NEWS & RESOURCES

Increasing Aboriginal Peoples’ Use Of Services That Reduce Harm From Illicit Drugs project Findings Report Released. Using a co-design approach, Aboriginal community Elders, Needle Syringe Program (NSP) service providers, researchers (including SiREN), peak bodies, Aboriginal consumers of NSPs and policymakers collaborated to conduct research that aimed to better understand the factors influencing Aboriginal people to access NSP services, and opportunities for targeted health promotion/education and improved consumer engagement. A report of findings has recently been published. You can also visit the project page on the SiREN website for more information, including publications and conference presentations with members of the project's Aboriginal Advisory Group and Co-design Working Group.

Increasing Notifications of Infectious Syphilis in Women of Reproductive Age. A brief from Professor Paul Kelly, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, was sent out in March to communicate the marked increase of infectious syphilis notifications among non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of reproductive age. Notifications have increased significantly since 2015 in this group, posing as a public health treat and an increased risk of congenital syphilis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recommendations are made by the CMO. Access the brief. 

MiBSS Study Participant Call-out. The Migrant Blood-borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey (MIBSS) is a study led by Curtin University in partnership with universities and community organisations across Australia. The study aims to develop a greater understanding of how migrants living in Australia think and act on the subjects of Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) and Blood-borne Viruses (BBVs). The MIBSS team is seeking individuals born in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia or North-East Asia to participate in the research via an online survey. The study will help understand and improve sexual health and blood-borne virus outcomes in migrant populations. Click here to learn more, and complete the survey. Please share with your networks.

Odyssey Research Hub. The Odyssey Research team is seeking interest from members conducting research into issues relating to public health, population mobility and migration in the Asia-Pacific region to join the Odyssey Research Hub. The Hub is an online platform comprising researchers from the Curtin School of Population Health working in collaboration with researchers from other disciplines and international institutions. Access the online Hub here.

The Juice Website Launch. Hepatitis Australia in collaboration with the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) have developed The Juice website, which provides information for safe injecting of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs). The website was developed in response to recommendations from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society report: Understanding Performance and Image-enhancing Drug Injecting to Improve Health and Minimise Hepatitis C Transmission. 

Sex, PrEP and HIV in Trans and Non-Binary People: Research Briefing. AIDS Map. A new research briefing has been released by AIDS Map, which provides an evidence based overview of the diverse needs of Trans and Non-Binary people living with HIV, and HIV prevention. The research briefing also provides insight from Trans and Non-Binary people who were interviewed in relevant studies answering questions such as, what do trans people think of PrEP? and more.

UandmecanstopHIV. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. A suite of videos from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week 2020 conference have been released. Each video aims to start the the conversation in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community about HIV prevention and the importance of regular testing for HIV. The suite also includes videos on other STIs and BBVs Feel free to use these resources with your networks.

 

CONFERENCES

SiREN can support you in preparing a successful conference abstract and presentation. Our website contains guides and video resources, and you can view past conference presentations by the SiREN team on our YouTube channel. Please contact siren@curtin.edu.au for assistance.

Preventive Health Conference. Public Health Association of Australia. The annual conference is aimed at providing a platform to engage, challenge and exchange ideas, where pivotal issues for building prevention in Australia are discussed and where delegates can learn from the evidence, experience, opinions and perspectives of sector leaders and their peers. The theme is: ‘Facing the New Normal for Prevention in 2021 and Beyond’. The conference will be hybrid, delivered online and in Perth, Western Australia. Abstract submissions have closed. Conference dates: May, 10 - 12. 

Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference. Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM). This conference is run by ASHM in collaboration with key sector partners in the viral hepatitis field. The conference is a platform for the dissemination and presentation of new and innovative research findings and better management of viral hepatitis across Australasia. Abstract submissions have closed. Conference dates: May 30 - June 1. Brisbane, Australia.

STI & HIV 2021 World Congress. International Society for STD Research, International Union against STI World. The 2021 congress is an online meeting of academics, policymakers, community organisations and more within the global context of STIs and HIV. “Sexual diversity and the city” is this year’s theme and the mission is to address diversity, health and sexuality in the urban context. Abstract submissions have closed. Conference dates: July 17 - 18. Online. 

IAS Conference on HIV Science. International AIDS Society. This biennial conference presents the critical advances in basic, clinical and operational research that moves science into policy and practice. Through its open and inclusive programme development, the meeting sets the gold standard of HIV research and features highly diverse and cutting-edge studies. Abstracts submissions have closed. Conference dates: July, 18 - 21. Berlin, Germany. 

