Victoria News Update
October 2017
VIC/TAS Conference 2018 - Call for interested Abstract Mentors
The VIC/TAS Regional Conference is scheduled for 29-30 June 2018 in Melbourne and will run an abstract mentoring program. This will be available from 30 October to 15 December 2017.
Abstract mentors must have capacity to provide support for development of 1-2 abstracts with authors in the time period stated above.
The abstract mentoring program is for those with limited or no experience of submitting an abstract for a conference, and/or those who do not have access to mentoring via their own professional networks. The goal of the program is to help the author present material clearly and concisely prior to submitting the abstract to the formal abstract review process.
The program may also be helpful for those whose first language is not English.
Participants are asked to prepare their abstracts according to the submission guidelines and forward it in Word format between 30 October and 20 November 2017.
Abstract mentors are asked to provide feedback including advice on ways that clarity of expression could be enhanced, in time to make changes and submit before the 14 Jan 2018 deadline. It is the author’s responsibility to submit the abstract adhering to all guidelines.
It is important to note that the mentoring and formal abstract submission and review processes are entirely separate. Authors are therefore advised that requesting mentoring assistance and gaining feedback from that process does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted for presentation at the Conference.
To submit an EOI to be an abstract mentor, please email by 30 October, using the subject line: “EOI Vic Tas Conference abstract mentor”.
Please include in your email:
Ø Your current role/position
Ø A dot point list of your experience submitting abstracts and presenting at past conferences.
Ø Acknowledgment of your availability between the dates of 30 Oct and 15 December 2017.
Ø Your best contact phone number and email during office hours.
A member of the conference committee may contact you if further information is required.
Applications Open: Occupational Therapy Trust Fund
The Occupational Therapy Trust Fund was established in 1974 for the purpose of providing grants to Occupational Therapists working in Victoria who are undertaking projects. The funds for the Occupational Therapy Trust Fund were donated by the then Occupational Therapy School of Victoria, which ceased to trade in 1974 when the then Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences became responsible for the undergraduate education for the three therapies of occupational therapy, speech therapy (as it was known) and physiotherapy.
The Trust, along with Occupational Therapy Australia (Victoria), have announced that applications for 2017 are now being accepted. The closing date is Monday 13th November 2017.
The types of projects that the Occupational Therapy Trust Fund will consider funding includes:
Ø Research or evaluation in clinical practice or teaching, particularly by first time researchers
Ø Publications of value to Occupational Therapists
Ø Attendance at national or international conferences if presenting a paper
Ø Professional development programs
Ø Development of standards of professional practice.
To obtain a copy of the Occupational Therapy Trust Fund application form or general enquiries, please contact Ralda Bourne by email at .
EOIs: Project officer for Victoria-based Advanced Practice Project - Grade 3 equivalent. Fixed term - 10 days (76 hours total)
The OTA Workforce and Professional Issues (WFPI) Committee has been conducting work over the past two years to progress Advanced Practice for Occupational Therapists in Victoria. This Committee recognises the need for a coordinated approach and a credentialing framework that is endorsed by our professional association.
This Committee has conducted workshops at regional and national OTA conferences, and established four clinical expert working parties in Victoria to enable greater understanding of our profession’s potential for advanced practice in the areas of paediatrics, complex care, neurology and palliative care. These four working parties have developed role description and accompanying credentialing documents for advanced practice in these practice areas which now require standardising.
The project officer will:
- support the OTA Vic WFPI committee in finalising documents for Advanced Practice roles in the areas of paediatrics, complex care, neurology and palliative care.
- support the OTA Vic WFPI committee in finalising the credentialing tools for Advanced Practice that will support and inform future Advanced Practice Occupational Therapy roles. This will include the credentialing template and guidelines for use.
For project details and role requirements, visit: www.otaus.com.au/sitebuilder/divisions/knowledge/asset/files/805/eoi-advpracprojofficeroct2017.pdf
Please send your EOI directly to Kim Mestroni at , by COB Fri 27 Oct 2017.
NB: details required in your EOI are outlined here: www.otaus.com.au/sitebuilder/divisions/knowledge/asset/files/805/eoi-advpracprojofficeroct2017.pdf.
EOIs: Workforce & Professional Issues Committee ongoing, volunteer member/s
The purpose of the Workforce & Professional Issues subcommittee is to resource and support Occupational Therapy Australia, (Victorian Divisional Council and national association) by acting as a reference group on key workforce and professional issues.
This Committee meets on the 4th Wednesday morning of each month in the Victorian Division office in Fitzroy at 8.00-9.30am. Attendance by teleconference is also available.
At this point in time, the Committee is seeking to broaden and diversify the membership. They are therefore particularly seeking interested members who work in the following practice areas: mental health, community health/primary care, private practice or organisation, and /or in a rural setting.
For more information, visit: www.otaus.com.au/sitebuilder/divisions/knowledge/asset/files/805/wpicteeeoi.pdf
Interested members are invited to send an expression of interest to join the committee with the subject heading: “EOI - WF&PI Committee” to by COB Mon 16 October.