Resources
COVID-19 update
We are making changes to protect the health and safety of our staff, our clients and the wider community. VARTA is aiming to continue its normal service provision, however there may be delays or changes to our activities.
If you are unable to get in touch with us via phone (+61 3 8601 5250) please send your enquiry using the varta@varta.org.au email.
Call to participate in ground-breaking donor conception exhibition
A ground–breaking exhibition examining the experience of donor conception in Australia is calling for contributions and participation from sperm and egg donors, donor conceived people and families touched by donor conception. The exhibition will present their life experiences in art, photographs and music. A collection of archival material and memorabilia will also portray the way assisted reproduction was conducted in a time of social anonymity.
Can I still have children?
“Can I still have children?”, The Royal Women’s Hospital. There are versions of this free book for males and females. The book provides information and fertility options for those with cancer having chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
For a copy of the publication contact rwh.publications@thewomens

Can acupuncture improve chance of IVF success?
IVF treatment is a last resort for people who struggle to have children. The treatment is physically, emotionally and financially demanding and only about a quarter of couples have a baby after one treatment cycle.
In an attempt to increase IVF success among patients, researchers from Western Sydney University ran a study using acupuncture around the time of hormone stimulation and again at the time of embryo transfer.
Cancer Council Australia
This website provides information and support for those with infertility or sub-fertility as a side-effect of cancer treatment of AYA cancers.

Central Register application form
Application form options:
A. Open application form document > Print document > Write information > Sign > Scan and email to VARTA OR post to VARTA
B. Open application form document and save it as a pdf file to your computer > Open document from your computer (requires Adobe Reader* at least version 8) > Type your information into the form > Save form >Print and sign form > Scan and email OR post form to VARTA
Changes to Victorian donor conception laws implemented and more to come
2014 amendments
Pre 1988 donor-conceived people can now apply for information about their donors following the implementation the 2014 amendments to the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 on 29th June.
The changes to the laws mean that all donor-conceived people, regardless of when they were conceived, can apply to the donor registers for information about their donor. Information will be provided if records can be located and the donor consents to the release of their identifying information.

Chief Judge John Pascoe on the child’s right to know for the 2016 Louis Waller Lecture
The child’s right to know and family law orders was the title of the 2016 Louis Waller Lecture presented by His Honour Chief Judge John Pascoe held on 9 November at the State Library of Victoria, with almost 120 people in the audience.
Child Safety and Protection Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all employees, volunteers and contractors working at VARTA, and their compliance is required. It is particularly pertinent for VARTA’s counsellors, who are more likely to interact with children and young people in the course of information and support sessions.
This Code of Conduct makes reference to and incorporates the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees. VARTA is bound by that Code of Conduct and adheres to it in accordance with section 61 of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic).
Child Safety and Protection Policy and Procedures
VARTA is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. As an organisation, we do not tolerate any form of child abuse. VARTA recognises its commitment to children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as children with disabilities.
All employees of VARTA are responsible for the care and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse in accordance with this policy and our Code of Conduct.