The Victorian Government has teamed up with Victoria University to extend additional scholarship opportunities to students in the western suburbs of Melbourne, aiming to cultivate leadership among young individuals in the area.
Ben Carroll, the Minister for Education, revealed the government’s commitment of $100,000 to the Western Chances Links Program for the next two years, a move aimed at supporting the development of future leaders in Melbourne.
The program, a collaborative effort between Western Chances and Victoria University, offers merit-based scholarships to financially challenged youths in Melbourne’s west. It recognises their talent and commitment through nominations from educators and community members.
In addition to financial support, the program enriches scholarship recipients with various free educational, personal, and professional development opportunities.
The Western Chances Links Program, which annually distributes 200 scholarships across 32 government schools, will expand its reach with the new funding.
Since 2006, Victoria University has been working with Western Chances to promote educational access and equity, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to these values.
“Western Chances sends a powerful message to young people that the sky is their limit – encouraging them to take up leadership positions and develop their skills to represent and advocate for their communities,” Minister Carroll said.
“We’re proud to support Western Chances for another two years as they undertake their important work to develop young leaders in the West,” he added.
Professor Adam Shoemaker, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, spoke on the enhancements at the Footscray Nicholson Campus.
“This expansion will enable Western Chances staff, students, and volunteers to really elevate their support of young people in the west of Melbourne,” Shoemaker said.
“VU is famous for providing the highest quality of equitable opportunities for all. We are delighted to continue this proud tradition with Western Chances now, tomorrow, and into the future,” Shoemaker added.
Terry Bracks AM, Founder and Chair of Western Chances, emphasized the alliance’s role in forging new paths for youth in the area.
“Through this Major Alliance, we are poised to create new opportunities for our young people and pave the way for increased access to education, skills, learning pathways, and employment,” said Bracks.
He highlighted the partnership’s foundation in a strong belief in the transformative power of education and a deep affection for Melbourne’s western suburbs.
In an annual academic exercise that has become a key benchmark for educational achievement across Australia, more than 300,000 students from 2,350 schools in Victoria are set to take the NAPLAN tests starting today.
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is designed to evaluate students’ progress in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, providing valuable insights into individual and collective educational achievements nationally.
Ben Carroll, the Minister for Education, extended his best wishes to the participants, emphasising the significance of the assessments in understanding students’ educational trajectories.
“Today marks an exciting day for students across the state and I wish each and every one of them the best of luck as they take on this year’s NAPLAN tests,” Carroll said, reflecting the government’s support and optimism for the student body undertaking the assessments.
Victoria’s students have historically performed well in NAPLAN, with the 2023 results indicating the state’s strong position in national rankings—achieving first or second in 16 out of 20 categories. This performance is attributed to the efforts of students, teachers, and investments in the educational sector.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll expressed his confidence in the ongoing success of Victorian students in NAPLAN, acknowledging the combined efforts of students, teachers, support staff, and families in supporting the educational journey.
In an effort to further enhance the utility and impact of the NAPLAN assessments, the Victorian government implemented significant changes to the program last year. By advancing the timing of the tests, the revised structure aims to offer earlier insights into students’ academic standing, allowing for more timely interventions and support.
Adopting new proficiency standards, which replaced the older national benchmarks, now offers a more nuanced understanding of student achievements through categories such as exceeding, strong, developing, and needs additional support.
These changes are part of a broader strategy by the Victorian Government to bolster student learning and wellbeing, with almost $740 million invested since 2021 to employ thousands of tutors in government and non-government schools. This initiative is designed to support students in reaching their full academic potential while enhancing their social skills.
Carroll reinforced the importance of the revised NAPLAN structure in aiding educational stakeholders. “The changes we introduced last year to NAPLAN reporting and timing will provide critical information for schools, parents, and carers to see how each child is tracking and how they can be best supported,” he asserted.
As the tests commence, the focus remains on ensuring that every Victorian student has the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, with the collective goal of sustaining and surpassing the high standards set in previous years.
