The gazette february 2015

February 2015Volume 6 No 1

Monthly Newsletter

THEGazette

Beauty ambassador off to ParisThe Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum – and the Guinot Institute – are all on the itinerary when Melissa Regan visits Paris in July.That last might not be on everyone’s list

for their trip to the French capital, but for the experienced beauty therapist, the Guinot visit will be a highlight of her career.Melissa, who works at Pamper and Polish

in Albany, won the trip for two to Paris in a nationwide beauty industry competition run by the French skin care manufacturer.She has invited her friend and employer

Lauren Allen to accompany her, and the pair are excitedly planning their holiday to the last detail to get the most out of the rare opportunity.

Hearing she had won the title of Guinot Ambassador of the Year came as a wonderful surprise for Melissa, even though she had dedicated a year to the achievement.“I promoted Guinot products in the salon,

and I had to hold an in-salon event – I gave an hour-long presentation to about 30 people, teaching clients how to use the creams and introducing new products,” she said.Her submission to Guinot was backed

up with copies of her presentation and her speech at the event, photographs of her in-salon displays, and client testimonials collated over 12 months.

Continued on page 2

Beauty Therapist Melissa Regan of Pamper and Polish is looking forward to a trip to Paris as her prize for being named Guinot Ambassador of the Year for 2014.

Great Southern Gazette – February 20152

To access this newsletter as a PDF by email or for a printed copy, phone 9892 8888.To download a PDF, visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au. The Gazette is on the Publications page under the ‘About Us’ tab.

Want to read The Gazette in another format?

From page 1She also attended four

training workshops in Perth.“I got a phone call out

of the blue to tell me I was the winner,” Melissa smiled.“It was very exciting,”

she said.“The award focuses

attention on Albany and shows the great work salons here can do as well as the high standard we have down here.“I invited Lauren to join

me because she has encouraged me all the way.”The beauty therapists

are looking forward to visiting tourist icons and getting out into the countryside around Paris as well as experiencing French culture – not least the fashion, food and wine.Their visit to the Guinot laboratory will

be a much-anticipated treat. There, the pair will view product manufacture and development, including testing using synthetic human skin, as Guinot products are not tested on animals.Melissa said she and Lauren had

attended Great Southern Institute together in 2011, when they had studied for the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy.She said the qualification had

prepared her for work in the beauty industry, and the course gave her not

only valuable practical skills, but also the confidence to talk to people one-on-one.“It also gave me more vision for the

future and set me up for my career,” Melissa said.For more information on beauty

therapy courses at Great Southern Institute of Technology, phone 9892 8888 or visit the website www.gsit.wa.edu.au.

[My course] gave me more vision for the future and set me up for my career.

Beauty ambassador off to Paris

www.gsinstitute.wa.edu.au

Great Southern Gazette – February 2015 3

Young people over the age of 15 are discovering real benefits to studying at Great Southern Institute of Technology rather than returning to high school for Year 11 or 12.With fees capped at $410 for one or more

qualifications, the TAFE alternative is also popular for the adult learning environment which allows students to manage their own study and leisure time and enjoy the modern on-campus facilities.One who made the switch to TAFE

halfway through last year was Emily Edwards, who is working towards a career as an accountant and dreams of a job in administration on a mine site.Emily, who took the Certificate II in

Business, finished her qualification in one semester, but staying at school, she would have taken two years to do the same. Now within two years, she could also have

the Certificates III and IV under her belt and be on her way to a good job or university.

Emily said she chose the institute over high school as she had more motivation to attend, and she could dedicate her time to a study area in which she planned to make her career.“This way, I get a qualification and I can

look for work, or study further at TAFE,” Emily said.For the future, she intends to use her

qualifications to facilitate entry into university. If she takes a diploma, she may even

receive credit at university, and get her degree much quicker.Students who take the TAFE alternative

to high school receive all the support they need.“My lecturer was very helpful and

supportive, and there are lots of resources available,” Emily said.For more information on the TAFE

alternative to high school, visit the institute’s website or phone 9892 8888.

