Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Wholewoman News for 2006. In dedicating
this edition to women of all abilities we hope to honour the diversity and range of
skills and talents of women of all abilities. In particular we wish to acknowledge
and highlight some of the significant social barriers that impede women of various
physical, mental and emotional illnesses from enjoying the same human rights as
other women. My own journey of discovery since commencing work on this issue
has led to a greater awareness of how the limitations of our society’s systems and
structures create the many barriers that women with disabilities face. In many
instances it is not the actual illness or infirmity experienced but rather the social,
political and economic systems that disable women from accessing their rights to
proper social, emotional and financial wellbeing. What we hope to convey throughout
this edition also is that despite the many hurdles in women’s way, they continue to
challenge and rise above such barriers, creating great art, great political commentary
and great challenges to the inadequacies of the systems that limit us all.
We wish Lynda all the best on the birth of her baby and hope the year ahead is full of
joy and love for her and her family.
Liz Murphy
In this edition...
Features
Olimpias Performance Research Projects ............................................... 2
Women’s with Disabilities, Health and the Victorian State Disability Plan ..... 3
Victorian Women with Disabilities Network.................................................... 4
Local Rural Women Protecting our Community............................................. 4
Mind How you Go .......................................................................................... 5
Recognizing a Stroke Could Save a Life ....................................................... 6
Regular items
Featured service ............................................................................................ 6
Local Projects
Greater Geelong, Queenscliff and Surf Coast................................................ 7
Colac and Corangamite.................................................................................. 8
Moyne and Warrnambool ............................................................................... 9
Southern Grampians and Glenelg ................................................................ 10
What’s On..................................................................................................... 11
Become a subscriber, it’s FREE ................................................................... 12
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 1
The Olimpias Performance Research Projects
After 20 years experience in participatory/ living presence and mediated life in order
community performing arts as a disabled to choreograph the viewer’s experience, to
movement artist, my main practice today is in allow new spaces for thinking and knowing to
the development of new creative approaches emerge. We celebrate difference, and believe
to movement, performance, creativity and passionately in disability culture’s power as
collaboration, often, but not only, with disabled cultural expression, force towards social
people as a cultural minority group. I explore change, and a minority identity politics that
time-based art forms, installations, video can transform notions of beauty, dignity, and
work, new media and their potential for the place of art in everyday life.
community arts methods. These approaches My collaborative work centers around
share an emphasis on perception, on sensual experiences between individually embodied
engagement with one’s body, and on an life and social knowledge: works have
exploration of the relationship between space addressed what it means to be disabled, be
and power. in pain, be stigmatised by a mental health
I believe that in order to have a voice, you diagnosis or experience mental distress, be
need a place to speak from and a body to poor, or be old, be a rural or urban dweller.
speak with. The sense of More recently, this desire
space and embodiment to show the complexity
of many disabled people and dignity of human
is compromised both by life and its conditions
their impairments, and by has also opened up to
social reactions to them. installations that re-view
‘Dance with a Difference’ spaces such as hospital
focuses on this sense of waiting areas, car parks,
personal space and body, corridors, National
and thus acts as a tool for Parks, lake shores
personal empowerment, and wild heaths (Body
and, ultimately, for social Spaces, Landscaping
transformation. I have Women, Earth Stories,
used these methods in many workshops and Tracks). In this work, the interaction between
sessions in dance and theatre education, the moving, living human body and the
dance and drama training and with spaces surrounding it, everyday practices and
professional artists in various art forms. small rituals, (new) media and presence are
My work is influenced by the writings and revealed and refigured.
work of Rudolf von Laban, by Steve Paxton’s An important aspect of my work is
‘small dances’, by feminist art and theatre participation and agency: most of my work
theory, and by various somatic and healing has community arts elements, and is created
modalities. in close dialogue with new audiences, often
I initiated The Olimpias performance projects people unfamiliar with arts discourses and
in 1998, as a testing ground where artists can arts environments. The desire to connect
work collaboratively towards new forms of with people underserved by traditional
understanding creative social practice. approaches means that I often utilise non-
traditional spaces, public sites and (new)
The installations, videos, workshops, media dissemination outside conventional
performances and exhibitions I create arts circuits.
with other artists challenge stereotypes by
creating new sensuous encounters: we use Petra Kruppers
the seduction of materiality, of texture, of From www.olimpias.net downloaded 20 February 2006
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 2
Women with Disabilities, Health and the
Victorian State Disability Plan
There are 1.8 million women with disabilities in Australia. There are many health and social issues affecting
this population. Many of the issues experienced have received little research. ‘Women with Disabilities
Australia (WWDA)’ is a peak organisation that addresses disability within a social context and identifies the
barriers and restrictions facing women with disabilities. WWDA have identified many social issues affecting
women with disabilities including employment, socialization, housing, financial, education, transport and
assault. For example;
Women with disabilities are over represented in public housing with 40% of all persons in Australia aged
15-64 in this form of tenure.
