UTHSAC Annual Report 2017-2018

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7460

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Annual Report

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2017/2018

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Our Mission

To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as well as safer communities through prevention and education.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

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Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.

Our Values

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Our Vision

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Contents Chairpersons Report.................................................................................... 1 Organisation Chart....................................................................................... 3 Chief Executive Officer Report................................................................. 5 Administration Department Report...................................................... 7 Practice Managers Report......................................................................... 9

Clinic Report.................................................................................................11 Healthy for Life Program Report...........................................................11

Drug and Alcohol Services Report.......................................................17

Counselling Support Report...................................................................21 Social and Emotional Well-being/Bring Them Home Report...23 Alcohol and Other Drug Therapists Report......................................25 Mental Health Services Report..............................................................27 Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program Report.............................23 Activities Coordinator Report................................................................31 Feedback........................................................................................................37 Grievance & Dispute Resolution Policy..............................................39

P.O. Box 166, Lot 8, Umoona Road Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Phone: 08 8672 5255 Fax: 08 8672 3349 e-mail: umoona@uths.com.au web: www.uths.com.au

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Chairpersons Report is completely satisfied that there was no conflict of Interest or breach of the code of conduct is found in relation to the matters raised. This was communicated to all Members of the Corporation in November 2017’.

It is with great pleasure that I present you the Directors Report and Audited Financial Statements of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHS) for the 2017’/2018’ Financial Year.

During the last AGM in 2017’ certain matters were raised by Members of the Corporation, which were investigated by an Independent Examiner.

Based on the findings of the Independent Investigators report and also considering the briefing from the investigator, the UTHS board

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

I am pleased to inform you that the organisation has continued to receive funding for all programs as the previous year except for Tackling Indigenous Smoking (AHCSA) and Suicide Prevention (CSAPHN). The Board has been working closely with the CEO to give strategic direction to the organisation in terms of service delivery and the expansion of existing programs.

There was also an Open Day held in August 2018’ to showcase the services offered to the community by Umoona Health, which was a successful event, based on the positive feedback received from community members.

The Board also communicates on a Quarterly basis with the Accountants of the organisation to get an independent perspective that all is well with the organisations finances. This is in addition to the Reports produced to the Board by the CEO and Business Services Manager, who are doing a tremendous job with managing the Umoona Health Budget and its Finances.

There have been visits to the organisation by the Department of Health, Department of Prime

Minister and Cabinet and Country SA PHN, who have met with the Board and Senior Management for program and funding related discussions.

These discussions have enabled Umoona Health to enhance their professional relationship with these organisations.

We are also pleased to inform you that the Board has been once again provided Governance Training, while the Secretary completed a Diploma of Business (Governance) and the CEO is currently enrolled in same. This is to ensure that we continue to incorporate a high standard of governance framework into all things we do at Umoona Health.

I also wish to inform you that the Board of Directors of UTHS have not received any monitory or non-monitory benefits in the capacity of being

Board of Directors

Board Members.

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the Board, CEO and all staff at UTHS for the commendable work they continue to do in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal People in Coober Pedy and surrounding Regions.

JOSIE WARRIOR Chairperson

RAELENE DODD Vice Chairperson

PATRICK LARKINS Director

DEAN WALKER Director

MICHAEL LIPTSEY Director

KATRINA WILLIAMS Director

PRISCILLA LARKINS CEO

DILSHAN PERERA Secretary

Josephine Warrior Chairperson

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Organisation Chart Umoona Tjatagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7460

UTHSAC Board CEO Executive Assistant

Practice Manager

Hygiene Worker Female

Medical Receptionist

Hygiene Worker Male

Assist medical Receptionist

Clinic Manager

H4L Coordinator

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

Transport Officer

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

Aboriginal Health worker

Trainee Aboriginal Health Worker (female)

Aboriginal Health Worker (Female) Aboriginal Health Worker / Transport Ofiicer

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Business Services Manager

DAS Manager

Aboriginal Health Worker (Male)

Registered Nurse

Counsellor

Aboriginal Health Worker

Aboriginal Health Worker

Night Worker

Substance Missed use worker

Mental Health Nurse

D&A Therapist

Child and Maternal Health Support Worker

D&A Therapist

Suicide Prevention Worker (Social)

Trainee Aboriginal Health Worker (Male)

A.H Worker (Casual)

DAS Program Coordinator

TIS Program Officer

SEWB /BTH Coordinator

SNR Aboriginal Health Worker (Female)

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Senior Accountant

Accountant

Admin Support Officer Admin Support Officer

Health Promotions Officer \Receptionist Admin Support Officer (DAS)

Facilities Officer/ Program Coordinator

IT & Communicare Support

Cleaner

Facilities Officer

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Chief Executive Officer Report Welcome to the 2017 /18 Annual General Meeting

I am pleased to report good news about the ongoing health outcomes for Umoona Tjutagku Health Service. Not only do we enjoy good health by global standards, but we are also seeing significant improvements in healthy behaviours— smoking rates are continuing to improve with the support from the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Officer and Aboriginal Health Council staff. Adults have become more active and responsive taking up the exercise program that’s available and the men’s bush camps. Rates of childhood and adult health checks have improved with more and more clients accepting support. All these factors are having a positive effect on the health and wellbeing of Umoona Health clients and are contributing to our 5 year strategic plan to promote wellbeing and advanced good health.

Mental health, substance misuse and violence has become a worrying element in our society, affecting individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

Alcohol is often implicated a reminder of the

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

widespread social impacts of alcohol misuse. There have been small but meaningful improvements in the health of Indigenous people over the past decade—the life expectancy gap appears to have narrowed by one year and declining death rates for diabetes, injuries and cardiovascular disease in particular, are contributing to better outcomes.

We still have a long way to go but with ongoing health promotion and education within our sector will someday improve the lives of our people. Tobacco smoking has diminished a little for Indigenous people in some communities but the decreases are not widespread. We need to do more to address this problem and its debilitating outcomes such as lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease. It is essential to maintain the focus and investment on improving health outcomes for Indigenous people if these issues are to be addressed. The solution lies in enhanced management in the Primary Health Care setting, more effective coordination within the health sector and innovative use of technology.

Being healthy and doing what we can to protect our health is vitally important—I know this is

a priority for many people. Good health brings benefits—it improves life’s satisfaction and allows people to enjoy a productive, active lifestyle.

