<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><channel><copyright>Victorian Council of Deaf People</copyright><description>News from Victorian Council of Deaf People</description><link>http://www.vcod.com.au</link><title>VCOD News</title><item><title><![CDATA[VCOD Community Interpreting Survey]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Victorian Council of Deaf People are currently undertaking a project, funded by the Reichstein Foundation, in order to seek information about the community interpreting needs that are currently not always being met.  This does not include employment, educational, legal or medical appointments.  We are hoping to identify the demands of interpreting in community settings by surveying the Deaf community, Interpreters and Service Providers.  Please take the time to complete the online VCOD survey. 

VCOD would like to invite you to participate in this survey by completing the on-line survey attached. The survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete and you do not need to provide your name or address. 

Thank you for taking the time to assist VCOD with this project.  The information will assist VCOD to continue to provide advocacy and information services to strengthen community participation and quality of life for Deaf Victorians.

The online survey is designed to give you flexibility to enter information.
Please note that if you are unable to complete the survey at one sitting, the survey will save the data if you do the following:

1.	After completing some questions Click the “NEXT” icon –this will save the data that you 
        have entered up to that point of the survey. 
2.	Leave the program OPEN and it will be ready for you on your return to complete the survey. 
3.	DO NOT close or exit the program or else you will lose the data. 
4.	If you click on “DONE” icon at the end of the survey–this means that you have finished the
        survey and will not be able to re-enter this completed survey. 
5.	When “DONE” is clicked, this will take you back to the VCOD website home page 


•	If you are a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person, please complete the DEAF CONSUMER survey. 
•	If you are a qualified Interpreter (Professional and Para Professional Interpreters),  
        please complete the INTERPRETER survey.
•	If you are a service provider, a community organisation, a community business, a community 
        centre, please complete the SERVICE PROVIDER survey.  The links are listed below.
  
To access the survey the PASSWORD is:   vcod08
(the password is in lower case with no spaces.  The password is the same for all three surveys)

Please copy this website link and paste it on the website 
Deaf Consumers:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8HHJ9S_2fUJfSFoSNBKvBVMQ_3d_3d   
        
Interpreters:      http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=FNCIiANL20_2bqFCu7VDnGjA_3d_3d   
         
Service Providers:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LV8hLJsAnG8mCJxyNfGrTA_3d_3d
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Deaf Education Review Forum]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD is hosting a forum in Deaf Education Review at John Lovett Room Vicdeaf. VCOD would like to invite you to come along and hear of the survey responses and experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing people who went through the education system. 

Come along on Thursday 10 April, from 6pm to 8pm at Vicdeaf.
NOTE LAST MINUTE CHANGE - VENUE MOVED TO DEAF CHILDREN AUSTRALIA

Pass on the word to your friends or family members. 
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD Deaf Education Review 2007 / 2008]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD Deaf Education Review 2007/2008

Online Survey 

Dear all

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is having an enquiry into Deaf Education and VCOD is working with this Department to undertake a survey for all deaf and hard of hearing people. The purpose of the survey is to help Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Ministry of Education to understand the views and experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing people who went through the education system. The survey will also allow the Department to compare our responses to responses by parents of deaf or hard of hearing children, teachers and professionals. 

VCOD would like to invite you to participate in this survey by completing the on-line survey attached. The survey will take approximately 10 - 20 minutes to complete and you do not need to provide your name or address. 

This survey is open to all Deaf and hard of hearing people, signers and non-signers, oral deaf and deaf with other disability.  

Please note: Before doing the survey, it is important for you to read TIPS (Attached file) 

Please copy this website link and paste it on the website <br><br><b>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GYtrAKRCoh9YczvMccBosw_3d_3d </b><br><Br>to link to online survey. 

The password is <b>vcod07</b>

If possible, it would be great if you could also forward this email to your friends or family members who are deaf / hard of hearing. For those who do not have access to email, please contact Rachel Miers and a printed copy will be mailed to them

The information you provide for the survey is very important to this process and VCOD appreciates your time and support. 

