ACT AOD Sector Project eBulletin: June 2008

The monthly ACT AOD Sector eBulletin is a concise summary of information, important developments, publications, events and other information relevant to AOD Workers in the ACT. The eBulletin is an activity of the ACT AOD Sector Project, Youth Coalition of the ACT. To subscribe, submit an item or to provide feedback email ebulletin@aodsector.org.au

This section reports back on information shared by services, programs and workers who attend the ACT AOD Sector Forum. For further information about the following services visist www.aodsector.org.au

Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP)
Service spokesperson: Kate Gardner
Phone: 6205 8381, Email: Kate.Gardner@act.gov.au

ADP Diversion Service:
The Diversion Service is an assessment, referral and support service for people referred by the AFP and ACT Courts. Services provided include:

• Police Early Diversion Program: provides for those who have been apprehended by the Police for possession of a small amount of illicit drugs (or licit drugs used illicitly). Rather than charge the client, Police can divert them to the health sector. The client is referred to the Service for assessment, and then referred to an approved ACT agency for treatment.
• Court Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (CADAS): a pre-sentencing treatment option for clients charged with AOD related offences. The goals are to reduce recidivism during the bail period, and to engage the client in treatment. NOTE: CADAS has new phone numbers (Adults: 6207 1865, Children: 6207 1869).
• Treatment Referral Program: is a post sentencing option, for clients who have either committed a crime to get drugs, or money for drugs, or while under the influence of drugs.The Magistrate or judge may, as part of the sentence imposed, instruct a client to undergo a treatment order rather than receive a custodial sentence or as an option to reduce their custodial time.
• Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO): provides support to Indigenous clients accessing ADP and Non Government Organisations, support to Ngambra Court and information to other service providers.

Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA)
Service spokesperson: Tiia Harrison
Phone: 6279 1600, Email: tiiah@aivl.org.au

• Represents the interest of, and provides peer based services to illicit drug users.
• Currently funded for 1 part time position to provide information, education, drop in and workshops

Canberra Recovery Services, Salvation Army
Service spokesperson: Bob O'Heir
Phone: 6295 1256, Email: bob.o'heir@aue.salvationarmy.org

• Provides a 10 month residential AOD and gambling rehabilitation program.
• Vacant positions have now been filled, and they have a full staff team.
• The Salvation Army have contracted the University of Wollongong to do a comprehensive assessment of programs, starting with the ACT next month.

Comorbidity Project, ACT AOD Sector Project
Service spokesperson: Steve Byrne
Phone: 6247 3540, Email: steve@youthcoalition.net

• The aim of the Comorbidity Project is to assist and support non-government ACT AOD services to undertake service improvement processes to better identify and manage clients experiencing comorbid AOD and mental health issues. The Project is in the process of establishing the Comorbidity Strategic Working Group, facilitating the Improved Services Initiative Grant Recipients Network, and supporting the Youth Coalition of the ACT's monthly Comorbidity Bus Tour.

Directions ACT
Service spokesperson: Claudia Imbriano
Phone: 6122 8000, Email: reception@directionsact.com

• Althea Medical Centre is a new medical clinic being established by Directions ACT. Phase One of the new service is due to open in June of this year. Various services around the ACT, including the Hepatitis C Council and Sexual Health and Family Planning will offer their services and expertise through the clinic. The aim of the service is to provide free medical care to people with drug or alcohol related health issues and their children.
• For more information on Directions ACT Programs visit www.directionsact.com

The Sobering Up Shelter, Centacare
Service Spokesperson: Katrina Campion or Lisa Goodisson
Phone: 6163 3711 or 0406 377 623, Email: soberingupshelter@centrecare-canberra.org

• Open 11pm - 11am, Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Provides a safe place for intoxicated persons to recover from alcohol or other drug use. The shelter is a free and confidential service.

Women's Information, Resources & Education on Drugs & Dependency (WIREDD), Toora Women Inc
Service spokesperson: Nat Liosatos
Phone: 6248 8600, Email: wiredd@toora.org.au

Some programs currently being offered by WIREDD include:

• Information and support for women about drugs.
• Confidential, free one-to-one counselling.
• Drop-in (Monday 11-4, Tuesday 2 -4, Thursday 11-4, and Friday 11-4).
• Groups including a Women's Relapse Prevention Group, Family of Origin Group and Beautiful Me Group (please phone for times).
• Continuing to provide outreach to Symonston, the Psychiatric Services Unit and detoxification services.
• Note: Childcare can be organised if you call in advance.

See the Lead up to Drug Action Week 2008 section for information on Sector Activities and Events in June.

