During the past 12 months we have continued to plan, implement and embrace comprehensive change to achieve our vision of being the preferred supplier of community based services to multicultural Australia.
28
Page | 1 Mission .................................................................................................................................. 2 AMCS Board of Directors ....................................................................................................... 3 President‟s Report ................................................................................................................. 6 Chief Executive Officer‟s Report ............................................................................................ 7 Volunteer Based Programs .................................................................................................... 9 Planned Activity Groups (PAG) ............................................................................................ 12 Multicultural Emergency Relief ............................................................................................. 15 Access and Support Program .............................................................................................. 17 Service System Resourcing Program................................................................................... 19 New Initiatives and Partnerships at AMCS in 2011-2012 ..................................................... 20 Community Care Program.................................................................................................... 22 Accredited Training - AMCS Registered Training Organisation ............................................ 23 Adult Community and Further Education .............................................................................. 24 Partnership & Support .......................................................................................................... 25 Financial Report ................................................................................................................... 26 ISBN 978-0-9803040-7-7
Mission [Why do we exist?] To provide a range of home-based aged care support, advocacy, adult education and training, financial assistance support services and associated projects for clients and communities from a multicultural background.
Vision [Where are we heading?] Be the preferred supplier of community based services to multicultural Australia by providing support, opportunity, access and equity.
Objectives improve independence and support for the aged from multicultural backgrounds.
continually grow and develop innovative services that meet the changing needs of
the Australian multicultural community. provide training, education and support to all involved in supporting and caring for
people of multicultural background. establish and foster relationships with individuals, appropriate service providers and
government agencies at all levels that will enhance the objectives of AMCS. foster commitment from Local, State and Federal governments to promote and
secure the rights and support needs of people of /from a multicultural background. provide direct relief (from) poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability
and destruction or helplessness as arouses compassion in the Australian community. promote and celebrate cultural diversity in Australian society.
Page | 3
AMCS Board of Directors Russell Harold Howard, President
Russell has had more than 35 years extensive experience in human resources, line management, executive and non-executive director roles across a wide range of organisations locally and internationally. His experience covers the steel, aluminium, construction, transport, heavy engineering, general manufacturing, aerospace and aircraft maintenance, glass, consulting, superannuation and not-for-profit industry sectors. During the course of his career Russell was responsible for developing and implementing wide ranging business and human resources strategies. He
has also held a number of directorships for Australian and New Zealand firms, including superannuation funds. Russell‟s formal qualifications are Bachelor of Economics, Post Graduate Diploma of Business Administration, and Post Graduate Certificate of Industrial Law. He is also an alumnus of the Advanced Management Programme – INSEAD (Europe) Russell has been President of AMCS for the past 3 years. He is also a Client Manager with Great Connections, an organisation that matches volunteers with not-for-profit organisations.
John Pater, Vice President
John‟s professional experience spans a broad cross-section of industries including civil engineering, construction, risk management, financial planning and investments, sales and marketing in both middle and senior management roles. John has also worked in an honorary capacity within Polish community organisations for the past 30 years including K.S. Polonia, Polish Sports Recreation and Community Association and the Miss Polonia Australia Bureau. John‟s formal qualifications include a Diploma of Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Ron Horfiniak, Treasurer
Ron is a qualified Accountant and a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia with a diverse and extensive business background, spanning the IT, manufacturing, management consulting, financial services and not-for-profit sectors. He has held executive positions as General Manager, CFO and Director of Strategic Planning for both local and international organisations which have been punctuated with running his own Management Consulting Practice mainly involved in mergers, acquisitions and business transformation.
Agatha Pawlowski, Secretary Agatha was born in Poland and arrived in Australia in 1984. Her interest in working in community services began while at high school when she undertook voluntary work visiting the elderly in the community and was a leader at camps for children and young people.
Agatha is a registered psychologist and has been working in public service
Page | 4
settings and privately for over 11 years. She began her career as a probationary psychologist working with the Department of Human Services in 1999 in regional Victoria. Since registering as a psychologist she has worked in various teams and settings within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Agatha completed a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health (Child, Adolescent and Family Stream) with support from the Department of Human Services in the form of a scholarship to better understand the systems and interventions available in assisting families where a family member has a mental illness or disability. As well as working in the public health system, Agatha is currently completing a Master of Public Health on a part-time basis. She has a keen interest in the provision of quality services to clients and in efficiency, sustainability and support of the health workforce. Barbara Swiatkowski, Director
Barbara was born in Poland and arrived in Australia with her parents in 1964. She has worked exclusively in the superannuation industry and has over 30 years experience in the field. Barbara's extensive administration, management and consulting experience cover all aspects of effective management of corporate superannuation funds. Key competencies include; investment structure, member communication, staff management, fund secretariat and compliance reporting. More recently Barbara was appointed as a Senior Associate
within a Global Consulting Firm providing expertise in group insurance arrangements for some of the top corporate clients within the firm's master trust. Barbara has completed her Diploma in Superannuation Management and Advanced Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning).
Ben Lloyd, Director
Ben is a principal of the law firm Russell Kennedy practicing in the field of Public Law, Litigation and Aged Care. His connection to the AMCS was initially through marriage as his wife is Polish and is a former employee of AMCS. He has volunteered to assist AMCS by being a member of the Board because he believes he has a range of skills that can assist the organisation in continuing to deliver the services to its historical base (the Polish community) and to help it broaden the range of services it provides and the clients it delivers those services to.
