RTO 45596
RTO 45596
RTO 45596
02 6583 7288
ABN 71630741409
What's On
Here's where we will keep you updated with what's happening at the college.
Upcoming Events:
Trauma Informed Care Workshop Series
This is a series of sessions around a very important topic affecting so many. The impact of Trauma can be significant. Providing quality care needs a workforce that can evaluate and implement effective strategies to create a safe and rewarding environment.
Session 4 - Understanding Vicarious Trauma and How to Manage it
Working in a ‘help’ profession can be incredibly rewarding. You get the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives by offering support and guidance through difficult times. However, constant exposure to trauma can take its toll. This is where vicarious trauma comes in.
What is Vicarious Trauma?
Vicarious trauma, sometimes called compassion fatigue, is a psychological response that occurs when someone is repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. It’s like second-hand emotional pain. While not the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experienced by someone who directly experiences trauma, it shares some similar symptoms.
Who’s At Risk?
Anyone who works in a helping profession is at risk of vicarious trauma, but some roles see higher rates. These include:
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Social workers: Statistics show a high prevalence of vicarious trauma among social workers, particularly those specialising in child protection1 (34%), family and sexual violence2 (21%), and veterans’ services3 (19.2%).
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Mental health professionals: Therapists, counsellors, and psychologists who regularly work with trauma survivors are also at risk. A study showed a staggering 40.9% of licensed clinical social workers4meeting criteria for PTSD.
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Child protective service workers: These professionals frequently deal with horrific situations involving children, making them highly susceptible.
Burnout vs. Vicarious Trauma
While burnout and vicarious trauma share some symptoms, they’re distinct. Burnout is caused by chronic stress and feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness in your work. Vicarious trauma, though, specifically stems from exposure to others’ trauma and can involve a shift in your worldview and sense of safety.
Course Structure
Interactive Classroom, includes case studies and group discussions.
Event Details:
Date: 27 November 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: 77 Hastings River Drive Port Macquarie
Cost:
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FREE for MNCCC Alumni of Certificate III Individual Support OR
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$55.00 for General Attendee
Limited place for each workshop are available
Download the flyer below
Identifying Vicarious Trauma
Here are some signs of vicarious trauma to watch for in yourself:
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Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope with the emotional intensity of your work.
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Cynicism and detachment: Losing your sense of hope and connection to your clients or the profession.
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Irritability and frustration: Becoming easily annoyed or having a shorter temper.
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Intrusive thoughts and nightmares: Experiencing flashbacks or distressing dreams related to your clients’ experiences.
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Changes in physical health: Including headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.
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Decreased empathy and compassion:Feeling numb or disconnected from others’ suffering.
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Feeling mentally foggy or overwhelmed.
The Importance of Training
If you recognise these signs in yourself, it’s time to take action. Training in managing vicarious trauma can equip you with the tools you need to protect yourself while continuing to provide excellent care.
Priority Issues to be covered:
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Understanding transference and countertransference: Learn how your own experiences and emotions can influence your work and how to manage them effectively.
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Setting professional boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries between yourself and your clients to maintain emotional well-being.
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Self-care strategies: Develop a robust self-care plan that prioritizes your physical and mental health. This could include relaxation techniques, exercise, healthy eating, and social support.
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Critical incident stress management (CISM): Learn techniques for processing and managing the stress of exposure to trauma.
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Investing in Your Own Well-being: By taking steps to manage vicarious trauma, you’ll be investing not only in your own well-being, but also in your ability to continue effectively helping others.
(References: Bride, Jones, & Macmaster, 2007; Choi, 2011; Cieslak et al., 2013; Bogstrand et al, 2016)
The content of this workshop may be stressful and may be a trigger for some individuals. Be intentional about looking after yourself and others.
Prior Workshop:
Session 1 - How to deal with Trauma Informed Care
Held 4 February 2025
Prior Workshop:
Session 2 - Recognising Trauma for Adolescents
Held 30 June 2025
Prior Workshop:
Session 3 - Supporting those experiencing trauma
Held 1 September 2025
Upcoming Activities:
Makerspace creative crafters workshop:
Circle of Friends would love you to join them on the 4th Saturday each month from 10am.
Do you have interests in a variety of textile and art mediums such as hand stitching, machine sewing, mixed media, design, knitting, crochet, embroidery, weaving, up cycling clothes, recycling textiles or paper and macrame to name a few....
We will update our What's On page and let you know planned workshops, when the time comes, you will need to book - so just call us on: 6583 7288
Alterations 101 Workshops
COST:
$35.00 per workshop
WHERE:
MakerSpace
4 Albert Cct, Port Macquarie
CALL US TO REGISTER:
02 6583 7288
WHEN:
1 November 10:00am - 12:00pm
4 November 6:00pm - 8:00pm
15 November 10:00am - 12:00pm
18 November 6:00pm - 8:00pm
2 December 6:00pm - 8:00pm
13 December 10:00am - 12:00pm
Session focus:
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Adapt a jacket. Bring your own jacket from your wardrobe or an op shop.
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Bring your own project. Teacher present to share skills and help you gain confidence on the machine. CANCELLED
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Beginners refresher- gain basic machine skills and confidence.
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Thrift a dress. Let’s alter a dress to fit well or make it into something else.
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Bring your own project. eg hem a pair of jeans. Teacher present to share skills and help you gain confidence on the machine.
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Bring your own project perhaps finish a project from an earlier workshop. Teacher present to share skills and help you gain confidence on the machine.
In-Term Kids Art Workshops
Age: K-2 group kids
Mondays 4 - 5:30pm
$25.00 per lesson
Gaye's workshops not only focus on developing skills, learning about different art techniques, exploring different mediums and learning about varying art styles, it is also a way to assist children to enjoy the process of creating and the peacefulness that expanding creativity brings.
Age: Primary 3-6yrs
Tuesdays 4 - 5:30pm
$25.00 per lesson
Age: High School 7-10yrs
Wednesdays 4:30 - 6:30pm
$35.00 per lesson
To enrol or for any questions, please email Gaye on heartworx.art@gmail.com.
School Holiday Programs
Gaye hosts a variety of school holiday programs, which will have different themes to keep children interested.
Please check our MakerSpace events page or MakerSpace Facebook page to register for upcoming holiday programs.
F A S T T R A C K Y O U R F U T U R E
Fast-track into a job or further study with free skills training this summer. Explore your interests, gain new skills for in-demand jobs and industries and take control of your future.
Students meeting criteria may be eligible for funding under CSO.Please check our website or call us on 6583 7288 to find out more. https://www.mnccc.edu.au/govtsubsidies
Course List Summary - November To December [note: dates subject to change]
Full details of our courses can be found in our Training menu