A healthier population will reduce health system pressures. The Government continues in invest in millions of dollars over the coming years to assist people at higher risk of chronic disease to embark on a health changing journey to reduce their disease risk and live longer, healthier lives. This is just the beginning of that journey, we hope to see very positive changes over the next four years as a result of this investment. UTHSAC continues to work with local and external agencies and funding bodies to ensure better community engagement, better outcomes and culturally appropriate services for the community I look forward to working with the people of Coober Pedy and surrounding areas to achieve a healthier future for all.

Priscilla Larkins Chief Executive Officer

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Administration Department Report organisations Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy, but these matters were brought under control and it was business as usual within a very short space of time. This process of managing these existing and future risks to the organisation cost the organisation a considerable amount of money, but was necessary to ensure business continuity and the smooth functioning of the organisation.

Existing Policies have been strengthened and new Policies and Procedures have been put in place to minimise such incidents occurring in future.

I am pleased to present the Admin Report for the 2018’ AGM. The 2017’/2018’ financial year, as the previous few years has brought a very challenging but rewarding experience to all at Umoona Health. In terms of the Human Resources assets I am pleased to inform you that the organisation is now functioning at full capacity after a turbulent 03rd and 04th Quarter in 2017. This period saw the exit of a few key personal due to serious breaches to the

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

The organisation is also at the final stages of finalising it’s new EBA for Aboriginal Health Workers, Social Workers and Admin Staff, with the EBA for Registered and Enrolled Nurses to be finalised shortly thereafter. The finalising of the Nursing EBA has been delayed due to reasons beyond the control of Umoona Health.

I am also pleased to inform you that we have been able to conduct Corporate Governance Training to the Board, CEO and Secretary during the past Financial Year. The Secretary also completed a Diploma of Business (Governance) and the CEO is currently following this course, which shows the commitment of the Board and Management to ensure the organisation works within a tight Governance framework. The organisation is

working towards upskilling Board Members to achieve such qualifications over the next two years and would expect any new Board Members to go this process as well, to ensure the Board upholds high Governance Standards in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction.

We are also pleased to inform you that Lee Green – Strategic Accountants have been appointed to provide the organisation Accounting/Finance/ Payroll support to Umoona Health for the next two years. The organisation has also appointed HLB Mann Judd as the Auditors for 2017’/2018’ & 2018’/2019’ Financial Years. To uphold an environment of transparency, the organisation now conducts two Financial Audits per year. This should give extra confidence to all stakeholders of the organisation in terms of it’s financial and risk management.

I wish to thank the Board, CEO, Management and staff of the organisation for assistance provided to bring this organisation to where it is today, and hope that we could take this organisation to greater heights in the coming years.

Dilshan Perera

Business Services Manager / Company Secretary

Admin Staff

PRISCILLA LARKINS CEO

SAUMYA SILVA Senior Accountant

DILSHAN PERERA Business Services Manager

CHATHURANG DIAS Accountant

PIUMI WIJEISNGHE Admin Support Officer

JAMES TUMAPANG Facilities Officer

YASIRU FERNANDO IT & Communicare Support Officer

DAMIEN RIESSEN Health Promotions Officer

MERCY LAYA Cleaner

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Practice Managers Report

UTHSAC provides Primary Health Care Services to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Coober Pedy. The clinical services are provided

by Locum Doctors, Allied Health professionals, Specialists, Registered Nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, and visiting Dental team. These services are coordinated by the Practice Manager, Clinical Manager, Medical Receptionist, Assistant Medical Receptionist and Transport Officer who make it

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possible to deliver the high quality of care in a professional manner.

GPs and nurses upload relevant information on to My Health Records.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service focuses on proactive health initiative, which emphases on promoting good health, reducing the impact of chronic disease, and improving care for people in the community. Whist there are certain barriers faced by the organisation in achieving these objectives, we have still managed to provide a high level of health care to all of our clients over the past year.

In the past year we have had several new Aboriginal Health Workers, Nurses and a Medical Receptionist who have joined our team and have excelled at their positions.

We ensure that our services are tailored to the needs of the people in the community to guarantee the effectiveness of the service delivery. Last year, the UTHS Clinic achieved excellent results in early detection and management of Chronic Diseases, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Health Screenings, Child Immunisation, Early Childhood Development and Prevention, etc.

Melani Jayasinghe

I take this opportunity to thank the Board, Management and staff of the organisation for the continuous support provided to us to deliver a high quality healthcare services in Coober Pedy.

Practice Manager

We take client confidentiality as a serious manner at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service. We use Communicare as our Client Management System and each staff member has levels of access according to their position. We have also endorsed My Health Records on to our daily processes, where

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Clinic Report Health Promotion Officer, and Transport Officers on a full time basis. These dedicated staff act as the backbone of the success of the clinic.

The UTHS Clinic provides clinical services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in order to assist them manage their health and lead a healthy life. The clinic cater to the current and transient population of Coober Pedy. The clinic renders appropriate and timely service to its clients through the dedicated staff on site and through home visits. The clinic has registered Nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, Medical Receptionists,

GP Services UTHS have had GP services every week during the past year to enable the clinic to render services to clients with various health concerns. We ensure that clients are booked for appointments well in advance

The Specialists and Allied Health Services

EPISODES OF CARE

UTHS Clinic provides allied health and specialist services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Coober Pedy. This includes Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist, Asthma Specialist, Hepatologist, Dentist, Optometrist, Audiologist, Podiatrist, Occupational Therapist, and Dietician. The specialists help the clinic to provide holistic health care to the clients. Through the use of our client management system, we ensure that relevant clients are seen by the request allied health and specialists on a timely manner.

16400 16200 16000 15800 15600 15400 15200 15000 14800 14600

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to give people the time needed to prepare for the appointments. However, our GPs and other health professionals always welcome walk-in clients when in need. Our GPs also assist when they are off-site via telephone when any of the staff members have any concerns regarding clients. The ongoing support by our GPs and the specialists enable the clinic to give appropriate and timely support and care to our clients with any type of need.

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

2016/2017

2017/2018

Chronic Disease Management Chronic disease management program focuses on clients that are diagnosed with a chronic condition.

The program helps the clients maintain their condition by providing medical support and education sessions to make them aware of their condition. Clients are eligible for a GP Care Plan under this program, and nurses/health workers follow that plan to achieve a better health outcome for the clients.

UTHS conducts the following clinics to caterer to the Chronic Disease Clients:

CARE PLANS 58 56 54 52 50 48

• Asthma Clinic

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• Diabetes Clinic

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• Cardiac Clinic • Liver Clinic • Women’s Clinic

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

2016/2017

2017/2018

Figure 1

• Men’s Clinic Each clinic is conducted by health professionals and UTHS staff who are trained in that respective field.

