got nailed on in the last 15 minutes of their allocated time,” he added.“Well done, lads!”The cubby house has since

been sold and the proceeds donated to Variety WA to help children in need.For more information on

the TryTech program, phone coordinator Rod Connell on 9892 8782.

Group’s pride in charitable project

The finished cubby house, a tribute to the skills of the enthusiastic group of TryTech students.

Beauty therapy group gets the gongIn the lead-up to the aromatherapy unit of the Diploma of Beauty Therapy, lecturer Alison Sharpe and her class visited Mount Romance.The visit was

organised for the students to see how Indigenous oils are made from sandalwoodFollowing a tour

of the sandalwood factory, the group enjoyed a relaxing session of gonging in Mount Romance’s famous cone.

Page 10: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201410

For an enthusiastic group of high school students, a three-day trade taster at Great Southern Institute of Technology gave them valuable experience and a hands-on feel for plumbing, carpentry and bricklaying. The Try a Trade program, funded by the

Construction Training Fund, was attended by mostly Year 9 students of Albany Senior High School and Great Southern Grammar.This funding allows students in Years 9

and 10 to make better-informed decisions about careers in construction and choosing VET in Schools courses to help them on their way.Program Coordinator Rod Connell said he

had been particularly impressed with the group’s enthusiasm and excellent attitude to their lessons, and to the work safety instructions which had preceded daily activities.He said some had indicated they would

come back next year to take the year-long TryTech program, under which they would attend the campus one day a week for a greater insight into a wider variety of trades.Carefully chiselling a piece of timber

to make a quarter joint, Bryce Jackson explained he was trying to get it nice and flat before gluing it. He said he had a particular interest in the plumbing, though, at which he had tried his hand on the first day.“I enjoyed welding and working with

metals,” Bryce said.“I might look at metal fabrication or

plumbing next year, or I might come and do TryTech,” he said.Plumbing was also Preston Wright’s

favourite activity, although he said he had particularly enjoyed the atmosphere in the workshops, and he was keen to try the bricklaying on the last day.“I’m looking forward to getting dirty and

learning how to mix cement,” Preston said.In the bricklaying workshop, Daniel

Willmott was quickly getting the hang of it, though this was his first attempt.

Continued on page 11

Trying trades turns out a treat

Preston Wright.

Cody Harris.

Robert Smith.

Bryce Jackson.

Page 11: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 11

From page 10He was particularly taken with the Try

a Trade program for the variety of skills, which he believes will help when he goes to work on the family farm.Daniel said using oxy equipment to heat

up copper piping in the plumbing class was his favourite activity, though he had taken useful skills from every session.Jake Condren was another aficionado of

the plumbing class.

“We did welding, constructed a circuit and did pressure testing,” Jake said.“It’s like a puzzle putting things together

and making sure it’s all in line – you have to use your brain,” he said.Jake, whose father is an electrician,

is keen to take up a trade but he is still deciding which one he wants to work in.“Plumbing’s fun and so far, bricklaying

seems fun as well,” he said.Preston Wright summed up the feeling

of the lively and dedicated group as they wound up their last day in the workshops of the Albany campus.“It’s been brilliant,” he said.

Trying trades

Tom Edwards and Keane Griffiths.

Daniel Willmott.

Jake Kondakov.

Jake Condren.

Page 12: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201412

The tropical climate of Christmas Island provided welcome respite from the chilly Albany winter for Great Southern Institute of Technology Dental Assisting Lecturer Jenni Eatt last month. Jenni’s junket was in the

name of work – she was there to assess Christmas Island resident and trainee Azura Abu Hassan, who is taking Certificate III in Dental Assisting.Azura works at the island’s

oral health clinic, which is operated by Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, an administration unit of the Federal Government. Jenni said this was her

second visit to the island to assess Azura, who started her three-year traineeship last year, under a contract the institute had with Indian Ocean Group Training.Jenni is impressed by the

standard of training Azura receives from the dental team.“It is a unique environment,

the centre is different to government clinics on the mainland,” Jenni said.“And the workplace

supervision of the trainee is second to none.”The Christmas Island visits

have broadened Jenni’s experience, but she is also committed to continual

professional development closer to home.While Jenni has frequent

contact with trainee dental assistants and their employers, she also attends seminars and subscribes to industry journals to maintain currency of practice.

Continued on page 13

Jenni sinks her teeth into training

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

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

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

cutting-edge training continues this month with the focus on Dental Assisting Lecturer Jenni Eatt.

Jenni Eatt.

Page 13: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 13

From page 12This is particularly

necessary as dentists move to digital technology.This has been reflected

in changes to the unit ‘Assisting with Dental Radiography’ which is part of the course. This will answer the training requirements of surgeries such as the oral health clinic on Christmas Island, which have upgraded to a digital orthopantomogram (OPG) machine, for panoramic jaw scans. Jenni said the advantage of this machine for patients was the lower dose of radiation and the ease of transferring records.

