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2006 07Yearbook

equal health by 2020

National Rural Health Alliance 2007

Yearbook and Annual Report 2006–2007

ISSN 1441-8002

ISBN 1 921219 13 0

Editorial: NRHA

Design: Spectrum Graphics, www.sg.com.au

Photographs: David Petty (cover), Terry Cooke, Lannon Harley, Irene Lorbergs, Steve Lovegrove, Peter Solness, Angela Titmuss and NRHA Staff

National Rural Health Alliance Inc

200607Yearbook

NRHA Yearbook 2006–07ii

Among its regular contributions to rural and remote health are management of the biennial National Rural Health Conference and of the Australian Journal of Rural Health, and production of Position Papers, Submissions, Media Releases and information newsletters. The Alliance is also the national management agency for the Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (RAMUS).

A guiding principle of the Alliance’s work is the belief that all Australians, wherever they live, should have access to comprehensive, high quality, accessible and appropriate health services.

The Alliance takes a broad view of health and a long-term view of the development of rural Australia. It supports initiatives which will contribute to the sustainability of the diverse communities of rural and remote Australia as healthy and health-promoting places in which to live and work. It places a high value on strong partnerships among individuals, groups, organisations and all levels of governments for improved health for people in non-metropolitan areas.

Core support for the Alliance is provided by the Department of Health and Ageing.

The National Rural Health Alliance is Australia’s peak non-government organisation for rural and remote health. It brings together disparate voices from around Australia for the common purpose of improving the health of people who live and work in country areas. Its office is in Canberra.

The Alliance is currently comprised of 27 Member Bodies, each of which is a national organisation. They include consumer groups (such as the Country Women’s Association of Australia), health professions’ organisations (representing doctors, nurses, allied health, dentistry, pharmacy, ambulance, health students and health service managers) and service providers (such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, the Rural Hospitals Forum of Catholic Health Australia and Frontier Services of the Uniting Church in Australia).

With such a broad representative base, the Alliance is in a unique position to collect and disseminate information, determine the key issues affecting health and wellbeing in rural and remote areas, and provide a breadth of vision on them to governments, educational and research institutions, and other professional bodies.

The National Rural Health Alliance Inc.

NRHA Yearbook 2006–07 iii

Australian College of Health Service Executives (ACHSE)

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

Rural Dentists Network of the Australian Dental Association (RDN)

Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)

Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA)

Allied Health Professions Australia Rural and Remote (AHPARR)

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA)

Australian Nursing Federation (rural members)

Australian Physiotherapy Association–Rural Member Network (APA–RMN)

Australian Rural Health Education Network Limited (ARHEN)

Australian Rural Nurses and Midwives (ARNM)

Australian Rural and Remote Workforce Agencies Group (ARRWAG)

Council of Ambulance Authorities–Rural and Remote Group (CAA–RRG)

Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia Inc (CRANA)

Catholic Rural Hospitals Forum of Catholic Health Australia (CRHF)

Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA)

Frontier Services of the Uniting Church in Australia (FS)

Health Consumers of Rural and Remote Australia (HCRRA)

Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA)

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

National Rural Health Network (NRHN)

National Rural Faculty of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP–NRF)

Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA)

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS)

Regional and General Paediatric Society (RGPS)

Rural Pharmacists Australia—Rural Interest Group of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (RPA)

Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH)

Our websiteInformation about the Alliance, all our publications, and transcripts from the Alliance’s Public Seminars and National Rural Health Conferences are available on www.ruralhealth.org.au

Our MembersCurrently, the 27 Member Bodies of the National Rural Health Alliance are:

NRHA Yearbook 2006–07 v

PART 1: Yearbook

Reports Chairperson’s report 2

Executive Director’s report 5

Core Business Policy and communications 8

9th National Rural Health Conference 9

Australian Journal of Rural Health (AJRH) 12

Information technology 13

Collaboration and Networking CouncilFest 14 AGM 16

Departmental meetings 17

Alliance membership in other organisations 17

Alliance representation on committees 18

friends of the Alliance photographic competition 19

PeopleCouncil 20

Board 26

Staff 27

Co-located bodies 29

Managed ProjectsRAMUS 30

RIST 31

Conferences 31

PART 2: Annual Report

Financial ReportingFinancial Statement and Directors’ Report 34

Contents

“

“

In his younger years, Bob Cooke

led a very active life as a farmer and then as the chief photographer for the Northern

Daily Leader in Tamworth. Two hip replacements gave my father another lease on

life allowing him to remain very active up until his early 80s.

Photo: Terry Cooke, Armidale, NSW – entry in friends’ photo competition

YearbookPart 1

NRHA Yearbook 2006–07

Reports

2

John WakermanProfessor John Wakerman is a Public Health Medicine

specialist and general practitioner who has lived and worked in Alice Springs for the past 17 years. He has a background in the provision of remote primary health care services, both

as a practitioner and senior manager. He is the inaugural Director of the Centre for Remote Health, his current position.

He is active in health services research, teaches management and is a general practitioner in Alice Springs.

Chairperson’s reportThe highlight of the year was the 9th National Rural Health Conference in Albury in March. It was successful on many counts. It was well attended and there was a very rich program. The community arts content was particularly well received. There was excellent media coverage which began in the weeks leading up to the Conference. Eighteen priority recommendations were endorsed by Conference delegates and some effective follow-up has been undertaken on these. The Alliance was involved in a support project to facilitate Conference attendance by students in Bonded Medical Places. In all, 48 such students attended. Much positive feedback was received from the total of 280 or so students involved overall.

The primary focus for the Alliance during the year was to keep rural health on the agenda in anticipation of the 2007 Federal Election. The focus that began with the Conference was followed up with visits to Parliament on 13–14 June on which I was accompanied by Jenny May, Gordon Gregory and Andrew Waters. It was a particularly busy week in Parliament but nevertheless we met with a number of Parliamentarians individually, as well as back bench committees of both the Coalition and the ALP. It was clear then that both sides of politics were on the look-out for policy ideas in the health area.

