This is a print version of the February 2015 newsletter, that has higher resolution pictures. You can also download this.
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Quarterly Newsletter of the Ethnic Communities Council of Newcastle & Hunter Region Coordinator Awards 1 Diversity Garden Produces Sustainability 2 Harmony Week and NSW Seniors Week 3 Volunteer Lunch 4 National Young Leaders Conference 4 Neighbour Aid Program 5 Asia Cup Champions 6 Staff Profile - Natasha Schumacher 6 Men’s Shed Update 7 ECC Partnerships for Vital Life Skills 8 Harmony Day 9 Children’s Festival 2015 9 IN THIS ISSUE DIVERSITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2015 Coordinator Awards: Recognising Excellence in Aged Care Pictured left: ECC Executive Officer John Tucker, ECC President Andrea Rufo, and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, tour the Men’s Shed. Pictured above left to right: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cinzia Saccaro, Lambrini Angelos, and ECC President Andrea Rufo. The Ethnic Communities Council (ECC) Annual General Meeting was held 4th December 2014. Apart from the reports from the President and Financial Auditor, the AGM was an occasion to give appreciation to the fine work of the Aged Care Coordinators. In particular the efforts of Elzbieta (Ella) Radna (Polish Centre), Lambrini Angelos (Holy Apostles Centre), and Cinzia Saccaro (Italian Centre) were acknowledged, given their hard work and dedication to the organisation and to their clients in 2014. On the day, Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes was on hand to address the audience and help present the Awards. Cr Nelmes also had time to take a tour of the emerging Community Garden and Men’s Shed – ECC projects that will have a lasting impact in the local community. CELEBRATION GRANTS Multicultural NSW have now made available applications for their Celebration Grants. Please contact us or go to their website www.crc.nsw.gov.au/ to see how you can secure their support of between $1,000 to $5,000 to celebrate cultural diversity with a local event.
Transcript
Quarterly Newsletter of the Ethnic Communities Council
of Newcastle & Hunter Region
Coordinator Awards 1
Diversity Garden Produces Sustainability 2
Harmony Week and NSW Seniors Week 3
Volunteer Lunch 4
National Young Leaders Conference 4
Neighbour Aid Program 5
Asia Cup Champions 6
Staff Profi le - Natasha Schumacher 6
Men’s Shed Update 7
ECC Partnerships for Vital Life Skills 8
Harmony Day 9
Children’s Festival 2015 9
IN T
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DIVERSITY MATTERSFEBRUARY 2015
Coordinator Awards: Recognising Excellence in Aged Care
Pictured left: ECC Executive Offi cer John Tucker, ECC President Andrea Rufo, and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, tour the Men’s Shed.
Pictured above left to right: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cinzia Saccaro, Lambrini Angelos, and ECC President Andrea Rufo.
The Ethnic Communities Council (ECC) Annual General Meeting was held 4th December 2014. Apart from the reports from the President and Financial Auditor, the AGM was an occasion to give appreciation to the fi ne work of the Aged Care Coordinators. In particular the efforts of Elzbieta (Ella) Radna (Polish Centre), Lambrini Angelos (Holy Apostles Centre), and Cinzia Saccaro (Italian Centre) were acknowledged, given their hard work and dedication
to the organisation and to their clients in 2014.
On the day, Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes was on hand to address the audience and help present the Awards. Cr Nelmes also had time to take a tour of the emerging Community Garden and Men’s Shed – ECC projects that will have a lasting impact in the local community.
CELEBRATION GRANTSMulticultural NSW have now made available applications for their Celebration Grants.
Please contact us or go to their website
www.crc.nsw.gov.au/to see how you can secure their support of between $1,000 to $5,000 to celebrate cultural diversity with a local event.
DIVERSITY GARDEN PRODUCES SUSTAINABILITYThe Community Garden continues to grow, fuelled by the enthusiasm of a committed group of gardeners and blessed by plenty of sunshine and rain. To continue to grow, the gardeners have taken the initiative to use nature’s gifts to produce a range of delicious homemade chutneys and jams for sale.
At only $4 a jar, you can enjoy a range of delightful tastes including Passionfruit Jam; Beetroot Relish; Green Tomato Chutney; Tomato and Passionfruit Jam; Tomato and Pineapple Jam; Beetroot Chutney; and Strawberry and Apple Jam.
