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E-news, Issue 41
| August 20, 2021 |NEWS & RESOURCES
SiREN Symposium 2022. The SiREN Symposium is returning in 2022. The Symposium is an event for all who work or have an interest in the sexual health and blood-borne virus sector. Showcasing the latest in practice and research, the Symposium will be held in Perth, Western Australia. To assist in planning this event we invite you to complete a short survey, to help us meet your needs and ensure that the Symposium reflects your priorities. The survey will take about 3 minutes of your time. Click here to complete the survey.
SiREN Short Courses. SiREN is launching a new pilot program of free online training modules designed to support those working in the Western Australian sexual health and blood-borne virus sector. Available on-demand and commencing September 27, these modules will build your capabilities in health promotion planning and evaluation. These modules will suit you if you are new to public health and to applying a health promotion lens to sexual health and blood-borne viruses. Or you may be interested in refreshing your skills and knowledge in this area. Express your interest in participating by emailing siren@curtin.edu.au.
Results from the MiBSS Study Released. Migrant Blood-borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey (MiBSS). Results from the MiBSS study have provided insight into sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne virus related knowledge, behaviour and access to services among culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This study was conducted nationally, with the WA Report, SA Report and QLD Report now available to view. The VIC Report and a national report will be released in September/October.
Participants Needed for Study on Parents Attitudes Towards School-Based Relationships and Sexuality Education. Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health (CERIPH). Are you the parent of a child in primary or secondary school? Researchers from CERIPH at Curtin University are seeking participants for a study investigating the attitudes of Australian parents towards relationships and sexual health education in school. Participation will involve a 30-minute online interview. Please read the participant information statement for more about the study. Contact Claudia to get involved.
40 Years of HIV In Australia. National Association of People with HIV in Australia (NAPWHA) and Positive Living. The year 2021 marks 40 years of the HIV response in Australia. In this article, 5 community members share their incredible and inspiring personal life journeys reflecting on 40 Years of HIV in Australia (1980s-1990s). This article was made possible through the generosity and powerful lived experiences of David Menadue, Anth McCarthy, Bev Greet, Adrian Ogier, and Heather Ellis.
SToP-C Implementation Toolkit. Kirby Institute. The SToP-C implementation toolkit is a new toolkit developed by the Kirby Institute in partnership with research, government, community, and correctional service organisations. The toolkit provides resources for health care providers and correctional service staff, and outlines the steps of planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that focus on scale-up of testing and antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in the prison system.
Don't Fool Around with Syphilis. Australian Government, Department of Health. A national campaign has been launched to raise awareness of syphilis and the current outbreak happening across Australia. The campaign will run nationally to raise awareness of syphilis, the symptoms, treatment options, and how to avoid getting it. Anyone who is sexually active is encouraged to get tested regularly for syphilis to help stop the spread of infection. View the campaign website.
Census Data Gap is a Blow for LGBTIQ+ Research. Cosmos Magazine. The Census is a vital tool in collecting population wide data. Despite this, the 2021 Census omitted questions relating to gender or sexual orientation, leaving a data gap about the LGBTIQ+ community that will have impact on public health research, planning for health services and health outcomes. Read more in this article in Cosmos Magazine, which features commentary from Nicky Bath (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia) Jack Freestone (ACON) and Bridget Haire (Kirby Institute).
The RISE Study: Recent Diagnosis and the Impact of Support on the Experiences of HIV. The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales. This report presents findings from the RISE Study, a qualitative cohort study of people recently diagnosed with HIV. Specifically, it investigates experiences of receiving a clinical diagnosis; access to – and use of – HIV clinical and peer-support services; and overall well-being. In addition, the study examines risk factors associated with HIV infection in the contemporary era. You can request to join the study if you are aged 16 years or above, currently living in Australia, and have been diagnosed with HIV (since 2016).
