Helpful resources - people to ask, people to contact, people to tell and people who can help…
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- Mental Health
- Help and Information at UTS
- Complaints
- Legal Advice/Advocacy
- Work
- Privacy
- Legislation & Case Law
Mental Health
Lifeline
Ph: 13 11 14
Website: http://www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline offers 24-hour telephone counseling services for a range of issues, including:
- Relationship and family issues
- Mental health concerns (eg, anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder etc.)
- Coping with loss, change and traumatic experiences
- Dealing with violence and abuse or addictive behaviours
- Disability and illness
- Suicide prevention and support
SANE Australia
Helpline: 1800 688 382
Website: http://www.sane.org
SANE Australia?s Helpline service is available Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST.
It's free and confidential.
Beyond Blue National Depression Initiative
Ph: (03) 9810 6100
Fax: (03) 9810 6111
Email: bb@beyondblue.org.au
Website: http://www.beyondblue.org.au
Beyondblue is an organisation devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of depression, anxiety and substance-use related disorders in the Australian community. beyondblue does not have doctors or health professionals available to respond to specific difficulties. If you are in need of urgent medical or psychological assistance contact your local doctor or health professional.
Mental Health Association NSW
Ph: (02) 9339 6000
Fax: (02) 9339 6066
Email: mha@mentalhealth.asn.au
Website: http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au
The Mental Health Association NSW Inc is a non-government organisation and registered charity funded by Northern Sydney Area Health. Its mission is to promote opportunities for the people of NSW to achieve their optimal level of mental health through providing information services, education about protecting mental health, mutual support and advocacy services.
Mental Health Information Service
Ph: 1300 794 991
Email: info@mentalhealth.asn.au
The Mental Health Information Service provides a confidential and free telephone and email helpline during business hours.
NSW Institute of Psychiatry
Ph: (02) 9840 3833
Fax: (02) 9840 3838
Email: institute@nswiop.nsw.edu.au
Website: http://www.nswiop.nsw.edu.au
The Institute provides training for health care professionals, psychiatrists-in-training, consumers and staff of non-government organisations, general practitioners and the public. Many of its students work with children, adolescents and their families, people affected by mental illness, aged persons, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with problematic substance use. In addition to fostering and developing mental health education, the Institute plays an active role in initiating and encouraging research into all aspects of mental health.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
Ph: (02) 9319 6868
Fax: (02) 9319 3254
Email: james.f@pra.org.au
Website: http://www.pra.org.au
The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association has the mission to improve high quality services for people affected by serious and persistent mental illness and work in partnerships to empower people in improving their level of well-being.
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Ph: (02) 9879 2600
Fax: (02) 9879 2699
Email: Info@sfnsw.org.au
Website: http://www.sfnsw.org.au
The Schizophrenia Fellowship runs a number of programs and services designed to support both people living with a mental illness and their carers, as well as programs designed specifically for allied professionals (such as mental health professionals, police, teachers etc.). It has a telephone and referral service staffed by trained volunteers from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you are looking for information on mental illness, where to get help or simply want to talk, call 02 9879 2600
Transcultural Mental Health Centre
Ph: (02) 9840 3943
Fax:(02) 9840 4180
Email: general@tmhc.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.tmhc.nsw.gov.au
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre is a statewide organisation funded by the NSW Centre for Mental Health. It aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people of non-English speaking background through a community capacity building approach through working in partnership with mental health services, consumers, carers and the community.
Help and Information at UTS
Academic Liasion Officers (ALO)
Web: http://www.ssu.uts.edu.au/sneeds/cdisabilities/alo.pdf
ALOs are academic staff in each Faculty who assist three groups of students:
- Students with disabilities and ongoing illnesses;
- Students from non-English speaking backgrounds who have English language difficulties;
- Students who have difficulties in their studies because of their family commitments (eg, being a primary carer for small children or a family member with a disability).
ALOs are responsible for determining alternatives assessment arrangements for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to see the Special Needs Service before they see their ALO but this is not a requirement.
Disability Resources Room
Web: http://www.ssu.uts.edu.au/sneeds/cdisabilities/learning_services.html#room
Located on level 7 of the Tower, this room has five lab computers, a printer, scanner, two large lounges, adjustable desks, lockers and kitchen facilities. The room is designed to be a safe and comfortable environment for students with disabilities to work or rest in. The Special Needs Service authorizes PIN access. There are also smaller rooms at the library, called Library Special Needs Rooms, which are dedicated rooms at Haymarket and Kuring-gai libraries for students with disabilities to use computing equipment or just take a break. They contain specialist adaptive technology including scanners, Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software, Kurzweil 3000 software for people with vision impairment and users with a learning disability such as dyslexia. To obtain access or further information, contact one of the Special Needs Library Information Services Officers.