Proceeds from sale are going straight to the Garden. We have already purchased some quality soil and mulch, but are desperately in need of more. If you can contribute to the Garden in any way, do drop in anytime, particularly during the weekly catch-ups Wednesdays 10am to noon. We are always looking for all sorts of donations and also new members.
Special thanks must go to Margaret (and her husband), who has transformed her kitchen into a production line and regularly staying up well past midnight to keep up with demand.
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and Strawberry and Apple Jam. up well past midnight to keep up with demand.
$4 / JARPASSIONFRUIT JAMBEETROOT RELISH
GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEYTOMATO AND PASSIONFRUIT JAM
TOMATO AND PINEAPPLE JAMBEETROOT CHUTNEY
STRAWBERRY AND APPLE JAM
DID YOU KNOWOur website is another useful way to communicate
with you, our members and communities. Add us to your favourites: eccnewcastle.org.au
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Two values that the ECC holds upmost are promoting Multicultural Harmony; and celebrating
the value of Seniors in our community. In what is one of the ECC’s busiest times of the year,
coincidently both themes are recognised on the calendar during this special week.
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
A series of speaking engagements are in place for the week, with local volunteers sharing their story of life in their home country, their journey to Australia, and what it has been like living in the Hunter.
In partnership with the Newcastle City Council Library Services, there will be a panel discussion about harmony and multicultural diversity in our community. Thursday 19th March, Lovett St Gallery (Level 2 of Newcastle City Library, Laman St). 5:30 for 6:00pm start.
Light refreshments will be served.
This is a free event, but please book ahead.
Call the NCC library on 4974 5300
2015 Seniors Week celebrations will be organised in all ECC Health and Wellness Centres across the area, but the main event will be held at the Waratah Centre on Thursday 19th March, 10am-2pm.
The public will be invited to enjoy a delicious morning tea and a three course meal prepared by our chefs.
All of the guests will have an opportunity to participate in the exercise and dance sessions provided by the local artists and instructors.
The aim of the event is to promote a healthy living and multiculturalism in our society.
The premises and toilets are accessible for wheelchair users. The premises are located close to public transport. Free car parking is available.
Bookings are recommended. Call 4960 8248 or email [email protected] The cost: $8.00 per person
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www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
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VOLUNTEER LUNCHThe ECC relies heavily on an outstanding crew of over 100 dedicated volunteers to help at the various Aged Care Day Centres and at the Waratah Multicultural hub. To help say thank you to their contribution, the ECC shouted Christmas lunch at Star Buffet, ensuring everyone would have plenty to eat of their favourites.
Again, thank you to our volunteers!They help make the days extra special for our Aged Care clients, and make a real difference to the profi le and operations of the ECC.
If you can spare as little as 2 hours a week, the ECC would love to give you an opportunity to give back to your community.
Call 4960 8248 or email [email protected] or visit the Volunteering section of the website.
On Friday 21st November, 10 students accompanied by two staff members from Waratah Technology Campus, attended a National Young Leaders Conference at Homebush Sports Centre. Thank you to the Ethnic Communities Council for the use of one of their buses to make the trip possible.
The conference was about empowering young people to stand up for what they believe in and to go after their dreams, even if they get knocked down along the way.
The students who attended the conference are all leaders in their own right and will forge their way in making a positive difference for others. They are excellent role models and make our school a better place. We hope to encourage more young leaders who in� uence others in a good way.
Our students made us proud to be a part of the school community but it also makes me proud to be a part of the ECC. I hope the partnership which has been established between WTC and ECC will continue to strengthen as we are all here to support our community.
Thank you once again ECC for your bus and I hope we can use it again in the future.
By Marcelle Powell – Publicity and Community Liaison Offi cer
Callaghan College, Waratah Technology Campus
National Young Leaders Conference
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DID YOU KNOWOur Facebook page has regular updates
of events and news stories www.facebook.com/ecc.newcastle
We have visited some lovely places such as:
• HUNTER VALLEY ZOO
• ALBION FARM AT WOODVILLE
• MT PENANG GARDEN
• HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
• TEA GARDENS
• BUTTAI BARN
• DROVER’S CAMP
• CAMELOT LAVENDER GARDENS
• HAWKESBURY RIVER
• CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL FLOWER FESTIVAL
The day includes morning tea; many people like to bring home made slices, biscuits, and cake to share; often at beautiful parks like Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, Blackbutt Reserve and Newcastle Foreshore picnic area.
