Bulletin 11.10.08

1. Message from President
2. ASPR Committee Contacts
3. ASPR Matters
4. Conferences and Related
5. Scholarships
6. Positions Available

________________________________________

1. Message From President

1. The Executive Committee is currently considering nominees for the four ASPR prizes: namely the FOUNDERS MEDAL; the LILLY ORATION, the ORGANON AWARD; and EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER AWARD. We have a large number of nominations. We will announce the successful winners towards the end of this month.

2. Australian Rotary Knowledge Dissemination Award (ARKDA) – Nominations have been received by Eoin Killackey and are currently being considered by the ARKDA Committee.
  
3. Please really do consider attending the ASPR Annual Conference which is being held in Newcastle if you have not already done so. For details see: www.aspr.org.au

4. This is a repeat item: The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ASPR will be held during the 2008 Newcastle ASPR Conference. The date is Thursday 4 December 2008 and the AGM will begin at 5.15pm. Please put this date and time in your diary now.

5. This is also a repeat item BUT AN IMPORTANT ONE: One of the conditions of the Society is that each State or regional representative member shall hold office until the third annual general meeting after the date of his or her election.

(a) This means that of the current state and NZ representatives, and by the AGM this year, the following will have completed 3 or more years: Peter Butterworth (ACT), Helen Stain (NSW), Graham Burrows (Victoria), Geoff Waghorn (Queensland), Cherrie Galletly (SA), and Caroline Bell (NZ). At that point they can re-nominate for election as none will have served a period exceeding nine unbroken years in any capacity. However, other ASPR members can nominate for relevant state or NZ positions.

(b) Andrew MacKinnon and Trevor Norman will be stepping down as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, at the end of the year. This is because each will have completed nine unbroken years in their respective positions.

Therefore, you might consider nominating for one of the two positions that will become vacant – Treasurer and Secretary.

(c) We are also seeking nominations for a future President who would take over from me at the end of 2009 and who would become President Elect at the end of this year.

In conclusion, all the positions listed in 3(a), (b) and (c) will become vacant at the end of this year. Trevor is calling for nominations which can be accepted no less than 7 days prior to the AGM. Trevor can be contacted via email: trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au
  
Item 24 of the ASPR Constitution gives details of the nomination and (if need be) election procedures. See: www.aspr.org.au
 
All co-opted members need to be re-co-opted at the AGM each year.

All the best
Henry

2. ASPR Committee Contacts

Professor Henry Jackson (President)                    henryjj@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Trevor Norman (Secretary)   trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au
Professor Andrew Mackinnon (Treasurer)            Andrew.Mackinnon@anu.edu.au

ACT:  Dr Peter Butterworth                   Peter.Butterworth@anu.edu.au
NSW: Dr Helen Stain                           Helen.Stain@newcastle.edu.au
NZ:    Dr Caroline Bell                          caroline.bell@chmeds.ac.nz
NZ:    Dr Sunny Collings (coopted)     sunny.collings@otago.ac.nz
QLD: Dr Geoff Waghorn                      geoff_waghorn@qcmhr.uq.edu.au
SA:    Professor Cherrie Galletly            cherrie@drgalletly.com
VIC:   Professor Graham Burrows         gdb@unimelb.edu.au
WA:  Ms Giulietta Valuri                       giulietta.valuri@uwa.edu.au
TAS: Dr Kristy Sanderson                    kristy.sanderson@utas.edu.au
Dr Clair Kelly (coopted)                       ckel@unimelb.edu.au 
Dr Elizabeth Scarr (coopted)                     elscarr@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Eoin Killackey (coopted)                      eoin@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Amanda Baker (2008 Conference Organiser)  amanda.baker@newcastle.edu.au

3. ASPR Matters

Call for nominations – ASPR treasurer and Secretary
Trevor Norman and Andrew MacKinnon will be retiring from their positions in accordance with the ASPR constitution, which requires retirement following 9 years on the committee. This shall remain a standing item until nominations close prior to the AGM at the Newcastle Conference. Nominations should be directed to the President, Henry Jackson: henryjj@unimelb.edu.au

Call for nominations for President of ASPR – Henry Jackson completes his three year term as President in Dec 2009.The recent convention is that the successful nominee becomes President-elect one year prior to taking up presidency. This means the successful nominee would become President- elect in December 2008. This procedure allows the President-elect a year to shadow the precedent and become familiar with the policies and procedures of the ASPR.

