Come along to the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair and be inspired to try scrapbooking, beading, crochet, embroidery, paint a decorative artwork for your home, or any of the other creative experiences you can have at the fair. As well as inspiration, you can stock up on craft supplies from Australian and international craft retailers – it’s Australia’s biggest craft shop! Learn with experts in daily workshops and see displays of superb craftwork. Whatever your craft passion is, indulge yourself at the fair!
7-10 August 2008 10am-5pm daily
Exhibition Park In Canberra, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT
Shining a spotlight on local mental health stories, a glowing experience
Imperfectly Sane Too is an exciting and highly anticipated performance of real life stories from local people who are touched by mental illness, delivered through readings, dramatic monologues, scenes and songs. It follows the sell out success of Imperfectly Sane: Delusions of Splendour, in May 2007 – Encore!
CIT Executive Director Dr. Colin Adrian, 2007 Chamber of Women in Business Outstanding Community Spirit Award winner Jean McIntyre, MLA Mick Gentleman and upcoming actor/musician/producer Ben Drysdale shine a spotlight on mental health and consciousness itself, in Imperfectly Sane Too: an eye opening, frank and funny theatre piece that shares the perspectives of those living with mental illness.
They are joined onstage by singer/songwriters Simone Penkethman and Duncan Sargent, the Rainbow Band and a team of young actors: the Imperfect Ensemble, directed by local theatre-maker Robin Davidson, with musical direction by Simone Penkethman.
You’re Imperfectly Sane Too, so come share the experience
Our theatrical piece raises awareness and reduces mental health stigma in our community. “Imperfectly Sane Too provides a unique opportunity for people to better understand mental illness by seeing and hearing the perspectives of fellow Canberrans through monologues, theatre and song.” Said Mary Gays, Executive Officer of the Mental Health Foundation (ACT).
“Our vision is to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues in our community. Imperfectly Sane Too is not only educative, it is funny, entertaining and a highly anticipated theatrical piece – don’t miss this opportunity.”
Artistic Director, Robin Davidson, sifted through dozens of contributions from the Canberra public. “These stories are moving, thoughtful, intelligent, and diverse. I’m excited to present such enriching perspectives on stage. Imperfectly Sane Too has received strong support and interest.” Said Robin.
story titles include: Pizza, Turpentine, Cabbage, The Mind is a Sewer, Pollyanna in Wonderland, Ode to a Porcelain Goddess, Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck, and Memoirs of a Fledging Angel.
Avid Supporters
Imperfectly Sane Too is funded by the ACT Government, through artsACT. The territory Government has been the principle financial contributor to both Imperfectly Sane: Delusions of Splendour and Imperfectly Sane Too. The Mental Health Foundation (ACT) is grateful for their support.
Without the assistance of volunteers this production could not be held. With thanks to prominent Canberrans: Jean McIntyre, Dr. Colin Adrian, Mick Gentleman MLA and Ben Drysdale. Below you will find information on Jean’s motivations to be part of Imperfectly Sane Too.
Jean McIntyre
Jean first came into contact with mental illness through her work in the public service. She worked for 13 years in DSS and Centrelink. In Jean’s work in Darlinghurst and other inner city offices she worked daily with homeless people, many of whom suffered mental illness and addiction.
What fascinated Jean about the people she met was that often, in the face of great sadness and adversity, they frequently shared incredible humour. “Life was never dull in Darlinghurst DSS office” Jean says.
It was her memories of these people and her interactions with them that attracted Jean to the opportunity to participate in the performance of ‘Imperfectly Sane Too’.
Jean currently works with Marketing Angels delivering outsourced marketing advice for small to medium businesses. She also serves on the board of the Exhibition Park Corporation.
Ticket Prices, Dates, Location and Booking Information
Tickets are $12 or $5 concession per person.
Thursday 22 May to Saturday 24 May at 7.30pm
Saturday 24 May at 2.00pm
Belconnen Community Theatre,
Swanson Court, Belconnen.
Bookings phone the Mental Health Foundation (ACT) on 6230 7629.