In terms of violence, women with disabilities are two and a half times more likely than non disabled
women to be raped, assaulted and abused.
In Australia 50% of women with disabilities earn less than $200 per week and only 16% earn more than
$400 per week.
WWDA also identify a range of health issues affecting women with disabilities which need to be addressed
urgently including, body image, sexuality, mental health, contraception and access to preventative
screening.
There is an urgent need to address the disadvantage experienced by women with disabilities. The
disadvantage also impacts heavily on carers, families, friends and community. The Victorian State Disability
Plan attempts to address these issues. The State Plan outlines a new approach to disability that is based
on the fundamental principles of human rights and social justice. A key part of the plan is a move towards
meaningful community participation.
‘By 2012, Victoria will be a stronger and more inclusive community – a place where diversity is
embraced and celebrated, and where everyone has the same opportunities to participate in the life of
the community, and the same responsibilities towards society as all other citizens of Victoria’ (Victoria
State Disability Plan)
To ensure this vision becomes reality and to ensure people with disabilities have opportunities for
meaningful community participation the health and social needs of each individual must be addressed.
The government through the State Plan has identified a range of initiatives to address some of the social
and health issues. For example;
by providing more choices about housing
by developing links between disability supports and generic services in local communities
by improving access to a range of health services
by improving access to important health screening programs and to sexual and reproductive health
services for women
by increasing mental health through community arts participation projects, sport and recreation.
by developing community transport options
by introducing a companion card to assist people access recreation and leisure options
by ensuring access to appropriate support for people who have experienced or are at risk of
experiencing, physical, emotional or sexual assault or sexual harassment
by supporting the criminal justice system to better respond to the needs of people with disabilities
Along with government commitment there will need to be increased research and a focus on health
promotion within community organizations.
For further Information visit
Women with Disabilities Australia www.wwda.org.au
Victorian State Disability Plan http://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/ds/disabilitysite.nsf
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 3
VICTORIAN WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
NETWORK INC (VWDN)
VWDN is an organisation run by and for women with disabilities. We recognise the specific need for advocacy
efforts to consider gender and disability. The aim of VWDN is to work to ensure the rights of women with
disabilities are reflected in government policy, disability services, the advocacy sector, community planning
and everyday service providers. VWDN works to identify and prioritise issues that need action. We want to
develop an innovative, comprehensive and empowering state-wide information advocacy service.
It is through our relationship with members that we can heighten our understanding of women
living with disabilities, which determines the direction of our service. We welcome diversity in our
membership to ensure that our approach is all encompassing.
We aim to:
• empower women with disabilities to be independent, through seeking to improve access fundamentals
like health and education.
• develop a greater community awareness of women with disabilities.
• work with other groups to confront and tackle the issues affecting women with disabilities in Victoria.
VWDN through its member’s personal and professional associations has strong links to relevant statewide,
specialist and local advocacy organisations. These links include:
• Victorian Disability Advisory Council
• The Equal Opportunity Commission
• Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre
• Sexual assault services
• The hospital system and women’s health services.
The VWDN also has a close association with Women with Disabilities Australia, the national peak
organisation for women with Disabilities.
If you wish to become a member of the VWDN please contact:
Victorian Women with Disabilities Network, C/O Women’s Health Victoria
GPO Box 1160 K, Melbourne Victoria 3001
Local Rural Women Protecting our Community
FIGHTING the blaze near Tyrendarra ( Glenelg Shire) January,
just past was exciting and frightening for Rebecca Rundell.
The Tyrendarra brigade member said she had fought fires in the
past, but “they were never this big”. “You just jumped on the
truck and were into it,” she said. “Before we knew it we were
out there with the hoses and you couldn’t see where the flames
were because the smoke was so thick.”
She said that although she had completed extensive training,
exercises were “never the same as the real thing” and she was
stunned by how quickly the fire moved fanned by the wind.