Nominations for the position of President should be directed to Henry Jackson: henryjj@unimelb.edu.au

Treatment for co-occuring PTSD and substance use disorders

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) would like to invite clinicians to refer patients to a trial we are conducting in Sydney, examining the efficacy of an integrated treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Participants would be randomised to receive either the integrated treatment or treatment as usual for the substance use. The integrated treatment consists of 13 sessions with a clinical psychologist. It involves cognitive behavioural therapy and incorporates exposure techniques. We are looking for people aged 18 years or over who are experiencing PTSD and have problems with their alcohol or drug use. If you would like more information or would like to refer someone please contact:
Sabine Merz:  s.merz@unsw.edu.au 
or Julia Rosenfeld : j.rosenfeld@unsw.edu.au

Help Via the Internet for People with Bipolar Disorder

Researchers at University of NSW are currently recruiting people with bipolar disorder throughout Australia to participate in an innovative online study designed to help them take control and stay well.

What is involved?
You will be offered one of three programs that involve online education about bipolar disorder. In addition, one of the programs includes email support from an 'Informed Supporter' (a person with bipolar disorder who is effectively managing his/her condition) who will provide information and practical advice about bipolar disorder. To take part in the program, you must be prepared to complete four questionnaires during eight months and continue to see your managing health professional.

For further information contact: onlineprograms@unsw.edu.au

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY –
NEW AUSTRALIAN SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE HON NICOLA ROXON MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Rudd Government will bring together key community experts in suicide prevention to develop the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, and invest $2.4 million in an innovative suicide-prevention pilot program.

The new Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council will be chaired by Professor Ian Webster, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales.

The council will provide a forum for expert service providers, researchers and clinicians to share expertise, contribute to national decision-making processes and to identify community needs and priorities for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Media contact only:        Sean Kelly - 0417 108 362
For all other inquiries, contact Ms Roxon's office (02) 6277 7220

To read more visit : www.mhca.org.au

Subscribing to Of Substance is free, thanks to funding by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.

 Of Substance, is a free national quarterly magazine on alcohol, tobacco and drug issues. It isa fantastic, easy to read, free resource for people working with drug and alcohol issues, including mental health workers.
The link below to the Of Substance website provides you with a facility to review articles from the magazine (past and present) including the ability to search for those articles that specifically look at drug and alcohol use by people suffering from mental health issues or any other issues of interest for you - see www.ofsubstance.org.au and click on 'past issues'
Of Substance is recommended by the Australian National Council on Drugs.

4. Conferences And Related

ASPR CONFERENCE
2- 5 December 2008
Newcastle, NSW, Australia

The annual ASPR conference is being held in Newcastle, NSW, Australia  - planning is underway to bring you an exciting, varied and innovative program.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Early April:           Call for Abstracts Open, Registration open

31st July                  Close of Abstract Submission

1st September:     Early Bird Deadline for Registration Closes.

For more information, log onto the conference website at:  www.willorganise.com.au/aspr2008
Or contact the conference secretariat for more information (details below).

ASPR Conference Secretariat
PO Box 180
Morisset NSW 2264
Tel:  02 4973 6573
Fax:  02 4973 6609
Email:  aspr2008@willorganise.com.au

The International Society for Affective Disorders (ISAD) Congress
will be held in Brisbane February 28 to March 2, 2009.

 Call for Symposia

The Society exists to promote research into the affective disorders through all relevant scientific disciplines, including genetics, neuroscience, psychiatry and the social and behavioural sciences. The Brisbane Regional Congress symposia and papers will cover (but are not limited to) the following clinical areas of affective disorders: Major Depressive Disorder; Phobic Disorders; Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Bipolar Disorders; Treatment Resistant Depression; Panic Disorders; Mania; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Social Anxiety Disorders; General Practice Management of Affective Disorder; Comorbidity; ECT.