Professor Des Cahill, O.A.M., Director Des is Professor of Intercultural Studies in RMIT University‟s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. He is one of Australia‟s leading authorities on immigrant, refugee and cross-cultural studies, and has done many studies for Australian and State governments and other organisations in areas such as immigrant and multicultural education, ethnic minority youth, intercultural marriages and ethnic community development. More recently, he has focused on religion and cultural diversity. With Elizabeth Drozd he has edited two books on Poles in Australia, and has been closely associated with the Polish community in Victoria since the early 1990s. In 2010, he was awarded the Order of the Medal of Australia for his contribution to multicultural education and to the interfaith movement
Page | 5
Paul Walec, Director
Paul works in the property and finance industry and has a strong interest in Aged Care/Retirement and associated services. He has 20 years of experience in the areas of strategy, financial/commercial advisory, property development and investment. He has worked internationally in various senior roles in various countries. Paul's qualifications include an Engineering Degree and Post Graduate qualifications in Teaching and Management. Paul also has an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).
Paul joined the board of AMCS to assist in expanding its business to become a leader in aged care and affiliated services into the broader multicultural community. He is also an advisor to other boards and has lectured at both RMIT and UNSW. His outside interests include playing basketball and cooking.
Mary Schloetzer, Director Mary is currently employed at both Swinburne and Victoria Universities as a Senior Educator. Mary is an experienced practitioner in public relations, especially in corporate communications and advertising for both private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to teaching at Victoria and Swinburne Universities, Mary acted as a public relations specialist for many established niche markets, providing strategies for major corporations and major stakeholders. She is particularly noted for her photographic styling skills and much of her work has been published both locally and internationally. Mary has a Bachelor of Arts, Advanced Diplomas‟ in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Vocational Education and Training.
Ryk Bliszczyk, Director
With over 18 years experience as a strategy consultant, Ryk has spent most of his professional career advising companies around the globe. He now uses his unique insights into human behaviour gained as a clinical neuropsychologist, to support corporate leaders in leadership development. Ryk continues to consult to and make presentations to corporations around the world - most recently to Ho Chi Minh City TV in Vietnam, Reserve Bank of India, Johnson & Johnson Medical and La Trobe University. He currently holds a position as Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School
of Business and Law at RMIT University in Melbourne, lecturing in Economics and Strategy. Ryk is a registered Psychologist in Australia. He is also completing a PhD in behavioural economics studying the effects of group identity on decision making. The Bliszczyk family have long been community activists. Ryk continues this tradition having recently completed the Leadership Victoria Experience Bank program, is School Councillor for the William Ruthven Secondary College and psychological consultant to Melbourne Heart Football Club (honorary).
Page | 6
President’s Report During the past 12 months we have continued to plan, implement and embrace comprehensive change to achieve our vision of being the preferred supplier of community based services to multicultural Australia. Over 2011/12, six Productivity Commission and Commonwealth Government reports have been released. These essentially set out a series of national strategies to focus on client choice in the disability, aged care, hospital and health, allied health, mental health and not-for-profit services sector. They also forecast the establishment and use of new structures such as, Medicare Locals, Local Health Networks, and Pricing Authority. These will be backed by the development and use of new systems and procedures, e.g. e-Health System, DoHA Gateway and individualised funding. Over the next five years, the number of service providers are expected to reduce dramatically as community based services will be provided in a free managed market place. Residential care, community care, hospital and health care will operate as an integrated series of service pathways. These services will only be supplied by preferred providers in the future. Clients in the future will have individual choice and decision making freedom about service providers much like how Medicare and medical services operate. The Board and management team see this as an opportunity for AMCS to redevelop its existing services to meet the future changes foreshadowed as outlined above. Accordingly we have decided that our aim should be to provide a range of home based aged care support services, advocacy, adult education and training, financial assistance support services and associated activities for clients and communities from a multicultural background. To achieve this we are moving to a broader based business model:
expand our multicultural client base
develop and use partnership with other community service organisations
develop additional income streams e.g. our RTO and brokerage services
broaden our range of services to meet community needs
operate comprehensive and integrated governance, organisational and
operational systems backed by solid Information Technology
In summary, 2011/12 has been another solid and successful year. As I said last year, “by focusing on our Strategic Plan and developing a strong and committed organisation culture, we continue to be a strong, robust organisation with an exciting future”. Our business position is sound and the Board, management team and staff are actively focussed on the tasks and challenges ahead. I am pleased that we have a stable and committed Board and I thank them for their active and constructive participation. I also take this opportunity to thank our hard working, forward thinking and dedicated CEO, Elizabeth Drozd. The high standards of client service we provide can only be achieved through our wonderful staff and volunteers and I thank them sincerely for all their care and hard work.