“Everyone worked together and the support from everyone,
including the relieving fire teams, was fantastic,” she said. “You
just think it could be your own property one day and just get out
there and help.”
By Jason Wallace Tyrendarra Fire Brigade members
Courtesy of the Portland Observer Hayley Malseed, Rebecca Rundell and
Michelle Merrett. Picture: EbonyYuill
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 4
Mind how you go!
A post-stroke path through the maze of mind, body, emotion and spirit
by Jennifer Lewis
“Mind how you go! gives readers a greater understanding of the devastation of a stroke
and the physical, emotional and spiritual struggle to regain the sense of self. It should be
read by all health care workers and people with family members and friends whose lives
have been shattered by a stroke.
The author speaks not only to those who have experienced physical trauma, but to all of
us who at some time have felt buffeted by life’s storms. Courage comes in many forms. In
Mind how you go! it is a triumph of the spirit.”
Josephine Smith (Former LifeLine Counsellor).
Author Biography
Mind how you go! is Jennifer Lewis’ first book. However, it was almost her second. Four years
ago she was happily writing the last chapter of a murder mystery and also tending her garden in
the small country town of Howlong near Albury.
During the night of November 25 2001 she awoke and told her husband “It’s nightmare time.
Something terrible is happening”. One nightmarish ambulance ride later it was confirmed that
she had suffered a serious stroke, leaving the left side of her body completely weakened and
paralysed. The next 3 years would be spent coming to terms with not only the physical effects of
the stroke, but also the psychological, emotional and spiritual ramifications of brain attack.
Mind how you go! charts this inner journey.
During the 1980s Jennifer had gained a Master of Letters from the University of New England
as an external student, inspired by a life long love of literature. Prior to this she had worked as a
librarian and journalist. She had also nurtured a strong interest in meditation, spirituality and reiki
healing. It was a mixture of her ability as a wordsmith and healer that prompted her to record her
journey towards recovery.
Hosted by Upper Murray Regional Library, the launch was attended by 50 people drawn from
Health, Literary Arts, and Municipal spheres as well as family and friends. Speakers included
Upper Murray Regional Library CEO Lynne Makin and highly respected Neuropsychologist Mark
Lamont.
Many of Jennifer Lewis’ supporters drawn from both the professional, medical fields as well as
her own circle of family and friends were able to attend the launch, making the occasion one of
personal celebration and achievement, as well as marking a professional landmark for the author.
Mind how you go! is available from Ginninderra Press for $18.50 (including GST) plus postage
and handling. Ginninderra Press can be contacted via the above link or on (02) 6258 9060.
Since the publication of Mind how you go! Jennifer has been a guest lecturer at Charles Sturt
University in Albury and at Latrobe University in Wodonga.
About stroke
The National Stroke Foundation states that “Stroke is the third largest cause of death and one
of the leading causes of disability amongst adults in Australia… with a stroke occurring every
11 minutes. Approximately 220,000 Australians who have suffered a stroke are living in the
community.” Mind how you go! is a testament to the challenges faced by this community of
stroke survivors and their carers.
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 5
RECOGNIZING A STROKE COULD SAVE A
LIFE
A neurologist says that if she can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours she can totally reverse the
effects of a stroke. She said the trick was to simply recognize the stroke, diagnose it, and get to
the patient within 3 hours, which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE - A TRUE STORY
Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke all because Sherry
saw Susie stumble - and then she asked Susie 3 crucial questions. So simple - this literally
saved Susie’s life. Suzie failed all three questions so they called 000. Even though she had
normal blood pressure readings and did not appear to be having a stroke as she could converse
to some extent with the Paramedics, they took her to the hospital right away.
Remember the “3” steps.
,
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. The lack of awareness, unfortunately
spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize
the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking
three simple questions:
1 Ask the individual to SMILE.
2 Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3 Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE coherently.
(An example is, “It is sunny out today.”) If the person has trouble with ANY of these three
tasks, call 000, immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm
weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the public to learn the three questions.
They then presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association’s annual meeting
last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the
stroke. It could prevent brain damage.
Featured Service
Leisure Networks – Access for all Abilities
Get Active
Active Waters Program This program will give people of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of
safe water activities. The aim of the Active Waters project is to develop a sustainable inclusive program around the
introduction to water safety, watersports and water based activities for people of all abilities with the aim of continued
participation in a club environment.