ACT NAIDOC Award for the ACT Indigenous Community Sector Worker of the Year
Sponsored by the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)

What is NAIDOC?
NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in the first full week in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous community, but also in government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee'. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week, and its acronym has become the name of the week itself.
In addition to the many local activities, NAIDOC celebrations traditionally have a 'national focus'. The national focus city for 2008 is Canberra. Celebrations are based on a national theme - the theme for 2008 is "ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR". Celebrations culminate in an awards ceremony and ball held in the focus city. At the ball, national awards are given to Indigenous achievers in a number of categories.
For more information visit the NAIDOC website at www.naidoc.org.au or contact Joanne Chivers at the Canberra and District NAIDOC Committee Aboriginal Corporation on 6212 9401

ACT NAIDOC Award 2008
The aim of the award is to recognise achievement, leadership, mentoring, and inclusion by an Indigenous employee in the ACT community sector. This is the time to recognise the many unsung heroes who are providing links between their organisations and Indigenous communities, or who have supported Indigenous communities through their work.
Nominations must be received by Friday 13 June 2008. Download the nomination form here.
Please fax nominations to ACTCOSS on 6281 4192, or email les@actcoss.org.au or julie@actcoss.org.au Over the phone nominations are also accepted by calling Les or Julie, ACTCOSS on 6202 7200.

AOD Information Line
DrugInfo Clearinghouse, Australian Drug Foundation, Melbourne
The DrugInfo Clearinghouse information desk provides support and advice to workers and the general community about alcohol and illegal drugs. If you want information about:

• Short and long-term effects of alcohol and illegal drug use.
• Drug detection and screening.
• Recommendations on resources and where to get them.
• Copies of resources and publications (limits apply).
• Assistance with research and library queries.
• Help with navigating our website, downloading reports or finding statistics.
• Suggestions on where to go for more information or support.

Contact the DrugInfo Clearinghouse Information Desk on 1300 85 85 84 between 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday or email druginfo@adf.org.au

New Alcohol Resources for Parents and Workers
Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) have recently developed eight fact sheets that support workers, parents and teachers to protect children from harms associated with alcohol use.
These fact sheets include:

• Alcohol and adolescent development
• Alcohol, teenage parties and the law
• Standard drinks and low-risk drinking
• Alcohol: Fact or myth?
• Medicines and alcohol: a dangerous mix
• Which parental factors influence young people's choices about alcohol?
• Teenage drinking: parents' communication style can make a difference
• Teenage drinking: communicating with other parents and families

Visit www.adf.org.au for more information.

Research on Families Affected by AOD Misuse: Interviews with Young People
Australian Catholic University (ACU) in partnership with Anglicare Canberra and Goulburn
The ACU is conducting a research project to better understand the lives and how we might better support young people in families where a relative has an AOD issue, particularly when that young person is helping to care for them. The project, which is being run in collaboration with Anglicare Canberra-Goulburn and is funded by the ACT Department of Disability Housing and Community Services, hopes to hear from young people themselves about their experiences and how they would like for them and their families to be supported.
The ACU are looking for young people aged 12-20 who live in or who have lived in a family affected by AOD misuse who have taken on responsibilities for their using relative, their siblings or the broader family (this might include ensuring safety, taking on the running of the household, looking after siblings etc). They would greatly appreciate any referrals of young people who might wish to participate. The interviews take between 45 minutes and an hour and are conducted by researchers who are either youth workers or social workers with a background in working with young people. Young people are given a voucher to say thank you for their participation. Everything they share is confidential. There is a young people's reference group who are willing to talk to young people if they have any questions or concerns, and the research team is quite happy to take questions too.
For further information about the project and for brochures explaining the project to young people please contact Tim Moore, Australian Catholic University on tim.moore@acu.edu.auor phone (02) 6209 1229.

Indigenous AOD Workers’ Wellbeing, Stress and Burnout: Call for Submissions
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
NCETA at Flinders University has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to undertake national research on the wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous health workers (who see a high proportion of Indigenous clients) working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs field.
NCETA would like to invite interested parties to submit their views on these issues. You do not need to be an Indigenous Australian to participate in this process; you may wish to respond as a non-Indigenous person who works/has worked with significant numbers of Indigenous clients and/or colleagues.
Submissions must be received by 5.00pm, Monday 16th June 2008.
An electronic version of the submission forms can be downloaded from the NCETA website at www.nceta.flinders.edu.au. For more information contact Amanda Tovell on (08) 8201 7543

ACT Law Courts and Tribunals Satisfaction Survey
ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety
The ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety is conducting a survey on behalf of the ACT Law Courts and Tribunals. The survey is in relation to the delivery of administrative and registry services. Your feedback will help identify and assess areas of strengths and opportunities for improvement, ensuring the level of service offered to users of the Courts' facilities are of a high standard. All submissions are anonymous.
The survey closes at 5.00pm 6 June 2008.
Please find a link to a stakeholder survey about the ACT Law Courts at www.courts.act.gov.au

Note: See the Lead up to Drug Action Week 2008 and News from the ACT AOD Sector Project section for information on more training and professional development initiatives.

ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar (May - June 2008)
ACT AOD Sector Project
The bi-monthly Training and Professional Development Calendar is produced as a partnership between the ACT AOD Sector Project and the Youth Coalition of the ACT. The calendar compiles training and professional development opportunities available for workers from the AOD and allied sectors.
Click here to download the current Training and Professional Development Calendar or visit www.aodsector.org.au
For more information contact Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on (02) 6247 3540 or info@aodsector.org.au

Problem Gambling Workshop for Community Workers
Lifeline Canberra
For some people gambling can be seen as a form of escape, a needed time out, a break away from the chaos of life. However, problem gambling can often magnify financial problems and be a creator of significant stress levels. Lifeline would like to better support community workers to assist their own clients with problem gambling behaviours with this free half day workshop.
Time: 9.30am - 1pm
Date: 26 June 2008
Where: Training Room, Lifeline Canberra (Level 1 Novell House, 71 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City)
Cost: Free
RSVP: Phone (02) 6247 0655 before 9 June 2008.
For more information visit www.act.lifeline.org.au

The Effects of Co-morbidity on Risk Taking Behaviour & SafeTALK
VYNE @ OzHelp
When: 12 June 2008
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Where: Conference Rooms, Quality Hotel Dickson. Cnr Cape & Badham St, Dickson
Cost: $110 Concession (available to pensioners, students & volunteers on presentation of relevant current card or nomination from a volunteer supervisor), $130 Regular
Registrations and payments are required by 4 June 2008. For more information contact Elissa See on 6251 4166 or vyne@ozhelp.org.au

Mental Health Training Digest
Mental Health Foundation (ACT)
A monthly digest of relevant training for service providers, professionals and individuals involed in the ACT mental health field.
Click here to download the Training Digest or visit www.mhf.org.au

Note: Most of the reports and research items referenced below are available from the Alcohol and Other Drug Council of Australias National Resource Centre at www.adca.org.au/content/view/19/57/

ACT Budget 2008-09
The Budget contains one specific AOD sector component: ‘In December last year, the ACT Government committed $10.8 million to the Indigenous Residential Alcohol and Other Drug Rehabilitation Facility which will provide a culturally appropriate service for the Indigenous community to participate in the rehabilitation and recovery process’. For more information on the ACT Budget see the Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors section.

The ACT Legislative Assembly methamphetamine inquiry
The Standing Committee on Health and Disability of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT has released the report of its inquiry into methamphetamine: The use of crystal methamphetamine 'ice' in the ACT. It is realistic, pointing to the problems associated with this class of drugs while avoiding the hysteria that characterises much media reporting of it. Available online at www.legassembly.act.gov.au/committees/index1.asp?committee=54&inquiry=693

Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) & Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) 2007 reports released
The NDARC IDRS/EDRS teams have released the reports on the 2007 wave of this important monitoring program. Both the national and ACT reports are available free of charge from NDARC’s web site and printed copies can be purchased from NDARC as well. The reports are available online at http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/NDARCWeb.nsf/page/Drug%20Trends
Campbell, G & Degenhardt, L 2008, ACT drug trends 2007: findings from the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS), Australian Drug Trends Series no. 3, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Campbell, G & Degenhardt, L 2008, ACT trends in ecstasy and related drug markets 2007: findings from the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS), Australian Drug Trends Series no. 12, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney.

New ‘infACT’ statistical overviews of the ACT
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has commenced a new series of statistical publications on the ACT known as In fACT - Statistical information on the ACT and region. It provides brief summaries on key indicators and is available online at www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1308.8

National Corrections Drug Strategy 2006-2009
The National Corrections Drug Strategy 2006-2009 was released in May after a long period of development and negotiation, as evidenced by the dates in its title. It is described as follows: ‘The National Corrections Drug Strategy 2006–2009 has been developed with the endorsement and support of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, Corrective Service Ministers’ Conference, Corrective Services Administrators’ Conference, Community and Disability Services Ministers’ Advisory Council, Australasian Juvenile Justice Administrators, Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), and the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs to provide a framework for a coordinated, integrated approach to addressing drug-related issues in Australian adult correctional and juvenile justice facilities and related services’. It is available online at ANCD’s web site www.ancd.org.au/publications/pdf/national_corrections_drug_strategy.pdf .

The global state of harm reduction
After some years of resistance to harm reduction, a key UN agency, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, has finally embraced harm reduction strategies in the drugs field. This makes it timely for the International Harm Reduction Association to publish its report The global state of harm reduction 2008: mapping the response to drug-related HIV and hepatitis C epidemics (authors Cook, C & Kanaef, N). The report ‘…consolidates existing data on drug use, HIV and hepatitis C, documents harm reduction policies and practices worldwide, and records the activities of relevant multi-lateral agencies’ and is available online at www.ihra.net/May2008#IHRALaunch%E2%80%98GlobalStateofHarmReduction2008%E2%80%99Report

Evaluation of the withdrawal of Temazepam gel capsules
Research has been undertaken to monitor and evaluate the impact of the withdrawal of the injectable form of benzodiazepines, Temazepam gel capsules. The Sydney-based researchers have found that ‘Removal of temazepam gel capsule formulations from the Australian market in 2004 resulted in increased prescribing of tablet formulations but overall benzodiazepine prescription numbers remained stable. Injection of benzodiazepines ceased as a mode of administration of benzodiazepines among IDU in inner Sydney, but very frequent oral use of benzodiazepines remained highly prevalent’. This led to the conclusion that ‘Removal of an easily injectable form of benzodiazepines appeared to halt injection of benzodiazepines among disadvantaged Injecting Drug Users (IDU). However, IDU continue to use the drug heavily and interventions to assist IDU with reducing dependent benzodiazepine use are warranted. There is a need for continued vigilance to emergent injecting drug use risks to implement timely harm reduction strategies.’
Degenhardt, L, Roxburgh, A, van Beek, I, Hall, WD, Robinson, MK, Ross, J & Mant, A 2008, ‘The effects of the market withdrawal of temazepam gel capsules on benzodiazepine injecting in Sydney, Australia’, Drug Alcohol Rev, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 145-51.

Uncertainty and risk in the AOD sector
Our sector is full of uncertainty: we have gaps in knowledge about the extent of drug use and harms, and what to do about them. We don’t know what is the right balance between prevention, treatment and law enforcement or between demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction. In the past, the main approach to uncertainty has been to attempt the impossible, namely to eliminate it. We are uncertain about matching client to treatment, and about the impacts of social marketing. In the past, the main approach to uncertainty has been to attempt the impossible, namely to eliminate it. However, new ways of thinking about and addressing uncertainty and risk are being developed. An important new book edited by ANU scholars describes and discusses these issues. A strength of the book is how it considers the issues from diverse disciplinary and practice stances, including from our sector in a chapter by Drug Policy Modelling Program Director Associate Professor Alison Ritter intriguingly titled ‘Heroin : injected with uncertainty’.
Bammer, G & Smithson, M (eds) 2008, Uncertainty and risk: multidisciplinary perspectives, Earthscan, London.
Details are available from the publisher’s web site at www.earthscan.co.uk/?tabid=331 and the book is distributed in Australia by DA Information Services at www.dadirect.com

The Health and Welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2008
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the health and welfare of Australia's Indigenous population, presenting the latest information on population demographics, housing circumstances, disability and carers, health status, and the provision, access and use of health and community services. Some of the links between education and health and between selected risk factors and health are also explored.
Visit www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10583 to download the full report.
Source: Australian Policy Online

National Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Strategy Endorsed
In May the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy endorsed and authorised the release of the new National Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Strategy. It had not been released at the time of writing, but should be available soon online at www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au

University of Canberra to Host "Drugs and Driving" Forum
ACT Government, Monday 26 May 2008
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves MLA, today announced a public forum on drugs and driving will be held from 11am – 1pm on Friday 6 June 2008 at the University of Canberra.
“The University of Canberra has kindly agreed to host a “Drugs and Driving,” forum which will contribute to the Government’s review of the ACT’s alcohol and drug driving laws,” said Mr Hargreaves.
“The forum will provide an opportunity for the public to hear from experts on the impact of drugs on driving, learn about random roadside drug testing practice in other parts of Australia, and gain insight into current research into drug driving.
“The Forum will include presentations and general discussion by a panel comprising University of Canberra researchers, a NSW Police forensic pharmacologist, a member of the Victorian Police Traffic Drug and Alcohol Unit, the ACT Human Rights Commissioner, ACT Government Analytical Laboratory and a health-focussed social researcher,” said Mr Hargreaves.
“The forum is part of the review of the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977. A discussion paper and further detail on the review can be found on the Territory and Municipal Services website at www.tams.act.gov.au
“I encourage interested individuals and organisations to attend the Drugs and Driving Forum,” said the Minister.
To RSVP for the forum, please email communityengagement@act.gov.au, or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81. To view the media release visit www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.asp?media=3812&section=54&title=Media%20Release&id=54