Russell Howard President
Page | 7
CEO Report I am pleased to report on the wide variety of achievements and successful activities that occurred during 2011/12. We have focussed on broadening our services and supporting as many ethnic communities as we can. This has involved undertaking a Multicultural Community Services Exchange Project which explored and tested how ethnic communities can work more closely and support each other in a greater capacity. This was a very worthwhile project, funded by the State Department of Planning and Community Development and the William Buckland Foundation. AMCS is very pleased that as part of this project‟s sustainability, we continue to conduct a very popular workshop entitled: What is available for free to community organisations? The project continues to support ethnic communities through a specifically designed website www.multiculturalresourcesvic.org.au. Further, the project outcomes include availability of a range of workshops on a fee-for-service basis eg. The How To of Submission Writing. Further, following the organisational name change in February 2011, AMCS continued to change our approach to working with the community and how individual clients can be best supported and empowered for the long term. Key highlights and successes for AMCS include:
Implementation of the Active Service Model by all Home and Community Care
Programs managed by AMCS;
Securing a very high score during the recent Community Care Common
Standards Audit;
Establishing a website to promote the AMCS accredited training;
Implementing all areas of improvement identified during a Skills Victoria audit of
the AMCS Registered Training Organisation;
Successful transition from a Pre-Modern to the Modern Award;
Continuing the very helpful assistance by professional pro bono volunteers from
Great Connections, Good Company, Academia21 and Go Volunteer;
Strengthening our working relationships with colleagues from ethno-specific and
multicultural community organisations;
Undertaking a review of the AMCS Emergency Relief Program resulting in
broadening the target group;
Establishing a successful partnership with Uniting Care Community Options to
provide respite services to Eastern European community in the East of
Melbourne;
Participating in a joint project with the North West Migrant Resource Centre, to
research dementia within 10 ethnic communities in Victoria.
Securing funding for an ethnic seniors active ageing project from State
Department of Planning and Community Development
Implementation of the AMCS Quality and Risk Management Strategies;
Strengthening of a mutually successful close partnership between Kalyna Care
and AMCS;
Significant increase in the provision of the Multicultural Brokerage Program and
an establishment of a brokerage program website;
Implementing a Local History Project about the Polish community in Victoria;
Commencing the process of establishing close working relationships with
May I take this opportunity to thank all organisations that AMCS Board, Management, Staff
and Volunteers work with. AMCS is successful, progressive and innovative because of this
team effort. Every day all of our activities are focussed on client-driven services, ongoing
improvements to quality and all systems and processes, yet never forgetting diversity of
clients and respecting their preferences and specific needs.
I thank the AMCS Board of Directors for their involvement and sharing of their professional
and community expertise. I personally thank Russell for the constructive working relationship
and the diligence that accompanies his involvement with AMCS. I also thank the AMCS
Management Team for their hard work and support, especially during some staff shortages.
All AMCS Staff deserve a big and sincere thank you for the practical care and support that is
provided with patience, understanding and cultural and linguistic appropriateness. I know
clients and their families value this indeed. As always, like many other charitable and
community-based organisations, AMCS could not do what it does without the dedication of
almost 100 friendly and helpful volunteers who support older members of our community and
our other organisational activities. I am pleased that the wonderful work of all AMCS
Volunteers and volunteers from other ethnic organisations will be formally acknowledged
and celebrated on 22nd August 2012, at Queens Hall, Victorian Parliament.
In terms of future plans, the AMCS Board has recently adopted a new Strategic Plan and I
look forward to making this plan a reality for the benefit of multicultural communities in
Victoria.
Elizabeth Drozd
CEO
from left: Elizabeth Drozd, AMCS, Nick Wakeling MP, member for Ferntree Gully and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Sophie Skarbek, President of the Polish Siberyaks Association
Page | 9
Volunteer Based Programs Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) manages two volunteering programs, the Friendly Visiting Program (FVP) which is funded by the Department of Health and the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) funded by Department of Health and Ageing. Both programs share similar issues and very often rely on the same group of dedicated and committed volunteers. There are currently more than 80 volunteers actively visiting older isolated people of Polish or Eastern European backgrounds. The aim of these two programs is to provide social support or transport to different places for isolated, elderly and/or disabled people of Polish or Eastern European backgrounds living in their private homes or in aged care facilities
located throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria; including Ballarat, Morwell, Moe, Geelong and Dandenong. The role of these two programs, FVP and CVS is crucial in providing companionship for the growing number of fragile and lonely clients from these ethnic groups. Polish elderly as well as other Eastern Europeans value having “a friend” and appreciate the one to one relationships that is offered by AMCS volunteers. For many of them a volunteer is their only visitor.
AMCS is constantly looking for new volunteers to “join the family”. We are very keen to encourage the younger generation of Poles and Eastern Europeans to consider volunteer work as a way of gaining work experience. Following the completion of our volunteer survey conducted in 2011, an analysis of the results indicated that the majority of volunteers, who responded to the survey, reported being aware of policies as well as health and safety principles that AMCS has in place to ensure their well being and safety. Respondents also expressed their satisfaction for the organised information sessions and meetings including appreciation for AMCS employees. At the end of financial year 2011-2012
CVS FVP
Number of matches 66 41
Number of visits volunteers made 1086 1342
AMCS currently have over 80 volunteers who make a significant contribution to the Polish and Eastern European communities in Victoria. To recognise their involvement and priceless roles, AMCS organised various social activities for them. The events organised in 2011-2012 for volunteers included inter alia: International Volunteers Day and Christmas Celebrations at the „Millenium House‟ in
Footscray was organised on 2nd December 2011 with around 80 people in attendance.
