Yarra Settlement Forum Blog

The Yarra Settlement Forum (YSF) was established in or around 1999 as a sub-committee of the The Yarra Ethnic Communities' Council (YECC). With the folding of the YECC in 2003 the YSF has continued as a network providing a forum for settlement providers in the CoY. Since 2001, through the Refugee and Asylum Seeker project, which was funded by CoY, the YSF has been under the shared leadership of North Yarra Community Health (NYCH) and CoY.



Purpose of the blog:

The Yarra Settlement Forum blog is intended to be the means by which members of the Yarra Settlement Forum communicate electronically, in addition to email. Anything that is related to the YSF or which members would like to inform others about, is material that is relevant to the blog.



However, it some main purposes including:

Building relationships between YSF members through enabling more frequent communication.

Notifying and keeping members informed of what is happening in the community, practically when it comes to settlement related issues.

Being a means to reflect and react about the effectiveness of the Yarra Settlement Forum, and allowing members to report back to the Forum about changes they would like to see to the YSF to make it more effective.



Minimum commitment expected:

Posting on the blog does not require a significant time commitment. However, as the blog is intended to be a collection of consistent and useful information, it is important that members see their participation in the blog as a part of their commitments to the Yarra Settlement Forum. It is expected that if members have any information that they would like to share with other members of the YSF, they do so via the blog.



It is also expected that members make every effort to make sure they are able to use the blog including liaising with their employer about the need to access the blog site, and undoing training on how to blog.



Code of Conduct:

To maintain trust and ensure the blog is used in an appropriate manner, it is important to:

Respect individuals, community members and/or service providers.

Never identify individuals, community members or services in a defamatory manner.

Make it clear in opinion pieces that the views expressed are yours alone and do not necessarily represent the views of your employer or the rest of the YSF.

Keep private issues and topics private, since discussing private issues can jeopardize personal and work relationships.

Disclose conflicts of interest.

Acknowledge and correct mistakes promptly.

Reply to emails and comments when appropriate, and do so promptly.



Consequences if policy is breached:

If you have any questions about what is appropriate to include in your blog it is important that you ask the administrator – Melinie Ridge, co-facilitator of the Yarra Settlement Forum as any breach of the policy will result in your blog being deleted an/or your membership to the blog being revoked.

How to post to the Yarra Settlement Forum Blog
Step 1:
Open internet browser and go to: www.yarrasettlementforum.blogspot.com
Step 2:
Right click on the sign in link (top right hand corner) and click open in a new window.
Step 3:
Sign in using your newly created Google account (unfortunately this is necessary).
Step 4:
Once you've logged into Blogger you'll see your Dashboard, showing your list of blogs. Click the blue “new post” icon to create a new post.
Step 5:
Next, you’ll see the page for creating a new post. Start by giving your post a title (optional), then enter the post itself
Step 6:
When you're done, click the "Preview" link to make sure it's ready to go
Step 7:
Once you're satisfied with your post, click the "Publish" button. This will publish your new post


Monday, December 7, 2009

Fertility Awareness Presentation

Women cycling Naturally

The Billings Ovulation MethodTM, is based on sound scientific studies, teaching woman to recognise their natural symptoms of fertility and infertility. No drugs, no devices, no operations, all natural. This Method is proven and reliable in achieving and delaying pregnancy, managing fertility during breastfeeding and menopause and understanding long term reproductive health.

We would like to offer you the opportunity of having a presentation about the Billings Ovulation MethodTM with one of our accredited teachers. Our presentations focus on a healthy and natural alternative to contraception, reproductive disorders and infertity. These sessions can be tailored to the needs of your clients including any multicultural groups within your community. We believe our method nutures love, mutual respect and responsibility in a relationship.

If you would like to arrange a presentation at your centre or are interested in information about the Billings Ovulation Method for your centre please contact Eva on (03) 9802 2022 or email us on publicity@woomb.org.

NAB - 6 Month Paid Work Placement Program - Briefing 8 December.

Following a very successful pilot program, Jesuit Social Services is delighted to announce a new intake of the National Australia Bank‘s Work Placement Learning Program for 2010.