Netball Program – I am currently working on a netball program / competition in partnership with Netball Geelong. It
is in its initial stages but will hopefully be a similar model to the FIDA - football competition where teams will be part
of a club. Women who are interested in playing netball can contact me to register their interest and be informed of
when the netball competition will take place.
Leisure Networks are also working on a lawn bowls competition, these are in the development stages.
The Geelong Bowling Lanes have a disability bowling league on Mondays from 4:30pm and a wheelchair bowling
league on Wednesdays.
Other information is contained in the monthly newsletters. Contact Melanie to receive the AAA newsletter monthly.
Melanie Timney, Project Offi cer
Access for All Abilities, Leisure Networks Association Inc.
370 Moorabool St GEELONG VIC 3220
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 6
Local Projects from
Greater Geelong, Queenscliff & Surfcoast
Community Arts and Health and Sergeant Kevin Godfrey, the Regional Domestic
Violence Advisor for Victoria Police, also contributed to
I recently attended a very inspiring and thought provoking
the session, sharing the innovative ways that the Police
workshop organised by the Cultural Development
are now working to more effectively respond to the needs
Network on community arts. This workshop provided
of women and children affected by family violence.
ways to explore opportunities for partnerships between
the Arts and Health sectors. The workshop featured Geelong Family Violence Action Plan
academic, political activist and Community Dance
Another exciting initiative of the Geelong Police is the
Artist Petra Kruppers, the first international Caroline
newly created working party to develop a Police Family
Plummer Fellow in Community Dance, University of
Violence Action Plan. Chaired by Chief Inspector
Otago, New Zealand. Petra is the associate professor
Wayne Carson the working party has commenced the
of Performance Studies, Bryant University, USA and is
development of an action plan that will inform the Local
currently involved in a fascinating initiative called the
Geelong Safety committee and be used as a guide
Olimpias Performance Research Projects.This initiative
for police, Local Council and the community about the
involves many people of all abilities in creating dance
extent, prevalence and effective responses to promote
performances as an act of art and political statement.
safety and prevent family violence.
You can read more about this in the article on page
2. Check out the website to learn more about this Barwon Family Violence Prevention Network
groundbreaking initiative at www.olimpias.net
Work is currently occurring with the Barwon Family
Local Consultations on Women’s Health Violence Prevention Network to establish new terms
of reference due to the recent changes to the funding
With recent local Women’s Health data collection by
arrangements for family violence services across the
Rob Kennedy of the Barwon Primary Care Partnership,
State. The Barwon South Western Regional Family
I am currently developing the Geelong, SurfCoast and
Violence Prevention Networker position will no longer
Queenscliffe women’s health plan for the coming three
exist and so questions regarding how to resource and
years and will be consulting with health professionals
continue the social action work of the network are
and women across the region in the coming months
currently being explored. Watch this space for how the
regarding this data and your own ideas and priorities for
network will evolve and what the focus of our work will
women’s health in the local area. Invitations will be sent
out in April. be for the coming year.
Violence Against Women Mental Health Promotion
The World Health Organisation has recognised Violence I am part of a Barwon Health Mental Health Promotion
Against Women as one of the most serious health working party which has formed to develop up a training
concerns for women worldwide. This issue has become package for Community members, volunteers and
an agreed priority for all Women’s Health Services Neighbourhood House workers on responding to Family
across Victoria. As such much of my work over the past Violence. As the project develops I will let you know
three months has been dedicated to exploring ways that when and where our training will be happening.
our region can respond more effectively to the needs of Gender and Diversity Project
local women. Ensuring that our local service system is
well resourced to address womens needs appropriately Positive outcomes from the 1st stage of the Gender
is essential. Currently I am involved in discussions with and Diversity Project Evaluation has informed the 2nd
a range of health and welfare providers from around the stage planning that is now occurring. Health Promotion
region in designing improved service responses. This Co-ordinator Linda Mckinnon and Community Health
includes a partnership initiative between the Nursing Nurse Denise Heathcote will complete training to staff
Services Educator, Mindlinx-Mental Health, the Acute over the next few months and establish an ongoing
Social Work Department and Community Health here working party to integrate the best practice and
at Barwon Health. This initiative has resulted in the quality improvement principles of the training into the
development of a training program for both internal and organisational strategic plan at Bellarine Community
external health and community sector workers on Family Health.