TAFE or school? TAFE’s cool!

Great Southern Institute of Technology student Emily Edwards took the TAFE alternative to high school, which allows 15-17-year-olds to enrol in one or more courses for just $410.


From the MD’s Desk

I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break and I welcome you back to the institute for another year.Judging by the start we’ve had, 2015 looks

like being another busy year for us, with good enrolment numbers, for which I look forward to seeing the final figures.

StaffingBecause of changes in some sections, we have welcomed new staff and some positions have been advertised.The institute was offered 10 packages

under the Government’s voluntary redundancy scheme. We have already farewelled Plumbing Lecturer Rod Connell and Katanning GATE Lecturer Gaye Bushell, and others will be announced in the next few weeks.The executive management team will be

looking at the effect of redundancies on the sections affected and the organisation as a whole, but there will be no major changes at this stage.

PortfoliosTrades and Allied Industries Portfolio Manager Kathy Keay is taking a 12-month secondment to the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) in Perth, and Ken Clark will be acting in the position while she is away. I’m sure Ken will receive everyone’s support while he manages the portfolio. He will be working with the other portfolio managers to pass on his skills for the management of apprentices and trainees, as these duties will be devolved to each portfolio.

PACDAt the institute’s Academic Leadership and Emerging Leaders group meetings last year, members identified issues for resolution. One factor brought to the attention of executive was the focus on people working closer together for mutual support.This is also vital as we face changes

in our working environment due to the

Government’s constraints on spending, which affect us all.So our Professional and

Career Development day on 6 February was presented under the banner of ‘Working Together’, and I’m happy to say

it was very well received. Cameron Symes’s presentation on his

journey to become a solicitor with Latro Lawyers and as founding director of the Great Southern Distilling Company was inspirational, especially when he described his attitude to change within a business structure. He came over as an incredibly intelligent and humble person, and his talk made quite an impact.The morning desert survival exercise

facilitated by Kay Geldard was a challenging interlude which brought out people’s personalities as they discussed tactics and priorities.In a varied afternoon program of fun and

games, we teamed with people we may not have worked with before and many of us found ourselves trying our hand at new things.Tying it all together was local comedian

Jon Doust, regaling the gathering with his observations from the day.Then everyone enjoyed the amazing

spread of afternoon tea presented by the Masterchef group, who had prepared and cooked it all within two hours.The feedback from most people was that

this was a well-organised and enjoyable day, for which I sincerely thank the PD committee of Lexy Grover, Cassie Farnell, Carolyn Heffernan, Bev Baxter, Lionel Hart and Ches Leonard.This small committee not only organised

the day brilliantly, but they also brought it in under budget, allowing us to fund another four team-building PD events during the year.My thanks also go to Steve Speight, Mark

Crabtree and John Langridge for organising the afternoon catering, to bus drivers Lucy Wellstead, Leigh Barsby and Peter Sudrun, and to Lauchlan Gillett for the video.

Continued on page 5


From the MD’s Desk

From page 4Some of the photos taken on the day are

on pages 12-17 of this Gazette.Finally, I wish you all the best for the new

academic year, and I look forward to seeing you at your sectional meetings as the term progresses.Happy reading,Lidia

Fleet cars are dressed to impress

The first fleet cars to sport corporate signage came from the signwriter this year. Two cars and the new institute bus have now been given the treatment, and another three cars will join the colourful fleet in March.


Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Healthy outlook for trainee groupAt the end of a busy year, a group of Aboriginal school-based trainee students proudly took stock of their new skills and experience which will take them on to further training or jobs within the health and fitness field. Taking Certificate I in

Gaining Access to Training and Employment through Great Southern Institute of Technology opened doors for the enthusiastic group, who learnt the basics of healthy living, fitness and sport through a number of activities during the year-long course.On regular visits to the

recreation centre, the beach, the bush – and the institute kitchen – the group tried their hand at rock climbing, ball games, cooking and water sports.Under the leadership of

Lecturer Paula Foenander with the support of Aboriginal Programs Assistant Melissa Meyer, the youngsters took classes in nutrition, health, fitness and first aid, and learnt about the careers and training into which their skills could take them.Towards the end of the

year, they enjoyed a day at Camp Quaranup, where they were set the task of constructing a raft from water containers, timber and a milk crate, and a trip to Nippers’ bird park at Two Peoples Bay.

