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


Friday, May 7, 2010

Clever Ideas Forum

18 May - Selling FAST!Date: Tuesday 18 May, 2010Time: 9am-1pmVenue: Seminar Room 1, City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, MelbourneCost: $40 inc. GST per person ($20 inc. GST for VCOSS Members).
Need help with strategic planning, graphic design, marketing, websites, sorting out your tax status, running an event, speakers at an event, mentoring or HR advice?Come along to Clever Ideas 2010 and hear more about what can be achieved, how to get started and tips on how to ensure the best outcomes.

Listen to goodcompany’s tips on how to scope skills gaps in your organisation and how to write an effective job description to appeal to the right volunteersDiscuss your clever idea with skilled volunteer brokers who can assist your organisation to access an appropriate skilled volunteer, including goodcompany, Great Connections, Leadership Victoria, PilchConnect, Skill Share (supported by Oxfam Australia) and Volunteering VictoriaLearn how to access university students from Monash University.
Feedback from participants who attended this session previously: “Helped to get you thinking of ways to do those things that you constantly put aside because of time, finances and expertise” “Great concepts, ideas. Showed pitfalls to look out for.” “Quick, punchy and informative” “Helped greatly with shaping an approach to accessing skilled volunteers” Register now: www.vcoss.org.au/clearinghouse/clearinghouse%20docs/FLY_100401_CleverIdeas.docFor more information please email kate.johnson@vcoss.org.au

Invitation to History of Railway House Publication Launch

Wednesday May 12, 2010

The North Carlton Railway Neighbourhood House (Railway House) is pleased to invite you to the launch of The History of Railway House publication on Wednesday May 12th from 12.30 to 2pm (including a light lunch).

The ‘History of Railway House’ publication uncovers and records the story of Railway Neighbourhood House which, as identified by author and historian Jeff Atkinson, is ‘an important part of the fabric of Melbourne’s history’.

The old railway station building has stood where it is for over 120 years now, serving the local community in various ways. It has witnessed technological change, personal tragedies, political struggles, resident actions, community and family celebrations, and the formation and operation of a vibrant community centre. It does indeed have a proud history.

Join us to celebrate our community with the launch of this important and engaging publication, featuring guest speaker (and author) Jeff Atkinson.

3ZZZ Radio call for programs

05 May 2010
Community Radio 3ZZZ invites Ethnic Communities who wish to make radio programs for broadcast into the greater Melbourne and surrounding areas to apply to the station.
Radio 3ZZZ is the largest ethnic community station in Australia. Located at 92.3 on the FM radio band, 3ZZZ started broadcasting on a regular basis in June 1989. The Studios are located at 1st Floor, 144 George Street, Fitzroy and the station is heard across the Melbourne metropolitan region, as far as Geelong to the west and Macedon to the north. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people listen to 3ZZZ every week.The station can now be heard across all Australia and the rest of the world through internet broadcasting.
For more information phone (03) 9415 1928 during business hours or by email to manager@3zzz.com.au
www.3zzz.org.au

National Celtic Festival

11 June 2010 - 14 June 2010
Newcombe St, Portarlington
Cost: Varies
The National Celtic Festival is held annually over the June long weekend in Portarlington, Victoria. It is Australia's largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic culture. Every year festival-goers enjoy a huge array of national and international acts.

Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

15 May 2010 - 16 May 2010
Federation Square and surrounds
Proudly presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (FGS) and Buddha’s Light International Victoria (BLIA VIC), the Festival runs over two days (15th & 16th May) in the heart of Melbourne, at Federation Square. The Festival commemorates the birth of the Buddha, one of the most significant days of the Buddhist calendar, and highlights and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in our inclusive and culturally diverse community. The Festival incorporates the traditions of Buddhist ceremony including the 'Bathing of the Buddha', daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings; a vegetarian culinary tour of Asia along the River Terrace and cooking demonstrations; cultural dance and performances from around the globe; cultural demonstrations in BMW Edge; music; art and craft, community service groups providing information and assistance; and special activities and programs for children at ArtPlay.

RISE Festival

23 May 2010 (3-6pm)
BMW Edge Building, Federation Square
Refugee Survivors and Ex-detainees festival featuring Westridaz hip hop, Gulius Kogoyo Capoeira dance, the Social Studio fashion show, Pataphysics, the Liberian Choir and lots more. Hosted by comedians Aamer Rahman and Nazeem Hussain of Fear of a Brown Planet.