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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Snippets - Volume 8 Issue 4
April 2008
Please note, some of the articles provided will have additional papers which can be downloaded or directed to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact Julia Beckett with your contact details and she will issue you with your access details.
Index
From the CEO's Desk
Committee vacancies
We are nearing the end of the first 12 months of the new ACS committee structure and the knowledge, skills and expertise demonstrated by committee members have been a valuable asset to ACS over the past year.
To ensure that we retain a level of corporate knowledge on each committee, initial Committee appointments were staggered over one, two or three years, starting from July 2007. The positions of those appointed for a one year period are now up for nomination.
ACS is now seeking nominations from interested individuals who are keen to assist by providing their knowledge, skills and expertise to the five committees, which are:
- Workforce
- Finance
- Residential Care
- Community Care
- Retirement Housing
Selection is based on the individual’s knowledge, expertise and skills relevant to the particular committee, rather than as a representative of a particular organisation. Individuals nominating for committee positions must be employees of an organisation that is a member, or industry supporter, of ACS SA & NT.
New appointments to the committees commence on July 1 2008 and will be for a three-year term, except for those filling casual vacancies to replace members who have resigned mid-term.
Committee nominees should read the Terms of Reference, in conjunction with the Explanatory Memorandum, providing general information relevant to all Committees. Both are available, along with nomination forms, in the Members Only section of the website.
The Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted by close of business Monday May 26 2008. Please forward your completed nomination to ACS by post or email – see the nomination form for details.
In order to asses the best candidates for the committee positions ACS asks interested parties to make statements against selection criteria on the nomination form. It is not intended to be an onerous exercise but we do need you to take a little time to demonstrate your credentials, so we can give due consideration to your nomination. Please feel free to attach additional information to the application if you consider it enhances your nomination.
All individuals will be advised of the outcome of their nomination.
Should you require any further clarification please contact me at the ACS office on 8338 7111.
Forum update
Presentations from the well-received Finance, Community Care and Residential forums are now available in the Members Only section of the ACS website.
The successful ‘forum season’ is now drawing to a close, with the Retirement Housing seminar on May 2; the forum for regional and rural members on May 30; and the Quality Improvement forum on June 4.
ACSA awards
The 2008 criteria and nomination forms for the ACSA Annual Awards for Excellence are now available.
Click here to download.
Nominations close on Friday June 6. Winners will be announced at this year’s ACSA National Conference, Aged Care in the Fast Lane, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, September 28-October 1.
Any queries about the awards should be directed to Heather Stevens at Aged & Community Services Australia or telephone (03) 9686 3460.
General News
Flu vaccination recommended
This year’s influenza vaccine protects against three strains of the virus – Solomons, Brisbane and Florida – identified by the World Health Organisation as the most likely to threaten Australia.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends flu vaccination for people aged 65 or over; people with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease, kidney disease and those with a weakened immune system; healthcare providers; and anyone else who wants to decrease the likelihood of becoming ill with flu.
It is possible to contract flu at any time of the year, but the majority of people become infected between July and September, so the time to think about vaccination is now.
Click here for the full story on flu. Click here for important background information on flu versus a cold.
Ambassador for ageing
Media personality Noeline Brown has been appointed Australia's first Ambassador for Ageing.
The Ambassador will be a spokesperson for older Australians and will promote positive and active ageing within the community. Her responsibilities include:
- Promoting healthy and active ageing messages within the community.
- Leading promotional activities to ensure our communities value and respect older people.
- Explaining Government programs and initiatives to the public, including assisting older people to be aware of programs and how to access them.
- Representing the Australian Government at conferences, meetings and media engagements.
- Attending meetings with key Commonwealth, State and local government stakeholders on positive ageing issues.
National Report Issue 177
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the members only section.
Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- Another Chance to Tell us What You Think of National Report
- Aged Care Bonds Back on Agenda
- Minister Signals Broader Approach to Protecting Older People
- 2020 Summit Submissions
- ACFI Feedback
- New Extra Service Approvals
- National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Seeks Submissions
- Campaign to Reduce Slip, Trip and Manual Task Injuries
- Government Support for Parkinson's training
- Business Model for Aged Care Work
- Learning Module for Palliative Care for Aged Care residents
- Water Safety Program for Older Australians.