Above: Brian Colbung and Andy Bennell prepare sausage casserole as part of their nutrition class.

Left: Phillip Lockyer cooks kebabs.

Below: At Camp Quaranup, Callum Lawler-Woods and Phillip Lockyer take their raft to the water for launching.


Kadadjiny Noongar Moort

Jezelda Lethbridge.

Phillip Lockyer.

At Nippers on the final day, Phillip Lockyer, Jezelda Lethbridge and Jake Gibson enjoy the birds.

Jake Gibson strokes a guinea pig.

The boys prepare for the real test of their skills at the raft launch.


Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2015

In launching its Reconciliation Action Plan last October, Great Southern Institute of Technology demonstrated its commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that together, real benefits can be achieved for the wider community.To highlight Indigenous issues and track our progress as defined by the plan, The

Gazette will publish an article every month.The first in our series looks at the Noongar Native Title Settlement, a topical issue

impacting on the future prosperity of local Aboriginal people.

Over the next few weeks, Noongar people in WA will vote on whether to accept a Native Title Settlement from the Western Australian Government.Acceptance of the settlement, which will

be worth $1.3 billion at the end of a 12-year accumulation period, would bring unprecedented prosperity to Noongar people, who would be formally recognised as traditional owners of Noongar country. The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea

Council (SWALSC) represents six native title groups making up Noongar country and voting on acceptance of the settlement. The Great Southern region is in the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar area. Saturday 28 March marks the last of the

six area votes, after which the decision of the Noongar people will be announced.SWALSC mentor Ezzard Flowers

works closely with Great Southern Institute of Technology, as chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee. SWALSC also funds scholarship to Aboriginal students at the institute.Ezzard, a strong advocate of education for

Aboriginal people, said a yes vote would

bring new opportunities to the Noongar community, and the institute’s capability to provide training to Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar area people was essential.

Continued on page 9

Ezzard Flowers is a mentor with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and chair of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee.

Plan responds to settlement strategy


From page 8“This is a good opportunity for the institute,

it is in the right place at the right time,” Ezzard said. Ezzard explained acceptance of the

settlement would also impact on other facets of life for Noongar people, and education would be an important factor for managing the funds, which would be invested to compound wealth. “It will bring greater independence and

allow investment for the future to secure housing, develop culture and help with social and economic issues,” Ezzard said.“The future looks good in regards to health

and wellbeing, and the economy,” he added.A vital part of the proposed settlement is

a Community Development Framework, which outlines a strategy of investment in the people and initiatives to secure a successful future. Based around cultural pride and

knowledge, the framework also promotes relationship building with other agencies and service providers, and increasing opportunities for training and employment.Ezzard said this was where the Noongar

community’s strong relationship with Great Southern Institute of Technology – and the institute’s commitment outlined in the Reconciliation Action Plan – was important. “Education is key to the outcome,” Ezzard

said.“It’s the first door we need to open.”

SeedsOF SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable living is all about how to reduce the amount of waste in our lives – whether it is wasting energy, water or materials. Waste costs money as well

as time and resources. In a few weeks, the

Sustainable Living Expo and Fair will be here in Albany. The program is being

finalised now and is looking very exciting. On Friday 13 March keynote speaker Professor Stuart White, Director of Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, will launch the Great Southern Sustainable Living Festival at the Albany Town Hall.

