VFR travel in practice : Case studies from Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Backer, Elisa
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 24th Council for Australian Tourism and Hospitality Education Annual Conference; Brisbane, Queensland ; 10th-13th February 2014 ; published in CAUTHE 2014 - Tourism and hospitality in the contemporary world : Trends, changes and complexity p. 44-56
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel has been highlighted through previous research as being historically ignored and underestimated by both researchers and tourism marketing practitioners. However, a new wave of research may be encouraging an awakening in industry circles as to the economic, social and political benefits. Through three case studies in Victoria, Australia of successful VFR marketing campaigns, the reasons why practitioners have developed such marketing campaigns dedicated to reach and optimise their VFR travel ‘market’ are discussed. In addition, the rationale for such campaigns, and their associated marketing activities along with the measures used to judge their effectiveness are explored. The conclusions outline the common themes and issues from the three case studies, and in particular highlight the need for the campaigns to provide economic, social and political benefits.
Controlling wind blown Lachnagrostis filiformis (fairy grass) seed heads in western Victoria
- Authors: Warnock, Andrew , Florentine, Singarayer , Graz, Patrick , Westbrooke, Martin
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at Fourth Victorian Weed Conference : Plants behaving badly - in agriculture and the environment, Mercure Hotel, Geelong, Victoria : 7th-8th October 2009
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- Description: 2003007372
It's not just about competition! Building sport's capacity for population-focused physical activity promotion and development of healthy settings
- Authors: Casey, Meghan , Harvey, Jack , Payne, Warren , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2009 Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Seventh National Physical Activity Conference, Sixth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, Brisbane, Queensland : 14th-17th October 2009
- Full Text: false
- Description: Understanding organisational capacity is crucial for addressing how organisations can develop in order to contribute to health promotion objectives and facilitate the implementation of health promotion activities within their settings. This study explored the capacity of Sport Governing Organisations (SGOs) to participate in population-focused health promotion activities. Participants from SGOs in the Australian state of Victoria were invited to complete a Health Promotion and Sport Assessment Tool (HP-SAT) which included items from capacity building checklists (strength of a coalition, capacity of an organisation to tackle health issues, and quality of planning including strategic and operational planning for health promotion) and a partnership analysis tool. Participants completed the HP-SAT in two phases—first to identify their SGO's current capacity to implement health promotion activities; and second a reflection of their SGO's capacity five years previously, prior to funding from a health promotion body. For each substantive area in the HP-SAT (e.g., capacity to address health issues) a composite score was calculated by summing the numerically coded responses to each item pertaining to the particular area. The scores represented the capacity to implement health promotion activities, and were expressed on a scale of 0–100. Paired samples t-tests were used to test for differences in the capacity scores between the two time points. The mean scores for the six capacity and partnership areas ranged from 39.1 to 61.5 at the retrospective survey and significantly increased to 56.9–78.2 for the current survey (p < 0.05 for all six areas). Scores for operational planning for health promotion and SGO collaboration activities increased the most, by 27.9 and 19.4 percentage points, respectively. Strategic planning for health promotion scored the lowest for the current survey. This presentation will discuss how to build capacity within the sport sector to facilitate the implementation of health promotion activities and to engage sport settings in health promotion activities. In particular, it will focus on how to promote health by creating health-promoting environments and/or increase physical activity levels through sport participation.