CONFERENCES
28th National Hepatitis Symposium. St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. This Symposium is a series of free webinars providing updates on the current perspectives, diagnosis, and management, as well as the latest advances in hepatitis treatment. The program will include sessions on hepatitis B, and hepatitis C and other important liver diseases. Symposium dates: Various, August - November. Online.
Joint Australasian Sexual Health + HIV&AIDS Conferences 2021. Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM). The annual joint conference is the premier sector conference in Australasia, and 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 are closed. Conference dates: September, 6 - 9. Online.
Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health. World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). The WAS conference is a global platform for sharing research, networking opportunities, workshops, and more related to sexual health and rights. This year's conference theme is 'Leave No One Behind'. Abstract submissions are closed. Conference dates: September, 9 - 12. Online.
The YEP Project Sector Summit 2021. The summit aims to support and educate young people on relationships, sexuality, sexual health and blood-borne virus issues. This year's 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 are closed. Conference date: September, 22. Maylands, Australia.
Australian Public Health Conference. Public Health Association of Australia. The conference provides a national and multi-disciplinary perspective on public health issues. This year the conference theme is: ‘Supporting and Re-Energising Public Health in a Disrupted World’. The theme responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency, impacting on public wellbeing and the public health response. Abstract submissions are closed. Conference dates: September, 23 - 24. Canberra, Australia and online.
Shifting Perspective - WA Alcohol and Other Drug Conference. Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies. The conference will provide a platform for esteemed local, national, and international speakers with presentations that reflect contemporary issues affecting the alcohol and other drug sector. Presentations will be informed by the conference themes: the impact of COVID-19, co-occurring and complex issues, law reform, and health reform. Abstract submissions are closed. Conference dates: October 7 - 8. Perth, Australia.
TRAINING & SEMINARS
An Introduction to HIV and Migration Law in Australia — A Forum for Clinicians. Join ASHM, alongside the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre and the University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Law, to learn more about the complexities of HIV and migration law in Australia. An overview of migration law, the migration process for someone living with HIV, and how clinicians can support better migration outcomes for their patients will be presented in this webinar. August, 23. Online.
Deadly Liver Mob. Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales. In this webinar you will hear about the Deadly Liver Mob (DLM) program which is an incentivised, peer-led program that offers education and screening for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and STIs for Aboriginal people. You will hear from the Aboriginal workers who worked with communities, the program designers, partners and sponsors. The evaluation of these will be discussed, and you will also be treated to a sneak peak of the online toolkit designed for people who want to run their own DLM program. August, 23. 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. By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Describe the risk factors for HCV infection, enabling effective screening and prevention education; Demonstrate competence conducting and interpreting tests to diagnose HCV; and, Recognise risk factors, clinical signs, symptoms and complications of liver disease. August, 23 & 30. Online.
HIV Case Discussion - HIV s100 Prescriber Update With a Focus on Women Living With HIV. ASHM. This HIV Case Discussion session will provide s100 prescribers with an update in topics relevant to the management of women living with HIV. The session will also include lived experience perspectives. August, 25.
Hepatitis B Case Discussion. ASHM. This training provides HBV prescribers and other primary care clinicians with an interest in HBV, an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to practical cases spanning diagnosis to treatment initiation and ongoing monitoring. Case scenarios are developed by ASHM clinical advisors or local experts to meet the identified learning needs of ASHM’s HBV prescribers, which vary from each State and Territory. August, 26. Online.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among Priority Populations. Centre for Social Research in Health. This seminar will present qualitative research data about COVID-19 vaccine opinions among several priority populations: people who inject drugs, people living with HIV, gay and bisexual men, and Aboriginal people. The seminar will touch on opinions of COVID-19 vaccines for each group, the social processes that drive and inhibit vaccination, and the practical factors that act as facilitators and barriers to vaccination. We conclude by making recommendations for promotional messaging to maximise vaccine uptake among priority populations. August, 27. Online.