Guest speakers included: Elizabeth Drozd, CEO of AMCS and VMC
Commissioner; Barbara Swiatkowski, AMCS Board member; Sandy Austin,
Director of Health and Aged Care; Alex Smith, Program and Services Advisor
(DoHA).
Sandy Austin presented Certificates of Appreciation to all volunteers.
Entertainment was organised.
Polish carols were sung and a group photo was taken.
International Volunteer Day Celebration
Page | 10
A Christmas meal was provided.
An article was published in „Polish Weekly‟ about the event and to express AMCS‟ appreciation of the volunteers‟ dedication.
Celebration of National Volunteer Week:
A „Thank you‟ letter was sent to all our volunteers. An article was published in „Polish Weekly‟ to express AMCS‟ appreciation of
the volunteers‟ dedication. The Development and Programs Manager, the Coordinator of Volunteers and
three of our FVP clients, as part of the celebrations, took part in a SBS Radio interview. The interview gave a chance for the Eastern European communities in Victoria to get an insight into the role of being a volunteer and also learn how much volunteer visits are appreciated by all AMCS‟ clients.
AMCS is currently making preparations to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of AMCS Volunteering Programs. Celebrations are scheduled to take place in next fiscal year in Parliament House. The celebration will inter alia include the guest speakers such as the Minister of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and the Minister for Ageing. In 2011-2012 quarterly meetings were organised for the volunteers at AMCS‟ premises and were combined with a workshop about wellbeing. These workshops were conducted by a volunteer health professional. „Friends and Companions‟ 3 hour information sessions for volunteers was organised
in partnership with Alzheimer‟s Australia. Information sessions focused on how to maintain and enhance the connection between the volunteer and the person with dementia they visit.
„Beyond Maturity Blues‟ peer education and interactive sessions were focused on helping to dispel the myth that anxiety and depression are a normal part of ageing. This was achieved by providing support and advice for older people that reduces stigmatising attitudes and increases knowledge of where to receive appropriate help.
„OH&S sessions‟ were delivered by AMCS OH&S representative. This focused on the safety of volunteers while visiting clients in their private homes or being on the premises of residential facilities. During the training sessions volunteers were also provided with „Emergency Cards‟ in both Polish and English languages.
„Census‟ information sessions were organised in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and were delivered in English and translated into the Polish language. Volunteers were informed about various aspects of the Census, the importance of participating, who should take part in it and how to fill in the „Census Form‟.
Blueberry picking and picnic in Kinglake SBS Radio Interview
Page | 11
In the year 2011–2012, volunteers from AMCS had the opportunity to attend the following external training sessions:
Depression and Dementia
Introduction to Mental Health
Understanding and Managing Epilepsy
Using Art in Programs
Dementia Education for Direct Care Workers
Perform CPR-HLTCPR
First Aid
Stress Management
Communication and Mental Health
Disability Awareness
Dementia Specific Workshop-'Dementia Awareness for HACC & Aged Care
Volunteers'
Depression in Frail Older People
Physical Activity for Older People with Musculoskeletal Conditions
Food Hygiene
Meetings and courses attended by the Coordinator of Volunteers included:
„CALD Volunteering Good Practice Forum & Exhibition Launch‟
„Active Service Model‟ Workshop
„Ethnic Aged Care Sector Day on Elderly Abuse Prevention Resource and Policy
Development Workshop‟ organised by Ethnic Communities‟ Council of Victoria
and Victoria University
Cultural Diversity in Ageing – Conference 2012
9th International Conference on Greek Research and Migrant Diaspora (inc.
paper presentation)
Good Company/NAB Skilled Volunteer Discovery Session
Diploma of Community Services Work
Diploma of Management
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all AMCS Volunteers for their magnificent work during this year and their commitment in providing quality services to our clients. The CVS and FVP will continue to give enormous support to all clients, those who live in their homes as well as those who reside in Aged Care Facilities.
Joanna Kaflowski Coordinator of Volunteers
Volunteers during „Friends and Companions‟ information session.
Page | 12
Planned Activity Groups (PAG) Our Planned Activity Groups (PAG) are designed to help older people and people with disabilities stay healthy and active by engaging in interesting and fun group activities. The program is designed to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of people with Polish or Eastern European backgrounds. PAG also have a respite function, allowing carers time out to catch up on other tasks or simply have some rest from carer responsibilities. Over the last year our groups went on a bus trip to the City to see how it has changed, to Bayswater to visit friends in local residential care, shopping centres and various Polish shops. They also took part in a spiritual trip to the Polish Sanctuary in Keysborough. We have celebrated Mother‟s and Father‟s Day in restaurants, Christmas and Easter at the Polish House in Albion where we sang Polish Carols and had a special lottery. Every year we celebrate client‟s birthdays with cake and candles to ensure they are made to feel special on their respective days. We got our clients involved in various information sessions, to enable them to become engaged and create an awareness that could enable them to gain a greater independence in their daily lives. Partnerships were formed with:
Vision Australia – offering services to the blind and vision impaired;
CFA – offered information about home fire safety and the merits of an evacuation
plan;
Victoria University – offering information about diet and diabetes conducted by
last year‟s Master in Dietetics students;
Beyondblue – held discussions about depression, this was conducted by a polish
speaking volunteer.