iPod therefore I can : Enhancing the learning of children with intellectual disabilities through emerging technologies
- Authors: Marks, Genee , Milne, Jay
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at ICICTE 2008: International Conference on Information Communication Technologies in Education, Corfu, Greece : 10th-12th July 2008
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- Description: This paper explores the pedagogical and social potential of emerging technologies, in particular the iPod, in facilitating the learning of young Australians with severe intellectual and social disabilities. The study, which was carried out in a segregated educational setting in Victoria, Australia, sought to establish whether the intrinsic portable, multi-media capabilities of the iPod particularly lent themselves to a practical application for students with severe disabilities. It was concluded that such new technology has considerable power and potential as an emerging pedagogy with students with severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Description: 2003006449
Multiple Aboriginal place names in Western Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Clark, Ian
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at Twenty-third International Congress of Onomastic Sciences, Toronto, Canada : 17th-22nd August 2008
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- Description: In a recent paper on transparency versus opacity in Australian Aboriginal place names, linguist Michael Walsh (2002: 47) noted that in ‘Aboriginal Australia it is relatively common for a given place to have multiple names’. In providing an overview of multiple naming practices Walsh (2002: 47) stated the ‘simplest case is one place having two names. Such doublets can be intralectal or crosslectal. For intralectal doublets where there are two names for the one place in the same lect, both placenames may be opaque, both transparent, or one opaque and one transparent. … The same applies to crosslectal doublets where two names for the one place come from different lects’. Walsh (2002) observed that he was unclear on how multiple naming works and what its function is. Other than some case studies (Schebeck 2002 re Flinders Ranges, Sutton 2002 re the Wik region, Cape York, and Tamisari 2002), we are yet to gain a comprehensive picture for Aboriginal Australia. This paper adds to this discussion through a consideration of multiple naming in western Victoria using the results of research conducted by Clark and Heydon (2002) into Victorian Aboriginal place names. The paper also considers the policy implications of multiple indigenous naming for place name administration in Victoria. Victoria has adopted a dual naming policy that recognises a non-indigenous and an indigenous toponym for the one place but is yet to accept multiple indigenous naming.
- Description: 2003007363
Serving multiple masters : Reviewing the role and recognition of VET within the Victorian Senior Secondary School Certificates
- Authors: Brown, Michael , Sutton, Daryl
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at AVETRA 2008 Conference, Adelaide : 3rd-4th April 2008
- Full Text: false
- Description: This paper reviews a selection of the policy, curriculum, operational and research literature associated with the recognition of Vocational Education and Training (VET) within the Victorian senior secondary certificates; the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). The central tenet of our paper is that VET in Victorian schools serves multiple purposes and in doing so it offers both risks and opportunities. While the achieved outcomes of the Victorian VET programs achieve national recognition, the recognition of these programs for broader educational certification has become diverse and complex. We use statistical participation data to argue that the incorporation of VET into these senior secondary certificates, appeals to students and offers increased options and pathways in the post-compulsory years of schooling. A range of assessment strategies and procedures have been developed to assist in the recognition of VET within these senior secondary school certificates. In particular, scored assessment and its contribution to national tertiary entrance (ENTER) scores is at the centre of the debates over recognition of VET within VCE. Also in this mix for recognizing VET within the senior secondary certificates are pre-apprenticeship programs, (included as part of the VCE VET suite of programs), school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. The operational, procedural and research literature associated with the complexities of the tandem usage of competency-based and scored assessment are reviewed as they apply in the Victorian context. As with the VCE, VET is also incorporated into VCAL programs through the industry specific and work-related skills streams. VET is mandatory within the intermediate and senior levels of VCAL. Our paper tries to identify and discuss the complexities in this area of VET provision.
- Description: 2003006632
Social impacts of water restrictions : Householders in the Ballarat water supply system
- Authors: Harman, Jessie , Lynch, David , McEachern, Steven
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at Water Down Under Conference 2008, Adelaide, South Australia : 14th-17th April 2008 p. 2028-2041
- Full Text: false
- Description: In this paper, researchers investigate the social impact of water restrictions on households in the Ballarat and District Water Supply System. They present a general framework for evaluating the social impact of water restrictions which centres on perceptions of economic circumstances, health and well-being and community character and cohesion. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, researchers confirm that existing water restrictions are indeed having an impact, although the extent of that impact varies along key dimensions. Researchers also identify underlying drivers of attitudes towards water restrictions, namely the direct impact of water restrictions on the household, and beliefs regarding the equitable application of restrictions across the community. The research findings are significant at a number of levels. At the local level, they provide water resource practitioners and policy makers with systematic data on which to base future water resource decisions and the communication messages and support strategies that accompany such decisions. More broadly, the findings shed light on an issue of critical national importance and they contribute to our theoretical knowledge of its impacts and complexities, and strategies for measurement.
