CommunityMCCSA Voices SPRING 2019
Talking soccer and multiculturalism with Bruce Djite
Meet the African Women Migrants in Business: MCCSA Celebrate inside this issue Federation SA new leader Fab Removalist 45 years of service UPCOMING inside this issue MULTICULTURAL EVENTS
A MIGRANT’S STORY: P4 Bruce Djite
African Women P8 Federation New Leader
Fab Removalist: P10 Migrants in Business
Rock up n Play FUTSAL P12 Sessions at Kilburn WHEN: 7pm – 10.30pm, Saturday 21 September 2019 WHERE: Estonian Hall, 200 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide MCCSA SALA P18
Exhibition 2019 WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/adelaideunirotaractclub
MCCSA Celebrates P20 45 Years of service
MCCSA Board WHEN: 1 – 23 October 2019 WHERE: Palace Cinemas
Executive: WEBSITE: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au Chairperson: Miriam Cocking Deputy Chairperson: Dr Ian Harmstorf OAM Treasurer: Silvio Iadarola
Board Members Daniela Costa Margota Pukitis Gosia Skalban OAM Rajendra Pandey Nasir Hussain WHEN: 17 October – 3 November 2019 Patrizia Kadis WEBSITE: www.ozasiafestival.com.au Lenard Sciancalepore SPRING 2019 | P2 Aerial shot of Settlement Square family tree at the Migration Museum
FROM THE CEO HELENA KYRIAZOPOULOS At the end of this month we will be hosting a celebratory event for all our members and friends of the MCCSA at one of my favourite locations in South Australia, The Migration Museum.
On Sunday the 29th September The MCCSA is currently preparing participating in this project, along with we will gather to acknowledge 45 a response to the Royal Commission our three Universities. I am sure that years of servicing South Australia. on Aged Care on the needs of CALD in our summer edition of Community Our history is steeped in 70 years communities. Should you wish to Voices will be reporting on the of tradition emanating from the contribute please feel free to contact progress of this project. Good Neighbour Council. Our me or email me your feedback I Early next year the MCCSA will humble beginnings of supporting am always happy to receive your partner with the Equal Opportunity and advocating for our ethnic comments. Commission to bring the newly communities continue into the 21st This year we are collaborating with appointed Race Discrimination century, albeit with different groups the South Australian Department Commissioner, Chin Tan into coming into South Australia. It is of Fire and Emergency Services Adelaide. I hope that you will join us a privilege to have been and to be Commission (SAFCOM) on an for a conversation with Chin on a part of these communities journey; exciting new project titled “Building broad range of Human Rights issues. their achievements are outstanding, Resilient CALD Communities”. from establishing their own agencies Please enjoy this edition of The aim of the project is to build and facilities to personally assisting Community Voices. the capacity of new and emerging families and individuals settle into CALD communities to deal with an South Australia. I look forward to Helena emergency situation as a direct result seeing many of you at the Migration of a disastrous event. Nine new and Museum on Sunday the 29th emerging community groups will be September. P3 Talking soccer and multiculturalism with Bruce Djite By Sidique Bah
Through migration, people from different parts of the world now call Australia home. For this edition of Community Voices, MCCSA had the opportunity of a sit-down interview with soccer icon and Adelaide United’s newly appointed Director of Football, Bruce Djite. Bruce shared his story about his exciting new role and his Australian journey.