Lunch is also part of the big day. We often have barbecue lunches, picnics or lunch at an RSL club with shopping at Bibina’s or an op shop.
Find out more by phoning Gayle Grayson on 4960 8248 or 0425 090 670
The Neighbour Aid Program provides social
support to seniors over 65. We run bus trips from Maitland every month and Newcastle every
2-3 months. We can pick you up from your home
and drop you back home after the trip.
NEIGHBOUR AID PROGRAM
SEEKING INTERVIEWEES:Migrant Memories of Natural DisastersBy Gretel EvansUniversity of Melbourne
I am seeking volunteers willing to participate in a recorded interview, which will contribute to a history project investigating migrants’ memories of natural disasters in Australia. The research will contribute to a PhD thesis being conducted at the University of Melbourne in Historical and Philosophical Studies.
I would like to interview those who have migrated to Australia and experienced a natural disaster. The aim of the research is to investigate how natural disasters in� uence our sense of belonging within the community and landscape.
Do you remember the 1955 fl ood in Maitland and the Hunter Valley? Were you a resident at the Greta Migrant Camp and have memories of fl oods such as the 1955 fl ood? If you are interested in this project, please email the researcher Gretel Evans, at [email protected]. Please include your contact details.
Thank you for your interest.
STAFF PROFILE NATASHA SCHUMACHER FINANCIAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR
In two sentences, tell us how you got involved with the ECC?I fi rst became involved with the ECC when I accepted my fi rst temporary position in 2006. Since then I had taken another temporary position and am now in full-time employment.What do you like best about working with the ECC?The people! I have the honour of working with some truly beautiful people.
Describe yourself in 3 words?Loyal, Generous, CompassionateWhat is something you are proud of?The implementation of our new accounting software. It’s really helped streamline our accounting practices and reporting. It has also created greater transparency for our funding bodies and members. Favourite Foods?Homemade lasagne and pizza
Who are 3 famous people you’d have dinner with?Jesus, Mother Teresa, Corrie ten Boom
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What a whirlwind couple of weeks for football in Newcastle! Hunter Stadium hosted a series of games, starting with pool games of Japan vs Palestine, then Oman vs Kuwait. The way results panned out meant that the Australian Socceroos would play in Newcastle, in what proved to be a glorious sellout and a Socceroo victory. The fi nal game was the playoff for third and featured the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq. Iraq fought valiantly with a man sent off, but UAE eventually prevailed to claim 3rd spot overall.Newcastle provided a fantastic welcome for all visitors, leaving a lasting refl ection of harmony in our community. We also hope that Novocastrians remain with life long memories of excitement and world culture.Multicultural NSW secured a selection of tickets for the ECC to distribute to the community. Our special thanks to Multicultural NSW for enabling various community groups of diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in Asian Cup matches, most of whom have never had the opportunity to attend a live sporting event, especially of this level of global signifi cance.
Unitefor the
ASIANCUP
ASIA CUP CHAMPIONS - CONGRATULATIONS SOCCEROOS!
Shed updateWe are rapidly approaching the Shed being offi cially open, as great progress in being made in administration, construction/fi tout, procedures, and testing equipment. We plan to have an offi cial opening to invite new members before the end of the fi nancial year.
To register your interest, email [email protected] and we will keep you updated.
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WANTEDAs the shed gets ready, we still need DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT. If you are having a clean out or have anything in good condition to spare, please let us know.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT
Place advance notice of your upcoming event or stories and photos of successful events in DIVERSITY MATTERS as well as our website
LINK UP: BRINGING YOU CHOICE TO MAKE LIFE A BIT EASIERIf you are Aboriginal and aged over 50, have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability, Link Up is a great way to learn about how to make living at home easier and more enjoyable. Help with cleaning, transport and meals are just some of the services you can fi nd out about on the day. In our commitment to working together and with respect for Aboriginal culture, a number of ceremonial and cultural activities will be held at each Link Up event.
