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e-News June07 - CMY - Centre for Multicultural Youth

June 2007

NEWS AND VIEWS

FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW: YOUNG WOMEN, RECREATION AND POLICE IN FLEMINGTON

By Willow Kellock, Youth Worker, CMYI

Social change takes place in a myriad of ways. A new friendship, a conversation, an experience can begin to change who we are, and gradually, the community we live in. As a multicultural youth worker in Moonee Valley, I have observed such change through a camp in January with young women living in and around Flemington.

Over the last year or so, there have been some much needed innovative programs (run by youth workers and local police) targeting young men in the area, resulting from several incidents of violence and subsequent distrust between young men and police. Yet many young women were asking the legitimate question: “Do we have to get into trouble before we get to go on camps and do fun stuff?”

At the request of some young women, CMYI, Doutta Galla Community Health, Moonee Valley Youth Services, VICSEG and Flemington Police combined resources to run a three day camp at Torquay. We went horse riding, learnt to surf, and of course had lots of time for hanging out, impromptu concerts, telling jokes and cooking good meals. Two police officers from Flemington Police (in casual clothes) came along for the duration of the camp, joining in and getting to know the young women.

When we discussed with the girls their attitudes towards the police, they were generally suspicious. “Cold hearted” and “mean” were some of the words they came up with to describe them. Many of these young women had their own negative stories or interactions with the police, or had else had brothers and relatives who did. In addition to this, many of the girls were from refugee backgrounds; countries where people in uniform or authority are often the perpetrators of violence.

Similarly, the police officers asked the youth workers; “why don’t they trust us?”. They also noted that they rarely get to encounter the young people in the local community in a positive context, and had limited understanding of some of the cultures and backgrounds of the young women.

After three days, the attitudes of both the young women and police were significantly different. On the bus on the way home, we asked the girls for feedback about the camp and getting to know the police. Overwhelmingly the responses were positive: “They’re just people, like us”, “I didn’t realise you can go to the police for help if you have a problem”; “It was good to get to share our culture and who we are with the police so that they understand us more”. Similarly, the police told us it had been great to meet the young women, to learn about them and their culture, and that they were keen to participate in further activities.

Since the camp, the police have attended a reunion night, organised an excursion to the Police Academy and participated in holiday activities. We also had Youth Law run an information session with the young women who were interested in getting more legal information. Further programs have also been developed, such as a young women’s soccer program funded by Vic Police and Office of Housing, facilitated by a range of agencies involved in the Kensington Community Advisory Committee.

Bringing people together and forming relationships is one of the most powerful things we can do in our work. We should never underestimate the small changes we see around us. Given the right environment and support, from little things big things grow.

NEWS > FEDERAL BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2007-2008, ANNOUNCED 8 MAY 07

By Diana Amato, Coordinator – Community & Sector Development

CMYI welcomes the federal budget announcement with an allocation of $209.2 million over 4 years which will give additional support to recently arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants.

Particularly heartening was the 127.9 million allocated to the Department of Education, Science and Training to boost the English as a second language component offered to humanitarian entrants / refugees for primary and secondary students. This is effectively doubling the Australian’s Government contribution to the achievement of English proficiency for humanitarian entrant students.

Also welcomed is the increased allocation of 5.3 million available to humanitarian entrants to subsidise rental and utility costs in the first month after arrival under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy. In addition to this, 3.2 million will also fund the provision of public transport tickets to entrants in the first month after arrival to assist them to access English Language classes, school, training and employment.

Also increased in its budget allocation is assistance offered to survivors of torture and trauma, being 12.2 million over 4 years. A further 6.4 million will provide access to Crisis Payment for humanitarian entrants on arrival in Australia. In regional areas, 1.5 million has been allocated to establish a small discretionary fund to support the long-term, sustainable settlement of refugees in regional areas, particularly where there are employment opportunities. Training/accrediting interpreters in community languages where there are significant shortages has also been encouraged through a 0.4 million budget allocation.

In addition to the above, CMYI commends the government’s allocation of 35.2 million to establish assistance for those most in need through the Complex Case Support services. Whilst Government has indicated a commitment to deliver specialised and intensive case management to entrants with exceptional needs, CMYI is concerned that there is no specific budget allocation to the needs of young humanitarian entrants.