As demonstrated in Figure 1 the percentage of care plans conducted have drastically increased compared to the previous years. This indicated better and more comprehensive care for the chronic disease clients.

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Clinic Report ITC Program The Integrated Team Care (ITC) Activity is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program. ITC is formerly the Improving Indigenous Access to Mainstream Primary Health Program and Care Coordination and Supplementary Services Program.

Both programs have been integrated to deliver a coordinated team approach.

The purpose of Integrated Team Care is to: • Contribute to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic health conditions through better access to coordinated and multidisciplinary care; and • Contribute to closing the gap in life expectancy by improved access to culturally appropriate mainstream primary care services (including but not limited to general practice, allied health and specialists) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This program focuses on providing care coordination services to clients with a Chronic Disease. Clients with a current GP Care Plan are eligible for this program. This enables the clients to have better access to services provided in

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mainstream health. The program consists of a Care Coordinator and an Out-reach worker who liaise with the health professionals regarding clients who needs assistance and support. Eligible clients are provided medical aids and support in transportation services under this program.

Immunisation Program UTHS also provides clients with immunisations.

Registered nurses immunise child and adults according to the SA Immunisation Schedule. During the flu season, we run flu-vaccination clinics to ensure maximum number of clients are immunised against the flu.

In December 2017, UTHS conducted a three day Meningococcal vaccination clinics with the support of AHCSA. The target age group was 0 – 19 years of age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were in Coober Pedy at that time. It was quite a successful program as UTHS was able to immunise 200 children.

Outreach Services For clients who need close monitoring on a regular basis, UTHS staff conducts home visits to ensure they are maintaining their health. Some of the observations conducted are blood sugar tests,

blood pressure tests, hBA1c, etc. UTHS also conducts medication management for those who are unable to manage their daily dose of medication.

Other Services Provided at UTHSAC UTHS Pharmacy UTHS comprises of a well-stocked pharmacy making it easy for the clients when they are given prescriptions. Our registered nurses are training in dispensing medication and our transport officer delivers the medication when required to clients.

We have a strict policy around medication abuse and our doctors take this matter quite seriously.

At any given time our GPs have the right to refuse to prescription medication if they come to conclusion that a person is abusing medication.

Morning Shower For any clients attending the clinic who requires to have a shower, we have shower facilities available at the clinic. Clients are able to have a shower, wash their cloths and change into fresh cloths which are available in the shower block. The intention of this facility is to encourage clients to have a healthy life by prioritising hygiene as a main component to better health.

SA Pathology Services UTHS staff conduct investigation as required on clients and send the sample off to Adelaide to be assessed by SA Pathology. Whenever there is an abnormal result, it is brought to the attention of the GP, and the client are then registered for a review by the GP.

some travel, escort and accommodation costs when rural and remote South Australians travel over 100 kilometres each way to see a specialist, with the approval of the GP. Transport can be provided for clinical appointments and other UTHS programs for those who does not have a means of travel.

Clinic Staff

MELANI JAYASINGHE Practice Manager

SHERLY JOSE Clinic Manager

LAURA LARKINS Assistant Practice Manager

PATS (Patient Assistance Transport Scheme) The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) is a subsidy program that provides money to pay for

CARMEL AGRAZADA Team Leader

KRISTA CARBINE Medical Receptionist

MATHEW COTTER Transport Officer

SATINDER KAUR Registered Nurse

RACHEL NIKOLAU Assistant Medical Receptionist

PAULINE CROMBIE Aboriginal Health Worker

THERASA JOSEPH Registered Nurse

BEVERLY DUFFIN Aboriginal Health Worker

SIMON OTOOLE Aboriginal Health Worker

GARY CROMBIE Aboriginal Health Worker

MISHO MILLER Trainee Aboriginal Health Worker

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Healthy For Life Program Report relationships with the community. The H4L team continues to monitor the health outcomes of our clients using appropriate follow ups to enable us achieve positive health outcomes for our clients.

The Aboriginal Healthy For Life Program aims to: • Enhance the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic and complex illness • Improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers, babies and children • Improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and boys

• Reduce the incidence of adult chronic illness over time • Improve the long term health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Healthy for Life team includes Clinical Staff and Support Staff: Ramazan Hassani - Healthy For Life Coordinator Trish Turner - Registered Nurse Phyllis Lindsay - Child and Maternal Health Support Worker Robert Hele - Senior Aboriginal Health Worker

Glenys Dodd - Senior Aboriginal Health Worker

• Chronic, complex and aged care

Alan Dodd - Aboriginal Health Worker

• Women’s and Girls health program.

The team assists by:

Healthy for Life will continue to work closely with the community to help keep everyone in good health. We can only provide successful programs and services with the aid of our member services and client’s participation. We have daily programs in place for both men and women, we also have gym facilities with a qualified instructor who can guide anyone wanting to lose weight or gain muscle.

Anyone with a health concern is welcome to call us or stop by Healthy for Life for a consultation.

• Meeting in the family home or other preferred location place to have a friendly chat about health issues • Providing a link to health professionals, doctors or specialists • Arranging regular health checks • Arranging transport to health appointments.

The program has an emphasis on: • Men’s and boy’s Health Program

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service aims to deliver the best practice for the community it resides in. with the help of the clients who must actively be involved and willing to participate in the numerous programs/activities, we deliver a wide range of services to promote healthy living. The healthy for life team visits clients in the community and talk to them to determine what works for them and how they are going with their health. Our outreach and community visiting has increased the availability of services and has promoted trust and ongoing

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

• Mums, bubs and kids health and wellbeing

Healthy For Life Staff

RAMAZAN HASSSNI Assistant Healthy for life Manager

TRISH TUNNER Registered Nurse

PHILLIS LINDSAY Child and Maternal Health Support Worker

Ramazan Hassani

Assistant Manager Healthy for Life

GLENYS DODD Senior Aboriginal Health Worker

ROBERT HELE Senior Aboriginal Health Worker

ALAN DODD Aboriginal Health Worker

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Drug and Alcohol Services Report Key methodologies utilised include individual case management, group therapies and educational sessions.

Ongoing programs that take place are the Breakfast and Hygiene Program, Music Program, Art and Craft Group, structured Bush Trips, Bush Camps, Women’s and Men’s Healthy Cooking, Gym Sessions, Gardening and Youth Sports Program.

Our staff includes the below people: Nava Rathugamage - Assistant Manager Drug and Alcohol Services Suhara Perera - Counsellor Geevar Pau - Mental Health Registered Nurse Joyleen Pollard - Social and Emotional Wellbeing Support Worker DAS promotes a holistic, and innovative approach in collaboration with other front line professional services to provide a culturally appropriate rehabilitation service in a non-residential setting.