The four key issues we took to Parliament House were Indigenous health, oral and dental health, scholarship schemes for students from rural areas, and rural placements. They were ones that were relatively easy to define and cost, and the Parliamentarians were pleased to be provided with

3NRHA Yearbook 2006–07

solutions that were costed. The second, third and fourth of the Alliance’s bids were regarded by those with whom we met as being relatively modest in financial terms. These delegations laid the basis for some of our proposed meetings with parliamentarians later in the year at CouncilFest.

Perhaps the most significant single announcement during the financial year was the one made by the Prime Minister on 21 June about the interventions in the Northern Territory. The Alliance responded immediately with a media release published on the evening of the announcement.

I share the concern others have voiced about the processes involved, whether there are sufficient resources to provide the follow-up that will be necessary and whether there will be a real, sustained effort to improve Aboriginal population health across the nation. The fluidity of the situation is compounded by uncertainty about which government and Minister will be managing the process by the end of the year.

It has been another year of growth for the Alliance, both in terms of Member Bodies and staff capacity. In the 2006–2007 financial year the Alliance admitted three new organisations: the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, the Australian Rural and Remote Workforce Agencies Group and the Rural Members Network of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. I was pleased to welcome to Council the inaugural delegates for these three organisations: Romlie Mokak, Kim Webber and Beth Rogers.

The diversity and scope of the Alliance is part of its strength. It was therefore pleasing that the establishment in July 2006 of a relatively small Board now allows for the Alliance to grow without detriment to its capacity for effective governance.

In terms of the staff complement, it was a pleasure at the end of the financial year to appoint the Alliance’s first Media Officer to commence in July 2007. The organisation’s media presence is important in keeping rural health on the agenda.

The Alliance published four Position Papers during the twelve months – on the value of healthy regions for the health of their people, on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and principles for maternity services in rural and remote Australia – as well as our Budget Submission 2007–08. We also made a substantial submission to the Senate Inquiry on patients’ assisted travel schemes, which Inquiry was initiated in part due to the persistence of Senator Judith Adams.

As an organisation, we followed developments during the year with a number of government initiatives. Those in which we had a particular interest included the announcement of $51 million for mental health in rural and remote areas. Notwithstanding this particular allocation for rural areas, the main game for people in remote areas with respect to mental health is to ensure that they have a fair share of the much larger allocation of $1.9 billion – and that it is used effectively.

We also remained particularly interested in the special programs announced in the 2006 Budget for rural and remote towns of less than 7,000. These communities are of major concern to us and we will continue to support the development and rollout of special initiatives for such towns.

4 NRHA Yearbook 2006–07

Reports

As one of the requirements of its triennial funding contract, the Alliance is subject to external evaluation, being conducted by Urbis Keys Young. An interim report was received, focusing largely on the evaluation of the 9th Conference, and it is clear that delegates were very largely satisfied with all aspects of the event. Oversight of the external evaluation is being provided by a working group on which members of the Council, Board and staff are represented.

Finally, it is a pleasure to again acknowledge the core support from the Department of Health and Ageing, and for their accessibility and continued support for the work and vision of the Alliance. I am pleased to acknowledge the valuable work by office staff, particularly Gordon Gregory, whose commitment to the Alliance is untiring. I would also like to thank members of Council and the Board for their commitment to rural health, with particular thanks to our Deputy Chairperson, Jenny May, and our Treasurer, Alison Aylott, for their important work in executive positions.

John Wakerman


Executive Director’s reportFor staff of the NRHA, the financial year was dominated by CouncilFest 2006, the 9th National Rural Health Conference and early preparations for Election 2007. At the same time a significant amount of information dissemination and policy work was completed, the Australian Journal of Rural Health went from strength to strength, four issues of Partyline were produced and an e-forum was circulated fortnightly.

It was a pleasure to welcome to membership of the Alliance the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, the Australian Rural and Remote Workforce Agencies Group, and the Rural Members Network of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. The Alliance was established to be the peak body for national organisations concerned to improve the health of people in remote areas and although it may seem to be a natural phenomenon, the accession of new bodies to membership is always a cause for celebration.

Although we did not know it at the time, the considerable attention given by the Alliance to Indigenous issues early in the financial year enabled the organisation to have a relatively clear view of the Commonwealth’s intervention into the health and wellbeing of children in the Northern Territory, premised on the desire to make and keep children safe. The Alliance’s view is that having media, public and fiscal attention on this matter provides a unique opportunity to put in place well-funded, collaborative, consultative, bipartisan work to improve the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Indigenous peoples over a lifetime.

During the year the Alliance remained involved in Indigenous affairs, both through its remote and Indigenous stores and takeaways transport work and, towards the end of the year, through its involvement with developing plans for a national nutrition networks conference to be held in 2008. It was in a strong position to sign up to the Close the Gap campaign and did so at the launch of that campaign in Sydney in April.

The Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, of which the NRHA was a founding member, also has an ongoing interest in Indigenous health. The NRHA provided the rural representative to the new Executive of AHCRA and there was substantial voluntary work during the year on AHCRA’s next health reform Summit (30–31 July 2007).

Bob Katter, Gordon Gregory and Warren Snowdon


Reports

A formal external evaluation of the NRHA was initiated, with Urbis Keys Young being the consultant appointed. The ongoing work involved with this review has already proved to be valuable in making more explicit some of the things taken for granted in the Alliance and in clarifying some of the processes involved in its work.