Violence. The first in the series of training sessions was
well attended by a range of health and welfare workers
Liz
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 7
Local Projects from
Warrnambool & Moyne
With 1 in 4 women experiencing family or was followed by workshops including weaving,
domestic violence, working to reduce the tai chi and belly dancing. A vegetarian lunch
incidence and impact of violence against was also available.
women has been a focus of resource work
around Warrnambool and Moyne recently. A Pram walking groups are continuing along the
‘Women’s Action Collective’ has evolved out of foreshore through the warm weather, with a
the Warrnambool Reclaim the Night Collective, new group about to commence at Allansford.
with interested community women meeting on The benef ts of gentle physical activity coupled
a regular basis to plan International Women’s with social interaction with other parents during
Day and Reclaim the Night. the post natal period are great, and can help
to support women (and men) through the life
An additional role of this group will be to transition of having a baby.
respond to stereotypes of women in the media
and across the community. The place and role A map of services currently available for people
of women in the music industry both locally and living in Southern Grampians, Moyne and
nationally is one issue that has been raised. Warrnambool who experience eating disorders
The first activity of this group, with the support is now underway. The purpose of this exercise
of local health organisations has been the is to identify where the service gaps are, and
setting up of a display (see photo) highlighting what is the best way to enhance the resources
family violence as a legal, social and health we do have. Training provided by the Centre
issue. This display can be seen in the foyer of for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED)
the Warrnambool Police Station, where it will will be held during the first half of 2006, and
remain for the next 2 months as a reminder will increase the capacity of local health
that family violence is a community safety workers to respond to people who experience
issue. eating disorders. Anyone who has personal
knowledge or experience in this area who
is interested in being part of a focus group
to consider the issues is invited to contact
Rochelle at Warrnambool Community Health
on ph 5564-4190.
Consultation and planning is now in progress
for the development of a 2006-9 health
promotion plan. The key issues that impact on
women’s health in this area will form the priority
areas, with strategies to be implemented that
best suit the selected target population groups
and the local environment.
‘A time to reflect, learn and have fun Rochelle and Helen
together’ for International Women’s Day
was held on Wednesday, 8 March 2006
with speakers and activities taking place
at Cafe Regal. Dr Caroline Taylor
on women, safety and justice, and she
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 8
Local Projects from
Colac and Corangamite Shires
To be provoked, entertained, made to think, angered, saddened, made to laugh. These are some of the
things that Theatre should offer.
I was invited to attend one of the final dress rehearsals of Metamorphosis. This play is a culmination of
seven months work by a dedicated team of people, led by Noelle Taylor, who have together developed a
sensitive, poignant, challenging and very moving piece of theatre with music. Writer, Julianne O’Brien,
has developed the script from the many
stories shared by women from across the
South-Western region of Victoria. Perhaps
the knowledge that the script is based on
the true-life stories from women in our
community, heightens our emotions. Women
from all walks of life, from nine to ninety have
contributed.
Congratulations to the cast of 25 women
and men who skillfully handle the challenges
of the full range of emotions which
Metamorphosis demands. Some cast
members have experienced the stage before,
some have no prior experience. Together
they create a powerful performance.
The music composed by Jane Hammond is
stunning. The three-piece band including the
eerie sound of crystal healing bowls, the words Peter Gstrein, Paulie Harrowfield, Val Powell,
sung by some very talented singers, Mike Cosgriff, Yannai Morris and Tanya Stewart
gives the piece another dimension.
Sound, lighting and visual effects, and the simplistic nature of the set
design, props and costuming were all extremely effective.
Congratulations. This is a wonderful piece of community theatre and
a very successful health promotion project. If you enjoy theatre that
provokes and challenges the emotions, Metamorphosis is well worth
seeing and I have no hesitation is recommending it to you.
Rhonda Mahoney, Colac Players
Janine McLean
From left to right
Kim Robertson, Ryl Addison, Pauline van
Dyjk, Kay Whiddicomb, Simone Rethus and
Val Powell with Phoebe Yates in trolley Yannai Morris and Jenny Simons
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 9
Local Projects from
Southern Grampians and Glenelg Shires
Women’s Health in 2006 is surging towards industrious address. The full report is available on our website.
times in this area.