We focus on a three tiered approach:

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1.

Harm minimisation

2.

Supply reduction

3.

Demand reduction

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Piumi Wijesinghe - Receptionists/Admin Support Delesh Perera - Activities Coordinator Michael Liptsey - Aboriginal Health Worker Matthew Crombie - AH Mental Health Worker/ Aboriginal Health Worker Katrina Williams - Aboriginal Health Worker Don Hettiarachchi - Drug & Alcohol Therapist Shana Kumarasiri - Female AOD Therapist

Shane Athukorala - After Hours Mental Health (Social Worker) Matthew Lynch - Aboriginal Health Worker Annette Gilbey - Female Hygiene Worker Cynthia Dodd - Aboriginal Health Worker, Hygiene Worker Ernest Warrior - Dunijiba Substance Misuse Worker Volunteers: Charmaine Dodd, Rovina Williams, Elfreda Van horen, Jennifer Williams and many more. We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all our Volunteers.

We had a productive and purposeful year with number of educational sessions and special events including NAIDOC Week, Apology Day, Mental Health Week, Drug Forum, Harmony Day and some PITSTOP Programs for men and women as well.

Highlights of the year included:

Drug and Alcohol Forum

All the active agencies in Coober Pedy were present to make this event a success and also Foot Steps, DASA and ACHSA participated in this event. There were around 50-60 participants including community members that were present. The forum was mainly focused on how to minimise the usage of drug and alcohol in the community working as a team.

Men’s Camp

Apology Day

Umoona Mamaku Men’s group emerged out of recognition of unmet needs and needs among our local men in the Coober Pedy and surrounding areas. Mamaku Men’s Group is a community and culturally driven program which provides a safe way for Aboriginal men to come together to support each other. Location was in Kingoonya, 17 men participated. Many discussions were covered related to drug and alcohol, health care and social and emotional wellbeing around the campfire. In this environment the young men were more open to talk about harm minimisation, early intervention and drug and alcohol information. This was a great time where meaningful interactions were conducted while the participants were site seeing, bush walking, bush cooking, hunting and assisting with chores.

National Apology Day event was very successful.

Venue was at the Coober Pedy oval. The event was made very colourful with the Emu dance and a song sang by the community members. Few other activities including sorry day speech, BBQ lunch, soccer match and a cricket match were held as a part of the sorry day program.

NAIDOC Week DAS team organised few events under NAIDOC Week celebrations. An art exhibition held on the Monday of that week at Drug and Alcohol Centre as a start of the week full of activities. Men’s Bush Trip, a soccer match at Prominent Hill Mine and a photo booth event were held during the week and last day we organised a soccer match and a Disco for kids with dinner at United Club.

Dunjiba Substance Misuse Program Renovated the building with the help from Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. It has been a benefit to clients as it is closer to the main road and services. Team has been working closely with other community organisations (specially with the health clinic) to tackle the alcohol and drug problems in Oodnadatta. Services provided this year include: Support Groups, individual Counselling and Crisis Intervention. At the Oodnadatta School we have developed sessions on Quit Smoking, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, the effect of alcohol on the brain.

Breakfast Program The Breakfast Program is offered every weekday morning in the Drug and Alcohol Centre activities

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Drug and Alcohol Services Report room from 9:00 am – 10.00 am. It is available to any client. We serve a simple nutritious menu. Feeding a nutritious breakfast increases their nutrition intake, and overall health while decreasing obesity, discipline problems, decreased daily intake of fat as a percentage of calories, decreased obesity and blood cholesterol levels, decreases the risk for cardiovascular disease.

GYM Session

Arts & Craft

During the past year we had two well attended Men’s PITSTOP programs and three women’s PITSTOP programs.

DAS arts and crafts program has been running well for the past year. This program focuses to build social capital by boosting individuals ability and motivation to be engaged, as well as building organisational capacity for effective action. This is specifically accomplished by creating a venue that draws people together who would otherwise not be engaged in constructive social activity, fostering trust between participants and thereby increasing their generalised trust of others.

Gym Program been running well last year. It’s available for the clients five days a week. Targeting young/adult people around sport/fitness, but also mentoring possibilities and information as an early intervention Drug and Alcohol approach.

PITSTOP

This year DAS Counsellor qualified as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. This achievement expand the service delivery to Aboriginal clients where they can access to therapeutic counselling support under Medicare.

DAS uses creative, flexible and innovative ways to engage with clients. Highlighted by Men’s and Women’s Bush Trips where clients and staff camp around billabongs, and whilst engaged in eating and discussion. We developed effective strategies to reduce the harm of drugs and alcohol, whilst giving the body a rest in tranquil surroundings and finding ways to live purposefully without the dominance of alcohol and drugs.

We work closely with UTHSAC Clinic and UTHSAC Healthy for Life. And we have a collaborative

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

approach in regard to programs and has worked closely with Red Cross, Uniting Care Wesley, AFSS, SAOPOL, Correctional services, Housing SA, GPs, Psychiatrists, Health SA, Youth workers, SA Education Department, Umoona Community Council (especially MAPS and Sobering Up Unit), Coober Pedy Hospital and Umoona Aged Care.

Drug and Alcohol Service Staff

NAVANJANA RATHUGAMAGE Assistant DAS Manager

SUHARA PERERA Counsellor

GEEVAR PAUL Mental Health Registered Nurse

MICHAEL LIPTSEY Aboriginal Health Worker

Referrals are made to Footsteps Road to Recovery and following discharge planning, clients are better equipped to live an alcohol and drug free life.

This has been a great year and gratitude goes to the staff of UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol Service for their hard work and commitment for our programs.

Thank you also to our funders, our CEO and the Board for giving staff of the Robin Walker Drug and Alcohol Centre the opportunity to make a difference in this community and people’s lives.

Nava Rathugamage

DON SANJAYA HETTIARACHILAGE Drug & Alcohol Therapist

SHANE ATHUKORALA After Hours Mental Health (Social Worker)

SHANA KUMARASIRI Drug & Alcohol Therapist

MATTHEW LYNCH Aboriginal Health Worker

JOYLEEN POLLARD SEWB-BTH Worker Receptionist

KATRINA WILLIAMS Aboriginal Health Worker

DELESH PERERA Activities Coordinator

Assistant Manager Drug and Alcohol Services

ERNEST WARRIOR Dunijiba Substance Misuse Worker

ANNETTE GILBEY Female Hygiene Worker

CYNTHIA DODD Aboriginal Health Worker, Hygiene Worker

MATTHEW CROMBIE AH Mental Health Worker/Aboriginal Health Worker

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Counselling Support Report The type of counselling we offer to our clients varies in location & approach, and is tailored to the individual person. We will interview and assess clients in regards to drug & alcohol use and commodity issues as it assists to develop appropriate ways in achieving optimal outcomes and selfdetermination for people. UTHSAC Counselling Program also accepts and provides referrals to other communities and health organisations for the benefit of our clients.