In 2006, 75% of the government’s humanitarian programme comprised of young people under the age of 30. Yet CMYI believe there is a glaring omission to target specific funds to newly arrived young people in assisting their settlement in Australia. CMYI believe that in the absence of specific targeted support to young humanitarian entrants, there is a high risk that young people will require assistance in the future to address issues such as homelessness, family breakdown, poor health, crime, drug and alcohol use and other social problems. CMYI eagerly await the consultations imminent in each state for further discussion around the shape and model of what the Complex Case Support services could potentially look like.

WHAT'S NEW AT CMYI?

CMYI and Consortium Win Tender to Expand YRIPP Across Victoria

By Sally Reid, YRIPP Program Manager

Since 2004, CMYI and its partners have been responsible for the implementation of the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP). Funded by Crime and Violence Prevention (Department of Justice), the program is operational in 16 police stations in the Local Government Areas of Hume, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Dandenong, Casey and Shepparton.

YRIPP provides trained volunteers to support young people through police interviews where a parent or guardian is unavailable. YRIPP also refers young people to culturally appropriate health and welfare support services to reduce their chances of future offending.

YRIPP operates a 1300 telephone number that police can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to obtain an Independent Person for interviews with young people under 18. These Independent Persons are trained in relevant police and legal processes as well as in working with Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse young people

CMYI, along with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the Federation of Community Legal Centres and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, have been successful in a $2m tender bid to expand YRIPP across Victoria. Over the next two years, the program will work closely with Victoria Police and other agencies to make the program available to young people interviewed in 103 police stations across the State.

It is very exciting that the program model has been recognised as a valuable addition to the youth justice landscape and an important service for young people. We look forward to building on the successes the program has achieved to date to ensure that vulnerable young people are assisted through police interviews and connected to community support services across the State.

To become a volunteer with YRIPP or for further information on this program, please contact Sally Reid, YRIPP Program Manager, on sreid@yacvic.org.au or 03 9267 3712.

SMYIN: Debating the ‘Code of Ethical Practice’ and issues for multicultural youth workers

The Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) would like to invite you to the second Statewide Multicultural Youth Issues Network (SMYIN) Meeting for 2007. The meeting will provide an opportunity for those working in the multicultural youth sector to discuss the introduction of a Code of Ethical Practice for youth workers in Victoria.

Date: Thursday 28 June 2007

Time: 9.00am-12.30pm

Location: Co-As-It, 189 Faraday Street, Carlton

download invitation (988Kb)

Celebration of World Refugee Day: The Voices of Young Refugees

CMYI was involved in organising a fantastic event in Dandenong for World Refugee Day on Wednesday 20 June 2007. The event was promoted to everyone: young people, children, families and communities.

The theme for World Refugee Day/Refugee Week this year is "Voices of Young Refugees", focusing attention on the contribution, ideas and concerns of refugee children, teenagers and young adults. Refugee Week has been celebrated in Australia since 1986, to acknowledge the amazing contributions that refugees make to Australian society and draw attention to international refugee concerns.

For more information about World Refugee Day, go to Refugee Council of Australia website.

NEW STAFF

CMYI would like to announce the following new staff and changes to our team:

Leesl Wegner - Multicultural Youth Worker

Leesl Wegner has recently started as Multicultural Youth Worker at CMYI, taking over Willow Kellock’s position, as she is off to Thailand with Australian Volunteers International. The position covers both the Newly Arrived Youth Support Service and Re-connect. The role includes casework with individual young people and their families, as well as various group and community development activities, primarily focused on the City of Moonee Valley. Prior to starting at CMYI, Leesl worked in East Timor for 18 months, and before that with the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Services at Red Cross in North Melbourne.

Leesl looks forward to meeting and collaborating with you, or perhaps reacquainting ourselves, as the case may be! For more information about the program please contact Leesl at CMYI on lwegner@cmyi.net.au

Carolyn McLean – Reconnect Good Practice Forums Coordinator

Caz started CMC Consulting in October 2005 specialising in service planning and development for the community sector, in particular the youth sector. Prior to that she worked in local government in positions ranging from youth outreach worker to manager of residential aged care, the TAFE sector (as a sessional teacher and equal opportunity officer) and community theatre as both a performer and writer/director. The majority of the work Caz does as a consultant is with Local Government, but she also works with the not-for-profit sector. Caz has undertaken a wide range of projects including such things as the development of youth strategies, community consultation, team planning processes, service reviews & funding submissions. Caz is really excited to be part of CMYI for the next couple of months coordinating the Reconnect Good Practice Forums.