The Expo and Fair opens the following day at 10am, when more than 20 exhibitors of items including solar panels, electric cars, up-cycling pallets, gardening, earth bricks, skylights, mesh bags, recycling, education and eco products will exhibit across the Town Hall and Town Square. A Tasting Stage will host

20-minute talks providing a taste of sustainable living ideas from raw food, energy audits, water efficiency and electric cars, to solar hybrid micro-grid systems, waste avoidance, compost and local produce.Try Speed Dating with

an expert for 10 minutes – bring your plans and talk house design, solar design, garden design or home

energy ratings.Get your hands dirty by

test driving an electric car or an electric bike, build a wind turbine, or tour a sustainable house, business, garden or education facility. Up-cycle an old bike or get

your own bike checked over by the bike maintenance crew.Add your vision for a

Sustainable Albany 2030 to the community mind-map, and enter the competition to win a ‘Local Produce Cooking Tour’ by visiting your sustainable café or restaurant and voting for them. To keep up to date with developments, log on to Facebook and ‘like’ Green Skills.Look forward to seeing you

there.– Laura Bird

Plan responds to settlement strategy

Life is too short to waste


Keeping abreast of the latest developments and best practice in industry is a primary aim of Great Southern Institute of Technology lecturers and program coordinators.Students enrolling in courses can be confident they are receiving up-to-date training to industry standards, and employers can expect a level of competence from those trained on our campuses.All lecturers are encouraged to participate in industry consultation and attend

seminars and conferences, and portfolio budgets allow for professional and career development opportunities.The Gazette’s series of articles featuring staff committed to providing a high

standard of training continues this month with the story of CALM Lecturer Larry Blight, who has received a state-wide award for his work with prisoners.

Students with practical skills and a qualification undoubtedly have a head start when setting off on their career path.For students who learn in

prison, the acquisition of real-life skills may be even more vital for getting a foothold in the workforce.Under expert instruction of

Great Southern Institute of Technology Lecturer Larry Blight, a group of students at Pardelup Prison Farm have gained Certificates II and III in Conservation and Land Management. While the qualifications were a real fillip to the men, learning about their culture and building confidence were other valuable benefits.Larry’s course delivery

brought such accolades from the students and staff that the prison nominated him for a Department of Corrective Services state-wide award of Outstanding Vocational Trainer from an External Registered Training Organisation.Surprised and delighted to

hear he had been named the winner, Larry said he was humbled because the students were the people who deserved recognition for the success of the project.“They were really keen

and they worked together to encourage each other and make sure they all passed,” Larry said.“It was good to see how

the course improved their self-esteem – some blokes learnt to speak out and engage more,” he added.

The student group, which included Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, started with Certificate II and some then enrolled in the Certificate III.The 6000 acres of

Pardelup land provided plenty of bushland for the program, which included identifying local bush flora, fauna and Indigenous artefacts, maintaining cultural places, recording information and following cultural protocols.

Continued on page 11

Skills grow hope for brighter future


ARE YOU A LECTURER NEEDING SUPPORT?

Principal Lecturers are here to support you to deliver the best possible training experience for our students. We offer a range of workshop-based and ‘at-your-desk’ support including:• Help with validation and pre-audit preparation• Coaching and mentoring for new staff• Moodle support from beginner to advanced.

We are also able to set up individual and small-group sessions on any training or assessment-related topic.

Phone Ray on 9892 8831 or Ruth on 9892 8759

From page 10The students collected seeds, planted

trees and shrubs, managed the cultural area, constructed a koornt – an Aboriginal shelter – and designed a wetlands area.

They also used night cameras and learnt animal trapping techniques.Larry explained some of the students

were keen to work as Indigenous rangers

at Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites, and the qualifications gave them the necessary skills.“Looking to the longer term, when they

are out and resettled, they could also work fixing up degraded country or landscaping.”Larry applauded the support of Pardelup

Prison staff.“I’d like to stress how important their

cooperation was,” Larry said.“They were very keen to make it work, and

they trusted me.” Pardelup’s award submission applauded

Larry’s effective course structure, and his inspiration and support of the participants.“The students attended without fail every

week and worked on the projects in their own time,” the submission stated in its flattering commendation of Larry.The award winner is back at the prison this

year, delivering Certificate II in CALM to a new group of students, and he will deliver Certificate III in Semester 2.

