News in brief
Language service
A new Interpreting and Translating Assistance Strategy will be piloted to provide greater support for Queenslanders with a disability who have culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and needs. In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and South Sea Islanders will be among the first to benefit from this program. For more information contact Disability Services Queensland on (07) 3247 3566.
Early intervention
The Brisbane-based Griffith Youth Forensic Service assessment and treatment program will expand into North Queensland with $220 000 funding from the Department of Communities. The service will provide intensive treatment to young people found guilty by the courts of sexual offences. International research indicates appropriate treatment can lead to a 90 per cent success rate in preventing young people from re-offending. To find out more about the service phone Griffith University on (07) 3735 6910.
Carers can count on savings
Queensland’s new Carer Business Discount Card - believed to be an Australian first - will provide an estimated 87 000 carers with discounts and offers on a wide range of goods and services. The Carer Business Discount Card is available now to Queenslanders who receive the Centrelink Carer Payment or the Carer Allowance. To apply call 13 13 04.
Art on tour
An exhibition of 50 Asia-Pacific art works from the Queensland Art Gallery will tour regional Queensland until March 2010. The exhibition gives audiences beyond Brisbane an insight into the diversity of life and art across our region. Visit www.qag.qld.gov.au for itinerary details.
Indigenous wages
The Indigenous Wages and Savings Reparations Scheme has been reopened for those Indigenous Queenslanders whose wages and savings were controlled under previous government schemes. New closing dates of 31 January 2009 for Australian residents and April 2009 for eligible residents of Papua New Guinea will now apply. Contact 1800 809 097.
Champion
Renowned Brisbane jazz and opera singer Katie Noonan has been named as Queensland’s Multicultural Champion for 2009. Katie is in her element when exploring cultural diversity in music and is passionate about human rights, especially those of women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Shared visions
The next Shared Visions conference will be held on 2 and 3 April, 2009 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. If you are interested in attending the conference and working with others to make a difference for people with a disability, please register your details and we will keep you updated as planning progresses.