NEW QJA OFFICERS NEW STYLE TRAINING HELP LINES & SUPPORT

In this edition of the QJA Journal we introduce two new faces to the QJA family. Julie Arthur OAM who has been appointed to fill the Board Director casual vacancy which arose when Jennifer Sanders stood down, and Pamela Currie who has taken over the role of Training Coordinator formerly held by Cindy Revell. Welcome aboard. You might recognise Julie as she was featured in the Autumn 2020 edition of the Journal as one of our members who was honoured in the Australia Day Awards. A former public servant with a long and distinguished career in local government, Julie has credentials that will complement the existing mix of knowledge and skills of our current Board members. She has an interest in financial reporting and a passion for the practical application of current corporate governance principles and practices. When Julie became aware there was vacancy on the Board, she could see how this would be an ideal opportunity to put her professional expertise to work and actively contribute as a Board Director. Julie is a very experienced Justice of the Peace providing services to her local community for more than 40 years. Julie says ‘I am really looking forward to contributing to the development and growth of the QJA and look forward to meeting many of the members in the future.’ Here is a message from Pamela. Hi all, my name is Pamela Currie and I have recently started in the position of Training Program Coordinator with the QJA. Prior to working with the association, I have had experience in a number of different sectors including insurance, hospitality and tourism management, small business, aged care & most considerably, training and education development within RTO’s similar to that of the QJA. My passion for this role is driven out of a desire to see people succeed and expand their knowledge – especially when this is associated with volunteering and working within the community to assist others. It was for this reason that I was attracted to the role in the first place. I love that I get to combine my passion for people and education while contributing to the greater good of the community in my day to day work. I have also completed my assessment to become a JP (Qual). I look forward to hearing from the Justice Department and being able to practice shortly. Outside of work, I like to spend a lot of time with my family, that is my husband, 3 gorgeous girls, our son in law, 5 grandchildren (and counting!) and of course, the two dogs! I have already met some really wonderful people in my short time with the QJA and can’t wait to speak to many more of you soon! Pamela Currie

The restrictions associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted many workplaces, but it has also provided an opportunity to do things differently. Due to restrictions on gatherings, face to face classroom preappointment training has been paused until further notice. To ensure that QJA continues to be the leader in delivery of the ‘Community Justice Services’ course, we have developed a ‘blended’ approach to course delivery. Commencing in May, QJA is offering a six-week course which is a combination of independent online learning and interactive teleconference sessions with a trainer. During the course students will complete all of the online modules, and participate in three (3) interactive webinars of two (2) hours duration. Students will complete their assessments progressively during the course. The first blended course will be completed by the end of June and so far, feedback is very positive. As with any pilot program, the trainers will monitor feedback and make adjustments as necessary.

If you are feeling isolated or need some support, help is on offer from a variety of agencies.

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – All calls and chats are one-onone with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. 24 hour/7 days. Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 – A national charity providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. 24 hour/7 days. Carers Australia: 1800 242 636 – Short-term counselling, emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families.

(1800 737 732) – Confidential information, counselling and support service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. 24 hours access. Red Cross Telecross program: 1300 885 698 – Provides a short phone call each day to check physical wellbeing. The Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 – Provides advice, information and support. If there is no other means of getting food or essential items, they can help arrange this. People who are in self-isolation at home can access this service.