During the period 1st of July 2017 to 30th June 2018 994 individual counselling interviews were held at UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol Services and these services have been delivered through home visits and Drug and Alcohol Programs.

The UTHSAC Drug & Alcohol Counselling service assists Aboriginal clients with drug and alcohol and comorbidity issues. The program offers a range of support through counselling including: Providing harm reduction support, offer advice and education on effects of AOD use, early and brief intervention support, home visits, case management, link client to AOD Treatment Programs, assist people to enter residential rehabilitation, withdrawal centres and counselling to manage their drug and alcohol issues.

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The primary purpose of the Drug and Alcohol counsellor is to provide clients with useful strategies for dealing with life’s challenges in ways that enhance clients’ health and wellbeing. Counselling also assists clients to look at why they are using drugs, using alcohol and address any associated issues. Some of the common outcomes of the services are clients have been refereed to Footsteps Road to Recovery Residential Rehabilitation Centre in Port Augusta with good effect and clients use alcohol at low risk levels. Counselling services are mainstream for local Aboriginal people as well as to transient clients.

Many clients have been self-referred and have reduced their alcohol consumption. Often counselling services are promoted by engagement with clients in our UTHSAC Programs including: Hygiene, Breakfast Program and DAS Men’s and Women’s Programs. Clients then attend more intense Harm Minimisation Programs and Interventions. Many referrals have been received from the Department of Correctional Services, General Practitioners, Family members, Courts, Complete Personnel, Uniting County SA and other local agencies.

The most common referrals received are drug and alcohol issues, find employment, provide emotional support and comorbidity & health issues. Ongoing counselling support was supportive towards positive outcomes for some of the clients in finding employment and take preventive actions towards any health risks.

UTHSAC counselling services is determined to empower clients to take control of their lives and gain greater confidence and self-determination.

Specialist drug and alcohol counsellors have extensive training and substantial experience treating drug and alcohol-related concerns. We will support clients with effective management

strategies, achievable short and long-term goals, and techniques to maintain long-term improvements in their AOD use, relationships and lifestyle. We will be focusing to deliver motivational and strength based support to assist Aboriginal clients with complex and diverse AOD needs.

Focused Psychological Strategies Services This year DAS counsellor qualified as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. This achievement expand the service delivery to Aboriginal clients where they can access to therapeutic counselling support under Medicare.

This will be highlighted as a great achievement to Umoona Tjutagku Health Service.

Suhara Perera

Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

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Social and Emotional Wellbeing/Bring Them Home Report separated under the past policies and practices of the Australian Government. Assistance is also provided to people who have been adopted, fostered or raised in institutions.

Under the leadership and management support provided by the SEWB/BTH Coordinator, SEWB have an experienced and proud team that works well between, Counsellor, Substance Misuse Workers, Aboriginal Health Workers and Clinicians to care, support, treat and assist in the recovery of clients.

Services provided by the SEWB/BTH Program includes: • Provide counselling support including: Narrative Therapy, Grief and Loss Counselling, Motivational interviewing, Person Centred Therapy and Anger Management Counselling Social and Emotional Wellbeing/Bring Them Home(SEWB/BTH) program aims to identify the needs for culturally specific services that take into consideration their holistic concept of health, their spiritual and cultural belief and the contexts of their lives.

We provide family tracing (Link ups), reunion and counselling services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families who have been

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

• Assist and refer clients to UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol Services and other local service providers in Coober Pedy • Assist and organise Bringing Them Home Link Up Projects • Liaise with Mental Health Clinicians: Coordinate 3 monthly Psychiatrist Clinics and organise face to face appointments or by Telepsychiatry

• Organise cultural activities, Yarning Circles and programs • Support and resilience • Provide case management and coordination support • Psychiatrist Clinic • Advocating on behalf of individuals, families or groups.

Psychiatrist Service The psychiatry service provides mental health care within a culturally safe environment. We provided mental health consultations sessions to our clients through visiting Psychiatrists Dr Michael Edwards and Dr Adriana Lattanzio throughout the year.

Forty-seven clients have been referred to Psychiatrist.

Stolen Generation Project The project aims to provide an opportunity to heal the impacts of intergenerational trauma. This project will be producing an exceptional outcomes for the community, including: Overcoming social isolation and building social cohesiveness; Providing a good

foundation and strengthening the relationship between and members and their lost culture; Demonstrate a viable way of living and dealing with trauma; Overcome social isolation and building social cohesiveness, through yarning sessions with stolen generation members; Sharing stories and ventilation of feelings will be healing the future generation.

Healing camps/workshops and healing gatherings also will be providing additional support successfully complete the project. In the past year, we had a very successful Healing Camp. 17 Men participated and lot of educational topics have been covered.

awareness, transformative relationships that involve mentoring, peer connection and role and leadership and a space that is safe for healing, creativity, enjoyment and goal setting. These programs provide a passage for many clients/family’s from social and emotional turmoil and a feeling of failure into a very different and positive way of seeing themselves and their potential as they engage more effectively with various opportunities in their lives.

It’s so positive and encouraging seeing the changes within the client’s life and the effects those positive changes have on their family as well.

We offer the clients flexible opportunities for discovering and celebrating their Cultural

We are determined to empower clients to take control of their lives and gain greater confidence and self-determination. The chief role we have is to encourage, strengthen and assist Aboriginal clients in the coming years ahead to overcome their Social and Emotional wellbeing issues. Thank you to our funders, CEO and Board for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

Joyleen Pollard

Social & Emotional Wellbeing / Bring Them Home Worker

• Facilitate Women’s Programs

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Alcohol and Other Drug Therapists Report drugs, arning Circles, Group Activities, Bush Trips and Camps, Men’s and Women’s Changing Tracks, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and other client based therapeutic programs. These programs are designed and developed by AOD Therapists to counter the effects of substance abuse and to give our clients the best chance to overcome addiction in a nonresidential setting. Referrals are made for the clients who require residential rehabilitation facilities.

The UTHS Drug and Alcohol Therapeutic Program provide a range of services to the community as there’s an increased demand to drug and alcohol treatments. The main scope of this program is to reduce Drug and Alcohol related issues of the indigenous and non-indigenous Clients in the community.