- Description: 2003006302
Two narratives within D & T education in secondary schools across Victoria
- Authors: Brown, Michael
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 5th Biennial International Conference on Technology Education Research 'Exploring Technology Education: Solutions to issues in a Globalised World', Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gold Coast, Queensland : 27th - 29th November 2008 p. 45-55
- Full Text: false
- Description: 2003006827
Innovation and change in the Victorian fine art cluster
- Authors: Giblin, Deidre , Lowe, Julian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 4th International AGSE Entrepreneurship Research Exchange: Regional Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research 2007, Brisbane Graduate School of Business, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland : 6th-9th February 2007
- Full Text: false
- Description: Principal Topic: This research is investigating the scope and relationships of the fine arts and associated sectors before, during and after disruption of the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) core activities over the period 1999 to 2003. The significance of the research is to examine the effect of the NGV’s scaled down operations and understand what happens to an industry and business relationships when a key player moves out of and then re-enters a market. The NGV has long been a dominant figure within the Victorian fine art cluster and, for the purpose of this research, has been used to investigate the way small / medium enterprises (SMEs) may be affected when a key player (one that has in the past dominated the cluster) is forced temporarily to assume a weaker role. The research focuses on the interactions and inter relationships between the NGV and SMEs specifically and the repercussions of dislocation within the cluster. The investigation will determine if the NGV’s dislocation and consequent re-entry as two separate entities has a bearing on the innovation and system behaviour of the cluster and its consequent adaptability to change in a turbulent environment. The fine art cluster together with other cultural enterprises are part of the Victorian cultural environment which has been experiencing turbulent times over the past decade (1995 to 2005) due to the Federation funds that were made available by the Australian and state governments. Specifically Melbourne’s cultural landscape changed extensively due to the high incidence of development that occurred. The speed of change was also a significant factor as the Federation funding meant that everything had to open before 2001, that is, before the centenary of Federation. The level of change in Victoria’s cultural landscape was not only in its physical infrastructure but also ensured dramatic organisational change within the institutions. The extent of the turbulence faced by the cultural institutions during this period of change demonstrates that the fine art and cultural art clusters were seen to be laggards, ’latent clusters ’ (Rosenfeld 1997:11) or ’defenders’ (Slater and Olsen 2000) in terms of governance processes, internal organisational structure, processes, management styles and innovation. The Federation funds offered an opportunity for a consistent redevelopment strategy, which was a catalyst for change in the fine art and cultural clusters that might not otherwise have happened. Methodology/Key Propositions: This longitudinal study undertaken over five years will analyse the nature of the market place as well as the interactions and relationships between players. The impact on this market or cluster will then be observed and compared over four stages, that is, before the NGV closed for refurbishment, during the period of dislocation, upon re-entry of the restructured NGV as two separate entities and 18 months after its re-entry. These investigations will not only help illuminate changes in the functional characteristics and relationship between the NGV and SMEs, but most importantly will answer the fundamental premise that the fine art cluster does exist. The question to ask is, do the institutions and their behaviour over this period of time ’fit’ within the definition of a cluster? A cluster has been defined as a complex system capable of initiating a synergetic process where interconnected organisations and associations are linked by commonalities, complementarities and rivalry. The interconnections between cluster members can be explicit and implicit, that is, as informal social systems or as formal structures. A second aspect of a cluster is that of proximity which may be geographic or functional. This connectivity and synergy transforms the local experience of each member where they can be expected to define their relations vis-`a-vis rivals and with markets. Consequently, the position a cluster member occupies is a matter of great strategic importance and reflects its power and influence and how it may influence the actions of other actors. The significance of this study lies in two areas. First, it is about the key player closing down and reopening as two separate entities (operational innovation). Second, the fine art cluster has a different dynamic from other clusters in that the main player derives its power from its expertise, trust and legitimacy; that is, its reputation. There is a focus on the intangible values of the product and its peripheral services, rather than its control through product and product innovation. In this case the dimension investigated is innovation since the aspect of cluster functioning under investigation is how clusters can provide an environment where change is either actively enhanced or standardized (through incremental innovation). An individual firm’s innovative status (ie accumulated knowledge and continuity of innovative activity), it’s networking activity and knowledge transfer channels as well as the information and management behaviour of the firm determine a cluster’s propensity to be innovative (Spielkamp and Vopel 1999). Hence, the key question for research needs to determine the nature of the cluster’s operations and inter-relationships, that is, does dislocation of the dominant player affect the way the fine art cluster operates (that is, level of innovation) and change the inter-relationships between members? Results and Implications: This research will provide information on how fine art businesses, including some that are competitors, interrelate, and if the dominant player’s dislocation and consequent re-entry has a bearing on the innovation and system behaviour of the cluster. The NGV’s 1999 to 2003 redevelopment and consequent scaled down operation provides a unique opportunity to examine the effects of dislocation of the dominant player on the way a cluster functions and its propensity to be innovative.