- Understanding Younger Onset Dementia
Dementia Care
The Dementia Care Conference 2008 was held February 21-22 2008 in Rokeby, Tasmania.
Click here to access presentations from the conference from the Alzheimer's Australia website.
Resources for vision impaired people
The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) offers on-site training, support and resources for aged care providers to assist in meeting the needs of clients with vision impairment. This includes:
- A customised full day package to assist staff to recognise and understand vision loss (at a nominal charge of $50 per head).
- A free information session to inform staff about vision loss and services available.
- Free brochures, booklets and a DVD about managing with vision impairment.
For further information contact the RSB Community Educator, Trevor Frost on 8232 2444.
Designing Australia’s future health system
The recently established National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) has called for submissions to help design Australia’s future health system.
The NHHRC is seeking input from the public, frontline health workers, professional and consumer groups, and other interested people and organisations. A dedicated website and an 1800 number are now available to collect ideas, innovations and suggestions to make the Australian health system better.
Submissions will be accepted from now until the end of May.
Click here for further details, including the Commission’s terms of reference, the principles and a guide to making submissions.
Immunisation handbook
The ninth edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook is now available. It includes timelines and advice on immunising against polio, meningococcal, chickenpox, pneumococcal and rotavirus.
The handbook provides important information to health professionals on immunisation practice, new vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases in Australia. It is based on up-to-date scientific research and is endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.
Best-practice clinical guidelines are included for those vaccines provided free under the National Immunisation Program; those funded under the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme; and other privately funded vaccines.
Click here to download copies of the handbook or telephone 8226 7177.
Improving mental health services
The Federal Government has announced funding to strengthen the mental health workforce, providing training to around 24,000 mental health professionals and encouraging mental health nurses to stay in the workforce.
This follows release of the National Mental Health Report 2007, which underlines the need to do more in mental health.
The report shows uneven access to mental health services; a shortage of mental health workers; and uneven distribution of the existing workforce.
Click here to access the National Mental Health Report.
Affordable housing network
ACSA has formed an alliance with the Brotherhood of St Laurence and COTA to promote the needs of older people within the Federal Government’s affordable housing agenda.
To ensure the industry is well placed to provide feedback ACSA is asking interested organisations to register.
Click here for further information on the network. If you are interested in joining, email Lesley Dredge at ACSA.
Health Performance Council call for nominations
The SA Health Performance Council will play a vital role in providing high level independent advice to the Minister for Health on operation of the health system; health outcomes for South Australia and specific population groups; and the effectiveness of methods used within the health system to engage communities and individuals in improving their health outcomes.
Expressions of interest are currently being sought for membership of the Council. Nominations close on May 9 2008.
Click here for information and selection criteria.
News for Residential Members
Safety Alert
SA Health Safety and Quality Unit has issued a safety alert regarding Marshall Torrens beds. The electrically operated beds were manufactured by Marshall Furniture, a company no longer operating, in South Australia during the 1990s.
Many beds are thought to be still in use throughout SA.
Faults in the bed could result in the sudden and unexpected collapse of the backrest, injuring the patient. An ongoing study of the entrapment risk posed by hospital beds has shown that Marshall Torrens beds have a potential for entrapment which can result in serious injury or death.
Click here for the full safety alert.
Zero real interest loans
The Federal Government has called for applications and released the timetable for Stage One of its election commitment for $300million in zero real interest loans to build or expand aged care beds in areas of high need.
The plan is expected to create 2,500 permanent residential aged care places in areas of high need such as regional and undersupplied areas.
The three-part delivery plan comprises:
- Stage One: An initial $150 million in zero real interest loans for up to 1,250 residential aged care places provided by the Commonwealth.
- A review and evaluation within 18 months – to determine the implementation arrangements for the remaining 1,250 places.
- Stage Two: providing the second set of 1,250 places - $150million in zero real interest loans.
Applications close June 6 2008 and loans/places will be announced in early August.
Provider eligibility criteria include:
- A good past record as a provider of residential aged care.
- A sound record of developing new services in a timely manner.
- Sound financial viability.
- Willingness to provide aged care services in the identified areas of high need and address any additional identified care needs.
- Ability to access a suitable site.
The Department of Health and Ageing has stressed that this loans round is different from the annual Aged Care Approvals Round. In this process providers are encouraged to submit broader business proposals for a mix of places for a service or a number of services, rather than applying for a predetermined number of places.