SPRING 2019 | P4 Born in the US to an Ivorian Father Talking about the future of the team, the power of sports, and that’s why I and Togolese mother, Bruce and his the star mentioned that they are in love being involved with communities family moved to Sydney when he was a good space. “The team was very and mixing with people. If there is one just three years old. Bruce has always successful last year, and they’ve thing that can bring people together, been a fan of soccer from a very retained 19 players from the team. especially new arrivals, refugees, young age. At the age of 14 he joined So the core of the squad still remains. Africans, Muslims, or pretty much the now defunct Northern Spirit We’ve now got three new players and any race or religion, it’s football .” Football Club, and a year later joined two more to be announced, probably Bruce said he doesn’t think Football the Marconi Stallions, an Australian a couple more to round out the Federation Australia has advocated semi-professional soccer club based team.” well enough how football can help in Fairfield Sydney. He was just When asked about the main challenge reduce crime amongst our youth, 19 when he signed up to play for soccer faces in Australia in terms encourage kids in school and help Adelaide United in the 2006-2007 of garnering national attention in them with health issues. “There are a A-League Season. comparison to other sports, Bruce lot of benefits from the game. I think Thirteen years on, he has become said that he thinks in Adelaide we are we need strong advocates, the AFL the all-time top scorer for Adelaide lucky in the sense that it’s a small city does it better, like Port Power they United. And not just that, he has and we’ve got a big participation base. do a host of programs, so much so gone on to being capped nine Even though soccer is well liked in that kids that may have no idea about times by the Socceroos, served Australia, he said a lot of kids play for the game may end up playing for the as a member on the Professional their local club but may not attend an AFL .” Footballers Australia Executive A-League match. Instead they follow In relation to what multiculturalism Committee, played in the Turkish and support foreign teams such means to him, Bruce said he is as league, become a Fox Sport pundit as Liverpool or Real Madrid, “The multicultural as it comes. “I’m a global and is now the Director of Football problem has always been transferring citizen. I’ve lived all over the world, for the Adelaide United Football the participation base into a fan my parents are from Africa, I go back Club. base that comes to the stadium and there often, I was born in America, actively engages in the A-League”. Bruce mentioned that he was in I’ve grown up in Australia, I’ve lived Sydney when he got a call from the When asked about the challenges in other countries, I speak different Adelaide United Chairman about his aspiring migrants face in Australian languages, I eat all types of food, so new role. sports, Bruce said, “Even though it to me that’s multiculturalism. It’s not can be tough, we have to persevere. “It was a real privilege to be offered about mixing in or having one race of I always tell people that nothing is such an important role and I took mixed people, it’s about appreciating impossible, it’s all relative, some might it on with both hands. I called the the differences in everyone .” think it’s hard but I can guarantee removalist straightaway, organised Bruce’s parting message for our you our ancestors had it harder. They quotes, and sent letters to our readers is, “for the older ones, thanks actually made it a lot easier for us childcare to let them know that we for paving the path, for the younger through their struggle. It depends on will be moving. So the decision was ones that want to be successful and what your goals are, and if you want made very quickly.” aspire to do bigger and better things, to be successful you are going to find keep blazing your track, don’t let Bruce said he always wanted to stay in a way”. the game even after retirement, but anyone tell you that you can’t do Bruce considers himself fortunate he wasn’t interested in coaching. He whatever you want to do, anything is that he was good at sport when said sports administration and politics possible, I know that is a bit cliché but growing up in New South Wales. “I are the two areas that interested him that’s the truth”. was very lucky, in Australia everyone the most outside of football, and he is a sport enthusiast, and everyone is quite happy with his new role as the wants to be friends with the kid who opportunities are few and far between is good at sport, that’s why I believe in in football in this country.