- Description: 2003005187
Is the pipeline our lifeline? Water reform and sustainability in drought-affected dryland communities of rural Victoria
- Authors: McRae-Williams, Pamela , Deutsher, M , Schwarz, Imogen
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at AWA OzWater 2007 convention and exhibition., Sydney : 4th - 8th March, 2007
- Full Text: false
- Description: E1
Hydropedology, geomorphology and groundwater processes hold the keys to land degradation - case studies in SW Victoria, Australia
- Authors: MacEwan, Richard , Dahlhaus, Peter , Fawcett, Jonathon
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 18th World Congress of Soil Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA : 9th-15th July 2006
- Full Text: false
- Description: Soil is the component in the landscape along with land use management and vegetation that determines all the partitioning of water balance components that affect surface hydrology (runoff to waterways and wetlands) and recharge to groundwater. Most soil and land degradation processes are hydrologically driven or depend on hydrological conditions. Conceptual models and quantification of erosion processes (wind erosion is a result of lack of moisture), land salinisation, acidification, nutrient loss and impacts of nutrient movement, all require an understanding of the role of hydrology specific to the landscape under consideration. In Australia, salinity is a major problem for agriculture in irrigated and rainfed (‘dryland agriculture) land and has significant economic impacts in urban areas too. A general water balance approach has been used to conceptualise the processes and the problem. Large scale clearing of treed landscapes in favour of annual crops and pastures has been seen as the major change in the water balance of Australian landscapes since settlement. This change in vegetation and water use is frequently cited as the most significant factor in causing land salinisation, which is attributed to increase in groundwater recharge, mobilisation of salts, groundwater rise and discharge. We provide three case studies for landscapes that require quite different conceptual models and all of which are in some degree counter to the developed conventional wisdom regarding increased salinity. These case studies illustrate the importance of developing an appropriate conceptual model of hydrological processes in the ‘critical zone', in particular for implementation of policy and practice in land management. Case 1. South Eastern Dundas Tablelands, Victoria. In this landscape the apparent degradation of land by salinity is the result of changed hydrological conditions but has not resulted from increased groundwater discharge or increased salt accumulation. We have evidence that groundwater recharge and discharge have not increased since clearing of the landscape during European settlement. Laboratory hydrological studies in large diameter cores from soil and regolith, interpretation of redoximorphic features and functional horizons in the field and analysis of historical records of streamflow support this hypothesis. We also show that the degradation of salt affected areas is due to fluctuating waterlogging and drying of the soil causing cyclic redox conditions and changes in soil chemistry. Case 2. Dissected Coastal Plain, Victoria. In this landscape, slowly permeable marine clay overlain by coastal sand deposits provides a classic ‘layer cake' picture of differentially permeable material. The unconsolidated nature of the clays and the relatively deep dissection that exists presents a landslide prone landscape and one that also shows the effects of salting in low areas. In this region we show that upward pressure from a deep (200 m) confined freshwater aquifer maintains saturation in the marine clay and that waterlogging, landslides and salinity result from hydrological dynamics of the upper few metres of regolith and soil. Evidence has been collected from field survey, groundwater studies, geotechnical measurements and regolith mineralogy. Case 3. Granite Uplands, Victoria. In this landscape we have interpreted redoximorphic features of functional horizons and measurement of shallow groundwater salinities in a toposequence. Our conceptual model is of a regional saline groundwater system discharging in springs relatively high in the landscape. We show the role of shallow throughflow of water in the soil in spreading salt from these point sources, simultaneously diluting the effect of salinity in local drainage lines but increasing the area of salt affected land upslope from the drainage lines. In each case study area we have been compelled to develop an understanding that fits the landscape realities. We have used empirical observations and interpretation of soil morphology, regolith and groundwater characteristics, laboratory studies, soil chemistry and hydro-chemistry to support our work. We stress the importance of this approach integrating the sciences of hydrology, pedology, chemistry and geology in coming to appropriate conclusions about land degradation processes, especially if we are to advise on land management investment and policy to tackle degradation.
