It's been a busy time for the Tasmanian Branch. Here's a snippet of what's being happening:

Health Promotion Training Opportunities

A comprehenisive list of health promotion training opportunities has been compiled by the Tasmanian branch.

Please view the pdf file for further details:
Health Promotion Training Opportunities (pdf 38 kb)

Advocacy in Health Promotion

Our successful Lunchtime Forum in August 2007 was titled Advocacy in health promotion - where angels fear to tread.
The findings of a formative research study carried out by Miriam Herzfeld (Eat Well Tasmania) and Kaye Mehta (Flinders University, SA) was presented by Miriam Herzfeld. Lunchtime forum goers discovered more about health promoters' understanding and experiences in health advocay and whether health promoters really recognise the value of health advocacy. The presentation generated lively discussion focused on personal experiences in the Tasmanian health promotion workplace.

Please view the pdf file for further details:
Advocacy in Health Promotion (pdf 1.9 MG)

Effective Advocacy Conference

"Each and every one of us can make a difference"….that was the message being delivered at the recent Effective Advocacy Conference organised by Australian Health Promotion Association (Tasmanian Branch) and the Public Health Association Australia (Tasmanian Branch) on Friday the 11th March 2005 in Hobart.

The theme of the Conference recognised that many people may feel powerless to make a difference in the world around them but that there are ways to harness community action and ensure messages are heard by those who need to hear them.

World-renowned health promotion expert Professor Ron Labonte from the Institute of Population Health in Canada headed up an inspirational panel of presenters for the Conference.

"Without advocacy", Ron said, "we can not improve health – that has been the history of almost every health advancement in Western society".

Ron challenged the audience to become passionate citizens (using "evidence-based anger") that seek to change policy and not just raise awareness; and he provided practical advice on how to make the change process effective. Ron spoke about being specific about the problem or issue, understanding the language and gatekeepers of policy, recognising the appropriate time in relation to decision making processes, being persistent, being politically astute, using the media and always being optimistic. In conclusion, Ron advised us to: "Be rigorous. Be righteous. Be hopeful."

Ron also encourage people to become involved in Associations such as the Australian Health Promotion Association or the Public Health Association because this gives people opportunities to do things they may not be able to do in their jobs – like advocate on important health issues.

The Conference also showcased examples of 'grass-roots' advocacy, including a well-publicised program called the Parents Jury. Greg Johnson spoke about this web-based network of parents who wish to improve the food and physical activity environments for children in Australia.

Other Conference presenters included Jo Flanagan from Anglicare's Social Action Research Centre, David O'Byrne from Smoke-free Tasmania and Dr Roscoe Taylor from Population Health (Dept of Health & Human Services). All these presenters provided insight into how they have used advocacy strategies to make a difference.

Over 100 people attended the Conference from a broad range of sectors. An active panel discussion and afternoon workshops contributed to this very successful day.

The Australian Health Promotion Association (Tasmanian Branch) hopes to be able to work with others in the future to build on the outcomes of this Conference.

Dr Ron Labonte, Canadian Research Chair, Globalisation and Health Inequities, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, recently gave a presentation in Tasmania. A copy of the presentation is available through this link: Advocacy Talk Ron Labonte TAS (Word doc 844kb)

 

Tasmanian Branch Officially Launched At the Advocacy Conference we took the opportunity to formally launch our Branch. We had a fabulous team who prepared a colourful, fun, simple and to-the-point launch activity. Delegates were called to attention by the soft chime of Tibetan bells and coloured streamers were thrown to represent the aims and visions of AHPA. These fell gently over the participants as Ron presented the official launch speech. The colourful highlight of the event was a huge, red ribbon and bow to symbolise the beginning of the good work of the Tasmanian branch (which of course Ron obliged by cutting with gusto and therefore doing the official honours!)

Jacquie Maginnis, Miriam Herzfeld, Jeltjie Gillian, Verity Cleland, Leigh Tesch, Glen Paley, Sue Frendin and Sarina Laidler celebrate the launch of the Tasmanian Branch

Our successful Lunchtime Forum in November 2005 was titled
SUSTAINABILITY: What? Why? and How?
It was presented by Dorothy McCartney. (Research Fellow with UDRH; PhD Student with School of Sociology UTAS.) Dorothy has undertaken a literature review in this area and is currently developing an 'audit tool' to review the development of elements required for the sustainability of community program. View the presentation by clicking on the link below.

Sustainability - PowerPoint Presentation by Dorothy McCartney

The Secretary
Email: ahpatas@hotmail.com