P5 Using MCCSA’s Successful Communities Toolbox
The Successful Communities or accessing resources such as the and with multicultural groups at the Toolbox is a website created ones that are available in the MCCSA centre of the design, content and Toolbox.” implementation of the final product. for Multicultural Community Leaders to access step by What Tukini liked most about the With the Toolbox, we also run many MCCSA Toolbox is that, it has and various workshops for leaders and step guidance and links that everything one needs to set up an future leaders throughout the year provide simple models for: organisation. “Everything has been with our “Successful Communities governance, taking action, collated into one place, you don’t Toolbox and Intercultural Leadership advocacy and promotion of have to search the web to find the Program”. In 2019, our leadership MCCSA’s community group. necessary information, it may take workshops Toolbox will make you look you hours, days maybe to source at leadership in a new light, creating Tukini Tavui is one of many what’s required, somebody has done confidence and connection, inspiring community leaders in South all the work, all you have to do is you forward. Australia who is actively engaged with access it.” MCCSA’s Successful Communities You can keep up-to-date with these Program, which mainly covers You can access the toolbox here: trainings and others via Facebook: successfulcommunities.org.au/ Leadership Development and www.facebook.com/MCCofSA Community Building. toolbox/ or email: According to Tukini, since he started It includes templates for projects, [email protected] to working on governance structure for budgets, events, policies and be registered for our Successful the Pacific Islands Council of South programs, along with links to Legal, Communities mailing list for email Australia, he has relied heavily on the Tax and Governance documents updates. MCCSA’s Successful Communities and websites. The resources were Toolbox which can be accessed via collated from consultations and the MCCSA website. direction from community leaders In terms of usage, Tukini mentions that he and his members use the Toolbox on a regular basis. He went on to say, “it is not just the Pacific Islands Council, but I’m also helping all the other Pacific island community groups get their governance sorted out, so I’m directing them to the Toolbox. It has been quite handy, we even have a link to the Toolbox on our website”. “It will be difficult to operate a not-for-profit organisation to the standard at which it will be at its best without having the resources
SPRING 2019 | P6 Waste Management Program
After The Multicultural Communities of SA successful four session program on waste management, participating community representatives have gone back to their community and are conducting waste management information session to their respective groups. The main objective is to increase community understanding of what goes in to our council bins. Twenty participants representing 10 diverse community groups participated in the four information sessions which was delivered in partnership with Green Industries and KESAB Environmental Solutions. The participants began the program with a tour of the Material Recovery Facility at NARWA and the Wingfield Waste & Recycling Centre giving them the opportunity to witness first-hand what happens at the frontline of the waste industry. Participants were keen and eager to learn about waste management. They recycling or disposing off, and Participating community asked lot of questions and Wendy monitoring of waste materials. representative were from the Sutton Sustainability Education Sierra Leone Community of SA, Participants had great time learning Officer from KESAB did a great Iranian Women Association of SA, about waste management and we at job listening and answering their Fullah Friends of SA, Colombian MCCSA are happy with the interest questions. Community of SA, The Eritrean and enthusiasm shown during the Community SA, Spanish Speaking Coming from a background where course of these sessions. We are Seniors, Ivorian Community of SA, waste management practices are not happy that the participants in this Indian Professional Association, common the sessions were a game program are back in their community Caribbean Association of SA and the changer providing information on helping to raise awareness about Serbian Community of SA. collecting, transporting, processing, waste disposal and recycling.
P7 Meet Sali - African Women's Federation of SA's newest leader
Two decades ago she fled Reflecting on her upbringing back health educators and encourage their with her two young daughters home, Sali said she came from a communities to participate in some of background where parents decide these sessions.” from a rebel war in her what their children should study in About a year ago, Sali was elected homeland, Sierra Leone, school. Coming from a family with a chairperson of the African Women’s and spent a few years in teaching background, she had to go Federation of SA. The organisation to college and do teaching, but has neighboring Gambia, West was founded in the early 2000 by always harbored the dream to work in Africa. In 2001 she was four women: Mrs Ayen Kuol, Mrs the health sector. amongst the first batch of Carla Tongun, Mrs Hiacinta Msomi refugees from Sierra Leone “So when I landed in Australia, after and the late Mrs Rita Kamara; as a all the orientation and other relevant response to the needs of arrival of to be resettled in South paperwork, I started enquiring about African migrants. Australia. university enrolment, I applied to Sali said she is happy to be appointed Uni for a nursing degree which I Since her arrival to South Australia, to the role as she was there from completed in 2005, and then I Salimatu Koroma, commonly called the beginning of its formation. She started working as a registered nurse. Sali, has moved on to become a said she remembers having lunch Now I’m in level 2 working as a qualified nurse and is now the head with the late Rita Kamara at the clinical nurse.” of African Women’s Federation of Central market in 2001 and having South Australia. For this edition When asked what she likes about a conversation about the need for of Community Voices, we got in nursing, Sali said she loves helping an organisation that will look after touch with Sali for an interview to people, “It’s about making a African women migrating to South talk about her Australian journey difference in someone’s life, being Australia. and her current role as head of the there for people and their family “The support we get during early African Women’s Federation of when they are going through tough resettlement is not enough, it doesn’t SA, a non-Government, non-profit times”. fit in the long run, so we were talking umbrella organization, representing Sali said the African community in SA about how hard it is to resettle and the interests of African women and will benefit greatly from participating integrate in to the system.” their families in the South Australian in health education sessions. She said Community. She went on to liaise with other there should be a focus on raising African women and the African Sali said she was lucky to be selected awareness through community Women’s Federation was formed. for resettlement in Adelaide, as life health education sessions to our “By then I was studying and wasn’t was hard as a single mother with communities. involved that much, but I have always two children in Gambia. “With a “There are lots of programs out been on the inside supporting here civil war going on in my country, I there providing health education, so and there.” had no choice but to flee and leave community leaders should work with everything behind.”
