Web version | Update preference | Unsubscribe

	VICTORIAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION NEWS

Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission

13 October 2015

Tickets to the 2015 Human Rights Oration on the 10 December are now available. We're thrilled to have author, Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador and member of the Wiradjuri nation Dr Anita Heiss delivering this year's keynote speech. Very limited seats are available so don't miss out! Get your free ticket here.

Last week the Commission hosted 60: there's still work to do, a breakfast panel event in celebration of International Day of Older Persons. One of our panellists was Peter Couzens, Member and Chairperson of the Adult Parole Board and former judge of the Children's Court of Victoria. We caught up with Peter to talk about his long and prosperous career and the value older workers bring to workplaces.

It was a great honour to be named in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards recently among such an inspiring group of leaders. I encourage you all to read about the remarkable contribution these women are making to our society.

Enjoy the news,

Kate

	Spotlight on older Victorians


	Peter Couzens, Member and Chairperson of the Adult Parole Board At 70, Peter is still a long way from hitching the caravan to his car. In recent times he has become as much as an advocate for older workers as he is for the people who have come before his court over the years, young and old. The former judge of the Children's Court of Victoria and magistrate for 23 years spoke to us about his long and prosperous career and how he almost became a teacher before a change of heart directed him toward law. Read his story.

60: there's still work to do - 2015 International Day of Older Persons

On the 6 October 2015, the Commission and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria hosted the International Day for Older Persons breakfast panel. Pictured above (left to right), the Hon John Cain II, Peter Couzens, Sue Hendy, Dr Sally Cockburn, Lois Peeler AM, Professor Emeritus Andrea Hull AO, Kate Jenkins and Harrison Young discussed the many benefits older workers bring to the workplace. Check out the Twitter conversation and photo highlights from the day.

Willing To Work inquiry reveals barriers that age and disability present
The Federal Inquiry into discrimination facing older Australians and those with disability is now halfway through its national consultations and has already identified recurring issues across the country. Willing to Work: National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability has consulted with more than 300 people since the inquiry began touring in July.

National Carers Week, 11-17 October 2015
National Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution that Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers make to our nation. Anyone at any time can become a carer and National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. See how you can get involved today.

National Elder Abuse Conference, 23 – 25 February 2016
As our ageing population grows and incidents of family violence are on the rise, it has never been a more critical time to address the issue of elder abuse in Australia. The fourth National Elder Abuse Conference is coming to Melbourne with an impressive line-up of international and national speakers. Visit the website to view a preliminary program and early bird registration details.

Australia’s next wave of start-ups could be from the over-55s
Senior entrepreneurs are Australia’s fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs, despite facing significant barriers including ageism and a lack of financial support, according to new research from the Swinburne University of Technology and Queensland University of Technology.

In Victoria it is against the law for someone to discriminate against you or bully you because of your age or how old people think you are. If you have a question or concern about age discrimination or would like to make a complaint, contact us on 1300 292 153.

Find out more.

	Commission news

Get your ticket to the 2015 Human Rights Oration

Registrations are now open for the Human Rights Oration on the 10 December at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Author, Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador and member of the Wiradjuri nation Dr Anita Heiss will be delivering the keynote speech. Hurry - limited seats are available.

Get your free ticket here

Commissioner Kate Jenkins recognised in 100 Women of Influence awards

Kate Jenkins has been announced as a winner in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2015. In its fourth year, the 100 Women of Influence Awards celebrate outstanding women from a wide variety of sectors across Australia. Commissioner Jenkins was recognised in the Public Policy category and said she was honoured to be acknowledged for her contribution in addressing equal opportunity and human rights issues in Victoria.

Annual report – the Commission’s year in review
During the past year the Commission received 9175 enquiries raising 13,877 issues and accepted 1060 complaints. This is an indication that discrimination continues to blight the lives of many Victorians and that there is still much work to do. Our Annual Report for 2014/15 is now available, offering a comprehensive rundown of the work we have been involved in over the year.

Commission welcomes Charter Review recommendations
The 2015 Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities was tabled in Parliament on 17 September 2015. From Commitment to Culture provides a range of recommendations that offer practical steps to building a human rights culture in Victoria, including by enhancing human rights education across the public sector and in the community.

Nothing funny in jokes that target women
In a Herald Sun opinion piece, Commissioner Jenkins discusses how common sexist jokes and merchandise can demonstrate a tolerance of discrimination and devaluing women, leading to more harmful behaviours.

**Sign up for our Charter essentials course on 12 November 2015**
Are you a state or local government employee or part of an NGO providing goods or services to the community? This course will help you understand how Victoria's Human Rights Charter applies to your workplace and policy development.

