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Cyan Moon crew preparation for the Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race March 2023

- Porter, Joanne, Simic, Megan, Talpey, Scott, Fenton, Sam, Casey, Meghan, McNeal, Dominic, Statham, Dixie, Prokopiv, Valerie, Miller, Libby

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Simic, Megan , Talpey, Scott , Fenton, Sam , Casey, Meghan , McNeal, Dominic , Statham, Dixie , Prokopiv, Valerie , Miller, Libby
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: The Collaborative Evaluation & Research Centre (formally CERG) evaluated the crew’s experiences pre and post yacht events using a mixed methods approach. The Cyan yacht had a crew of 12 and competed in a number of events in the racing calendar leading up to the Sydney to Hobart race in January 2023. This was the first time that this boat and many of the crew competed in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Food security and wellbeing project evaluation 2022-2023

- Porter, Joanne, Simic, Megan, Miller, Elizabeth, Bransgrove, Natalie, Barbagallo, Michael, Peck, Blake, Unsworth, Carolyn, Hewitt, Alana, Soldatenko, Daria, Hualda, Luis, My, Sambath, Prokopiv, Valerie

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Simic, Megan , Miller, Elizabeth , Bransgrove, Natalie , Barbagallo, Michael , Peck, Blake , Unsworth, Carolyn , Hewitt, Alana , Soldatenko, Daria , Hualda, Luis , My, Sambath , Prokopiv, Valerie
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: Although the country is transitioning out of COVID-19 lockdowns and easing restrictions, Australians are now facing increased costs of living. Global political unrest, interest rate rises, and inflation have seen the prices of fuel, food and household bills surge, increasing the strain on individuals and families. Fruit and vegetables have seen cost increases by almost 7% from last year, with this figure only estimated to rise. During the same period, however, takeaway food prices increased marginally by 0.7%, potentially due to government subsidy and voucher systems introduced post COVID-19 lockdowns. The strain of food prices is felt even more greatly by those living in regional, rural and remote Australia, with prices increasing due to freight costs. The Morwell Neighbourhood House (MNH) Food Bank provides emergency relief without requiring an appointment and is unrestricted by postcode or healthcare card status. The Food Bank is supported by St Vinnies Morwell, which provides $12,000 annually towards the cost of food, and by numerous community organisations, individuals and businesses. Demand for the Food Bank has increased steadily and particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate precursor to the People’s Kitchen was a 2019 project named Cooking for a Purpose. That involved GippsTAFE VCAL students preparing nutritious frozen meals using ingredients provided by MNH. The availability of frozen home-cooked meals has ensured that Food Bank clients have at least one nutritious hot meal per day. The CERC was commissioned to explore the activities of the MNH, gaining an insight into how the whole of person approach to food security was being implemented. This understanding was gained through the perspective of those who were paid employees, Volunteers or accessed the MNH services, outlining the benefits, barriers and future suggestions for the MNH operations when addressing food security in the Latrobe Valley. Data were collected between 2022 - 2023 using a mixed methods approach to understand the impact of the MNH services on participants. Participants included MNH stakeholders, staff, Volunteers, secondary school students and people who accessed the MNH services. In addition to this, a comprehensive literature review was performed to understand the global landscape of food insecurity, exploring how people access Food Banks, the opportunities that arise from engaging with food security service activities and the perspectives of employees who ran these services.

Men’s shed field officer project phase 2 evaluation 2022/2023

- Porter, Joanne, Coombs, Nicole, Soldatenko, Daria, Simic, Megan, Miller, Elizabeth, My, Sambath, Bransgrove, Natalie

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole , Soldatenko, Daria , Simic, Megan , Miller, Elizabeth , My, Sambath , Bransgrove, Natalie
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: In September 2021, the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA) and Victorian Men’s Sheds Association (VSMA) launched the Men’s Shed Field Officer in Latrobe to work with local men, Men’s Sheds and other men’s groups with the aim to achieve increased health and wellbeing outcomes for local men and support the activity of the Men’s Sheds in Latrobe. The Field Officer role had previously been evaluated by the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) from Federation University, with several recommendations made after analysing data collected from the Field Officer himself and the Shed members. At the end of the first year, it was recommended that the project be extended for another 12 months to allow the adaption of processes to permit further impact of the role. With identified misconceptions and challenges in identifying how the role could assist the Sheds, it was determined more time was required to learn about the Sheds and the individual needs associated with each different Shed culture. The Men’s Shed Field Officer engaged with Men’s Sheds in Toongabbie, Traralgon, Traralgon South, Boolarra, Churchill, Moe, Newborough, and Morwell and helped with the establishment of a new shed in Moe called Carpenter Bee Men’s Shed. The CERC was again commissioned to evaluate Phase 2 of the project with the aim to contribute to the knowledge regarding the best use of resources to achieve improved engagement with men across Latrobe and achieve enhanced health outcomes.

Physical literacy scoping project : children and families 2022-2023 final report

- Fenton, Sam, Porter, Joanne, Fletcher, Anna, Dabkowski, Elissa, Prins, Alex

  • Authors: Fenton, Sam , Porter, Joanne , Fletcher, Anna , Dabkowski, Elissa , Prins, Alex
  • Date: 2023
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: The Physical Literacy Scoping Project: Children and Families was an initiative of the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA) Physical Literacy Working Group (PLWG). The research project was funded by the Latrobe Health Assembly and completed by the Community Evaluation Research Group (CERG) in partnership with Institute of Education, Arts and Community (IEAC) at Federation University. The scope of the project included: Enabling community agencies; engaging stakeholders from health promotion, physical activity, education, sport, recreation, and recreation planning; Identifying and prioritising projects; identifying existing support, funding and initiatives and identifying needs for training, education, and ongoing support.

Adolescents Building Connections (ABC) program evaluation 2022

- Porter, Joanne, Prokopiv, Valerie, Peck, Blake, Bailey, Carolyn, Forooshani, Habib

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Prokopiv, Valerie , Peck, Blake , Bailey, Carolyn , Forooshani, Habib
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: CERC (formally CERG) has evaluated the Quantum Support Services ABC program that provids tools and strategies to help young people understand the impact of their behaviours and encourage positive growth and maintenance of healthy relationships.

Building healthy and resilient communities through service equity project evaluation : June 2022

- Porter, Joanne, Jackson, Megan, Cruz, Naomi, Prokopiv, Valerie

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Jackson, Megan , Cruz, Naomi , Prokopiv, Valerie
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: Working in partnership with the Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group and in collaboration with the Errinundra to Snowy Community Recovery Committee, CERC (formally CERG) evaluated and validated existing data and new information in support of an appropriate health service model for the Errinundra to Snowy District of Far East Gippsland.

Examining the experiences of intercultural ambassadors in regional Victoria from 2019 to 2021

- Cooper, Kimberlea, Patil, Tejaswini, Ottmann, Goetz, Williams, Dominic, Mummery, Jane

Exploring lived experiences of participants in the Intercultural Employment Pathways (IEP) program from 2019 to 2022

- Cooper, Kimberlea, Patil, Tejaswini, Ottmann, Goetz, Williams, Dominic, Mummery, Jane

  • Authors: Cooper, Kimberlea , Patil, Tejaswini , Ottmann, Goetz , Williams, Dominic , Mummery, Jane
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Technical report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: This report documents research conducted by Federation University in relation to the City of Ballarat Intercultural Employment Pathways (IEP) program from 2019 - 2022. The IEP program aims to enhance social inclusion, employment, and education pathways for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants in the Ballarat region. The purpose of the research was to explore the lived experiences of migrants who participated in the IEP program to better understand the strengths of the program and propose recommendations for its future. The research was a qualitative study that used a survey, interviews, and a focus group to explore the perspectives of IEP participants and encourage them to share deep and rich accounts of their lived experiences. Overall, 39 migrants involved with the IEP program participated in the research. The findings are grouped into four themes: Connection: The communal nature of the IEP program enabled participants to establish social and professional connections which increased their networking capacity to find gainful employment. Participants valued the networking opportunities created by the IEP program as many felt as though they were ‘starting again’ after migrating to Australia. Culture: The IEP program assisted participants to adapt to Australian norms of job-hunting and workplace culture and to learn practical strategies to utilise in their job application and interview techniques. The IEP program created a broader platform for cultural exchange within the community and can contribute to wider changes in representation and appreciation of diversity. Confidence: The IEP program assisted participants to improve their levels of confidence and feelings of self-worth. The tailored support that is available to each participant enabled them to develop confidence in their abilities and focus upon their strengths. Context: Participants shared experiences of the many challenges and barriers they have faced when looking for meaningful and secure employment in Australia. Understanding these wider experiences provide the context in which the IEP program operates and emphasises its importance in providing valuable assistance to migrants settling in the City of Ballarat.

