Advocacy

HEIA(Q) plays a strong advocacy role for home economics and, in particular, for home economics education. Having a strong membership gives the division strength in its advocacy role. The importance role of HEIA(Q) is recognised by education and other authorities when they, for example, invite HEIA(Q) to be represented on various advisory committees, and when other organisations such as Queensland Health work with HEIA(Q) to develop resources for home economics and other teachers.

Conferences

HEIA holds a national conference every three years. In addition, each year HEIA(Q) holds a state one-day conference, typically held in Brisbane. HEIA members are entitled to discounted registration fees for both national and state conferences.

Professional development

HEIA(Q) offers a professional development program in approximately 11 regions across the state, including the Brisbane metropolitan area. Typically, two professional development seminars or workshops are run in each region throughout the year. Additional events may be organised by the regional coordinators, or by the HEIA(Q) Committee of Management. Registration fees for all events are typically discounted for HEIA members and, on occasions, event participation may be free for members.

Discounts

Members receive significant savings on professional and personal development activities and events, at both divisional and national levels. When new resources are released, HEIA members usually have the opportunity to purchase them at discounted launch prices and/or to attend launches at no cost.

Other events

The Queensland division offers a range of additional events each year, for example:

• awards presentations
• a World Home Economics Day celebration
• events to welcome new graduates to the profession
• a World Food Day event
• launch functions when new resources are released.

Networking opportunities

Opportunities for networking occur at the many professional and personal development activities organised by the Queensland division. In addition, HEIA(Q) has an active Facebook page.

Publications

All members of HEIA(Q) receive both national and Queensland publications, including:

• the HEIA national journal—the Journal of the Home Economics Institute of Australia (JHEIA)
• HEIA’s national e-newsletter that shares information about what is happening at a national level as well as in other divisions
• HEIA(Q)’s newsletter InForm with local news and events, which is published approximately three times a year. If you would like to contribute a news item, contact the editor, Janet Reynolds, by email at heiaq@heia.com.au

Resources

A comprehensive list of useful websites and resources available from other agencies can be found in the Resources section of this website, categorised under Design, Families, Food and Nutrition, and Textiles, Fashion and Clothing.