On a personal note, Caz practices yoga regularly, reads fiction prolifically, walks the beach endlessly with her dog, and spends as much time with her family as she cans.

Caz can be contacted at CMYI via cmclean@cmyi.net.au

Julia Jones – Events Assistant (Good Practice Forums)

Julia Jones has joined CMYI for 3 months as Events Assistant for this year’s Good Practice Forums. This involves developing the content and materials for four national forums for NAYSS and Reconnect Workers. She hopes to find more work with CMYI at the end of this contract.

Julia’s hometown is Fremantle, where she studied Communications and Social Justice, and enjoyed long walks along the beach. Prior to CMYI Julia was travelling and working in Asia for 18 months which sparked her keen interest in Ayurvedic Medicine.

Julia can be contacted at CMYI via jjones@cmyi.net.au

OUTGOING STAFF

Alison Coelho

CMYI is very sad to say goodbye to Alli Coelho, one of the longest serving and valued members of our team. Alli started at CMYI in 2000 in the JPET program in the North, and has been the Community Policy Officer coordinating the Statewide Multicultural Youth Issues Network for the past three years. Alli made a significant contribution to the organisation and has been a tireless and committed advocate for young people from diverse backgrounds. Alli will continue to work in the sector and has left CMYI to work as a consultant.

Willow Kellock

Willow Kellock, who has been working at CMYI for the past two years as a Multicultural Youth Worker in both the JPET and NAYSS programs, has sadly left us to work on a project on the Thai-Burma border with Australian Volunteers International. Willow will be greatly missed at CMYI, although her incredible skills, sensitivity and knowledge will undoubtedly be put to great use in her next challenging position. We wish her the very best of luck!

Nazeem Hussain

Nazeem Hussain joined CMYI in January as a Youth Facilitator. He coordinated the R.A.C.E. Project which is aimed at addressing the issues CLD young people face regarding discrimination in the workplace, school/university and with police. Nazeem’s three month contract at CMYI finished at the end of April, and although we have received confirmation of funding for the second phase of the R.A.C.E project, Nazeem has decided to leave CMYI to focus on study and other commitments. He will stay involved with CMYI through the Project R.A.C.E advisory committee.

Leanne McGaw, Leigh Hunter, Nadia Mohamed, & Sophie Macaulay

CMYI is having a spate of babies! Leanne McGaw (Coordinator – Youth Participation Team), Leigh Hunter (Senior Project Officer – NAYSS Lead Provider), Nadia Mohamed (Project Officer – NAYSS Lead Provider) and Sophie Macaulay (Marketing and Communications Advisor) are all currently on maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming them back in due course.

POSTCARD FROM THE NORTH WEST

Each newsletter, we ask one of our program team to write about emerging issues and new initiatives that are taking place in their region. In this edition, Abderahim Gime, NAYSS Youth Worker (North West Region) and Noemi Garcia, Northwest Team Leader & Multicultural Youth Worker, write about what’s happening in the Northwest.

Youth Empowerment Seminar / YES (Relaxation Program)

By Abderahim Gime, Multicultural Youth Worker (Brimbank)

CMYI (NW) along with interested partner agencies in the area of Brimbank recently came up with the idea of a Youth Empowerment Seminar/YES (Relaxation Program) as a suitable recreational activity for young people. It was based on the understanding that newly arrived young people from refugee and migrant background often lack financial and other resources necessary to enable them access sport and recreational programs. It was deemed particularly opportune to undertake the above activity during the school holiday in early April 2007. The rationale was to help keep the participating young people engaged or occupied, knowing full well that at times of school closures, young people are likely to face the unwelcome prospect of experiencing boredom and isolation.

