Department of Human Services SA

Can’t get to Adelaide Writers' Week but keen to share in Australia’s largest free literary festival? You can still be part of it through the many libraries, community centres and retirement villages who will be live streaming sessions from the East Stage until 6 March. Our Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card are proud Supporting Partners. View the full Adelaide Writers’ Week four-day live stream schedule: https://bit.ly/41bHcm4 📸 Shane Reid

From today to 8 March, we’re celebrating the first SA Women’s Week! Coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a key blueprint for women's and girls' rights. This year's International Women's Day theme, ‘March Forward’, is about taking bold steps to turn our commitments into action. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of women and girls, spark meaningful dialogue, and advance gender equality in South Australia through this entire week Find an event near you: https://lnkd.in/dGYSY3cP #HumanServicesSA #MarchForward #SAWW2025 #IWD2025

✨Celebrating inspiring South Australian women✨ With the first-ever SA Women's Week kicking off tomorrow, we are thrilled to celebrate the winners and finalists of the 2025 Inspiring SA Women’s Awards, acknowledged during a ceremony at Government House last night. Congratulations to the five extraordinary women below (four pictured) who are shaping the future through their leadership, advocacy, and resilience. ⭐April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People - winner of the Inspiring Women’s Award. April is a proud Aboriginal woman who has led systemic reform in Aboriginal health, education, and child protection. ⭐ Ella Stratton, founder of HAS Foundation, received a commendation for her outstanding contribution in helping with life-limiting illnesses and their families. ⭐ Joanna Wells, commended for her tireless environmental advocacy and work influencing government policy to protect South Australia’s urban forests. ⭐ Hayley Frazer, a 20-year-old writer and artist - winner of Emerging Leader award for her strong advocacy for inclusive learning environments and her social literacy work that explores friendship, resilience, and individuality. ⭐Andriana Petrakis, Autistic tennis player - recognised for being a role model for young people with intellectual disabilities, including representing Australia at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. The awards are led by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in South Australia and funded by our department's Office for Women. #SAWW2025 #HumanServicesSA #InspiringSAWomen

Due to high demand, our Restrictive Practices team has released some additional places for in-person attendance for our forum "Striking the Balance: Effective Prescribing and Deprescribing," on 12th March 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. To register or learn more, click the below for more information. #HumanServicesSA #PsychotropicMedications #MentalHealth

Join us for our upcoming forum, "Striking the Balance: Effective Prescribing and Deprescribing," on 12th March 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Hear from industry experts like Taimi Allan, Dr Mark Horowitz, Prof Julian Trollor AM, Connie Wu, and Dr Bahman Zarrabi about best practice and strategies to reduce the overuse of psychotropic medications. Suitable for professionals in the health, disability, aged care or mental health sectors, or those with experience in the prescription and use of psychotropic medications. Register now for in-person or online: https://lnkd.in/g_7_E2SE #HumanServicesSA #PsychotropicMedications #MentalHealth

Nominations for the 2025 7NEWS Young Achiever SA Awards are closing soon! Help us to spotlight the incredible contributions of South Australia’s young leaders. If you know someone 30 or under who’s making an impact in your community, now’s your chance to acknowledge their efforts and inspire others. Nominations close this Wednesday 5 March 2025. Learn more and nominate here: https://lnkd.in/gCUXuPjd #HumanServicesSA #MakingADifference

Up to $30k in funding available! Grants SA is offering funding to eligible organisations for projects that enhance community participation, social and emotional wellbeing, and quality of life in South Australia. Funding Priorities: - Supporting people and communities facing socioeconomic disadvantages and other vulnerabilities. - Projects that break down barriers to accessing services. Funding Tiers: - Tier 1: Up to $10,000 for equipment and resources. - Tier 2: Up to $30,000 for projects, short-term programs, and minor infrastructure upgrades. Make a difference in your community today, apply before 3pm 17 March 2025: dhs.sa.gov.au/GrantsSA #HumanServicesSA #MakingADifference #Grants

From 1 to 8 March, South Australia will host the first-ever SA Women’s Week . If your organisation hasn't registered an event yet, there's still time! Join us in this celebration by hosting or participating in events across SA to inspire action and support gender equality. To register or find local events, visit: https://lnkd.in/dGYSY3cP #HumanServicesSA #MarchForward #SAWW2025

If you or someone you know has used antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, you will know how important it is to get it right. Join us for our upcoming forum, "Striking the Balance: Effective Prescribing and Deprescribing," on the 12th of March 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This event will delve into the person-centred use of psychotropic medications, ensuring decisions are tailored to individual needs and well-being. Hosted by our Restrictive Practices Unit, hear from industry experts: • Taimi Allan, Mental Health Commissioner for South Australia, member of UNICEF’s global Youth Digital Mental Health Expert Network and the South Australian Suicide Prevention Council • Dr Mark Horowitz (PhD), Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry, (NHS), presenting a keynote on Effective Deprescribing • Julian Trollor AM, Scientia Professor, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Leadership Fellow and Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health at UNSW, Sydney, presenting a keynote on Effective Prescribing • Connie Wu, Pharmacist, Senior Practitioner’s office of Victorian Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, covering the Deprescribing Project in Victoria – A multidisciplinary approach to reduce the use of psychotropic medicines • Bahman Zarrabi, Consultant Psychiatrist and Allied Health Clinicians, covering SA Intellectual Disability Health Service for adults with intellectual disabilities and complex care needs Register to attend online: https://lnkd.in/g_7_E2SE #HumanServicesSA #PsychotropicMedications #MentalHealth

A new artwork was unveiled earlier this week at the CBD’s Vinnies SA Crisis Men’s Centre, created in collaboration with Marra Dreaming. The work, titled ‘Communities’, was presented by Marra Dreaming’s Tom Snow (pictured), who said the piece reflects the collective strength and unity of people working together. We’re proud to support Marra Dreaming’s Social Connect Program, which engages people in cultural activities such as dot painting and basket weaving while promoting connection, healing and creative expression and fostering a sense of belonging. Our Homelessness Systems and Partnerships team also partners with Vinnies to provide the Vinnies Open Door service at the Men's Crisis Centre, to offer services including immediate safety response, material assistance, living skills development and support with health and wellbeing. For more information about the Vinnies Crisis Men’s Centre, see https://lnkd.in/gk8RQFJ7