Other activities included:
The light physical exercise programs “Use it or lose it” adapted to clients physical
capacity and music and dance to keep clients fit as possible;
Games such as Rummikub, bingo, cards and discussion groups which provided
mental stimulation.
Entertainment such as old movies on a big screen, TV concert of Andre Rieu,
“Polish Choir” and concert performed live by “Jedliniok” dance group from
Wroclaw in Poland. All this was organised to bring to our clients lives a little bit of
fun and entertainment.
Arts and craft activities like occasional cards, vase and flowers made from old
books, picture frames, photo and wish books, Christmas trees and wreaths made
from coat hangers, scrap materials and decorated with lollies and palms for
“Palm Sunday” allowed participants to go back in time and enjoy some favourite
activities of earlier days.
Celebrating Holy Mass on important religious days supports their spiritual
connection.
Clients dance and enjoy “Music Day”
Page | 13
Watching Polish movies, reading magazines and jokes.
As a part of the Active Service Model it was decided to introduce our clients to thematic days such as:
Cooking Day – this respects the value of cooking as an important part of Polish
culture;
Music Day – this gives the opportunity for singing, dancing, playing instruments
and much more;
Laughter Day – clients took part in watching funny movies, telling favourite jokes,
dress-ups and other various activities for general entertainment;
Quiz & Game Day – this gave our clients the opportunity to have some fun and
stimulate their minds (How well do we know ourselves, our body and each
other?)
Reminiscing Day – this is where clients told stories from their childhood, migrant
years and life in general.
We also celebrated other special days such as the Melbourne Cup, Australia Day, Polish Independence Day, Valentine‟s Day and Carnival Day. The Active Service Model is a new approach which suggests that supporting the client‟s independence and encouraging them to be more involved in their own decision making, has been very successful. Because of this success, we implemented plans at the beginning of the year with a special meeting with our clients, where we had discussions and got their feedback and ideas for future planned activities and outings for the following year. It was the ideal opportunity for them to express their interests, come up with new ideas and to help some of their dreams to come true. The sole purpose of the meeting was planned to maintain clients independence, giving them a sense of belonging and encouraging them to be active when making decisions about their own lives.
Care Plans including clients individual needs, strengths and setting achievable goals was prepared to give our clients the opportunity to decide what changes they would like to make in their lives and ensuring they were involved in their own personal development. Every client was given the opportunity to discuss his/her needs and goals with the Coordinator in care plan preparations.
“Laughter Day” at Sunshine PAG PAG Clients making pierogi during “Cooking
Day”
Client paints some decorations
Page | 14
PAG staff participated in various training in relation to the Active Service Model, Occupational Health and Safety, Diversity Planning and general Professional Development.
Our Planned Activity Groups (PAG) meet Mondays and Wednesdays in Castley Hall, cnr Glengala Rd & Simmie Str in Sunshine and Fridays at the White Eagle House, Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater in Geelong.
STATISTICS SUNSHINE GEELONG
Total number of clients 45 30
Average age of clients 84 84
New clients registered this year 10 4
Current number of people on waiting list 9 3
Anna Suchowiecka PAG Coordinator
Clients in Geelong preparing Easter eggs “Melbourne Cup” celebrations in Sunshine
Page | 15
Multicultural Emergency Relief The Multicultural ER Case Work Program for vulnerable groups is funded by The Department of Families & Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). This program provides support to individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds who live with a disability and who experience another form of hardship such as homelessness and financial crisis. To be eligible for this program they need to live in the western Metropolitan region of Melbourne. This Program is free for all eligible clients. The ER case work program has been successful in providing food assistance and referral services to the appropriate services according to the client‟s needs. Promotion and Networking:
Effective promotion through “BRING YOUR BILLS” events for culturally and
linguistically diverse clients.
Developed very good working relationships through networks liaising with some
organisations and service providers such as: The Salvation Army Housing
Services, Yarra Community Housing and Centrelink to get referrals and to assist
clients effectively.
Promotion of AMCS and its services through ER network meetings, ER forums
provide the platform for us to keep up-to-date on any developments and changes
within the sector.
Promotion of the ER Case Work Program
Types of Assistance
Case work
Assessment of needs
Provision of support and counselling as required
Advocacy
Emergency Relief Assistance in the form of food parcels, food vouchers, travel
vouchers
Assistance for people with a disability or other relevant disadvantages to access
services in the region
Assistance to overcome financial distress through financial counselling and
linking people with relevant community organisations
Interpreter‟s accessed where required
Statistics
Number of clients: 38
Total number of casework sessions provided in the period (e.g. face-to-face,
telephone), including opening sessions: 180
Number of clients provided material aid: 23
Number of closed cases: 30
Page | 16
Dementia project The Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) and the Migrant Resource Centre North West (MRCNW) with support from the Victorian Department of Health are conducting a research study evaluating the prevalence and perceptions of dementia in specific ethnic communities in the north western regions of Melbourne. Based on statistics relating to ageing, ten communities have been identified which could benefit from this research. The following communities are included in this study: Croatian, Filipino, Indian, Iraqi, Lebanese, Macedonian, Polish, Sri Lankan, Turkish and Vietnamese. Pramod Vinnakota Multicultural ER Case Manager and Dementia Project Officer
AMCS CEO, Elizabeth Drozd took part in the 2012 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 21 June 2012. In Melbourne and capital cities across Australia, CEOs braved the elements and experience homelessness first hand, for a night, to help raise money and awareness of homeless people. Elizabeth helped to raise $4111.00.
