Volume 21 no.16 special edition 2007 ISSN 13219340
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
ChaIrperSoN'S report
CeLeBrate oUr CULtUraL DIVerSItY WeeK
BLaCK harMoNY gatherINg
the gaLa DINNer
QUeSt aWarDS
aLL oF US photo eXhIBItIoN
A PUBLICATION OF THE VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL COMMISSION
visit us atwww.multicultural.vic.gov.au
multiculturalvictoria21
Contact us:Victorian Multicultural CommissionLevel 151 Spring StreetMelbourne 3000
phone 9208 3184Fax 9208 3179 email [email protected]
or visit our websitewww.multicultural.vic.gov.au
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03 Chairperson’s report
CELEBRATEOURCULTURALDIVERSITYWEEK
04 Victorians celebrate diversity
05 In stitches from IL DAGO
06 Black Harmony Gathering
08 The Gala Dinner
10 Quest Awards
12 La Faya Festival
13 W11 Tram: an art of journeys
14 Fitzroy Town Hall reopening
16 Women creating harmony
17 Harmony & Diversity
18 Gnatannwarr Multicultural Festival
19 Bendigo celebrates
20 City of Wodonga Todos Arte Project
21 Cultural Diversity Week in Mildura
21 Busy in the bush
22 ECCV signs Community Accord
23 Department of Infrastructure
23 Education staff embrace diversity
24 Information Session - Refugee Brokerage Program
24 Wantirna Primary School
25 All of Us photo exhibition
VMCUPDATE
26 Grants Update
27 A special welcome
28 Introducing Mr Telmo Languiller MP
29 VMC Advisory Council
COMMUNITYNEWS
30 Thai Culture and Food Festival
31 Monkey King Concerto
31 Women's Friendship Group
32 Victoria University signs Community Accord
33 Memories of Bonegilla
34 Pysanka - Ukrainian Easter egg painting
35 Fast-tracking a home away from home
35 NAATI Interpreter Program
36 Refugee youth leadership development camp
37 Women's Kebaya Weave New Threads
38 Ethiopian Soccer Tournament
39 Gippsland Wall of Recognition
40 Congratulations graduates
GOVERNMENTINITIATIVES
41 Education and Training Program for Outworkers
42 Sheriff's Office goes multicultural
42 Keeping children safe
43 Discrimination in employment
43 Lucky Miles - Film
44 A.R.A.B. - Healthy Communities
45 Jumping a cultural hurdle to land a dream job
46 Thank you to our sponsors
Published by
The Victorian Multicultural Commission 1 Spring St, Melbourne 3000. July 2007 For all editorial enquiries - ph 9208 3185 or email - [email protected]
Graphic Design: BJM Design - (03) 9467 9003, [email protected]
Cover Photos: Michel Lawrence Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week photos: Georgia Metaxas Photography
Copyright © This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced in any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring Street Melbourne. For permission to reproduce this document please write to the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Printed by Metro Printing, 203-205 Roberts Rd, Airport West 3042
Copies of this publication are available free of charge from www.multicultural.vic.gov.au
Multicultural Victoria, Special Edition 2007 contents
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Chairperson’s Report
Welcome to the Special Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week Edition of Multicultural Victoria.
Each year Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week seems to get bigger, better and
increasingly popular. It was a huge success with community involvement in a wide variety of activities across the State celebrating our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and acknowledging the substantial contribution that people from all over the world have made to the social, cultural and economic development of Victoria. Once again, I was greatly impressed at the number of schools and students participating in the annual Cultural Diversity Week Quest which received a record number of entries.
The Week culminated in the annual Gala Dinner hosted by the Premier, and I was pleased to see so many leaders and representatives from Victoria’s ethnic and religious communities at the Palladium at Crown where more than 1400 people packed out the glamorous venue which, despite its size, made for a crowded but nonetheless enthusiastic dance floor.
Entertainment throughout the evening consisted of an array of dazzling cultural performances – including Japanese drummers, and artists from Bosnian, Spanish, Ethiopian, Congolese, Maori and Indigenous Australian backgrounds - as well as an intriguing fusion of West African, Arabic and Indian, performing both traditional as well as contemporary works. Some energetic dancing by dinner guests concluded the night’s entertainment and established the Gala Dinner as a great success. However, none of this would have been possible without the participation of our many generous sponsors and supporters. Stay tuned for VMC notices regarding Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week in 2008.
As announced by the Victorian Government as a pre-election pledge, the Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs has merged into the Victorian Multicultural Commission to create a single entity devoted to Multicultural Affairs. This will allow us to continue
to work for and with our culturally, linguistically diverse communities and enable us to be even more responsive to community needs across a range of CALD community issues. More importantly the savings generated by the merger have created an additional $1million which will be directed to boost the Community Grants Program. More details regarding this important merger can be found on the Commission’s website at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au
In this issue of Multicultural Victoria, I am pleased to report that the Community Accord continues to attract considerable interest, with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) joining a long and distinguished list of signatories to those very important principles by which Victoria’s benchmark multicultural momentum is maintained. At a packed ceremony with more than 100 members of the ECCV - including five previous Chairs of the Council – gathered to commit to the principles of the Accord. I encourage other
organisations to contact the Commission to make their support for multiculturalism clear and unequivocal by signing the Community Accord.
I was delighted to see the positive results of our Annual Survey Feedback and I thank everyone who took the time to participate. Nobody but you is better placed to judge whether or not the Commission is meeting your needs. Once again, the thoughtful feedback that you have provided will help us evaluate past performance and plan for the future. But regardless of the time of year, do not hesitate to let myself or my staff know of any way that we can improve on the ways and means that we respond to the needs of Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. Your input is the cornerstone of our decision-making processes.
Enjoy the magazine!
George Lekakis
Special Edition2007
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
The Week was once again a huge success with more Victorians than ever before joining in the celebrations. Over 200 schools,
community organisations and local councils hosted events to celebrate the cultural diversity found in their areas.
The Week’s activities began in spectacular fashion with the annual Black Harmony Gathering at the Fairfield Amphitheatre on Saturday 17 March. Thousands of people enjoyed performances from some of Australia’s best Indigenous, African, Polynesian and culturally diverse musicians. On Sunday 18 March the Immigration Museum came alive with the Mauritian and Rodriguan Festival. A week of events and launches culminated with the highly anticipated Premier’s Gala Dinner which was attended by over 1400 community leaders at Crown Palladium.
For the first time the VMC worked closely with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to incorporate range of
cultural performances to complement the international chefs on show at Fed Square. Groups such as Asiko, Sendero and Warako Musica dazzled crowds with their vibrant performances on the main stage and the Riverwalk Terrace.
Across the weekend Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week volunteers handed out ribbons and balloons to crowds that passed through Fed Square. People of all ages proudly wore ribbons and waved balloons to show their support for Victoria’s cultural diversity. The balloons were particularly popular with the younger members of the crowd who had the opportunity to sample foods from international cuisine while dancing to music from around world.
The Week would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors, supporters and media partners or the dedication of teachers and community leaders who made the events such a success.
Victorians celebrate diversityTens of thousands of
Victorians came together during March to take part
in this year’s Celebrate our Cultural Diversity
Week activities.
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1 Botue � VolunteeRs handed out RiBBons & Balloons at the FestiVal �,5&6 PeoPle PRoudly
woRe RiBBons to show theiR suPPoRt FoR CultuRal diVeRsity � neda Rahmani
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Comedians and stars of the show Joe Avati, Simon Palomares, George Kapiniaris, and Sri Lankan/Australian comedian
Nish had everyone in their seats crying from laughter at their hilarious stories about growing up in their respective cultures in Australia.
Some of the highlights included Nish appealing to the audience that even though he was Sri-Lankan, he wasn’t a telemarketer or cab driver. Joe had the audience in stitches recalling stories about Italian weddings and being punished in an Italian household. Simon had everyone believing Spanish was the language of love by proving that even ordering a Big Mac in his mother-tongue sounded amorous, and George was unstoppable with his musical parodies and anecdotes about the Greek family life.
Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, George Lekakis, who attended the opening night said the cultural mix of IL DAGO personifies
the message of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week.
“Since the early days of Wogs out of Work, ethnic comedy has made an incredible and long-lasting impact to Australia’s cultural landscape. Now, with IL DAGO, we are thrilled to play host to such legendary and well-loved names, who will join us during this significant time of the year to celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity. Comedies like IL DAGO provide an opportunity to reflect on the quirky side of the cultures and traditions that make Victoria such a rich state while, at the same time, highlighting the similar qualities that can be found in every family of any cultural background”.
Following sell-out performances in Melbourne, IL DAGO will be performing at venues across Australia. Ticket purchase details for all other states can be found at www.myspace.com/ildagocomedy.
The Northcote Town Hall was abuzz on Tuesday 20 March for the opening night of IL DAGO as part of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week.
In stitches from IL DAGO
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1 sPeCial guests on oPening night � staRs oF the show Joe aVati and
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The Black Harmony Gathering reflects the essence of the message “Say No to Racism”. Hosted by the Indigenous community through
the Warrior Spirit Collective and proudly produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria, the Black Harmony Gathering showcased Melbourne’s best Indigenous, African and culturally diverse musicians at the Fairfield Amphitheatre. The banks of the Yarra River created a spectacular backdrop to the entertainment. Artists included Koori Youth Will Shake Spears, Kutcha Edwards, Narasirato Pan Pipers, Fusion, Kobya, Liz Cavanagh, Eva Jo Edwards, Peter Rotumah,
Monica Weightman and King Bell, with MC’s Kylie Belling and Gabby Fakhri. Special guests included Uncle Herb Patten on gum leaf and David Drysdale on didgeridoo.
There was a tremendous community spirit with people wanting to be part of the Black Harmony Gathering. Many of the refugee and African communities had not met or experienced Aboriginal Culture and felt honoured and privileged that they were able to do this at the event. The Warrior Sprit Collective was inundated with phone calls commenting that this year’s Black Harmony Gathering was the best they had ever attended.