Women’s Health forums were held at RMIT Hamilton As we all know bush fires have raced uncontrollably
/Southern Grampians and at Winda-mara Aboriginal across our state over the last couple of months and in
Cooperative, Heywood/Glenelg in February. Areas this newsletter we see a fantastic photo of local rural
discussed included: women (from Tyrendarra - a small community just
• What keeps women healthy? out side Portland in the Glenelg Shire) playing their
• What makes them ill? important roles in fighting the destructive fires that were
• What should we focus on? so devastating to so much of our local area. We thank
• Service planning data statistics from the all concerned at the Portland Observer for allowing us
Australian Bureau of Statistics to reproduce their article and photo.
• Overview of Barwon South Western Regional
Women’s Health. The Southern Grampians Youth Network is bringing Jim
• Prioritising for the next three years. Stynes and the Reach Foundation to Hamilton on 4 & 5
The sessions were well attended and some beneficial July to deliver Heroes’ Days.
feedback was bought forward which will help assist in
prioritising for the 2006-2009 health plans. All Year 9 and 10 students in the Glenelg & Southern
Grampians region have the opportunity to attend
Plans for International Women’s Day celebrations across Heroes’ Day, along with young people who are not
the shires are well under way with grant applications in mainstream education, but have been identif ed by
coming from Heywood, Portland and the official launch partner organisations to attend. “All young people need
of our Workplace Wellbeing for Women Working in Rural to recognise the hero within themselves,” says Kaye
and Regional Community Health Settings Research Scholfield, Chair of the Southern Grampians Youth
Report, being included in these celebrations at Casterton Network. “An opportunity like this can be a turning point
Memorial Hospital. and set their future direction.”
In 2003 the Women’s Health Resource Workers from the
I will be commencing 12 months maternity leave as of
Barwon South Western Region developed a Women and
mid March and have much delight in announcing my
Work Place Wellbeing Research Project in collaboration
replacement Ms Pauline McGee. Pauline has joined us
with Victoria University – School of Psychology.
from Moyne health service. Pauline has over 20 years
In 2004 a number of Focus Group discussions, with experience in Community Health and has played key
women working in Community Health Settings, were parts in establishing many health promotion initiatives
undertaken. The aim of the research was to examine across our region for women in rural settings, these
the perceptions of factors that affect (either hinder or including postnatal depression support and Jean
support) women’s workplace wellbeing in Community Hailles – Menopause training options. I wish her all
Health settings, in both regional and rural areas of the the very best for the next twelve months and my only
Barwon South West. concern is that I will not get to work with and learn
from her. I feel she will be a great asset for the Barwon
The findings that have arisen from the research have
South West Regional Women’s Health service and
been divided into ten themes. These are:
Portland District Health in general. - Good luck Pauline.
· Work/Personal/Family Balance
· Stress/Workload I would also like to thank the myriad of services that I
· Challenge/Connectedness/Stimulation have had the opportunity to network with over the last two
· Resources and a quarter years especially the Southern Grampians
· The nature of the Work and Glenelg Primary Care Partnership, RMIT, the LLEN,
· Social/Health Activities youth sector agencies, Family Violence agencies, and my co-
· Interpersonal/Team issues workers. It is extremely difficult to work as a sole worker in
· Rural Work a service and Glenda, Liz, Rochelle and Noelle have been
· Flexibility a fantastic support. I wish you all well over the next twelve
· Support months.
Approximately 30 people were in attendance, enjoying
Victorian Health services Commissioner Beth Wilson’s Lynda
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 10
Developing a 'Parent to Parent' Guide for
Parents of Adolescents with a Disability
Parents Experiences Wanted
Deakin University is developing a guide for the parents of adolescents with a disability. Rather than a
guide written by ‘experts’ for parents, the Project Team at Deakin University are attempting to provide a
guide derived from the experience of parents who have ‘been there, done that’ i.e. a guide for parents by
parents.
Background
A “Parent to Parent” guide for parents of adolescents with a disability is being developed due to the
overwhelming success of the resource book “Parent to Parent, Raising your child with special needs,
Ages 0-13 years” (Jones, Savage, Bailey, Bound, Boyd, & Lavery, 2003).
Parents of adolescents with a disability face many challenges. As well as the issues related to the specific
disability, challenges may include issues that relate to the parents of adolescents in general, such as
developing independence, relationships with
Research has indicated that when individuals are involved in community-based programs they are more
likely to change behaviours that negatively impact on their health. The overall aim of this project is to
involve parents of adolescents with a disability in the development of a new resource aimed at promoting
their well-being by providing them with information about their child’s behaviour, mental and physical
wellbeing, and information about coping strategies and useful resources.
