News and information
APEN 2009 International Conference
The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food was the major sponsor for our 5th International Conference which was held in Busselton, WA from November 9 to 12, 2009. The title was "Shaping Change in Communities - Dimensions of Excellence". Details are available here.
Investment Opportunities - Invest in People
We are pleased to launch the APEN marketing prospectus. The prospectus is intended to give information on the types of ways people and organisations can invest in APEN to enhance the support for people enabling change in rural, regional and environmental fields. Please contact the APEN Secretariat (info@apen.org.au) for further information on how to tailor the investment to your liking .
The Changing Climate for Extension Professionals
APEN recognises that the issue of Climate Change is a major challenge facing the world. The scientific community has been telling us that the globe's biophysical conditions are changing, with predicted trends to continue. These changes are increasingly being reflected by policy positions of governments around the world, including Australia with the net effect making the average extension professional's job more complex.
APEN recognises the need to support its members in this regard, and would like your feedback as to what information sources and activities you might like APEN to provide?
In the meantime here is a link to the Garnaut Review (http://www.garnautreview.org.au/domino/Web_Notes/Garnaut/garnautweb.nsf ) and Australian Government's Green Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (aka Emissions Trading Scheme). (http://www.climatechange.gov.au/greenpaper/index.html)
APEN mentoring scheme
The APEN mentoring scheme is designed as a low cost peer mentoring system, which will benefit the individuals involved, our discipline and our organisation.
The APEN mentoring scheme is an additional service available to members only. Of course interested non-members may join and gain immediate access to it. The registration fee only costs mentees $140 (plus $14 GST for Australian residents) per year, and there is no fee for mentors.
Mentees will benefit from:
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the disciplined approach of reflection and planning to achieve outcomes
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increased knowledge and skills in a particular area of interest
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increased confidence in undertaking your daily work
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improved understanding of what is expected in your work role
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a supportive environment where you are encouraged to take risks and learn constructively from failure
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increased potential for career mobility and promotion
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improved understanding of the extension system
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getting to know other APEN members
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access to a “sounding board” to try out new concepts and ideas.
Mentors will benefit from:
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refreshing and honing your own professional skills
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the satisfaction of helping another person grow and further develop
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being challenged to think about your perspectives and viewpoints
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getting to know other APEN members
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helping the extension discipline to grow and mature
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contributing to the future of APEN
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the public recognition of your knowledge and talents
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giving back to others and the organisation
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the challenge of having to explain often complex principles which then improves your own understanding
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being more aware of recent trends and developments in your area of expertise
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the discipline of reflecting on your own career and where you are headed.
For all the details, please read our information booklet (366Kb PDF).
To register, please complete the appropriate online registration form for mentors or mentees.
If after reading the information pack you have further questions, please contact Roe Currie rcurrie@apen.org.au or John James john.james@deedi.qld.gov.au.