Student Services (City)
Level 6, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: (02) 9514 1269
Fax: (02) 9514 1172
Email: studem.services@uts.edu.au
Student Services provides a range of professional services to support different aspects of life and learning at UTS and the transition into the world of work.
The Student Services Unit provides:
- Counselling for personal and learning problems or issues
- Peer Networkers
- Help with career and work related issues
- Help to see a doctor
- Support because of disability or ongoing illness
- Help with financial issues
- Help to see a university chaplain
- Other support
Student Services (Kuring-gai)
- Level 5, Building 1, Room 1.519, Kuring-gai Campus
- Ph: (02) 9514 5342
- Fax: (02) 9514 5537
Student Services provides a range of professional services to support different aspects of your life and learning at UTS and your transition into the world of work. The Kuring-gai campus Student Services division offers specialized services to Kuring-gai students.
Special Needs and Financial Assistance
Level 6, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: 9514 1177 Fax: 9514 1172
Email: student.services@uts.edu.au
The Financial Assistance Service is part of the Student Services Unit and provides interest-free loans for one-off expenses such as rental bonds, text books and unexpected expenses. Students need to be enrolled in an award course at UTS to be eligible, and the usual maximum loan is $500. To apply for a loan you will need to make an appointment, and you must fill in an application form before your appointment.The Financial Assistance Service also has a Computer Loan Fund for students on low incomes who require Internet access to University resources because of disability, illness, carer responsibilities or distance from campus. Financial Assistance Officers provide advocacy and mediation with Centrelink in relation to the Youth Allowance, Austudy and other benefits. Centrelink forms are available from Student Services offices, and the website below also has some useful links.
Equity and Diversity Unit
Level 17, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: (02) 9514 1084
The Equity and Diversity Unit provides a range of services for students and prospective students. These include provision of confidential advice and assistance with the resolution of discrimination or harassment-related grievances; coordination of the inpUTS Educational Access Scheme; and coordination of financial grants for low-income students beginning at the university.
Careers
Level 3, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: (02) 9514 1471
Fax: (02) 9514 1474
Email: careers@uts.edu.au
The Careers Service can provide you with advice about your studies or job searching, information about careers and resources to help you find the perfect job and create a stunning application for it. Our website should be your first stop when looking for information about services and resources to guide your career choices.
Chaplains
Level 3, Room 16E (past the Harry Heath room), Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: (02) 9514 2523
Email: uts.chaplaincy@uts.edu.au
The Chaplaincy provides personal, pastoral and spiritual assistance to UTS students and staff of any faith. Chaplains conduct worship and meditation sessions and organise forums and you can contact a chaplain to discuss your concerns regarding religious or sacred observance. Please make an appointment by using the contact details below.
Counselling
Level 6, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Ph: (02) 9514 1177
Fax: (02) 9514 1172
Email: student.services@uts.edu.au
Student Services counsellors can help you deal with personal, practical and administrative problems, as well as adjustment issues and 'fitting in' among other issues. Allegations of harassment or discrimination may be discussed, as well as being put on probation or exclusion from the University, and issues to take into account if considering withdrawing or dropping out. Applications for Special Consideration or Alternative Assessments may also be discussed.
Student Info & Admin Centres
Level 4, Tower Building, City Campus, Broadway
Level 6, Building 1, Kuring-gai Campus
Ph: (02) 9514 1222
Email: info.office@uts.edu.au
Website: http://www.sau.uts.edu.au
The Student Administration Unit (SAU) plays an important role in facilitating students' progress through their studies at university from initial admission to graduation.
The SAU is responsible for administrative procedures associated with:
- Assisting prospective students with course information and admission
- Admission of new students (local undergraduate and postgraduate coursework)
- Enrolments & re-enrolments
- Academic progress of enrolled students
- Discipline, exclusion & related appeals
- Formal examinations conduct
- Graduation
- Student course and service fees including the Higher Education Loan Schemes HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP
- Student records including the issue of Academic Transcripts & other records
- Identifying and responding to students' need for assistance, information and advice on administrative procedures, UTS Rules and related matters.
accessUTS Pty Ltd
Ph: (02) 9514 1916
Fax: (02) 9514 1433
Email: accessuts@uts.edu.au
Website: http://www.accessuts.uts.edu.au Registrar
Level 4, Tower Building, City campus, Broadway
Ph: 9514 1322 Fax: 9514 1323
Email: Registrar@uts.edu.au
The Registrar is responsible for the following:
- student administration including admissions, enrolments, academic progress, student discipline, examinations, graduation and transcripts, fees and HECS
- student services - health, counselling, housing, equity, disability and special needs, financial counselling, career development and support services
- managing the University's committee system of governance
- the University's corporate records and archives
- the University's legal interests, including intellectual property, FOI, privacy matters, and corporate reporting requirements
- official publications including the Annual Report, the Calendar and faculty handbooks
- graduation ceremonies and formal events
Governance Support Unit
Ph: (02) 9514 1251
Fax: (02) 9514 1232
Website: http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au
The Governance Support Unit (GSU) provides a range of corporate services including:
- administering the student discipline and appeal rules and processes
- coordinating and overseeing legal and policy requirements relating to copyright, freedom of information, privacy, and the UTS website
- The GSU has many other important roles, for further information see their website.