Rural and remote health research remained an issue of priority during the financial year. John Wakerman, NRHA Chairperson, met with Professor Warwick Anderson, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council, and continued to prosecute the case for more research and a greater emphasis on health research being undertaken by rural and remote people and in rural and remote areas. The Alliance also continued to push for augmentation of the rural and remote stream of research in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

CouncilFest 2006 was held in October and, at it, Council agreed on five priority issues. They were the oral and dental health workforce, a new undergraduate placement scheme, a better evidence base and research effort, a national enquiry into patients’ accommodation and travel schemes (PATS), and additional undergraduate scholarships for students from rural and remote areas. The Alliance was gratified that one of these—the inquiry into PATS—came to fruition during the year, largely thanks to the tenacity and insight of Senator Judith Adams. Three of the other four priority policy issues remained with the Alliance through the production of its budget submission before Christmas and right through to its preparation for Election 2007 towards the end of the financial year. The Alliance was pleased to join with the Australian Dental Association and the Australian Council

of Social Service, leaders of the National Oral Health Alliance, in delegations to Parliament in December.

Margaret Ruhfus left the Alliance in September and Susan Magnay was appointed Manager of the RAMUS scheme. Carol Paice joined the RAMUS team early in 2007.

Early in January 2007 the Alliance demonstrated its responsiveness and capacity to take on new projects by swiftly agreeing with the Department on the terms for managing a project to enable a number of students in medical bonded places to attend the 9th conference.

Jane Fisher (RIRDC) and Gordon Gregory


The drought in many areas of Australia continued to dog community and commercial wellbeing and the Alliance remained conscious of the importance of this critical contextual matter. By the time the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson made special delegations to Parliament House in June, the Alliance was proposing additional research into the community and family effects of the drought as its number one priority. A false dawn emerged with some reasonable winter rains but the issues of drought, water availability and climate change remain critical for country people and the Alliance.

The health sector received some welcome support from the Productivity Commission and then the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for reform of the health workforce. In March the Prime Minister announced that COAG would examine the details of a national scheme for registration of health professionals, to be in place before 1 July 2008. The Alliance is pleased that health reform, including reform of its workforce, has become a matter of national significance.

It is almost impossible to exaggerate the importance of health workforce factors, so often the first order constraint on new models of care or service delivery.

Towards the end of the year the Alliance was approached by the Rural Health Standing Committee of AHMAC to become formally involved in review and then update of Healthy Horizons. Healthy Horizons is the de facto national framework or policy statement on rural and remote health for Australia.

In the context of Election 2007, it soon became evident that such a strategic document and approach would be urgently needed.

Gordon Gregory


Core Business

Policy and communicationsCouncil of the Alliance has the key role in identifying issues in rural health that warrant consideration and response. The Alliance is able to bring to bear on such issues the views of its 27 Member Bodies and to develop an agreed position that is adopted, published and promoted. The Alliance also responds to public inquiries and requests for submissions by government agencies.

Position Papers Healthy Regions, Healthy People, August 2006

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, August 2006

Principles for maternity services in rural and remote Australia, October 2006

The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, December 2006

Submissions Submission to ACCESS Card Taskforce on ACCESS Card,

August 2006

Budget submission 2007–08, December 2006

Submission to WA Health on Future Directions in Maternity Care, December 2006

Submission to Senate Community Affairs Committee on the Private Health Insurance Bill 2006 (provisions) and related Bills, January 2007

Senate Inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of patient assisted travel schemes, May 2007

Media activityThe Alliance continued to produce ad hoc media releases to help disseminate information and to promote potential improvements in the health of people in rural and remote areas and to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of health services. Quite often these releases led to one or more media interviews undertaken by Chairperson John Wakerman or Executive Director Gordon Gregory. The most frequent outlets for such interviews were stations in the ABC regional radio network. At the end of the financial year the Alliance moved to appoint its first Media Officer.

Other policy workIn addition to the position papers and submissions, the Alliance also maintained policy activity related to the nursing workforce in rural and remote areas, and began to prepare for Election 2007. Substantial policy work was also required in preparation for delegations to Parliament House in June and in anticipation of CouncilFest 2007, during which there would also be parliamentary delegations.

Technological supportWorkflow in the Alliance, and the efficiency of its production of written material, was substantially improved during the year due to the adoption by the Executive Director of speech recognition software. Not only did this free up some extra staff time, it also reduced the risk of RSI for staff.


9th National Rural Health ConferenceThe 9th National Rural Health Conference was held in Albury, NSW, 7–10 March 2007. A substantial proportion of the Alliance’s time and other resources during the financial year was spent in preparing for this major event and managing the follow-up from it.

The Conference Management Committee, chaired and led by Sue McAlpin, was the key group oversighting organisation of the Conference. They were supported by a number of other key individuals who contributed substantially to the success of the event. We were fortunate to secure the services of Megan Stoyles to undertake media activity for the conference. Chris Pidd turned out to be a wonderful asset as convener of the arts-in-health stream. Other service providers in Albury came to the party and were able to accommodate whatever flexibility and special requirements were needed for the Conference.

In the event, a record number of people—nearly 1200—attended the 9th National Rural Health Conference. This included some 280 students whose presence gave the event some of its particular vitality. Partly as a result of their attendance, there will now be less concern about where the next generation of rural and remote health leaders is to come from.

Several successful pre-conference events were held in conjunction with the 9th Conference. The event itself included a major exhibition.

All of the papers from the Conference, both the keynotes and the concurrent session presentations, are available on the Alliance’s website. The Conference Communiqué and Recommendations can also be found there.

Opening Ceremony, 9th Conference


Core Business

Conference Photo Gallery

1. The future starts now

2. In the Pink: Janine, Ann, Cherie, Carol, Paulina and Lyn

3. Kathy Alexander, Andrew Podger, Susan Markwell and Paul Mara.

1. 2.

3.


4. Irene Mills and photo competition winner, Angela Titmuss

5. Remembering Des: Robyn McKinnon, Mary Murray, Rue Kwedza and Lani Newton

6. How should we spend the health dollar?

7. Following Brad in the ‘chicky chicky’ jig

8. On balance—a great event!

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.