SPRING 2019 | P8 AFRICAN WOMEN’S FEDERATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
According to Sali, the early founders did a good job in laying the foundation and over the years the organisation has grown by providing a lot of services to the African community. The African Women’s Federation currently works with Thebarton Senior College, Tafe SA, Australian Refugee Association (ARA), Relationship Australia and Junction Community Centre. The future of the organisation is looking good and Sali is very optimistic that it will grow stronger. She said as the chairperson, she will make sure that African women leaders collaborate and participate in hosting frequent information sessions. Knowledge and skills acquired from these sessions will then be passed on to the communities. “If we get them to engage then we are sure to work better and we will learn from them to help shape our strategies as well.” As a community leader and someone who has been around for a while, Sali’s advice to our migrant communities is that we all need to come on board and support our community organisations. “My message is that people should come together and work together in their “My message is that people should come together community, you need that support and work together in their community, you need that even for personal growth, and you’ll support even for personal growth, and you’ll gain a gain a lot, it’s also good for the kids lot, it’s also good for the kids and the parents to stay and the parents to stay connected with their community.” connected with their community.”
P9 Migrants in Business: Fab Removalist
While most people fly into Australia to start a new life there are others who have to brave a cold and dangerous sea journey to call Australia home. Those who get lucky and make it to shore are mostly faced with challenges of settling in while adapting and looking for jobs. Despite all these challenges, most migrants persevere to adjust to their new life and contribute to the society they find themselves in. Afghan born Karim Mohammad came to Australia in 2010. Travelling from Malaysia and then to Indonesia, and finally ending up in Christmas Island. “I came by boat in 2009, I was in Christmas Island for 8 months then I got my permanent residence and came straight to Adelaide” said Karim. rely on a bit of money I had saved “Our job is based on relocation from my previous job and with a bit of furniture from one location to The early years were tough but Karim of support from Centrelink which another. Depending on the workload, didn’t give up. Instead, he found a eventually stopped when I started sometimes we have to hire extra job and started working for a sub- earning from the business.” helpers from various backgrounds to contractor for Australia Post doing do the job.” delivery runs around Adelaide. “I started with a small 3.5 tonne Mitsubishi truck. I then sold that one “I’ve got another friend of mine who Five years after his arrival and gaining and bought a bigger one and I sold has got a truck as well, sometimes some experience doing delivery that one and bought yet another if I’m busy, I’d call him and he would runs, Karim decided to start his own bigger one, now I have a 40 cubic go and do that job for me, so I have business ‘Fab Removalist’. “At the meter truck which is more expensive three trucks at my disposal.” beginning it was a bit difficult. For to run, but now I can afford it and Even though business is good, Karim the first six to seven months, I didn’t manage my living cost, if I work for a mentions that it’s a tough job. “It is a get a lot of jobs, there were lot of off company I’ll not earn more than I’m physical job, very hard and the helpers days, and slowly slowly, step by step, I earning now.” started getting a steady flow of jobs.” we bring along sometimes might not he said. Karim said as his ‘Fab Removalist’ be an experienced bunch. So we have business continues to grow, he to guide them to ensure no damages With no one to support him, Karim teamed up with a friend to help him are incurred to people’s property, had to take the risk and see if his with the increase in demand. and also to ensure they don’t injure business venture will pay off. “I had themselves. So you really cannot just to struggle in the beginning. I had to take things lightly or carelessly.”