Complaints
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Complaints: 1300 656 419
General Enqiries: (02) 9284 9600
Email: paffairs@humanrights.gov.au
Website: http://www.hreoc.gov.au
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's goal is to foster greater understanding and protection of human rights in Australia and to address the human rights concerns of a broad range of individuals and groups. It is an independent statutory organisation and reports to the federal Parliament through the Attorney-General.
Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW
General Enquiries for employees and employers: (02) 9268 5544
Rural and Regional NSW: 1800 670 812
TTY: (02) 9268 5522
Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb
The Anti-Discrimination Board's role is to promote anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles and policies throughout NSW. It is part of the NSW Attorney General's Department and provides an enquiry service for people who want to know about their rights or responsibilities under anti-discrimination law. It also accepts complaints of discrimination, investigates complaints and conciliates complaints when appropriate.
Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
Ph: (02) 9228 7766
Fax: (02) 9258 0058
TTY: (02) 9258 0877
Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/ir.nsf/pages/index
The Industrial Relations Commission conciliates and arbitrates to resolve industrial disputes, sets conditions of employment and fixes wages and salaries by making industrial awards, approves enterprise agreements and decides claims of unfair dismissal.
Australian Industrial Relations Commission
Ph: (02) 8374 6666
Fax: (02) 93806990
Out of hours emergency: 0419 318011
Email: sydney@air.gov.au
Website: http://www.airc.gov.au
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission is a national tribunal dealing with employment issues including dispute settlement, unfair dismissal and the setting of wages and conditions. Administrative Decisions Tribunal
Ph: 1800 060 410 or (02) 9223 4677
TTY: 1800 060 410
Fax: (02) 9233 3283
Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adt
The Administrative Decisions Tribunal (ADT) was established to provide for independent, external review of administrative decisions and to deal with other types of cases, such as discrimination complaints and professional misconduct inquiries.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Ph: (02) 9391 2400
Outside Sydney : 1300 366 700
TTY: 1800 650 662
Fax: (02) 9283 4881
Email: aatweb@aat.gov.au
Website: http://www.aat.gov.au
The Tribunal is an independent body that reviews, on the merits, a broad range of administrative decisions made by the Australian Government, including ministers and officials, authorities and other tribunals. The Tribunal also reviews administrative decisions made by some State government and non-government bodies in limited circumstances.
Privacy NSW (Office of the NSW Privacy Commissioner)
Ph: (02) 9228 8585
Fax: (02) 9228 8577
Email: privacy_nsw@agd.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/pc
Privacy NSW protects privacy by:
- advising individuals, government agencies, business and other organisations on what steps they should take to ensure that the right to privacy is protected
- researching significant developments in policy, law and technology which may have an impact on privacy and by making reports and recommendations to relevant authorities
- answering enquiries and educating the community about privacy issues
- advising people of possible remedies for breaches of their privacy
- receiving, investigating and conciliating complaints about breaches of privacy
- overseeing the conduct of Internal Reviews into privacy complaints
- appearing in the Administrative Decisions Tribunal in the review of privacy cases.
Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner
Ph: 1300 363 992
TTY: 1800 620 241
Fax: (02) 9284 9666
Email: privacy@privacy.gov.au
Website: http://www.privacy.gov.au
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is an independent Office which has responsibilities under the Federal Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). The Act provides protection for:
- Personal information about you that is handled by Federal and ACT government agencies
- Personal information about you held by all large private sector organisations, all private sector health service providers and some small businesses
- Credit worthiness information held by credit reporting agencies and credit providers and
- Personal tax file numbers used by individuals and organisations.
Governance Support Unit
- Ph: (02) 9514 1251
- Fax: (02) 9514 1232
- Website: http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au
Commonwealth Ombudsman
Ph: 1300 362 072 or (02) 9218 3000
Fax: 9211 4402
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au
Website: http://www.ombudsman.gov.au
The Commonwealth Ombudsman considers and investigates complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by a Commonwealth Government department or agency, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Defense Force.
Ombudsman NSW
Ph: 1800 415 524 or (02) 9286 1000
TTY: (02) 9264 8050
Fax: (02) 9283 2911
Email: nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au
The Commonwealth Ombudsman considers and investigates complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by a Commonwealth Government department or agency, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Defense Force.