Page | 17
Access and Support Program Over the last twelve months the project has been in a transitional stage after having been extended for three years to target and service other diverse communities, as well as continuing to provide a valuable service to the Polish community. The Access and Support program assists clients and community groups in the Southern and Eastern metropolitan areas of Melbourne by facilitating access to Home and Community Care (HACC) and other related services. The Program is funded by the Department of Health and delivers a direct client service to HACC eligible clients who require information, help and support in understanding, accessing and negotiating a range of HACC and other relevant community support services. The Access and Support Officer provides assistance, particularly to those who require extra support during assessment, care planning and service delivery process. The priority target group are HACC eligible individuals, who are not proficient in English, have no family or carer and feel socially isolated. In addition, SAPP has continued to provide support to service providers to ensure service responses in the context of the HACC Diversity Planning and Practice. A Bi-lingual Officer was present during joint assessments and took part in the development of care plans allowing the person-centred care and implementation of Active Service Model. The number of enquiries/support and assistance for the last 12 months was 551. Retreats were organised by two AMCS staff for carers living in all areas of Metropolitan Melbourne. These retreats included:
OH&S information session, a movie and lunch
Restaurant lunch to celebrate Carers Week
Strawberry Farm outing
Excursion to Montsalvat
“Friends and Companions” information session delivered by Alzheimer‟s Victoria,
morning tea
“Coping with Changes in Behaviour of a Person with Dementia”- information
session by Alzheimer‟s Victoria, lunch
The Access and Support Officer completed Diploma of Community Welfare Work.
Agnieszka Michalewicz Access and Support Officer
Page | 18
Photos from Carers Retreats
Page | 19
Service System Resourcing Program The SSR Program is funded by the Department of Health. This Program focuses on the provision of information, assistance and advocacy for the Polish Elderly, Carers and younger people with disabilities to better access services relevant to their individual needs. It also covers community development, providing assistance to Senior Clubs with writing their funding applications plus organising information sessions for the members of the Club. During the 2011-2012 year, the SSR Officer provided assistance to 395 individuals; of this 135 referrals were made on behalf of Clients to other agencies as well as internally. These referrals would range from applications for Aged Care Assistance, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Friendly Visiting Scheme, Program Activity Group, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and Financial Counselling, resulting in successfully responding to the individual client‟s needs that were presented. This role involves liaising with many organisations on behalf of Clients, including the following organisations, as well as many others: Various ACAS Teams, Western Region Health Centre, Maribyrnong, Hume, Moreland and Brimbank Councils, Victorian Relief Foodbank, Sunshine Office of Housing, Footscray Legal Centre, ISIS Primary Care, Centrelink and DePaul House and various others depending on what issues need to be addressed. Working closely with these organisations is crucial in maintaining strong working relationships which will ensure our Clients get increased access to generic services, reducing the barriers which might normally prevent them from utilising the existing help and services. An important element of the SSR Program is to provide emergency relief assistance to Clients. There were 33 Emergency Relief requests in the last financial year. This relief may take the form of food vouchers, food, Myki tickets or referrals to a Financial Counsellor plus information on any other services providing appropriate assistance. Throughout the year the SSR program also provides ongoing assistance to Polish Carers with funding provided by Carers Victoria. Six outings were organised in conjunction with the Supported Access Pilot Program and these will be outlined in detail by the Support Access Worker in her report. These outings are a great opportunity to network amongst other Carers. The SSR Officer is currently involved in a Project that has been undertaken with the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, the Department of Health, Hobson Bay City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and five Ethnic Organisations including the following: Australian Croatian Community Services, Australian Vietnamese Women‟s Welfare Association, Filipino Community Council of Victoria, Macedonian Community Welfare Association and Finnish Friendly Services. The aim of the project is to improve the pathways between HACC Assessment Services in Local Government and the Ethnic and Multicultural Aged Care Services. The project which commenced in April 2012 will explore what practices are working at present and what could be strengthened or further developed for CALD clients. At the end of the project in August 2012, the findings will be collated and submitted for review. Change of staff has occurred in the SSR Program and from May 2012, Maria Fruhwirth has swapped roles with Ewa Dudzinski. Ewa Dudzinski will be sadly missed by both Clients and Senior Clubs where she has provided exemplary and dedicated service for many years. Maria Fruhwirth & Ewa Dudzinski
Page | 20