For more information go to: www.isad2009.com

10th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference
Recovery in Schizophrenia - The Great Open Road,
October 23-24, 2008, Lorne

The Australasian Schizophrenia Conference promises an enlightening programme of international and local speakers presenting the latest research in a variety of areas including cognition, neurodevelopment, neuroscience, psychosocial treatments, drug therapies and epidemiology.

Abstracts from all fields of schizophrenia research are welcome.  Fellow professionals in all health streams, consumers and carers are welcome and encouraged to attend this important and exciting conference to foster further international collaboration and reform. We look forward to you joining us in the picturesque Victorian coastal town of Lorne for a conference which promises to open the road towards recovery in schizophrenia.

Venue          Mantra Erskine Beach Resort, Lorne Victoria
Date             22 to 23 Oct 2008
Email            info@asc08.com
Website       www.iepa2008.com/RelatedMeetings.html
Tel:               (03) 9682 0500

6th International Conference on Early Psychosis
Early Intervention – The Next Wave
October 23-24 2008, Melbourne

In 2008 national and international speakers will come together to:

• Highlight the latest progress in research and clinical care in early psychosis
• Focus on linkages across diagnostic groups in early intervention
• Consider the relationships between different stages of illness
• Promote further international collaboration and reform

Under the leadership of Professor Patrick McGorry, a scientific programme is being developed by leading mental health experts from around the world to ensure the content is stimulating, groundbreaking and highly educational.

Venue          Melbourne Convention Centre (Crn of Spencer St and Flinders St)
Date             20 to 22 October 2008
Email            info@iepa2008.com
Website       www.iepa2008.com
Tel:               (03) 9682 0500

4th AH & MR Congress, 16-21st November 2008, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

For information please visit the website: www.ahmrcongress.org.au

5. Scholarships

Have you heard about Alzheimer's Australia Research's 2008 Dementia Grants Program?

 AAR is happy to be offering a wide range of research grants in 2008, including travel grants, grants focusing on dementia care, and grants for new researchers, and is encouraging quality applications from all around Australia:

 Research Grants

•        4 x AAR Dementia Research Grants for new researchers of $20,000
•        Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia Care of $20,000

Travel Grants

•        Rosemary Foundation Travel Project Grant of $10,000
•        Rosemary Foundation Travel Stipend Grant of $5,000

 Postgraduate Scholarships

•        Hunter Postgraduate Research Scholarship into the Causes of Alzheimer’s  Disease ($23,000 per year for 3 years)

Postdoctoral Fellowships

•        AAR Post-doctoral Fellowship ($90,000 per year for 2 years)
•        4 x Viertel Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Dementia ($45,000 per year for 2 years with payments matched by applicants’ institution)

Postgraduate Scholarship applications open in September 2008 and will close on 31 October 2008.

Application forms and further information can be found at http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?topicid=250 .

If you have any questions please contact: 

Dinusha Fernando
Email: aar@alzheimers.org.au
Phone: (02) 6254 4233
Alzheimer’s Australia Research
PO Box 4019
Hawker ACT 2614

6. Position Vacant

**VICSERV Employment for People with Mental Illness

Psychiatric Disability Services of Victoria (VICSERV), the peak body for psychiatric rehabilitation and support services in Victoria, is conducting an employment campaign for people with mental illness. The VICSERV campaign focuses on the following issues:

• develop a national mental health employment strategy to adequately address employment issues for people with mental illness seeking work,
• review and overhaul the Job Capacity Assessment process, which currently acts as a disincentive and barrier to people with mental illness seeking work, and
• recognise the need for a system that is sufficiently flexible and supportive to meet the needs of people with mental health issues in accessing and retaining work.

Organisations can participate in this campaign by opting-in and ordering postcards from VICSERV, who will provide full-colour postcards (printed with the organisation’s logo) and a pdf kit (created with the organisations logo and contact details) outlining the issues and the actions to involve members/supporters. Individuals and organisations can also participate in the campaign by signing-up and receiving information including postcards and a kit.

Information on the campaign is available through the VICSERV website at http://www.vicserv.org.au/

This is a very worthwhile campaign being undertaken by VICSERV and MHCA members should contact or seek further information from VICSERV if they are interested in taking part.