If possible, please complete the survey as soon as possible.  

This is the first time ever to have a say about our EDUCATION from all Deaf and hard of hearing people. Please help us by completing this survey. 

Please feel free to contact Rachel Miers or Therese Pierce for more information, they can be contacted:
Rachel Miers                 Email: info@vcod.com.au                                       
Therese Pierce               Email: t.pierce@unimelb.edu.au

Thanking you for your support 


]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD Community Courses]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD is organising two community courses in March and April. These community courses are to provide Deaf people the opportunity to gain skills in various art and crafts taught by Deaf people. 

Make your own Gift Bags and add your personal touch 

When: Wednesday 5th March & 12th March (one workshop each participant) 
Time:  5:30 - 7:30pm 
Where: Fenton Hall (Next to VCOD Office), 597 St Kilda Road Melbourne 
Cost: Free 
Bring a plate to share and a ruler, Tea and coffee will be provided courtesy of VCOD. 

Make your own Necklaces / Bracelets / Door Dangles 

When: Thursday 3rd April & 10th April (one workshop each participant) 
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm 
Where: Fenton Hall (Next to VCOD Office), 597 St Kilda Road Melbourne 
Cost: Free 
Bring a plate to share and a ruler, Tea and coffee will be provided courtesy of VCOD.

Thanks goes to Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) for funding this project. ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD & Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development Deaf Education Review 2007]]></title><description><![CDATA[Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is having an enquiry into Deaf Education and VCOD is working with this Department to undertake a survey for all deaf and hard of hearing people. The purpose of the survey is to help Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Ministry of Education to understand the views and experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing people who went through the education system. The survey will also allow the Department to compare our responses to responses by parents of deaf or hard of hearing children, teachers and professionals. 

VCOD would like to invite you to participate in this survey by completing the on-line survey attached. This survey is open to all Deaf and hard of hearing people, signers and non-signers, oral deaf and deaf with other disability.  

Please contact Rachel Miers (info@vcod.com.au) for more information and website link to participate in this online survey

This is the first time ever to have a say about our EDUCATION from all Deaf and hard of hearing people. Please help us by completing this survey. ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[National Week of Deaf People (NWDP)  Theme  " Communicate IT "]]></title><description><![CDATA[13 Oct - Launch of NWDP at Perth WA 
         69-71 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge Perth WA 
         6:30-10:00pm

15 Oct - VCOD Open Day & Light Refreshments
         597 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 
         11am - 1pm 

16 Oct - "Tell NO-ONE" Movie Foreign Movie Night 
         Cinema Nova, Lygon Street, Carlton 
         7pm, Members / Concessions $ 12.00. Non Members $15.00
         RSVP essential - admin@vcod.com.au 

17 Oct - Deaf Debate "Does Technology make deaf community smaller?" 
         Golden Gate Hotel, 238 Clarendon Street, Sth Melbourne 
         $10 RSVP essential - admin@vcod.com.au
         Sponsored by Vicdeaf / Auslan interpreted

18 Oct - Primary School Deaf Sports Day 
         Doncaster Athletic Track, George St, Doncaster 

18 Oct - Business Breakfast 
         The Pavilion Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Pde, East Melbourne 
         Members $ 30.00 Non Members $ 35.00
         RSVP / Payment essential admin@vcod.com.au 
         Sponsored by Vicdeaf / Auslan Interpreted

19 Oct - Trivia Night - John Pierce Centre 
         2 Donald Street, Prahran
         $7.00 at door    admin@jpc.org.au 

         ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD III State Deaf Conference]]></title><description><![CDATA[Visit the VCOD III State Deaf Conference 2007 website http://www.vcod.com.au/vcodsdc2007/main.html


