Information and CulturalInformation Exchangeand | 26th Annual Report Report26th Annual | January to December 2009Decemberto January

26th January to Annual Report December 2009 ice.org.au 26th January to Annual Report December 2009 Contents

Overview of ICE 4 Creative Enterprise Program (CEP) 29 ICEMAP: The Visual Guide to ICE 6 CEP: Create Media 30 Chairperson’s Report 8 CEP: Switch and Switch Academy 32 Executive Director’s Report 9 CEP: Artfiles 34 Cultural Development Program (CDP) 10 CEP: Connect: ICE’s Community IT Project 36 CDP: Youth Digital Cultures 11 Making Links 36 Project 5 15 CEP: Consultancy Services: Parenting Stories 37 SBS TV Campaign 15 “Raising Kids Together” Wins Award 38 CDP: The Urban Music Project 16 CEP: Consultancy Services: Refugee Legal Information DVD 39 CDP: Hip Hop Projections IV 17 CEP: Consultancy Services: Mt Druitt DV Campaign 39 CDP: Project Collaborations 18 Research and Policy Program 40 CDP: Arab Film Festival Australia 19 Lena Nahlous Named Creative Catalyst 41 CDP: Digitales 21 Cybermohalla 41 CDP: Western Sydney Screen Culture 23 People, Partners and Supporters 42 CDP: Tropwest 24 Financial Statements 46 CDP: DigiDiaries 25 Digital Refuge 26 CDP: East London West Sydney 27 KP11 Exhibition 28 Overview of ICE

In 2009…

With over 100 nationalities calling it home, Parramatta Council), and Artfiles, its Greater Western Sydney is one of the most artist support program and directory. culturally diverse communities in the world. ICE also has also had huge success in This complex region is currently exploding delivering digital media, community with stories, global influences, fresh development and arts programs that interpretations and new collaborations. It’s engage thousands of individuals, artists here that Australia’s changing multicultural and communities annually. It’s known and identity is being imagined and realised, and respected for projects with newly arrived ICE is at the centre of this process. migrants and refugees, and young people Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) at risk. works at the intersection of arts, culture, Now entering its third decade, ICE has technology and community. ICE projects expanded rapidly. It is a key producer for the engage diverse communities, build capacity Australia Council and a driving force behind in digital media and arts practice, and tell the successful Arab Film Festival Australia. the stories of this extraordinary place. It’s also a dynamic and committed team of From its new expanded premises in the people who stretch themselves and their heart of Parramatta, ICE manages its resources to the limit, delivering new, flagship programs — Switch, its digital arts exciting programs to meet the creative access centre (in partnership with needs of Sydney’s charismatic west.

4 5 ICEMAP: the Visual Guide to ICE

1 Innovation 2 Incubation 3 Capacity 4 Communication 5 Alliances 6 Continuity Generate fresh forms of Seed new arts, Build capacity of socially- Amplify Western Sydney’s Build strategic alliances Develop sustainable cross-cultural expression community and digital excluded communities to diverse and creative and partnerships to operations so programs GOALS and models of community media enterprises, share their stories, voices through the strengthen operations build momentum and digital engagement. projects and practices deepen participation and exhibition and promotion and boost creativity. provide genuine pathways to sustainability. effect change. of bold new work. for ongoing participation within and beyond ICE.

Cultural Development Program 134 5 Creative Enterprise Program 123 6

With a program that includes hip-hop theatre productions, digital storytelling and a This program seeds new enterprises, develops employment and professional national film festival, the Cultural Development Program encourages collaborations development opportunities for artists and communities and supports creative and between diverse communities and the arts sectors, to develop new models for CCD entrepreneurial leadership. It manages projects such as Artfiles, Switch Digital Arts practice and produce exciting new digital works. This program also supports artists Access Centre and is overseeing the establishment of ICE’s Creative Enterprise Hub. and creative workers via a range of professional development initiatives. KEY KEY PROGRAMS 1 Supports and progresses cultural development in Western Sydney, developing new 1 Seeds creative social enterprises, and develops employment, training and professional models of practice development opportunities for creative producers and artists in communities

2 Produces high-quality community-led media projects with a focus on urban culture 2 Builds digital capacity of ICE and other organisations

3 Develops strategic interventions that connect communities and cultural institutions 3 Strengthens capacity for ICE to become sustainable, providing revenue-generating services, including producing media products and campaigns, running digital arts and 4 Provides access to digital media and technology to communities who typically lack media training and hire of Switch centre and equipment. access 4 Identifies and develops new markets, business and sponsorship opportunities to 5 Skills and builds capacity through professional development, mentorship and support ICE’s growth and sustainability partnerships 5 Enables professional development, profile, pathways and opportunities for Western Sydney artists

Research | WORKS ACROSS PROGRAMS Operations | WORKS ACROSS PROGRAMS Synergy Positions ICE as a key generator and repository of new knowledge and innovations for the ICE is underpinned by its operations team, which ICE programs work together to cultural sector. Generates dialogue and research within ICE and across the sector around supports all programs, strengthens organisational mutually reinforce and support intersections of culture, arts, technology and community in Western Sydney and spearheads infrastructure, develops efficient systems, and outcomes, fill gaps, break new innovative research and development. ensures our sustainability and economic viability. ground and make connections.

6 © Information and Cultural Exchange, 2010 7 Chairperson’s Report Executive Director’s Report As Chair of the Board of ICE I am very pleased to take the chance, in this report, to celebrate and reflect on ICE’s extraordinary achievements, not only during the past year, As a grassroots and independent arts brilliant work. Highlights of the year included but also across two and half decades of organisation, ICE has an important role to staging hip-hop theatre work-in-progress creative and cultural development work in play in the complex ecosystem of social East London West Sydney with the British Western Sydney. creativity. Our work fosters vibrant, diverse Council (p27); Vietnamese Stories, which In recent times, while maintaining our and cosmopolitan voices in our society. brought generations together through digital fundamental commitment to all our In 2009 we expanded our vision of being storytelling and our powerful new screen collaborators in Western Sydney, ICE has a digital arts hub for Western Sydney to one work in Penrith’s Koori Youth Yarn-Up (p14). spread its influence to the national and internationally in the next few years. that not only produces outstanding work but Meanwhile the Arab Film Festival Australia international level. For example, over the past This year ICE has moved to larger can also physically host media makers, (p19) took its celebration of Arab stories to a 12 months, we have developed exciting premises. The new building is, admittedly, screen producers, sound and music artists national audience for the first time. projects with creative communities directly something of a “renovator’s delight”, but the and communities. We moved into larger Our dedicated and hardworking Board connected to the Middle East, London, Hong terms of tenancy are extraordinarily premises in the heart of Parramatta and have provided the backbone and support to Kong and Vietnam. Also, our continuing generous, and we are indeed delighted to received a substantial capital works grant ICE to enable this growth. Thank you to all involvement with the Arab Film Festival report that we have secured a significant of $1.5 million from the Federal Government’s the Board, and particularly our committed Australia has seen us consolidating Federal Government infrastructure grant to Department of Education, Employment and dynamic Chairperson Ross Gibson. partnerships around Australia, with the assist us with the costs of making the new and Training. Growing up in Western Sydney I was Australian Centre for the Moving Image and building exactly fit for all our purposes. With We also secured three significant State constantly told that you can’t make a “real” the National Film and Sound Archive these improvements to be implemented in the Government grants towards this work and living from your art. So it’s now a great becoming partners in the nationwide tour of first half of 2010, we look forward to entered a partnership with the Parramatta privilege to lead an organisation that is the festival. delivering exciting new programs and Catholic Diocese who have subsidised supporting artists to realise their creative In recent years we have developed intensified engagement with all our partners our tenancy. dreams. important new agreements with our major and communities over the coming years. In 2010 our new premises will house a funding partners, enabling us to plan more Working with ICE, my gratitude and custom-built recording studio, green-screen strategically. Our business planning has admiration grow constantly, as I observe the room for filming, and media training rooms. guided us into a long-term role as a Key dedication that all our staff, contractors, And we are also planning a Creative Lena Nahlous Producer with the Australia Council and volunteers, board members and collaborators Enterprises Hub to host a range of digital- Executive Director secured us another triennium of funding from pour into the organisation. Even in these media-based business and entities. Arts NSW, two of our valued partners. We are times of change and larger social pressures, We are deeply grateful to our partners thrilled to combine this with three-year the ICE workers continue to amaze and and sponsors (p42) for their support, partnerships with the British Council, Screen delight with their generosity, ingenuity and particularly our core partners Arts NSW, NSW, Australian Human Rights Commission tenacity. The same goes (and then some!) for Australia Council and Screen NSW. Thank you and ongoing support from key supporters our visionary Executive Director, Lena also to our dedicated state and federal Parramatta City Council and Community Nahlous. members — Julie Owens MP, the Hon. David Services — Department of Human Services. On behalf of the Board I thank and salute Borger, Tania Gadiel MP and the Hon. Laurie This financial consolidation has given us everyone involved in our treasured Ferguson — your advocacy has been crucial the opportunity to reorganise ICE, and we are Information and Cultural Exchange. in securing support for our new centre. well advanced in a restructuring process I am inspired by the talent, commitment which has increased the organisation’s and passion of the ICE team. It’s been an resilience and given us enhanced capacity to intense year, including introducing a new address the challenges, opportunities and Professor Ross Gibson organisational structure and the relocation. workloads looming locally, nationally and ICE Chairperson Thank you for your perseverance and

8 9 CDP Youth Digital Cultures Cultural As the arts explosion rocks Western Sydney, practitioners are turning to new media forms to express their ideas. Digital stories, film production and storycubes are among the creative tools passed on to others by the emerging cultural leaders of Youth Digital Development Cultures. YDC equips young leaders with the skills and resources to bring an arts project from an initial idea into a reality. Through training, mentoring, advice and resources, YDC empowers cultural creators under 25 and shows them how to pass these skills on Program (CDP) to others. The three-year project involves participants from diverse backgrounds who have developed creative projects within their own networks, such as the Vietnamese and Koori communities of Western Sydney. These arts projects have touched thousands of people, opened new creative frontiers and accelerated social change.