Latrobe Regional Hospital : The Wellness Centre evaluation 2021-2022

- Porter, Joanne, Simic, Megan, Ghasemiardekani, Maryam, Prokopiv, Valerie

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Simic, Megan , Ghasemiardekani, Maryam , Prokopiv, Valerie
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: CERC (formally CERG) partnered with the Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) to evaluate their Staff Wellness Centre, designed to provide wellbeing support for staff during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation had identified an impact to staff wellness during the pandemic, responding with the Centre to help staff access health promotion services, mental and physical wellbeing services. CERC assisted with evaluating the service, demonstrating the impact the service has had on the overall wellbeing of staff.

Understanding and addressing digital disadvantage in Wimmera Southern Mallee :Research report

- Tischler, Catherine, McDonald, Kelsey, Reeves, Keir

  • Authors: Tischler, Catherine , McDonald, Kelsey , Reeves, Keir
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Report , Technical report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: The Understanding and addressing digital disadvantage in Wimmera Southern Mallee Project (the project) explored the challenges Wimmera Southern Mallee residents, focusing on low-income individuals and families, small/micro businesses and migrant groups have in accessing and effectively engaging with digital technology to help guide future regional actions. The project team interviewed 31 people from across five Local Government areas in the Wimmera Southern Mallee (Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians, Horsham Rural City and Yarriambiack) who have low engagement with digital technology and/or limited internet access, as well as a representative sample of those who work to support those with low digital literacy. Ethnographic research was undertaken to understand the factors that impact on digital engagement and accessibility across the three key demographic groups in the study area. The research investigated people’s access to hardware (e.g. computers, phones and tablets) as well as networks (internet plans and connections – broadband, satellite, mobile etc.). Understanding the challenges in engaging with and interpreting digital technology will help inform future advocacy and policy responses for this region. The research will also facilitate better targeting of information and support to Wimmera Mallee residents to actively improve uptake, access, and engagement. This is important, as the region has been identified as having the lowest digital literacy of any area in Victoria (Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2020).

Women and girls’ participation in male-dominated sports: research outcomes - a project supported by change our game research grant

- Eime, Rochelle, Pankowiak, Aurelie, Casey, Meghan, Harvey, Jack, Charity, Melanie, Westerbeek, Hans

‘I Am Deadly’ project evaluation December 2022

- Porter, Joanne, Johnson, Nicholas, Prokopiv, Valerie, Jackson, Megan, Prezioso, Michelle, Cowan, Amy, Barbagallo, Michael, Dabkowski, Elissa

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Johnson, Nicholas , Prokopiv, Valerie , Jackson, Megan , Prezioso, Michelle , Cowan, Amy , Barbagallo, Michael , Dabkowski, Elissa
  • Date: 2022
  • Type: Text , Technical report , Report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: CERC (formally CERG) evaluated the implementation of the ‘I Am Deadly’ project, which is a version of the ‘I Am Ready’ project targeting young Aboriginal students. The project aimed at encouraging up to 20 Aboriginal students to take up a trade and providing them with a pathway into a trade. It also aimed to encourage Aboriginal Students to continue their education to allow a greater choice for employment options post-secondary school.

Latrobe City Council Community Engagement Survey 2021 Analysis

- Porter, Joanne, Barbagallo, Michael, Reimers, Vaughan, Prokopiv, Valerie, James, Michelle, Dabkowski, Elissa, Prezioso, Michelle, Federation University. Collaborative Evaluation Unit (CEU)