YES as a project was a six hours a day, four days a week event held from the 2nd through to the 5th of April in the premises of the VisyCare Hub located at Sunshine. The purpose of the activity was to:

• Reduce stress
• Manage negative emotions
• Increase health and well being
• Sharpen clarity and focus
• Greater activity
• Heighten self esteem and confidence
• Greater sense of belonging

Meanwhile the processes or techniques involved in achieving these outcomes were as follows:

• Breathing techniques
• Practical knowledge
• Interactive discussion
• Yoga and tips on keeping a healthy body
• Games with a purpose
• Health awareness
• Creative projects and service learning

Workers from the CMYI, MRC(NW), Good Shepherd Family and Youth Services and WYPIN managed to draw together around twenty young people from all over Brimbank to take part in the activity. From the feedback workers got from the young people themselves, it is obvious that projects like YES do in fact benefit newly arrived young people, more so in perhaps times of school holiday breaks. CMYI will continue to engage in future activities of this nature, that is, in programs geared toward enhancing the wellbeing of young people.

Driver Education Program

By Noemi Garcia, Northwest Team Leader & Multicultural Youth Worker

Background Information

The Driver Education Program was delivered to engage newly arrived young people in a driver education program that was tailored to their needs by providing a program in two parts. First ‘Setting the Scene’ around road safety issues using interactive sessions as a way of engagement which was run in term 4 - 2006. We hope to secure funding to follow phase one with a 6 week program in term 1 in 2007 that will focus on practical experience through linkage with a driving school and mentors to obtain the required 120 hours of practice.

This program aims to establish close working relationship with VICROADS, Local Police, Hume City Council and local agencies with the aim of providing support to newly arrived young people in the licensing process.

The participants were newly arrived young people living in Hume and studying English at NMIT (Broadmeadows). The program was strongly supported by staff of the Northern AMEP Consortium at NMIT Broadmeadows.

Snapshot of participation

Fourteen young people aged 17 – 21 participated, five of the participants were female. Twelve came from Iraqi background (predominantly Assyrian/Chaldean) one was Indian and the other Sri Lankan. Of the fourteen, 4 did not complete the 8 week program, 3 had 100% attendance, 3 had 85% attendance, 3 had 71% attendance and 1 had 57% attendance.

Outcomes

Eight of the 14 participants passed the Learner Test, two failed and one did not feel ready to book the test. Pass rate was 57%. One young man in the group had his 9th attempt whilst participating in the program. With his permission, his experience of the licensing process was show cased to VIC Roads which clearly highlighted the issues many newly arrived young people face during the licensing process. His experience is outlined below.

Case study

Nineteen year old Iraqi young man arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2005.

Not understanding the process he attempted the Learner test many times – in English. He is illiterate in both English and Arabic. After many attempts, he requested an interpreter – when he did get an interpreter, unfortunately the interpreter spoke a different Arabic to him thus; he struggled to understand and unfortunately failed again. Each attempt he was also required to pay the $28.70 – which had also been costly.

He began to feel frustrated and risked driving unlicensed. He had driven in his country of origin and transit country before migrating to Australia.

This example was presented to VIC ROADS. The young person as allocated an interpreter that spoke his language, he was given extra time and was also refunded some money. An interpreter should be allocated after failing the test twice.

On his ninth attempt – he was successful.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE SECTOR

Details of upcoming events, conferences and new resources in the CLD youth sector. If you have an event or resource you want promoted through this newsletter, please send details to info@cmyi.net.au

New Resources

'What do I do when...?' A Practical guide to the law for people who work with young people - Youthlaw has produced a new guide about the law for people who work with young people in Victoria. What do I do when…? provides accessible information about the law to help youth workers feel more comfortable in their interactions with the law and the legal system. It details areas of the law that youth workers may come across in their work with young people and provides answers to common legal questions. You can download a copy of the publication from the Youthlaw website. You can also order a hard copy by downloading an order form from the Youthlaw website: http://www.youthlaw.asn.au

Vital electoral info for youth: AEC fact sheet - At the end of April, the Australian Electoral Commission issued a Fact Sheet on the new "Close of Rolls" arrangements. The information in the fact sheet is of vital relevance to those young people who have not ever have enrolled to vote; to those on the electoral roll with out-of-date addresses; and to those aged 17 and turning 18 at the time a federal election is called. The fact sheet is available at: http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/What/enrolment/cor_factsheet.htm

2007 NYC Inquiry into Youth Homelessness Updates - The NYC inquiry is the first independent inquiry into youth homelessness since the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission inquiry completed by Commissioner Brian Burdekin in 1989. With some 33,000 homeless young people in Australia without a safe place to call home each night, the current inquiry is examining why youth homelessness continues to be a major problem in Australia. It will gather evidence on the issue of youth homelessness and seek input from all stakeholders including service providers, government agencies, community organizations and homeless young people. Further information about the inquiry and ways to participate can be found on the NYC website: http://www.nyc.net.au

What young people are thinking: Newspoll youth report - Newspoll / Dusseldorp Skills Forum - This report reveals quite a positive picture concerning young Australian's current general life satisfaction, and also in relation to their optimism about their personal future. Based on a poll of 803 young Australians: 95% are satisfied with their life overall, 88% are confident that everything will "work out okay" for them in their working life and career in the years ahead, and 86% are confident they will be financially secure in the future – and believe they will achieve a standard of living as good as, or better than their parents. These are the main findings of the latest report complementing Dusseldorp Skills Forum's 'How Young People are Faring' series. The report provides insight into young Australians' attitudes, opinions and experiences as far as work and study are concerned. Read the full text of the report: Newspoll youth report (PDF file)

Launch of Commitment to Young Australians - Australia’s top businesses, service organisations and policy making bodies will be encouraged to join with Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth members in signing up to a statement of seven child and youth focused principles as a demonstration of their practical commitment to advancing the wellbeing of young Australians. Developed by ARACY in consultation with its members the Commitment to Young Australians provides an agreed set of principles that organisations can use as a guide for policy and operational decision-making (as well as providing a standard by which to monitor the impact of their operations on the wellbeing of Australian children and youth and their families). The ARACY website now includes a series of dedicated web-pages to the Commitment to Young Australians: http://www.aracy.org.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Statement_of_Commitment

Smith Family: New report on young people: their stories, their families and post-school plans - Australian young people: their stories, their families and post-school plans. This is a report released today, prepared for the Smith Family by the Australian Council for Educational Research. Its authors are: Jennifer Bryce, Michelle Anderson, Tracey Frigo, and Phillip McKenzie and it is published by the Australian Council for Educational Research; ISBN: 1 876833 42 4 48 pp. (PDF document). The report examines how families help shape the choices young people make after they leave or finish school. It's the fifth report in their series of reports on the challenges faced by Learning for Life students in making successful post-school transitions. The report is available on The Smith Family's website, at: http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/index.cfm?pid=2535&pageid=2882

Youth Poll 2007 was released on 17 May - Youth Poll 2007 a poll conducted annually by the Australian Democrats, surveying 15- to 20-year-olds from every State and Territory in Australia. It can be downloaded as a PDF from: http://www.natashastottdespoja.com/cms_resources/documents/Youth_Poll_Report_2007.pdf . Details about the poll's findings are at: http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5873

Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2007 - The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a new report today: Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2007. It's the third national statistical report on young people in Australia. Using a set of key indicators of health and wellbeing of young people, this report brings together the most up-to-date national data on the health status of young Australians aged 12-24 years and the factors influencing their health. Information on health status includes self-assessed health status, disability, injury, mental health, chronic disease, communicable diseases, hospitalisations and mortality. Factors influencing health addressed in this report include family and community environments, environmental factors, socioeconomic factors including education, employment and income and health behaviours such as weight, physical activity, nutrition and substance use. This report also includes a special section on the health and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Timely, comprehensive and accurate information on these factors will enable the formulation of appropriate and effective policies and interventions to achieve long term health and wellbeing for young people. The report is online in full text as a PDF, at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10451

Returning Failed Asylum Seekers from Australia - This discussion paper by David Corlett draws together information and recommendations from a three-year research project on Australia’s return policy and practice by a La Trobe University team led by Professor Robert Manne. Issues explored include offshore interception, offshore processing, detention, the situation of community-based asylum seekers, temporary protection and monitoring returnees. See: http://www.sisr.net/apo/asylum-corlett.pdf

'When Do I Stop Being A Refugee: The Journey Towards Citizenship and Community Inclusivity' - A report of the resettlement conference held in Adelaide in October 2006 by the Migrant Resource Cetnre of South Australia and the SA Refugee Week Committee, including presentations given by 32 speakers and panelists. Copies of the report available from the Migrant Resource Centre on (08) 8217 9500 or admin@mrcsa.com.au

Working Collaboratively Towards Full Participation: Federation of African Communities Council - A report of the Federation of African Communities Council (FACC) National Conference held in Sydney in November 2005, the first conference by Australia’s national peak body for African organizations. Launched on May 3 by Federal Attonry-General Philip Ruddock, the conference report draws together papers on issues of education, employment, law and order, harmony, citizenship and health. For further details, see http://www.facc.org.au