New Initiatives and Partnerships at AMCS in 2011-2012 In the last financial year HACC staff at AMCS have focused on the implementation of the AMCS Active Service Model (ASM) Plan. The ASM approach has helped to recognise the gaps and potential HACC client groups that have not been utilising the full services of AMCS. In all HACC programs, client goals became the base for program planning. HACC staff have also been involved in discussions concerning the Diversity Plan 2012–2015. The outcome of these discussions resulted in AMCS establishing several partnerships during the last financial year. Getting into partnership with Uniting Care Community Options gave us the opportunity to establish the first Polish Respite Day Centre in Eastern Region of Melbourne. The program commenced as a pilot project from February 2012 through to June 2012 and due to its success will be continued in the next financial year known as Eastern European Respite Day Centre. The program is delivered to 10–15 participants in a secure location to conduct the respite accessible to people with disabilities and people with dementia. AMCS also provides a culturally appropriate environment and meals suitable for older people from Polish and Eastern European backgrounds. This program includes a minimum of five places, specifically targeting people with dementia to enable participation by the individual in a culturally and linguistically responsive environment. Participants with dementia are involved in various activities within a safe environment that promotes their individual participation and engagement that is relevant to their needs. The Respite Day Centre includes activities which are reminiscence based, ensuring the participant engages with the specific activities. Staff and volunteers involved with the group speak the language of participants, thus further enhancing engagement. The Eastern European Respite Day Centre where these activities are conducted reflects the cultural backgrounds of the participants. Carers are provided with the opportunity to have regular respite once a week, knowing their family member is in an environment that is safe, engaging and relevant. Carers are also provided with access to support services as well as carer‟s retreats (eg. outings, meetings, socialising) to assist them in maintaining their role as carers. AMCS has also established a partnership with Kalyna Care (formerly Ukrainian Elderly Peoples‟ Home) for the benefit of PAG clients from Polish backgrounds who are provided with suitable meals prepared by Kalyna Care staff, enhancing cultural responsiveness of the PAG program. AMCS students undertaking the Certificate III in Aged Care get the opportunity to attend classes at Kalyna Care premises. This enables the students to get practical experience in using the appropriate equipment and learn in a real environment. The close collaboration is also related to training sessions which are organised to meet both AMCS and Kalyna Care staff needs.
Respite Day Centre
Page | 21
In the last financial year AMCS has established a partnership with Footscray Community Legal Centre (FCLC). As a result of the collaboration the Financial Counselling Service is provided voluntarily at AMCS premises as a FCLC outreach. Financial Counselling Services are promoted through the Polish media as well as information sessions delivered by FCLC. A significant number of HACC, CACP and MERCW program clients received assistance through this partnership. AMCS also established a close collaboration with University of 3rd Age Network Victoria (U3A) to improve access of CALD retired persons to U3A groups particularly those who are facing language barriers. All initiatives enabled AMCS to provide more appropriate, comprehensive and very effective assistance and support. AMCS staff look forward to the next year and the new opportunities that will come with more successful partnerships.
Alina Urbanczyk Development and Programs Manager
Students on placement in AMCS from left Quyen Nguyen, Diploma of Social Work at Open Training Education Network, Marcin Klek, Diploma of Community Services Work at Carrick Institute of Education, Shaninder Kaur, Bachelor of Social Work at Victoria University
Page | 22
Community Care Program The last twelve months has seen the AMCS - Community Aged Care Program (CACP‟s) develop into a multicultural service provider with the provision of services to cultural communities such as Polish, Croatian, Albanian, Slovakian and Russian. Recently, the Community Care Program underwent the Community Care Common Standards audit which was conducted by the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA). The DoHA auditors‟ verbal outcome and results were outstanding with a Recommendation Outcome Number One due to AMCS meeting all eighteen (18) Community Care Common Standards. The CACP‟s team worked hard to achieve such a successful outcome and therefore takes comfort in the continuance of providing a high quality service to all AMCS clients. The knowledge of meeting all the Community Care Common Standards supports all AMCS staff in their quest to provide an excellent service. Community care services - Community Aged Care packages are currently being delivered to one hundred and twenty five clients living in the West, North West, East and recently, some clients in the South. The AMCS brokerage service, known as the Multicultural Brokerage Support Services also continues to develop and increase in capacity to deliver high quality services to many other service providers/organisations such as Benetas, Baptcare, Catholic Homes, RDNS and TAC to name a few. I would like to personally thank all the CACP‟s staff and not forgetting the many Care Workers for their support, hard work and commitment to the program. AMCS - Community Aged Care Office Staff
AMCS – CACP‟s Case Managers pictured Kasha Mlodzinski Hania Hordynska Aneta Andrzejewski Elizabeth Zurek Ewa Dudzinski Brokerage Administrative Officer - Dorota Karbarz CACP‟s Administrative Officer- Ela Swiergon
Louise Czarnoch Community Care Manager
Page | 23
Accredited Training – AMCS Registered Training Organisation AMCS RTO has continued to deliver Certificate III Aged Care & HACC. Most students are electing to undertake a dual qualification. Enrolments numbers for 2011/2012 have been 31 with 23 successfully completing both qualifications and 8 still undertaking training. We undertook our first Regulatory audit in February which we passed in all areas. This allows us to continue operating as an RTO and our registration is now current to 31st August 2015.
Two short courses, Apply First Aid and Assist Clients with Medication, have been introduced
to our list of courses. We hope to attract existing Care workers who need to upgrade their qualifications to study with us. Changes to Government subsidies from 1st July 2011 will see Aged Care/HACC receiving an increase in the hourly funded rate. While this means an increase in revenue for AMCS it may also see a more competitive market place as other RTO elect to deliver these qualifications. We believe that our strong community focus, our flexibility in delivering individual focused training and our reputation for successful outcomes for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will ensure our growth in the future. Jennifer Gerrard RTO Coordinator
Participants of accredited computer course through ICDL Australia (International
Adult Community and Further Education AMCS provides pre-accredited ESL and computer courses through Adult Community and Further Education.