The Philippine Government is taking significant strides in digital transformation, supported by the expertise of The University of Adelaide. Five key Philippine Government agencies are partaking in two specialised short courses funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines (AAAEP-P). These courses aim to boost the skills and capacity needed for rapid digital transformation, which will be critical for the Philippine workforce of the future.
The inaugural course, ‘Digital Transformation Strategy Development and Implementation,’ began in January 2024. Its first module is a benchmarking study to Australia during which Filipino officials will meet counterparts at State and Federal agencies involved in digitalising government services. Thereafter, officials from the participating Philippine Government agencies will attend the second module on developing digital and data competencies for Filipino civil servants.
A follow-up course on digitalisation is scheduled in Manila this February in collaboration with Asia Pacific College.
Professional and Continuing Education are delivering the two short courses at the University of Adelaide, which specialise in implementing workforce training, development and credentials that help organisations respond to current and emerging industry and business trends.
Dr Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (External Engagement) at The University of Adelaide, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“Our history of delivering transformative workplace training positions us uniquely to assist individuals and organisations in adapting to and thriving in the evolving work landscape,” Dr Gallagher commented.
“We are excited to extend our expertise to the Philippines through the prestigious Australia Awards, known for their significant global impact. It’s an honour to contribute to the Philippines’ public sector’s digital transformation journey,” she said.
Participants from the Civil Service Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National Economic and Development Authority are currently in Australia. Their visit includes intensive training workshops at the University of Adelaide, visits to Australian Government agencies for digital transformation insights, and participation in diplomatic and cultural events.
The Honourable Karlo B. Nograles, Chair of the Philippines Civil Service Commission, expressed strong enthusiasm for the transformative potential these learning engagements offer.
“The training and insights provided by the University of Adelaide are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of digital transformation. The courses offered under the AAAEP-P are perfectly aligned with our national priorities to modernise government services. We are confident that this initiative will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts to foster a digitally empowered public sector and a more vibrant digital economy in the Philippines,” he said.
The AAAEP-P is an eight-year program of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that aims to support the Philippines in progressing its development goals and have positive relationships with Australia that advance mutual interests. The University of Adelaide is one of several Australian universities providing learning opportunities to Filipinos through the AAAEP-P.
Each year, through Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Adelaide, thousands of individuals and hundreds of organisations access lifelong learning through public and customised education and workforce offerings.
Dr Gallagher suggested that the University of Adelaide was uniquely placed to develop transformative workforce solutions targeting emerging skills.
“Through our Professional and Continuing Education unit, we harness cutting-edge research and industry insights, drawing upon the profound impact and knowledge of distinguished academics and industry leaders. Our commitment to rigorous educational standards and the creation of unique academic pathways ensures an enriching journey of learning and advancement at the University,” Gallagher said.
The delegation was welcomed to Adelaide with a special reception at Government House, hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, among other dignitaries, including the Philippine Honorary Consul, Ms Carmen Garcia.
Ms Garcia said, “I am so proud and excited to see that our world-renowned University of Adelaide is taking the lead in supporting the Philippines to navigate digital transformation and play a pivotal role in activating our strategic partnership”.
Filipino nurses have been a valuable asset to the healthcare industry in Australia and all over the world. Their dedication, professionalism, and caring nature have earned them a reputation as some of the best nurses in the world. To celebrate their contributions, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network is gearing up for their annual celebration, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day, on 7th May 2023.
This year’s celebration, with the theme “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health,” will honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health. The event will be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t dampen the excitement and enthusiasm of the organizers and participants.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the testimonies of Filipino nurses who have made significant contributions to the healthcare industry in Australia. These nurses have shared their experiences, insights, and reflections on the role of Filipino nurses in global health.
One of the Filipino nurses who will be sharing her testimony is Hannah Mary Navidad. Hannah has spent most of her career in aged care for nearly five years, where she has seen firsthand how language barriers can make it challenging for patients to communicate their needs and feelings effectively. However, Hannah believes that building strong relationships with her patients is key to providing the best possible care.