Canberra’s community music and arts radio station, ArtSound FM, is embarking on an exciting new program of live jazz broadcasts. Every Friday night, starting on May 2, audiences can tune in to hear local and national musicians playing superb jazz classics and originals.
The program will feature live performances from the ArtSound recording studios and pre-recorded concerts from venues around the Canberra region including the God’s Café, Canberra Southern Cross Club, the Street Theatre as well as some of the world’s top festivals.
Friday Night Live will be co-hosted by long-standing jazz enthusiast and broadcaster Chris Deacon and local Jazz singer Lauren Black.
“The series has attracted a great deal of interest from the local jazz community,” Mr Deacon said.
“I am especially looking forward to sharing ArtSound’s large recorded archive of local jazz performances which has been built up over the past twenty years.”
Artists appearing on the program include the Wayne Kelly Trio, Kooky Fandango, John Black, Sally Greenaway Project, Eric Ajaye, Leigh Barker Quintet, Nils Rosendahl and the Kevin Hunt trio.
ArtSound FM has been a key element of Canberra’s music and arts scene since 1983. The station broadcasts a mix of classic, jazz, blues, folk and world music including arts news interviews and reviews. It is supplying the two hours of free production and broadcast time to musicians in the hope that it will add to Canberra’s already vibrant jazz community.
ArtSound FM is a member of the Fine Music Network and the European Broadcasting Union. Each band will receive a recording of their concert and there will be opportunities for distribution of the concerts internationally.
Appearing this week on Friday Night Live is the Austin Benjamin Quartet, featuring; James LeFevre on sax, Chris Pound on bass, Hugh Deacon on drums and Austin Benjamin on piano.
Tune in every Friday night between 8pm – 10pm on FM 92.7 (90.3 Tuggeranong) to experience some of the best Australian talent on offer.
AFS is an international non-profit organisation which has been running student exchange programs for 60 years. We are seeking host families for 8 overseas students aged 15 to 17 arriving in August 2008. We’re asking the Canberra community to bring the world into your home by offering to host one of these students.
AFS was established to create peace through intercultural learning experiences, and our host families are all volunteers who welcome their hosted students into their home as part of their family. There is a local support network for all families and students involved with AFS in the Canberra and regional NSW area. It is a fantastic international community to be a part of and hosting a student proves to be a very rewarding way to make a difference in the life of a young person.
We would love to hear from you if you would like more details, to apply to become an AFS host family, or if you are interested in sending your son or daughter overseas on an AFS program. Please do not hesitate to contact Laura Frot on 0424 504 612 or email [email protected]
A Canberra health club is pumped after being named the best in Australia, the first time the ACT has picked up such a national award.
Competing against 2,500 health clubs across the country, the Southern Cross Health Club was named Fitness Facility of the Year by Fitness Australia on 20 April in Sydney, beating 11 others to take out the top accolade.
General Manager Rhys Cutifani says the Club exceeded in all five of the competition’s criteria: outstanding customer service; providing a safe and clean environment; dedication to ongoing staff development and training; making an outstanding contribution to the fitness industry; and contributing to the community.
Southern Cross Health Club has also been the recipient of the top Fitness Australia award for the ACT, which they have won twice.
In its early days, the club employed around 15 staff and handled 5000 visits a month. Today, it has over 60 staff and is visited more than 25 000 times a month, with the facility growning in size from 1200 to 2500 square metres.
Lauretta Stace, chief executive officer of Fitness Australia, said in winning this award, the Southern Cross Health Club has achieved the highest of standards within the industry.
Photographs by Sarah Lonsdale and prose by Sam (Samantha) Salvaneschi
Sarah Lonsdale photographed the Australian leg of the Olympic Torch Relay. Sam (Samantha) Salvaneschi co-convened the Goulburn-Canberra Region Organising Committee for the Global Human Rights Torch Relay.