SPRING 2019 | P10 > CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 MCCSA Celebrates World Refugee Day at Naracoorte
The Multicultural The young people led by our CEO from the department of Home Communities Council SA has Helena Kyriazopoulos and the youth Affairs. They conducted interactive development team, facilitated an sessions in different classes, sharing marked the commemoration interactive session for a group of stories and hearing from the students. of this year’s World Refugee students at the Independent Learning After class sessions, Gabriel Akon and Day by taking a group of Centre. Oc3aneyes did a music performance ethnically diverse young Gabriel Akon, an award winning at the school assembly. local hip hop Artist who works for people for a two day During lunch time, the team MCCSA as a youth development exchange visit to Naracoorte. conducted a soccer clinic for boys officer, shared his story of migrating Funded by the Department of Home and girls, which concluded the two to Australia and the challenges he Affairs, this trip was designed to give visits. It was a great experience faced growing up in this country. The young people of refugee and migrant for both the visiting young people second part of the session was Q&A. background, living in Adelaide, the and the students. MCCSA will opportunity to explore regional SA After completing the session at ILC, seek to continue to provide these and share their unique stories with the group visited the Naracoorte opportunities for young people. students at the Independent Learning Caves, had dinner before heading Centre and Naracoorte High School. back to the motel for the night. A group of 19 young people selected On the 21st of June, the group visited from our youth programs embarked Naracoorte high school where they on this two day road trip on the 20th were also joined by Tania and Okke of June 2019.
P11 >CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Rock up n Play FUTSAL Karim said he advertises his business on Facebook and gumtree Sessions at Kilburn but mostly relies on referrals We run weekly futsal The flexible nature of the project from friends’ word of mouth. sessions as part of our allows young people to play when This means he has to do a good they need to. job to encourage people to make MCCSA Multicultural Youth recommendations. Engagement initiative. The There are no skill requirements and it is completely free. Currently the project brings together Even though he is happy with his sessions attract over 30 young business Karim said this business young people of diverse people, every week. MCCSA has is a physical job and if you are not backgrounds to come and also introduced a school holiday healthy you cannot work. enjoy a highly entertaining futsal tournament where young Looking into the future Karim said futsal session every Monday people are given the opportunity to he hopes to continue his business create their own teams and compete at the Kilburn Community for a couple more years. “If I get for a trophy. The last tournament saw another opportunity that is better centre. 8 teams compete for a multicultural for me in the long term, in a better The main objective of the project trophy. Team Falmay was crowned environment, then I will change, is to relive social isolation and champions and will have the absolutely.” provide a sporting opportunity for opportunity to defend their title in the next school holidays tournament. Based on his experience so far disadvantaged youth who can’t afford Karim’s advice for other new to pay high fees at regular clubs. migrants out there is, “We’ve all got our share of problems. It’s the reason we decide to come here. And if you don’t have too many responsibilities, and don’t need to send money back to your country of origin, then go and study for couple of years or for a short while and learn a skill so you can have the opportunity to work for a longer term and make your lifestyle very livable. Don’t just settle for jobs that are physical, like you never know what’s going to happen to you”. We thank Karim for the opportunity to talk to him and his candid advice. We wish him all the best and hope things work out for him. Karim can be contacted via Facebook - www.facebook.com/ FabTransportAdelaide
SPRING 2019 | P12 Disability, Ageing and Lifestyle Expo 2019 Less than two months left until South Australia's largest and most iconic disability and ageing community event, the Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Expo 2019! You may want to mark your calendar as for one day only, on Thursday 17 October 2019, at the Adelaide Showgrounds in Wayville, close to 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services to an expected Meet the Newest Australia audience of more than 3000 visitors! Day Ambassador – Shazia Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Choudhry Expo 2019 My Life, My Choice Shazia Choudhry is a Hence she is an active part of many Thursday, 17 October Certified HR and Knowledge social causes. Her main aim at the moment is to be a good support 2019 , 10am to 4pm Management professional channel and a strong voice for new Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide and a certified trainer and immigrants, CALD communities, Showground assessor. She has served in women and children. She was also key managerial positions seen recently as the only Pakistani FREE ENTRY in both public and private and Muslim female participating in the SANFL Nations Cup 2019, sectors in the UAE, Australia to promote and encourage female A SOCIAL INITIATIVE BY: and Pakistan, and has and particularly Muslim females’ designed and been delivering participation in sports in Australia. ‘job readiness programs’ for Shazia Choudhry is volunteering with new arrivals and job seekers Pakistani Australian Connections of in Adelaide, for the past two SA (PACSA) as the Vice President. years. Well done Shazia! We are so proud of your achievements and for becoming This passionate ambassador literally the first Pakistani female as "the defines making moments joyfully and Australia Day Ambassador". pleasantly memorable, and making a positive difference at a personal, familial and at a wider societal level.
