Conference scholarships for rural providers

Three people working for rural and remote community care organisations have the opportunity to win a $1,000 sponsorship to attend the Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) National Community Care Conference.

The sponsorships will be provided as a contribution towards the airfare and accommodation of the winners.

ACSA’s policy manager, Pat Sparrow said people from rural and remote organisations often face difficulties

“We recognise that for people living in rural and remote areas, it can be more costly to get to the conference when you factor in the travel and the other expenses,” she said.
 
“There is also usually a big impact on smaller rural organisations when their key staff are away.”

Ms Sparrow said the conference was particularly relevant this year with aged care reform in the spotlight.

“It’s very focused on the future,” she said. “That will be very relevant with all the recent announcements from the health and hospitals reform process and the prime minister’s proposals [last] Monday.

“It will look at some of the big picture issues as well as a lot of the practical things that impact on rural community care providers, such as mental health and social inclusion.”

The sponsorships have been made available by HESTA Super Fund and SmartCare.

Applicants will need to send an email to events@acqi.org.au by Friday, 30 April explaining in 200 words or less why they would like to attend the conference and what they will do with the knowledge they have gained. Sucecssful applicants will be notified by Friday, 7 May.

The ACSA Community Care Conference will be held from 1-4 June at the Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre.