News

October 2008

The Rural and Remote Interest Group held a forum at the 43rd Australian Psychological Society National Conference, which was held in Hobart in September. The title of the forum this year was Of droughts and flooding rains, while the general theme was Looking for a resilient and sustainable rural psychology profession.

We were very lucky to have four excellent presentations all very relevant to the work of rural and remote psychologists.

  1. "Rural and remote road safety research program" presented by Colin Edmonston and Dale Steinhardt. The full report is available at www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/ 

  2. Christine Milne (Tasmanian Greens) spoke eloquently on the need to create a desire in people fora change of lifestyle which protects the planet. If you missed the presentation you might like to check out Christine's very interesting website: http://christine-milne.greensmps.org.au/

  3. "Effectiveness of bibliotherapy self help for depression with varying levels of telephone support" presented by Grahame Gould providing information about a self help manual for depression called The Good Mood Guide published by Life Line South Coast PO Box 404 Wollongong NSW 2520 or contact Grahame on g.gould@llsc.org.au 

  4. Chelsea Eacott presented the thoughts of rural teenagers about the stresses of living in the country and how they cope after completing a coping skills program.
April 2008

Member Survey 2008 

Please click on the link below to download the Rural and Remote Psychology Interest Group Member Survey 2008.

 

October 2008

The interest group has identified persistent issues affecting rural and remote practitioners and their communities over the years of its operation. Issues that continue to arise at recent 2008 committee meetings include:

  • Rural and remote column in InPsych 
  • Rural and remote member survey
  • Working with rural GPs in relation to the medicare rebate for psychology 
  • Support for people affected by the drought 
  • Professional development, placement and training for rural psychologists in rural areas
  • Attracting psychology students and graduates to rural areas 
  • Videoconferencing and videos of professional development activities
  • Mentoring
  • Funding and sponsorship in rural and remote areas
  • Creative supervision and support strategies in rural areas
  • Raising the profile of rural psychologists through activities during National Psychology Week each year and participation on rural programs and/or in the media
  • Providing awards to recognise the work of rural and remote psychologists
  • Presentation of rural and remote issues at national conferences
  • Encouraging rural psychologists to present at the international psychology conference in Melbourne in 2010

Please see our interest group newsletters for further details.

Grant opportunity

NSW Rural Allied Health Scholarships and Clinical Placement Grants

The NSW Health Department offers NSW Rural Allied Health Clinical Placement Grants for NSW students enrolled in specific courses. The Grants have been created to assist both rural and urban allied health students with the travel and accommodation costs of rural clinical placements, and provide students with opportunities to experience rural practice and lifestyle in NSW.

Placement Grants of up to $500 (or $800 in the case of placements at Broken Hill) are offered during each semester.

Find out more about this annual grant at www.health.nsw.gov.au/rural/alliedhealth/clinical_grants.asp

For information on other grant opportunities, see: APS awards and prizes