It was good to see how the course improved their self-esteem

Skills grow hope for brighter future


Staff from all campuses gathered in the café at Albany for the whole-of-institute professional and career development day on Friday 6 February.‘Working together’ was the theme

of the day, which kicked off with an inspiring address from guest speaker Cameron Syme of Latro Lawyers and the Great Southern Distilling Company.A desert survival activity facilitated by

Kay Geldard promoted lively debate in break-out groups after morning tea.Staff were given individual lunch

boxes, each containing instructions for a mystery afternoon activity to continue the day’s theme.Some went on buses to the indoor

volleyball centre, where they played cricket, volleyball and soccer.Another group took an iTrail around

Albany’s historic centre, and a third bus took a group to Mt Romance for a gonging session in the cone.Staying on campus, others reported

to their stations for a game of Spicks and Specks, kite construction, a cognitive ‘toxic waste’ or ‘card shark’ activity, or improvised percussion.Floral art kept another group busy

as they produced some amazing displays for donation to the Albany hospice and the hospital.Cooking for the 150 people at the

sundowner was the task set for 20 people in the Masterchef class under the guidance of Cookery Lecturers Mark Crabtree and Steve Speight. Their varied and appetising spread of finger food brought accolades from the rest of the gathering.

Continued on page 13

Mixed bag a welcome change

More photographs on pages 13-17

Desert survival.

WORKINGT O G E T H E RA Great Southern Institute of Technology PACD Event



From page 12The mission for those in the art room was to

produce a triptych to reinforce the theme of working together, and the resulting impressive piece of art work will be displayed in the boardroom.Local comedian Jon Doust, who had watched

activities throughout the day, wound up the event with his amusing observations.From the outstandingly positive feedback

received, it seems people enjoyed meeting and interacting with those with whom they do not normally have contact in their daily working lives.Managing Director Lidia Rozlapa thanked the

committee for their work in organising the day, and staff members Mark Crabtree and Steve Speight for guiding the Masterchef group, as well as Lauchlan Gillett for photographs and video he took throughout the day.Four more PD activities are planned for the

rest of the year to continue the theme.

Indoor cricket.

Indoor soccer.

Art.

Historic iTrail.




Masterchef.




Floral art.

Spicks and Specks.



Card shark.


Kite building.

Improvised percussion. Jon Doust.

Gonging.




HR NewsWith Paula Pattinson

Positions Advertised• Lecturer Tourism and Events – Cathy Glen was successful• Lecturer Accounting and Finance – Christine Sainty and Sheila Murray were

successful• Director Academic Leadership – position cancelled• Lecturer Cabinet Making – Bryan Thompson was successful• Internal EOI Portfolio Support Officer, Trades and Allied Industries – Samantha

Ahern was successful• Internal EOI Portfolio Manager, Trades and Allied Industries – Ken Clark was

successful• Lecturer Information Technology – applications closed on 19 February.

New staffA warm welcome is extended to the following new or recommencing staff:• Sandra Downes, Casual lecturer, Fee for Service• Dean Bentley, Casual support, Information Technology• Rhett Eiffler, Casual support, Information Technology• Tina Johnston, Casual counterhand, TAFE Café• Sheila Murray, Lecturer Accounting and Finance

Staff exiting• Leanne Rowe, Lecturer Training and Assessment, ceased 31 December• Anne Green, Lecturer Business, ceased 31 December• Dianne Madden, Portfolio Liaison Officer, ceased 9 January• Barry Jordan, Lecturer Forestry, ceased 19 January• Robyn Altus, Portfolio Support Officer, Trades and Allied Industries, ceased 23

January• Rodney Connell, Lecturer Try Tech Programs, ceased 30 January• Gaye Bushell, Lecturer Literacy - Katanning, ceased 30 January• Catherine Attwell, Lecturer Nursing, ceased 31 January• Marcelle Cannon, Lecturer Allied Health, ceased 16 FebruaryWe wish you all every success in your future endeavours and thank you for all your

hard work at Great Southern Institute of Technology.

Kathy Keay, Rod Connell and Lidia Rozlapa at Rod’s farewell barbecue.