In 2009…

The YDC program was packed with performances and presentations, showcasing the achievements of Youth Digital Cultures to thousands of people. A highlight was the With a program that includes hip-hop theatre productions, Cabramatta Moon Festival in August, when a selection of Vietnamese Stories were digital storytelling workshops and a national film festival, projected on huge outdoor screens to a the Cultural Development Program encourages crowd of 70,000. collaborations between diverse communities and the arts Koori Young Yarn Up sectors, to develop new models for CCD practice and Six Koori filmmakers as young as eight- produce exciting new digital works. years-old refined their skills in scriptwriting, The CDP is responsible for the planning and direction of sound recording, filmmaking, editing and ICE’s cultural development activities, including innovative photography in this four-day workshop held at Penrith City Library in August. Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre on 28 projects, professional development programs, mentorships The films’ themes varied from family November, attracting huge interest in the and collaborations, as well as the production and grievances, social change, alcohol and drug local Koori community. presentation of works. issues to hobbies and passions. Participants The initiative developed from an engaged in powerful discussion and Aboriginal Youth Camp held by the The CDP supports and resources grass-roots initiatives, expressed their thoughts through traditional Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in January for provides advice and information, and generates dialogue art forms such as painting and drawing 20 young Indigenous people from Penrith. into the synergies between culture, arts, technology and which were then incorporated into their YDC’s Maria Tran, Urban Music Project’s Trey community in Western Sydney. The program produces films. Thomas and other ICE trainers headed to The sessions were led by Aboriginal Kincumber to train participants in music, high-quality, community-led cultural projects, connects artist and educator Zona Wilkinson and song writing and video production. They communities and cultural institutions and develops filmmaker Maria Tran and the films explored spent a day making films and music and strategic cultural interventions. themes as varied as identity, passion and increasing their technical knowledge before football. The films were launched at a screening at the end of the day.

10 11 CDP CDP

Young filmmakers join industry professionals at Pop Series launch. Vietnamese Stories and Vietnamese Storycubes Powerful and intensely personal memories were explored at the Vietnamese “Vietnamese Storyexchange is the first Storyexchange on 26 September. Difficult of its kind in Australia breaking the barrier journeys to Australia, identity, family, joy and between two generations that don’t often despair, struggle and triumph, as well as share stories, thoughts, ideas and visions.” aspirations for the future of the community Joseph Hieu Dinh, 2009 Australian-Vietnamese of the Year were among the themes of this exhibition launched by Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich at Cabravale Leisure Centre. The event was the culmination of two Pop Series fascinating projects, providing a counterpoint Racism, substance abuse and public safety to each other. The first was an intensive mini- were among the challenging subjects filmmaking workshop for young people explored by participants in the Pop Series facilitated by Maria Tran and Dennis Nguyen program. Over 12-weeks in late 2008, over five days in June. Participants learned 19 young Fairfield screen makers produced skills in scriptwriting, cinematography, image six two-minute films. manipulation, editing, and preparing films for On 8 May 2009 more than 120 people online delivery. packed into the Fairfield School of Arts to The second project was with Vietnamese watch the filmmakers battle it out for the elders, inspired by the ‘storycubes’ idea of Best Film and People’s Choice awards. UK-based Proboscis. Through the workshops, Filmmakers pitched to the judges who held over four Sundays in June, the elders included John Winter (producer of Rabbit gathered photos and images of importance Proof Fence), Jeff Purser (producer of to them, which were blown up and printed on Cedar Boys) and Genevieve Clay (2009 each cube face. Audience members and Tropfest winner). artists could engage with the photos, pick Real or Imagined by 19-year-old Moses them up, stack them, and use them as a Kuteesa took out the awards for Best Film prompt for storytelling. and People’s Choice. Moses, a recent refugee For the 30 participants, the projects from Uganda, delivered a heartfelt pitch for travelled into difficult territory, exploring his first short film which tells a very personal emotive issues long buried in the post-war story about indifference and alienation. years that impact on the Vietnamese diaspora globally. It opened up Professional Development communication between the generations In April, digital artists and musicians and attracted international interest which attended an Online Marketing session hosted led to a YDC presentation in California by the innovative internet marketing (see p14). company Geekdom.

YDC received core support from the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA). YDC was also supported by Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Artstart NSW, Sydney Community Foundation, Fairfield City Council, Vietlish, Department of Immigration and Citizenship through the Diverse Australia program, ArtStart NSW, Penrith City Council. Koori Youth Yarn Up was managed by ICE in partnership with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry. StoryCubes and the StoryCube storytelling techniques were devised by UK creative studio, Proboscis (http://proboscis.org.uk | http://storycubes.net).

12 13 CDP

In September, nine participants met with both Fox8 executive producer Lara Hopkins Project 5 and Australian actor Daniel Amalm when The energy of art in the making, and the they were invited onto the set of the reality distinctive creative talents of four leading urban TV show about boxing, The Contender, at and street artists were combined at Project 5, Sydney Olympic Park. held live at Cockle Bay Wharf on 17-19 December. Diaspora at Fairfield School of Arts. Artists Ben Frost, Shannon Crees, Beastman Presentations Around 70,000 people had the and Phibs spent three evenings painting four The work of the YDC project attracted opportunity to see films produced through works in front of thousands of summer revellers significant interest and Project Coordinator the Vietnamese stories project on huge on the Cockle Bay waterfront, inspired by the Maria Tran presented at the University of outdoor screens at the Cabramatta Moon sounds of DJs 206Collab. Wollongong in June, Brisbane’s Multicultural Festival on 27 August. The project was a partnership with aMBUSH Summit in October and at Wentworth Falls Gallery and Wiltshire and Dimas Management. TAFE in December. Forums In 2010, the works will be sold at a charity YDC participants presented at a range of auction, with proceeds going to support ICE’s Screenings forums in 2009 that directly engaged around programs for young and emerging urban artists Rumble Picture’s Maximum Choppage: Round 200 young people, including Australian in Western Sydney. 2 was screened in Brisbane on 30 January, Youth Forum in February, Youth Speak Out in while Rumble Pictures’ other series of shorts, March and the School Youth Leadership Downtown Rumble went online on the ABC Summit in May. website (www.abc.net.au/triplej/tv/comedy/ downtownrumble.htm). Wrap Party Screenings were also held at ShortCuts Fifteen young people from various projects SBS TV Campaign (see p23), the Mori Gallery launch of the Lilla attended the evaluations and wrap up on 12 ICE appeared in lounge rooms across International Women’s Network, and on 31 December to contribute their feedback on Australia with the launch of advertisements October Maria Tran and Joseph Jieu Dinh what worked on the program. on SBS One TV in mid-June. Thanks to the hosted Filmmaking in the Vietnamese sponsorship of the new SBS Foundation, ICE reached a national audience by broadcasting short advertisements about the Arab Film Festival and ICE’s purpose and programs. Text, Ritual and Performance Conference The advertisements feature mini films Following the success of ICE’s Vietnamese Story projects (p13), made by three ICE participants — Nancy Maria Tran was invited to represent ICE at an international Kamara on being more than a young African conference in California on 2-4 October to elaborate on the refugee, Asamaa Farzam’s award-winning strengths of the process. digital story about seeking asylum by sea, The Southeast Asia: Text, Ritual and Performance (Seatrip) and Ali Kadhim’s story about training his International Conference explored themes of digital media and crew of le parkour traceurs. The Arab Film its relevance to Southeast Asian communities and their Festival advertisements drew national diaspora. Conference attendees from around the world discussed audiences to the Festival. the ‘arts and media in everyday life’ and their contribution to The advertisements will run until mid- the complex issues that diasporic communities face. 2010 — check them out here: ice.org.au/ Maria collaborated with Dr Ashley Carruthers from the newswire/2010/01/catch-ice-on-sbs. Australian National University to present on “Vietlish: New Media in the Vietnamese Diaspora”, inspiring participants to look at ways of implementing similar projects in the US.

14 15 CDP CDP The Urban Music Project

Urban Music Project workshops create a space for people to talk about the tough issues — such as cultural identity and racial tension — and learn ways to respond to these pressures through music. The project engages young people from disadvantaged, marginalised, at-risk and diverse backgrounds through hip-hop music workshops, forums, events and performances. They learn to produce creative digital works (hip-hop tracks, digital stories, documentary video) as they gain skills in performance, self-expression, writing and digital production. At the same time, they demonstrate to the wider community the power of urban music.

In 2009…

Duets CD Launch The launch of one of Sydney’s edgiest and most ambitious hip-hop albums was greeted with enthusiastic media attention and national airplay on Triple J. Duets Volume 1 is the 6th release on ICE’s Suburban Grooves record label featuring seven young emerging artists from Western Sydney teamed with established hip- ‘Duets’ is being distributed on iTunes and through Fish Records hop acts who mentored them over three months. Around 100 people attended the launch on 27 November at one of Sydney’s (see p11), the Pacific Artists Forum at Penrith leading hip-hop venues, Melt, Kings Cross. Art Gallery and the Pacific Forum at Granville Hip Hop Projections IV The album was released through iTunes on High. 28 November and in stores on 5 December. Participants were also in demand, The prestigious Sydney Writers’ Festival brings a thought-provoking program of performing at Harmony Day in Blacktown, Fiji heavyweight international writers and guests to Sydney annually. Anti-Racism Workshops Independence Day and during Refugee Week As part of the festival, the Urban Music Project presents a unique night of hip-hop, Eight young participants explored their at Fairfield High and Holroyd Parramatta spoken word, dance and live visuals by some of Australia’s best artists from backgrounds reactions to recent racial violence in their Migrant Resource Centre. They also attended spanning the Pacific to the Middle East. area through hip-hop workshops with True mentor sessions with the Geekdom internet Vibenation in February and April. ICE marketing company and acclaimed UK-based developed the workshops in partnership with musician and producer Spider Johnson. Granville Multicultural Community Centre for UMP also partnered with other ICE In 2009… young people from Sudanese, Fijian, Filipino programs on the challenging Stories of and Lebanese backgrounds, who produced Change, Pacific Specific and Refugee Allstars In ICE’s eighth year of its involvement with Julie Owens, Federal Member for Parramatta. eight songs during the course. projects (p18). the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Urban Music MC Trey and BrothaBlack hosted the Project graduates joined Refugee Allstars event, which featured The Last Kinection, Other activities participants and well-known Sydney hip-hop Sistanative, Omar Musa, VJ Spook, Johnny UMP coordinator MC Trey presented at many Supported by Department of Immigration and artists to perform for a crowd of over 200 M, Truevibe Nation, Farid Farid, the 9 Lives Citizenship, Artstart NSW, Granville Multicultural forums and workshops throughout the year, Community Centre, Blacktown Youth Services people. The free event was held on 24 May at parkour crew, B-Boy crew Juse and live including at Koori Youth Yarn Up in January Association, Arts NSW, Australia Council. Riverside Theatres and launched by The Hon. aerosol art by Spice.