UTHS Drug and Alcohol Therapeutic program provides extensive case management support by working along with other pertinent agencies in Coober Pedy to achieve better outcomes to clients’ treatment.

The programs continue to include gender specific harm minimisation programs, specialist counselling support for people affected by alcohol and other

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

In addition, this program designed for those who are not yet ready for residential rehabilitation, are currently waiting on admission to a residential

1200

During the period of 1st of July 2017 to 30th June 2018 drug and alcohol services conducted.

1000

Target – According Funding Agreement Actual – Services Delivered According to Communicare Data.

800 600 400 200 0

TARGET

ACTUAL AOD TREATMENT SESSIONS

AOD COUNSELING SESSION

service, have other work and family commitments, exiting correctional services or may have existing legal issues in relation to drug or alcohol misuse (such as probation and parole).

We are building up strategies for the future by redesigning our programs as required to ensure decline in AOD Misuse. Focused meetings with the participation of the relevant agencies in Coober

Pedy are considered contemplatively when redesigning the programs These programs extensively assist clients with their hierarchal needs Individual attention is critical, so every client is assigned to a primary caseworker on intake, ensuring that they receive valuable one-onone time and that an individual treatment plan is developed that meets their unique needs.

We wish to extend our services by generating constructive report in the community. Upcoming programs for the UTHS Drug and Alcohol will be the Drug forum, Focus meetings and AOD therapeutic educational sessions. We are determined to empower the clients to take control of their lives with self-confidence and deal with complications though self-management.

Don Hettiarachchige Drug and Alcohol Therapist

Shana Kumarasiri Drug and Alcohol Therapist

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Mental Health Services Report Alcohol Day Centre. Our mission is to ensure te well-being of every individual who are directly or indirectly affected by mental health problems. We have empowered many lives through our programs to lead a happy life, to cope with stresses of life and to work productively and fruitfully to make a contribution to their own community.

Mental Health team consists of Mental Health RN,

Social worker and Aboriginal Health worker. We provide a client centred, culturally appropriate and holistic mental health services to the people of Coober Pedy and surrounding places.

The alcohol abuse and substance misuse has been a major cause of mental illness in our community and are much more likely to develop mental illnesses than those who don’t. Mental illness remains a significant contributor to disability, reduced productivity and suffering in our community as in everywhere.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Services (UTHS) has incorporated ‘The Mental Health Services and After Hours Mental Health Services’ in its Drug and

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

The functions of Mental health team in our community is that we provide holistic, culturally appropriate client centered Mental Health services.

Our services includes:

Improve Access to Primary Mental Health Services Remoteness should never be a barrier to our community,our clients are encouraged to get the benefits our services from Psychiatrists, trained mental health team, and expert general practitioners along with clinic team. We have provided comprehensive mental health assessment and GP mental health care planning, crisis intervention and risk assessment to our clients.

Referral Services Our clients have been referred to various internal and external services. We conduct psychiatry clinics once in every 3 months. A credentialled Mental Health Social Worker and AOD Therapist are meeting our client counselling sessions apart from mental health team. We do refer clients to other local and regional regional for follow ups and rehabilitation eg: Community Mental Health Services, Foot Steps.

We utilise the services of Rural and Remote Mental Health Services and Telepsychiatry Consultation to overcome physical barriers of remoteness. We have received referrals post discharge from Mental Health Hospitals as well as from Correctional Facilities to improve the quality of life.

Therapeutic Services We perform home visits to administer medications such depots, deliver webster packs, welfare checks, client education and counselling. We monitor high risk clients regularly for mood, suicidality and self harm tendencies to ensure client safety.

Health Promotion We have conducted many Group Programs and Bush Trips to get engaged with clients and their families to evoke wellbeing and harmony. We do

educate them through our goal oriented activities to seek help in times of need by overcoming social stigma. We utilise ‘Healthy For Life’ Programs to educate them on living skills and healthy cooking.

Regular health checkups have been performed to monitor mentabolic disorders. Our clients have given access to Gym Programs to make them

active and occupied. We promoted harm reduction strategies through Breakfast Program. Program posters and website notifications have been developed to ensure the community is informed.

Educational and promotional activites have been conducted at the school.

Liaison We work hand in hand with primary health care providers of Coober Pedy such as UTHSAC Clinic and Coober Pedy Hospital and Community Health Centre with the aim of closing the gap. Our clients have benefited from liaison with welfare and justice systems such as Centacare, Red Cross, Department of Correctional Services(DCS), South Australia Police (SAPOL).

Geevar Paul

Mental Health Registered Nurse

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Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program Report 12-week cycle that provides various educational sessions which includes: • Youth Soccer Program – Kids aged 10- 19 years • Gym Session - Youth aged 19 and above and adults as well after getting GP’s clearance • Bush Trip (Men & Women) • Music Program • Arts & Craft • Pamper Day for Pregnant Mothers • Men’s / Women’s PITSOP including Video Visual, Gym Sessions, Men’s Bush Trip, Open Day Programs, GP Support in support of good health choices for clients.

Umoona Health Services have been an active and Through the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program in the past year has given particular emphasis to smoking cessation. This has included a focus on prevention and early intervention regarding the uptake of tobacco smoking with young people and further supporting smoking cessation in the community. Smoking session as one of the most important facts in educating the young/adult clients in our community. The Quit Smoking Program is a

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

During the past year we had Quit Smoking Sessions with Coober Pedy Area School (once a month) and Oodnadatta School with different age groups which was very successful. Protecting children from the harmful effects of tobacco and helping smokers to quit smoking. To give youth and adults a voice in issues that affect them. Give decision-making power, make the project a fun, meaningful opportunity to build new skills and experiences; Provide a safe and positive environment; Encourage youth and adult partnerships; Provide opportunities for reflection

and adults personally and publicly; Promoting the message and provide information on quit smoking in local languages. We get local community leaders involved in our programs and through them we get others to get involved. Through audio visual, men’s, women’s, and youth programs, skill development, educational programs get them involved in forums, asking them to give the country speech or the opening speech on any local program.

The new introduction of harm reduction programs has reduce the health, social and economic costs of smokers and they are restricted to strategies such as smokeless tobacco products for those individuals who are unable or unwilling to eliminate nicotine use (inveterate smokers). Inveterate smokers are benefited from the addition of further harm reduction strategies from the information we provide the importance of screening for smoking related cancers and acting promptly when symptoms appear. UTHS Quit Smoking Cessations for young adults, particularly among social smokers, is both a challenge and an opportunity. The majority of young adult smokers identified themselves as social smokers.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has a non-smoking policy that is reinforced to all staff, all clients and all

visitors to the health service. UTHS CLINIC, DAS, and Healthy for Life are non-smoking zones.