Legal Advice/Advocacy
UTS Community Law Centre
Tower Building
Ph: (02) 9514 7835
Fax: (02) 9514 7836
Website: http://www.law.uts.edu.au/clc/
Email: utsclc@law.uts.edu.au
Mental Health Advocacy Service (Legal Aid Commission)
Ph: (02) 9745 4277
TTY: (02) 9745 4277
Fax: (02) 9744 6936
Website: http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=205
The service provides free legal advice and assistance about mental health law. Telephone advice is available for all areas of mental health law. Relatives and friends are also welcome to call. A social worker is also available to help with a wide range of related social issues.
Council for Civil Liberties NSW
Ph: (02) 9960 7582
Fax: (02) 9566 4162
Email: nswccl@mail2me.com.au
Website: http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au
The Council for Civil Liberties (CCL) has a volunteer elected Committee that attempts to influence public debate and government policy on a range of human rights issues. The CCL tries to secure amendments to laws, or changes in policy, where civil liberties are not fully respected. The CCL also listens to individual complaints and, through volunteer efforts, attempts to help members of the public with civil liberties problems. It prepares submissions to government, conducts court cases defending infringements of civil liberties, engages regularly in public debates, produces publications, and conducts many other activities. Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Ph: (02) 8898 6500
Fax: (02) 8898 6555
Email: piac@piac.asn.au
Website: http://www.piac.asn.au
PIAC focuses on public interest matters which affect people as citizens, consumers or members of communities. PIAC seeks to facilitate fair and just outcomes for all Australians, particularly those who are disadvantaged, by:
- exposing unjust or unsafe practices, deficient laws and policies
- promoting good governance through improved access to information, public participation in decision-making and accountability of the public, private and community sectors
- facilitating and influencing public debate on public interest matters
- fostering development of case and statutory law that better reflects the public interest
- enhancing the capacity of community organisations to pursue the interests of the communities they represent
- maintaining a national profile and impact.
Disability Discrimination Legal Centre
Ph: 1800 800 708
TTY: 1800 644 419
Fax: (02) 9310 7788
Email: info@ddlcnsw.org.au
Website: http://www.ddlcnsw.org.au
The NSW DDLC website is an informational resource designed to assist people with disabilities, their friends, family, carers and associates, in understanding disability discrimination legislation.
It aims to provide accurate, timely and easy-to-comprehend information on:
- Disability discrimination legislation
- Your rights
- Points to consider before making a complaint of disability discrimination
- The process involved in making a complaint of disability discrimination
- Other organisations that may be able to assist you.
Work
Centrelink
- Ph: 1031021
- Website: http://www.centrelink.gov.au
Centrelink is a government agency delivering a range of Commonwealth services to the Australian community. Centrelink is set up so people can get more of the help they need in one place.
Job Network
Ph: 13 62 68
Website: http://workplace.gov.au/workplace/jobnetwork
Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people, particularly the long-term unemployed. Whether you are a job seeker or employer, this site provides information about how Job Network members can help you.
Commonwealth Rehabilitation Scheme Australia
Ph: 1800 624 824
TTY : (02) 9242 4872
Email: Marketing.Communications@crsaustralia.gov.au
Website: http://www.crsrehab.gov.au
CRS Australia delivers vocational rehabilitation services to Australian citizens or residents who have an injury, disability or health condition. It assists people who have a disability or injury to get a job or return to their job. This service is free to people receiving income support payments from Centrelink.
Disability Open Employment Services
Website: http://www.jobable.gov.au
JobAble aims to be a relevant, useful and informative guide for Job Network employment consultants working with job seekers with a disability, for job seekers with a disability and for employers or potential employers. The information on the JobAble website focuses on employment or work related issues with the addition of having some general information about specific disabilities.
Department of Commerce, Office of Industrial Relations NSW
Ph: 13 16 28
Outside NSW: 1800 356 648
Website: http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
he OIR provides a number of services including:
- Access to industrial relations information
- Advancing women's employment equity
- Advice and Training on NSW Employment Issues
- ATSI Unit
- Award Information Services
- Guarantee of service
- Increasing compliance through education
- Licensing Services
- Promoting the industrial relations agenda
- Publications
- GREAT and TAB
Department of Workplace Relations and Employment
Ph: 1300 363 264
Outside NSW: (02) 9246 0600
Website: http://www.wagenet.gov.au
WageNet provides information about wages and conditions of employment in Australia for work that is covered by federal awards and agreements.
Privacy
Government Information Service
Ph: 1800 463 955
Fax: (02) 9228 7227
Email: gisinfo@commerce.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.australia.gov.au
Legislation & Case Law
If you wish to look further into any of the legislation or cases mentioned on this site, you should go to http://www.austlii.edu.au.
