Association Updates | Around Queensland | Training, Conferences and Expos | In The News and New Research

The University of Queensland is conducting a study investigating the accommodation and support experiences of young people (18 - 55 years) with high care needs. Participants will be required to be interviewed for 1 hour on two occasions. Participants must be:

• 18 - 55 years
• have an acquired disability
• be a resident of south east Queensland
• able to give informed consent and possess adequate communication skills to participate in an interview

Participants are asked if they wish to nominate a family member or caregiver to share their experiences
Main point of contact:  Deborah McIntyre
PH: 0422 45 8889
Email: bdmcintyre@bigpond.com

Leadership Development Program for Families 2010
This is a leadership development program for families (parents/siblings) who meet four criteria:

1. Have a family member with challenges (disability, mental illness, chronic illness, aged frailty, addictions, etc).
2. Are searching for living solutions for their loved one in social support, accommodation, meaningful paid or voluntary work, or financial security;
3. Have experienced obstacles, frustration, and powerlessness along the way;
4. Want to play a leadership role in assisting other families in developing solutions, through both public policy change and social innovation.

Participants will be drawn from around Australia, and may work in state-based groups depending on the total number of participants.

Applications are invited for participants in the 2010 Leadership Development Program for Families. The Program runs from February 2010 to November 2010.

Applications must be received by 1 December 2009 for consideration in the First Round, so that selection can be completed before Christmas. A Second Round of applications will be considered, and must be received by 31 January 2010.
http://www.civilsociety.org.au/Leadership-Families.htm

New Complaints Website
A website created by independent accountability agencies operating throughout Queensland, including the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian, Commonwealth Ombudsman, Crime and Misconduct Commission, Health Quality and Complaints Commission and the Queensland Ombudsman. The site is designed to provide information on the different accountability agencies operating within Queensland, and the types of complaints they manage.
LINK: www.complaints.qld.gov.au
Hard copies of the brochure are available on request, by contacting lrowe@ombudsman.qld.gov.au  

Training, Conference and Expos

BOOTCAMP 4 Life
Develop the confidence and skills to make the choices that make the difference.

• Secrets of the power of language
• Create healthy emotions
• Master the magic of empowering beliefs
• Become a magnet for success

Where: Logan Women’s Health & Wellbeing Centre, 1 Mary Street, Kingston
Dates: 4 sessions, 2, 9, 16 and 23 November 2009
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
$0! No cost to you
Logan Women’s Health and Wellbeing Centre, PHONE: (07) 3808 9233

Headway Mackay
To raise awareness and funds for Acquired Brain Injury Headway Mackay is holding a Lawn Bowls Day.
Cost: $10
When: Sunday 29th November 2009
Where: Mackay Bowling Club, Nebo Road, Mackay
Contact: Anne Jennings on (07) 4968 3823 for more information

Cruise For a Cause
Townsville car clubs will join together to drive home a message about safety on our roads and “Cruise for a Cause” to highlight Spinal Injuries Awareness Week on Sunday, 8 November 2009.
This is a free community event and will begin at Willows Shoppingtown at 9am, before the cruise to Strand Park from 9.30am where the cars will remain until 2pm.
As well as an amazing array of cars to check out, you can enjoy a barbecue run by several Townsville Rotary clubs.
For more information, please contact David Soelberg on PH. 0418 155 728

In the News and New Research

Queensland worst state for brain injuries to shaken babies
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26127856-3102,00.htmlb

Alcohol brain injury 'crisis' looms
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22193606-2,00.html

Cholesterol Necessary For Brain Development, Study Finds
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093757.htm

Juggling Enhances Connections In The Brain
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016114055.htm