Black Harmony Gathering
In its fourth year the Black Harmony Gathering
offered a unique artistic and cultural sharing
between emerging refugee cultures and Indigenous Australia.
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The Black Harmony Gathering was initially developed through consultation with indigenous and newly emerging cultural groups as a vehicle to bring young and old together in harmony through the sharing of the cultures of music and dance. This consultation continues and the group not only decides on the music and dance but now includes crafts and food. The Halal delights and Senagalese food were well received but the highlight especially for emerging communities is the Kangaroo and Emu sausage BBQ.
This year the Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group had the young sons performing with their fathers and uncles who started the dance group. The highlight of the gathering had to be the Narasirato Pan Pipers from the Solomon Islands who mesmerized the audience with their extraordinary music and dance. fuSAIN was a forty plus Polynesian youth Hip Hop Group that blew the crowd away with their popping, locking, breaking and cRumping.
The Black Harmony Gathering not only breaks down cultural barriers but
also gives all people a chance to meet, share dance and enjoy. From its original instigation to the present day we have seen a growth in the attendance of the diverse communities involved. This is seen particularly amongst the youth who are attending in greater numbers from all of the communities and bringing their families.
Black Harmony 2007 was produced by the Warrior Spirit Collective and Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) and sponsored by VicHealth, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Yarra, Bakers Delight and PNJ partners Real Estate.
Sally Campbell Coordinator
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The evening was hosted by the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks with VMC Chairperson, George Lekakis acting as MC for the
evening. Mr Lekakis welcomed all guests in attendance and acknowledged the presence of special guests including the Leader of the Victorian Opposition, Mr Ted Baillieu and Robin Baillieu; The Lord Mayor of Melbourne John So and Lady Mayoress Wendy Cheng; The Honourable Daniel Andrews, Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural
Affairs; and Mr Telmo Languiller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Multicultural Affairs.
Japanese drumming sensation Wadaiko Rindo was the first of many cultural groups to take to the stage throughout the evening. The powerful drumming performance was followed by the National Anthem of Australia sung beautifully by the Bosnian Sevdalinka Choir and two songs by Indigenous singer Kutcha Edwards. The crowd was also treated to a commanding rendition of the
haka by the Nga Hoe Waka Cultural Group and a fiery performance by gypsy belly-dancers Underbelly.
Ethiopian masenko player Dereb Deselegn and stunning flamenco group Arte Kanela performed after speeches by the Premier, the Leader of the Victorian Opposition and the Lord Mayor.
In his speech, Mr Bracks said “Victoria’s multicultural heritage is something we should all be proud of – and foster. Diversity
Over 1400 community, government and business leaders enjoyed a spectacular display of Victoria’s cultural diversity at the Premier’s Gala Dinner held at the Palladium at Crown on Saturday 24th March.
The Gala Dinner
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is one of our abiding strengths. A strength that has enabled people of different backgrounds and beliefs to create a new community based on the principles of tolerance, justice and democracy. That is why we should protect and celebrate our multicultural heritage.”
The flamboyant sounds of Soukous Ba Congo and upbeat Funk Reggae band Bomba inspired everyone to take to the dance floor for the remainder of the evening.
A special one-hour program showing highlights of the evening was aired on Channel 31 on Sunday 3 June at 7.30pm.
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This year’s Quest attracted a record number of entries with the judges evaluating over 500 entries from schools across Victoria.
The theme for the Quest reflected the key theme of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week - Different but the Same. All Victorian. This is the topic students were encouraged to address in their entries in order to communicate some of the following concepts.
Their ideas about:
• Promoting mutual respect and understanding, and eliminating racism;
• Their knowledge of, and respect for, role models in their lives; and
• Their values, personal beliefs and understandings of their cultural heritage.
The categories were:• Years P-4: A3 Book or Wall Story• Years 5-9: Screensaver• Years 5-9: Poster• Years 10-12: 300 word piece of writing
The Department of Education provided book vouchers as prizes with groups who receive a special mention awarded a $50 book voucher, 3rd place winners awarded a $100 book voucher, 2nd place winners awarded a $150 book voucher, and 1st place winners receiving a $250 book voucher and a 6 mega-pixel digital camera.
The awards were hosted by George Lekakis, Chairperson VMC. The Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews, and the Chairman of Quest Apartments – official sponsors of the Quest - Paul Constantinou, presented prizes and certificates to the winners.
Quest AwardsOver 120 excited students
attended the annual Cultural Diversity
Quest Awards at the Immigration Museum on
Friday 23 March.
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Four schools, that generated the most interest in the Quest, were also selected to receive a $500 book voucher and a digital camera in the highly sought after ‘School Awards’ category. The four winning schools were: Lynbrook Primary School, Coomoora Secondary College, Tempy Primary School and Walpeup Primary School.
In his speech Minister Andrews congratulated everyone who entered the Quest for their inventive entries and commended the teachers and parents for their encouragement and support.
“The annual Quest Awards are a wonderful way for young people to share their own understandings and experiences of our cultural diversity through activity-based projects”, said Mr Andrews.
The Multicultural Programs Unit of the Department of Education, along with the team at LMERC, who had the very difficult task of assessing the entries, were acknowledged for their central role in organising the Awards.
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Almost 2000 visitors were treated to a day of music, sega dancing, traditional games and festive food, in a packed-out
museum and courtyard.
Visitors enjoyed playing petanque, watched a diverse range of music and dance, met community members and learnt about Mauritian and Rodriguan heritage through a display of photographs. The courtyard saw many old friends becoming reacquainted, as well as new friendships being made.
Children who attended listened to stories and made pictures of the dodo, which lived on the islands of Mauritius before becoming extinct.
Community caterers offered the chance to sample authentic Mauritian food, such as gateaux piment (chilli cakes) and gato banana (banana tart).
The festival was also a last opportunity for visitors to see Beyond the Postcard Image: Mauritians and Rodriguans in Victoria in the Community Gallery.
La Faya FestivalThe Immigration Museum
was a blaze of colour on Sunday 18 March for La Faya, the Mauritian and
Rodriguan Festival.
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The W11 TRAM collaborative art project returned for a second season over summer 2006-07 in Melbourne, following much success during the
cultural festival of the recent Commonwealth Games. The tram, elaborately transformed by Pakistani vehicle decorators, operated a free service for twenty Friday evenings undertaking six 50-minute laps on the City Circle tram route exploring an art of journeys through different events aboard. ‘Tram Overheard’ had pairs of high profile strangers invited to undertake an amplified conversational journey of dialogue discussing personal journeys and issues of migration and mobility, transportation and cultural change, hospitality and the public realm whilst travelling a lap of the city. ‘Tram Overboard’ had different groups of artists lead an improvised performance journey for a lap of the city, including musicians, dancers and performers. ‘Tram Otherwise’
had onboard hosting artists from Melbourne & Karachi leading a journey of cultural collisions, interacting with passengers, breaking the ice of public inhibitions, cajoled strangers to share a bit of themselves and discover a new experience across cultural and generational differences whilst being gifted free artwork ‘tickets’ and hearing music that transports.
The W-11 TRAM is an idiosyncratically ‘Melbourne’ project hosted by artist Mick Douglas of Tramtactic. Manzoor Ahmad comments on the project’s website that this tram should have had an official role in the Australia Day Parade. For Deborah Kelly it’s an “exquisite project, so beautiful, generous, funny and hospitable”. She continues: “ And while it seems to me that it’s partly an observation of cosmopolitanism, I’d also suggest that it is a self-fulfilling prophecy: it actually creates the sense of a city with its heart wide open.” For Justin Mansfield, riding
the W11 TRAM “breaks down the barriers which exist between us and encourages us to engage with our neighbours without worrying about our silly inhibitions. The Tram builds community, it fosters friendship, and it nurtures joy & laughter.”
This tram has established itself as a unique multicultural vehicle of lively social encounters fostering a spirit of trust. “What a delight to look up from a Melbourne footpath and see the bright lights and colour of the Karachi tram. Where are you? Please come back to cheer us up” says Chris Goodman. Discussions are underway for the tram to set out on a further summer season. Keep posted at www.tramtactic.net W-11 TRAM is a collaborative art project conducted by Mick Douglas and produced by TRAMTACTIC.
Can a tram scream a celebration of life, love and fun? Yes, according to passenger Aliyah Mohyeddin, who enthuses that the W-11 TRAM is “an affirmation of the beauty of inclusion and multiculturalism that is Melbourne today”.
W11 TRAM: an art of journeys
Photos: miCK douglas, tRamatiC
The week-long celebrations to relaunch the refurbished historic 1873 building coincided with Celebrate our Cultural Diversity
Week and showcased both the Town Hall, and the diverse communities that make up the City of Yarra.
There were over fifty events programmed for the reopening celebrations with many events having a strong focus on the local community.
The Fitzroy Harmony Lunch was a special event organised by the local community, for the local community. Held on the International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination (21 March), this event brought together a range of different ethnic communities to organise and celebrate in harmony.
This lunch event was developed over several months and was planned by local public housing residents. The community organised the whole lunch in the way they wanted to celebrate this special occasion. A working group was established and, with the help of interpreters, a fantastic event was organised.
The community lunch was open to all residents from the Atherton Gardens Public Housing estate (Fitzroy) and
CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK1�
Fitzroy Town Hallreopening
The City of Yarra was in celebratory mode with
the Fitzroy Town Hall Reopening Celebrations
from 18 to 23 March.
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rooming houses in Fitzroy, where 80% of residents are born overseas. Over 330 people attended the lunch and shared an array of tasty, diverse and plentiful food in the beautiful ambience of the Town Hall.
Shake It Up saw many young people take over the main hall space in an energetic dance-off that featured local youth performances such as Fusion and a 50-member group of young Polynesian performers - who certainly made the space come alive.
Also performing were Fitzroy locals the Nubian Knights and young people from the local area were encouraged to join in the dance off competition, which offered recording studio time and dance lessons as prizes.