  • Authors: Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Reimers, Vaughan , Prokopiv, Valerie , James, Michelle , Dabkowski, Elissa , Prezioso, Michelle , Federation University. Collaborative Evaluation Unit (CEU)
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Technical report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: As part of Latrobe City’s community engagement strategy, a survey was developed and distributed during May to June 2021, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to capture feedback and suggestions on how Latrobe City could be a better place to live, work, visit and play. The survey also invited residents to share their thoughts on current and future challenges for the City. A total of 1552 responses to the survey were received of which 69 were blank, with 1453 making up the final data set. This report highlights the findings from the survey. The majority of the participants were female (65%, n=744), 33% were from Traralgon, 35% from smaller townships with the remaining 32% from Moe, Newborough, Morwell and Churchill. The participants ranged in age from 17-30 years (15%), 31-40 years (27%), 41-70 years (43%) 70+ years (10%). The majority of the participants were employed in healthcare, education and administrative roles with 89% stating that they live and work in Latrobe City. Friends are family was cited as the most common reason why participants believed that Latrobe City was a good place, with Location in Victoria, Affordability and Natural environment rounding off the top four responses. The most common reason people gave for Latrobe City being a good place to work was Distance from home (n=504) and similarly the most common reason participants gave for it being a good place to study was Close to home. Safety, Economy and Built environment were considered the things most important for Latrobe City Council to focus on this was evident in both the quantitative and qualitative responses. A thematic analysis process was used to analyse the content from the six open-ended questions in the survey. Six main themes emerged; Employment, Safety, Transport, Education, Sport and Entertainment and Hope for the future.

Optimal shared home equity model for the younger segment of the population in Melbourne report number 1 : formulation testing and simulation

- Earl, George, Martin, Jennifer, Liu, Benjamin, Roca, Eduardo, Min, Byung, Beh, Jeanie, Morawakage, Prabath

Optimal shared home equity model for the younger segment of the population of Melbourne report number 2 : latest shared equity models in australia and the world: literature review

- Earl, George, Martin, Jennifer, Liu, Benjamin, Roca, Eduardo, Min, Byung, Beh, Jeanie, Morawakage, Prabath

Optimal Shared Home Equity Model for the Younger Segment of the Population of Melbourne Report Number 3: Housing Needs and Aspirations of Melbourne Youth: Literature review

- Earl, George, Martin, Jennifer, Liu, Benjamin, Roca, Eduardo, Min, Byung, Beh, Jeanie, Morawakage, Prabath

Optimal shared home equity model for the younger segment of the population of melbourne report number 4 : externalities of housing schemes: literature review

- Earl, George, Martin, Jennifer, Liu, Benjamin, Roca, Eduardo, Min, Byung, Beh, Jeanie, Morawakage, Prabath

Optimal Shared home equity model for the younger segment of the population of Melbourne report number 5 : financial analysis and sensitivities

- Earl, George, Martin, Jennifer, Liu, Benjamin, Roca, Eduardo, Min, Byung, Beh, Jeanie, Morawakage, Prabath

Risky drinking social worlds in Victoria: a social media analysis

- Ahmed, Ashir, Martin, Jennifer, Towl, David, Haussegger, Zac

The role of primary care mental health nurse practitioners in Australia

- McKinnon, Brett, Cross, Wendy

  • Authors: McKinnon, Brett , Cross, Wendy
  • Date: 2021
  • Type: Text , Technical report
  • Full Text:
  • Description: The Tristar Medical Group use Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNPs) to both provide and co-ordinate care. Completion rates of entire 90-day cycles of care and review of GPMHCPs sits at approximately 70%, which is significantly better than the National average of 42% since the introduction of the MBS 2712 billing item. This item itself is integral in demonstrating effectiveness in reviewing planned care. The role of the MHNP has been vital to achieving excellent patient care outcomes in this domain. MHNPs value add into Primary Care and General Practice by: • Advanced assessment and diagnosis of Mental Health Issues • Monitoring physical health, • Ordering and analysing tests • Prescribing medications, • Providing psychoeducation for medication adherence • Psychotherapy / Psychological Interventions • Monitoring and reporting all aspects of care to the Treating Team Participants in this evaluation believe that Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNP) provide the maximum value for clinical care across the entire biopsychosocial Model. Clients receiving treatment and support by MHNPs experienced improved outcomes through increased continuity of care- including through home visits, follow up and care co-ordination, access to support and greater compliance with their treatment plans. Care provided by MHNPs demonstrated evidence of an overall reduction in hospital admission rates and lengths of stay in hospital where admission occurred; increased levels of employment; improved family and community connections; and positive impacts on GP workloads. Evidence of effectiveness of the MHNP model of service delivery whereby MHNs were actively providing clinical interventions and co-ordinating care for patients is well supported by the results of this evaluation. If the business model and funding changed, more MHNPs could be recruited, especially given the scarcity of other mental health clinical discipline in rural communities. Current funding for MHNPs has been restricted to those who receive PHN subsidy under the stepped care model. This limits the opportunity to provide the full range of care that MHNPs are capable of delivering compared to other clinical disciplines. Submissions to government to facilitate greater access to MBS items for their services is recommended.