Behind the scenes: our Disability Reference Group at work

The Commission's Disability Rererence Group consists of people with diverse expertise and lived experience of disability. At the last meeting on 8 October, members raised a broad range of issues, including ideas for improving accessibility of buildings, transport, parking, education and events and for building community awareness of disability.

The group was established so we could hear directly from people with disability about systemic discrimination and human rights issues that impact upon people with disability.

Find out more about their work

	New developments

Dialogue in the Dark comes to Melbourne in 2016

Guide Dogs Victoria is working on an exciting project to bring Dialogue in the Dark to Australia. This social enterprise phenomenon has been captivating the world since 1988 and is coming to Melbourne in 2016. The experiential exhibition is held in the dark with visitors guided by people with vision loss. It has life changing impact for visitors; changing attitudes and behaviours towards social inclusion.

For more information on the Dialogue in the Dark phenomenon or how you can support this venture, visit dialogue-in-the-dark.com or contact Greg Rafferty at greg.r@guidedogsvictoria.com.au.

Victoria introduces adoption equality for children of same-sex couples
The Commission welcomes a new Bill that will remove discrimination against the children of same-sex couples from Victorian adoption laws. The Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Same-Sex Couples) Bill 2015 will remove discrimination against children of same-sex parents from the Adoption Act 1984. It will allow couples to adopt regardless of their sex or gender identity.

Health check your workplace for mental health
Did you know one in five people experience mental illness each year, making it one of the most common forms of disability in the community? This means it is likely that some of the people you work, live and socialise with every day have experienced, or may be living with, mental illness. Employers need to understand how mental illness can affect their employees. Get the facts now.

Applications open for Disability Self-Help Grants
Victorian self-help groups working in the disability sector are encouraged to apply for the Disability Self-Help Grants, a program offering up to $10,000 in funding over two years. The grants are provided to support volunteer groups helping Victorians with disabilities by covering general expenses and running costs, as well as minor works and equipment.

Free guide: Bikes, the law and you
The Victoria Law Foundation has produced a guide explaining the essential road rules for bike riders in Victoria. Whether on the road, on a path, riding in a group or heading out at night, this guide will help bike riders share the roads responsibly and safely. Get your copy online.

Join the Victorian Public Sector Human Rights Network

The VPS Human Rights Network provides free information, ideas and networking opportunities to public sector employees who are interested in applying human rights in their work.

Members of the network receive email updates, invites to events and resources to assist public decision-making. For a taste, read our latest update or find out more about us and subscribe to the mailing list.

	Community news


	Workshop: Targeted recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 12 November 2015 Organised by the Australian Human Rights Commission, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to practically apply the laws regarding special measures and exemptions, and design and implement targeted recruitment strategies for your workplace. Register online now.


	Law Oration 2015: Australian Federal Democracy, 14 October 2015 Victoria Law Foundation and Melbourne Law School are pleased to present the 2015 Law Oration, which will be delivered by Laureate Professor Emeritus Cheryl Saunders AO (pictured right), Director of Studies in Government Law and Co-Director of Studies in Public and International Law at the University of Melbourne. Register to attend here.


	Caring for yourself workshop, 15 and 21 October 2015 Do you take better care of the person you are caring for than yourself? If the answer is 'yes', join Carers Victoria for a workshop exploring why your health and wellbeing are important. The session will also discuss and share strategies to help you care for yourself. Register online.


	Family Violence Conference, 26-27 October 2015 The two day inaugural Family Violence Has No Boundaries conference will explore the theme of Cultural Diversity and Prevention and look at all aspects of family domestic violence. Organised by African Australian Multicultural Employment and Youth Services, African Think Tank, African Australian Small Businesses and Jesuit Social Services. View the full program.


	Legal Fun Run and Walk, 23 November 2015 Now in its 35th year, the Legal Fun Run is an opportunity to raise awareness of health and wellbeing by focusing on work-life balance and getting active. This popular event provides an opportunity for members of the legal community to cheer each other on during the race and network afterwards over a gourmet BBQ. Register now!


	Out & About Family Fun Day, 29 November 2015 Come down to Albert Park Lake for a free, 100 per cent accessible event for people of all ages and abilities! The day will include all-abilities sports and activities at MSAC, a ‘come and try’ clinic run by Cricket Victoria, a pop-up sensory garden designed by Swinburne University, live music, animal farm, roving entertainers, face painting and a sausage sizzle. Find out more!

Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe

13 October 2015

Spotlight on older Victorians

Commission news

New developments

Community news