It was 13 July 2001, when the International Olympic Committee announced Beijing as the host city of the 2008 Olympics. From that day onwards, individuals and organisations across the globe have staged different sorts of human rights protests about the State of China’s human rights record. Many people opposing these protests have made much heat and noise to deauthorise them. For example, Kevan Gosper, Australian International Olympic Committee official, characterised the protestors as “professional spoilers” who “just take their hate out on whatever the issues are at the time”.1 Zhang Rongan, of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Australia, called upon Chinese students in Australia and Chinese Australians to "go defend our sacred torch" against "ethnic degenerate scum and anti-China separatists".2 The statements made by these, and other opponents of the human rights protestors, did not, for the main part, address why the latter might be so agitated.
Reputable, independent organisations such as Amnesty International3, Human Rights Watch4, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture5 have long amassed evidence on the State of China’s human rights breaches. This evidence encompasses the Chinese State extensively and directly persecuting its own people6, Tibetans7, Uighurs8 , and North Koreans9, and giving financial aid and political counsel for crimes against the people of Burma10 and Darfur11.
In 2007, the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of the Falun Gong in China launched the Human Rights Torch Relay for all those humans oppressed by China’s state apparatus as well as those doing the oppressing. The Coalition is comprised of many prominent exiles from China, human rights lawyers, parliamentarians, and others from several countries.12 On 3 December, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Region Declaration affirming the humanist, globalist principles of the Human Rights Torch Relay was signed by leaders of the Coalition, the ACT Refugee Action Committee, the World Citizens Association, the Goulburn-Canberra Diocese of the Catholic Church. It was also signed by representatives of the Burmese-, Darfur-, Tibetan-, and Vietnamese-Australian communities.13
On 11 December, the Human Rights Torch arrived in Canberra, after its travels through the towns and cities of several continents. The Torch was welcomed by a large gathering.14 At this welcome, signatories to the Declaration called for the State of China to live up to its promise to comply with the Olympic Charter. The Charter requires all Member States and, particularly, States hosting the Olympics to effectively act against this devastation of humans and the environment.15 The Declaration reached people all over the world, through media outlets.16
On 8 August 2008, it will be the Beijing Olympic Games media coverage echoing throughout the world. Unfortunately, there is little to suggest that Beijing is winding down its human rights abuses, in anticipation of hosting the Games. Indeed, there is much incontrovertible evidence of the opposite.
Four days after the International Olympic Committee voted for the 2008 Olympics to be hosted by Beijing, China’s Deputy Prime Minister Li Lanqing, said that ‘China’s Olympic victory’ should encourage the country to maintain its ‘healthy life’ by combating such problems as the Falun gong spiritual movement, which had ‘stirred up violent crime’. No other organisation in the world has suggested that the Falun Gong are violent. In fact, they are known for their steadfast commitment to their deeds and words being peaceful.
Soon after the International Olympic Committee announced that Beijing would host the Olympics, the then Vice-President Hu Jintao – now China’s President – announced that the Beijing ‘triumph’ meant it was ‘crucial to fight without equivocation against the separatist forces orchestrated by the Dalai Lama and the world’s anti-China forces’. Simultaneously, the police and judicial authorities were given orders to pursue a ‘hit hard’ campaign against crime. The security officials reinvigorated their pursuit of dissidents purveying free speech through the internet, newspapers and other media.17
People throughout the world who treasure the fair go and mateship salute individuals like the ones pictured in this story’s photographs. The photographs are of protestors outside the Australian Parliament on the day the Olympic Torch passed through Canberra. It was the day before ANZAC Day. It was also the day before the anniversary of when China cracked down in 1999 on a peaceful assembly of Chinese citizens pleading to the Chinese Communist Party to release from detention their fellow Falun Gong practitioners.18 The Chinese Government continues to imprison people from this group, subjecting them to hard labour, and killing them for doing nothing other than gathering together and practising their exercises in parks, which look like Tai Chi. The same Government systematically mistreats Christians19, gays and lesbians20, journalists21, dissidents22, and others23.
Messrs Kevan Gosper and Zhang Rongan, please note well: The humans pictured in the below photographs are protesting against the State of China’s continual abrogation of rights and freedoms. They are defending the same rights and freedoms that Australian defence personnel and volunteers, and many others throughout the world, made enormous sacrifices to preserve.
6http://action.amnesty.org.au/china,http://hrw.org/englishwr2k8/docs/2008/01/31/china17604.htm, and http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/677C1943FAA14D67C12570CB0034966D 7http://www.tchrd.org/ 8http://www.harunyahya.com/e_turkestan01.php and http://www.pekingduck.org/archives/001384.php 9http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2008/04/13/china18447.htm and http://www.cecc.gov/pages/annualRpt/annualRpt05/2005_7_refugees.php 10http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=4851 and http://www.slate.com/id/2175047/
11http://www.dreamfordarfur.org/ and http://www.smh.com.au/news/general/big-australian-branded-moral-coward/2008/04/25/1208743212468.html 12http://cipfg.org 13http://en.epochtimes.com/news/7-12-4/62543.html 14http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/11/2115969.htm 15http://www.olympic.org/uk/utilities/reports/level2_uk.asp?HEAD2=26&HEAD1=10 16http://www.humanrightstorch.org/news/2007/12/11/putting-torch-to-torture/, http://www.humanrightstorch.org/news/images/Canberra_Times_1.jpg, http://www.humanrightstorch.org/news/category/torch-relay-news/, http://cipfg.org/en/index.php?news=723, and http://act.greens.org.au/1229 17http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174 18http://121blog21.blogspot.com/2008/04/april-25-ninth-anniversary.html 19http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3993857.stm and http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=7971 20http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2005/12/20/china12328.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_China and http://www.tibetjustice.org/reports/beijing.html 21http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174 and http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/07/yahoo-knew-more.html 22http://www.rfa.org/english/china/china_template-20080109.html and http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/2546/china_dissidents_disappeared/ 23http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA17/014/2004 and http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9501E6DE1F3CF933A05752C0A9669C8B63
Archaeology Professor Tim Darvill of Bournemouth University, UK
Professor Tim Darvill of Bournemouth University in the UK will be in Canberra next month to deliver a lecture on Stonehenge in the Manning Clark Centre at the Australian National University on Thursday, 15th May, 7.30pm start. All are welcome to attend. The lecture is part of the tercentenary celebrations of the Society of Antiquaries of London (1707-2007) and this particular event is the 2008 Jack Golson Lecture.
Professor Darvill’s lecture is entitled Merlin’s Magic Circles: Stonehenge and the use of the Preseli Bluestones. In this lecture Professor Darvill will show that while Stonehenge’s origins as a ceremonial monument were conventional enough its later history was exceptional. Key to the transformation was the arrival of about 80 pillars of Bluestone rock brought a distance of around 250km from the Preseli Hills of southwest Wales to Salisbury Plain. But why were these stones important? And what did they mean to Neolithic people? Using archaeological evidence from Stonehenge itself and from recent work in the Preseli Hills, and folklore and oral tradition dating back to the 13th century AD, a new picture of Stonehenge is emerging in which the stones themselves can be seen to have perceived magical properties connected with healing. Their re-use in later and ever more elaborate structures at Stonehenge show something of their power and significance and illustrate how the landscape of the Preseli Hills is constructed in microcosm at Stonehenge. People were attracted to the area from continental Europe, and what started out as a local focus became a celebrated place for prehistoric pilgrimage.
This will be Professor Darvill’s first opportunity to speak publicly about the recent excavation at Stonehenge (the first on the ancient site for over 40 years) though he will stop short of revealing exactly what they’ve discovered as the radio-carbon dating of the organic material taken from the site is not yet complete.
One business manager used to regularly yell at his staff who lived in fear of his next explosion. At one government department, a male staff member lodged a claim of Workplace Bullying against his female boss simply so she would back off from her concerns about his poor performance. At a community agency which employed therapists, some team members had not spoken to each other in months.
"People can be difficult wherever you go", says Workplace Relationships Specialist, Ken Warren. "If the truth be told, we can all be difficult at times. But there are some who excel in this regard. When dealing with difficult co-workers or customers, there are three things you must have", Mr Warren says. "Firstly, you need to think before you speak. Secondly, you need to have a plan. And thirdly, you need a gun!" he grins. "Seriously, number three is a back-up plan in case their behaviour worsens.