ESL Classes
AMCS have worked with students from different ethnic backgrounds and religions. Classes catered for the needs of each individual and their learning type. We used a self-paced approach, where students were able to work according with one‟s own abilities and their learning type. English classes were delivered at a basic level to intermediate and for more advanced students. We conducted an all women‟s class to address cultural and religious needs. We also hosted our regular classes in our office in Maidstone, where students have had the chance to use the computers and internet as part of their ESL classes. Students were able to work one on one with the teacher to improve their written and spoken English. ESL classes provided in the East have been arranged at the Eastern District Polish Association in Melbourne. Classes have been delivered twice a week to adults seeking employment or wishing to up skill. AMCS is constantly promoting English and computer classes through various media. We are also working towards partnership with various ethnic organisations to deliver courses according with one‟s cultural beliefs.
Computers for Beginners
AMCS conducted an accredited computer course through ICDL Australia (International Computer Driver‟s Licence). Motivations for students to take up these classes have varied from a general interest to wanting to be able to participate more in their work environment and their community.
Most of the students had limited or very basic knowledge of computers, lacked confidence, and were scared of “technology” in general.
The course aimed to improve understanding of Windows and the following programs
Microsoft Office Word
Microsoft Office Outlook
Microsoft Office Excel
Course participants have also learnt the basics of the Internet, e-mail and general computer functions.
Classes were designed to meet the needs of individuals where the students chose when they were ready to move onto the next module and sit the test. The course duration depended on the students‟ abilities and previous experience with computers and lasted on average 10 weeks.
Students were presented with an ICDL certificate upon completion of the course.
Magdalena Adamczewska Project Officer
Page | 25
Partnerships & Support
AMCS is a member of &/or works closely with the following organisations:
Alzheimer's Australia - Victoria
Annecto
Arthritis Foundation of Victoria Inc
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Australian Council for Private Education & Training
Australian Polish Historical Society
Australian Vietnamese Women‟s Association
BaptCare
Carers Victoria
Case Management Society of Australia Inc
Catholic Homes
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing
Council on the Ageing Inc
Diabetes Australia (Victoria)
Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria Inc
FECCA – Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia
Footscray Community Legal Centre
FYI Training
Genesis Fitness Club Maidstone
Great Connections
Health West
ISEPICH (Inner South East Partnership in Community & Health)
ISIS Primary Care
Kalyna Care
Leadership Victoria
Mingary Counselling Service
Mowby Pty Ltd – Residential Care
Multicultural Arts Victoria Inc
National Network of Multicultural Aged and Community Care Providers Inc
Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship
Palliative Care - Victoria
Rotary Club of Footscray Inc
Royal District Nursing Service
SBS Radio
SIAG (Service Industry Advisory Group)
South East Healthy Communities Partnership
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
State Trustees
University of 3rd Age Network Victoria (U3A)
Victorian University – Social Work Studies
Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD) – Victoria University
Page | 26
Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women‟s Coalition
Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Victoria Inc
Government Funding Bodies
Department of Health & Ageing
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs
Department of Health
Department of Human Services
Department for Planning & Community Development
Department of Business & Innovation (formerly Department of Innovation,
Industry & Regional Development)
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
o Adult & Community Further Education
o Skills Victoria
Victorian Multicultural Commission
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals and families who donated goods and resources through AMCS to support members of the community
Financial Report The financial report for the year ending 30th June 2012 has been published separately & copies have been distributed to funding bodies and members. The total income for 2011/2012 was $3,047,314 compared to $2,886,329 the previous year. The expenditure was $2,827,799 compared to $2,884,023 in 2010/2011.
Celebrating 20th Anniversary of the
Senior Citizens Club in Doncaster
Page | 27
If you want to:
Learn new skills
Return to study
Find a job or
Broaden your employment options
Our courses are FOR YOU!!!
Computer The course provides basic knowledge about the use of computers and the Internet. Its main objective is to introduce the learner to central functions of the computer in order to make daily living easier as well as to increase employability and general knowledge of technology.
Upon a completion of the course, you will know:
Basic functions of the computer:
Different parts, their names and how to use them
The internet:
Searching the Web
Using E-mail
Skype
Youtube
Google maps and Google images
How to listen to the radio in various languages
How to work with pictures ( attachments, files, printing)
How to use Microsoft Office programs
Word
Excel
Page | 28
English as a Second Language Delivered in a small and friendly environment where all students are able to work with the teacher on one one. The course aims to improve the students
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening skills
Nationally Accredited Dual Certificate in: Certificate III in Aged Care, and Certificate III in Home and Community Care
These courses can be undertaken separately as a single course or together as a dual certificate. Upon completion of the course, a candidate will have a choice of working in an Aged Care facility or caring for a person in their own home. We organise your work placement and as an Aged Care provider we employ as well!!! Classes are delivered in Easy English language giving students the opportunity to fully participate and understand.