Core Business

Australian Journal of Rural Health (AJRH)The Australian Journal of Rural Health, managed by the NRHA, moved to a new phase with the accession of the National Rural Faculty of the RACGP to status as a Journal Associate, joining ARNM, CRANA, and SARRAH in this position. Also, through the development of guidelines for Journal Affiliates, the Board of Management has expanded the potential for organisations to associate with the AJRH.

A Writing for Publication Seminar was held in conjunction with the 9th National Rural Health Conference and the presentations made to it are now available on the Alliance’s website at www.ruralhealth.org.au (select AJRH) as well as on CD.

Editor of the AJRH, James Dunbar, and Deputy Editor, Prasuna Reddy, continued to clarify the AJRH’s position in the rural and remote health sector and to further improve the Journal’s content. In April a thematic edition of the Journal was published on mental health.

Prasuna Reddy, Deputy EditorJames Dunbar, Editor AJRH


Information technology The Alliance maintains extensive IT capability for its own communication purposes and for management of the Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (RAMUS). Its IT personnel also provide support services to four of its Member Bodies: Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), Australian Rural Nurses and Midwives (ARNM), Health Consumers of Rural and Remote Australia (HCRRA) and Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA).


Collaboration and Networking

CouncilFest CouncilFest, the annual face-to-face meeting of Council of the Alliance, was held in Canberra from 17 to 21 October 2006. As is always the case, this was a valued opportunity for Council members to meet in person and to share ideas and aspirations about rural health. The program included an advocacy day in Parliament House, a Public Seminar, meetings with officers of the Department of Health and Ageing, the AGM and the Alliance’s networking dinner.

CouncilFest began with an educational walk from Anzac Parade to Barton as the sun set and the Carillon chimed. At dinner Members of Council engaged with guests in discussion on the prospects for health reform in Australia and the place of rural affairs and rural and remote health in that reform over the next year.

Delegations to ParliamentDuring the Alliance’s day in Parliament, Council of the Alliance met with Health Minister Tony Abbott and presented him with proposals for investments relating to dental health, patients’ assisted travel, rural health research, interprofessional education and placements, and rural undergraduate scholarships. In small groups, Councillors took the same message to about 40 other Members of Parliament in individual meetings.

Meeting with Kay Hull MP, Federal Member for Riverina

Sophisticated Swing—a collection of famous women


Public SeminarThe Alliance’s public seminar was held at University House and focused on key issues in rural and remote health, including the need for improved and equitable patient accommodation and travel assistance, access to oral and dental health services, rural and remote health service models, and mental health needs. Speakers included Jodie Altschwager, Pauline Venn, Alan Neilan, Prof John Spencer, Dr Mark Hutton, Prof John Humphreys and Anne Tonna.

Meetings with the DepartmentCouncil members met with officers from the Department of Health and Ageing to exchange information and views on a range of matters of mutual interest.

GuestsAnne Tonna and Tracey Robinson, from the NSW Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health in Orange, addressed Council on issues relating to mental health in rural and remote areas, and about mental health first aid training.

Andrew Phillips, from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, presented comparisons between coastal and inland areas, information about the number of rural students entering dentistry compared with metro students, and some new data on Indigenous health.

Claire Grealy, from Urbis Keys Young, and George Neale (consultant), updated Council about the external and internal evaluations currently being undertaken of the NRHA.

Dr Mark Hutton, dentist in private practice at Mt Gambier, addresses the public seminar.

Irene Mills, Lesley Young and Jenny May with Bruce Scott MP



Other activitiesDelegates were treated to a tour of the new premises of the John Curtin School of Medical Research.

Council considered bids from three regional centres hoping to host the 10th National Rural Health Conference in 2009, and made the decision in favour of Cairns.

It was decided that the issues agreed for the Parliamentary delegations would be a major focus in the development of an Election Charter.

AGMAt the 15th Annual General Meeting, on Saturday 21 October 2006, John Wakerman was re-elected Chairperson of the National Rural Health Alliance. Jenny May was re-elected as Deputy Chair; Lynne Sheehan as Secretary; and Alison Aylott as Treasurer. Sue McAlpin continued as Immediate Past Chairperson and Stephen Gough, Owen Allen and Liz Drew were elected as other members of the Board. At a subsequent meeting Irene Mills and Pauline Wardle were appointed as Moderators to

the Board.


Departmental meetingsAlliance staff maintained a close relationship with officers of the Department of Health and Ageing, including with the Rural Health Branch, responsible for managing the Alliance’s contract. Meetings and reports during the year related to arrangements for the support of the Alliance, management of RAMUS and the tracking project, preparation for the 9th Conference and follow up of recommendations, and management of Conference support for students in bonded medical places.

Contact was also maintained with the Departments of Health in the States and the Northern Territory, including in particular through the Rural Subcommittee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. In June 2007 the Executive Director and Lynne Sheehan (Secretary) met in Rockhampton with the Queensland Rural Health Advisory Committee.

Alliance membership in other organisationsIn pursuit of its goals, the Alliance maintained membership in the following organisations.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia

Australian Council of Social Service

Australian Health Care Reform Alliance

Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth

Chronic Disease Alliance (led by NACCHO)

Mental Health Council of Australia

National Healthcare Forum

National Oral Health Alliance

National Rural Women’s Coalition

Public Health Association of Australia

Rural Education Forum Australia

Suicide Prevention Australia



Alliance representation on committeesIn addition to its attendance at meetings of the above organisations, the Alliance was also represented on a number of research and advisory bodies, including the following:

Australian Rural and Remote Health Professionals Scholarship Scheme - Anne Leversha

Commonwealth Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme Advisory Group - Pauline Wardle

DoTaRS judging panel for NALG Local Government Health Awards - Irene Mills

friends Advisory Committee - Irene Mills, Pauline Wardle, Lesley Young

Rural Health Standing Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) – the Chairperson and Executive Director.