- Description: 2003002070
Linking school-based sport programs to sport club membership
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Maher, Shelley , Strachan, J.
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 9, no. Supplement 1 (2006), p. 39-40
- Full Text: false
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- Description: This research was undertaken as part of the evaluation of the VicHealth Participation for Health (PfH) Scheme. VicHealth allocate A$ 3.3 million per year to support Victorian state sporting associations (SSAs) through the PfH Scheme to increase population physical activity levels and health via increasing membership of sporting clubs. SSAs were required to allocate a portion of these funds to participation based programs. While setting for participation was not directed, many (n = 27, 44.0%) of the SSAs conducted school-based sport programs. This research sought to explore the factors affecting the linking of school-based programs with sporting club membership. SSAs reported that 50.6% of the PfH Scheme programs (n = 43) were delivered in a school setting. Focus-group discussions found that, in general, the SSAs did not see the school-based programs being a vehicle for directly recruiting club members. Rather, the programs were used to increase the visibility of the sport, train teachers in the sport and to involve children in physical activity. Barriers to linking school-based program participation to club membership included conflict in program delivery time with club activities, and limited ability of club volunteers to assist with school-based programs. A case-study will be presented which involves the introduction of yachting into schools. In general, the SSAs believed school-based engagement was a poor investment. They also felt that agencies such as VicHealth should advocate for the provision of adequate sport infrastructure within schools rather than the schools relying upon the limited resources of the sporting sector to provide school sport services.
Stories from the back paddock : Community building in the Pyrenees shire
- Authors: Harman, Jessie , Clark, David
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 2nd National Conference on the Future of Australia's Country Towns, Bendigo, Victoria : 11th - 13th July, 2005
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- Description: In 2001 the Victorian Government launched its Community Building initiative. As part of this initiative the government funded 11 locally based community building demonstration projects. One of these projects is located within the Pyrenees Shire. In this discussion paper the authors examine the Pyrenees Shire’s Community Building Demonstration Project, describing the program and its objectives. They focus on the factors which have had a significant impact on the community building process within the municipality, identifying factors which have both facilitated and impeded the process. In terms of facilitating factors they identify a number: the involvement of community champions, strong local government support and community readiness, the capacity to deliver ‘runs on the board’ early in the life of the project, along with a flexible planning process. Conversely, they identify factors which have impeded the community building process in the Shire. Lack of continuity of personnel, an inability to develop shared understanding on occasions and difficulties associated with engaging disparate groups are described. This paper is significant for a number of reasons. In the first instance, it contributes useful, ‘real time’ insights into the implementation of community building in regional Victoria. Secondly it may, through its contribution to theory building and managerial practice, develop and strengthen community building programs in the future. Finally, at the level of public policy, it may contribute to the growing body of knowledge around the efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of these types of regional interventions.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003001459
Sustainability and community based organisations : The adult and community education sector in Victoria
- Authors: Harman, Jessie , Lowe, Julian , Campbell, Dianne
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 2005 ARNOVA Conference, Washington DC, USA : 17th November, 2005
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003001460
The public health care cost of physical inactivity in a regional city of Australia
- Authors: Dassanayake, Jayantha , Payne, Warren , Liya, T. , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 8, no. 4 Supplement (2005), p. 84
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003006002
The state of sport injury risk management in Victoria
- Authors: Otago, Leonie
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2005 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Fifth National Physical Activity Conference, Fourth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference : Promoting Innovation, measuring success, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Victoria : 13th-16th October 2005
- Full Text: false
- Description: The Department of Victorian Communities funded a study to evaluate the policies and practices of State sporting associations (SSA) in Victoria. The study was conducted in 5 phases which were (1) invite all SSAs to submit their sports injury risk management (SIRM) policies which were content analysed; (2) interview key informants from 12 selected sports; (3) develop a survey instrument for clubs and local associations; (4) survey approximately 720 clubs and local associations and (5) do observations of practices at competition and training for the 12 selected sports. The objectives of the project were to investigate the effectiveness of SIRM policies in sport and to identify barriers and facilitators to SIRM implementation. The overall aim of the project was to develop a framework for the development of sports activity standards for SIRM in Victoria.