The conference will cover 

o                    Daisy Muir Oration

o                    Technology 

o                    Education 

o                    Parent & Youth Views 

o                    Legislation 

o                    Regional and International Issues 

o                    Cochlear Implants


Keynote Speakers 

o                    Andrew Welshe 

o                    Shel Stevens 

o                    Brian Bernal 


One Day Registration available, please contact Manager of VCOD info@vcod.com.au


VCOD Dinner - 25 years 

VCOD will have a 25 years celebration dinner on Saturday 17th November. 
Tickets are selling fast. Tickets will not be sold at door / Non refundable tickets. 
Three Course Meal with Drinks at bar prices. 
Dress Code: Semi Formal 
RSVP 6th November    

More information could be found on VCOD SDC website http://www.vcod.com.au/vcodsdc2007/main.html]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Australian Deaf Games]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australin Deaf Games 
3 - 10 January 2007
Gold Coast, Queensland  
check www.austdeafgames.org.au

Early Bird Registration deadline has been extended to Friday 28 September ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD AGM 2007]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD AGM 2007 

Date: 13 September 2007 (Thursday night) 
Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm start    
Where: F J Rose Auditorium, 
       Deaf Children Australia Building
       597 St Kilda Road,
       Melbourne VIC 
  
All members are welcome to join us at the Annual General Meeting ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Congratulations SignPost]]></title><description><![CDATA[SignPost wins “Program of the Year” Award” announced at 2007 Antenna Awards in Federation Square. 

It is a fantastic achievement for Signpost. SignPost is produced by National Deaf Television (NDTV), subcommittee of AAD and is managed by a group of incredibly talented volunteers. Caroline Conlon accepted the award on behalf of this talented team and exclaimed that Signpost is here to stay! 

On behalf from VCOD, Congratulations to SignPost! 
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD Board recently reviewed our Vision and Mission Statements to reflect the current and future directions of the organisation. 

Vision Statement: 
A Voice for Deaf Victorians. 

Mission Statement: 
Victorian Council of Deaf People is a non-profit organisation led and managed by Deaf people through provision of advocacy and information services to strengthen community participation and quality of life for Deaf Victorians. 

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Anzac Day - The Commemoration Ceremony Service - Auslan Interpreted]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wednesday 25th April 2007 

Auslan Interpreter provided

1pm service at the Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Ave South Yarra

Where: Interpreter will be positioned next to the lecturn on the Shrine Forecourt during the Commemoration Ceremony service

What to Bring: Hat 

VCOD wishes to acknowledge with kind thanks to Returned & Services League (RSL) for organising an interpreter for this ceremony service. 

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Take Action on Captions !]]></title><description><![CDATA[Come to a FREE information session about captioning and learn how you can make a difference!

•Do you want to know more about captions (teletext) on television?
•Have you seen bad quality captions on your television and want to know what to do about it?
•Would you like to see captioned movies at your local cinema?
•Do you want to know more about captioning and subtitling on DVDs, including Australian programs?

All these topics and more will be covered at a free information session run by Media Access Australia, a non-profit organisation that deals with captioning issues. 

Melbourne 
Venue: JML Centre, VicDeaf, 340 Albert St, East Melbourne
Date:  Tuesday 17 April 2007 at 7pm
Cost:  FREE
Supper provided.
An Auslan interpreter will be available.
If you are coming you need to register with: info@mediaaccess.org.au

Ballarat 
Venue: Ballarat Business Centre, 15 Dawson St South, Ballarat  
Date:  Wednesday 16 May 2007 at 7pm
Cost:  FREE
Supper provided.
An Auslan interpreter will be available.
If you are coming you need to register with: info@mediaaccess.org.au


]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD III State Deaf Conference - Call for Papers]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Conference Organising Committee seeks papers for VCOD III State Deaf Conference 

Date Due for Abstracts: Friday 29th June 2007 
Submission of full papers: Friday 19th October 2007 

For more information please email info@vcod.com.au or admin@vcod.com.au for "Call for Papers" information 


]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD III State Deaf Conference]]></title><description><![CDATA[Victorian Council of Deaf People will be hosting our III State Deaf Conference, 
“The Changing Face of the Deaf Community” 
on 17th and 18th November 2007 at Jasper Hotel. 