Joint Australasian HIV&AIDS and Sexual Health Conferences 2021. ASHM. The annual joint conferences is the premier conference in Australasia including NZ, and Asia and the Pacific regions. The conference provides a forum for the workforce to keep up-to-date with research, clinical management, prevention, best practice and policy, including professional development and activities for relevant accreditation. Abstract submissions close May, 2. Conference dates: Sept, 6 - 9. Melbourne, Australia.

Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health. World Association for Sexual Health. This year's conference theme is Leave No One Behind. More details to be announced soon. Conference dates: Sept, 9 - 12. Cape Town, South Africa. 

The YEP Project Sector Summit 2021. The summit aims to support and educate young people on relationships, sexuality and SHBBV issues. The theme is: 'Healthy Relationships for Young People and Sexual Health Needs of Subpopulations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, LGBTIQA+ young people, culturally and linguistically diverse young people and young people living with disabilities'. Abstract submissions close Wednesday, April 21. Conference date: Sept, 22. Maylands, Australia.

Harm Reduction International Conference. Harm Reduction International. This conference is the main global forum for the exchange of information at the intersection of human rights, public health and drug policy, attracting international delegates including service providers, policy makers, UN officials, researchers, advocates and networks of people who use drugs. Abstract submission are not open yet. Conference dates: Dec, 1 - 4. Melbourne, Australia.

TRAINING & SEMINARS

Translating Research Evidence into Policy: The NSW HIV Strategy 2021–2025. Kirby Institute Seminar Series. The NSW HIV Strategy 2021–2025 was informed by research findings from a project co-led by the Kirby Institute and the NSW Ministry of Health that has undertaken monitoring and evaluation of the NSW HIV Strategies. Phillip Keen and Cherie Power of The Kirby Institute will present research used to inform the Strategy and an overview of the goals, targets and priorities of the new Strategy in this seminar. April 20, Online. 

STARS. Sexual Health Quarters. STARS is a two-day introductory course to help build knowledge and confidence to Start Talking About Relationships and Sexual Health with young Aboriginal people. STARS is designed for Aboriginal community members and others working with young Aboriginal people. April, 21 - 22. Northbridge. 

Genetics and Dynamics of the Persistent HIV-1 Reservoir. Kirby Institute Seminar Series. Join Professor Zabrina Brumme from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in this seminar, where she will share how the UNSW lab and partners have combined molecular and phylogenetic techniques to understand the HIV reservoir, in an effort to eliminate HIV. April, 27. Online. 

Hepatitis B Made Easy. Centre for Culture, Health and Ethnicity. This seminar will build the knowledge of attendees on Hepatitis B testing, transmission & treatment, and will develop skills in delivering appropriate health literate and culturally competent care to people affected by Hepatitis B. April, 27. Online. 

Hepatitis C for Nurse Practitioners. ASHM. This course aims to provide Nurse Practitioners the skills and confidence to diagnose, assess, manage and treat Hepatitis C. This course, including pre- and post-course activities, is eligible for continuing professional development hours for nurses. April, 29 and May, 6. Online. 

Diversity Dialogues: Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health for CaLD Youth. Health Consumers Council WA has partnered with the Multicultural Youth Advisory Network of Western Australia to deliver this online panel discussion on the unique challenges faced by youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western Australia. April, 30. Online.

Using Social Media in Research. Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA Department of Health. This seminar provides the tools to connect with other researchers, build your network, and effectively translate your research to a wider audience. Option to attend a live Seminar at Perth Children's Hospital and other locations around WA, hosted video-conference site at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, or online via Scopia app. April, 30.

Science Communication Miniseries: Visual communication. Kind Scientists, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Participants will learn and develop oral, written, and visual skills to communicate your research and science. This workshop will have a focus on visual mediums including posters, infographics and diagrams. May 4. Nedlands.

Exploring the New ABS Standard for Sex and Gender Variables with Nicky Bath. UNSW Centre for Social Research in Health. This seminar will explore the new Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, with members of the community who contributed to it's development, and how it can be used to reduce the health disparities experienced by LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities. May, 5. Online

Relationships Education. Sexuality Education Counselling and Consultancy Agency (SECCA). This workshop supports educators with practical suggestions they can use outside of the workshop and in their role to feel supported, equipped and confident as relationship educators, and details where they can find more assistance if needed. Sexuality and relationships education best practice guidelines are introduced as well as comprehensive and age appropriate content. May, 6. West Perth. 

Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis for Evaluators. Australian Evaluation Society. This workshop has been designed specifically for evaluators and assumes no prior knowledge of cost benefit analysis (CBA) nor economics. It provides evaluators with an understanding of CBA, explain how CBA can/ should be used in evaluation, and provide practical guidance for undertaking and interpreting a CBA. May, 4 and 11. Online. 