Providers are encouraged to apply for as many places and services as they believe necessary to ensure sustainable, viable aged care in an identified area of high need. For example, a provider may wish to establish a number of services in relatively close proximity within a region managed by a regional office. Also, if considered necessary to ensure a sustainable service, the Department will consider proposals that include some community care packages.
Click here for further information, including FAQs.
ACS seeking feedback
The ACS Residential Care Committee is conducting two surveys. One is to obtain information from members on how the complaints Investigation Scheme is operating, the second to obtain feedback on Mandatory Reporting.
Surveys to be returned by email to Natasha Searcy or by fax to 8338 7077 by Monday 19 May 2008.
Click here for the Investigation Scheme survey.
Click here for the Mandatory Reporting survey.
News for Community Providers
OFTA Newsletter
Click here to download the fifth special edition newsletter from Office for the Ageing.
This edition contains the latest information on Community Care Reform, including an update on Access Points in South Australia, ACAP Reform Projects and National Service Standards.
Community Care forum
The PowerPoint presentation from the ACS forum Palliative Care in the Community, held April 4, is now available for members on the ACS website.
Click here to access Members Only.
ACFI Update
Changes to asset testing
The Department of Health and Ageing has announced a number of changes in relation to aged care assets testing.
The assets assessment form has been updated in line with the March 20 changes. Copies will be sent to all ACAT teams with a request that residents and potential residents be given the new form with the 5 steps to entry into Residential Aged Care pack.
Centrelink and DVA will continue to do assessments based on information provided by applicants who use a pre-March 20 form. Please remember that from March 20 2008, Centrelink and DVA will assess for eligibility for supported resident status, rather than for concessional and assisted resident status.
The Accommodation Supplement maximum assets threshold for supported Residents will be $90,410.40.
If you require further information about assets testing or the new arrangements for fees and charges contact the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
Bonds clarification
Just to clarify from the last issue of Snippets, it is the first ACAT assessment that determines if a new resident pays an accommodation charge or an accommodation bond.
ACFI scoring tool
HealthSolve has made available a free ACFI scoring tool.
Click here to access it.
Medicare forecast statement errors
Medicare Australia has advised of some problems identified with the March "forecast" statement showing some residents at an incorrect RCS classification level.
The problem only relates to the "forecast" statements and not to Payment Statements, which are correct. The same will apply with the March 2008 Payment Statement and the April "forecast" statement.
A further fault identified is that an RCS that is about to expire, may contain ACFI codes.
Medicare Australia has advised that both faults are display problems only, and will have no impact on the amount paid to providers on their Payment Statements. It will rectify the faults.
Should you have any concerns about the above matters, please contact Medicare Australia on
1800 195 206.
News for the Retirement Sector
Housing innovation
State Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway launched the Ageing Atlas of SA on February 22.
The launch coincided with the Housing Innovation and Our Ageing Population Round Table, which was also held with Minister for Housing and Ageing Jay Weatherill and Thinker in Residence Geoff Mulgan.
Click here to access links to the Ageing Atlas, and the proceedings and PowerPoint presentations from the Housing Innovation and Our Ageing Population - Round Table.
Rent Assistance fact sheet
The Retirement Villages and Rent Assistance fact sheet has been produced to aid retirement village operators in their understanding of rent assistance.
It aims to help operators understand the rules, rates and thresholds that apply to rent assistance so that they are able to support residents and maximise rental income.
This fact sheet is updated twice a year: in March and September. For the current version, please go to the Members Only section of the ACSA website.
Please note that to access this section you will need an ACSA username and password, which is different to your ACS username and password. Contact Julia Beckett should you need assistance.
Northern Territory news
Increased PATS funding
The NT 2008 Budget will allocate an additional $2million to support Territorians using the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS).
The extra funds will enable: all Territorians travelling interstate for treatment to travel with a family member, friend or carer; an increase in the commercial accommodation rate from $33 to $35 per night; an allowance of $40 per return trip to interstate patients for travel to and from airports and accommodation; a new support and coordination officer for the PATS program in Adelaide; and an upgraded IT system and additional administrative staff in the Territory to better deliver the administrative side of the scheme.
Since 2004, the number of people using PATS has increased by 24 percent and patient escorts have increased by 33 percent.
