Djirruwang Program
The word Djirruwang was selected as part of the identity of the program. It is an Ngunnawal word that means light. There are many interesting parts that this word could make reference to. It could mean light as the essence of life, light as to find the way or light as opposed to darkness. We believe the program reflects many of these interpretations in the principles that underpin the program. It is also to pay respect to the many, many people who contributed to the program's success over the years including some of the local Aboriginal people from the area from which it originated.
The Djirruwang Mental Health Education & Training Program at Charles Sturt University ( CSU ) delivers a tertiary course in mental health via mixed mode. The program has restricted entry and is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain high quality knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of mental health. This is achieved by building on people's knowledge and combining mental health theory with clinical practice.
The program has developed a Clinical Handbook and Course Competencies (Authors: Len Kanowski and Tom Brideson) document to assist students to gain meaningful and practical experience in the clinical environment. Workplace experience provides the opportunity to participate and consolidate theory and practice. The CSU competency document is underpinned by the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, 2002 . The program has taken this approach to encourage professional recognition and professional status in the mental health field. In consultation with the Commonwealth Mental Health Branch this course was the first in Australia to use the National Practice Standards in this way.
National External Management Committee
The objectives of the Djirruwang National External Management Committee (NEMC) were revised in June and September 2007 and are to provide advice on:
- curriculum development and revision
- methods to improve student support and supervision
- marketing strategies
- revision of clinical guidelines
- evaluation of the program
- mentoring arrangements
- promote the recruitment and retention of undergraduate students
- promote the recruitment and retention of qualified staff
- advise on the opportunities for research development and collaboration
- opportunities for expansion.
The NEMC is now comprised of 15 members, nine of whom are of Aboriginal descent. Members of the Djirruwang National External Advisory Committee (NEAC) will be drawn from but not limited to the following persons:
- Ms Verina Crawford, Ms Michelle Wilkes, Biripi Aboriginal Medical Services
- Ms Faye McMillan
- Mr Colin Locke
- Ms Kate Gilbert and Ms Helen Stone
- National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO): to be confirmed
- Mr Mick Gooda
- Dr Russell Roberts - Area Mental Health Director GWAHS
- Mr Tom Brideson - Statewide Coordinator NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Program
- Ms Robyn Menzie - Manager of GSAHS
- Mr Ray Eldridge
- Professor Elaine Duffy
- Mr Wayne Rigby
- Professor Ross Chambers
- Ms Jane Havelka
Mr Mick Gooda, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health has agreed to be a national member representative on the NMEC. Mr Gooda's extensive work history, in the public and community sectors, has involved the delivery of policy and program development and advocacy in Indigenous affairs throughout Australia. He possesses a comprehensive experience of working and delivering results in remote, rural and urban environments, based on an extensive knowledge of the diversity of circumstance and cultural nuances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia.