#19: Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA)

#19: Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA)

Author: Sexual Health Victoria November 19, 2019 Duration: 27:03
In this episode, we interview Kate Bourne from the Victorian Assisted Reproduction Treatment Authority (VARTA). VARTA is responsible for the registration of reproductive clinics, public education, donor conception registers and can connect people with a sperm or egg donor. Statistically, there is a child in every class who was conceived through some kind of Assisted Reproductive Technology. When FPV run classes in primary school about making babies we talk about IVF and other types of Assisted Reproductive Technology. We think it is important that all types of conception are included. Kate discusses the role of VARTA, provides guidance about what to say to children about alternative methods of conception, and when to have those conversations. Enjoy!  Resources: VARTA website for news about fertility, includes links to support groups. VARTA page titled When to tell: ages and stages giving detailed advice on how to tell children about IVF or ART at different ages.  The Donor Conception Network  for books to help explain different types of conception. Corey Silverberg’s book – What Makes A Baby  is a great book to start a conversation about babies no matter how they were conceived. VARTA & FPV teaching module is a classroom resource to use for students grade 3- 10 when teaching about Assisted Reproductive Technology. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au

Talking about bodies, relationships, and sexuality can feel daunting, whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious. Doing ‘IT‘ is here to make those essential conversations a little easier and a lot more informed. Created by the Schools, Community and Disability team at Sexual Health Victoria, this podcast brings expert voices directly to you, demystifying the wide world of relationships and sexuality education without judgment. Each episode delves into practical and nuanced topics-from navigating puberty and understanding consent to exploring identity and fostering safe, healthy relationships. We recognize that many adults struggle with how to start these talks with the young people in their care. That’s precisely why this resource exists: to offer clarity, evidence-based information, and a sense of shared experience. Tuning in, you’ll hear straightforward discussions that replace anxiety with actionable knowledge, helping to build a foundation for open, honest dialogue. This isn't about a single lecture; it's an ongoing conversation that evolves with life's changes. Join us on Doing ‘IT‘ for a compassionate and comprehensive guide to topics that matter deeply to everyone's wellbeing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

Doing ‘IT‘
Podcast Episodes
#78 Introduction to menstrual health and pelvic pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
In this episode, Tessa speaks with one of SHV doctors, Dr Fiona, about menstrual health and pelvic pain. They discuss why people might get period or pelvic pain, what falls outside of “normal” for periods, and Tessa desc…
#77 Consent Matters - Disability with William Ward-Boas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
In this episode, Em from SHV speaks with William Ward-Boas about including people with a cognitive disability in consent education. Listen to William reflect on relationships and consent through their lived experience, a…
#76 The Manosphere with Cam Fraser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:16
In this episode Louis from SHV talks to Cam from inyourskin about misogyny and the Manosphere. They discuss why young men seek out these spaces and what we can do to support them, showing them examples of healthy masculi…
#74 AI Deepfakes with Bec Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
In this episode Leon from SHV talks to Bec from Evolve Education about Artificial Intelligence and deepfakes. They discuss how this technology impacts the lives and sexual interactions of young people. Resources: The eSa…
#73  Why do you do this job? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:04
In this episode, you will hear from the Sexual Health Victoria Schools, Community and Disability Education team. Listen to the team discuss why they do this work, what are some of the questions young people ask in these…
#72 Elevation College [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
In this episode Leon from SHV talks about embedding a whole school approach to Relationships and Sexuality Education. SHV are working in partnership with a secondary school in Melbourne’s Northwestern growth corridor. Le…
#71 Drag Storytime [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:47
In this episode we speak to performers Dean Arcuri & Jacob Thomas. Sometimes they run Drag Storytime events. Listen to Dean and Jacob describe the many ways that these events bring community, performance and storytelling…
#70 Supporting Multicultural Communities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:21
In this episode we talk to Krushnadevsinh Ravalji (Kano). Kano is the Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. We ask him about how educators can ensure that Relationships and Sexuality Education is…
UN Youth Listening Tour. Imogen Kane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
In this episode we speak to the 2023 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Imogen Kane. This role saw Imogen travel Australia to meet with young people to find out what was important to them. Hear what I…