Having good relationships both within and between teams should be a priority for every workplace", Mr Warren says. "According to the research, positive relationships are the number one thing that helps people to be happy and productive at work. Unfortunately, strained workplace relationships are also the number one thing that contributes to people’s misery at work. Such tensions are a surefire recipe for poor morale, reduced performance, and increased absences and staff turnover", he says.
"It is important to be proactive in either encouraging a positive workplace culture or to act sooner before small problems grow into ones that are much harder to handle", Mr Warren says. "Team members as well as team leaders all have a part to play in contributing to a positive workplace culture".
Mr Warren is soon to run two fun and practical seminars in Canberra at University House, Acton. The first, entitled How to Deal with Angry and Demanding People, will take place on Thursday 22nd May. His second seminar, Secrets to Building a Happy Workplace, will be on Friday 23rd May. Further information can be gained by telephoning 0406 534 800 or through www.kenwarren.com.au
FILM NETWORKING INDUSTRY (AUSTRALIA) INC. ABN:11 352 418 843
3rd FNI(A) Film Entry Application Form 2008
Please Print This Form Out, Complete, & Post with cheque/money order made payable to, Film Networking Industry (Australia), send To:
PO Box 3509, Weston Creek. ACT. 2611. AUSTRALIA.
Early Entries Closing Date: 12 June 2008.
Final Closing Date for Entrants: 24 July 2008.
Achievement Award for Original Rising Star Documentary, Short, Feature, Animation, Television, Music/Score/Music Video. Achievement Award for Best Original Documentary, Short, Feature, Animation, Television, Music/Score/Music Video.
The producer grants the FNI(A) – FILM NETWORKING INDUSTRY (Australia) INC. the right to exhibit the film at the Awards and/or prior to the Awards.
The producer warrants to the FNI(A) – FILM NETWORKING INDUSTRY (Australia) INC. that they have obtained all the necessary permissions to enter the film and that the film does not infringe the rights, including the copyright of any third party.
PLEASE SEND YOUR ENTRY FORM, CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER, made out to Film Networking Industry (Australia) Inc. FNI(A) Filmmakers Members: AU$5, FNI(A) Enthusiast Members: AU$15, Non Members: AU$25, AU$5 discount for Early Entries, AND A COPY OF YOUR FILM (VHS PAL OR DVD FORMAT), TO:
PO Box 3509, WESTON CREEK. ACT. 2611. AUSTRALIA
______________________________________________________
NORA PRESTON
President/Founder
FNI(A) – FILM NETWORKING INDUSTRY (AUSTRALIA) INC. – Founded in 2005.
PO Box 3509
WESTON CREEK ACT 2611
Ph: (02) 6161 1596 Mob: 0407 601 662
Support FNI(A). FNI(A) is an independent, non profit, non government community based charity, run solely by volunteers, with no government funding, saving taxpayers money. FNI(A) relies heavily on donations from the public in order to carry out its work. If you would like to make a donation to FNI(A), please send a cheque/money order made payable to Film Networking Industry (Australia) Inc. to PO Box 3509, Weston Creek. ACT. 2611. AUSTRALIA . or contact us by email [email protected] or mobile: 0407 601 662 to discuss other alternatives.
Thank you for all your support.
Aims and Objectives: to promote and unite the film and music industry; to promote film production and development; improved access to equipment; and annual recognition of achievements in Australian and International Film and Music through FNI(A) Achievement Awards.
Support FNI(A). BECOME AN FNI(A) MEMBER, VOLUNTEER, DOWNLOAD M/SHIP FORM FROM
FNI(A) WEBSITE www.geocities.com/fnia/http://fnia.awardspace.com PO Box 3509 , WESTON CREEK ACT 2611, AUSTRALIA . Mob: 0407 601 662. Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: FNI(A) and the author do not assume or accept any responsibility and shall not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of the information contained in this letter/email.