Introduction to Theory of Change. Australian Evaluation Society. This workshop introduces the concept of Theory of Change and lays out a step-by-step process for creating a visual Theory of Change model. The workshop particularly focuses on how to do this in a group setting, which is beneficial for gaining the wisdom of stakeholders whilst fostering ownership and shared direction. August, 31. Online.
Practitioner Learnings in Creating a Culturally Safe Evaluation and Research Space. Australian Evaluation Society. Community First Development is a First Nations’ community development and research organisation. In this seminar, Community First Development will discuss their “fail forward” approach to undertaking research and evaluation with First Nations communities, offering valuable insights into practical approaches when working with First Nations’ communities. September, 2. Online.
Supporting Puberty and Adolescence #2. SECCA. Young people with disabilities may require specialised teaching strategies when learning about puberty, sexuality and relationships. This workshop provides practical information for parents, teachers and support workers to help young people understand puberty, and to help them manage this life stage with confidence. September, 2.
SHARE Forum. Sexual Health Quarters. SHARE is a network designed for those working with young people regarding sexual health. SHARE aims to provide regular support, through meetings, so workers can better support and educate young people they work with. This forum will be focused on the topic of consent for young people. September, 8. Northbridge, or online.
Australasian Sexual and Reproductive Health Day. ASHM. This one-day conference complements the ASHM Joint Australasian Sexual Health + HIV&AIDS Conferences. The program focuses on securing the future of reproductive health and rights, concentrating on leadership, technology, workforce, community and civil society and their role in achieving universal access to contraception, abortion and preventing reproductive coercion. Conference date: September, 9. Online.
Insights on Newly Arrived Refugees: Women and Digital Inclusion. Western Sydney University. This webinar will explore insights on newly arrived refugees, focusing on women and digital inclusion. The webinar event will feature an expert panel discussion moderated by Omar Dehen, award-winning journalist for SBS World News. September, 9.
Involving the Aboriginal Community in Research. Government of Western Australia, Child and Adolescent Health Services. This seminar provides an overview of important considerations for engaging Indigenous people in research, including understanding cultural differences, ethical considerations, and the importance of community consultation. Option to attend the live seminar at Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands and other locations around WA, or online. September, 17. Option to attend the live seminar at Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands and other locations around WA, or online.
Nuts and Bolts of Sexual Health. Sexual Health Quarters. This three-day course develops the core knowledge, attitudes and skills required to provide information and support for young people around respectful relationships and sexual health issues. October, 13 - 15. Northbridge.
Relationships Education. SECCA. This workshop provides highly interactive, strategy-based content covering dating, healthy relationships, consent, rejection, and break-ups as well as general tips for talking about all of these topics. This workshop is for parents, carers, students, teachers and health professionals. October, 14. West Perth.
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. November, 16 & 17. Northbridge.
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. Access 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. An ASHM login is required.
Introduction to Syphilis for Midwives: Western Australia. ASHM. This course is for Western Australian midwives, to develop their skills to confidently discuss sexual health with patients, conduct guideline-based syphilis screening and testing, health pathway of pregnancy in syphilis, and initiate contact tracing. The training can be accessed anytime on the ASHM Online Learning System by searching 'Syphilis for Midwives' in the course catalogue. An ASHM login is required.
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Research Scholarships. Curtin University. Have you thought about pursuing Higher Degree by Research studies? Curtin University offers merit-based scholarships to those wishing to pursue this study pathway. A research scholarship opportunity has become available for a SiREN based study, titled "Co-design and conduct a mixed-methods evaluation of peer-based services to increase hepatitis C treatment uptake in people who inject drugs". Click here for more about the study, eligibility criteria, and the scholarship.
Health Workforce Scholarship Program. Rural Health West. The program provides scholarships and bursaries to help health professionals in remote and rural Australia retain and enhance their skills, capacity and scope of practice. Funding is available to medical, nursing, midwifery, allied health, dental and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, who provide primary care services in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services sector, private practice or non-government organisations in rural and remote WA. Applications for the next round open September 1 and close October 27. Click here for application information.
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.