Steering Committee of the Rural Subcommittee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC)’s review of Healthy Horizons - Gordon Gregory, Irene Mills

Palliative Care Research Project, Flinders and Curtin Universities - Irene Mills

Population Health Resource Kit Project - Owen Allen

Advisory Group for the Australian Knowledge Network in palliative care, Flinders University - Pauline Wardle

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Health Sector Consultative Committee - Gordon Gregory

Department of Health and Ageing, Health Principles Workforce Committee workforce planning workshop - Andrew Waters

Office of Access Card stakeholders’ forum - Andrew Waters


friends of the Alliance photographic competitionThe friends of the Alliance photographic competition was held in conjunction with the Conference in Albury in March 2007. The finalists’ photographs were on display there. The winner, chosen by delegate vote, was Angela Titmuss, a final year medical student at the University of New South Wales Rural Clinical School in Albury. The winning photograph was taken at a Balgo community school holiday excursion to Paruku (Lake Gregory), a freshwater lake in Western Australia.

Paruku (Lake Gregory, south east Kimberley), a freshwater lake covering approximately 270 000 ha. The holiday recreation program (combining young people from Walungurru NT and Balgo WA) involved more than 2,000km on dirt roads, broken springs, a cracked radiator, a bogged troupie and 40 kids! It was an amazing sight to see bright blue water and white sand appear out of the red desert—even more to see the smiles and round eyes of the younger children who had never seen water like it before. Photo: Angela Titmuss, National Rural Health Network


People

Jackie Ah Kit

Co-opted

Director, Aboriginal Country Health, SA

Owen Allen

SARRAH

NRHA Board Member, Physiotherapist, Atherton, Qld

Fiona Armstrong

ANF

Federal Professional Officer, ANF

Alison Aylott

RPA

NRHA Treasurer, Rural Locum Pharmacist, Dorrigo, NSW

Bev Cook

HCRRA

Consumer and Farmer, Nandaly, Vic

Liz Dodd

ACRRM

Rural Doctor, Griffith, NSW

Liz Drew

ARNM

NRHA Board Member; Rural Nurse, Ipswich, Qld

Jeff Fuller

AHA

Director of Education, Northern Rivers University Department of Rural Health

Stephen Gough

CAA

NRHA Board Member; Assistant Commissioner, Queensland Ambulance Service

CouncilCouncil is made up of one delegate from each Member Body of the Alliance, the Chairperson of friends of the Alliance and up to three co-opted individuals. Council meets once a year face-to-face and every second month by teleconference.


Bruce Harris

RACGP

Program Co-ordinator, School of Rural Health, Dubbo, NSW

Sophie Heathcote

CRANA

Remote Area Nurse, Dubbo, NSW

Henry Councillor

NACCHO

Chair, NACCHO; CEO, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council, Broome, WA

Dave Janmaat

NRHN

Medical Student, NT

Michael Jonas

RDN

Dentist, Gunnedah, NSW

Anne Leversha

AHPARR

Hospital Pharmacist, Traralgon, Vic

Geri Malone

ARNM

Executive Director, ARNM

Jenny May

RDAA

NRHA Deputy Chair; Rural Doctor, Tamworth, NSW

Sue, McAlpin

ACHSE

Immediate Past Chair; Course Co-ordinator, Nutrition and Dietetics, CSU, Wagga Wagga, NSW


People

Karen Morrissey

ICPA

Farmer, Mount Magnet, WA

Colleen Prideaux

Co-opted

Chief Executive Officer, Ceduna/Koonibba Aboriginal Health Service, SA

Beth Rogers

APA

Physiotherapist, Tom Price, WA

Lynne Sheehan

CHA

Secretary NRHA; Chief Executive Officer, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Rockhampton, Qld

Jo McCubbin

RGPS

Paediatrician, Sale, Vic

Irene Mills

friends

NRHA Board Member; Farmer, Dalwallinu, WA

Romlie Mokak

AIDA

Chief Executive Officer, AIDA


Jackie Stephenson

RFDS

National Health Program Manager, RFDS National Office, Sydney

Brenda Tait

AGPN

Chief Executive Officer, Southern Queensland Rural Division of General Practice, Toowoomba, Qld

John Wakerman

ARHEN

NRHA Chair; Director, Centre for Remote Health; General Practitioner, Alice Springs, NT

Pauline Wardle

FS

NRHA Board Member; Assistant Regional Manager NT, Frontier Services

Kim Webber

ARRWAG

Chief Executive Officer, ARRWAG.

Robert Williams

RFDS

National Health Program Manager, RFDS National Office, Sydney

Lesley Young

CWAA

National President, CWAA, Sassafras, Tas


People

Council Meeting Attendance 2006–07The following table lists Council members during the period of this report, the organisation they represent and their (or their proxy’s) attendance at meetings during 2006–2007.