Rural & Regional news
Combined regional forum
The 2008 combined regional forum on aged care in rural and remote SA will be held on Friday, May 30 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The forum will feature an update on key issues from ACS staff and DoHA; tips on saving money from CCI Group Purchasing; an ACFI update; Nino DiSisto, from Country Health SA, on MPS progress; and a session on getting some good news on the industry into the media, with ABC personality Peter Goers.
Afternoon concurrent sessions offer the options of Directions in Community Care, Food Safety Program and a focus on training needs.
Click here for a full program and here for a registration form.
Rural palliative care funding
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has announced funding of more than $6.5million in the field of palliative care, to provide more coordinated care for rural Australians with a life-limiting illness.
Funding will be shared among 36 Divisions of General Practice in all states and territories to support their efforts to develop a coordinated approach to caring for rural people at the end of their lives.
Participating divisions will be expected to forge strong relationships with local communities, stakeholders and other programs to improve palliative care service delivery in their area.
Fifteen divisions from four states – New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia – have been selected for the first intake of the project. Each will submit a work plan to the project manager, the Australian General Practice Network, for approval before introducing the model to its region.
In South Australia the following Divisions have been selected for the first intake period, following a call for applications and subsequent assessment by the Australian General Practice Network:
- Southern Division of General Practice
- Eyre Peninsula Division of General Practice
- Limestone Coast Division of General Practice
Volunteer news
State awards
The SA Government recognises the valuable contribution of volunteers through the following three awards:
The Joy Noble Medal
This annual award is made on South Australia’s Volunteers Day (June 9 2008), to a Government employee or group who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering within a Government program.
The Premier's Business Award in Volunteering
This award has been created to recognise the invaluable contribution of the business sector to the community through its support of volunteering.
Community Project Award
The newly created Community Project Award has been developed to recognise the most outstanding South Australian community volunteer project for a given year.
Nominations for the above awards are now open. Click here for further information
Publications & Grants
Rural, regional and remote health: indicators of health status and determinants of health
This Australian Institute of Health & Welfare report focuses on a comprehensive range of health issues concerning people living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
It includes information relating to health status (such as rates of chronic disease, injury and mental health) and determinants of health (such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition and physical activity).
Click here to download the report.
Wound management research
The Commonwealth Government has announced plans for wound management research projects worth up to $500,000.
A wound management research program will be a priority for future funding through the second round of Encouraging Best Practice in Residential Aged Care Program. Individual projects will focus on federally-funded aged care homes.
ACS Education & Training Events
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
2008 ACS Program
The full events program for 2008 is available for viewing on the ACS Website Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, as well as being sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
Transition to Management
Dates: April 30, May 7 and May 14
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton
Have you recently been promoted to the role of manager or supervisor? Have you taken on new responsibilities? Are you required to manage staff or volunteers? Have you had to step up from being a 'doer' to a people manager? Are you an experienced manager who needs a refresher in management styles and dealing with people?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you need to attend the Transition to Management program. This three day program, facilitated by Oz Train and tailored for ACS SA&NT members, will help you improve your knowledge and skills across a range of areas important for managers.
Click here for the flyer and registration form.
PowerPoint Introduction
Date: May 5
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: Innovation House, Mawson Lakes
Primarily designed for people who need to know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 to
create computer presentations, this course is ideal for people who work in positions where presenting information in an effective manner is important.
You will learn how to create a presentation, add animations, run a slide show, and print and
publish presentations.
Click here for details and registration form.
Leadership Series
Being a leader takes skill, patience and perseverance. This tailored series
will provide participants with a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a
leader, how you lead and provide you with some very helpful tips to be the leader
that inspires, participates and respects others. Become the Leader you
want to be.
Click here for a registration flyer and program outline.
Module 9: Time Management
Date: Friday May 9 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton
Topics include:
- What is Time Management?
- Six Steps to organising yourself and your time
- Effective Time Management – Goals, Tasks and Priorities
- Understanding and Managing Stress
- Building resilience
Zero Tolerance - Recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
Dates: May 21 or June 16 1.00-4.00pm
Venue: ACS
training room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Conducted by Anglicare SA
Click
here for a registration form.