Mission Australia's 2007 National Survey of Young Australians - Mission Australia is conducting its sixth survey of young Australians aged between 11-24 years. Its primary purpose is to identify and clarify the key and emerging issues for young people. It asks young people about what they value; their concerns; sources of advice and support; involvement in community activities, whether they identify as Indigenous and if they live in or outside a capital city.In 2006, 14,700 young people responded to the survey. The survey publicly affirms that young people and their views are valued by the community. The survey can be completed online at http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey, or you can contact Kathryn Di Nicola on (02) 9219 2022 for copies to be sent to you. The closing date for the survey is 29th June for all states and the ACT and 27th July for the Northern Territory.

Training, Conferences and Forums

Unpacking the Suitcase - Maintaining the Well Being of Newly Arrived Young People - (12 & 13 July, 2007) Unpacking the Suitcase - Maintaining the Well Being of Newly Arrived Young People
The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre – Dandenong is delivering a Statewide 2 day conference which will explore the importance of well being and the impact it has on refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse young people’s settlement. This conference is an interactive, learning experience for youth workers, community development workers, teachers, well being workers etc. The conference will be held at 60 Douglas St, Noble Park, Melbourne. If you would like to be on the contact list or for more information contact Nancy Badr (03) 9706 8933 or nancyb@sermrc.org.au. Please download invitation.

Aboriginal Children and Young People National Conference - (19-21 September). The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care SNAICC 2007 National Conference For Our Children 'Ngadluko Ngartunnaitya' will be held 19 to 21 September 2007 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. If you work with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children and young people then make sure you attend this Conference! For more details and registration forms go to http://www.snaicc.asn.au

MoneyMinded – financial skills for the future - Money Minded is a financial education program which helps people make informed decisions about the use and management of their money. Lis Sorensen and Oli Germantsis are our Money Minded facilitators and currently run sessions at our Clayton Office. Each module requires approximately two hours to facilitate. Families can select one or all of the topics it is up to them. All the training is absolutely FREE. We can organise delivering Money Minded to your community in several ways. Families or individuals can book themselves into any or all of our prearranged sessions which run each term and held at our Clayton office. To arrange this, please contact Lis or Olie on 9239 1400. Alternatively, you can be trained to facilitate the Money Minded program by booking to attend our next Money Minded Train the Trainer training. This is a two day course where you will receive the training and resources to facilitate the Money Minded program to your community. The next training will be in July/August 2007. Visit: http://www.moneyminded.com.au

Events

Active Family Fun Day - Get involved in the Active Family Fun Day! FREE SWIM ENTRY! Participate in fun water and non-water activities. Enjoy a halal BBQ, Prayer space provided. Prizes, Games & Fun! Sunday 1 July 07, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Broadmeadows Leisure Centre, cnr Dimboola Rd & Pearcedale Pde, Broadmeadows

Ethnic Youth and the Media - Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria invites you to our youth event “Ethnic Youth and the Media”. Come and see how to get your opinions heard. Your voice matters! We would be delighted if you could join us on Monday 25 June at 5pm at the ECCV. Food and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 4122. Download Event Flyer

2007 All Nations Futsal Competition - For the first time in its history the All Nations competition will be run as a 5-a-side Futsal tournament. The tournament, which will take the form of a one day carnival, will take place in each region of metropolitan Melbourne and will also include Geelong. The competition is not only available to open age men this year, but also includes both a junior and women’s component. The aim of the All Nations competition continues to be to provide a low cost structured competition to new arrivals and CLD groups who have never participated in FFV mainstream competition. Attached you will find both the All Nations Regional Challenge Entry Rules and Conditions, as well as the Club Entry form. It is important that those registering a team in the competition read and understand the entry rules and conditions. Club entry forms must be submitted by 5pm Friday June 8th. Further correspondence will follow once team entry forms are received.

Dates for each event are as follows:

- All Nations South Region Challenge = Saturday July 7th from 9am – 5pm at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Rd Keysborough.

- All Nations North Region Challenge = Sunday July 8th from 9am – 5pm at the Mill Park Basketball Stadium, Redleap Reserve, Mill Park.