Lunchtime Lectures
One of the features of the Fitzroy Town Hall Reopening was a series of lunchtime
lectures that were held in the beautifully restored Reading Room. The lectures focused on a range of topics, from a debate around intergenerational issues, to the power of ethnic broadcasting, to the 1967 referendum, to climate change.
The ethnic broadcasting lecture coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March. The lecture panel was chaired by George Lekakis, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the panellists included Libby Jamieson (3CR), Greg Dee (Channel 31), Martin Wright (3ZZZ) and Anouska Teunen (NEMBC).
Over 100 people from diverse backgrounds attended the panel discussion and asked many questions of the panellists. With such a panel of knowledgeable speakers it ensured a very informative and enriching occasion for all who attended.
From the number of people in the audience, and their level of enthusiasm, it was clear that the importance of ethnic broadcasting cannot be understated. The speakers demonstrated how radio is a key medium for all language groups and highlighted its power to connect, inform and empower listeners – of all languages.
Many audience members spoke about their experiences with ethnic broadcasting and how it helped to combat isolation and loneliness.
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Fitzroy Town Hall
Over $250,000 in grants were awarded at a small gathering held at the Northern Migrant Resource Centre, Preston, hosted
by the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews, and the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Jacinta Allan.
Minister Andrews said “The grants are an important part of the Government’s efforts to promote and encourage women to lead community activities that build cross-cultural understanding and promote racial and religious harmony.”
Ms Allan said women were already leading the way promoting respect and understanding and the Women Creating Harmony Grants will help them do more of this valuable work.
“The grants provide practical support to link recently arrived communities with those that have been here for generations,” Ms Allan said.
One of the grant recipients, the Northern Migrant Resource Centre, received funding to bring women from post-war migrant communities and newly arrived migrant and refugee communities together to enjoy each others’ culture and cuisine while listening to women talk of their settlement experiences.
Another program assists women undertaking formal training for Written and Spoken English, and in General Education for Adults, to organise cross-cultural celebrations in Meadow Heights, Roxburgh Park, Tullamarine and Sunbury.
Over 30 women’s groups were presented with
grants on Tuesday 20 March to support the
crucial role they play in promoting community
harmony and respect for diversity.
Women creatingharmony
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The Exhibition was jointly organised by Multicultural Arts Victoria and New Star Art School to celebrate national Harmony day and
Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week. The art exhibition had an unusual significance because it was an occasion for young Chinese-Australians aged between 4 and 18 to collectively display their creativeness to mainstream society.
Through visual images, these young talents express their feelings and experiences of living in our multicultural society. The exhibition demonstrates a collective creativity inspired by diverse cultural background and a blending of Eastern and Western aesthetic awareness.
Along with all the children and their families, guests included Mr Stanley Chiang, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ms Yueming Yang Deputy Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China and Australian artist Mr Ron Reynolds who co-judged the exhibition and presented awards. It was wonderful to see such a sense of pride in the young artists who took part in this unique event.
The exhibition was supported by Manningham City Council’s Community Development Grant program and the Victorian Multicultural Commission and sponsored by the Chinese Culture School.
Harmony & DiversityThe opening ceremony of Harmony & Diversity - Melbourne’s Chinese-Australian Young Artists’ Exhibition was held on the evening of Thursday 22 March at Manningham Gallery in Doncaster.
1 oPening night � aRtist Ron Reynolds and the diReCtoR oF new staR aRt sChool
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BomBeRs Fly uP! By allen Xiao 6yRs
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The Festival name, ‘Gnatannwarr’ is taken from a welcoming word from the Gunditj Mara Language. The Festival was held on the 17th
March and attracted approximately 4,000 people to the Civic Green.
A wide array of cultural foods and performances were provided by participating groups. Representatives of the Sudanese, Indian, Dutch, Arabic, Koori and Haba Haba Feast prepared traditional foods and performed throughout the day. In addition to the performances by local community groups, a visiting West Papuan Dance Group gave an entertaining display.
Event partners accompanying Warrnambool City Council were Vic Health, Victorian Multicultural Commission, The Standard Newspaper, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Rural Access Program, St. George Bank, Glenelg Hopkins and Wannon Water.
One of the busiest displays was the Children’s Activity tent, manned by students from South West TAFE and members from Tooram Scout Group. Warrnambool Art Gallery provided the venue for the Photographic Competition, the theme being the Depiction of Images of Cultural Diversity from the Warrnambool District. Warrnambool Entertainment Centre and The Regal Warrnambool provided performers preparation areas and the Archie Graham Community Centre provided space for food preparation.
This festival gives the people of Warrnambool and surrounds a glimpse into the sights and sounds of different cultures.
Gnattanwarr Multicultural Festival 2007 provided the people of Warrnambool with a feast of multicultural food, dance and music during Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week.
Gnatannwarr
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Primary, secondary and TAFE students put a lot of work into the decorations and the result was a colourful and thoughtful display
reflecting Bendigo’s diversity. Students from Flora Hill Secondary College and BRIT, as well as members of the broader community had a great time decorating the trams and admiring the variety of designs. City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Julie Rivendell launched the festivities, with a welcome to country by Aunty Lyn Warren.
“It’s great that so many students have thought about cultural diversity in Bendigo and what it means to them as individuals and to the community,” Cr Rivendell said.
Flora Hill Secondary College Year 8 student, Shelby Rosedale said she made a poster for the tram because she enjoys cultures a lot, especially Chinese culture.
“I think that all cultures and beliefs should be respected,” said Shelby.
The trams brightened the streets of Bendigo for the duration of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week, reminding locals and visitors of the value of diversity and signifying the City of Greater Bendigo’s appreciation of the colour and excitement that such diversity brings to the community.
Bendigo’s Hargreaves Street Mall also played host to a variety of dynamic lunch-time performances during Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week.
The week started with a lively show from Robinvale Secondary College band and dancers, who returned to Bendigo by popular demand to showcase their Tongan cultural dances. On Tuesday the lion and dragon teams from Bendigo Chinese Association (Flora Hill Secondary College students) took a break from their busy schedule entertaining schools to perform in the mall. The following day KITA Performing Arts Company presented
dances from Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea and China. Their beautiful choreography and costumes delighted the crowds, including local photographers. Thursday’s act, Bohemian Nights (Ernie Gruner and Phil Carroll) engaged the crowd with a range of French, Italian, Hungarian, Gypsy Swing, Jewish, Arabic and Russian music. Local recording artist Anne Conway closed the week’s festivities on Friday. “Like nearly all Australians I have a mixed racial heritage and I am proud to celebrate that mix and be proudly Australian”, said Anne.
The performances not only entertained the people of Bendigo but gave them the opportunity to think about diversity and the colour it brings to the community.
The City of Greater Bendigo launched Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week in style by decorating two of the city’s heritage trams with banners and posters designed by students of all ages.
Bendigo celebrates
1 ColouRFul disPlays weRe wRaPPed aRound the tRam � Bohemian nights � danCeRs PeRFoRmed in the haRgReaVes stReet mall � deCoRating the tRam
Todos Arte – Spanish for total arts - brought the Wodonga community together over four weeks, allowing participants to make new friends,
share stories and learn skills through arts production workshops and activities.
A dynamic 7m-tall ephemeral sculpture installation, Connections, was created in Wodonga’s central park, Woodland Grove, by diverse community groups buddied together in workshops.
Part of the Todos Arte project involved making costume pieces and site decorations, which were then used for Carnivale Wodonga HOT, a festival held on March 9 which attracted more than 15,000 people.
The city’s celebrations continued during Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week with an evening picnic feast in Woodland Grove among the Todos Arte sculptures on Harmony Day.
The site was redecorated with Carnivale art works, and a jam-packed program of diverse, indigenous and Australian performances entertained a vibrant crowd.
A special focus for this year’s Harmony Day activities were the performances from the Wild on the Border music program for people with a disability, as well as highlighting Wodonga’s commitment to embrace diversity and say no to all discrimination.
The full Harmony Day program included contemporary folk percussion with Cloud 9, Frayne College Trio, Pilipino Mabuhay dance group, traditional Australian Celtic and Nariel folk music by Ian and Di Simpson, Bollywood Dance Group, Nemeda belly-dancing and Coro Delle Montagne Acapella Choir, along with storytelling and henna art. Market stalls and food vendors.
The city’s Continuing Education Centre also launched its Living in Harmony Artwork.
The event created the opportunity to raise awareness about Wodonga’s skilled migration program, the new settlement assistance officer employed by the council and the thriving diverse community networks based from the Felltimber Neighbourhood Centre, which celebrated funding to implement a new project The Harmony Quilt
– Celebrating Wodonga’s Diversity, designed to ensure community harmony continues.
The project received support from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Skilled Migration Program.
City of Wodonga Todos Arte ProjectWodonga has shown the depth of its artistic talent with a ground-breaking community arts project.
CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK�0
1 FiliPino danCeRs � ian simPson � CaRniVale � KeV eBswoRth 5 BalindeR and guPReet
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The week kicked off with the opening on Monday 19 March of The Spice of Life, a week-long exhibition of photographs depicting
the vibrant multicultural flavour of the North East region. This was the inaugural exhibition at the newly opened Wangaratta Library gallery and consisted mainly of photographs taken by NEMA member, Dezi Freeman. NEMA hopes to take the exhibition on the road to the other libraries in the region over the next four weeks. NEMA President Rozi Parisotto also used the opening as the perfect opportunity to present a donation to the library for the purchase of multicultural books which
will be available to residents at library branches across the region.
Tuesday 20 March saw the opening of Common Threads, a joint Rural City of Wangaratta / Pangerang Community House / RMIF project which brought to the public the stories of five local migrant women. The stories were presented in photographs, in print and with culturally significant personal artefacts. Although NEMA was not directly involved in the staging of this event, support was provided by introducing NEMA members as potential subjects to the project coordinators.
On Friday 23 March, NEMA staged a spectacular outdoor concert - Diversity in the Park in Wangaratta and combined local multicultural entertainment with the rich, professional sound of Inka Marka and their special brand of Andean rhythms. The concert commenced with a Welcome-to-country, performed by a representative of the traditional custodians of the area, Bangerang man, Colin Tass.