Wildlife Carers Group copyright site map of Kangaroo Park/Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal for BNTS site
We have succeeded in getting the stanhope government to back down for now, with some of the newly erected fences finally dismantled, although, on 25/4/08, upon inspecting the site, it appeared as though other fences have been erected, once again depriving some of our roos from water, and fresher feed, with only 28 kangaroos counted.
To secure the proposed Kangaroo Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, on the BNTS (Belconnen Naval Transmission Station) site by WCG – Wildlife Carers Group Inc., please keep signing our petition by Clicking on http://gopetition.com/petitions/save-all-the-kangaroos.html to sign our petition individually, to save ALL our kangaroos PLEASE, and send it onto your family, friends, co workers, mailing list, etc. please post it onto your websites.
Nora Preston, (began rehabilitating wildlife in the early 1980’s) Founder/President of WCG – Wildlife Carers Group, has submitted the copyright Kangaroo Park/Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal to Defence and the Local/Federal Government, to include:
Existing enclosure and kangaroos remain untouched.
Largest Wildlife Hospital with public viewing to surgery
Educational Facility
Rehabilitation Facility
Cafes
Viewing Platforms
Extra enclosures for rehabilitating sick, injured, orphaned, native Eastern Grey Kangaroos, plus for other native wildlife.
Kangaroo Park/Wildlife Sanctuary Map of BNTS site, drawn up by committee member Katy Barr.
Please also sign WCG’s 2nd Petition www.gopetition.com/petitions/reinstate-our-act-kangaroos.html, media release relating to this is www.kangaroo-protection-coalition.com/kangaroo-archives25.html, 23 April 2007. to reinstate our ACT native Eastern Grey Kangaroos onto the ACT Wildlife Rehabilitation Licence for full term rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned native Eastern Grey Kangaroos, noting the fact that the ACT is the only state in Australia, that does not allow the full term rehabilitation of our sick, injured, orphaned Native Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which are acts of animal cruelty. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD.
These are all acts of cruelty, therefore in breach of the animal welfare act, and will have to stop.
This report will show how out of date the current advisory council is, working off a report, reported in August 1996, however, Report 1, page 5/6, that was stating a report in late 1994, also recommended that the culling must stop, because they were over culling our native kangaroos, and yet, the wildlife rehabilitation licence was never updated to include full term rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned native Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
Report 2, page 5, first paragraph, then contradicts Report 1, claiming that this licence specifically excludes Eastern Grey Kangaroos because of their abundance in the ACT, which is describing the Rehabilitation licence.
Relocation has proven to be devastating, stressful and cruel to the kangaroos by separating them from their families, which means the incorrect mobs will be relocated together, that will cause shock/death, and is really just a profiteering exercise for whoever engages in this activity.
The Kangaroo Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal will prove to be the most humane option to take, over the option to unnecessarily relocate.
The population is small at the BNTS site, May last year, we counted under 100 kangaroos, 25 April 2008, we counted approx. 28.
The government has shown in media releases that they really don’t know what the kangaroo population is, ranging from 32 million in March/April media releases, to Maxine Cooper, Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, 15 million, and Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister for the ACT Government, 22? or 24? million, couldn’t agree to what the Australia wide kangaroo population is.
We have the same devastation now to what we had in 1994, over culling, grossly over exaggerating the kangaroo population by the commercial roo industry, farmers, advisory panels, etc.
It is time to put an end to the senseless, cruel, unnecessary kangaroo killings/relocation, avoiding acts of animal cruelty.
The immediate reinstatement for full term rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroos on the ACT Wildlife Rehabilitation Licence.
As far as the Kaleen residents are concerned, they bought their properties near the BNTS site because there was no housing there, and were close to the kangaroos, giving them a high property valuation, taking that away from them, with now putting a housing development in place, will drastically reduce the value of their properties.
The hessians were never removed, and are spooking the kangaroos as they wildly flap around in the wind, causing undue stress and disorientation.
The newly erected fences must be immediately dismantled, to allow the families to regroup again.
SAVING AND CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, AND ALL OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE. More information on www.geocities.com/wildlife_carers_group/. Click on the news panel for news on our native Eastern Grey Kangaroos on the defence sites, the rehabilitation licence, and animal welfare issues.