16 17 CDP CDP Project Collaborations Arab Film Festival Australia

In 2009, three projects drew on the multidisciplinary skills of ICE staff in urban music production, film-making and new media technologies.

Yallah! What’s Your Story? Diverse stories of identity, belonging and hobbies were produced during this project for young people from Arabic-speaking backgrounds. It ran for four weeks, beginning on 29 September. In October, SBS Alchemy ran a story on the project (listen to it here: ice.org.au/podcast/sbs-alchemy-story-about-ices-urban- music-project). In November, two participants performed at the newly opened Auburn Arts Market to over 100 people. “Etihad recognises the festival’s valuable contribution in fostering cross-cultural awareness and understanding, both Pacific Specific within Australia and beyond.” Songs dealing with love, struggle and violence gave a sharp Lindsay White, Etihad Airways’ General Manager Australia insight into realities for the participants in Pacific Specific. and New Zealand, Principal Sponsor of the Festival Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Rotuman and Cook Islander youth participated in this music and film-production project in October at Auburn Community Development Network. Thrilling thousands of film-buffs each year, the Arab Film Festival Australia (arabfilmfestival.com.au) has expanded from a Sydney event in 2001 to an acclaimed Launch national film festival. In a night of live performances, digital stories and music clips, The festival addresses mainstream (mis)representations of Arab culture by showing Pacific Specific and Yallah! What’s Your Story? were launched alternative versions of Arab cultures, subjects and narratives to broad Australian together on 10 December at Auburn Community Development audiences. It encourages critical discussion through presentations by visiting filmmakers, Network to over 100 people. community forums and screenings of local films.

Refugee Allstars This hugely successful project equipped young people from In 2009… refugee backgrounds music and digital storytelling skills in pril at Holroyd Youth Services. Hailing from Sri Lankan Tamil, Sydney Festival screened in Australia Captain Abu Raed, the Sudanese, Kenyan, Greek and Sierra Leonean backgrounds, In 2009, the Sydney leg of the festival on 2-5 story of a lonely and generous man who participants dealt with home, migration, racism, crime and their July at Riverside Theatres Parramatta was a works as a janitor at Amman airport. challenges and successes in Australia. huge success, attracting 2300 people. Refugee Allstars was launched by Parliamentary Secretary The program included big-picture International Guests for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services Laurie conflicts, moving stories from the heart of Directors Samir Habchi (Lebanon) and Ferguson MP at Holroyd City Council’s ArtSpark Carnivale on people under occupation, of children lost, of Nicholas Rowe (New Zealand) presented at 16 May. The event was attended by Julie Owens, Member for lovers smitten, of lives made and destroyed. the Festival. Parramatta. Highlights included Beirut Open City, a sexy thriller set during the height of the Forums Syrian presence in Lebanon, Huriyya and Her The forums provided an opportunity for Support for these projects came from Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Foundation for Young Sisters, an animation produced by 30 young public discussion around the social, political Australians, Sydney Community Foundation, ArtStart NSW Youth Arts, Arts NSW, Australia Council and Screen NSW, Auburn Community Development Network, Auburn Youth Centre, Inner West Skills Centre, Fiji Muslim women in workshops supported by and cultural issues explored in the films. Youth Initiative, Holroyd Youth Services, Holroyd City Council. ICE, and the first Jordanian feature film to be Over 400 people attended the first

18 19 CDP CDP DigiTales

Part film, part memoir, DigiTales are personal snapshots with amazing impact. Seamlessly combining traditional storytelling methods with still and moving images, audio, music, text and digital media, these ‘mini-films’ are often based on photographs, personal items and mementoes, and narrated by an intimate monologue. The DigiTales technique offers filmmakers the chance to zero in on issues important to them, while gaining important skills in digital arts production. It is a quick way to powerful filmic storytelling. The films produced can be distributed on websites such as YouTube and are hugely appealing to young people and anyone else plugged into social media. (L-R) Lebanese director Samir Habchi; still from animation Hurriya and Her Sisters; Dreaming of 1001 Rights forum forum on 3 July, featuring filmmaker Samir Film and Sound Archive in Canberra, Dendy Habchi. Several hundred children and their Portside in Brisbane and Adelaide’s Mercury families were part of the dialogue on 4 July, Cinema. In 2009… which followed the screening of several The touring program featured the best children’s films. films of the Parramatta festival, as voted by Chick Flicks launched by Hawkesbury Mayor Bart Bassett the audience — Captain Abu Raed + Personal Young women from the Hawkesbury region at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Audience Calendar, Beirut Open City + A Boy, A Wall, A gained introductory skills in script-writing, Windsor. The 14 mini-films were about young The festival’s audience is growing massively Donkey, and Eye of the Sun + Huriyya and sound recording, filmmaking, editing and women, by young women, telling stories of in numbers, as well as drawing in people Her Sisters. photography through the Chick Flicks what they treasure, love and hope for in from outside of the region — 63% of Hikayat is the epic oral tradition of project. At the end of the workshops, all today’s world. audiences identified as Arab-Australians from storytelling in the Arab world. In the ‘Hikayat participants produced their own digital story. Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Jordan, in Queensland: Telling Stories, Memories and The five-day workshops were held in the The Story Exchange Palestine, Iraq and Egypt; 84% of them Belongings’ session audiences a panel of October school holidays for young women Young people from Londonderry, Oxley Park stated that will definitely come again. academics, artists and community activists between the ages of 12 and 25 at and Cranebrook explored themes of shared and reminisced about tracing the Hawkesbury Skills centre. neighbourhood strength, pride in place, local Multicultural Marketing Award hidden journeys of Australia’s own hikayat. On 14 November Chick Flicks was identity and passion for the environment in The festival was nominated for the NSW Government’s Community Relations Commission National Multicultural Marketing Award.

National Tour The first national tour of the Arab Film Festival Australia took the show on the road to give Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney city, Canberra and Melbourne a taste of the best of the fest. The tour was launched at Dendy Opera Quays in Sydney on 1 November, then headed to ACMI in Melbourne, the National

The Festival and National Tour were supported by Etihad Airways, Australia Council, Australian Human Rights Commission, Parramatta Council, Arts NSW, Screen NSW, NSW Community Relations Commission, Sawtelghad, MySat, Filmotion Productions, SBS Foundation, Aurora Community Television, Dendy Cinemas, ACMI, National Film and Sound Archive, Mercury Cinema, World Media International, Media Loft Web Design, Arabic Nights.com.au, Port Bar and Restaurant and the Egyptian Consulate.

20 21 CDP CDP Western Sydney Screen Culture

Sydney’s west is emerging as a powerhouse of screen arts with local filmmakers winning recognition in festivals, awards and screenings nationally. Filmmakers are thirsty for the training, facilities and networks necessary to undertake ever more ambitious productions and Western Sydney Screen Culture presents these opportunities through training, resources and events that highlight the wealth of Western Sydney talent to the world.

(L-R) ICE Digitales Coordinator Maylei Hunt, CEO of Screen NSW Tania Chambers and filmmaker Fatima Mawas

the Story Exchange 2009. “I think digital filmmaking is In 2009… This creative engagement project aimed a brilliant way to collect at consulting children and young people memories and journal special Parramatta Screening about the strengths and needs of their parts of your life. I also love Parramatta Screening is a three-year neighbourhoods. In stage one of the project, photos so was thrilled to initiative that develops Parramatta’s film 60 students from Londonderry Public School learn about photo editing production capacity. In its second year, over Use of Prop Award for their film Something and Oxley Park Public School participated in and I am now thinking about 40 people used the industry-standard about Grace. three creative workshops in April and May. studying in that area.” facilities at Switch (p32) and accessed Workshops included digital photography and Emily Kemp, 16, Chick Flicks participant training in digital storytelling, Photoshop, WOW Film Festival photo composition, use of Photoshop and Final Cut Pro and audio production. Asmaa Farzam, a participant in ICE’s animation, creative writing and story Hundreds more attended the seminars and Changing Lives project, won the DigiVodules development. industry days such as TropWest (p24). category at the World of Women film festival In stage two, four young people from Scout, a booklet developed through the (www.wift.org/wow) on 16 October. Asmaa’s Cranebrook and St Marys created digitales struggle and hope as experienced by people project, details facilities for local screen film Moment of Life, about her experiences about neighbourhood strength, pride in of Cambodian and African backgrounds. ICE producers. It was researched and written in as an asylum seeker, can be seen at place, local identity and passion for the worked with the University of Western 2009 and will be launched in early 2010. www.changinglives.com.au/2008/03/ environment. Sydney and Fairfield City Council to train ICE hosted forums with celebrated semsem-moment-of-life.html. The Story Exchange was launched on 30 filmmakers from Fairfield in Digitales filmmakers in partnership with Creative ICE produced four of the finalists and July at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts techniques. Sydney (creativesydney.com.au) on 2 June screened 12 two-minute digital stories when Centre in Penrith. The launch was well The Fairfield Stories showcase was and with Templar Entertainment on 14 May, the festival toured to Casula Powerhouse on attended by over 100 families and friends. launched on 20 June at the Cabravale which featured Fat Pizza and Cedar Boys 19 September. The Story Exchange films are online at Leisure Centre in Cabramatta. Over 130 Producer Jeff Purser. ice.org.au/projects/thestoryexchange. people watched over 20 vivid, moving and ShortCuts thought-provoking digital stories from the 48-Hour Film Project Western Sydney’s only short film fest for Fairfield Stories Launch initiative. Twenty stories are online at ICE partnered with the 48-Hour Film Project young people, ShortCuts attracted 120 Fairfield Stories tells tales of journeys, love, ice.org.au/projects/fairfieldstories. (www.48hourfilm.com) to encourage Western people on 4 April to see the shortlisted films, Sydney filmmakers to enter. The team from including a number by YDC participants the Create Media project (p30) won the Best (see p14). Chick Flicks was part of the Women’s Cottage Young Women’s Mentoring Program and supported by Artstart, Hawkesbury Skills and the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. The Story Exchange is a partnership between the Penrith City Council Neighbourhood Renewal Team, Western Sydney Screen Culture received core funding from Screen NSW. Parramatta Screening received core Londonderry Public School, Oxley Park Public School and ICE. funding from Parramatta City Council.ShortCuts is an initiative of Powerhouse Youth Theatre (PYT), Fairfield Stories was run in conjunction with the University of Western Sydney and Fairfield City Council. presented in partnership with Rumble Pictures and ICE. The World of Women (WOW) Film Festival is DigiTales also received core support from Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts and Screen NSW. presented by Women in Film and Television NSW. Creative Sydney was presented with Powerhouse Youth DigiTales used the facilities of Switch digital arts centre, a partnership between ICE and Parramatta Council. Theatre, Shortcuts Film Festival and Sydney Film Festival.