These smoking bans have been have made because: • Protects the health and safety of staff and service user • Supports Quit Smoking • Supportive health promotion practice provide opportunities for people to avoid second-hand smoke • Implement important reduction in many people’s exposure to second-hand smoke • Create more supportive environment for those who have quit.

During the whole period through our various programs there was a significant decrease in clients smoking and demand to engage in Anti-Smoking Activities/Campaigns.

The TIS Program will not be conducted after this financial year due to government funding.

Delesh Perera

Tackling Indigenous Smoking Officer

and feedback; Acknowledge the efforts of youth

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Activities Coordinator Report but was surprised by Females attendance as well) in attempt to keep them off the streets, drugs and alcohol, keeping them motivated and to also learn how to use their Fingers by playing different Instruments such as a bass guitar, drums, rhythm guitar, lead guitar and the harmonica. The clients who participated also learnt to make their own music which motivated them to keep participating in this program and deter from other harmful activities. The Music Program would happen once or twice a week depending on attendances and client behaviors.

Arts & Craft UTHSAC Activities coordinator works with Drug and Alcohol Services team, coordinating all the activities in DAS. Past year was very busy and productive. We have delivered number of activities including Harm Minimization, Arts and Crafts, Youth Sports Program, Healthy cooking, Gardening, Men’s and Women’s Bush Trips, Healing Camps and number of Community Events.

The DAS Arts and Crafts Program mainly focus on the Social and emotional wellbeing of the clients.

Boosting individual’s ability and motivation to be engaged, as well as building organizational capacity for effective action. This is specifically accomplished by creating a venue that draws people together.

Fostering trust among participants and thereby increasing their generalized trust of others.

Highlighted Programs of the Year

Arts events may be a source of pride for residents in their community by increasing their sense of connection to that community. Providing an experience for participants to learn technical

Harm Minimization/Music Program The aim of the Music Program was getting young people of all ages (I was expecting mostly men

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

and interpersonal skills important for collective organising, increasing the scope of individuals’ social networks.

We deliver this program every Thursday for men and women. Clients say that this is a very good opportunity for them show their talents.

Men’s Camp Umoona Mamaku Men’s Group emerged out of recognition of unmet needs and needs among our local men in the Coober Pedy and surrounding areas. Mamaku Men’s Group is a community and culturally driven program which provides a safe way for Aboriginal men to come together to support each other. Location was in Kingoonya (230km South of Coober pedy), 17 Men with guest from Victoria Aboriginal Health Service participated.

Many discussions were covered related to drug and alcohol, health care and social and emotional wellbeing around the campfire. In this environment the young men were more open to talk about harm minimisation, early intervention and drug and alcohol information. This was a great time where meaningful interactions were conducted while the participants were site seeing, bush walking, bush cooking, hunting and assisting with chores.

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Activities Coordinator Report Gym Program The healthy for life Gym Program is designed to help clients get fit and become healthier. Clients are also educated on healthy eating and nutrition during and after these programs as healthy living is mostly healthy dieting than training.

The program is conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for men and Tuesdays and Thursdays for women. The gym facility is well equipped both weight gain and weight loss.

Clients with diabetes can especially benefit from

these programs as they are assisted by the clinic doctor who then refers them to the gym instructor for further assessments and exercises. There has been an increasing number of aboriginal clients participating in the program in their preparation for footy carnivals and other sporting events. The gym is also open for staff during lunch hours and one hour after work. Staff are encouraged to train during these hours especially those who sit on chairs and work on computers during majority of work hours.

Youth Program The Youth Program has gained huge momentum over the last year with numerous programs and events. We design a range of different programs and events where the kids can improve their sports skills while also learning the important values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. Our goal is to advance the players athletic skills and to help them build important lifelong skills such as discipline, strategic thinking, goal setting and leadership. Soccer is a wonderful way to engage kids in productive play. It has a very positive influence on the community in terms of their overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Being involved in soccer deters the kids from alcohol and drug misuse, harmful choices and criminal behavior.

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Activities Coordinator Report There has been over 10 sport and community events that has reached over 100 participants. Each program has gathered 20 plus kids both aboriginal and non-aboriginal in the field of sport. Soccer has been the most successful sport in these programs.

For two years now there are soccer trainings held on Tuesdays and Thursdays with games on Sundays. Each sessions gathers numbers between 10 to 20 kids and on Sundays adults are welcome to join as well.

Highlights of the Youth Program State Championship (9th -11th June 2018) A group of 18 kids were taken to Adelaide for the South Australian Junior Soccer Association State Championship. These kids played a number four games of soccer over the long weekend. This was the first time Coober Pedy kids participated in a state event. The feedback from officials and other coaches regarding our kid’s performance was brilliant. Below is an email from one of the referees: “I was the assistant referee in a couple of your games over the weekend. Unfortunately I was somewhere else for the last game, however when your team

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

scored we could hear the cheering on the other side of the reserve.

I just wanted as a referee to congratulate your team on the effort and determination they showed over the weekend. You were tough, fair, enthusiastic, and committed. Your opponents play premiership league opponents every week and often took you for granted and underestimated your drive.

Your players showed respect and resilience during every game. You are all a credit to yourselves and your town. I hope to see you again in Mount Gambier for the country championships.

Teddy Roosevelt once said that Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. What you have done is definitely worth doing.

So congratulations on a job well down and keep it up.” (Referee, Mount Gambier, SA)

Country Championship (25th -26th August 2018) The Coober Pedy soccer team travelled to Mount Gambier on this occasion for the South Australian Junior Soccer Association State

Championship Country Championship. On this occasion we took two teams in comparison to one team for the state championship. Due to the developing success of the Coober Pedy Desert Dragons, we submitted an under 14 and an under 16 team for the country championship.

The under 14 kid’s team was hugely successful by placing 3rd out of 8 teams. Once again the Coober Pedy kids received enormous praise for the way they played and carried themselves throughout the tournament both on and off the field. There were positive feedback from other coaches considering this was the first time Coober Pedy played in a country championship and they won two games.

Additionally the Football Federation South Australia acknowledge the talents that lies in Coober Pedy therefore they will be arranging future coaching seminars such as Miniroos here at Coober Pedy.

Ramazan Hassani

Activities Coordinator June 2017 – January 2018

Gary Crombie

Activities Coordinator January 2018 – June 2018

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Feedback I wish to commend the centre on the excellent job.