So come along, have a wander and a yarn, ask questions, and enjoy some lunch!
Link Up sessions will be held in March/April, across the Region. For more information contact Sue Shilcock on 0429 075 430 or visit wesleymission.org.au
ECC is proud to host a session for the Awabakal land council area.
Date: 9 March Land council: Awabakal Time: 10am-2pm Location: Ethnic Communities Council 2A Platt Street, Waratah NSW 2298
Community Consultation on Health
On 18th February 2015, the Multicultural Health Service held a consultative forum to give CALD communities an opportunity to discuss their positive and negative experiences in accessing public health care.
Over 50 representatives, service providers and members of the community, collaborated to discuss speci� c topics; identify common themes and make recommendations for future actions.
We thank the Ethnic Communities Council for hosting the forum and their assistance in the preparation and promotion. We look forward to working together again in the near future in other events.
By Catherine NormanDirector Multicultural Health Service Hunter New England Local Health District
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Royal Life Saving works with many Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, tailoring programs to ensure new Australians or those from backgrounds without a strong aquatic heritage, receive every opportunity to learn swimming and water safety skills and education.
The ECC worked with Royal Life Saving to identify a group of local Chinese who were very interested in this opportunity. These students were of retirement age and never had the time to learn to swim.
Week by week, the students have been overcoming their fear of the water and gaining more confi dence to swim independently; and hopefully one day, help teach others in their community to swim too.The program has also been running successfully with many other groups throughout the Hunter Region including Refugees and Asian University students. Balance Health Clubs in Wests Mayfi eld have been most generous with their time and attention to make the participants feel safe and welcome.
It is hopeful that more funding will come to support this initiative, so that other CALD communities can learn these vital skills and enjoy the many water activities available in the Hunter.
By Tanya Brunckhorst
Regional Manager | Royal Life Saving Society - NSW Hunter
WA
NTE
D Volunteer 2 hours a week to help teach enthusiastic adults. TESOL qualifi ed is ideal, but anyone can help make conversation! Help make a difference to the confi dence of our CALD students to engage in English.
ECC PARTNERSHIPS FOR
VITAL LIFE SKILLS
Conversational EnglishClasses are back on for 2015, every Friday (except during school holidays) from 9:30am to 11:30am here at the ECC multicultural hub at Waratah. Our classes are small, which allows students more individual time with our dedicated teachers.
HARMONY DAYWEDNESDAY 25 MARCHLake Macquarie City Council is celebrating Harmony Day on Wednesday 25th of March at The Place : Charlestown Community Centre, corner of Frederick Street & Pearson St, Charlestown.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Share the Story”. Lake Mac Libraries’ Community History Department is interested in recording stories about what it was like for migrants settling in Lake Macquarie. Our objective is to fi lm interviews with representatives from Lake Macquarie’s migrant community.
Community History will launch the stories on www.history.lakemac.com.au at Council’s Harmony Day celebration.
To contribute please contact; Ann Crump, Lake Mac Libraries’ Community History Librarian on 49210 446 or [email protected]
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WE PROMOTE HARMONY
What’s Available?• Two computers with broadband access for use by older members
of our local community. • Basic self-paced training through a work book • Beginners or stuck? The ECC has a trainer standing by if you need help. Broadband for Seniors is part of a $15m Australian Government initiative to increase the skills of older Australians using computers and the internet.Learn How The Web Can Help You CommunicateThe ECC Seniors internet kiosk offers the opportunity for older people to discover how the web can play a great part in helping them to stay in touch with friends and family, along with offering access to the wealth of information available online.
Seniors – Learn About Computers in a friendly supportive environment
The NEC Broadband For Seniors internet kiosk is again “open for business” at the ECC Waratah Community Centre.Know someone who would like to learn about computers? Please pay us a visit or contact ECC for more information.
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AT THE ECC
WE CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
WE WORK FOR JUSTICE
FOR THE LATESTon upcoming community activities and announcements
visit our website or Facebook page.
The Ethnic Communities Council of Newcastle and the Hunter Region Inc is supported fi nancially by the Australian Government and the NSW State Government and their entities.