P13 MCSSA will celebrate its 45th anniversary at the Migration Museum on the 29th of September. The Migration Museum was the first of its kind in the world. It welcomes 200,000 visitors and 10,000 students per year to its Kintore Avenue historic city precinct and is a great place to take family members visiting from overseas. It supports community events, explains the vital contribution of migrants to SA, and celebrates our diversity. It is proudly supported by the Migration Museum Foundation. Funds raised assist the Museum to do its excellent educational and display work. The Migration Museum Foundation will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its engraved paver program in 2020, whereby Foundation donors are recognised in Settlement Square at the Museum. It only requires a minimum modest contribution of $300 to secure a place in history with one paver, or $500 for two, and there are more giving options and recognition opportunities available. Your family migration story can also be added to a dedicated database available to Museum visitors, adding to the vibrant history of our State. For further information contact Suzanne Redman on 08 82077570. You can choose your giving level and arrange your paver/s online at : https://migration.history.sa.gov.au/ get-involved/migration-museum- foundation/ Don’t delay! Give your family a place in history and encourage others to Former Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Adelaide, Martin Haese and Genevieve Theseira support the Museum. -Haese inspect their family pavers at the Migration Museum Elizabeth Ho OAM Chair, Migration Museum Foundation SPRING 2019 | P14 Community Visitors’ Scheme Home Visit Service
Do you know of any A Volunteer Community Visitor Heeyoung Lim on 8213 4604 or friends, parents or is matched with a client by the email [email protected] Multicultural Communities Council neighbours living at Who is eligible for this service: of SA and visits them in their own • People who have a Home Care home who are lonely? home regularly, approximately 10 Package Would you like them to visits every 6 months. Through this priceless service, clients are able to • People who have been assessed have some warmth in develop a deep relationship with their and approved for receiving a their lives? volunteer visitor. Home Care Package but are still on the waiting list Do you know that There are so many activities that MCCSA Community make our visit a rewarding experience. We and our clients enjoy talking about Visitors Scheme (CVS) their home country in their language, “Started CVS Home Visit this Home Visit Service can sharing stories of their family and year and loving every minute. support them in such past and current life, listening to their Enrolled to help out “Scottish” speakers, but they proved hard situations? home country’s music, reading their communities’ newsletters, watching to find. Now visiting a lovely, MCCSA Community Visitors TV or movies together, playing cards, housebound, Lebanese man with Scheme (CVS) program, which having a cup of coffee or tea, helping a wicked sense of humour and a started as helping Latvian elders in with craft activities and playing glint in his eye. Enjoying giving nursing homes in 1988 now has a musical instruments. back to the community, whilst rich history of 31 years. During this making new, treasured friends.” If your parents, friends or someone time, we worked hard to improve the - Stuart Gordon Hamilton Campbell you know needs a special friend quality of lives of elderly people, and (CVS Home Visit volunteer) or you need more information of the impact of MCCSA CVS service CVS Home Visit, please contact has been expanding ever since. The MCCSA CVS is funded by the Federal Government and our Home Visit Service is a free service for clients. The MCCSA community visitors speak at least one language other than English, and many of them were born outside of Australia. The people find that sharing time improves their quality of life and allows them to have an increased sense of purpose when they know that someone cares for them. Visits help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation as well as depression and anxiety.