This will lead to:
• A greater understanding of how to deal with adolescent challenges;
• A reduction in levels of stress for parents and adolescents with a disability;
• A decrease in reliance on formal carer support services; and
• A strengthening of capacity to continue in the caring role.
The Project Team at Deakin University would like to interview parents who are willing to be involved and
share what they have learned for the benefit of other parents in similar a position. They are particularly
interested in interviewing parents who are experienced carers and who have developed effective coping
skills in caring for their adolescent children. The Project Team are interested in speaking to parents of
adolescents who may have physical, cognitive or intellectual disabilities. For the purposes of this project
an adolescent can be in the age range of 12 - 25 years.
The Project Team are interested in interviewing parents who have had to overcome obstacles such as the
management of challenging behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and juvenile justice.
Project Team
The project team is Associate Professor Susan Bailey, Dr. Sally Savage, Research Fellow and Project
Manager Helen Fennessy, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Science, Deakin University. A project
reference group will oversee and advise the project. This group comprises members from DHS, various
agencies providing services to family carers including support services for carers of children and young
people with disabilities and Deakin University.
Contact
If you are interested parents who live in the Barwon South West Region respond
to Helen Fennessy by email or phone and recruitment material can then be distributed
for parents who are happy to volunteer.
For further information about the project please contact Helen Fennessy on (03) 52278418 on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays or email fennessy@deakin.edu.au
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 11
Invitation to contribute WHOLEWOMAN NEWS
DEADLINE
Our next edition, for which contributions are being sought,
is the Women’s Sport and Recreation edition in September
. Please note that the May Newsletter
will be a special annual report edition
Please direct letters to the Editor or any information to one of of Wholewoman News and will feature
the team. Following are our contact details:
a calendar and a report to the womn
of the Barwon South West about the
Women’s Health Resource Workers various achievements of the Women’s
Liz Murphy: Greater Geelong, Queenscliff & Surfcoast Health Program over the previous 12
(Area 1) months. As such we will be accepting
Belmont Community Health Centre articles for the September edition,
1-17 Reynolds Road Belmont for which the deadline will be 28 July
Email: LIZMUR@BarwonHealth.org.au 2006.
Telephone: 5260 3719 Fax: 5260 3780 EDITORIAL POLICY
Noelle Taylor: Colac Otway and Corangamite (Area 2) The newsletter focuses on issues and
events of relevance to women’s health
Colac Area Health
and wellbeing. Contributions need to
2-28 Connor Street, Colac
reflect the empowerment emphasis of the
Email: noelle@wholewoman.org.au Women’s Health Program.
Telephone: 5232 5147 Fax: 5232 5190
DISCLAIMER
Lynda Smith and Pauline McGee: Southern Grampians No responsibility is taken for the information
and Glenelg (Area 3) found in this publication, which is adapted
Portland District Health from material sent from a variety of
33 Otway Street Portland contributors. The views expressed are not
Email: lynda@wholewoman.org.au necessarily those of the Resource Workers
Telephone: 5522 1180 Fax: 5523 5130 or the Barwon South Western Regional
Women’s Health Reference Group.
Rochelle Campbell: Warrnambool & Moyne (Area 3)
South West Community Health Centre Subscription Information
279 Koroit St, Warrnambool
Name: ...................................................
Email: rochelle@wholewoman.org.au
Telephone: 5564 4193 Fax: 5563 1561 Position title: .........................................
Helen Chapman: Warrnambool & Moyne (Area 3)
South West Community Health Centre Organisation: ........................................
279 Koroit St, Warrnambool
Address:................................................
Email: helen@wholewoman.org.au
Telephone: 5564 4188 Fax: 5563 1561 ..............................................................
Tel: ...................Mob: ............................
Email:....................................................
I would like to receive the Newsletter
Please send this form to:
Administrative Secretary
Barwon-South Western Regional
Women’s Health
The Barwon South Western Regional Women’s Health 2-28 Connor Street,
Resource Workers: Lynda Smith, Noelle Taylor, Liz COLAC VIC 3250
Murphy and Rochelle Campbell in front of some of the or email details to:
artwork inspired by the Metamorphosis Project at COPACC. newsletter@wholewoman.org.au
Wholewoman News, Number 11, March 2006 Page 12