To keep up to date with industry, Jenni also works in the area in which she trains people, so a recent two-week stint in a local dental practice brought its rewards.“The practice had

recently moved to digital, and the hands-on experience was useful for refreshing my manual skills as well,” Jenni said.“And the materials and

techniques are often changing,” she said.“It was a win-win

because I could help the surgery during a period of staff shortage and get the experience.”She plans to work in the

practice again to learn to assist with the operation of a new soft tissue laser, which will give her another skill to pass on to her students.Jenni said the institute

provided good support to lecturers gaining industry

experience, and as an institute employee working in industry, she was not financially disadvantaged.In addition to dental

assisting – a course which is delivered by only two state training providers in WA – Jenni has also lectured in massage, aged care, allied health, first aid and preparation for nursing education, and keenly participates in professional development in those areas as well.She recently attended

the annual Australian Association of Massage Therapists conference in Brisbane, to keep abreast of developments in massage techniques and products.And to maintain her

currency for first aid lecturing, Jenni also recently started as a volunteer ambulance officer with St John in Albany.

Jenni sinks her teeth into training

Application forms available at www.gsit.wa.edu.au

or go to L Block reception

Applications close 10am Monday 28 July

SCHOLARSHIPS

OPEN NOW!Apply today

SEMESTER 2

Page 14: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201414

Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Support to help you succeed

Safety First

With Rick Muller

Emergencies are part of life and as a business, we are unable to prevent emergencies from happening. However our new maps can supply you with vital information during an emergency.Recently all A4 maps and

emergency procedures were replaced with new updated A3 evacuation maps indicating alarm tones, exits, evacuation routes, assembly points and other critical emergency information. Next time you pass one,

take a minute to familiarise yourself with emergency procedures and equipment in the area.

Map out your evacuation in an emergency

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Rick Muller points out one of the new emergency information maps on the wall in L Block.

Great Southern Institute provides study support to help all students be successful. If you would like some help with your course or have study or access needs due to a disability or medical or mental health condition, come and see me at Customer Services, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Phone me on 9892 8741 or email [email protected] the Study Support Coordinator and

Disability Officer at the institute, I can

help arrange the support you need, and all enquiries are confidential. Assistance may include books and

learning materials in electronic format or large print, individual support such as a note-taker, tutor or in-class assistant, ergonomic chairs or equipment, computer access or literacy software, or regular contact to track how you are going. Appointments can be made for

students at our regional campuses.Let us support you to be successful.

Page 15: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 15

Judging by the funky and flamboyant footwear staff sported last Thursday, we’re an adventurous lot, though it’s usually only in the privacy of our own homes.Our Slippers Day at the

Albany campus brought us – and our slippers – out of the closet, all in the name of charity.Those brave enough to sloth

around in their slippers or ugg boots for the day paid a gold coin to the Heff ‘N’ Puffers Relay for Life team. And those who were too shy or forgetful coughed up two gold coins.A grand total of $234.65 was

raised, which was an amazing effort as many staff were on leave.Plans are for another dress-

up day soon, for which our intrepid whip-cracker Carolyn Heffernan will be announcing the details and encouraging everyone to join in.

Slipper sloppers go for gold

Slippers of note were Tanielle Sherwood’s cute little pandas, Ken McKinnon’s pink mules with white hearts, and Noeline Anderson’s neon shaggy uggs. Even those more conservative members of staff wearing brown and black still enjoyed toasty toes for the day.

Page 16: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201416

A three-term cookery course has been well received by a group of students attending the institute’s training kitchen once a week.The students are taking the Certificate

I in Industrial Skills, part of a Creative Catering program funded by the Department of Training and Workforce for people with disability.The course is introducing the group

to the various aspects of cooking for commercial operations. It has included lessons in work health and safety, knife skills, food temperature, French terms, and operation of equipment the participants are likely to encounter when working in commercial kitchens.Following recipes and instructions is a

vital aspect of the course, so students, some of whom are helped by their carers, are given a demonstration from Cookery Lecturers Mark Crabtree and Steve Speight at the start of each lesson before recreating the dishes in the allotted time.

Continued on page 17

Creativity in cooking for a crowd

Ronnie Koster prepares the chocolate hedgehog for dessert.

Kate McRae, Brodie Cox and Cleo Tozer in the GSIT training kitchen.

Page 17: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 17

From page 16Mark said the students learnt theory as

well as practice, with the emphasis on technique rather than speed.Preparing a main course dish of

shepherd’s pie and a chocolate hedgehog for dessert, the students were busily weighing, sifting, mixing and chopping.Brodie Cox, who has worked in a

commercial kitchen at an aged care facility, said while the course was an excellent introduction to catering, it had included several dishes he would cook at home.“It gives you good skills for living

independently as well as for work,” Brodie said.Ronnie Koster said the program had

been easier than she had expected.“I’m really enjoying it,” Ronnie said.“I’d like to do more training – I’ll take

Certificate II next year if I can,” she said.

