TAVRP Newsletter December 2014 Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year Message from the President At this busy time of year, I send all our members greetings for the festive season and trust that 2014 has had moments of challenge, reward and enjoyment for you all. The TAVRP has continued to offer ongoing professional development breakfasts in Hobart, with speakers presenting on a range of topics, recently including: Fiona McIntyre and Peter Tullgren from Worker Assist, Susan Grenness Audiologist discussing the impact of hearing loss in the workplace, and Peter Nelson Clinical Psychologist on Psychologists and Rehabilitation Providers in the RTW context. Additionally, Professor Sharon Lawn presented a seminar and workshop for members and non-members, on Chronic Condition Self-Management, which was well received by all who attended (see report on page 4). Members were recently invited to celebrate the end of the year and the festive season at Mt Nelson Signal Station for drinks and canapés. While the weather was a little overcast, the views from the venue are always memorable, and for the second year running, Carmen Tedjor won the lucky door prize (of a bottle of Jansz) lucky you, Carmen!
Message from the President (cont.) 2015 promises to be another year of hard work for the TAVRP committee. Here is a taste of what is to come: March 2015 - Dr Jennifer Pynt, Adjunct Research Fellow Education for Practice Institute Charles Sturt University Dynamic seating for office workers - Format: Presentation + interactive with chair assessments + trade exhibition of various types of dynamic seating options Mid-2015 motivational interviewing/mediation (TBC) seminar and workshop Breakfast meetings to recommence in February 2015 Additionally, after consultation with the AMA and meetings with WorkSafe Tasmania, members of the Committee and I have developed a submission to the Treasurer and the Minister for Justice outlining the TAVRP s concerns regarding: The Application of the Workplace Rehabilitation Provider Accreditation Process by WorkSafe Tasmania, Principles and Standards of Professional Practice for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers Provision of Injury management / Case management services who s role should this be? Angela Kerrison-Smith and I met with the Treasurer s Advisor recently to present the TAVRP s submission and discuss our views on these matters. The Advisor was open to our input and attentively listened to our concerns. He advised that changes to the legislation (cutting red tape) will be considered when Parliament returns in 2015, with minor changes being made in the first half of the year, and more significant changes being considered in the second half of 2015. The TAVRP will continue to represent its members to the Tasmanian Government to ensure our views are taken into account when changes are being made. All the best for 2015. Anne-Marie Dean WorkSafe Tasmania have launched an Injury Management Scholarship Program for 2015. Applications open on 1 December 2014 and close 12 January 2015. Scholarships are available to all individuals operating within the Tasmanian workers compensation sector, including injury management coordinators, return to work coordinators, and workplace rehabilitation providers. More details: www.workcover.tas.gov.au/ data/assets/pdf_file/0003/300594/ Injury_Man_ScholarshipT.pdf
Dr Sharon Lawn Seminar On 18th September 2014 we were fortunate to welcome Dr Sharon Lawn (Associate Professor) from Flinders University to present a workshop on Chronic Condition Self-Management (CCSM). This session was conducted in 2 parts the first session focussing on the theory and approach to CCSM and the challenges for those suffering from chronic conditions. The second session was the practical application of some of the CCSM tools to the Vocational rehabilitation arena. Whilst some of the more intense/ complex practices are not always practicable to apply in the Vocational Rehabilitation setting due to cost and time implications, it was a timely reminder to ensure that we are always including the Injured worker in the decision making and goal setting process. To have the Injured Worker engage more actively in their program is likely to lead to more successful and sustainable outcomes as the injured worker is likely to perceive greater benefit and ownership of their future.
Our new web site is now live... visit www.tavrp.com.au Committee 2014 President: Anne-Marie Dean Vice President Liz Freeman Public Officer: Jeremy Crane Treasurer and Secretary: Maureen Rudge Professional Development Coordinator: Maree Webber Committee Members: Cheryl Cushion Malcolm Rice Lorelle Taylor Angela Kerrison-Smith TAVRP Inc GPO Box 1637 Hobart TAS 7001 admin@tavrp.com.au