Ideal for all staff, Board members, key personnel and new managers. Anglicare SA's Zero Tolerance - recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people program assists individuals and agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations for notification of abuse of the elderly. The training program provides essential education in recognising and addressing the broader scope of elder abuse to ensure a preventative approach is adopted within all service delivery settings. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur. The training program covers:
- The attitudes and values of participants and the impact when considering whether behaviour is abusive.
- The definitions and context for what constitutes abuse of the elderly.
- The legislative context in Australia for reporting abuse and neglect, including the responsibilities of individuals.
- The importance of collaborative practices in responding to the abuse of the elderly.
The training package is presented as an interactive workshop, utilising case scenarios and applies the adult learning principles as well as having the tick of approval for its Learning, Literacy and Numeracy content.
Financial Aspects of Resident Admission for Rural Providers
Date: May 29
Time: 1.00-4.00pm
Venue: ACS
training room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
This seminar will address specific issues relating to resident admissions within rural areas. Including:
- Strategies to maximise bonds
- Bonds and their impact on Centre link and cash flow
- Calculation and analysis of ongoing fees and accommodation charges
- Fully supported and partially supported Residents and Self Funded Retirees
- Understanding the Centrelink asset and income assessment
- Understanding financial assets/products and their impact on aged care
Click here for a registration form.
PowerPoint Advanced
Date: June 2
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Innovation House, Mawson Lakes
This course is designed for participants who have some prior experience of using Microsoft Powerpoint.
After completing this course, students will be able to: insert and modify clip art in a presentation; use various drawing objects; create slide masters; create animations; create and use templates and colour schemes; insert movie clips and sound waves and work with action buttons; and create tables, charts and diagrams in a presentation.
Click here for a registration form.
E-learning
The following recruitment courses are offered online via the ACSA e-Learning system:
- EEO – Best Practice Recruitment Guidelines
- Privacy For The Onhire and Recruitment Industry
- Effective Reference Checking
- Workchoices – Fundamentals
- Recruitment and Selection
- Develop Business Strategies To Source and Assess Candidates
- Develop Employment Management Services For Candidates
- Manage The Recruitment Process For Client Organisations
Formal Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Business (Employment Services)
Click here for full details.
Industry Education & Training
ACFI Train the Trainer
TAFE NSW Western Institute is running ACFI train the trainer in each State.
Click here to register or call 1300 55 37 18.
Dementia Training Study Centre
The SA & NT Dementia Training Study Centre offers the following professional development opportunities for health professionals:
The Spaced Retrieval Technique - One day seminar Thursday May 22, plus optional second day workshop Friday May 23.
Click here for full details and registration form.
Montessori-based Dementia Programming - One day seminar Tuesday May 20, plus optional second day workshop Wednesday May 21.
Click here for full details and registration form.
The speaker for both workshops is Cameron J Camp PhD, Director and Senior Research Scientist at Myers Research Institute, Menorah Park Centre for Senior Living, in Beachwood, Ohio.
Best Practice and Dementia Care Mapping - Two half day seminars on Thursday June 19.
Click here for details.
Volunteer Training
Volunteer Management - The 3 Rs of Volunteer Management and more. A workshop specifically designed for new volunteer managers/coordinators.
Date: Wednesday May 21, 9am-12noon Cost: $100
Volunteering with the Frail Aged
Date: Friday May 16, 1-4pm - Payneham Community Centre.
A free workshop funded by the State Government Office for Volunteers.
To register contact Volunteering SA on 8221 7177.
Horticultural therapy
Horticultural Therapy SA is hitting the street running with another stimulating seminar program in 2008.
Click here for the promotional flyer for the six week short course which begins Monday May 5.
Numbers are limited so please book early.
Registration is online. You can click on the link when you open the flyer or click here to register.
Advanced Diploma of Nursing
Enrolled Nurses can further their training with an Advanced Diploma of Nursing from Celtic Training.
Click here for details.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT has entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with:
OCAR - Employment Assistance
Program
EMA Consulting - Industrial
Advice Service
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access
OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members
who join this service.
Click
here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this
form OCAR will contact you to commence
the service.
Industrial Advice Service
Since July1, 2006 EMA Consulting has been providing ACS Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
- Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
- Deal with IR Consultants
- No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does take longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary
- Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
- Nurses SA
- Clerks SA
- Health Service Employees
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Simply contact EMA with your organisation's name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 07/08). If you do not know your client number please contact Business Development Manager Kellie Kulinski.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800
632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221
6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au