- All Nations East Region Challenge = Sunday July 15th from 8am at Boroondara Sports Complex, 271C Belmore Road, Balwyn North

- All Nations West Region Challenge = Sunday July 22nd from 9am at Rec West Community Recreation Centre, Lily Street, Braybrook

- All Nations Geelong Regional Challenge = venue and date to be confirmed shortly.

- All Nations Ballarat Regional Challenge = Unfortunately due to a lack of venues Ballarat will not be a host region for the All Nations Challenge this year.

The Champion of each competition of each region will then face off in the All Nations Championship Finals which will be held at Springers Leisure Centre on Saturday August 4th from 9am. Download: Club Entry Form and Entry Rules and Conditions.

Emerge Festival 2007 - The Emerge Festival 2007 is presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria commemorating UN World Refugee Day and launching Refugee Week in Victoria (Sun 3 June - Sun 22 July). An exciting celebration of the arts and culture of Melbourne's newly arrived communities all the way from Africa to the Far East. Further details: Ph 9417 6777 or http://www.multiculturalarts.com.au. Download: Emerge Flyer 1, Emerge Flyer 2 and Emerge Poster.

FROM THE SECTOR: PROJECT, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Information and updates on new projects, programs and services in the sector. If you are involved in a project that you would like others in the sector to know about, send details to louise@cmyi.net.au.

New Projects and Programs

What Works Australia Series - Case Studies from the Youth Sector - The Foundation for Young Australians and the Youth Research Centre are seeking Expressions of Interest from Projects or services interested in being case studied in ‘What Works Australia Series - Case Studies from the Youth Sector’. Download flyer.

FReeZACentral Workshops - // 2007 Music Industry Workshops // Media Release Want to work in the music industry? The FReeZACentral music industry workshops are back! All around Victoria in June and July, FReeZACentral is holding free, accredited training days for young people aged 15 to 25 who are interested in a music industry career. This year's FReeZACentral workshops are happening in Croydon (June 23), Leongatha (June 26), Ararat (June 30), Wangaratta (July 3), central Melbourne (July 7), Swan Hill (July 11), Werribee (July 14) and Hamilton (July 18). If you can see yourself working in the music industry and you want some insider advice about how to get your foot in the door, get yourself to a FReeZACentral workshop. Workshops are free and include free lunch. Young people aged 15-25 can register online at http://www.freezacentral.vic.gov.au or call 03 9380 1277. Visit FReeZACentral at Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/freezacentral

Multicultural Mental Health Art Competition - As part of this year's national Mental Health Week, MMHA is inviting newly arrived migrants to take part in our Multicultural Mental Health Art Competition. The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day is Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity. This year's theme will highlight how understanding a person within their cultural context is essential to quality mental health care. We're therefore giving people the opportunity to promote their culture and good mental health by creating artwork that expresses the theme: "I Identify* My Identity". The competition encourages individuals to focus on their own creative interpretation of what identity means to them. We have lots of prizes to giveaway including books, art supplies and vouchers .. plus some of the pieces will be exhibited at Federal Parliament House in Canberra during the launch of World Mental Health Day. For more information please visit: http://www.mmha.org.au/information/news-items/mental-health-multicultura
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Streetwize Communications - After 23 years Streetwize Communications has announced that it is going to wind down its operations. Over the next 6 weeks Streetwize will release its final publications.
Most renowned for their comics, Streetwize has researched and communicated on social issues for over 23 years, effectively targeting hard-to-reach groups who experience difficulty in accessing mainstream sources of information. Their media release is available at: http://www.streetwize.com.au/media_release/wind_down.html

FECCA’s new website - FECCA is the Australian national peak body that promotes multiculturalism, community harmony and social justice. It is involved in community education, advocacy for equitable access to services and information for Australians from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as human and cultural rights. The Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, launched FECCA's new website at an event in Melbourne on 14 May 2007. Click here to read the official media release: http://www.fecca.org.au/Media/2007/media_2007015.pdf

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Education - The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is offering a range of education opportunities in relation to the new Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Charter came into operation on 1 January 2007. The available resources at the VEOHRC include a calendar training course, information kits, available speakers and articles for publication. If you would like more information please contact Jason Rostant on 9281-7104 or Jason.rostant@veohrc.vic.gov.au. (Please note: Jason will be on leave from 6 July – 6 August).