Member Body Delegate to Council Period on CouncilNumber of meetings attended

Meetings eligible attend

ARNM Liz Drew Jul 06 – May 07 5 6

Geri Malone May 07 – Jun 07 0 1

ACHSE Sue McAlpin Full year 5 7

ACRRM Elizabeth Dodd Full year 5 7

AGPN Brenda Tait Full year 5 7

AHA Jeff Fuller Full year 4 7

AIDA Romlie Mokak Oct 06 – Jun 07 4 6

ANF Fiona Armstrong Full year 5 7

APA Beth Rogers Feb 07 – Jun 07 4 4

ARHEN John Wakerman Full year 6 7

ARRWAG Kim Webber Dec 06 – Jun 07 4 5

AHPARR Anne Leversha Full year 4 7

CAA Stephen Gough Full year 5 7

CRANA Sophie Heathcote Full year 7 7

CHA Lynne Sheehan Full year 3 7

CWAA Lesley Young Full year 4 7


Member Body Delegate to Council Period on CouncilNumber of meetings attended

Meetings eligible attend

FS Pauline Wardle Full year 7 7

HCRRA Bev Cook Full year 6 7

ICPA Without a delegate

Karen Morrissey

Jul 06 - Aug 06

Sep 06 - Jun 07

0

1

1

6

NACCHO Henry Councillor Full year 3 7

NRHN Dave Janmaat Full year 4 7

RACGP Bruce Harris Full year 2 7

RDAA Jenny May Full year 7 7

RDN Michael Jonas Full year 3 7

RFDS Jackie Stephenson Jul 06 – Apr 07 2 6

Robert Williams May 07– Jun 07 1 1

RGPS Jo McCubbin Aug 06 – Jun 07 6 6

RPA Alison Aylott Full year 4 7

SARRAH Owen Allen Full year 6 7

friends Irene Mills Full year 7 7

Co-opted Colleen Prideaux Jul 06 – Feb 07 0 4

Co-opted Jackie Ah Kit Mar 07– Jun 07 1 3


People

BoardThe decision to establish a Board of the National Rural Health Alliance was formalised in June 2006 and implemented in July with its first meeting by teleconference. The first Board was made up of the members of the previous Executive of the NRHA, and comprised: John Wakerman (Chairperson), Jenny May (Deputy Chair), Lynne Sheehan (Secretary), Alison Aylott (Treasurer), Sue McAlpin (Immediate Past Chairperson), Owen Allen, Liz Drew, Stephen Gough, Irene Mills and Myra Pincott.

The Board met every second month by teleconference.

Board Meeting Attendance 2006–07The table below lists Board members during the period of this report, their Board responsibilities and their attendance at meetings during 2006–2007.

Name PositionNumber of meetings attended

Meetings eligible to attend

John Wakerman Chairperson 4 5

Jenny May Deputy Chair 4 5

Lynne Sheehan Secretary 2 5

Alison Aylott Treasurer 5 5

Sue McAlpin Immediate Past Chair 4 5

Owen Allen Board Member 5 5

Liz Drew Board Member (Jul 06–Apr 07) 2 4

Stephen Gough Board Member (Jul 06–Apr 07) 1 4

Irene Mills Moderator 4 5

Pauline Wardle Moderator 2 2


Paulina Leko

Conference Co-ordinator

Jan Izzard

Finance Manager

Lyn Eiszele

Conference Manager

Leanne Coleman

Office Manager

Peter Brown

Manager, AJRH and RAMUS Tracking

Gordon Gregory

Executive Director

Denisse Dimatatac

Project Officer, RAMUS/IT

Susan Magnay

Manager, RAMUS (from December 2006)

Staff


People

Ann Short

Administration Officer

Justin Neale

IT Manager

Carol Paice

Project Officer, RAMUS (from January 2007)

Lexia Smallwood

Editor, Partyline and Council Business Manager

Himali Ranasinghe

Administration Assistant

Janine Snowie

Project Officer, RAMUS

Margaret Ruhfus

Manager, RAMUS (until September 2006)

Andrew Waters

Manager, Policy and Communications


Consultants to the NRHARob Bain (Policy Writing)

Yvonne Cramer (Policy Writing)

Marilyn Gendek (Nursing Policy)

Jim Groves (e-forum Moderator)

George Neale (Evaluations)

Debbie Phillips (Publications)

Ray Walker (Policy Writing)

Co-located bodiesThe secretariat for Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) continued to be co-located in the Alliance office. SARRAH manages the Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health Professionals Scholarship Scheme (ARRAHPSS) and the Rural Allied Health Undergraduate Scholarship (RAHUS).

The Alliance continued to work closely with Health Consumers of Rural and Remote Australia (HCRRA) through HCRRA’s Project Officer, Carmel Brophy.

SARRAH Staff: Rupa Ranasinghe, Ellen Smee, Luz Dow and Nancy Monreal


People


Managed Projects

RAMUS The Alliance continued as national manager of the Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (RAMUS). By the end of the financial year there were 550 medical students from rural and remote areas in receipt of a RAMUS scholarship.

The Department also supported three ancillary projects: RAMUS tracking work, management of the RAMUS Alumnus program, and administration of a conference scholarship scheme for RAMUS students and alumnus members.

The preliminary findings of the tracking project were reported at a workshop at the 9th National Rural Health Conference. Also at Albury in March, a networking event was held for current and former RAMUS scholars and mentors, representatives of the Department of Health and Ageing and NRHA Councillors and staff.

The RAMUS team with officers from the Department of Health and Ageing at the Albury Conference: Janine Snowie. Karen Bottom (DoHA), Susan Magnay, Vicki Bailey (DoHA) and Carol Paice.


RIST Work continued on the Remote Indigenous Stores and Takeaways (RIST) transport project, with follow-up contact made with stores and transport companies in a number of areas and production of a toolkit for improving cold chain transport systems.

Contacts with the RIST and NATSINSAP networks provided opportunities for the Alliance to become involved in substantive work on Indigenous nutrition in remote areas. In return the Alliance was able to provide selective support for the national RIST activity. Resources from the RIST transport project can be found on the Alliance’s website at www.ruralhealth.org.au (select Resources).

Conferences As in previous years the Alliance worked with SARRAH on its national conference, held in Albury in September 2006.

Later in the financial year the Alliance agreed to provide administrative support to a consortium organising the inaugural Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium to be held in Brisbane in July 2008.

‘Erin Takes a Break Under the Ute’

“Being the first time away from home, I do a lot of letter writing. My family and friends

are a lifeline. It’s hard. It’s really hard. But it’s still the best job in the world. Absolutely the

best job in the world. I lost my lip balm and my lips are cracked and chapped. We have

really hard winds coming off the Barkly Tablelands all winter and it just dries you right out.