22 23 CDP CDP Western Sydney Screen Culture: TropWest

TropWest is a free annual event designed to inspire Western Sydney filmmakers to enter the world’s largest short film festival — Movie Extra Tropfest (www.tropfest.com). The TropWest scholarship provides financial and mentorship support for a Western Sydney film being entered in Tropfest. TropWest participants hear firsthand about the entry process and selection criteria, and have the opportunity to speed meet with industry leaders to discuss their film ideas.

In 2009…

Now in its third year, TropWest attracted around 100 people to Riverside Theatres on 17 October. This year George Basha (The “With each TropWest event Combination), Kris Wyld (East West 101) and it becomes clearer that the Ranko Markovic (Cedar Boys) were among 15 quality of entries into Movie Extra advisers who donated their time to inspire Tropfest by filmmakers from and inform the next generation of Western Sydney is getting filmmakers. Markovic’s production company, higher and higher.” Templar Films, stepped up to mentor this Tropfest Managing Director, Michael Laverty DigiDiaries year’s TropWest Scholarship winner. production budget, and a mentorship with Digital storytelling (see p21) is a powerful way to express very personal stories, combining an experienced filmmaker. new footage with existing story-triggers such as old photographs, images and personal Runner up Aisha Kamara is a Create objects dense with meaning. Media (p30) participant from Bankstown. DigiDiaries is a two-year project engaging young people from Muslim communities The TropWest Scholarship Award was throughout Western Sydney. It empowers participants with skills like script writing, announced by Parramatta Mayor Paul filmmaking, editing, photography and online film preparation. Young people learn to make Garrard. and tell their own stories and share them with broader Australian communities through public screenings, forums and the internet. Scholarship Success The project also has a train-the-trainer focus, with participants learning the skills to The TropWest scholarship was offered for pass their new knowledge on, equipping the wider community with digital storytelling the first time in 2008. Last year’s winner techniques by running their own workshops. Tresa Ponnor from Liverpool is currently studying directing at AFTRS. Her short My TropWest Winner Nan the Next Cate Blanchett has been Nineteen-year-old Roxie Vuong from Fairfield screened at five film festivals, including the In 2009… won the TropWest scholarship with her clever Dungog Film Festival. take on her experiences as a young Asian DigiDiaries ran a very successful program at online at ice.org.au/newswire/2010/02/ woman growing up in the west, netting her TropWest supporters, partners and funding bodies Switch, resulting in the production of diverse train-the-trainer-project-round-up. over $6,000 worth of prizes including a include: ICE, Movie Extra Tropfest, Screen NSW, and beautiful films — some funny, some Australia Council for the Arts, Riverside Theatres, camera phone valued at $1200. Roxie will Switch, Parramatta Council (through the moving, and some opening up memories that Participants receive access to facilities at Switch, a small Parramatta Screening initiative) and Arts NSW. have been closed for decades. They are The 12 participants had an average age of 22

24 25 CDP CDP

and came from Lebanese, Iranian, Afghan, Sudanese, Austrian, Samoan, Indian and Greek backgrounds. They live in Parramatta, Auburn, Bankstown, Fairfield, Canterbury and Arncliffe.

Train-the-Trainer Program The workshop was held over four days in September. Participants explored complex “There were a lot of new experiences, such as being a civilian during techniques being introduced, the 1980 Iran-Iraq War, the soul-splitting including storytelling experience of migrating to another country, techniques, various games ageing and the global resonances of stamp played, as well as the collecting. technical side of producing a digital diary, like working with Launch Photoshop and iMovie.” East London West Sydney The films were launched on 29 October at Participant Sanaz Fotouhi ICE and the works uploaded to the ICE For decades, hip-hop artists from the east end of London and Western Sydney have website. The films were screened on the responded to stigma and struggle through performance — transforming the experience night and a DVD of works was produced. The screened at Parramatta Park to a large of survival at the margins into a powerful creative expression. graduates also received a certificate for their audience and have been entered into Leading hip-hop artists from London joined their counterparts in Sydney for this efforts in completing the program and to international short film festivals overseas. project, which has drawn national media attention and pushed the boundaries of the signpost the skills they have gained over the hip-hop genre. period of the workshop. Training Others Seven years in gestation, East London West Sydney uses performance as a Graduates, Sanaz Fotouhi, Eddie Abd and framework to engage other art forms, including spoken word, drama, music, movement Screenings Yamane Fayed have conducted two digital and film. It brings together artists interested in the ways place, identity and urban Little about Me by Eddie Abd and To storytelling workshops with young people culture shift and change in compelling, and sometimes devastating, ways. Everything and Back by Marian Abboud were from the Afghan community.

DigiDiaries was supported by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts and Screen NSW. DigiDiaries used the facilities of Switch digital arts centre, a partnership between In 2009… ICE and Parramatta Council.

Origins director. Seven established hip-hop stars The idea for the project took root in 2002, joined him on the project’s creative Digital Refuge when ICE supported an exchange for Sydney development phase — BrothaBlack (Aus), MC Vibrant stories dealing with strong subjects like identity, racism, hip-hop artists MC Trey, Wire MC and Maya Trey (Aus), SistaNative (Aus), Omar Musa family history, substance abuse, crime and love were produced by Jupiter and ICE’s Lena Nahlous to make links (Aus), Farid Farid (Aus), Maxwell Golden (UK) young people from refugee and Indigenous backgrounds through with UK-based artists. ICE steadily built on and Sarah Sayeed (UK). They were joined by Digital Refuge. these links, developing a strong partnership renowned producer Spider Johnson (UK), Participants gained multimedia skills and learned how to tell with the British Council Australia, and then award-winning video artist Fadia Abboud these stories in the digital arena through a series of digital with UK artists such as Benji Reid, and DJs (Aus) and dramaturge Lina Kastoumis (Aus). storytelling projects made possible by the Sydney Community Sarah Love, Pogo and Mystro. Foundation. The Project Read more about the Digital Refuge projects — Refugee The Team The artistic team began collaborating online Allstars (p18), Vietnamese Stories (p13), Pacific Specific (p18), Jonzi D (UK), one of the most recognised in early July, and the London team travelled Yallah! What’s Your Story (p18) and Koori Stories (p11). figures in hip-hop theatre, took the helm as to Sydney between July and August for three

26 27 CDP

Top: (L-R) Music producer Spider Johnson and performer Omar Musa; Bottom: MC Trey and Maxwell Golden perform in work-in-progress East London West Sydney Creative Enterprise intensive weeks writing, producing and rehearsing with the Sydney-based artists in Parramatta. Program Sneak Preview The development phase culminated in a sneak preview performance in NIDA’s Parade Playhouse on 18 August. A near-full house of 150 audience members gathered for a fantastic show, blending spoken word, beautiful imagery, drama, music and movement in a celebration of urban culture. The performance received wide media attention, including a cover on mX and a five- minute feature piece on ABC News. Work on stage two, the performance phase, has begun, scheduled to premiere in late 2010 or early 2011.

This project is a partnership between ICE and the British Council. ICE receives core support from Arts NSW and Australia Council for the Arts. The Switch As the leading art and technology organisation in Sydney’s digital arts centre, a partnership between ICE and Parramatta Council. West, ICE is plugged directly into the community, working with a network of skilled artists that represent the diversity of this multicultural region. The Creative Enterprise Program (CEP) seeds new KP11 Exhibition enterprises, develops employment and professional Ali Kadhim’s parkour project represented ICE on a tour of the nation as part of KP11, an exhibition showcasing the 11 Australian development opportunities for artists and communities arts and culture organisations that receive Community and supports creative and entrepreneurial leadership. Partnerships’ Key Producer funding from the Australia Council. It manages projects such as Artfiles, the Switch Digital Arts Parkour is the French art of urban body movement, and practitioners demonstrate how obstacles can be a pathway through Access Centre and is overseeing the establishment of ICE’s the city. It’s a great example of the Australia Council’s concept of Creative Enterprise Hub. Key Producers that “show us how Australians create their own art, Increasingly, ICE is in demand as a consultant and and produce communities that are better places to live.” See all contractor for media campaigns and the development of the KP11 organisations here: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/ the_arts/features/community_partnerships. education resources for government, not-for-profit The KP11 exhibition was launched at the Australia Council in organisations and other groups. The CEP oversees ICE’s Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills in early March 2009, and the works Consultancy Services program, producing informative, were on display in Sydney for three months before travelling to intriguing and culturally appropriate resources for diverse Fremantle, Bunbury, Adelaide, Brisbane and Launceston. The exhibition will tour until October 2010. communities, using the latest new media techniques.

28 29 CEP CEP Create Media

Young refugees and newly arrived migrants get their foot in the digital door with Create Media — a project that skills up participants to start their own income-generating new media business. “It was more than I expected, ICE’s first official long-term incubation of a creative enterprise, Create Media equipped hard work but worth it in the 15 people with digital skills through a program that included training, mentorship and end. I was running around hand-on experience in creating digital media. organising locations, auditions, At the end of stage one of the program, they pitched their digital business ideas to a costumes…pretty much panel of film and industry professionals, and one of the proposals will be chosen to be everything to get it working.” supported in 2010. Aisha Kamara the producer of Inner Game