Jaime Eatt, Di Madden and Lidia Rozlapa at the morning tea for Di.


Traditionally, in the hot dry weather of the second season of the year, afternoon sea breezes and occasional thunderstorms provided some respite for the Noongar people who had travelled to the coast during the previous season, Birak.Fishing in the rivers and estuaries brought

a bounty of food, including salmon, marron and gilgies, as well as long-necked turtles and frogs.Another food staple was the yanget, or

bulrush, the roots of which were pounded into a paste and roasted to form a starchy meal.In full bloom were the flowering gums

– coastal blackbutts, jarrah, marri and ghost gums – and insects such as native butterflies and ants became more active.The seeds from ripe, red zamia flower

cones were harvested and the toxic parts removed before they were stored for making into flour later in the year.

Plentiful food for eating and storing

Noongar people describe the seasons differently to European people as they believe the land has its own rhythms.Local Menang people have

traditionally acknowledged six seasons.

Birak – December to January.Bunuru – February to March.Djeran – April to MayMakuru – June to JulyDjilba – August to SeptemberKambarang – October to November

This month, The Gazette starts a series of articles on the characteristics of each Noongar season with the second season of the year – Bunuru.

Bunuru

Gilgies are in abundance during Bunuru.

Bright red zamia seeds were harvested and stored for later flour production.


Access All Areaswith Wendy Macliver

Safety First

With Rick Muller

Great Southern Institute of Technology invites comments from staff and members of the community to amend its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). The DAIP will include Outcome 7: ‘People with disability have the same

opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment with Great Southern Institute of Technology’.We welcome feedback on how we can

make our employment opportunities more accessible to people with disability, and how we can support people to retain their employment.Draft Strategies for Outcome 7 are on

our website at www.gsit.wa.edu.au. To provide feedback please phone

Wendy Macliver on 9892 8741 or email [email protected].

WorkSafe has issued a reminder to pay particular attention to safety when returning to work after the festive season.The main purpose of the

alert is to urge people to reacquaint themselves with the safe methods of work applicable to their workplaces and jobs as they launch into a fresh year of work. It explains how important

it is to be vigilant at this time of year. It is common for young, inexperienced students to remain in holiday mode after the festive season. A lack of proper attention to

the task at hand – especially in the more hazardous

areas – can have tragic consequences.At the start of the first term,

management and safety and health representatives will

be conducting inspections of workplaces and workshops that have been closed down over the festive period to ensure risks are minimised.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan: employing people with disability

Remember to put safety first

Wearing the appropriate protective personal equipment is essential to prevent workplace injuries.


This column courtesy of Great Southern Population Health. For more information, phone 9842 7500 (Albany) or 9821 6287

(Katanning).

The barbecue season is in full swing. They’re a fantastic way to get friends

together, and you make the most of the warmer weather by cooking outside. But let’s be honest, sometimes the

barbecue menu leaves a lot to be desired. Greasy sausages and white bread are often the focus and salad’s not always a priority. This results in a meal that is high in fat and salt and low in fibre. A few small changes can make a

big improvement to your barbecue spread. Here are some ideas.

Choose lean meats• Trim the fat off of chops and

steaks before cooking them• Marinated chicken is a lean and

tasty option• Choose skinless or lean

sausages • Make your own rissoles or

burgers from lean mince.

Throw a couple of veggies on the barbieIt’s not just meat that benefits from

the high heat grilling; it also makes these veggies shine:• Zucchini• Eggplant• Mushroom• Capsicum • Corn (in the husk for no mess)

Make an un-boring saladSalads are often an afterthought at a

barbecue. Make one that people will want to eat. Here are a few examples for inspiration:• Rocket, pear and parmesan• Watermelon, feta and mint• Coleslaw with a light dressing.

Visit livelighter.com.au/recipes and search for ‘bbq’ for more tasty options.

Photo: LiveLighter® State of Western Australia 2015. Reproduced with permission.

Beyond the sausage sizzle

http://livelighter.com.au/Recipe

The gazette february 2015

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