Details of a briefing session, which will provide prospective applicants with an opportunity to find out more about the program, are as follows:

Where: NAB Auditorium, Ground Floor 800 Bourke St Docklands
When: Tuesday December 8th
Attendees: People meeting selection criteria for the positions (attached)
Time: 5.30pm-6.30 pm.
Attire: Business
RSVP: by 3 December to Jade.Camilleri@nab.com.au

Role descriptions and selection criteria for the positions are attached.

In summary

Two positions in Group Finance - NAB Docklands, Melbourne
Four positions in Lending Services - NAB Spencer St., Melbourne
Focus – learning in the context of a paid work placement
Duration - 6 months
Applicants - qualified African - Australians who meet all selection criteria
Interviews – mid January
Positions commencing – February 2010

Applications will close on 23rd December 2009
Applications to be forwarded to jss@jss.org.au – attention Pamela Webb

Interpreting course

VMC is currently offering $2000 scholarships to cover the costs of the interpreter course at RMIT for Tamil and Dinka. Please contact Leah Bramhill (below) for further information. Applications close 7th January.

Leah Bramhill
Project Officer - Language Services
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Level 3, 3 Treasury Place
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

GPO Box 4698
Melbourne 3000

Ph 9651 0675
Leah.Bramhill@vmc.vic.gov.au

Media called to account

Beat The Heat


Koorie night market

English version - Vietnamese men behaviour change

Getting to know the law

Keeping perspective

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse Competition

Members of the community are invited to the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse Exhibition - our annual celebration of our members work and achievements in the last 12 months. At our Exhibition you will be able to see the work members have produced to date including websites, robotics, games, animation, photographic and video work, and more. There will also be refreshments and a Halal BBQ.

The Exhibition will open on Thursday 5th November from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Computer Clubhouse, 198 Napier St. The exhibition will also be open Friday 6th November 3:30pm-6:30pm.

The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a program of the Fitzroy Learning Network and provides a safe and creative after-school learning environment where young people from underserved communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology.

With over 120 members aged 8-18 from seventeen different cultural backgrounds, the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse not only provides access to high end technology, but also provides a space for young people to learn collaboration, cooperation and “giving back”, which will ensure that as citizens they contribute to the larger community in a positive and meaningful way.

Many of our members come from refugee backgrounds and the Computer Clubhouse gives them the opportunity to work one on one with mentors and staff to build confidence and improve the quality of their education.

The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is non-government funded. We rely on the generosity of philanthropic organisations, business and the community to continue to provide this unique program to over 120 young people, most from refugee backgrounds. There are many ways to support the clubhouse from funding, in kind donations, to offering work experience opportunities to members.

In 2008, 5 clubhouse members achieved entry into university at the completion of year 12. All from refugee backgrounds, 4 of them had never gone to school before arriving in Australia. The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse supported these members in applying through VTAC for entry as well as applying for scholarships. All of these members are the first in their family to attend university.

A member of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse regularly undertakes independent assessment of the program. Recently the results of our Youth Impact Survey were released and it was found that a high percentage of youth who attend the clubhouse plan to graduate high school, and there are positive associations between length of Clubhouse stay and attitudes. For example, members who visit their Clubhouses for more than 3 hours at a time tend to score higher on social-emotional scales (such as collaboration, sense of future, and sense of belonging) than members who visit for less than an hour. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

CROC Celebration


Beat the Heat


Employment with AMES

The AMES Settlement Division is advertising a new position, detailed below:

Manager Initial Accommodation
Settlement Division
Inner west location
Grade 4.1
1.0 time fraction
Fixed term to 30 June 2010

The Settlement Division is looking to open a new initial accommodation facility in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants to be part of this start up team.

Infoxchange -
http://www.jobseeker.org.au/employment/results.chtml?filename_num=296508
(listed as Housing Manager - Initial Accommodation)

AMES - www.ames.net.au/vacancies

Closing date is COB Thursday 29 October 2009.


If you wish to be considered for either of these positions, please
submit:
● Your current resume
● A cover letter
● Details of how your skills and background address the Duties and Primary Responsibilities from the relevant position description.

Please email applications to HR at apply@ames.net.au. Any queries can be directed to Linda Coutts, on 9938-4794.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

African Parenting Guide


Tsunami in Samoa

Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc is collecting items to donate to families affected by the recent tsunami in Samoa। They are sending two containers on October 18th. The items they would like to receive include:

  • Clothing (summer)
  • Bedding/linen/pillows
  • Tinned Food
  • Cutlery/ crockery/ glasses
  • Hygiene products soap/toothbrushes/toothpaste/combs/brushes/feminine products analgesics wheelchairs
  • tools hammers/nails/saws/screws/screwdrivers
  • refrigerators
  • chairs/stackable)
  • tables (foldable)

I am sure anything we can do to help would be appreciated!

Monday, September 21, 2009

New administrator

Hi everyone!
I am Melinie Ridge, I will be taking over from Maggie Abdelmalak, while she is on maternity leave, and working as the new Casework Counsellor – Refugee Support Worker at North Yarra Community Health. I realise I have big shoes to fill in Maggie’s absence; however I really look forward to working in close collaboration with you on the Yarra Settlement Forum.

I will also be the new administrator for this blog. This blog is a great way to share our thoughts and ideas, so I encourage you all to have your say. In addition, I would love to hear any suggestions from you about how we can get more use out of it or how we can improve it.
Thanks
Melinie

Thursday, April 9, 2009

ICEPA AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY INVITES ...



ICEPA AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY INVITES YOU TO A PUBLIC SEMINAR:


CULTURAL RESPONSES TO EMERGENCIES: BUSHFIRES, SAFETY and CRISES


Culture is an important part of who we are as individuals and as a community. How we respond to emergencies and adverse situations both in practical and emotional terms is influenced by our culture. Also important is the role of culture in how we communicate emergency messages and how we express grief. In the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, this seminar draws attention to important considerations of cultural and linguistic diversity in responding to emergency and in healing and rebuilding communities.



This seminar will explore the issues and challenges that arise when engaging with CALD communities during emergency situations, including effective forms of communication during emergency procedures, creating awareness about fire prevention, cultural knowledge of managing bush fires and assessing risk and community needs.


SPEAKERS

Christine Nixon has extensive experience addressing the needs of a wide range of communities through her career in the police service. As Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Christine coordinates the activities of all local, state and Commonwealth Government agencies, and community organisations involved in helping communities affected by February’s bushfires. Her priority is to help communities recover and rebuild in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, and respectful of each community’s needs. Prior to joining the Authority in March this year, Christine was the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police from 2001 - 2009. She joined Victoria Police in April 2001, after serving with the New South Wales Police from 1972 in a variety of roles.



Andrew Zammit is a Commander with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade focussing on the Brigade’s response to the bushfires; and recommendations coming out of the Bushfire Royal Commission. Since joining the Brigade in 1987 as a firefighter, Andrew has been involved in a wide range of professional activities including responding to fires and other emergencies, community education, recruitment training courses, and peer support. Recently, Andrew has been the officer in charge of the MFB’s Emergency Medical Response (EMR) team, and director of the Media and Communications Directorate. Andrew’s breadth of knowledge around emergency response includes working with CALD communities and emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.



WHEN:      Wednesday 22 April 2009


TIME:        9.30 - 10am registration, with morning tea. Seminar:10.00am - 12.00pm


WHERE:    Ballroom A, Rendevous Hotel (Melways 2009 ref: Map 1A J9) 
               
328 Flinders Street, Melbourne


RSVP essential: Contact Sue Butterworth by Monday 20 April
           Phone: 9919 5478
           Email: Sue.Butterworth@vu.edu.au


The Outdoor Experience

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder about the upcoming TOE program for any young males, aged 15 – 25 who have or have had issues with alcohol and/or other drugs. Referrals don’t necessarily have to be participants/clients of Jesuit Social Services or other community programs; they could be family members, friends, associates, anyone who fits the criteria. Please feel free to contact any TOE staff with any questions or to discuss any potential referrals on. Ph. 9855 2633.

Information Session at 2pm on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at the Bush Hut

Please let us know if you have someone who will be attending the information session.
We are also available to come and talk to staff groups/participant groups if they think this might be beneficial.

PROGRAM DATES: 11th May 2009 through to 19th June 2009

TOE’s 6 week Core program includes a 2 week pre-trip program:
Day activities (Monday – Friday) at the Bush Hut, getting to know each other,
trip planning and preparation,
outdoor activities, skill development, goal setting

Followed by an
11 day/10 night remote wilderness journey

And then a
2 week post-trip program:
Day activities at the Bush Hut (Monday to Friday), processing the experience, where to from here,
3 day camp to reinforce learnings and set future goals
Graduation celebration on last day!

Fiona Cameron
Program Co-ordinator
TOE: The Outdoor Experience

Jesuit Social Services
110 Studley Park Road
Kew VIC 3101
Phone: 03 9855 2633
Fax: 03 9855 1425
Mobile: 0427 034 544
Email: fiona.cameron@jss.org.au
Web: http://www.jss.org.au/

Fundraising Dinner for Chin Refugees

Dear all,
Please find attached invitation to special dinner.
This is a fund raising for Chin refugees in the west who has no place to have worship. They have come from Myanmar where they could not have worship service freely for the fear of Burmese Soldiers even though there was a place for worship. After they arrived in Australia there is no fear for having worship service but there is no place. They have been moving from one place to another place in finding a big enough place for worship since 2006. However, in the west region there is no Church that can fit them (200+ members). So, they decided to build their own Church in the West even though they do not have enough money. So, it would be greatly appreciated if you could support them by coming to this special dinner.
thanks
Peng Ling
Case Coordinator
AMES Settlement
Werribee/Footscray Office.
Mob:0411 091 737

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Fitzroy Ball

Fitzroy Ball May 16th 2009 from 7:00pmThe FLN Fundraising Committee is pleased to invite you to the Fitzroy Ball, our major fundraiser of the year. This year's theme is Bohemian. There'll be music, live performances and entertainment through the evening with a fantastic African Banquet catered by the Sorghum Sisters. Tickets @ $55 or $33 for Volunteers (inc GST). Buy 7 tickets and get the 8th free. Tables available for group bookings or come sit with the Network at our communal table. It's going to be a fantastic night but it won't happen without you there. Please call 9417 2897 or email admin@fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au to book your seats or if you have any other queries.
Please see here for more details.
We hope to hear from you soon.

Fitzroy Learning Network
198 Napier St
Fitzroy VIC 3065

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Fitzroy Legal Service Distributes Free Law Handbooks



Fitzroy Legal Service Distributes Free Law Handbooks


With the support of the City of Yarra, Fitzroy Legal Service will present 100 Law Handbooks free of charge to local community agencies and residents.

WHAT: Professional Education forums targeted at community workers, advocates, engaged groups and those living in the City of Yarra. Attendee's will receive a free copy of the Law Handbook.

WHEN: Friday 3rd & Monday 6th April 2009 9.30am - 1pm

WHERE: FITZROY TOWN HALL - Reading Room


"Resourcing the Community to Access Justice"

"By developing an understanding of a person's place in the legal environment, community workers, advocates and members are much better placed to work towards the basic priniciples of justice - tolerance, fairness and equity".

These forums will:
Enhance understanding of legal problems and processes.
Enhance understanding of a range of legal and procedural issues and improve practical skills.


Session 1: Friday 3rd April 9.30am - 1pm

Tailored to Drug & Alcohol and Youth Workers
* Therapeutic Justice & the Neighbourhood Justice Centre
* Drugs Issues and the Law
* Dealing with the Criminal justice system/ writing Court reports

Session 2: Monday 6th April 9.30am - 1pm

Tailored to workers who have clients experiencing Family Violence or are involved in the Child Protection system
* Sexual Assault
* Family Violence
* Child Protection

PLEASE CONTACT BEC SMITH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM bsmith@fitzroy-legal.org.au or 9419 3744.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Trouble on Atherton Gardens Estate

Hi everyone,

Firstly - thanks Maggie for inviting me to this blog. My name is Tony Brewin and I am a Youth Resource Officer for Victoria Police, stationed at Fitzroy Police. I have worked in Yarra for 14 years (before it was called Yarra).

An issue has been bubbling away and I think I should bring it to your attention.

Basically there are far too many young children of an African background (mainly Sudanese - although there is 1 Liberian family I'm concerned about also) left unattended on the Atherton Gardens estate each afternoon and into the evenings. At this stage the children are getting up to minor mischief i.e. - scuffles, minor bullying and theft. However, I have no doubt whatsoever that if this continues for the next few years - many of these children will be criminals. I have seen it before.

The level of supervision of children generally is unacceptable on the estate and I think we need a holistic approach to avoid a tragic future for many of these children and their families and the Fitzroy community in general.

Please let me know what you think about this - I'm happy to speak to the forum if you think this may help.

Cheers,

Tony