Survey Design and Techniques. Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA Department of Health. This seminar provides practical help for planning and conducting surveys. It includes good survey design, approval pathways, sampling and administration methods, writing high quality questionnaires & data collection instruments, maximising response rates and reducing data errors. Option to attend a live Seminar at Perth Children's Hospital and other locations around WA, hosted video-conference site at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, or online via Scopia app. May, 14. 

Advocacy Short Course. Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA. The course is designed for practitioners, researchers and policy actors who do not have an existing specialism in the advocacy field but may have a responsibility or interest in the integration of advocacy into planning, projects and policy. This skills based and interactive course will enable participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of advocacy concepts, frameworks and core skills, how advocacy can value add and a systematic process of planning advocacy. May, 17 - 21. East Perth. 

Needle and Syringe Program Coordinator Training. WA Sexual Health and Blood-Borne Virus Program. Expressions of interest have opened for the annual Needle and Syringe Program Coordinator training. This course will cover models of drug use, harm reduction and harm minimisation strategies and stages of change. Click here for the EOI and application form. May, 18 - 19. East Perth. 

Nuts and Bolts of Sexual Health. Sexual Health Quarters. This training develops the core knowledge, attitudes and skills required to provide information and support for young people around respectful relationships and sexual health issues. It is suitable for a wide range of people working with youth including Aboriginal health workers and other mental health workers, drug and alcohol workers, health promotion officers, nurses and teachers. May, 19 - 21. Northbridge.

Introduction to Evaluation: Applied Tools, Techniques and Templates. Australian Evaluation Society. This workshop will help participants to build their evaluation practice through applied learning. Participants will be able to test selected evaluation techniques. A set of templates will be provided for participants’ future use during evaluation projects. May, 21 and 28. Online. 

Treating Hepatitis C in General Practice Forum [VIRTUAL]. ASHM. This one-day forum brings together General Practitioners from around Australia to discuss their experiences, strategies for success and innovative models of care for the treatment of people living with Hepatitis C in a range of primary care and priority settings. May, 29. Online. 

Viral Hepatitis Nurse-led Models of Care Forum. ASHM. This virtual forum is an opportunity for nurses who are caring for people with viral hepatitis to come together and share knowledge about initiating and maintaining innovative nurse-led models of care in the community. May, 29. Online. 

Mooditj Leader Training. Sexual Health Quarters. Mooditj Leader Training is a four-day, hands on course to build the skills and confidence to run Mooditj groups for young people. Mooditj Leader Training is designed for Aboriginal community members or people who work with young Aboriginal people in their community. Non-Aboriginal people are expected to partner with an Aboriginal person to run Mooditj. Jun, 1 - 4. Northbridge. 

Relationships and Sexuality Education Symposium. The Relationships, Sexuality and Education Project. This symposium is for teachers, school nurses and other school staff, to support teaching of Relationship and Sexuality Education in Australian schools. The event will featuring a keynote presentation from Dr Louisa Allen, a youth panel and interactive workshops. June, 25. Bentley. 

Diversity Dialogues: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Migrant Communities. Health Consumers Council WA. The second seminar of the Diversity Dialogues series will feature a panel discussion centred on the challenges around diagnosis and treatment of STIs and BBVs in culturally and linguistically diverse (particularly migrant) populations. July, 29. Online.

STIs In WA Primary Care - Online Module. Sexual Health Quarters. The course is intended to provide primary health care professionals with comprehensive education about discussing STIs with patients, and testing for and managing STIs. It includes public health responsibilities and legal issues, and recommends useful online resources for ongoing use. Accessible anytime, online.

Syphilis Outbreak Training. ASHM. Professional development training is now available for health practitioners affected by the ongoing outbreak of infectious syphilis among young Aboriginal people in regions of Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. The training can be accessed anytime on the ASHM Online Learning System under STI/BBVs in the course catalogue.

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Women's Health Research Translation Network Grants. The Australian Health Research Alliance, Women’s Health Research Translation and Impact Network (WHRTN) is awarding grants to support women in research. The grant comprises one-off 12-month financial support to facilitate career advancement and development in women in early and mid-career stages of their research careers. Click here for instructions and eligibility criteria. Applications close April 26.

SWITCH World Hepatitis Day Grants. For World Hepatitis Day 2021, Hepatitis Queensland is providing grants of up to $3000, $500 and $100 to organisations and groups to think outside the box and deliver innovative online activities or face-to-face events while reaching communities safely. Available to QLD based organisations only. Click here for instructions and eligibility criteria. Applications close May 4.

JOBS

Learning Coordinator. Australian Federation for AIDS Organisations (AFAO) are recruiting for a number of positions, to develop and manage a Workforce Development Program across Australia. In addition to this role, other roles include a Program Coordinator, Content Developer, E-Learning Designer and Graphic Designer. This opportunity is based in New South Wales. No application closing date. Apply here.