The concert attracted over 300 people who enjoyed fabulous entertainment from the Beechworth Irish Dancers, Inka Marka, the Dildaar Toli Indian Dance Troupe and the Trentini Italian Folk Performers. To complement the performers there was a variety of international food available from the onsite catering and along with the delicious Italian crostoli and fritole made by the Vicentini members.
An abundance of exciting activities were on offer throughout the week, including Afghani, Tongan and Spanish cooking classes, a
cultural photographic exhibition, a dinner with Derek Kickett, festivities in the mall during Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week, a screening of The White Masai, and daily newspaper stories and radio interviews with local cultural community members.
The week’s activities provided a vibrant environment for the Mildura community to share their stories, connect with one another, offer a new perspective on life, and learn about a country and culture foreign to their own. Each and every sense was satisfied and many thoughts and beliefs were explored.
With regular comments such as “why can’t this continue all year round” and “this has been such a fabulous experience”, organisers Donna Gardner and Anita Dyer were overwhelmed by community support and have already
began planning a succession of activities.
The Mildura community came together, challenged and provoked discussion on issues of inequality and isolation, shared experiences, fostered relationships and created and increased awareness, understanding and respect towards cross cultural participation.
Through engaging a broad range of community members, Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week assisted in addressing barriers to participation, confidence and cooperation, helped to create networks of lasting benefit to the community and fundamentally celebrated and embraced our communities cultural diversity. The smiles, connectedness and affection showed by a diverse range of cultural groups gave credit to what we all value and share in common as human beings.
Encapsulated by the theme ‘from tolerance
to respect’ Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week celebrations in
Mildura this year was a colourful, enticing and stimulating experience
for all.
Cultural Diversity Week in Mildura 2007
Busy in the bushThe North East Multicultural Association in Wangaratta worked hard to take the messages of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week to as many people as possible.
�1CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK
1 PhotogRaPheR dezi FReeman at the oPening with his wiFe, mali and son, Koah � nema memBeRs lahaKPa sheRPa, leFt, and yen ng, Right, CongRatulate Fellow memBeR Kaomi sundeRland � BangeRang man Colin tass oPens the ConCeRt By PeRFoRming the welCome to CountRy
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews, welcomed the ECCV and its members to the event
by acknowledging the ECCV as one of the hardest working, longest serving organisations in the multicultural sector.
“The Community Accord is a powerful symbol of unity. It is a symbol that has now been embraced, not just by our diverse cultural and faith communities, but also by the broader Victorian community. By signing the Accord, the ECCV serves as an inspiration for others to follow”, said Mr Andrews.
The Minister invited Phong Nguyen, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria to be the first to sign the Accord along with George Lekakis,
Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Telmo Languiller. Following the formalities all other members of the ECCV added their signatures to the Accord to individually commit to respecting diversity and eliminating racial and religious intolerance.
The event was also was acknowledged as a particularly special occasion because, for the first time in many years, five of the previous Chairpersons of the ECCV were present.
Over 150 members of the Ethnic Communities’
Council of Victoria came together at
Queens Hall during Celebrate our Cultural
Diversity Week to sign the Community Accord.
ECCV signsCommunity Accord
1 ministeR andRews and PaRliamentaRy seCRetaRy telmo languilleR with FiVe PReVi-ous ChaiRs oF the eCCV and the CuRRent Ceo, PeteR Van Vliet (FaR leFt) 2&3 memBeRs oF the eCCV line uP to sign the aCCoRd. 4 ministeR andRews at the PaRliament house eVent.
CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK��
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ECCV signs
King Marong and Safara, a group of West African Drummers, provided entertainment in the forecourt at 80 Collins Street and had
everybody on their feet dancing.
Waleed Aly from the Islamic Council of Victoria, addressed the department at
a lunchtime seminar. Waleed covered a wide range of issues and topics relating to Islamic communities in Australia, in a straight forward, conversational manner. The celebration was considered a great success receiving positive feedback from all involved.
DOI celebrated Cultural Diversity Week in a number of ways, from wearing orange ribbons or hearing about Islam, to dancing with West African drummers.
Department of Infrastructure
The week culminated with a March 21 afternoon tea celebration for staff, which included an Indigenous welcome to country speech by
Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy, African drumming by Bentleigh Secondary College Students and multicultural food.
Melissa Pavelsin, a project officer with the Koorie Education Strategy Unit,
was touched to witness the many different cultures and nationalities from across the Department coming together to celebrate.
“It really demonstrated the respect and mutual understanding we have for each other and for all cultures and religions,” said Melissa.
A highlight for project officer Mary Oztasci, from the Learning Programs Branch, was a talk by Tasneem Chopra from the Fitzroy-based Islamic Women’s Welfare Council on cultural harmony and how she overcame struggles as a young Muslim woman in Australian society.
“Tasneem is a true inspiration,” said Mary.
“Thank you to the organisers who did a fabulous job with Cultural Diversity week this year.”
A wide range of activities, including an invigorating session of Chinese Tai Chi in Treasury Gardens, and a drumming performance by government school students, marked Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week this year, between March 17 and 23.
Education staff embrace diversity
1 tasneem ChoPRa � dRumming students � doe staFF get inVolVed
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CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK ��
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1 King maRong and saFaRa
Preliminary activities were done in art classes with all students contributing to a mural which was displayed at the entrance
to the school. This included quotes from inspirational people from history and key words such as diversity, peace and love, as well as images of people. Orange was the main colour theme, of course.
All students were asked to dress in orange on the 23 March and they all received an orange ribbon, sticker and bookmark.
The school community was treated to an exceptional performance by Bernard Mangakahia’s one man show called Mana. The production combined dance and song from Polynesia and Native America, from the haka to the hula with lots of audience participation. Everyone left the performance with a great understanding of the importance of cultural identity and its preservation.
The Junior School spent the afternoon preparing food from many different countries including Japan, China, Italy and Australia.
Everyone agreed that it was delicious!
Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week was a great success at Wantirna Primary School, we can’t wait until next year!
Olga Megele Visual Arts Coordinator, Wantirna Primary School
As part of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week, Department for Victorian Communities’
(DVC) staff were invited to attend a lunchtime seminar to hear about the experiences of new and emerging communities from Africa in Victoria and the work that is being done to assist these communities under DVC’s Refugee Brokerage Program.
The seminar Settlement Experiences of African Communities featured three guest speakers. Haileluel Gebre-Selassie from the
Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs opened the seminar with background information on the refugee population in Victoria, including some of the settlement challenges they face, as well as an overview of the Government’s Refugee Support Package, in particular DVC’s Refugee Brokerage Program.
Otha Akoch, Migrant Strategy Project Officer with Warrnambool City Council and a Sudanese Community Leader in Warrnambool spoke about his community, as well as his own personal experiences of being
a community leader and of settling in Warrnambool.
Finally, Nick Hayne, a Warrnambool Refugee Broker with Warrnambool City Council provided insight into how the Refugee Brokerage Program is working at the local level and identified future challenges for assisting refugees and humanitarian entrants.
Staff were encouraged to wear an orange ribbon in commemoration of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week following the seminar.
Information session – Refugee Brokerage Program
Wantirna Primary SchoolAt Wantirna Primary School we celebrated our cultural diversity on Friday 23 March.
1 CReatiVe disPlay � CooKing inteRnational Cuisine
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CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK��
1 otha aKoCh
All of Us will feature over 200 life size photos of Australians from every national and/or ethnic origin and will be launched as a major
outdoor exhibition being in place for eight weeks from Australia Day 2008.
People featured must have been born overseas and almost all of them have chosen to become Australian Citizens, making Australia their home.
“All of Us is the title for the project, as it represents the core idea - that this multicultural melting pot has thrown us all in together.”
Mr Lawrence said that most people have no idea how many different nationalities
are currently living in Australia and the idea is to show them as ordinary people living ordinary lives - but with some extraordinary backgrounds.
There are still nationalities that have not yet been photographed. If you would like to be involved with the project simply visit www.allofus.com.au to see if your nationality is required.
Special thanks to Michel Lawrence for allowing his photographs to feature on many of the 2007 Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week materials. The photographs attracted a fantastic response and the VMC is pleased to be involved with the major exhibition of All of Us in 2008.
In a celebration of our cultural diversity Michel
Lawrence is endeavouring to photograph at least one person from every
nationality who now calls Australia home.
All of Us photo exhibition
1 VinCenzo mammone (italy) � elVa zhang (China) � iVan laughlin (guatemala)
� maRia del PilaR Cossio alVaRado (PeRu)
CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK �5
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The recent Victorian State Budget saw an increase in the Commission’s grants to $4 million dollars per year. The
Commission greatly appreciates this increase as the demands on our program are greater than ever before. In the past six months the Commission has received and processed more than 2,500 applications.
We have provided funding to around 1,000 festivals and events this year and more than 700 multicultural senior citizens groups have received their grants.
The results of the 2007 major round will be announced in early July, for the following grant categories; Organisational Support, Strengthening Multicultural Communities, Buildings and Facilities Improvements and Educational Programs.
It was great to be able to attend several Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week events and I would like to thank the Department of Education for their contribution in supporting schools to hold events during the week. The Week is
growing in strength from year to year.
The Women Creating Harmony grants have also been warmly received by the community. I would like to thank the Office of Women’s Policy for their guidance and administrative support for these grants.
The packed calendar of multicultural events continued with Refugee Week in June this year (June 17-23). The Commission was proud to be one of the principal sponsors of the Week through the Refugee Council of Australia.
The VMC News Update, an emailed fortnightly newsletter, has been highly successful, making hundreds of community members aware of upcoming events and funding opportunities. If you would like to receive this regular email, please send your details to the Commission’s email address: [email protected]
Michael van Vliet Community Strengthening Manager
Grants Update
l to R the hon. RiChaRd wynne, BaRBaRa Kündig (sCV Committee), the hon. daniel
andRews, the hon. BRonwyn PiKe, Rita sChwäRzleR (sCV Committee), RolF huBeR
(sCV ViCe-PResident), Roland isleR (sCV PResident), miChael Van Vliet (VmC), eRiKa
KimPton (hon. Consul oF switzeRland), deRRiCK wildi (sCV Committee)
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VMC UPDATE�6
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has developed a Welcome to Victoria kit to personally acknowledge the 4,500
migrant and refugee children who will enter the Victorian education system in 2007 via English language schools.