NORA PRESTON (began rehabilitating wildlife in the early ’80’s.)
President/Founder
WCG – WILDLIFE CARERS GROUP INC. – Founded in 2004.
PO Box 3509
WESTON CREEK ACT 2611
Support WCG. WCG is an independent, non profit, non government community based charity providing animal/wildlife care, rescue/rehabilitation and is also an animal/wildlife welfare group, providing protection for our wildlife/animals, run solely by volunteers, with no government funding. WCG relies on donations from the public in order to carry out its work. If you would like to make a donation to WCG, please send a cheque/money order made payable to Wildlife Carers Group Inc. to PO Box 3509, Weston Creek. ACT. 2611. AUSTRALIA. or contact us by email [email protected] or mobile: 0406 056 099 to discuss other alternatives.
Thank you for all your support.
Aims and Objectives: To promote the general welfare and continued survival of native fauna and flora as an essential element of the environment, and specifically to undertake the specialised care necessary for the rehabilitation of orphaned, sick and injured native birds and other animals, to promote public awareness of the need to conserve existing wildlife species, and an understanding of their particular habitat and feeding requirements. Support WCG.
Become a WCG MEMBER, VOLUNTEER, WILDLIFE CARER, download the m/ship form from www.geocities.com/wildlife_carers_group/ and join up. Thank you for all your support.
Let us start with a disclaimer: mental illness affects everybody differently and we all have varying experiences with treatment. This article is but one viewpoint and may not represent your reality.
For many, consulting with and receiving treatment from a general practitioner (GP) is common when we are unwell and experiencing a mental illness. Our GP is usually our central point or base for all of our healthcare requirements: people may be prescribed medications, referred onto a psychologist, or other treatment or therapy. Our GP is probably the first to recognise, if you haven’t already, that you have a mental illness when presenting any symptoms. There are many ways to treat mental illness and to become well again, so talk to your doctor first.
It may not be surprising for you to know then, as GP’s are so important in our mental health recovery, that some people can have bad experiences. There are many reasons why this may be so: treatment of mental illness can take time; GP’s have so many other skill areas outside of mental health to keep abreast of; there are so many other medications and treatment options available; our GP’s can’t really know everything about us nor what we are experiencing internally, as we have a limited time window in which to convey how our mental health is; and we ourselves, as people living with a mental illness, may have difficulty in explaining how we feel or in recognising and conveying any mental health symptoms; plus the simple fact that GP’s are human, not robots, and sometimes make unfortunate mistakes.
Finding the right GP, listening and doing what they ask in treating your mental illness, is a vital factor in you again becoming mentally well. The question then becomes, what should I look out for in a GP? This has no simple answer and, in line with our initial disclaimer, varies from person to person. Here are some points for you to consider:
FOR SOME, THE RIGHT GP IS:
Not going to necessarily agree with any self diagnosis you have made on your own mental health, this may not necessarily mean you are incorrect in your own assessments – a grey area, but worth considering in your next GP appointment.
Approachable and sincere, they may ask you how you feel emotionally and what day-to-day life is like for you, an example: how is your partner themselves dealing with your mental illness and potential change in personality?
A good communicator: an important set of skills that so many people, including some GP’s, need to further develop. We may feel more respected as a person and not just as an illness or a list of symptoms if our GP is a good communicator.
Somebody you trust and have confidence with their professional skills: opening up and sharing your feelings with others, particularly as they relate with mental health, can be difficult at the best of times. Trusting and the ability to confide in your GP is very important – try not to hold back because you feel ashamed or uncertain with what is happening, being open and honest with your GP assists them with their assessments, in getting you well again and sooner.
Able to recommend several treatment options for you: medication, counselling or a different type of therapy, you may even benefit from all of these at the same time.
Above are some examples and considerations for you when finding the right GP. Overall, there needs to be a strong and trusting relationship between both of you. There is no science or correct way of choosing a GP, if you are uncertain with particular outcomes you can always seek a second opinion. However, that said, don’t instantly give up on your GP if you didn’t hear what you wanted to from them or if the treatment option is causing you some grief – try to persevere or seek somebody you think more suitable for your own needs.