A Fairer Victoria: Building On Our Communities - A Fairer Victoria: Building On Our Communities was launched on 4 May 2007 and reflects the Victorian Government’s approach to addressing disadvantage involving long-term commitment, substantial investment of resources and new ways of working together both within government and with other partners in responding to the needs of people and places. For information on obtaining copies of the publication, visit http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au

Legislative reform in the Youth Justice system - Proclamation of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 - The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 was proclaimed in late 2005. The new Act represents significant reform in legislation for both the Child Protection and Youth Justice programs in Victoria. The new Children, Youth and Families Act comes into effect on the 23 April 2007 and replaces the Children and Young Persons Act 1989. Information on legislative changes can be accessed at http://www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/jj/library/legislative_reform_in_the_youth_justice_system

Immigration Bridge - A monumental Bridge is to be built across Lake Burley Griffin. For future generations, the surfaces of this iconic Australian Bridge will be engraved with the names, dates and stories of migrants who have come here over the last 200 or so years - our ancestors – our selves. This will be no ordinary Bridge. Designed by a team that includes architects, engineers, a musician and a poet, it will soar 12 metres above the water, and be protected by a 4000 square metre solar roof. If you take part in this historic project by puchasing places on the History Handrail and recording stories of migration, long after you are gone your children and grandchildren will come to find your family migration history on this spectacular Bridge. For more information visit: http://www.immigrationbridge.com.au

IN THE MEDIA

Multicultural youth issues in the media – what are some of the issues that are making it into the news? If you come across media articles you think should be highlighted in this newsletter, please forward to jgear@cmyi.net.au.

A city celebrates its refugee culture (My Career, The Age, 16 June)

"More than 14,000 people from Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Liberia and Burma arrived in Australia as refugees between 2005 and 2006. Tomorrow marks the start of Refugee Week - a series of events and activities that celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community."
CMYI's Youth Worker Abderahim Gime shares his experience of coming to Australia as a refugee and the importance of Refugee Week.

Download the The Age article here

Lessons from Africa (774 ABC Local Radio, 22 May)

Louise Olliff was recently interviewed by 774 ABC presenter Lindy Burns about her experiences working as a young independent volunteer in a in Buduburam, a refugee camp in Ghana known locally as "Liberia Camp" which is due to be closed by the UNHCR in June this year.

> read article at ABC 774 website

Young Sudanese Refugees (Life Matters, ABC Radio National, 21 May)

"In the late 1980's about twenty five thousand mainly male children, who had lost contact with their parents, walked about 1500 kilometres across three countries to flee a war that was tearing their country apart."
"With the Sudanese making up the largest percentage of Australia's recent refugee intake, we hear from two young refugees about their new lives."

> read the transcript or download audio at the Life Matters website

Young people's experience of racism in Australia (Perspective, ABC Radio National, 11 May)

"The last ten years have seen a noticeable shift in race relations in Australia, and although Politicians have stated that there is no underlying racism in Australia young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CLDB) disagree and many say they are feeling the heat."
On 11 May 2007, CMYI's Mohammed El-Leissy spoke with Radio National's program 'Perspective'.

> read the transcript or download audio at the Perspective website

Job barriers hit migrants (Star News Group, 8 May)

"Racist attitudes are still a problem in the Victorian workplace with many Footscray migrants and refugees sharing their stories at a recent community forum. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with the Victorian Multicultural Commission, held community discussions in Shepparton, Dandenong, Footscray and Broadmeadows as part of a project researching discrimination in employment."

> go to the Star News article

Looking for a home (SMH, 28 April)

"For the Afghan musician Sayd Sarshar, Islam is a set of principles. "It means peace; honesty; don't kill people; don't steal. It doesn't mean you need to wear a two-metre beard," he says, sitting cross-legged on the richly carpeted floors of his home in Sydney's western suburbs."

> go to the Sydney Morning Herald article

National Youth Week (Network 10, 9am with David & Kim, 17 April 2007)

Nazeem Hussain and Jamie McConnaghie discussed National Youth Week which runs until Sunday 22 April. It’s a celebration of youth that encourages all young people aged between 12-25 years to take part in activities and events that celebrate their individuality and diversity. Jamie is the young member representing Victoria for National Youth Week. Nazeem is an organiser for the Young Australian Muslim of the Year Award – A Youth Week event aimed at recognizing the achievements of Australian Muslims. He works at CMYI as a Youth Participation Team Project Worker.