P15 The MCCSA Korean Speaking Playgroup
At 10am every Monday, extended family support, and the Please contact Heeyoung Lim on Korean children and parents playgroup and the friendships formed 8213 4604 or email to heeyoung. help reduce their sense of loss. [email protected] if you would like come to the MCCSA to participate in the MCCSA Korean Such deep relationships have been Korean Speaking Playgroup. Speaking Playgroup. developed between these Korean Children are unable to hide parents, some of them have now “I am so glad that my son can learn their excitement as they created a weekly meeting mothers and experience Korean culture and meet their friends and do group. This is so that those who no also learn the language through various fun activities including longer attend the playgroup, as their this Korean playgroup. This lovely reading, crafting, singing and child now goes to kindergarten or community is important and valuable school, can still keep in touch. They to not only kids but also to migrant dancing. Parents smile in have also been showing affection parents.” happiness as they see their for the playgroup by attending the -Sunny Lee (Mother) children having fun. Korean playgroup with their children “Rachel loves to go to playgroup. She The MCCSA Korean Speaking whenever they have time. cannot wait for it.” -Jini (Mother) Playgroup has been running for We hope that the Korean parents over three years and initially started continue to receive appropriate “A big thank you to MCCSA for because the Korean parents wanted support through the MCCSA making such a meaningful program, their children to continue with the Playgroup which has such a providing excellent support in making program after participating in the meaningful impact on their children, new friends and exchanging valuable Kickstarting Childhood Success who will eventually become the future information with others who are Project in 2016. of Australia. in similar situations.” -SY Jeoung (Volunteer) This playgroup provides opportunities for Korean children to absorb both the Korean and Australian culture, for parents to exchange information regarding bringing up a child in Australia, and encourages continuous meet-ups to develop sincere friendships. We are extremely proud to have successfully achieved our goal of providing support for parents who are raising their children in a foreign country so that they do not feel lonely or isolated. This is extremely important as back home in Korea parents raise their children with the help of an extended family network. Generally in Australia, they lack the
SPRING 2019 | P16 Successful Communities – Intercultural Young Leadership Camp
Following the success of the of its interactive nature. Participants had to overcome in his endeavors first edition of Successful were therefore, able to learn about to becoming an adviser to the leadership by taking part in a range of Opposition Leader in South Australia, Communities - Intercultural activities and discussions with their Minh Tan was able to connect with Young Leadership Camp, fellow peers and guest speakers. participants and inspire hope. the second edition of this The guest speakers were a key As with the first edition of the program was held from the highlight in this edition of the Intercultural Young Leadership Camp, 9th to the 11th of July at Intercultural Young Leadership Camp. the second edition was also highly MCCSA Hall. Across these They were able to provide interesting successful. In addition to gaining three days from 10am – and informative perspectives about useful information and leadership how young people can become skills, participants formed friendships 3pm, young people of various leaders. The first guest speakers and were inspired to become more ages and ethnicities gathered from UniSA College provided involved in the community. The to develop their leadership useful information about alternative program was also successful as it skills. pathways into university through its enabled participants to develop their Foundation programs, which also self-confidence and find their voice Megs Lamb facilitated the program provided avenues for leadership as young leaders. So, if you are a and was able to use her passion and development. Participants were young person between the age of professional experience to cover a encouraged to take the information 12 – 25 seeking to improve your variety of topics related to leadership provided by these guest speakers leadership skills and build further in a fun and easy to understand back to their respective communities. connections with the community, you manner. Topics covered included: the The second guest speaker Minh are welcome to join the next edition difference between leadership and Tan, shared key lessons that he of the Intercultural Young Leadership management, mentoring, conflict had learnt in his journey towards Camp which will be held in Playford at resolution and event management. becoming a young leader. In sharing Northern Sound System, during the Young people were able to fully his story and the challenges that he upcoming October school holidays. engage with the program because
P17 Victim Support MCCSA SALA Exhibition 2019 Service On Thursday the 22nd of August MCCSA was thrilled to Victim Support Service (VSS) is a launch its 5th SALA exhibition. The audience was delighted state-wide, independent community about the “Holding the Moment” photography exhibition based organisation that’s been presented by Razan Fakhouri. providing support to people affected by crime and abuse since 1979. Originally from Jordan, Razan's exhibition highlighted strong people, stories and momentum through visual drama and the artistry of details. Guests With over 40 years' of experience, we crowded around the images, sharing their stories and connections to what understand the impact crime has on they saw – and creating new connections to one another during the process. people's lives and the support needed to assist people to cope and recover. The exhibition will be at MCCSA until September and we would like to encourage everyone to drop in and check it out. Victim Support Service welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds. If you are or have been a victim of any crime as well as family and domestic violence, we can help! Our team of highly experienced support workers and counsellors assist people to navigate the criminal justice system, provide counselling and help women and children who have been affected by domestic or family violence to remain in their own home. Our services are free and confidential. Our head office is in metropolitan Adelaide but we also have seven regional offices across South Australia. We can offer support regardless of when the crime occurred and it doesn’t need to have been reported to the police. The VSS Helpdesk is available 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday on 1800 VICTIM (1800 842 846). Please call to find out how we can help you, or someone you know who has been affected by crime or abuse.