Each kit contains information that will help newly arrived students connect with their community, understand the public transport system, encourage involvement in sports and provide the opportunity for families to visit some of Victoria’s tourist attractions
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews launched Welcome to Victoria kits at the Western English Language School in Braybrook on Thursday 8 March.
Mr Andrews said the kits were important in both welcoming newly arrived students and encouraging them to participate fully in their new community.
“Some new migrant and refugee students to the Victorian education system may have had their schooling severely disrupted due to their previous living circumstances. Over the past three years, the Western English Language School has witnessed an increase in refugee students whose schooling has been incomplete due to war or poverty,” Mr Andrews said.
“These students deserve the chance to learn in a safe environment and these kits are a just one step in welcoming these students into the community.”
Chairperson of the VMC, George Lekakis, said the kits which contain information translated into 31 languages, will be presented to all newly arriving students as they enter the English language schools across Victoria.
“This is a valuable way for helping build a genuine sense of acceptance and belonging, and is just one way we can improve the
settlement experience of each child and their family,” Mr Lekakis said.
Over 32 organisations supported the development of the kit by contributing information, free passes and information about services.
Mr Andrews gave his thanks to organisations including, the Australian Football League, Melbourne Observation Deck, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Zoos Victoria, Metlink, Department for Human Services and a range of sporting organisations for their contribution and support.
A special welcomeStudents arriving in Victoria as migrants and refugees are now given a special kit to welcome them to their new community.
1 ministeR andRews and saBina sChaaRe, who PRoPosed the idea FoR the Kit, with students � saBina sChaaRe, yolette de zilwa, PRinCiPal, westeRn english language sChool and geoRge leKaKis � ministeR andRews PResents a Kit to one oF the students � mateRials FRom the Kit
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��VMC UPDATE
1. What do you think you will enjoy most about your new role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Multicultural Affairs?
For many years I have been actively involved with Melbourne’s diverse communities. For me, this role is a great opportunity to reconnect with people and meet new people who are contributing to the economic, social and cultural aspects of the State.
It is also an honour to work in a State that is so advanced in relation to multicultural affairs and be Parliamentary Secretary to a Premier that is so committed and passionate about creating a truly harmonious diverse society.
2. When you moved from Uruguay to Australia, what were the main challenges faced by you and your family?
I first arrived in Melbourne at the age of 17. Speaking only two words of English, ‘yes’ and ‘no’ I would say that learning to speak the language was one of the major challenges that I faced. Also learning the ropes of a democratic society was difficult to adjust to as well. Arriving from a developing nation in political turmoil (Uruguay) after escaping persecution and family instability, it was a very different way of life. It was also necessary to balance two worlds in our new life – settling into new neighbourhoods and finding jobs while at the same time regrouping with other
members of the pro-democracy movement to fight for human rights which I was devoted to for many years.
3. In your opinion, what do you believe are the most important aspects for people settling in a new country?
Where possible, acquiring the language is fundamental. Language has a multitude of benefits to both the individual and the family. It’s also essential to gain an understanding of how the new country works, for example, the laws, how people do business, customs, relationships and value structures. I also believe it ‘takes two to tango’ because to settle successfully there needs to be a commitment from the individual and commitment from the state to provide support and welcome.
4. Why do you think cultural diversity makes Victoria a better place to live and raise a family?
Victoria was a multicultural society before European settlement as can be seen in the diversity within the Indigenous population; and after at the Eureka Stockade with miners of diverse backgrounds. I believe cultural diversity places Victoria in a better position to deal with the challenges of globalization. Cultural diversity facilitates forming partnerships with other countries, resulting in economic benefits for the
State, not to mention developing and strengthening our arts, science and business – there is no area that hasn’t been touched by the contribution of migrants and refugees.
5. What challenges do you think we face in Victoria and Australia over the next few years?
Victoria leads the way nationally and internationally through legislation like the Multicultural Victoria Act that protects and enhances our multicultural community. This legislation is fundamental to a harmonious society and making people appreciate and see the benefits of diversity. But we mustn’t take diversity for granted or become complacent. As a State we need to keep the pressure on any hint of racism and continue to develop good legislation. In my view, multiculturalism goes hand in hand with democracy and social justice. If we continue to promote the benefits of diversity we will be able to face any future challenge. As a community we need to lead the way. At a national level some people seem to have abandoned or have become timid about standing up for multiculturalism. Individuals like Pauline Hanson assume that there is support for a racist/redneck element in Australia. I reject that notion – Australians are not racist. It takes good, responsible leadership to show the benefits of multiculturalism and win the debate by highlighting the successful Victorian model.
Mr Telmo Languiller MP
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�8 VMC UPDATE
Introducing
�9
The Advisory Council comprises of representatives from a wide cross section of service providers and peak cultural and faith-based
representative organisations.
The Advisory Council will:
• provide an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and develop strategies that will facilitate greater responsiveness to the needs of Victoria’s diverse communities;
• be a constructive way of harnessing the talents and expertise of those in the sector; and
• accommodate a broad range of individuals and organisations, including representation from newly emerging communities, regional and youth representatives as well as faith-based and issue-specific peak organisational representatives.
Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, George Lekakis said “The Advisory Council will enhance the Commission’s capacity to fulfil its objectives and functions as legislated in the Multicultural Victoria Act.”
Meeting quarterly the Advisory Council will:
• provide advice on the Commission’s future priorities;
• review and provide advice on the multicultural affairs whole-of-Government report; and
• deliberate and provide advice on pertinent issues, for example, addressing the needs of smaller and newly emerging communities, aged care, community relations or the needs of regional CALD communities.
VMC Advisory CouncilAn Advisory Council has been established to provide advice to the Victorian Multicultural Commission on issues affecting Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
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VMC UPDATE
1 memBeRs oF the VmC adVisoRy CounCil
Members of the VMC Advisory Council Mr George Lekakis - Chairperson,Victorian Multicultural Commission Mr Hakan Akyol - Deputy Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission Mr Phong Nguyen - Chairperson, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria Ms Carmel Guerra - Director, Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) Ms Jill Morgan - Executive Officer Multicultural Arts Victoria Ms Michal Morris - Executive Manager, Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) Ms Licia Kokocinski - Executive Officer, Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Mr John Zika - Executive Officer, Victorian Cooperative on Children Services for Ethnic Groups Ms Sue Herbst - Convenor,Migrant Resource Centre’s Directors Network Mr Hass Dellal - Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation Cr Dick Gross -President, Municipal Association of Victoria Mr Anton Block - President, Jewish Community Council of Victoria Mr Malcolm Thomas - President, Islamic Council of Victoria Mr P Thanikasalam - President, Hindu Society of Victoria Mr Gurdarshan Singh Gill - President,Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria Ms Laura Chan - President,Buddhist Council of Victoria Ms Yollette De Zilwa - Principal, Western English Language School Mr George Fong - Chairperson, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Ms Lisa Sinha - Director, Gippsland Multicultural Services Ms Brigette Tornattro - Chairperson, Ethnic Communities Council of Sunraysia Mr John Pacher - President,Bendigo ECC Rev Dcn Alex Abramoff - Programs Manager,Russian Ethnic Representative Council Ms Jacquelynne Dianne Suzette Harris - Sri Lankan community Mr Brian Paterson - Chief Executive Officer,AMES Ms Cuc Lam - Centrelink Mr Wicki Ramalingam - Tamil Association of Victoria Ms Negiat Taher - Eritrean Women’s Association of Victoria
Thai Culture and Food Festival
With a reported 50,000 visitors on Sunday 18 March flowing into Melbourne’s Federation Square and filling the Riverbank
Terrace the 4th annual Thai Culture and Food Festival was an outstanding success.
In many respects this year the Festival became of age. In addition to grants from Victoria’s Multicultural Commission and the Australia Thailand Institute, it attracted major corporate sponsorship from Thai Singha Beer, Jetstar, Central Queensland University, City of Melbourne, Federation Square and some Thai government agencies. It is now the largest food event and one of the largest annual multicultural festivals at the Square – not bad for a small community of 10,000 Thais.
The Festival was able to recreate a typical Thai beer garden complete with Singha umbrellas, signage. Thai delicacies being served up, a second sound stage
with continuous live music and of course Singha Beer.
At 10am on the Sunday, on a glorious sunny day in Melbourne, the Festival got underway with Buddhist blessing from local Thai monks and a special talk in English; after the opening ceremony attended by numerous dignitaries, the Festival was declared open by John So, The Lord Mayor of Melbourne., HE Bandhit Sotipalalit. The Ambassador of Thailand to Australia and Dr Simon Wallace Honorary Thai Consul General of Thailand in Victoria.
Melbourne’s Federation Square was transformed into a haven of Thai culture – with numerous Thai product stalls and continuous live performances on the main stage of Thai dance, music, stick fighting, muay thai kick boxing, thai fashion shows and the ever popular annual Thai beauty contest – with this year’s winners and runners up receiving their prizes from Miss Universe.
The Festival brings together over 250 Thai and Australian volunteers all working together with the participating Thai Restaurants and the numerous performers to celebrate the diverse Thailand’s diverse culture, products, tourism and food. It also helps promote the business links with Thailand.
With both the World’s most popular mayor (John So) and Miss Universe 2005 Ms Natalie Glebova in attendance at this year’s event it’s difficult to see how the Festival will cap that next year!! The 2008 festival has been set for Sunday 2 March – put it in your diary now. For more details see www.thaifestvic.com
In its first year in 2004 some 20,000 visitors attended the one day festival – each year since, the attendees grow and this year was no exception.