- Description: 2003003337
Unwrapping packages : An exploration of the implementation of community care policy in rural Victoria
- Authors: Brown, Katrina
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 3rd National Conference for emerging researchers in Ageing, Brisbane, Australia : 2nd December, 2004 p. 80-83
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- Description: This paper will discuss research being conducted into the implementation of community care for the aged in rural Victoria, by focusing on one program – Community Aged Care Packages (CACP). This program has expanded rapidly in the last 15 years to provide case management and service brokerage as a community based alternative to low level residential care. The research is being undertaken as part of a PhD thesis and utilises a multi-method qualitative design of semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and case study analysis. This paper will focus on a discussion of the preliminary results of the study, utilising data from an initial series of exploratory semi-structured interviews. The data from these interviews suggests that although the program is delivering highly valued services, program implementation choices have had unintended consequences and do not take account of rural issues in service provision. This data has implications for the development of policy and delivery in the aged care area, however it also illustrates the way in which policy implementation choices can impact on the quality of life of those who need support services.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000945
Growing exports via online communities and web-portals : A case from the Central Highlands region of Victoria
- Authors: Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 16th Annual SEAANZ Conference, Ballarat, Australia : 28th September - 1st October, 2003
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite a rise of interest in information communications technology (ICT) and in community informatics (CI) initiatives, these are not ‘magic bullets’ or ‘quick-fix solutions’ for SMEs or even larger organisations, communities, or industries. There is growing recognition of the need to go beyond anecdotal evidence and to assess more effectively the change brought about by providing access to and utilisation of ICT in communities. Denison et al. (2002) have presented a taxonomy which differentiates between various types of ICT and community networking initiatives. The application of this schema to a cluster of community informatics initiatives originating from the Central Highlands region of Victoria proves to be useful. A single case study is then presented which reviews the evolution of GrowExport.com, one of the online communities within that cluster. The diverse factors which are involved in establishing sustainable online services are examined. Access to a comprehensive toolset specifically designed to meet the skills and infrastructure gaps which often exist in regional areas has been important. The active involvement of community members in designing, implementing and sustaining web-based services has also been important. By generating debate and discussion and by sharing the critical learning from specific cases it is hoped that others can be better informed about the major characteristics and the diverse factors which impact on the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of CI initiatives in a regional and rural context.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000591
Perceptions of engineering from female, secondary college students in regional Victoria
- Authors: Darby, Linda , Hall, Stephen , Dowling, Kim , Kentish, Barry
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at Engineering Education for a Sustainable Future 2003, Melbourne : 29th September - 1st October, 2003
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Survey and focus group interviews with female students in regional Victoria resulted in identification of four perceived barriers that influence them to exclude engineering as a career choice. These barriers were identified as a lack of interest in the perceived image, a lack of knowledge, a traditionally male-dominated industry, and limited recognisable role models. This paper reports on what Year 10 females are saying about the barriers and, consequently, how engineering can be promoted to overcome these barriers.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000550
Rural social welfare practice : Stories from the western region of Victoria
- Authors: Green, Rosemary
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 7th National Rural Health Conference, Canberra : 1st - 4th March, 2003
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- Reviewed:
- Description: This study explored rural welfare practice issues with six welfare professionals working in contentious fields of practice such as child welfare, family violence and the justice system in the western region of Victoria. Participants were selected on the basis of difference to provide a range of experiences. The six participants completed a questionnaire and were subsequently interviewed in depth about their own experiences. The study asked participants about issues of concern to them and strategies that they find useful in their professional practice in small communities. Issues of concern included: risk and experience of violence and harassment, managing confidential information gathered from formal and informal sources, providing services that are non stigmatising, managing dual and multiple roles and lack of anonymity and privacy. Participants were concerned about the dilemmas of personal privacy versus community “right to know” particularly when they had privileged information about perpetrators of violence and child sexual assault within their communities. Participants shared their practical solutions and personal survival strategies, as well as their concerns. Many employing organisations did not recognise these factors effectively in work practices, and supervision was focused on agency accountability rather than professional development and support. On a broader level, workplaces and educators need to recognise the impact of the occupational demands and stressors relevant for rural practitioners, where anonymity and privacy are frequently compromised, and respond sensitively to these issues. This paper includes a number of recommendations for educators and organisations employing welfare staff in rural areas. The author sincerely thanks the six welfare professionals for sharing their stories in such rich detail and with such honesty and frankness. Identifying details have been altered to protect their privacy.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000562