" The Changing Face of the Deaf Community" 
The face of the Deaf community is rapidly changing and the future poses us with complex challenges never before experienced. What’s the best way forward? How can Deaf people become aware of these challenges and how would they like these to be addressed and resolved? How can service organisations and government agencies work with us on these challenges? How can VCOD strengthen its position in representation of the Deaf community and ensure that the Deaf community’s aspirations are known and respected by the wider community? 

The III State Deaf Conference will be an opportunity for much lively discussion and debate about many of the issues and opportunities facing Deaf people. The Conference aims not to only to provide information, but to actually encourage Deaf people and others to state their concerns and how they wish to move forward. VCOD will gather these ideas and use them to inform and direct their own activities and as well as sharing these with others to make a better future for us all. 

Come share the conference with us….. 


For more information, email info@vcod.com.au or admin@vcod.co.au 

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Open Letter to Vicdeaf]]></title><description><![CDATA[To Vicdeaf Board


The Victorian Council of Deaf People and its members wish to voice concerns of recruitment of impending CEO for Vicdeaf. 

Vicdeaf provides a wide range of services for Deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria and are well respected for its valuable service to the deaf community. 

Victorian Council Of Deaf's concern is that the position being advertsied is too generic and not representative of the field of work within the community involved. 

Opportunities for high level managements are lost to Deaf people when advertisments of this nature are made. Vicdeaf is missing a golden opportunity to promote itself within the Deaf community whilst undertaking a recruitmment philosophy and head-hunting excercise to find the best candidate for the role as a leader of the organisation. 

Vicdeaf needs to consider carefully the benefits of broader advertising approaches to selecting the best person for the position to lead the organisation whether deaf, hearing, blind, male or female. They also need to consider potential ramifications if they do not give strong push to also search within the Deaf community for this role. 

Victorian Council of Deaf People and its members requests that Vicdeaf Board to review recruitment approach to this position with a strong emphasis of also searching within the deaf community. By doing so will bring many benefits to Vicdeaf and the Deaf community and set an example for other organisations to follow. 

Regards

Ann Darwin
President ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[National Week of Deaf People]]></title><description><![CDATA[National Week of Deaf People 
14 - 20 October 2006

'Celebrating the Deaf Australian Communnity'

VCOD is oragnising series of activities starting with Deaf Arts Show on Saturday, 14 October 2006 ending with our annual Captioned Movie Night on Friday, 20 October 2006. 

In between both events, VCOD, along with others organisations have organised different activities, such as a presentation by Dr Breda Carty (Vicdeaf), interpreted tour at National Gallery of Victoria at Federation Square, The Great Debate, and our annual Business Breakfast. 

To view events during the National Week of Deaf People, please view www.vcod.com.au/nwdp   ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD AGM]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD's 24th Annual General Meeting
7 September 2006

Thank you to all who have come to the meeting. ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[VCOD Welcomes Medina Sumovic - Administrative Officer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Congratulations to Ms Medina Sumovic who will take on the role of Administrative Officer of VCOD. 

Medina comes from extensive knowledge of Deaf community, in particular her role as actress/ performer of Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD). She worked with Senswide Employment Service as Project Supervisor during the Deaflympics and has coordinated many educational programmes for all levels. 

Medina will be a secretariat for event committee, coordinating Deaf, Deaf World (DDW), and an Information Officer. 

Please welcome Medina to VCOD. 

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Acting Manager of VCOD]]></title><description><![CDATA[The VCOD Board has appointed Kyle Miers as an Interim Manager for VCOD during Rachel Miers' short leave of 3 months. VCOD Board, staffs and VCOD wish Rachel for a speedy return to her good health.  

Kyle Miers comes to VCOD with wealth knowledge and skills in the Deaf Community, we welcome Kyle to VCOD, he will begin on 26 June 2006.   

He can be contacted at info@vcod.com.au 

Ann Darwin
President   ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Christopher's experience with Cochlear Implant repair]]></title><description><![CDATA[Christopher wishes to share his story with you all. He has a cochlear implant which recently broke down beyond repair outside the warranty period. As Christopher is a pensioner he could not afford to purchase a new device. He sought assistance from his local Member of Parliament, who in turn wrote to the manufacturers, Cochlear Ltd, and also to Marsha Thomson, the Minister for Consumer Affairs requesting assistance. As a result, Cochlear Ltd agreed to provide a replacement device free of charge. 

Christopher would like to urge pensioners to contact their local Member of Parliament if they are having problems with their cochlear implants.]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[New Zealand Sign Language Recognised as Offical Language]]></title><description><![CDATA[NZ Gov / - Community and voluntary sector groups have congratulated the deaf community on the recognition of sign language as an official New Zealand language. 
With the passing of legislation, New Zealand Sign Language has been recognized as the nation's third official language, alongside English and Maori. 
"This is a major achievement for the deaf community, as they have been striving to have sign language officially recognized for 20 years. The legislation is a long overdue acknowledgement of the importance of this language within our community", says Andrea Goble, General Manager of the Funding Information Service, who herself has a hearing loss. 
There are approximately 28,000 people who use sign language as their primary means of communication. The implementation of the New Zealand Sign Language Bill will allow sign language to be used in legal proceedings. 
"This is a real step forward for New Zealand . It's great to see community and voluntary sector needs being recognized and implemented in the legislative regime," says Joce Swagerman, National Fundraiser of the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand. 
Representatives from the Funding Information Service, the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organizations, Prison Fellowship New Zealand, the Stroke Foundation and Volunteering New Zealand all lend their support to the new legislation. 

Deaf community gathered to celebrate sign language recognition

Christchurch City Council / - Tomorrow's third reading in Parliament of a law recognizing the status New Zealand Sign Language as an official language was marked in Christchurch with a gathering at the Deaf Society of Canterbury centre in Armagh Street .
Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend, from about 4.30pm at 232A Armagh Street.
Christchurch City Council information technology staff and disability advisor Karen Rickerby have assisted the society in supplying and setting up equipment to process and show internet web cast coverage and interpretation of the NZSL Bill's final stage before it goes to the Governor General to be signed into law. 
According to the Office for Disability Issues, about 28,000 New Zealanders use NZSL and there are at least 210,000 deaf or hearing impaired people in the country. Sign languages are not universal and NZSL is unique to New Zealand . Among other things, it includes signs that express concepts from Maori culture.
Work has been under way for about 20 years to have the language officially recognized.
More information about the NZSL Bill is available at www.odi.govt.nz/what-we-do.   The City Council's assistance has been in the form of loaning equipment and providing expertise. Such assistance fits with the Community Outcome which aims for a City of Inclusive and Diverse Communities]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Games TV Caption, is it good enough?!?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Channel 9 is broadcasting Commonwealth Games 2006 during day and night time...

There has been some complaints that the Channel Nine is not providing captions during day time.

If you wish to place comments whether you agree or not, please do add your comments on this website. 

VCOD need to know what you think about the provision of captions for Commonwealth Games?
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Games 2006 Accessible?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A question arises in the Deaf Community asking a very same question - Is the Commonwealth Games accessible? 

VCOD has been liaising with Office of Commonwealth Games and had been advised that they have carefully thought about ensuring everyone in enjoying the Games and speeches will be captioned during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. 

Disappointing, at the Opening Ceremony, most of the annoucements were not captioned and the same for the big screens along the Yarra River. 

Is it good enough? If not, let us know. Please do add your comments on our website. 

(To add the comments, please click the orange text "Comments", if you have problem accessing the comments area, please contact admin@vcod.com.au)]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[AAD National Conference - Call for Paper]]></title><description><![CDATA[Auslan: Our Past, Present and Future

Friday, 3rd November to Sunday, 5th November 2006
Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, Adelaide, South Australia

AAD is celebrating 20 years of representing the interests of the Australian Deaf Community. The conference will include topics that affect our everyday lives — technology, education, employment, lifestyle — how does our language fit in today’s society? We will look at what we can learn from the past, what works and what is not working, and most importantly, what needs to be done for a better future.

AAD welcomes submissions for papers/presentations that explore the conference theme in terms of Deaf people’s lives and their linguistic human rights. Examples might be Auslan in education; Auslan & employment; Auslan & technology; interpreting; access via Auslan to public forums, information services etc.

Please contact AAD at aad@aad.org.au and ask for abstract submission form]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[International Women's Day Fair Play]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thursday, 2nd March 2006
Melbourne Town Hall - cnr Swanston & Collins Sts
Auslan interpreter will be available for speakers - from 7.30pm

5pm Community Expo - enjoy the music, performances, buy food and drinks. Kick off your shoes, join in the fun and come and play, as women from many cultures shows us how

7pm Performers - Isabelle Ryan's Golden Tappers, Natyalayaa, Mihirangi

7.30pm Speakers (auslan interpreted) - Nelly Thonas, K'nyaw PAW, Linda Beilharz, Catharine Lumby, Evonne Googagong Clawley

Book your tickets at ticketmaster! 

$20 full / $10 conc. $5 for school groups of 10 or more.

For info, call Vic Women's Trust 03 9642 0422 or email women@vwt.org.au]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Welcome 2 my Deaf World Film Screening]]></title><description><![CDATA[This month 11 - 21 Feb the Australian Centre for the Moving Image is running Real Life On Film - Australia's only film festival dedicated exclusively to the art of documentary. Screening as a part of the festival will be Welcome 2 my Deaf World, a documentary exploring the Victorian deaf community, being shown this Sunday 19th, 2:30pm at ACMI 

More details about the program can be found at the Real Life on Film website - http://www.acmi.net.au/8A7285EAFF69480D989224F58A34ED5E.jsp

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[AAD Band wrist ‘I can sign, Can you?’ on sale again!]]></title><description><![CDATA[We have received some more supply of band wrist in 3 colours – White, Blue, and Green. For only $2.50 each

To purchase some, email James Blyth on admin@vcod.com.au

Hurry before it sells out!
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Vicdeaf Guest Speaker]]></title><description><![CDATA[Vicdeaf will have guest speakers regularly throughout 2006 speaking on a variety of topics ranging from Auslan to the rise of Deaf Managers in various professions. 

The first guest speaker will be Catherine Clark, Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at NMIT. Cathy will talk about The Auslan Project - a research project conducted in 2005. Areas of research include: developing an employment model of Auslan interpreters in TAFE; delivery of Auslan through online communication and alternative technology that can be used by deaf students in post-secondary education.

Findings and recommendations from The Auslan Project will also be discussed. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation. Auslan interpreters will be provided.

This presentation will be on 9 February from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the John Michael Lovett Centre, Level 3, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne.

Please book a seat - contact Vicdeaf on TTY: 9473 1199, Voice: 9473 1111; Fax: 9473 1122 or email: info@vicdeaf.com.au 

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[New Deaf Cafe!]]></title><description><![CDATA[The VCOD and Vicdeaf have created a partnership with Hudsons Coffee(TM) to hold a Deaf Cafe event at the brand new, funky, QV branch

This is a great opportunity to catch up with your friends after work, make new friends and get together in a family friendly environment with no age restrictions.

Come along and help us celebrate this partnership and the launch of this exciting event!!

Launching on 17th March 2006, 5.30pm to 7.30pm

QV Building, Corner of Lonsdale St and Russell St, Melbourne

For more information, contact info@vcod.com.au]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Deaf Motorbike Group??]]></title><description><![CDATA[We have received an enquiry relating to a Deaf Motorbike Group in Victoria. Is there one?  As we have some people interested in joining the group and ride out every month with the group...

OR if you dont know of any, and wish to join, just email us!

Please email James Blyth at admin@vcod.com.au

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Weekend Deafblind Camp - VUDBC – DBA – VHSC]]></title><description><![CDATA[VOLUNTEERS WANTED!!!!!! 
FRIDAY 31 MARCH – SUNDAY 2 APRIL 2006

This year a joint camp is being organised for VUDBC (Victorian Ushers and Deafblind Club), VHSC (Vision and Hearing Support Club) and DBA’s Recreation Program.  VUDBC have been having camps most years and this will be their 8th camp, this is the first time that all three groups, including interstate people, will have a camp together.  It will be bigger and give more people the opportunity to enjoy the experience. 

WHERE:  Seamist Holiday Farm, Winchelsea South.

WHEN:  Friday pm 31 March – Sunday 2 April. Rosters will be made to ensure volunteers have sufficient breaks. Transport will be provided for those wanting it.

COST: Free for volunteers

RSVP: Before 24 February 06

For more information and application form, contact-

If you have and questions, ring or email Julie

Julie Botten
Recreation Coordinator
Deafblind Association
Voice: 9882 7055  TTY: 9882 6786  Fax: 9882 9210 
Email: j.botten@dba.asn.au ]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Captioned Movie]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD and Village Cinema made a special screening for Deaf community and friends, Open Captioned Movie of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to be held on Friday 13th January, 6pm at Jam Factory.

2 Options of the tickets: 
1- Movie Stand Alone - $10 for member*, $12 for non-member
2- Movie & Cuppa Deal - $11 for member*, $12 for non-member (#including free hot beverage at T21)

The tickets are limited numbers! BOOK NOW!
Tickets can only be purchased from VCOD. The closing date is 12th January, 2006

To pre-book the tickets, contact VCOD email admin@vcod.com.au or fax 03 9525 2595

Village Cinema, Jam Factory- 500 Chapel St, South Yarra

*Member must provide AAD member card
#Must provide ticket stub to obtain free drink]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Seasons Greetings!]]></title><description><![CDATA[On behalf of VCOD Board and Staff, we wishes you a festive season.]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Office Close]]></title><description><![CDATA[VCOD will be closed from 23rd December 2005 and reopen on 9th January 2006]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Position Vacant at Seaford]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bike Wheel Manufacturer is seeking to source Deaf subcontractors for the spoking up of the wheels.
For anyone and can be trained. Preferrably local person.

Contact: Kevin Hancett, kevin.hancett@gravity-zero.com.au
Website: www.gravity-zero.com.au]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Youth Activities Co-ordinator (NZ)]]></title><description><![CDATA[DEAFinitely Youth Group (DYG) is a deaf-based group that seeks to create a sense of pride, identity and belonging through the provision of activities within the Greater Auckland region for Deaf youth aged between 16 to 30.

We are seeking a Deaf Youth Activities Co-ordinator to support DEAFinitely Youth Group in organising fun and interactive monthly youth events. Examples of events we have organised in the past includes: Paintball, World Deaf Youth Presentations, Ten Pin Bowling, Halloween Party, Deaf Youth Panel, Drama Night, Sex Education Night...

The Youth Activites Co-ordinator will have:
High level of initiative, flexibility and creativity
Outstanding coomunication skills in Sign Language (preferably NZSL) and written English
Knowledge and experience of Deaf Culture and Youth Issues
Be respectful and accommodating of the needs of all Deaf Youth

This is a flexible 16 hours per month job, beginning Feb/March to Dec 2006. Salary will be between $14.00 to $16.00 per hour and is negotiable

Applications close at 5pm on 31st January 2006

For more information and an application pack, please contact DEAFinitely Youth Group

P.O. Box 15-770
New Lynn
Auckland, New Zealand
Fax: +64 9 828 3235
Email youth@deaf.co.nz
Website: www.deafyouth.co.nz
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Youth Administrator (NZ)]]></title><description><![CDATA[DEAFinitely Youth Group (DYG) is a group that seeks to promote the ongoing Youth Development of young Deaf people in the Greater Auckland Region. We are seeking a Youth Administrator to support DEAFinitely Youth Group implement the group's aims for 2006 and beyond.

The Youth Administrator will have:
High level of initiative, flexibility and creativity
Outstanding coomunication skills in Sign Language (preferably NZSL) and written English
Knowledge and experience of Deaf Culture and Youth Issues
Be respectful and accommodating of the needs of all Deaf Youth
Skills in Administration including budgeting and finanical creativity
Experience in not-for-profit project management preferred
A tertiary education qualification would be an advantage

Salary will be between $15.00 to $18.00 per hour and is negotiable. This is a two day (16 hours) per week job, beginning Feb/March to Dec 2006.

Applications close at 5pm on 31st January 2006


For more information and an application pack, please contact DEAFinitely Youth Group

P.O. Box 15-770
New Lynn
Auckland, New Zealand
Fax: +64 9 828 3235
Email youth@deaf.co.nz
Website: www.deafyouth.co.nz]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Deafblind Assocation Case Manager]]></title><description><![CDATA[
CASE MANAGER Position - 30.4 hours a week, 4 days a week  
(This is a fixed term position –30 January 06 to 30 January 07)

This exciting position involves working with people who are deafblind and their families in Victoria.  The office is in Camberwell.

Applications Close 23rd December 2005

For more information, contact Carla Anderson 9882 7055 voice,
9882 6786 TTY or 9882 9210 Fax  c.anderson@dba.asn.au
 
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Deaf Relay Interpreting Course]]></title><description><![CDATA[For Deaf people who are interested in becoming Relay interpreters in Deafblind, Mental Health, Legal, Performance and Conference Settings.

Two hour classes for 19 weeks course starting in July 2006, course will covers interpreting process, management, ethics, etc.

Venue: Vicdeaf
Class size : Minimum of 15 
Cost for participants: $300 per student
Course Outcome: DeaF relay Interpreters who are qualified to work for Vicdeaf, DBA, DCA in all settings 

Contact: Meredith Bartlett, at VAIS on 0411 187 189 SMS or mbartlett@vicdeaf.com.au before February 2006
]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Young Mums Wanted!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Young mums who are passionate about setting up small business.

Many people have some thoughts about setting up a business but don’t know where to start. We really want to help you in making this happen.

The Body Shop and the Australian Government Department of Education Science and Technology have established a joint initiative to support young mothers (aged 25 and under) in developing their own enterprise through a series of training workshops and business mentoring. All participants will gain intensive support and guidance in turning these business ideas into something real. Whats more this program is free! 

Criteria:
- desire to start own business
- young mother under 25 years old
- No past experience and/or qualifications necessary
- We encourage young mums who receive benefits to apply 

To find out more, to request fliers or to book a place at an information session call Paula Cunniffe on *95650909* (available Mondays and Wednesdays)

The information session will provide detailed information about the program and there will be lots of opportunity to have all your questions answered

]]></description></item>
<item><title><![CDATA[Check out our new VCOD Website]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hope you like the new VCOD Website

Its still in early stages but this gives you an idea of what VCOD website would be like. 

Check this out - we will have comments added in the next stage, giving you an opportunity to respond. Members of VCOD will have their own log in to add comments. 

We welcome feedback from you all members of Deaf Community. 

Email info@vcod.com.au or admin@vcod.com.au ]]></description></item>
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