1 miss uniVeRse 2005 with the miss thailand Beauty Contest Finalists � thai Consul; thai amBassadoR and loRd mayoR deClaRe the FestiVal oPen � thai stiCK Fighting
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COMMUNITY NEWS�0
Monkey King Concerto is a new orchestral work by composer Mark Elliott in collaboration with founder and director of the
Australian Chinese Music Ensemble, Wang Zheng-Ting. The concert was conducted by Benjamin Northey, one of Australia’s leading conductors and performed by Orchestra X with sheng soloist Wang Zheng-Ting.
The theme of the piece comes from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West popularised by the cult television series Monkey Magic. The result of this wonderful collaboration was an inspiring
performance with colourful and evocative melodies from the Chinese mouth organ (the sheng) harmonised with a rich and complex large-scale orchestral accompaniment following the riotous and magical kung fu adventures of the Monkey King and his fellow disciples.
The concerto was recorded by ABC’s Radio National Music Deli radio presenter and MC Paul Petran to be broadcast at a later date. The project was presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria and supported by VMC, Arts Victoria and City of Melbourne.
The world premiere of the Monkey King Concerto
was presented at the Iwaki Auditorium, ABC
Southbank Centre on Saturday 31st March.
Monkey King Concerto
The WFG had 120 women attend their Inaugural Meeting. The meetings are in the form of either a Morning Tea or a Luncheon
generally with a guest speaker or a form of entertainment. The membership has grown to 282 and the ladies meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at a hall in Doncaster. The WFG celebrated Cultural Diversity Week with an International Luncheon held on Thursday, 22nd March, 2007 whereby 140 women enjoyed foods
from the following cultures, Greece, China, Malta, Malaysia, Italy, Sri Lanka and Australia. The entertainment was provided by the Jasmine Dance Group, a group of senior Chinese ladies from the Louise Multicultural Centre in Box Hill, whose dance told stories of their provinces being Han and Miao in the South East of China. For further details regarding the WFG please contact Ms. Helen Jurcevic on 0409 035 045 or email: [email protected]
The Women’s Friendship Group Inc. was formed within the Manningham Community to bring women together from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to build friendships and so enhance their well being and build a better community.
Women’s Friendship Group
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COMMUNITY NEWS �1
1 wang zheng-ting (CentRe) with oRChestRa X
By signing the Accord the University publicly commits to the principles of promotion and tolerance of the rights of persons
belonging to different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic communities.
The Accord will further strengthen Victoria University’s commitment to community engagement. VU has recently established an Office for Industry and Community Engagement and has made considerable efforts to develop strong collaborations and networks, as well as formal partnerships with many of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities within its region.
A dedicated Community Engagement Coordinator, Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel has been appointed. Elleni is also one a Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).
Elleni Bereded-Samuel said, “Signing this document will be a statement about how the University and its staff will interact with our culturally and linguistically diverse community. It will promote the University’s reputation for respecting and recognising the beliefs of others, fostering harmony and respect within the University and the wider community, and demonstrate our commitment to a Victoria that not only understands, but also respects diversity.”
“St Vincent’s Hospital was the first hospital to sign the Accord and we will be the first university,” said Ms Bereded-Samuel.
Jon Hickman, the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Capital and Management Services will officially signed the Accord on behalf of the University alongside the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Telmo Languiller and Chairperson of the VMC, George Lekakis.
Victoria University became the first university in Victoria to sign the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Community Accord on 15 December 2006.
VU signsCommunity Accord
1 PRoFessoR mauReen Ryan, geoRge leKaKis, Jon hiCKman, telmo languilleR
and elleni BeReded-samuel 2 Cam nguyen signs the aCCoRd
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COMMUNITY NEWS��
Memories of Bonegilla: Recollections of an Insider was written by Zacharias Vogiazopoulos in collaboration
with the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the RMIT Australian Greek Resource and Learning Centre.
The book is a unique collation of oral histories documenting the history of Greek migration and contributions made by the Greek community to Victoria. This book provides both a historical and insightful look into the heritage of Greek migrants who passed through Bonegilla.
“As the first stop for a huge number of post-war migrants, the Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre was the launching pad for many a migrant dream. The Centre offered migrants a start in a country they would soon become an integral part of,” Mr Andrews said at the launch.
Mr Andrews said “The past plays an important role in establishing who we are as a community and in the creation of the Australia we know and embrace today. The passing down of stories, culture and traditions from generation to generation is an important way of strengthening our cultural diversity.
Chairperson of the VMC, George Lekakis, said the book will be a testament for future generations and thanked Zac for his dedicated work and inspiration.
Following the official proceedings guests were invited to enjoy Greek delights and were given an opportunity to have the book personally signed by the author.
A new book highlighting Victoria’s rich multicultural heritage was launched by the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews on Tuesday 3 April.
Memories of Bonegilla1
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1 the launCh at tReasuRy theatRette � authoR zaChaRias VogiazoPoulos signing CoPies oF his BooK. � zaC was Joined on the day By ministeR andRews, geoRge leKaKis, FRiends and Family
COMMUNITY NEWS ��
The Pysanka project presented by the Associations of Ukrainians in Victoria with support of Multicultural Arts Victoria, City
of Melbourne, Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Museum commenced on 3rd/4th March with two highly successful workshops held at ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr attracting over 80 participants. The third workshop, at the Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Museum on 23rd March attracted 90 participants. Young Australian born artists, Hanya Kornitschuk, Tamara Moravski and Julia Mazur guided participants in the craft of Pysanka making, an age old Ukrainian tradition involving batik and wax resistant methods of painting on eggs, with symbolisms dating back to before Christianity in Ukraine.
The Pysanka exhibition displayed the work of these artists, as well as works from participants of the workshops and collections from the Ukrainian Arts and Crafts museum. The Exhibition was opened by Brian Shanahan, himself a neighbour of the Cathedral, with addresses by Natalia Moravski, curator of the project, Jill Morgan, EO of Multicultural Arts Victoria, Stefan Romaniw, Chair, Multicultural Arts Victoria and Michael Moravski, Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria. Father Zenon Chorkawyj, curator of the Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Museum reported that many visitors to the exhibition were keen to learn the technique sparking interest for another similar project next year.
The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, in North
Melbourne, was a hub of activity on Sunday 1
April with the opening of ‘Pysanka’, an exhibition of
Ukrainian Easter eggs.
Pysanka – Ukrainian Easter egg painting
1 at aRtPlay � uKRainian museum 3 woRKshoPs � a woRK in PRogRess
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In order to ease the transition for international students, the University has introduced an innovative program that links everyday Australians with
international students – and has been swamped with demand.
The coordinator of the program, Renee de Simone, said that there had been strong demand from international students and the program would be keen to hear from more Melbournians willing to participate.
“This program offers students a look at the real Australia – and already we are seeing great results, with many students gaining understanding and great new social links with Melbourne people,” Ms de Simone said.
Just months into the International Friendship program, the matching of Mr Ed Neff and his family with Indian Mechanical Engineering PhD student Mr Dinakar Palaparti is just one of the program’s many success stories.
When local resident Mr Neff responded to a Monash University advertisement calling for volunteers for their International Friendship Program, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
“I understood what the International Student Friendship Program was trying to achieve. I saw it as a chance to help someone settle in to Melbourne life, but also saw it as an opportunity to expand my international experiences and a wonderful exchange of cultures,” Mr Neff said.
”Meeting Dinakar has been a great experience for us and our family, and we really enjoy the exchange of information,” Mr Neff’s said.
For more information on how you can participate in the International Student Friendship Program, visit the website www.monash.edu.au/friendship
Monash University accepts thousands of the world’s leading students to study each year, but it is sometimes a great challenge for international students to come to grips with Australian culture.
Fast-tracking a home away from home
Pysanka – Ukrainian Easter egg painting
With the increasing demand for interpreter services in new and emerging languages in both rural/regional and metropolitan areas, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) has developed an intensive workshop.
The workshop aims to increase the supply of interpreters and translators, increasing community awareness of the
need and benefits of using professional interpreters and to encourage community interpreters to seek formal accreditation and/or Recognition of their skills.
The course covers topics on the Australian Society, Culture and System of Government, Community Interpreting, Ethics of Interpreting, users and employers of interpreters and the qualities, skills and attributes of professional interpreters.
At the end of the program, participants are encouraged to apply for Paraprofessional Interpreter accreditation testing or NAATI Recognition, depending on the language/s spoken. All associated fees for successful candidates are fully subsidised by NAATI.
NAATI is also actively recruiting suitably qualified examiners with a view to implementing accreditation tests in the following languages in the near future, Dinka, Oromo, Nuer and Swahili.
In addition, NAATI is offering training on ‘Working Effectively with Interpreters’. These workshops aim to assist businesses or organisations which depend upon interpreters to work better with them and maximise the benefits of the interpreting process. The sessions are of varying duration from 2 hours, half day or full day and can be tailored to meet any organisation’s particular needs and are delivered at your premises.
For more information on these initiatives please visit www.naati.com.au
NAATI Interpreter
Program
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Over the three days, activities included spotting kangaroos on the farm, canoeing, cave exploring and visiting Port
Campbell beach. The aim of the camp was to identify youth refugees from their respective communities to partake in a camp and assist them develop skills for employment and settlement. An additional aim of the camp was to provide role models for other youth to follow within their communities.
The development of the Youth Leadership Program for refugees was a joint project between Victoria Police, the Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Hobsons Bay Youth Services and the Hobson Bay Council and with input from local community leaders.
Following the camp it was evident that everybody had formed close bonds and friendships. No doubt, the camp was a triumph when the participants
declared their gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness for the efforts put in to organising the camp. One member of the Karen community said, “The feeling I have inside me now I cannot explain.” A young Sudanese gentleman aged 17 years old said, “Thank you for giving us this opportunity and for bringing us to a place of peace and happiness. We are hopeful for our future.”
Senior Constable Richard Dove, Multicultural Liaison Officer, who was instrumental in organising the camp to Kangaroobie, described the camp as one of the most outstanding and rewarding experiences in his 16 years as a member of the Victoria Police Force.