You can bring all your beauty products to stock camp - the body wash, creams etc. but

sooner or later you just give up on it.”

Photo: Peter Solness, NSW

AnnualReportPart 2


Financial Reporting


Financial Statement and Directors’ Report 2006–07NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ALLIANCE INCORPORATED

Registered in New South Wales: Number Y17753-06The Directors present their annual Financial Statement and Directors’ Report covering operations of the NRHA for the year ended 30 June 2007.

For further details of the Alliance’s work please see the Alliance’s 2006–07 Yearbook.

Indemnification of officersThe NRHA maintains Association Liability Insurance for professional indemnity for directors and members of staff.

Principal activitiesThe principal activities of the NRHA during the financial year were policy development, communication, administration, and information activities to improve the health of people in rural and remote areas of Australia. There were no significant changes in the activities of the NRHA during the year.

Results of operationsThe operating surplus for the financial year was $113,222.00.

DividendsThe NRHA did not pay any dividends during the financial year as it is precluded from doing so by its Constitution.

TaxationThe NRHA is an association endorsed as an income tax exempt charitable entity (ITEC) under Subdivision 50-5 of Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 – Item 1.1 – charitable institution.

Review of operationsThe NRHA’s operational funds for the financial year were in the form of grants from the Australian Government (Department of Health and Ageing), project income, membership fees, fees-for-service and co-location. The expenditures of the NRHA were on its policy development, communication and information activities, and projects, including on the staffing and operation of its Office in Canberra and meetings of its Council of Directors.


Significant change in the state of affairs of the NRHAThere was no significant change in the state of affairs of the NRHA during the year ended 30 June 2007.

Significant post-balance date eventsNo matter or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the NRHA, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the NRHA in financial years subsequent to the financial year ended 30 June 2007.

Directors’ benefitsNeither since the financial year nor during the financial year has a Director received or become entitled to receive a benefit (other than a benefit included in the aggregate amount of emoluments received or due and receivable by Directors shown in the Accounts, or the fixed salary of employees of the NRHA) by reason of a contract made by the NRHA with the Director or with a firm of which the Director is a member, or a company in which the Director has a substantial financial interest.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board on 10 August 2007.

John Wakerman Alison Aylott Chairperson Treasurer


Financial Reporting



STATEMENT OF INCOME & EXPENDITURE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

2007 2006

NOTE $ $

INCOME

Australian Journal of Rural Health 10 34,182 27,756

Conference 11 747,676 3,000

Projects 12 678,817 453,568

Other Operations 13 1,186,948 972,038

Total Income 2,647,623 1,456,361

EXPENDITURE

Australian Journal of Rural Health 10 46,171 22,772

Conference 11 715,833 10,217

Projects 12 655,037 471,346

Other Operations 13 1,117,360 869,318

Total Expenditure 2,534,401 1,373,653

OPERATING SURPLUS 113,222 82,708

Opening Accumulated Funds 442,958 360,250

CLOSING ACCUMULATED FUNDS 556,180 442,958

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2007

2007 2006

NOTE $ $

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash 2 2,194,147 1,565,735

Deposits Paid 8,647 –

Debtors 3 3,402,077 12,100

Pre–Paid Expenses 4 30,328 –

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 5,635,199 1,577,835

TOTAL ASSETS 5,635,199 1,577,835

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provision for Annual Leave 68,781 60,712

Provision for Long Service Leave

5 79,976 62,125

Creditors 6 271,831 66,636

Unspent Grants 7 349,984 135,146

RAMUS Funds Payable 8 3,874,220 810,258

RIST NT DHCS Holding Account

9 434,227 –

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 5,079,019 1,134,877

TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,079,019 1,134,877

NET ASSETS 556,180 442,958

MEMBERS’ EQUITY 556,180 442,958

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.


Financial Reporting


NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1– SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies adopted by the Alliance follow the accounting standards issued by the Australian Accounting Bodies.

[a] BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and accordingly do not reflect the changing value of money. The accounts are presented on an accrual basis, adjusted only when necessary to provide a more correct reflection of the true financial situation.

[b] INCOME TAX

The Association is exempt from income tax under Section 50–10 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

[c] DEPRECIATION OF NON–CURRENT ASSETS

All assets are expensed in the accounts in the year of purchase. This provides accounts that are more understandable, and provide a more accurate picture of the financial situation.

[d] STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Accounting Standard AASB 107 “Cash Flow Statements” has not been adopted as in the opinion of Councillors, sufficient additional and materially useful information would not thereby be incorporated into the financial statements were such an Accounting Standard adopted for this year.

[e] EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS

Provision is made for the Association’s liability for employee entitlements arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee entitlements have been measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees’ services up to date.

A provision for long service leave is recognised after seven years of service on a pro–rata basis and is measured at current rates and classified as a non–current liability. Long service leave entitlements that are unconditional are classified as current.

[f] GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. Receivables and Payables in the Balance Sheet are shown inclusive of GST.

2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 2 – CASH

Westpac Term Deposit 1 20,000 20,000

Westpac NRHA Account 4,962 2,360

Max–I Direct Account 1,395,485 718,043

Bank Guarantee 15,230 15,230

RAMUS Scholarship Cheque 22,905 12,282

RAMUS Scholarship CMA 622,615 657,275

RAMUS Mentor CMA 111,398 138,427

RAMUS Mentor Cheque 1,552 2,118

2,194,147 1,565,735

NOTE 3 – DEBTORS

RAMUS Scholarship 3,335,750 –

Other 66,327 12,100

3,402,077 12,100





2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 4 – PRE–PAID EXPENSES

RAMUS Tracking 27,464 –

Science Symposium 2,864 –

30,328 –

NOTE 5 – PROVISION FOR LONG SERVICE LEAVE

This provision is taken up on a pro–rata basis for staff of the Alliance to whom it applies. After 7 years it is prudent to take up this provision, although it is not payable until after 10 years of service.