Cooking for a crowd

Above: Cookery Lecturer Steve Speight helps William Emery to weigh out ingredients.

Left: Cookery Lecturer Mark Crabtree shows Jason Ball how to use the food processor.

Page 18: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201418

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

Take time out on Stress Down Day

Friday 25 July is Lifeline’s annual Stress Down Day. This year’s theme is to reduce stress using the power of laughter. So laugh more to stress less!To stress down, you are encouraged to have

fun with work or school mates, friends and family. Why not organise an event for Stress Down Day that will bring a smile to your face and others.Stress is very normal, natural and is a

necessary physical and mental response by the body to challenges. It is experienced by everyone and there is nothing wrong with stress itself; however, stress can be a problem when we experience too much of it. Everyone is affected by, and manages, stress differently. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to

remove the stress or stressors, but it is possible to take steps to strengthen your ability to handle stress. The sooner stress is identified, the sooner steps can be taken to manage it. Being physically active relieves stress by

addressing both the physical and psychological symptoms, so going outside for a walk and some fresh air will help, especially if it’s with someone who can listen to you ‘debrief’ or distract you. Strong networks with friends and family can

provide important support when things get tough. It may also help to re-evaluate your commitments; are you over-committed and taking on too much, or do you need to make a commitment to doing more of the things you enjoy?On Stress Down Day 2014, make sure you

take some time out with friends and family and have a laugh. Enjoy yourself and see what a difference it makes to your stress levels, and that of others.For more information and to register your

event for Lifeline go to www.stressdown.org.au.

Find more time for activities you enjoy.

Playtime brings down stress levels.

Pyjamas and slippers in the boardroom – why not if it makes you laugh?

Page 19: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 2014 19

SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

A Green Star feasibility study was carried out for the new health science building before construction started. The objective of the study was to create

a plan to determine the most cost-effective way to achieve a building that is equivalent to a four-star Green Star rating.Information provided by the consultants

indicates that an additional 4 per cent of the construction value has been spent in order to achieve this rating. Environmental initiatives incorporated into

the building include the following:• Level A GECA-certified carpets and

flooring. The GECA certification is an Australian environmental labelling program that certifies the environmental performance of these products and is extensively used as the basis for ‘green’ procurement in Australia. • Loose furniture is GECA certified.• Hydraulic services designed to minimise

energy and water usage. Specific areas of the design include Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS) approved tapware and fixtures, and sanitary drains configured for future grey water diversion.

• Six-star urinals, taps, toilets and showers.• The building fabric that includes roof,

floors, walls and glazing have been designed to meet the building envelope for the Albany climate zone rating.• High-performance façade (glazing and

insulation).• T5 lights with lighting zones no greater

than 100 square metres.• The mechanical ventilation has been

designed to automatically shut down when rooms are not in use. The system is also air cooled, so no water-based heat rejection system has been provided, reducing the potential for energy consumption.• Sub-surface irrigation, mulch and use of

native plants.• Ample daylight through use of

appropriate glazing.• A 1-kilolitre rainwater tank installed to

service the water requirements of student toilets. • Provision of bike racks.• Shower installed to promote the use of

walking and riding bicycles to work.– Neil Augustson

New building reaches the stars

Page 20: The gazette july 2014

Great Southern Gazette – July 201420

HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

8 AUGUST

2014

SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE

The recruitment freeze ended on 30 June 2014 and normal recruitment and advertising actions are now able to resume. However, there have been no new advertisements so far.

Positions Advertised• L2 Executive Support Officer 0.5 FTE (closed 7 April) – Cassie Farnell was

successful• L3 PACD Coordinator 0.5 FTE (closed 7 April) – Cassie Farnell was successful• Internal ASL1 and ASL2 positions (closed 14 April) – There were only three

applicants and all were successful (ASL1 - Simon London, ASL2 – Robyn Wills and Brad Eastough)• Internal EOI L1 Apprenticeship Support Officer 0.4 FTE (closed 16 June) – no

applicantsCongratulations Cassie, Simon, Robyn and Brad.

New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Liz Fay, Casual Clerical Student Support, Albany• Bolivia Wellstead, Casual Lecturer ESL, Albany• Kim Gates, Casual Lecturer Try Tech, Albany

Long term absences• Jill Buchanan, ASL1 Lecturer ESL, on leave from 7 July to 2 January• Ruth McLean, Principal Lecturer AQTF/PD, on leave from 7 July to 10 October• Sally Lawrie, ASL1 Children’s Services, on leave from 7 July to 3 October• Gaye Bushell, Lecturer Literacy Katanning, on leave from 14 July to 21 January• Barbara Watson, Librarian, on leave from 21 July to 22 OctoberWe hope you enjoy your well-deserved break.

Staff exiting• Jonathan Marwick, ASL2 Lecturer Land Management, finished on 4 July• Rebecca Forster, Lecturer Community Services, finished on 18 JulyWishing you all the very best for the future.