School of Geography - Theses
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ItemStudents welfare co-ordinators' responses to homeless students in the south eastern educational region( 1997)School is an institution with which all members of society have contact at some stage in their lives. Next to the family, school is an important institution which has the opportunity to communicate with and support young Victorians. When young people can no longer rely upon their family for support, the school has the potential to act as a surrogate family. Student Welfare Co-ordinators are the people in Victorian schools who are more likely to deal with students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless than anyone else in the school. There is little known about their attitudes and responses towards homeless young people, or their perceptions of their role. An understanding about the response students receive from their school's Student Welfare Co-ordinator is a necessary first step in gaining an insight into the role and the relationship schools have with homeless students and those at risk of becoming homeless. This thesis explores Student Welfare Co-ordinators' responses when dealing with students in their schools who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It examines their responses in the context of how they define homelessness and their overall perceptions of homeless young people. Ten Student Welfare Co-ordinators in the South Eastern educational region were interviewed, along with six homeless students living in supported accommodation in the region. The responses of Student Welfare Co-ordinators to homeless students, and those at risk were grouped into four broad categories: the referral; the mental health; the locksmith; and the mediation group. Each category of response was examined in relation to Student Welfare Co-ordinators' assumptions about their particular training and their definition of homelessness. The overall finding was that Student Welfare Co-ordinators were not guided by the individual needs and circumstances of homeless students or those at risk of becoming homeless, but by their particular ideologies and training.
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ItemThe regulation of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay( 1997)This report investigates whether there is a need to take a more regulated approach to the conduct of dolphin tourism in Port Phillip Bay. This was achieved by seeking the views of interest groups and through an assessment of dolphin management experience in Australia and overseas. Views from respondents were received on the adequacy of the current voluntary Code of Practice for Dolphin Tour Operators in Port Phillip Bay, whether they believe dolphins suffered disturbance as a result of current tourism practices and whether there should be compulsory licensing of dolphin tour operators. The findings of this investigation were used to assess whether a more regulated approach to dolphin tour management is required to limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphin population. The report reviews recent research which indicates that dolphins can become disturbed by unfettered and continued unwanted human interaction. It is believed that such disturbance can flow onto the dolphin population as a whole, however, the long-term effects are not clearly known, and because of this many of the respondents advocated that a precautionary approach be adopted in the management of dolphin tours. The vast majority of interest groups surveyed were of the view that some dolphin tourism practices adversely affect dolphins, particularly when coupled with the affects of harassment by the general public. To minimise such disturbance interest groups overwhelmingly supported a more regulated approach to govern dolphin tours. This approach included the incorporation of dolphin tour regulations into legislation and the introduction of a licensing system for dolphin tour operators. The main elements of the proposed dolphin regulations advocated by respondents would, at a minimum, include a consistent approach to the development of quality interpretive material, limitations on the type and number interactions and the adoption of general environmental management guidelines. To limit disturbance to the Port Phillip Bay dolphins from tour boats and the general public (particularly during peak Summer periods), it is proposed that Ticonderoga Bay at Point Nepean be proclaimed a 'no go' area (which would be an extension in protection to its current status) and that there be a limit to the number of dolphin tour operator licences. A national approach, in cooperation with states and territories, to the development of dolphin legislation is also advocated to ensure a consistency and transparency of the management of dolphin-based tourism throughout Australia.
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ItemA comparative analysis of litter generated at shopping centres, roadsides and riverside-foothpaths within the Plenty River catchment and the extent to which litter from these sources is reflected in the composition of bank litter along the Plenty River( 1996)Litter studies often face the problem of category overlaps when attempts are made to classify litter items. This study proposes a classification that is aimed at minimising the problem of category overlaps. It then employs this classification in comparing litter characteristics at various generation points within the Plenty River catchment and the extent to which the litter found entangled on banks of the river relates to that at the various source sites. In addition, the local litter policies and management strategies are reviewed against experiences from other parts of the world. The litter classification employed in this study describes litter items on the basis of their use-origin and material-type. Litter generation areas at which survey was undertaken were Greensborough, Montmorency and Lower Plenty shopping centres; roadsides adjacent to bridge sites and riverside footpaths along the Plenty River. Riverbank litter sampling was undertaken at points near roadside and riversidefootpath survey sites. A comparative review of litter policies and management strategies from various parts of the world revealed some desirable aspects that could benefit litter management in Australia. The `Systems Approach' as the guide to litter policy and management strategy formulation in Victoria was found to have inherent weaknesses that partly account for the persistence of litter pollution. Using data from litter survey at shopping centres, roadsides and riverside footpaths, it was found that: (a) Litter generated within different shopping centres was not significantly different but smoking-related litter pose the most serious cause of concern owing to its dominant frequency, (b) litter at roadsides next to bridge-sites within the catchment had significant differences leading to a conclusion that roadside litter is mostly a function of factors specific to a site. At the same time, a higher relative incidence of litter was observed at roadside points nearer bridges than further up the road; (c) significant differences exist in material-type frequency composition of litter between riverside footpath sites and this was viewed as indicative of a higher likelihood among individuals to improperly dispose of certain litter items than others. On the basis of data from riverbank litter survey, this study found that: (a) the distribution of litter by type of material on different types and extent of riverbank vegetation cover is random; (b) riverbank morphology does not to influence the distribution of total litter items entangled on a riverbank; (c) litter generated at riverside footpaths has a higher relative likelihood of polluting the river banks than that generated at more remote locations (shopping centres and roadsides).
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ItemA formative evaluation of the Gippsland psychogeriatric assessment and treatment team, Community Psychiatric Services for the Elderly: a study of consumer experience( 1995)This study critically examines consumer response to the Gippsland psychogeriatric assessment and treatment team. This service operates under the title, Community Psychiatric Services for the Elderly (C.P.S.E.) and has been operational since 1992. The primary focus of this evaluation is formative: It is envisaged that, as a result of this research, highly practical recommendations will be generated which may contribute towards the overall improvement in service-delivery. This implies that stakeholders will be the recipients of any improvements achieved, particularly the direct consumer groups (clients and families) towards whom such benefits are ultimately directed. The critical dimension to the evaluation design is the perception of consumer groups and the manner in which the quality of service is individually assessed. How appropriately are 'grass-roots needs, expectations, and day to day issues addressed by the service? Are the perceived needs of consumers effectively met, or does there exist an incongruity between the focus of the various stakeholders? The corollary to this is the level of consumer satisfaction with the service. If it is apparent that consumer expectations are not being effectively met, what changes are required to redress this problem? Is a wholesale realignment of the service required or will minor, incremental 'finetuning' suffice? This latter point will be taken up by a working party following the publication of the research results.