Employees with over 10 years’ service 68,951 62,125

Employees with under 10 years’ service

11,025 –

79,976 62,125

NOTE 6 – CREDITORS

Credit Cards 6,178 –

Sundry Creditors 194,418 42,248

ATO Liabilities 71,235 24,388

271,831 66,636

2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 7 – UNSPENT GRANTS

AHCRA Summit 7,650 –

NRHA Administration 8,545 38,750

Nutrition Networks Conference 34,091 –

RAMUS Administration 200,000 –

RAMUS Conference 88,200 51,000

RIST Administration 11,498 45,396

349,984 135,146

NOTE 8 – RAMUS FUNDS PAYABLE

Scholarship Funds Payable 3,670,520 669,560

Mentor Funds Payable 203,700 140,697

3,874,220 810,258

NOTE 9 – RIST NT DHCS HOLDING ACCOUNT

This liability relates to funds held in the Alliance’s bank account on behalf of the Department of Health and Community Services. As these funds are not grant income, they have been shown as a liability.

NOTE 10 – CORE GRANT – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & AGEING

Unspend funds brought forward from 2006 38,750

Grant funds received during 2007 795,033

Unspend funds carried forward to 2008 (8,545)

825,238



Financial Reporting




2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 11 – AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH

INCOME

Editorial Fee 10,676 10,583

Royalties 23,506 17,173

Total Income 34,182 27,756

EXPENDITURE

Bank Fees – 44

Computer Software 5,517 4,167

Face to Face 2,534 (1,856)

Personnel 28,671 18,178

Printing 8,588 768

Telecommunications 779 830

Travel 82 642

Total Expenses 46,171 22,772

Surplus/(Deficit) (11,989) 4,984

NOTE 12 – CONFERENCE

INCOME

Registration Fees 596,067 –

Sponsorships 36,500 –

Trade Displays 115,109 3,000

Total Income 747,676 3,000

EXPENDITURE

Advertising and Promotion

500

5,168

2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 12 – CONFERENCE (Continued)

Arts Program 23,880 –

Audio Visual & Staging 124,469 –

Audit & Accounting 1,500 –

Bank Fees 4,404 –

Council Attendance 2,916 –

Des Murray Scholarship 5,420 –

Exhibition 161,063 –

Freight 922 –

Management Fee 50,000 –

Media Liaison 11,558 –

Office Setup 11,514 3,494

Personnel 366 –

Photocopying 2,040 –

Photographer 2,671 –

Postage 7,165 –

Printing & Publications 63,494 55

Satchels 28,155 –

Speakers 25,410 –

Telecommunications 915 –

Travel 17,861 –

Venue & Catering 169,610 –


Surplus/(Deficit) 31,843 (7,217)

The 9th National Rural Health Conference was held in March 2007.





2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 13 – PROJECTS

INCOME

Grant Income 677,718 453,568

Registration Fees 1,099 –

Total Income 678,817 453,568

EXPENDITURE

Accommodation 1,500 5,634

Administration Fees 113,969 19,000

Alumnus Consultations 1,658 14,500

Appeals Committee 1,250 1,250

Audit & Accounting 3,500 4,000

Conference 10,800 –

Consultants 5,640 –

Equipment 2,763 6,708

Online Database 5,548 31,086

Overheads 8,600 19,600

Personnel 383,138 295,472

Photocopying 1,665 1,314

Postage 12,091 11,099

Publicity & Promotion 4,942 –

Printing 4,790 6,565

Rent 4,543 10,863

Ranking 5,985 –

Resourcing 691 –

Stationery 4,088 5,303

2007 2006

$ $

NOTE 13 – PROJECTS (CONTINUED)

Subscriptions – 4,875

Telecommunications 5,716 7,793

Travel 71,160 19,356

Venue 1,000 6,928


Surplus/(Deficit) 23,780 (17,778)



Financial ReportingNOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2007 2006

NOTE $ $

NOTE 14 – OTHER OPERATIONS

INCOME

Co–location Fees 45,052 30,029

Copyright – 1,367

Core Grant – Department of Health & Ageing

10 825,238 781,178

Fee–for–service 217,234 104,267

friends of the Alliance 18,635 –

Interest 66,458 23,952

Membership Fees 13,750 30,135

NRHA Publications 580 1,110

Total Income 1,186,947 972,038

EXPENDITURE

Advertising 4,118 –

Associations Day – 7,057

Audit & Accounting 10,420 7,290

Bank fees 3,078 2,106

Cleaning 9,480 14,106

Donations 1,364 –

Electricity 7,140 4,493

Equipment 84,388 33,787

External Evaluation 48,145 50,000

friends of the Alliance 1,111 3,555

Insurance/Legal 7,509 7,311

Memberships 6,694 5,716

Motor Vehicle 19,215 8,238

2007 2006

NOTE $ $

NOTE 14 – OTHER OPERATIONS

Online Database 5,912 13,194

Partyline Printing 52,117 39,437

Personnel 512,495 44,302

Photocopying 8,351 3,748

Postage 42,121 25,564

Printing & Publications 65,831 59,667

Rent 64,544 61,731

Research Project 80,000 –

Research Materials 5,407 –

Stationery 12,765 12,200

Telecommunications 15,416 15,375

Travel & Council Meetings 49,738 50,443

Total Expenses 1,117,359 869,318

Surplus/(Deficit) 69,588 102,720


equal health by 2020

PO Box 280 Deakin West ACT 2600 T: 02 6285 4660 F: 02 6285 4670 E: [email protected] W: www.ruralheath.org.au

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