Fires taken in January 2015, Mt Pleasant

The recent Sampson Flat fires burnt more than12,500 hectares over six days, killed more than 900 animals and destroyed sheds, farms and 27 homes. On Sunday March 15th an APS stall was set up at the Kersbrook Firefighter Support Group Country Fair and Auction. Our response has been absolutely tremendous and immensely appreciated throughout the psychology and Adelaide Hills community. It was so great to have the opportunity to work with so many great people. A huge Thank You to Shelley Rogers (APS SA State Chair), Richard Oborn (APS State Treasurer), Loraine Lim (APS State Secretary) and Jane Turner Goldsmith (APS SA Committee Member) who, with Susie Burke and national team produced a response that was and continues to be top notch, united, proactive and highly supportive. Also a huge thank you to the fabulous psychologist stall volunteers Persephone Maywal, Kylie Toshach, Angelique Foran and Emma Johnston for volunteering their time and enthusiasm to be at the stall on the day. Our efforts are continuing with involvement in training with the Red Cross to deliver support groups to those impacted by fires over the coming 12 months. Stay tuned for more on our response.

Photo: JTG - Court Room in Bendigo, Vic

Hundreds of psychologists and professionals in related fields will gather in Sydney in April for the APS College of Forensic Psychologists Conference, Justice reinvigorated: Strengthening contributions from forensic psychology. The College not only supports forensic practitioners in the field, but also promotes academic research that contributes to a body of best practice.

Leading experts from forensic psychology, the law and justice systems will contribute to a dynamic program that will canvas some of the leading questions of our time: How do we achieve effective justice and rehabilitation? How do we deter young people from a life of crime? How can children’s needs best be met in the Family Court system? What is the best way to eradicate institutional child abuse?

Conference Chair Mr David Mutton says, “Forensic psychology makes a significant contribution to the crime and justice systems.
“The main aim of this Conference is to translate the growing evidence base within forensic psychology into on-the-ground forensic practice that benefits the communities and sectors in which forensic psychologists are working.”

The Conference will focus on integrating the different perspectives, not only of survivors and offenders, but across the divide of psychologists who work at different levels in the justice system - as court experts, within policing, involved in treatment of offenders and victims, and who work in academic and applied settings.

“Critical forensic psychology knowledge can lead to improvements in many facets of our justice system, from helping to understand how people are radicalised to making the system work better for families,” Mr Mutton said.

“Forensic psychologists can help represent the vulnerable, rehabilitate offenders, keep young people on a straight path and help people achieve the justice they deserve.  Their expertise can play a pivotal role in getting better outcomes across our legal and criminal justice systems.”
Register here

Full Conference Program

from Left  to Right Christopher Ghan, Youngblood Roche, John Fouyaxis, Sarah Glidden and Jacky Dakin

A new initiative of the SA Branch of the APS is the recent formation of a Student Engagement Group (SEG). We are fortunate to have members who are all very enthusiastic and committed. The group consists of two third year students from UniSA, an Honours student from the University of Adelaide and a former Flinders University student who is undertaking a Master’s Degree by distance.

Some of our group objectives are to:

 Boost the SA student numbers of the APS

 Clarify connections and benefits through being a member

 Identify opportunities for undergraduates and Honours students in the workforce

 Run student information events and connect students to each other

Our first student event, “Drinks, Networking and Your Career” is on Monday, May 18th from 5:30-7:30pm at a venue to be advised.  Aimed at third and fourth year students, attendees will have the opportunity to find out about the benefits of APS membership, enjoy a short presentation on Networking and hear from two guest speakers on achieving career success without post graduate qualifications.

We encourage readers to refer any students they know or may be supervising to the SEG. 

We guarantee that our events will be entertaining, informative and fun and students at all three universities will be notified.

jdakin@halifaxhouse.com

Loraine Lim (APS SA Branch Secretary, left) presents Jessica Tigani (right), 2014 APS prizewinner with her certificate

The  2014 APS Prize for best Honours thesis was presented to Ms Jessica Tigani on 24th March 2014 at the graduation event for the University of South Australia's School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy. 

Jessica's thesis was entitled Muscle Dysmorphia: An emerging nosological entity. She has been awarded a 12 month complimentary APS membership and an invitation to present a poster at the Golden Jubilee 50th APS Annual Conference.

Congratulations to Jessica!