Senior Constable Dove said “Many of the youth talked of extreme hardship and terrible experiences. This made me proud to be part of a program and camp that had created an environment where young people, who had experienced and observed some of the worst atrocities, felt safe to talk about such things. It also provided me with a feeling of thankfulness and a realization of how lucky we all are to live here in Australia.”
On the 8th of December, 2006, 20 Refugee Youth
from South Sudan and the Burmese Tribes of Chin
and Karen attended a Refugee Youth Leadership
Development Camp in Kangaroobie, Port Campbell.
Refugee youth leadership
development camp
1 at the BeaCh � the whole gRouP � new FRiends
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�6 COMMUNITY NEWS
Nyonya Kebaya tells the story of how the women’s kebaya has evolved from its earliest days, to become a modern-day
Malaysian fashion icon,” explains Padmini Sebastian, Immigration Museum Manager.
Previously shown at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore and the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, Nyonya Kebaya is drawn from a unique collection gathered by Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, the late wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister. Mahmood’s foundation, known as ‘Penyayang’, aims to promote the heavily embroidered kebaya as a cultural and historical link from the present to Malaysia’s past.
‘The tradition of Nyonya kebaya began with the early Peranakan Straits Chinese community, in which women are known as nyonya and the men as baba,’ explains Imelda Dover, Immigration Museum Exhibitions Manager. ‘After settling in Malacca, Penang and Singapore, the community’s culture and lifestyle developed as a fusion of predominantly Chinese and Malay influences.’
“The exhibition provides an insight into the kebaya’s cultural context – its role in times of celebration and mourning, as well as in the day-to-day life of Peranakan society. We also present background on how kebayas are made and how this traditional design has changed over the
past two centuries”, said Ms Dover.
The exhibition Nyonya Kebaya: Women’s Costume from Malaysia will be on show at the Immigration Museum until 9 September 2007. The Immigration Museum is located at 400 Flinders St in Melbourne, and is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
An exhibition revealing the beauty and enduring fascination of the distinctive Malaysian women’s embroidered kebaya will be shown for the first and only time in Australia at the Immigration Museum.
Women’s kebaya weave new threads
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The 5-day tournament, that was held in Yarraville at McIvor Reserve, attracted people from all over Victoria along with many interstate
guests who were treated to exceptional soccer matches and festivities presented by the Melbourne Ethiopian Community.
Highlights of the week included the battle for 3rd place between Tewedros (Young Melbourne Team) and Sydney and the grand final match for the Tournament Cup between Perth and Brisbane. Perth were the stronger team on the day and were the overall victors for the tournament.
The Ethiopian soccer tournament has been an ongoing success for the last decade and has been a valuable experience for the children and the families as it gives the whole community a chance together and unite to watch and enjoy one of the
most nourished sports along side athletics back home in Ethiopia. The community has been hosting and organising the tournament in partnership with other Ethiopian Communities all around Australia and have also involved other African teams such as Liberia, Sudan and Ghana.
The event provided traditional music, food and photo shots of historical Ethiopian events and people. The tournament was also attended by many Australian families who had adopted young Ethiopian children providing an important opportunity for the children to meet other kids from the same country as themselves. Children also enjoyed playing on the jumping castle that had been set up for them for five days.
The President of the Ethiopian tournament Mr. Adamu Tefera also
expressed his happiness of how the tournament turned out and said it was an overall success and that their will be no doubt that it will keep on growing in the future.
The Ethiopian Community Association of Victoria (ECAV) was established in 1985 and has more than 600 current members and has provided holistic support to its members. It has introduced Ethiopian culture to the mainstream community. Its main programs and activities consist of Soccer, Annual Ethiopian Tournament and Amharic Language School, elders program and annual cultural celebrations.
The tournament was proudly supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and New Hope Foundation.
Over 4000 people turned out to enjoy a series of thrilling soccer matches during the 10th annual Ethiopian soccer tournament.
Ethiopian Soccer TournamentCOMMUNITY NEWS�8
After three years of hard work by the Italian Australian Coordinating Committee of Gippsland, the “Wall” was officially opened on
Sunday 18 of March. The Committee wished to recognise the significant and enduring contribution made by migrants to the development of the Gippsland region.
Support for the monument was provided by Local, State and Federal Governments and approaches were made to local businesses, both large corporations and smaller businesses, in the Gippsland community. The local community was given the opportunity to contribute funds to the project and have their name inscribed on the granite walls. The Wall proudly displays over 1000 names, representative of over thirty communities.
The centrepiece of the monument is a statue of a man, with limited resources, holding a suitcase and bag. His hand is shading his eyes from the harsh Australian sun as he looks forward to a new life in Australia.
At the base of the statue, the following verse, depicting the aspiration and realisation of migration, has been inscribed:
A suitcase filled with courage, Wonder, hope and dreams In search of far horizons For what fate and fortune brings I have found you land of freedom No longer will I roam My tomorrows are your destiny Australia My home
A series of seven walls set in a semi-circle form a background for the statue. Bronze plaques on four of the walls illustrate the immigrant experience in Gippsland. These plaques are based on images held in various photographic collections in Gippsland and beyond. One plaque tells the story of migration to Gippsland in words. The north face of three walls and the rear of all the walls are available for the inscription of the names of those that immigrated to Australia and worked and lived in Gippsland.
A spokesperson from the Italian Australian Coordinating Committee of Gippsland expressed his delight in the success of the project and the festivities on the opening day.
“It all began as an innocent idea and now, almost three years later, that idea has culminated into a project, which will honour the principles of all migrants to the region. Our vision was to provide a concept, which may be appreciated by all, aimed to inspire pride to all Australians, old and new, especially the young, who through the project, will be made more aware of their history”.
Close to five thousand people packed the Kernot Hall Gardens in Morwell to witness the opening of the eagerly awaited, Gippsland Wall of Immigration.
Gippsland Wall of RecognitionCOMMUNITY NEWS �9
ministeR FoR ViCtoRian Communities, PeteR BatCheloR, FedeRal ministeR FoR immigRation and CitizenshiP, KeVin andRews and PResident oF the italian austRalian CooRdinating Committee oF giPPsland, gioVanni di FaBRizio.
The event, which was held at Brunswick town Hall, was a great success with plenty of Somali food, folklore storytelling, poems
and traditional sayings showcased by guest speakers and the Himilo team. The highlight of the evening was an entertaining play which focused on how young people adjust to life in Australia and the challenges they face and drew much laughter from the audience. Up to fifty students celebrated their graduation and received presents and awards from ASYA on the night.
Guest speakers from the community, academic and government and non governmental agencies were also invited to join in celebrating the achievements of these young students. Former graduates Muna Noor, Awil Hussein and Sulekha
Bulhan shared their higher education experiences and some of the challenges they faced. They encouraged the new graduates to follow their dreams and use all the support they can get whether from ASYA, their families, their community or the support available through the colleges and universities.
“Always stay focused and who says you can’t have fun while you are studying, as long as you prioritise you can reach your goals” said Sulekha Bulhan one of the former graduates who spoke about her experiences.
Prof Sandy Gifford, who is the Director of The Refugee Health Research Centre and a lecturer at the La Trobe University, also spoke to the new graduates about the challenges of transiting from high school to university study requirements. Other
speakers include Dr. Abdulkadir Salad, who gave a motivational speech, and Yusuf Omar a PhD candidate at La Trobe University.
Abdifatah Mohamed, The President of ASYA, said: ‘The Event celebrates the achievements of young Australians of Somali origin and encourages them to continue their higher education. It is a platform where these young graduates can meet previous graduates and share experiences.’
He continued, ‘It really was a great night. We’ll be holding a similar ceremony in 2008 for students graduating this year, so keep an eye out!’
Congratulationsgraduates!
The Australian Somali Youth Association (ASYA) recently held their annual VCE Graduation ceremony for students who graduated high school in 2006.
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1 sheiKh issa aBdo � PRoF sandy giFFoRd with asya gRaduates � PoetRy ReCited By the himilo team � hosts KowthaR & aBdy mohamed
COMMUNITY NEWS�0
Through the Ethical Clothing Trades Council of Victoria, IRV has formed a plan to help outworkers in their current employment and
to facilitate their move into the broader workforce by upgrading their skills.
In many cases, outworkers have difficulties with English, they lack tertiary qualifications, have big family responsibilities and of course experience the impact that prolonged social isolation has on confidence.
In partnership with a range of Victorian government agencies, employers, unions, community organisations and training providers, such as William Angliss, IRV developed the Vocational Education and Training (VET) program to provide reskilling, upskilling and increased employment opportunities for outworkers.
The result was a series of education and training courses with a focus on areas of skill shortage inside and outside the clothing industry in vocations of interest to outworkers.
Sixteen Vietnamese clothing outworkers, who participated in IRV VET program, recently graduated with Certificate I in Hospitality Operations. They were presented with their certificates from the Hon Rob Hulls, Minister for Industrial Relations, at an awards presentation ceremony held at Parliament House on 22 May 2007.
The Job Ready program, conducted by William Angliss Institute’s compliance training department, with the support of IRV, consisted of general hospitality units and an introduction to baking and commercial cookery units. Students
completed training in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Food Hygiene, Coffee Making, Safety and Security, conducted over a six-week period.
Students also had access to English language support during training to assist their understanding of course modules and to prepare them for job interviews. The VET program was designed to expose participants to a variety of skills and services to assist them in selecting the career path that is right for them.
For further information about the Outworkers VET program, please contact Ms My-Linh Pham on (03) 9651 9712 or Ms Danielle Le on (03) 9651 9713.
Industrial Relations Victoria (IRV) has developed programs and laws to protect outworkers from exploitation and provide solutions to the shortage of skilled labour.
Education and Training
the hon. RoB hulls mP with gRaduates oF the CeRtiFiCate i in hosPitality oPeRations
�1GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
program for outworkers
The scheme applies to all Victorians who work or volunteer with children, including members of Victoria’s many culturally and
linguistically diverse communities.