Having recently worked again at UTHS, and having experience at a number of other AHS to compare, I wanted to let the staff know that they are doing an admirable job of provision of AHS. The Indigenous people are very difficult to achieve follow up of all aspects of their health care as they are very often noncompliant and unreliable to attend appointments or even to stay long enough for the doctor to complete the checks or care plans.

These are difficult obstacles to overcome but the medical team at UTHS are working hard to try to complete recalls, follow ups, health care plans and checks. I have been to centres where recalls are so in arrears that they were not addressed or even ignored, and where staff don’t work supporting each other in a team. At UTHS the medical team work as a team, supportive of each other and the doctor working with them.

The recent Women’s Health Day was an excellent idea and very productive in achieving care plans, health checks, bloods, because everyone worked together to get them done and get the patient to the doctor for completion.

Often a thankless job, I wanted to give some positive feedback to encourage them as they deserve it.”

Kind Regards

UTHSAC Client

Feedback about UTHSAC Youth Program

I am from Alice Springs and I have been here almost a year now. I came here without an aim or a hope in life until I met the UTHS staff. Getting involved in the SEWB programs helped me overcome my fears, anger and my anxiety. I have gone through a lot of phases in life to come to where I am today.

I have come to learn and find myself through these programs.

I have developed a skill of painting only which I realized after been involved in the Art and Craft program. I have never been able complete anything in my life, but here I am after 40 years finished several paintings on my own.

These boys are so lucky to have the support of you and your team. Without you they would not be able to go away and play on the championships. Thank you so much for giving my son this fantastic opportunity’

I feel accomplished and happy about myself. I have succeeded and done well, and feel proud of myself. It’s never too late to do what you need to do and make yourself happy and proud. And I was also introduced to the quite smoking coordinator. He is currently helping me in cutting down smoking by replacing a cigarette with a paint brush.

I’m grateful to all the people involved in getting me where I am today”

Parent comment

Thank you

Parent comment The program is very good which aims at improving the competency of the kids and holistically development of the children, awesome program well done’

According to remote area the coaches Rami, Brad and Delesh are doing their 100% effort for kids’ future in soccer.

All Coaches doing beyond their limits. SALUTE TO ALL OF THEM” School Teacher comment

The program is amazing and the staff should be commended for their amazing efforts in providing these kids a great opportunity.

The kids are given the utmost support throughout” Parent Comment As a player I cannot Thank Rami, Delesh and Brad enough because of all the efforts they are putting in for us. Proud to be part of the Coober Pedy Dragons.”

Player Would like to see better grass, better lights and more equipment” Player

Kind Regards J.Q.

Dr Jenny Schlager

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

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Grievance & Dispute Resolution Policy 1. PURPOSE UTHSAC aims to provide a harmonious working

environment in which sharing of information and open communication is a normal part of the work process. Staff members who have concerns about any issues are encouraged to raise them with the appropriate member of staff and/or management.

2. SCOPE This policy and guideline applies to all UTHSAC

employees, ongoing and casual, including Executive and Senior management personnel. It may also be used as a guideline when dealing with grievances/ complaints received from clients/patients/relatives.

3. PROCEDURE 3.1 The matter will first be discussed between the employee and his/her manager, who will

endeavour to resolve the issue after hearing from all parties concerned, to the mutual satisfaction of the employee and the manager.

Although this is essentially an informal

The aim of all parties involved in a grievance matter should be to resolve the matter by addressing it

promptly and in an effective manner. Every attempt will be made to resolve the matter at the workplace level through discussion and negotiation. UTHSAC acknowledges the right of either party to appoint another person to act on their behalf.

The steps listed below are a guide for the process that should be followed, if necessary, to achieve a resolution. Should a situation arise where a concern cannot be addressed or where a dispute arises, this guideline must be followed.

approach, notes should be made of agreed actions to ensure that outcomes are achieved.

A deadline for resolution should be agreed between the parties to ensure the matter is

resolved within a reasonable timeframe. The agreed timeframe should reflect the urgency and/or complexity of the matter. During this period of time, a number of meetings or discussions may take place to effectively resolve the matter.

3.2 If the matter is not resolved during the above informal process then the following formal

procedure must be followed to resolve the matter:

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

(a) The employee must notify their manager in writing, outlining the nature of the claim, the remedy sought, and that the dispute is unresolved.

(b) The manager, with support from his/her manager and/or the HR Consultant, will

investigate the matter and must respond within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the written notice.

(c) If the employee is not satisfied with the

manager’s response, he/she may seek a meeting to discuss the matter in person by serving a further written notice on the manager.

(d) Upon receiving written notice the manager must schedule a meeting at a mutually

convenient time within fourteen (14) days.

This meeting may involve all parties, including another manager and/or the HR Consultant to act as an objective observer for the process.

(e) At the meeting, the employee and management will discuss the matter with reference to the employee’s claim and the remedy being sought. The employee may

be supported by a representative of his/her choosing, which may be a union organiser or workplace representative.

grievance, and if the matter has not been resolved, the reasons for not implementing any proposed remedy.

3.3 Throughout both the informal and formal

processes, all parties will continue to work as normal and cooperate to ensure that the steps to reach a resolution are carried out for the benefit of all concerned and both parties shall

endeavour to resolve the difference or dispute in good faith and without delay.

3.4 At the exhaustion of the previous steps, the matter may be referred to mediation through an external mediator, agreed between the parties.

3.5 Any resolution achieved will be recorded in writing with a provision that unless otherwise

agreed, the outcome will remain confidential to the parties.

3.8 It is unlawful to take any adverse action against an employee or group of employees who lodge a grievance or dispute. Adverse action may take the form of:

• Changing a position to the detriment of the employee; • Using coercion, or threatening actions to achieve a desired outcome.

3.9 Complaint/grievance against the CEO Where an employee’s grievance is against the

Chief Executive Officer, the details of the issue must be put in writing and given to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

The same process as described above will apply,

which the Chair will initiate with assistance from the HR Consultant, as requested.

3.6 Failure to reach a resolution in-house may result in the issue being lodged as a Dispute, by either party, with the Fair Work Commission for conciliation and/or arbitration.

3.7 Each party will be responsible for the costs of

any representation and/or other costs they individually incur that are associated with any dispute resolution process and/or mediation or conciliation.

(f) At the conclusion of this meeting, management must provide a response to the employee’s

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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

P.O. Box 166, Lot 8, Umoona Road Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723 Phone: 08 8672 5255 Fax: 08 8672 3349 e-mail: umoona@uths.com.au web: www.uths.com.au