Nominations Open for the ACT's Indigenous Elected Body
ACT Government, Monday 26 May 2008
Nominations for the ACT’s first Indigenous Elected Body open today, Monday 26 May 2008, Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jon Stanhope announced today.
“The establishment of the Indigenous Elected Body in the ACT is a historic occasion for our local Indigenous community,” Mr Stanhope said.
“Following the Federal Government’s abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, local Indigenous people have been without a representative voice,” he said. “This new Body will ensure that they again will have this voice.
“The Elected Body will provide direct advice to the ACT Government on policies and services aimed at improving the lives of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will also scrutinise the performance of government agencies that deliver services to Indigenous Canberrans.
Mr Stanhope said eligibility to nominate as a candidate for the Elected Body, as well as nomination forms, are available from Elections ACT, the agency responsible for the conduct of the election. Nominations must be given to the ACT Electoral Commissioner before 12pm on Tuesday, 10 June 2008.
Voting for the Elected Body will be from Monday 16 June 2008 to Saturday, 21 June 2008, inclusive. Locations for voting can be obtained from Elections ACT.
The first meeting of the Elected Body is scheduled for July 2008. It will comprise seven members and will be elected every three years, meeting at least six times a year.
For further information on the Elected Body call 6205 2551 or 6205 2550, email electedbody@act.gov.au or visit www.dhcs.act.gov.au
To view the full media release visit www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.asp?media=3808&section=24&title=Media%20Release&id=24

The National Hepatitis C Needs Assessment
Hepatitis Australia
Hepatitis Australia is inviting people living with hepatitis C in Australia to complete this survey. It should take between five and ten minutes to complete. The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to document the information, education and support needs of people living with hepatitis C in Australia.
The results of the Needs Assessment will be widely distributed across Australia and will help guide the planning and delivery of education and support services for people living with hepatitis C, through Hepatitis Councils and other community organisations around Australia.
To complete the survey visit www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bY7V9cqgzZlEoNWRQceU2g_3d_3d

• $6m for playground and park upgrades
• $14.2m to provide three community hubs, six neighbourhood halls and new community parks
• $100,000 for a feasibility study for a new swimming pool in Gungahlin
• $12.9m to improve public transport services
• $402,000 for Equity in Student Learning over four years
• $1.6m over four years for support for students with a disability
• $2.5m over four years for an integrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support Service
• $775,000 for the design of a mental health unit for young people
• $90m for building the Women's and Children Hospital
• $3.4m over four years for Moving Forward (careers education in secondary schools)
• $4.2m over four years to support Vocational Education and Australian Apprenticeships
• $2.7m to increase trainees in ACT Public Service

This section highlights employment opportunities for the AOD and allied sectors. There have been no employment opportunities submitted for June 2008.

2008/09 Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round
ACT Health
The ACT Health Promotion Grants Program is seeking applications from community and not-for-profit organisations with 10 or less full time equivalent employees for the 2008/09 Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round. Grants up to a maximum of $10,000 are available. The aim of the Health Promotion Capacity Building Funding Round is to assist small community and not-for profit organisations to develop their ability to deliver health promotion projects. Funding will be available in October 2008, allowing for nine months of implementation.
The Funding Guidelines and Application Form are available to download online at www.health.act.gov.au/hpgrants. Alternatively, contact the ACT Health Promotion Grants office on 6205 1325 or email hpgrants@act.gov.au
Applications close 5pm Monday 23 June 2008.

ACT Women's Return to Work Grants Programs
ACT Government and Women's Information and Referral Centre (WIRC)
The ACT Women's Return to Work Grants Program is an ACT Government initiative, which provides women returning to the paid workforce with assistance in reaching this goal. The program is funded through the ACT Office for Women, of the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services and is administered by the Women's Information and Referral Centre (WIRC).
The primary objective of the program is to assist women in receipt of low incomes and women who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, young or with a disability to achieve increased financial independence by helping them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. The program is designed to provide funding for basic job readiness training, facilitate acquisition of job search skills and provide funding for women to access related support(s) with regard to potential job placements.
Individual grants of up to $1,000 will be available for women who have been absent from the workforce for more than 12 months due to child care responsibilities.
For more info, please contact WIRC on (02) 6205 1075, (02) 6205 1076 or visit www.wirc.act.gov.au/functions/whatsnew