Community members who regularly work or volunteer with children in these areas:
• Overnight camps for children
• Foster care
• Family day care
• Juvenile Justice
• Out of school hours care
• Child Protection
• School crossings
need to find out if they have to apply for a Working with Children Check by 30 June 2007.
This is new legislation. From 1 July 2007, it will be against the law if a person who should have applied for a Working with Children Check didn’t and continues to work or volunteer in these areas. Penalties apply to both the individual and their organisation.
The Working with Children Check Unit can help your community work out who needs to apply. As a person who works with your community or as a community leader, you have an important role to play in helping the unit identify who might need a Working with Children Check and how we can provide information to your community members.
This presents an opportunity to work together to make sure that all communities are provided with this important information.
Over the next few years, people who work or volunteer with children in other areas (for example, schools, kindergartens and clubs for children) will need to apply for a Working with Children Check.
For more information about the Working with Children Check, please contact:
• Elisa Brear on (03) 8684 1204 or David Simmons on (03) 8684 1202
• Information Line (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm) – 1300 652 879
• Website at www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren
The State government is working together with the Victorian community in a new scheme to help keep children safe from harm.
Keeping children safe
Within the Sheriff’s Office there is now a Cultural Diversity Unit that consists of two Sheriff’s Officers and a Koori
projects Manager. The members of the Unit have met with justice agencies, identified key community contacts, met with associations and cultural groups and delivered Islamic Awareness session to prisons across Victoria.
The Unit will manage the ongoing delivery of Information/Awareness sessions to community organisations and will regularly consult with community leaders will build partnerships and strengthen
relationships within the community.
Recently the Multicultural team promoted Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week to Sheriff’s Offices right across Victoria and participated in a number of events celebrating the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of Victoria.
One of the events held at the Tullamarine Sheriff’s Office was a multicultural lunch which was an ideal opportunity for staff to come together and sample dishes from around the world and celebrate the diversity found within their own organisation.
The Sheriff’s Office has developed a Multicultural framework and Action Plan which aims to deliver fair and equitable services to cultural and linguistically diverse Victorians.
Sheriff's Office goes multicultural
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GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES��
1 ilKeR seCgin - multiCultuRal liaison oFFiCeR/senioR sheRiFF’s oFFiCeR, ViCKy
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oFFiCeR/distRiCt suPeRVisoR
Discrimination in employment
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ��
Over 200 people from diverse cultural backgrounds attended sessions in Shepparton, Dandenong, Footscray and
Broadmeadows as part of a project researching discrimination in employment.
The feedback received by the Commission highlights many areas of concern. Reports of anti-Muslim discrimination in the workplace were particularly prevalent as were various other general discriminatory practices of employers.
One woman told the Commission:
“I was asked by my co-ordinator why the Lebanese had ruined Coburg. I was later told I was not the best fit for the casual position I had been employed in for two years.”
An Indian Sikh with a masters degree applied for a graduate program with a
multinational company and was one of seven applicants selected among 4000 applicants. After many interviews, the HR manager asked him to stop applying for jobs because he was “not a good cultural mix for the organisation”. One manager refused to interview him, stating “I want Australians working here.”
Commission Chief Executive, Dr Helen Szoke, said she was very concerned about the reports.
“These recent reports of discrimination and harassment are particularly distressing in their nature,” she said. “Despite more than 30 years of legislation, training and education, this type of behavior continues in the Victorian workforce. It’s against the law and completely unacceptable.”
“There is a need to further educate employers about equal opportunity rights and responsibilities as well as the benefits of employing people with diverse
experiences from overseas.”
Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, George Lekakis was also greatly concerned by the reports of discrimination raised during the discussions.
“Racial discrimination makes it difficult for many newly arrived migrants to find work, which seriously impacts their settlement process and can result in a range of long term problems such as unemployment and homelessness,” Mr. Lekakis said. “When discrimination continues in the workplace, it negatively affects people’s quality of life and ability to participate fully in society.”
In Victoria it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their race or religion.
For more information visit www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
Racist attitudes are still a problem in the Victorian workplace, migrants have told the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in a series of community discussions.
It’s 1990 and an Indonesian fishing boat abandons Iraqi and Cambodian refugees in a remote part of the Western Australia. Whilst most are
quickly caught by officials, three men with nothing in common but their misfortune and determination escape arrest and begin an epic journey into the heart of Australia. Pursued by an army reservist unit, our three heroes wander deeper into the desert, desperately searching
for civilisation amongst the stones of the Pilbara. Inspired by stories of extreme survival and high farce about refugees roaming through the Pilbara region in the late eighties, Lucky Miles is foremost a buddy movie in the proud tradition of the three-guys-stuck-out-on-a-limb genre.
Lucky miles was released in cinemas on 19 July.
Photos: images FRom the Film luCKy miles.
Lucky MilesDirected by Michael James Rowland, Lucky Miles is a bittersweet comedy about distance, difference and dud maps. Based on a collection of true stories.
Get 100 young people together from over 30 different cultural backgrounds – the result, if the audience reaction is anything
to go by, is one of the most dynamic and entertaining youth acts Australia has ever produced.
Since the Anti Racism Action Band - A.R.A.B – was formed in 2004, it has performed around Australia and overseas. The group was set up as an initiative of the Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS). Set up in part to deal with rising racism in the ‘climate of fear’ surrounding the post 2001 World Trade Centre bombings and the subsequent Bali bombings, A.R.A.B has delighted more than 26,000 people at its shows, globally.
The group is an exciting mix of contemporary and traditional, A.R.A.B Artistic Co-Director Kate Gillick says. Small groups from a solo act to a crew of 30 young people, perform dance, from belly-dancing to Hip Hop.
A young Samoan-Australian woman may perform a traditional song from the Pacific or a duo representing seven
cultural backgrounds between them may blast some cultural-barrier-breaking rap.
Beat box is always a crowd-favourite as some of Australia’s best young beat boxers make rhythmic beat-driven musical medleys, including drum sounds and just about every musical instrument, all from their mouth. The crowd goes wild when the beat boxer does eight sounds at once! Oh and there is Arabic drumming, video performance and even comedy.
A self-described blind Italian-Egyptian comedian, Maysa Abouzeid says sometimes she gets depressed but performing has made a big difference in her life.
“I tried piano and it didn’t work. I tried swimming; it didn’t work. I tried running around the back-yard . . . I tried cooking. It didn’t work. I tried comedy with the A.R.A.B project. It worked. The joy of writing and performing my own comedy gives me the spirit to be myself,” Ms Abouzeid confides.
A.R.A.B has given culturally diverse young people a creative opportunity to
challenge the causes of their anger and isolation.
VicHealth, one of the key organisations who fund A.R.A.B believes funding arts projects have a well-recognised potential to promote health and wellbeing.
Susan Ball, Senior Project Officer at VicHealth, says one of the arts’ most powerful contributions to health is that they reflect and create an inclusive sense of community.
“There is now considerable evidence that the stronger people feel a sense of belonging the healthier they are. A.R.A.B assists young people deal with issues they face growing up and just as importantly the group has a positive impact on the thousands of people in the community, who get to see them.”
For more information, go to Victorian Arab Social Services (VASS): www.vass.org.au or email: [email protected]
A Melbourne performance group has found a dynamic way to deal with cultural prejudice and improve the mental health and wellbeing of literally thousands of people.
A.R.A.B - Healthy Communities
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1 Ria 2 smooth moVes 3 hiP hoP at hume City 4 maysa aBouzeidt
With a Master of Computer Applications and 11 years experience in software design and development, Karthik
Krishnaraj has skills and experience that are in high demand in Victoria.
The State Government’s Skilled Migration Strategy attracts skilled and business migrants, like Karthik, from a range of countries. Skilled migrants help Victorian employers address skill shortages that cannot be filled locally and contribute to the cultural diversity and economic development of our communities.
When he arrived in Victoria, Karthik initially found it hard to get a job. While his CV was working for him and he was getting interviews, he could not get past the interview stage.
“It was so frustrating,” Karthik said. “I left a good lifestyle and job in India, and did not expect to struggle to find work here.”
Karthik was already involved with the Northern Migrant Resource Centre
(NMRC), which provides settlement services to newly arrived migrants in Melbourne’s north.
He was referred to NMRC’s SkillFill program, a Workforce Participation Partnerships (WPP) project which works with skilled migrants, asylum seekers and Temporary Visa Protection holders to develop their skills, networks and confidence and help them get a job. The program changed Karthik’s situation dramatically.
SkillFill case worker, Natasha Siryj, said Karthik’s biggest challenges were to do with cultural differences.
“He found it hard to sell himself at interviews, as this was seen as bragging and was inappropriate in his own culture,” Natasha explained.
“I gave him intensive interview coaching and emphasised that in Australia he needed to sell himself, which helped him a lot.”
Thanks to WPP’s advice, support and encouragement, Karthik soon got a job in as senior system analyst with Accenture
– and his career progress hasn’t stopped there. The skills and networks he gained through SkillFill helped Karthik land his dream job at IBM Australia, where he’s been working since October last year.
There are currently around 100 WPP projects helping job seekers across Victoria get the work experience, training and support they need to gain real jobs in industries experiencing skills and labour shortages, such as the IT industry.
For more information about the Victorian Government’s Workforce Participation Partnerships and the Skilled Migration Program visit www.employment.vic.gov.au and www.LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
Jumping a cultural hurdleto land a dream jobKarthik and his wife left India in March 2006, excited by the prospect of their new life in Victoria.
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GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES �5
1 ministeR FoR sKills, eduCation seRViCes and emPloyment, JaCinta allan (CentRe), Joins JoB seeKeRs in melBouRne’s noRth to CeleBRate the launCh oF woRKFoRCe PaRtiCiPation PaRtneRshiPs’ sKillFill PRoJeCt
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PRIVACY
WORK SAFE DEAKINVITS
FINA FOOD WINE
IMMIGRATION QUEST APTM MULTI VIC VIC HEALTH
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS The Victorian Multicultural Commission extends its appreciation to the sponsors and supporters of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week 2007.
This year the events and activities hosted during Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week are proudly supported by:
SPONSORS