“I believe that every patient deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their language or cultural background,” Hannah says. “By taking the time to listen and communicate effectively, I can better understand my patients’ needs and provide the best possible care.”
Hannah Mary Navidad and her family
Another nurse, Jeralyn Hipolito, who has been working in Mittagong, New South Wales for over two years, said, “As a Filipino nurse, I feel a great sense of responsibility to represent my country and my profession in the best possible way. I strive to provide the highest level of care to my patients, and I’m proud of what we, as Filipino nurses, have achieved in the healthcare industry.”
Jeraly Hipolito and family
Interestingly, the couple, Arlene and Oliver Adao, both working as clinical nurses in Perth, Western Australia, shared their thoughts on being Filipino nurses in a foreign land. “We feel like we’re part of a big family here in Australia,” says the couple, who have been working in the country for several years. “It’s not always easy being away from our family and friends, but we’ve made friends with other Filipino nurses including other nationalities, and we work together to provide the best possible care to our patients.”
The couple highlights the diversity of Australia’s healthcare workforce, where they work alongside colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. “What is good with Australia is we work with different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. It is very diverse that we got to learn strategies that are evidence-based in the care of our respective patients and families,” says one of the nurses.
The couple also highlights the holistic approach to patient care in Australia, which includes not just treatment but also admission, rehabilitation, and discharge. “It is a holistic approach from admission, treatment, rehabilitation, and discharge,” says one of the nurses. “We ensure that we are providing the best care possible to our patients and that their needs are being met.”
The president of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network, Professor Violeta Lopez, has expressed her excitement for the upcoming celebration of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day on May 7, 2023. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health, and this year’s theme is “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health.”
As the world continues to navigate the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Lopez emphasized the importance of unity and strength in caring for others. “This year’s theme highlights the resilience, dedication, and compassion that Filipino nurses bring to the healthcare industry,” she said.
Filipino nurses are a vital part of the global healthcare workforce, and they are known for their exceptional clinical skills, hard work, and dedication to patient care. According to Professor Lopez, the celebration of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day is a way to recognize and appreciate the significant contributions of Filipino nurses worldwide.
“Filipino nurses are highly valued for their knowledge and skills, and they play a critical role in providing quality care to patients,” she said. “They are known for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to excellence, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Prof. Violeta Lopez (President, Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network)
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network is a global organization that aims to support and empower Filipino nurses worldwide. It provides resources and support to Filipino nurses who are working abroad, and it promotes the advancement of the nursing profession through education and research.
“We believe that by working together and sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can make a difference in the lives of our patients and communities,” Professor Lopez said. “Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day is a time to celebrate our achievements, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on our work and to continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
This year’s theme, “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health,” highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in healthcare. As healthcare becomes more complex and demanding, it is essential for nurses to work together and support one another to provide the best possible care to patients.
Professor Lopez added, “We encourage all Filipino nurses to celebrate this special day with us. Let us come together to recognize and honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health, and let us continue to work together to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and communities.”
Filipinos in Australia who are aged 18 years and over are invited to take part in research that the Centre for Social Research in Health and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is conducting. The study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Aside from the 18+ criteria, participants must be currently residing in Australia and originally from the Philippines or have parents/grandparents born in the Philippines.
The research aims to assess the Filipino community’s knowledge of hepatitis B, health-seeking behaviours around hepatitis B and how members of this community view people living with hepatitis B. It involves the completion of an anonymous online questionnaire. It should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Participants will receive a $15 gift voucher after completion of the questionnaire.
“We hope to use the information we get from this research study to improve our understanding of the Filipino community in relation to hepatitis B, and in turn enhance health promotion and service provision for the Filipino community in Australia,” according to the participant information statement. The statement provides details about the collection and storage of data and where the results will be used and published. It also gives details for people needing support services, such as via Hepatitis Infolines and Beyond Blue.
For more details, contact Loren Brener, Associate Professor, UNSW, on 02 9385 6776 or l.brenner@unsw.edu.au.
The survey can be accessed via the following links in the language preferred by the participant: English | Filipino
