Indigenous families and the Family Law Courts

This pamphlet from the Family Law Court is a useful resource for families entering the Family Law Court system. Click here for the link.

Family Dispute Resolution Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trainees 

Funds from the Federal Attorney-General’s Department have recently been made available through Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) for scholarships that will assist people from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage to undertake training in Family Dispute Resolution during 2012. As a Family Dispute Resolution provider, LifeWorks is now calling for expressions of interest from potential applicants.

If you are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and interested in applying for this scholarship to undertake training to obtain the Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), please contact LifeWorks on 8650 6200 to discuss further. 

The details of the scholarship are provided in the links here:

• FDR Scholarships for Indigenous Trainees Information
• Trainee Details Application Form

Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians

The Australian Constitution, does not currently recognise the presence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in Australia prior to European settlement. At the moment the Federal Government is considering an amendment to the Constitution to reflect and acknowledge Australia’s indigenous history. Following on from the National Apology of 2008, a formal acknowledgement of the special place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have in Australian history and national life via Constitutional recognition would be another significant step towards closing the gap between indigenous and non indigenous Australians.

The Government is committed to holding a national referendum on constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the current term of government or at the next Federal Election. To make a change to the Constitution, a ‘double majority’ is required; the majority of voters in a majority of states would need to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum. Currently an expert panel appointed by the Federal Government is developing options for constitutional reform and will report back to the government at the end of the year.

We encourage all Victorians to consider the importance of formally acknowledging the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have in our national history by supporting a change to the Constitution. At LifeWorks we believe that this will play an integral role in strengthening the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

LifeWorks is proud to lend its support to this very important step in our relationship with Indigenous Australians.

For more information, resources and details, please visit www.youmeunity.org.au.

Indigenous Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential counselling service offered by employers to their employees to support their wellbeing in the workplace and in their personal lives. Depending on the employer’s arrangement, EAP may also extend to immediate family members.

Employee Assistance Program:

LifeWorks’ EAP service offers initial support and assistance to individuals and groups of employees who have personal and/or work related issues that may impact on their well-being, work performance, safety, individual and workplace morale and psychological health.

EAP counselling is aimed at assisting employees to:

• understand and clarify issues that are directly concerning them, including any underlying issues
• identify and explore options to address those issues
• develop plans to approach the issues and find constructive solutions.

Events and issues which may give rise to requests for EAP services include (but are not limited to):

Work Issues:

• Problems with performance
• Relationships between co-workers
• Bullying and harassment
• Managing conflict and anger management
• Adjusting to change in the workplace
• Career change
• Managing work related stress

Personal Issues:

• Anxiety or depression
• Stress management
• Grief and loss
• Midlife and life transition issues
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Gambling problems
• Anger management.

Family Issues:

• Work-life balance
• Concerns about children
• Relationship issues
• Parenting and step-parenting issues
• Separation and divorce
• Financial or legal problems
• Domestic violence.