This film was a finalist in the PNAN Youth focuses on issues of drugs and alcohol. In 2009… Arts Festival (see below). Aisha Kamara was a runner up at the Not Good Enough is a film about a young TropWest event, and was invited to be In its debut year, Create Media hit the ground went on a creativity camp. The camp woman striving to succeed professionally, mentored and attend a workshop with running. introduced the participants and developed a while dealing with her personal demons. This Templar Films. rapport to ease them into working together. film will be screened on Aurora TV in 2010. Participants worked on a short film for It was a highly productive camp, with all the 48 Hour Film Project, winning best use of participants who attended providing strong Business Selection prop and a nomination for best use of line. favourable feedback. Participants submitted applications and Saber Baluch was commissioned by business plans for their future creative NGOs Auburn Community Development Training enterprise. The applications were handed to Network and Palmera Projects to make a The formal four-month training program a panel of experts, including organisations documentary, and has been accepted into began in June. The training was divided into such as Business Advisory Services the University of Western Sydney’s Media Digital Media and Creative Business training. Incorporated, the School of Social Production course. Participants attended workshops with a team Entrepreneurs, Social Ventures Australia and Participant Hawanatu Bangura and of trainers, artists and mentors one day a Westpac. The panel selected one participant coordinator Gary Paramanathan presented week. Some participants had never used by an overwhelming majority — the on Create Media at Making Links in People on Board digital video cameras, and almost all of them successful business plan will be made public Melbourne (see p36). Project coordinator Gary Paramanathan, who had not used high-end editing software. in March 2010, at the ICE AGM. comes from a filmmaking and refugee Meanwhile they spent Saturdays ICE will support the launch of this new background, began work in early 2009. In producing screen and music work. At the end multimedia enterprise, providing March, recruitment for participants began — of the training the participants produced establishment costs, mentorship and office 30 people applied and 15 were selected. three songs, three short films, and two space. It will be managed independently and Participants have all been in Australia for documentaries. provide income for the artists involved. less than 10 years, most are in their early 20s, and they come from Sierra Leonean, The Films Awards and Achievements Congolese, Sudanese, Sri Lankan, Afghan Never Give Up: The Richard Kapere Story is a The short film Inner Game, written by (Baluchi) and Iraqi backgrounds. They live in documentary with re-enactments about the Sheruni Peiris, was a finalist in the PNAN Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, Bankstown, migration and early settlement days of Youth Arts Festival, a creative arts festival Marrickville and Campbelltown. project participant Richard Kapere, who run by NSW Health and Metro Screen that worked to bring his entire family over to Creativity Camp Australia. Create Media receives core support from the Westpac Foundation. Support also comes from Arts NSW and In May 2009 the participants, trainers, staff Inner Game, by Sheruni Peiris, is a film Australia Council for the Arts. Create Media used the facilities of Switch Digital Arts Centre, a partnership and volunteers from the Westpac Foundation about drinking and peer pressure to fit in. between ICE and Parramatta Council.

30 31 CEP CEP

School Holiday Filmmaking The Switch Academy partnered with Vinegar Hill Memorial Library to run a filmmaking program as part of their school holiday program in January. Participants were skilled up on four main elements of filmmaking: scriptwriting, digital photography, editing and lighting. The Academy was invited to run the program on an ongoing basis.

Script Development Workshop Tropfest-winning filmmaker Alex Weinress Switch Academy into the Future ran a four-day script development workshop Preliminary discussions have been held with in April at Vinegar Hill Memorial Library. the Department of Education and Training to Participants, including Year 11 students keen promote Switch Academy courses within the to learn filmmaking to support their school primary/secondary school network. studies, looked at scriptwriting and ICE is also partnering with the Marist production techniques. Education Centre to facilitate a program for at-risk young people through their Switch and Switch Academy Switch Academy Workshops at Rouse Hill ConnectED program in Granville. The The Academy ran digital workshops in July at students will be awarded a Certificate III in Since 2004, the Switch Digital Arts Access Centre has provided state-of-the-art facilities Vinegar Hill Memorial Library over four days Screen and Media at satisfactory completion for the community from its base at ICE. Switch is a hub for commercial-quality new in July focusing on digital photography, video of the course. media hardware and software, and industry experts in music and sound, video, screen- camera and lighting and scriptwriting and based art and graphic design. editing. The centre and outreach program target people who typically lack access to digital arts technologies. Switch has been an integral part of most ICE projects, including the Four-Day Filmmaking Course creation of award-winning dramas, documentaries, music CDs and online projects. A four-day filmmaking workshop was held at Throughout this report you will see the many projects that have been supported by Vinegar Hill Memorial Library. Participants Switch, including screen, radio and music-based initiatives. learned how to develop a treatment, write a In 2006, the Switch Academy was launched. This income-generating wing of Switch script, approach pre-production and prepare is an education centre offering accessible training in digital arts to the general public. a script for production.

Other Courses Switch Academy ran a filmmaking program “Thanks so much for having In 2009… for years five and six students at Seven Hills my son on your course… West Public school and short courses he had a ball and has It was a difficult year for Switch due to ICE’s Switch Academy through Parramatta College. The Academy talked of nothing but relocation and makeshift set-up in its new The Switch Academy focused on developing also delivered a number outreach programs films ever since.” location. While Switch has always been both training compliance procedures for all ICE as part of the ongoing partnership with Parent of participant in school holiday a centre and an outreach program, in 2009 programs during the refurbishment of Switch Rouse Hill Library. filmmaking course it ran more outreach and off-site programs facilities at ICE’s new premises. All programs than ever before, compensating for the delivered within ICE now comply with closure of the centre for several months. national training qualifications frameworks. The new facilities will also be redeveloped Courses continued offsite at Vinegar Hill Switch is supported by Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Screen NSW and is a partnership in 2010. Memorial Library and Community Centre. with Parramatta City Council.

32 33 CEP CEP Artfiles (Professional Development Program for Artists) Illustration by Matt Huynh (matthuynh.com) who was profiled as part of Artfiles is the essential resource of Western Sydney’s exploding arts scene. It is a portal to Artfiles TV news, opportunities, networks and professional development for the local arts community, and anyone else who wants to connect with it. Artfiles is available in print and online (artfiles.com.au) and has a global audience of 200,000. It profiles over 1000 cultural creators, including artists, writers, designers and performers, with feature stories, portfolios and user-uploads. It’s also an important directory of facilities, programs, opportunities and events. The associated weekly e-bulletins and tweets allow thousands of subscribers to network their news, activities and events.

In 2009…

Thoroughly revamped in 2009, Artfiles easy-to-build web presence that can be launched a slew of exciting new projects that readily found by interested visitors allow Western Sydney artists to increase worldwide. Each Artfiles profile page has a their online presence and networks. unique URL featuring the user’s name which can be used in marketing and promotion. To New website celebrate the launch of the new site, we gave Artfiles’ new website went live in 2009. New away 100 sets of customised business cards features include improved search and browse featuring individual contact details and new functionality, and the facility for users to website address. create and edit their own profile, attach images and update news — see News Uploads the featured profile, and then ‘See More Fairfield City Grants Writing Workshop artfiles.com.au/login/profile_add.php. Auditions, job advertisements, funding Artists/Organisations In Focus’ to see and Mentoring Project This allows Artfiles users to create a free, opportunities, training courses, exhibitions them all. ICE and Fairfield City Council collaborated to and giveaways are among the news items assist local artists to apply for grants uploaded to the Artfiles website through its Artfiles News e-bulletin through the council’s community cultural new news facility. The feature allows users to The Artfiles e-bulletin was published weekly development program. enter news articles directly to the Artfiles providing news and a broad round-up of Two information sessions on the purpose site and calendar through a web form happenings across the arts community. An of the grant, eligibility and selection criteria (artfiles.com.au/news/news_add.php), improved Artfiles e-bulletin was developed in were held in February, and attended by over moderated by an editor. 2009, to be launched in January 2010. 35 people. Sixteen people who were application-ready went on to a full-day In Focus Launch of Artfiles TV workshop at Whitlam Library on 19 February. All members of the Artfiles community have Some of Western Sydney’s top creative talent The interactive workshop looked at research, the opportunity to be profiled as part of the featured on Artfiles TV, a collaboration with proposal writing, eligibility, budgets and In Focus series. Five organisations and the University of Western Sydney. Artfiles TV support material. Eleven participants also 25 individual artists were profiled in 2009, ran for eight week from 2 June as part of attended two-hour, one-on-one mentoring and a new one is added each week. They are ANGLE — a half-hour, magazine-style sessions on three days from 26 February. featured on the Artfiles homepage, included television program on TVS/Channel 31 Language support was integral to these in the e-bulletin and retained in the In Focus (www.tvs.org.au), a production of the School sessions so that CALD clients were enabled archive on artfiles.com.au, click through to of Communication Arts at UWS. to get the maximum benefit.

34 35 CEP CEP Connect: ICE’s Community IT Project Consultancy Services: Parenting Stories

The power of information technology is put into the hands of the community through Recently arrived Sudanese and Central African families shared personal parenting stories Connect. The project has helped build community blogs, wikis, digital stories, podcasts, in this important project. They compared and contrasted memories from childhood, films and social networking engagement tools. cultural ideas about parenting and their experiences of parenting in Australia and the Connect works in three key areas — it builds the capacity of non-government new legal context for their families. organisations in digital media; it engages marginalised groups such as migrants and The project addressed the need to break down community assumptions about refugees in IT programs; and it supports communities to build their own IT infrastructures child protection and the role of government services in parenting. — including software and hardware systems. The personal stories formed the centrepiece of a multimedia information campaign for the wider African community. Participants developed them into radio plays and short films in five community languages and English. These plays and films are being finalised and will be launched and distributed in June 2010 as part of an information pack with referral resources, as well as being screened widely and broadcast on SBS and community In 2009… radio.

The Connect program oversaw ICE’s involvement in the Making Links conference. In 2009… It also oversaw the Parenting Stories (p37) and Domestic Violence (p39) projects. The 12-month Parenting Stories project began in February, when 10 recently arrived Connect IT Workshops migrants and refugees from Sudanese, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, podcasting and Congalese, Somali and Liberian backgrounds digital storytelling were among the subjects joined the project after Project Coordinator unpacked in a series of workshops run by Making Links (www.makinglinks.org.au) is Saleh Saqqaf promoted it on SBS radio and Connect. Non-government organisations, Australia’s leading forum on information through local and online media. artists, volunteers and interested community and communications technology for the members enhanced their digital skills non-profit sector. Over the past six years, Digital Stories Workshops through a series of digital media workshops. ICE has been active in setting the agenda Starting in May, ICE held workshops for Connect also developed three workshops for the conference. parents — childcare and refreshments were designed to optimise online communications The 2009 conference was held over provided and the timetable was made flexible for organisations — Promoting IT, 17-18 November and around 160 activists, to allow for working parents. Workshops Documenting IT and Planning IT look at the community and health workers and began with story-sharing sessions and nuts and bolts of making digital technology and government delegates participants discussed how they deal with communications work. converged on Melbourne to participate. settlement, cross-cultural issues and the new The conference opened with a skill- legal context for parenting. Brothers and Sisters building workshop on website optimisation Participants then learned how to start Intimate family stories will be given a digital and accessibility, followed by a film and from scratch to shape their stories into spin in this project working with the siblings digital arts festival which showcased digital stories, using the resources at Switch. of young people with a disability. ICE teamed several of ICE’s digital stories. As well as learning skills in digital production up with the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Create Media coordinator Gary and storytelling, they appreciated having a “Being a Parent is one of the Association for the two-year project, which Paramanathan presented at the forum for discussion and collaboration on biggest challenges in life and engages young people from a non-English conference on Corporate Partnerships for parenting themes. a job that never ends,” speaking background who have a brother or Project Delivery. He spoke about how the Six digital stories were produced, woven Parenting Stories Project Coordinator sister with a disability. Create Media project worked with young around personal objects and photographs Saleh Saqqaf refugees and recently arrived migrants that helped to unpack the emotional Supported by NSW Department of Human Services from Western Sydney to develop digital experience of raising children in Australia — via Community Services and Ageing, Disability and

Home Care. media-based social enterprises. SPEAKER SLIDE KEYNOTE PENNY BY HAGEN the joys and difficulties, problems and

36 37 CEP CEP

“The pressures on a family as screened at African Learning Circle meetings they arrive in a new country and a variety of seminars including the and deal with a different Making Links Conference (p36). These stories Consultancy Services: culture and language are inspired many of the radio plays that were enormous. A project such then developed. Mt Druitt Domestic Violence Campaign as Parenting Stories is a vital tool in making that Radio Plays Domestic violence has a devastating effect From June to November community path slightly easier.” A series of six radio plays about parenting on families, and the pain and suffering is focus group research was undertaken with Minister for Community Services Linda Burney were written and recorded in English, Dinka, absorbed by children as they watch the role young, culturally diverse men aged 15 to Juba Arabic, Arabic, Swahili and Lingala. models around them. 30 in Mount Druitt. ICE also compiled a The plays deal with parenting experiences The NSW Department of Human Services comprehensive literature review of domestic solutions. A documentary featuring vox pop and scenarios that resonate with parents contracted ICE to develop a demonstration violence research and campaigns. interviews on the same subjects was also everywhere. They will be broadcast on SBS campaign around the effects of domestic The research will be used to create a produced. The films raised questions such as and community radio. violence on children, targeting men in domestic violence media campaign in the what’s the difference between being a ‘dad’ Mount Druitt. local community. and being a ‘father’? Resource Pack A double DVD and CD of the digital stories This project is an initiative of Community Services, NSW Department of Human Services. Screening and radio plays will form the basis for the The project screened the films at ICE information pack, which also includes referral in September, alongside a community resources about where parenting help is discussion on parenting. They were also available. Consultancy Services: Parenting Stories is an initiative of Community Services, NSW Department of Human Services. Refugee Legal Information DVD Raising Kids Together Wins Award Storytelling techniques have been used to first language. provide a basic introduction to the Working on the film increased young person with a disability. It tells real- Australian legal system through a film made awareness of the script’s themes for the life stories using a combination of drama by and for refugee communities. The cast and crew, who were from target and documentary styles and employs production featured over 28 performers communities including Sudanese, Kenyan storytelling techniques to deal with from refugee and migrant communities and and Sierra Leonean backgrounds. stigma, cultural taboos, discrimination, NSW Police and shooting was completed at Participants also improved their skills in shame and isolation. One thousand copies the end of 2009. film production; some had very limited were made and the resource is the first The project was initiated by Fairfield knowledge at the start of the project. audio material on the subject available in City Council’s Community Safety and Crime Working closely with Fairfield Police also these languages. Prevention Program, through ICE’s improved and developed their relationship Congratulating the winners, the chair Consultancy Services. They identified a with the police. Raising Kids Together, a DVD produced of the Community Relations Commission of need for culturally appropriate information Due for release in mid-2010, the by ICE’s Barry Gamba, won the NSW NSW, Stepan Kerkyasharian said “The on areas such as crime reporting, traffic 25-minute DVD will target Sudanese, Department of Ageing, Disability and Department has taken a serious issue and offences, domestic violence, alcohol and Burundian, Congolese, Tanzanian and Iraqi Homecare’s prestigious Government Award employed state-of-the-art multicultural drugs. The DVD is aimed at people with low communities and include language options at the National Multicultural Marketing marketing techniques to deliver levels of literacy in both English and their such as Dinka, Arabic, Swahili and Assyrian. Awards. information and guidance, vital to the well- The DVD provides information in being of families from Sudan, Iraq and The project was developed with Fairfield City Council and supported by the Law and Justice Foundation, Arabic, Assyrian, Dari, Dinka and Juba Afghanistan, who are already facing NSW Police, Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre, Fairfield Legal Aid, South West Sydney Legal Centre and Arabic for families who have a child or significant settlement challenges”. Liverpool/Fairfield Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

38 39 CDP Research and Policy Program

ICE works with thousands of people in Western Sydney every year, but how does it affect Lena Nahlous named a Creative Catalyst them? How is it seen by participants, artists and their audiences? How can ICE do better? ICE Executive Director Lena Nahlous was named as one of These are the questions that ICE is asking through it research and policy program. Sydney’s key Creative Catalysts as part of the inaugural The program formalises and develops ICE’s critical reflection across all levels of the Creative Sydney festival (www.creativesydney.com.au) in May. organisation, and embeds better practices for evaluation and analysis into all ICE projects. This new Events NSW festival celebrates Sydney’s creative talents — from fashion to film to history. The Creative Catalyst award is one of the key initiatives of the festival, honouring 100 inspirational Sydneysiders who make a contribution to the city’s creative culture. Lena Nahlous was recognised for her work in supporting and developing creative communities of Western Sydney. ICE collaborators Ali Kadhim and Matt Huynh were also named in the list, selected from over 700 people suggested In 2009… by creative leaders. Other Creative Catalysts include Andrew Denton, George Miller, Rachel Perkins, Morganics and Ripple Effects creative leaders from FBi Radio, Sculpture by the Sea, Get At the core of ICE’s research and policy Up, Tropfest, Dinosaur Designs, Earth Hour and The Chaser. program is a three-year partnership with the University of Technology, Sydney, the Australia Council for the Arts and Arts NSW entitled Ripple Effects: Cultural Production in voice, citizenship, intercultural and Western Sydney. intergenerational dialogue in local media The research team surveyed a random practices and local content-creation. selection of government, schools, cultural institutions and community organisations on Creative Social Enterprise their perceptions of ICE and its programs. The needs of creative social enterprises in Cybermohalla ICE is developing a new policy for evaluating Western Sydney (particularly in Parramatta) and monitoring its projects and is looking at were researched through this project. The ‘Mohalla’ means neighbourhood in Hindi ways to share this information with the information gathered fed into the planning of and Urdu. The Cybermohalla project takes sector. the new ICE space, such as the inclusion of a on the meaning of the word mohalla, its discrete space for cultural producers and sense of alleys and corners, relatedness Cybermohalla creative social enterprises. and concreteness, as a means for talking The Research and Policy Program teamed up ICE partnered with the NSW Department about one’s ‘place’ in the city, and in with the Listening Project to host of Industry and Investment to hold a forum cyberspace. Cybermohalla on 8 December (see p41). on 11 December. It brought together key The project is a collaboration between stakeholders, organisations, programs and Sarai, the celebrated digital media, Fairfield Stories businesses to develop a strategy for community and research organisation, ICE partnered with the University of Western information-sharing and regional and Delhi-based Ankur: Society for Sydney on the Fairfield Stories project (see collaboration. The group will continue to Alternatives in Education. As part of They focused on Cybermohalla p22). The project investigated questions of meet and collaborate. ICE’s Research and Policy Program, ICE (sarai.net/practices/cybermohalla), which partnered with the UTS Listening Project works in communities in some of Delhi’s to host a visit from Sarai and Ankur on rapidly changing and disadvantaged Ripple Effects is supported by the Australian Research Council and the Australia Council for the Arts. 8 December. Thirty creative practitioners neighbourhoods, experimenting with media Fairfield Stories is funded by the University of Western Sydney and Fairfield City Council. gathered as Sarai and Ankur screened including writing, animation, storytelling, Cybermohalla: The Listening Project is a collaboration between researchers at Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, UTS and Notre Dame University. their work and led small intensive neighbourhood conversation, magazines Creative Industries Forum is supported by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment workshops. and wall writing.

40 41 Sydney Olympic Park Authority Research Partners: Elaine Leong, Legal Counsel, NSW Community Relations Ripple Effects Geekdom Commission University of Technology, Mohamed Duar, National Donor NSW TAFE Sydney: Liaison Manager, Amnesty NSW Department of Industry Dr Ilaria Vanni, Lead International and Investment Researcher Dr Justine Lloyd ICE STAFF AND Local Government Partners Dr Christina Ho KEY CONTRACTORS Auburn Council Dr Tony Mitchell Lena Nahlous, Bankstown City Council Dr Tanja Dreher Executive Director Baulkham Hills Shire Council Dr Devleena Ghosh Jill Chambers, Manager, Blacktown City Council Francesca Veronesi, Operations and Facilities Blue Mountains City Council Research Assistant Vicki Wilde, Manager, Campbelltown Council Jemima Mowbray, Operations (until August Camden City Council Research Assistant 2009) Fairfield City Council Research Partners: Mouna Zaylah, Manager Hawkesbury City Council Fairfield Stories Cultural Development Holroyd City Council Dr Juan Salazar, University of Program Liverpool City Council Western Sydney Caitlin Vaughan, Manager, People, Partners and Supporters Parramatta City Council Dr Hart Cohen, University of Research and Policy Penrith City Council Western Sydney Liliana Ruti, Community Western Sydney Regional Tiffany Lee-Shoy, Fairfield City Information Technology ICE would like to thank our Centre for Transforming Recreation Centre Organisation of Councils Council Project Manager partners and sponsors for Cultures High Street Youth Health Trey Thomas, Urban Music their support in 2009. University of Western Sydney, Services Business and Industry THE ICE TEAM Project Coordinator School of Communication Hills Holroyd Parramatta Partners ICE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Maria Tran, Youth Digital Key Organisational Partners Media Arts Migrant Resource Centre 48 Hour Film Festival Chairperson Ross Gibson, Cultures Coordinator Department of Employment Holroyd Youth Services Arabic Nights Professor of Contemporary Gary Paramanathan, Create Education and Workplace Venue Partner Innerwest Skills Centre - Artsupport Arts, Sydney College of the Media Project Coordinator Relations Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Auburn Australian Centre for the Arts Saleh Saqqaf, Parenting Stories Arts NSW Madi Ethnic Community and Moving Image Deputy Chair Susan Green, Project Coordinator Australia Council for the Arts Arts, Community and Welfare Association Business Advisory Services Inc. Associate Professor of Amin Palangi, DigiDiaries Community Services, NSW Education Partners Multicultural Disability Clubs NSW Indigenous Education and Project Coordinator Department of Human Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Advocacy Association Creative Sydney Director, Nuru Gili Indigenous Kirstie Boerst, Switch Training Services African Program, SBS Radio Parramatta Artists’ Studios Dendy Cinemas, Sydney and Programs, University of New Coordinator Screen NSW African Women’s Advocacy Powerhouse Youth Theatre Brisbane South Wales Maylei Hunt, Digital Storytelling Unit, Australian National School for Social Entrepreneurs Egyptian Consulate — Sydney Secretary Caroline Vu, Coordinator Major Program Partners Committee on Refugee Australia Mercury Cinema, Adelaide Solicitor Fadia Abboud, Project Australian Human Rights Women Shortcuts Film Festival Movie Extra Tropfest Treasurer Heidi Freeman, Coordinator, Media Artist, Commission Arabic Program, SBS Radio South Penrith Youth and Parramatta Chamber of Senior Project Officer for Trainer Etihad Airways Auburn Community Neighbourhood Services Commerce Community Engagement, Amber Carvan, ICE and Artfiles Parramatta City Council Development Network Sudanese Association, MySat NSW Health Web Producer Foundation for Young Auburn Youth Centre Liverpool National Film and Sound Deputy Treasurer Paul Remati, Krissie Scudds, Artfiles Project Australians Aurora Community TV Sudanese Program, Radio 2GLF Archive, Canberra Deputy CEO and Director of Assistant Westpac Foundation Australian Sudanese Sydney Writers’ Festival Piggot Stinson Solicitors Content at NITV (National Jerome Pearce, IT and Facilities British Council Australia Association, Lakemba Templar Films Port Bar and Restaurant Indigenous Television Officer Department of Immigration and Cabramatta Moon Festival The Women’s Cottage Riverside Theatres Network) Vasinder Kaur, Executive Citizenship Cambodian Australian Welfare Urban Theatre Projects Sawtelghad Committee Members Assistant to Executive Council of NSW Vietlish Social Ventures Australia via Tilda Sikes, Marketing and Director Key Project Partners Congolese Community of Vietnamese Community Parramatta Social Enterprise Communications Manager, Elizabeth Welden, Fairfield City Council Australia Australia, NSW Chapter Hub ARC@UNSW Administration and Penrith City Council Curious Works Western Sydney Business Susan Gibbeson, Senior Policy Resources Officer SBS Foundation Granville Multicultural State Government Partners Connection Advisor — Social, Health and Aaron Woo, Administration Sydney Community Foundation Community Centre NSW Department of Disability, World Media International Housing, Fairfield City Assistant (until August University of Technology, Granville Youth and Community Ageing and Home Care WOW Film Festival Council 2009)

42 43 Emma Ramsay, Administration Augustine Dut Sam Dutch (Grindin) VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS Video and multimedia artists: Services, Western Australia Assistant (until August Ben Nitiva Sarah Rhodes Amy Pamphlett (School of Vanna Seang, Fadle El harris, Centre for Health Promotion 2009) Bheki Mkwananzi Sarah Watkins Social Entrepreneurs) Paul Laoumitzis Research Vanna Seang (VSS Studios), Billmund Seide Ramadani Chris Reid Website design and Trainer and Media Artist Charles Lomu Shannon Williams aka Elizabeth Vu development: Maissa RAISING KIDS TOGETHER Rebecca Santos, HR Consultant Chris Hammer Smith BrothaBlack Jack Ngu Alameddine — Medialoft STEERING COMMITTEE Antigone Foster, Production Juse B-Boy Crew Sharline Bezzina aka Spice Jennifer Vecchio Warren Fairfax (Dept. of Coordinator Craig Anderson Sheila Mogoko (Westpac Foundation) TROPWEST PRESENTERS Disability, Ageing and Home Denis Cala, Accountant Darrio Phillips Simon Gray Joseph Hieu Dinh Adam Thorogood (International Care), Diana Qian (Multicultural James Wu, Accountant DJ Nick Toth SistaNative Keryn Myers (Westpac) Film School Sydney), Ashley Disability Advocacy Colleen Smith, Bookkeeper Emmanuel Rodriguez Spider Johnson Kimberley Pickens Luke (NSW FTO), Corrie Association), Theresa Clark, Barry Gamba, Emerging Fadle El-Harris Stephen Ta (Westpac Foundation) McDougall (Aurora TV), Ather Pervaiz (MDAA), Michael Communities Consultant Farid Farid Steven Petridis Lakshita Gunatillake Genevieve Clay (Tropfest Camit (NSW Multicultural Meiying Saw, ICE Graphic Fatima Etzibar Teinaki Manapori (Westpac Foundation winner 2009), George Basha Health Communication Designer Fatima Mawas The Last Kinection Marie Setiawan (Actor, Screenwriter, Producer), Service), Barry Gamba (ICE Paula Abood, Trainer / Felicity Castagna Timothy Ly Michele Thistlewaite (AFTRS) Jason Van Genderen and contractor) Facilitator, Consultant Finn O’Keefe True Vibenation Moses Kuteesa Shane Emmett (Tropfest NY Doris Barrios, Cleaner Frank Mainoo Uncle Des Dyer (Dharug Omeima Sukkuriah winners 2008), Jeff Pursor, REFUGEE COMMUNITY LEGAL Monique Choy, Editorial, writing Garry Trinh Aboriginal Land Council) Thuy Nguyen Joanne Teng (arts lawyer), Kris EDUCATION RESOURCE and communications George Uling Kang Uncle Greg Simms Timo Mueller, German Intern Wyld (Producer, East West 101), STEERING COMMITTEE John Taranto (ECJ Technology), Hannah Hillard Vinh Nguyen Michael Laverty (Movie Extra Kirsten Cameron (NSW Legal Website and Database Himali Wettasinghe VJ Spook INTERNATIONAL GUESTS Tropfest), Naomi Wenck Aid), Bernadette Fleeton (NSW Consultant Huu Quoc Do Vuli Mkwananzi JonziD, Theatre Director, UK (Producer Ten Empty and Strategy to Reduce Violence Jocelyn Payne, Financial Jack Ngu Yar Manyuon Mayen Maxwell Golden, Performer, UK Newcastle), Paul Stuart (Movie Against Women, DoCS), Alex Consultant Janine Collins Zahra Shafaq Nicholas Rowe, New Zealand Extra Tropfest), Ranko Markovic Sentana (NSW Police, Fairfield Ken Baird, Architect Jason Tearle Zona Wilkinson Prabhat Kumar Jha, Program (Producer, Cedar Boys), Tresa Local Area Command), Uttara Joanne Saad Zyrub Ibrahim Ahmed Coordinator, Ankur, Society Ponnor (Tropwest Scholarship Kchaao (NSW Police, Fairfield DIGITAL STORYTELLING Johnny M for Alternatives in Education, winner 2008) Local Area Command), Ricci TRAINERS Johnny Tran EAST LONDON WEST SYDNEY India Bartels (Fairfield Migrant Bernard Amore Makeny Joseph Hieu Dinh, CREW Ravikant Sharma, Associate YOUTH DIGITAL CULTURES Resource Centre), Clement Denis Nguyen Katy Denis (KTG Creative) JonziD (UK), Director Fellow, Sarai — Centre for the COLLECTIVE Meru (Fairfield Migrant Eddie Abd Kuac Deng Trey Thomas, Assistant Study of Developing Elizabeth Vu, Roxie Vuong, Resource Centre), Barry Gamba Fadia Abboud Lina Kastoumis Director and Performer/ Societies, India William Erimya, Colin Gosper, (ICE contractor), Claudia Fatima Mawas Linh Hoang Trinh Writer Samir Habchi, Director/ Jack Ngu, Timothy Ly, Hiba Guajardo (Fairfield City Council) Hawraa El Saidi, Assistant Linh Trinh Spider Johnson, Music Artist/ filmmaker, Lebanon Kanj, Aleksandar Trofin, My Trainer Maissa Alamadine Producer Sarah Sayeed, Performer, UK Sang Le, Moses Kuteesa, Denis MT DRUITT DV COMMITTEE Marian Abboud Margaret Mayhew Performers/ Writers: Farid Spider Johnson, Music Asif Sado, Ben Nitiva, Simon Mission Australia, Rosie’s Place, Maylei Hunt Marian Abboud Farid, Maxwell Golden (UK), Producer, UK Jiang, Ali Kadhim, Moses Western Sydney Area Health Paula Abood Marie Meiling Setiawan Omar Bin Musa, Sarah Kuteesa, Sally McGovern, Maria Service, Anglicare, Community Sanaz Fotouhi Minoru Hinata Sayeed (UK), SistaNative, ARAB FILM FESTIVAL Setiewan Services — NSW Department of Vanna Seang Miriana Marusic Shannon Williams AUSTRALIA Human Services Zahra Shafaq Mirrah Fay Video Artist: Fadia Abboud Festival Directors Fadia MAKING LINKS CONFERENCE Mohamed Jalloh Antigone Foster: Production Abboud and Mouna Zaylah PARTNERS PARENTING STORIES CONSULTANTS, My Sang Le Coordinator Committee Firas Naji, Alissar Donortec, Australian Federation ADVISORS CONTRACTORS, TRAINERS Nadyat El Gawley Lina Kastoumis; Dramaturg Gazal, Mohamed Duar, Dr of Aids Organisations, Marylin Fischer (Community AND CREATIVE PERSONNEL Naji Layal Katy Denis (KTG Creative): Paula Abood, Khaled Queensland University of Services, Department of Adhieu Mapiou Nick Toth Publicist Sabsabi, Joanne Saad, Technology — Creative Human Services), Hashim Aguel Deng Omar Bin Musa Fatima Mawas: Video Charles Billeh, Saleh Saqqaf, Industries Faculty, Western Elhassan, Liliane Lukoki and Ahmad Ali Patrick Abboud documentation Omeima Sukkarieh Australian Centre for Health Maeve Brown (The Hills Holroyd Ali Kadhim and 9 Lives Peggy Giakoumelos Joanne Saad and Maylei Hunt: Arab Film Festival Team Promotions Research, Curtin Parramatta Migrant Resource Alissar Gazal Peter Manson Photography Publicist: Janine Collins University of Technology, Centre), Peggy Giakoumelos, Allset Film Pty Ltd Quac Do Patrick Abboud: Creative Graphic design: Meiying Saw Vibewire, Infoxchange Raffaela Cavadini (Holroyd City Andrew Nguyen Ranko Markovic Consultant Sponsorship: Mohamed Duar Australia, Inspire Foundation, Council) Andy Ko Rudge Hollis Animation: Layal Naji Victorian Council of Social

44 45 Treasurer’s Report

This has been a year of significant achievement and transformation for ICE. ICE has generated many new partnerships, continued to expand, and undergone a Financial Statements relocation and restructure. Throughout these hectic times, ICE’s finances have been well managed. Projects have run to budget and ICE’s financial reporting format continues to improve, Services, Screen NSW and Parramatta informing planning and enabling Council have enabled us to leverage new management and board to have a sound partnerships. understanding of our financial position. The sound financial management of ICE It has been pleasing to see the growth in has been a result of the hard work, talent ICE’s finances from long-term partnerships, and commitment to good governance of the Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. as well as the development of new organisation’s management, staff and board. 31 December 2009 relationships. ICE is also generating a In particular, Lena Nahlous, as Executive growing amount of income through its own Director of ICE, has led the organisation, creative enterprises, such as the Arab Film building partnerships, and guiding and Festival Australia. motivating staff and board. Jill Chambers 47 Treasurer’s Report We secured several major grants from took over the finances in September. Jill’s federal and state governments to support competence and hard work have been widely 48 Balance Sheet our capital works project, most of which will appreciated by all at ICE. 49 Income Statement be spent in 2010. The most significant was The Board of ICE, led by Ross Gibson, has $1.5 million from the Department of overseen the finances of ICE, ensuring the 50 Notes to and forming part Education, Employment and Workplace organisation’s financial sustainability. of the Financial Statements Relations. We also received funding via the On behalf of the board of ICE, I would like Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme, to thank all of our sponsors for their support. 53 Statement by Members Arts NSW and the NSW Government Their trust in ICE and their financial support of the Board of ICE Community Builders fund. has enabled us to work with the many and We developed a new key relationship diverse communities of Western Sydney 54 Independent Audit Report with the Catholic Diocese, whose rental providing ever more opportunities for the subsidy over the next 10-15 years will see us development and expression of the region’s saving between $3 and $4.5 million. Thanks extraordinary cultural voices. go to Bishop Manning and John Spillane for their support. Our core and ongoing partnerships with Arts NSW, Australia Council, Community Heidi Freeman Services — NSW Department of Human Treasurer

46 47 Balance Sheet Income Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009

CURRENT ASSETS 2009 2008 2009 2008 Cash and Cash Equivalents 3 1,705,109.49 699,890.49 INCOME 1,443,834 1,157,731 Receivables 4 751,177.02 25,140.50 Prepaid Expenses 5,381.45 - EXPENDITURE Inventory 5 694.50 3,986.43 Employee benefit expense (793,994) (607,668) TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,462,362.46 729,017.42 Depreciation expense (13,932) (34,209) Insurance expense (10,152) (17,069) NON-CURRENT ASSETS Media and marketing expenses (114,355) (88,079) Leasehold Improvements - at cost - 183,908.00 Programmes and production expenses (228,740) (148,031) Less: Accumulated Depreciation - (183,796.25) Rental expense (18,066) (18,297) - 111.75 Contractor expense (37,936) (50,391) Office Furniture & Equipment - at Cost 121,667.21 120,947.97 Administration expenses (72,750) (94,490) Less: Accumulated Depreciation (99,259.27) (96,950.97) Other expenses (156,275) (95,591) 22,407.94 23,997.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE (1,446,200) (1,153,825) TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 22,407.94 24,108.75 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FROM OPERATIONS (2,366) 3,906 TOTAL ASSETS 2,484,770.40 753,126.17

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 294,687.26 98,566.82 Deferred Income 6 1,829,164.28 378,534.96 Provision for Staff Entitlements 7 120,048.94 92,004.84 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,243,900.48 569,106.62

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provision for Staff Entitlements 7 219,687.58 160,470.71 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,463,588.06 729,577.33

NET ASSETS $21,182.34 $23,548.84

EQUITY Accumulated Income at the beginning of the year 23,548.84 19,642.44 Operating Surplus for the year (2,366.50) 3,906.40 Total Accumulated Income 21,182.34 23,548.84 TOTAL EQUITY $21,182.34 $23,548.84

48 The accompanying Notes form part of these financial statements. 49 Notes TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009

2009 2008 1 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (c) Inventories 2 AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION This financial report is a special purpose Inventories are measured at the lower of cost Remuneration of the Auditor for: financial report prepared in order to satisfy and net realisable value. - Auditing the financial statements 6,600.00 5,750.00 the financial reporting requirements of the TOTAL 6,600.00 5,750.00 Association Incorporation Act NSW. The board (d) Employee Entitlements has determined that the association is not a Provision is made for Long Service Leave, 3 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS reporting entity. Sick Leave and Annual Leave estimated to be Cash at bank 1,704,909.49 699,690.49 The financial report has been prepared on payable to employees on the basis of Cash on hand 200.00 200.00 an accruals basis and is based on historic statutory and contractual requirements. TOTAL 1,705,109.49 699,890.49 costs and does not take into account changing Provision is made for redundancy for long money values or, expect where specifically standing employees as the association is 4 RECEIVABLES stated, current valuations of non-current exclusively dependent on tiers of government, Trade debtors 751,592.02 32,140.50 assets. and that policies and funding arrangements Less: Provision for impairment of debtors (415.00) (7,000.00) The following significant accounting are subject to periodic change. Provision is TOTAL 751,177.02 25,140.50 policies, which are consistent with the made for the payment of twelve (12) weeks previous period unless otherwise stated, have maternity leave in accordance with pending 5 INVENTORIES been adopted in the preparation of these staff agreements. The amounts provided Current financial report. have been apportioned between current and Books published and remaining unsold 694.50 3,986.43 non-current, the current provision been the (a) Incorporated Association portion that is entitled to be paid within the 6 DEFERRED INCOME The services were incorporated on 1st May, next (12) months. Payroll on costs associated Total unexpended grants 285,164.28 270,295.09 1986 as an incorporated Association, under with leave entitlements are recognised as Total ‘Earned Income’ in advance - 23,239.87 the Associations Incorporated Act, 1984. liabilities. Grant in advance - other 269,000.00 85,000.00 The members liability is limited to the extent Contributions are made by the Grants in advance - DEEWR 1,275,000.00 - of any unpaid membership fees. Association to an employees’ superannuation TOTAL 1,829,164.28 378,534.96 fund and are charged as expenses when (b) Revenue incurred. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has advanced at Interest revenue is recognised on a 31 December 2009 to ICE $1,275,000 to commence the establishment of a digital media and proportional basis taking into account the training centre. At 31 December 2009 no contractual commitments have been made for the interest rates applicable to the financial expenditure of this grant. assets as it is received. Grant and donation income is recognised 7 PROVISION FOR STAFF ENTITLEMENTS when the entity obtains control over the Current liabilities funds which is generally at the time of receipt. Annual leave 64,014.14 50,430.46 Revenue from funding authorities Sick leave 56,034.80 41,574.38 received in advance is deferred to the period TOTAL 120,048.94 92,004.84 to which it relates and included as an accrual on the balance sheet. Non-Current Liabilities Long service leave 24,549.29 17,093.28 Maternity leave 105,867.96 71,579.34 Redundancy 87,880.30 71,798.09 Award increase 1,390.03 - TOTAL 219,687.58 160,470.71

50 51 Notes Statement by Members of the Board of ICE (CONTINUED)

8 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. is being reviewed by the New South Wales Office of State Revenue for purpose of determining a liability for the payment of New South Wales Payroll Tax. The Board of Management responded to the request for information in November The Board have determined that the Association is not a reporting entity. 2008 and no Payroll Tax assessment has been received. It is view of the Board of Management that Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. is exempt from Payroll Tax. The estimate liability if The Board have determined that this special purpose financial report should be Payroll Tax were to be assessed for the year ended 30 June 2009 is approximately $11,500 and prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the is approximately $6,000 for the year ended 30 June 2008.Other than the matter noted above, accounts. the Board of Management is not aware of any other contingent liabilities or events occurring after reporting date that impact on the financial report as at 31 December 2009. In the opinion of the board the financial statements:

1 Present fairly the Balance Sheet of Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. as at 31 December 2009 and the results of the Association for the year ended on that date.

2 At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with the resolution of the Board and is signed for and on behalf of the Board by:

Professor Ross Gibson Heidi Freeman Chairperson Treasurer

Date: 17 March 2010

52 53 Independent Audit Report

to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit TELEPHONE (02) 9715 1555 2 PHILIP STREET procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an FACSIMILE (02) 9715 1566 STRATHFIELD NSW 2135 opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the PO BOX 580 appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made CHARLES M PITT B.BUS FCA E-MAIL [email protected] by the Board as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

The financial report has been prepared for distribution to members for the purpose of fulfilling the Independent Audit Report To The Members Of Board’s financial reporting under the Associations Incorporation Act NSW. We disclaim any Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this report or on the financial report to which it relates to any person other than the members, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared. Report on the Financial Report We have audited the accompanying report, being a special purpose financial report of Information We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis and Cultural Exchange Inc. which comprises the balance sheet at 31 December 2009, income for our audit opinion. statement, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the statement by members of the board of Management. Independence In conducting our audit, we followed applicable independence requirements of Australian Board’s Responsibility for the Financial Report professional ethical pronouncements. The Board is responsible for the preparation of the financial report and have determined that the Accounting policies described in Note 1 to the financial statements, which form part of the Audit Opinion financial report, Are part of the financial report, are consistent with the financial reporting In our opinion, the financial report of Information and Cultural Exchange Inc. presents fairly in requirements of the Association Incorporation Act NSW 1984 and are appropriate to meet the all material respects the financial position of Information and Cultural Exchange Inc.as at 31 needs of the members. The Board’s responsibilities also include establishing and maintaining December 2009 and of its financial performance for the year then ended in accordance with the internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free accounting policies described in Note 1 to the financial statements. from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. No opinion is expressed as to whether the accounting policies used, as described in Note 1 are appropriate to Charles M Pitt ICCA Membership No. 20180 meet the needs of the members. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing C M PITT & CO Registered Company Auditor No. 2944 Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Unit 6 & 7, 2 Philip Street Strathfield relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. Date:

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant All correspondence: PO Box 580, STRATHFIELD NSW 2135

54 55 ICE encourages the development of new partnerships. If you would like to be involved with one of our projects, or would like to make a financial contribution to our work, please contact us.

Postal Address Street Address* PO Box 4033 Level 4, 169 Macquarie Street Parramatta NSW 2124 Parramatta NSW 2150 Australia Australia

* Please note this is ICE’s temporary location until September 2010 while we are redeveloping our permanent home.

T +612 9897 5744 F +612 9897 5766 E [email protected] ice.org.au

ICE is a registered charity. All donations are tax-deductible.

26th Information and Cultural Exchange Annual Report ISSN: 1833-5306 © Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) 2010

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