The Australian Society for Psychiatric Research

Bulletin 21.11.08

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 Annual Conference is drawing near and I hope to see many of you in Newcastle. The AGM will be held on Thursday 4 December 2008 and the AGM will begin at 5.15pm and I hope that most, if not all, ASPR members will attend this AGM. A number of people are unhappy with various aspects of the Society. Hopefully, I will reflect the various issues raised by those members in my Presidents’ Report which I will present at that time.

2. This marks the end of my second year as President and I have one more year to run. The Society needs to elect a President–elect this year who can assume the Presidency in December 2009. As regards this matter you will have received emails from Rachael asking for nominations for the President-elect position but equally importantly, the Treasurer and Secretary positions. Also, a number of state and NZ positions are open as well. These are for (1) ACT, (2) NSW, (3) Victoria, (4) Queensland, (5) South Australia, and (6) New Zealand. I would encourage people to nominate for these positions. Nominations must be received by Trevor Norman as Secretary (trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au) no less than 7 days prior to the AGM (see page 13 of the Constitution www.aspr.org.au).

If we have more than one nomination for each position, then we will be holding elections at this forthcoming AGM. If members cannot attend the AGM, they can appoint other members as a proxy by using the Proxy form in Appendix 3 (page 19) of the Constitution (see website www.aspr.org.au). All proxies must be received by the Secretary - Trevor Norman (trevorrn@unimelb.edu.au) no later than 96 hours before the AGM on 4th December 2008.

All co-opted members will need to be re-co-opted at the AGM.

Copies of last years AGM (2007) minutes are on the website but I will ensure that some hard copies are available at the AGM.

3. Announcement of 2008 Award Winners:

The award winners for 2008 are:
1. Founders Medal: Alexander MacFarlane
2. Lilly Oration: Michael Berk
3. Organon Award (to be renamed the Schering-Plough Organon) award: Eoin Killackey
4. Early Career Award: Felice Jacka

The Australian Rotary Health Knowledge Dissemination Award was introduced in 2008 and won for the first time by Helen Christensen and Kathy Griffiths

On behalf of ASPR I warmly congratulate all of the above winners.

4. In December 2006, the Executive of ASPR agreed to provide monies for employing a .2EFT assistant to help the President in 2007 and now 2008 with it being reviewed on an annual basis by the Executive. In 2008 Rachael Guy has served in this position, assisting me in a variety of ways, e.g., the newsletter, correspondence, setting up teleconferences, etc. Rachael is undertaking demanding Masters studies and we wish her all the very best into the future.

Thank you
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

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

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.

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

Carer Engagement Workshops

The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) successfully completed 89 workshops for mental health carers around Australia in 2008. In April 2009 the MHCA will provide a further 15 workshops.
The workshops provide carers with a chance to, learn, meet others, hear about local service provision and look at coping skills. However the workshops provide carers with an ongoing opportunity to be part of an Australia wide system of monitoring carer issues. The result will be an ongoing, annual, Mental Health Carers Report, starting in 2009.
The report will be a first for mental heath carers in Australia and one which will reflect the services they and the person they care for receive.
The MHCA is seeking local coordinators who have access to or are eager to seek out mental health carers and are willing to attend to the local, practical details of a workshop. The full day workshop will be facilitated by staff from the MHCA.
If you are interested in being a local coordinator or would like more information please contact:
Linda Rosie tel: 02 6285 3100
Email: linda.Rosie@MHCA.org.au
Mental Health Council of Australia
CEP workshop 2009—round 2
Phone: 02 6285 3100, Fax: 02 6285 2166

RANZCP 2009 CONGRESS
“Living in Interesting Times”
Date: 24 to 28 May 2009
Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide

Keynote speakers:

Professor Fran Baum, Department of Public Health, Flinders University
Julian Burnside, QC, Victorian Bar
Professor Ivan Diamond, University of California USA
Professor Glen Gabbard, Baylor Psychiatry Clinic & Brown Foundation USA
Associate Professor Mohan Isaac, University of Western Australia
Professor Nick Martin, The Queensland Institute of Medical, Research & The Bancroft Centre
Professor Mark Williams, University of Oxford UK

Further details regarding the Congress can be found at http://www.ranzcp2009.com/

Please let me know if you require any further information.

Kind regards
Nicole Greenwell
Events Coordinator
The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
309 La Trobe Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Phone: 9601 4931
Fax: 9642 5652
www.ranzcp.org

Advance notice for the The MHS Summer Forum.

Theme: Leadership for Mental Health Services of the Future.

An Impressive lineup of speakers include: Harold Pincus (Columbia University) Ken Thompson (Yale), David Goldbloom and Mike Kirby from Canada: locals include Harvey Whiteford, Cathy Eager, Janet Meagher, John Mendoza and Roger Gurr.
They will discuss and debate leadership at national/state/managerial level as well as the service/clinical level.

It will held at the Citigate Hotel, Sydney over two days, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 February 2009.

More details soon on the website www.themhs.org

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

5. Scholarships

Older-Adult Mental Health Top-Up Studentship

A top-up studentship is being offered to a PhD student enrolled at the University of Western Australia, and starting in 2009 ($10,000 per year for 3 years). The project must relate to psychiatric symptoms in older-adults and have clinical relevance. Closing date: 30 January 2009.

For further details, please contact Dr FlavieWaters, Flavie@ccrn.uwa.edu.au

6. Position Vacant

Advance Notice – to be advertised shortly

Clinical Research Interviewer

Part-time or full time, fixed-term (Research Assistant) position in the School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University.

A part-time interviewer is required to join an exciting National Health and Medical Research Council-funded project to evaluate a psychological treatment for chronic schizophrenia. Primary duties include the recruitment of participants from a range of mental health services, the conduct of clinical interviews, data entry and the maintenance of associated records. The position will be offered from 0.4EFT to full-time, as a fixed term contract until Dec 31st 2009.

We are looking for a person with at least an Honours degree in psychology, or nursing, occupational therapy or social work qualifications, excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, and relevant research or clinical experience. SCID/PANSS experience would be highly valued.

Note: Applications are not yet open, but you are welcome to enquire or register your interest at lifengage@latrobe.edu.au, or telephone (03) 9479 5045.

Location: Bundoora campus, La Trobe University, with travel in Melbourne Metro area

Likely remuneration: Package of $48,805 to $53,453 pro-rata, p.a. inclusive of 17%
Employer superannuation (to be confirmed).

Advance Notice – to be advertised in early 2009

Research Therapist

Part-time position in the School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University.

A part-time (approx 0.4EFT) therapist will be required to join a National Health and Medical Research Council-funded project to evaluate a psychological treatment for chronic schizophrenia. Primary duties include the provision of ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and Befriending Therapy to people with schizophrenia who have persisting positive symptoms. The position is likely to be offered as a fixed term contract from about February until Dec 31st 2009.

We are looking for a person with appropriate therapy training and experience

Note: Applications are not yet open, but you are welcome to enquire or register your interest at lifengage@latrobe.edu.au, or telephone (03) 9479 5045.

Location: Bundoora campus, La Trobe University, with travel in Melbourne Metro area

Likely remuneration: TBA

**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.