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher trains Duffy Primary School students for Walk Safely to School Day
Walk Safely to School Day is coming up on Friday 2 May and Canberra primary school students are expected to put their trainers on and get involved.
Hundreds of students from across the ACT will walk to school on the day as part of this national health initiative. Some local primary schools including Duffy, Farrer, Wanniassa, Richardson and Queanbeyan West Public will reward walkers with a healthy breakfast when they arrive at school.
The Canberra community has shown its support of the initiative with local organisations ACT Policing, the Brumbies and SnowyHydro SouthCare all getting involved.
Walk Safely to School Day is a true community event organised by the Pedestrian Council of Australia. It is sponsored by the Australian Government and supported by all State and Territory Governments, along with the National Heart Foundation, beyondblue, The Cancer Council Australia, Planet Ark, Diabetes Australia, the Australian Council of State School Organisations and the Australian Primary Principals Association.
For information on Walk Safely to School Day visit www.walk.com.au or to find out about activities in the ACT visit feetfirstact.blogspot.com
Vikings First Grade started the second half of its Vodafone Shield encounter against Gungahlin 10 points behind but went on to win 40-10.
It was 27 minutes into the first half when Gungahlin opened the scoring with a try. They scored another unconverted try with four minutes left in the second half sending Vikings to the break scoreless.
Winger Eddie McLaughlin didn’t waste time when the break was over; scoring a converted try that turned the tide for Vikings.
It was the first of five conversions from six tries for Brock Mcgarity.
Adrien Clements scored Vikings second, five minutes later giving the home side the lead.
From there Sione Talua scored, McLaughlin scored his second and Tim Talua scored.
Donovan Felice, backing up from the Colts win, contributed the last Vikings points with a try with eight minutes to go.
Coach Pat Langtry was pleased with Vikings finish to the preseason competition.
“Starting slowly and lacking field position we turned over too much possession early in the game.
“Gunghalin are a quality team and used the ball well in the wider channels when presented with such opportunities.
“Second half adjustments saw an intelligent and more streetwise approach to our ball control which saw sharp advancement of the ball into earned space and assisted in building pressure on well organised defence.
“Congratulations to Jack Muscat, Jake Cannon, Jake Knight, Michael Harkins, Lix Lealiifano and Sione Taula who were on debut, playing in the top grade with limited experience as they performed admirably at the same time the experience and leadership of the older heads was impressive."
Tim Talua was awarded three points Best and Fairest, captain Marty O’Brien was awarded two and prop Jack Muscat received one.
Adrien Clements was voted Players’ Player.
Second Grade:
Vikings Second Grade ended a close third round Vodaphone Shield match against Gungahlin in a draw.
The 17-all encounter saw Richard Joyce, Andrew Steele and Kyle Brooke each cross the try line for five points.
David Mailou received three points Best and Fairest, Donovan Felice two, and James Tupai one.
Andrew Talina was voted Players’ Player.
Third Grade:
Vikings Third Grade won the Vodaphone Shield third round match against Gungahlin by forfeit.
However to give the players a run a game proceeded with Toby O’Brien, Sam French and Sean Mahamba each scored tries and Leon Kessey converted one to bring the Vikings tally to 17 points.
Gungahlin was leading by two points when they forfeited.
Vikings Best and Fairest points went to Kim Reid (three), Leon Kessey (two), and one point each to James Rewi-Wetini.
Players’ Player was awarded to Matt Smith.
Colts:
A lean Vikings Colts side, trimmed of its usual starting players who were stepping up to cover first grade, were too strong for Gungahlin, winning 48-12.
Roydon Awa, Scott Irwin, Dave Haskew, Michael Davies, Shane Venter and Josh Hegarty each scored tries with Criag Wilkinson chiming in with two.
Nathan Lalliard kicked four conversions.
Wilkinson voted three points Best and Fairest as well as Players’ Player, While Peter Henry was awarded two points Best and Fairest and Roydon Awa one.