SPRING 2019 | P18 Multicultural Playgroup Tax Help Program Tax Help is a network of ATO- Playgroups are a great way to build social networks, make friends trained and accredited community for families to gain support and improve parenting skills. volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people and engage with their local WHO CAN ATTEND: complete their tax returns online Children aged 0 - 5 together with community. The Multicultural using MyTax. their parents and carers Playgroup program has been Tax Help is available from July WHEN: in operation since 2017 and to October in all capital cities Every Tuesday during school term runs for 90 minutes once a and many regional areas across 10:30am-12:00pm, excluding public Australia. week at our Gilbert Street holidays Community Hub. Eligibility for Tax Help? VENUE: Currently with 10 registered children, MCCSA Hall (113 Gilbert St You are eligible for Tax Help in this cost-effective program allows for ADELAIDE SA 5000) 2018–19 if your income is around parents, grandparents and carers to $60,000 or less for the income come together and allow their babies, COST: year and you did not: toddlers and preschoolers to interact $10/term (+PlaygroupSA fee) »» work as a contractor, for example in fun, unstructured play, often with For more information about Kick- a contract cleaner or taxi driver toys and activities not available at (have an ABN) Start Your Child’s Success Program, home. »» run a business, including as a sole please contact Lena Gasparyan: trader The program however also allows for Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm parents, grandparents and carers to »» have partnership or trust matters Ph: 08 8213 4606 / 04 6051 6684 » work with our playgroup coordinators » sell shares or an investment Email: [email protected] property »» own a rental property »» have capital gains tax (CGT) »» receive royalties »» receive distributions from a trust, other than a managed fund »» receive foreign income, other than a foreign pension or annuity.
For more information see the ATO website below: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/ Lodging-your-tax-return/Tax- Help-program/
If you'd like to know more about this program, contact Lena Gasparyan on 8213 4606 or email [email protected]
P19 Kick-Start Your Child’s Success
Moving to another country is Using the learnings from the pilot “Thank you very much for this event. exciting but settling in can be program MCCSA was successful in We have a detailed understanding obtaining Federal Funding from the of the resources and parents' help tough, especially for families Department of Social Services for departments in South Australia, which with children. Our Chief a 3 year program “Kick-Start Your has alleviated our anxiety and made Executive Officer Ms Helena Child’s Success” which is delivered in us better integrate into Australia and Kyriazopoulos is very familiar 12 language groups. become more local.” - Mandarin Group with these issues because she This is an education and awareness- started her working career raising project which helps migrant “Being a new parent in a new country is in the Multicultural sector in parents and grandparents caring tricky as I don't know where to go, but for preschool children to build now, after attending this program, I got Sydney working with migrant confidence and learn what services, lots of information and awareness that parents. entitlements and information are makes me more confident to raise my Helena realized when she returned available for them in South Australia. child safely. And If I need any support, to South Australia to work in the Respected Federal and State I now know where to go.” - Arabic Multicultural sector that South Government representatives and Group child expert speakers cover topics Australia did not have a comparable On the 8th August we started a 8 on children’s health, safety, entering program. When Helena was week Kick-Start Your Child’s Success preschool, Government financial appointed Chief Executive Officer of program for Gujarati speaking families support, importance of playgroups MCCSA in 2014 she started pursuing at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and socialization and introducing the idea of MCCSA running a (temple). These sessions are delivered English as a language. program for parents which would help on Thursdays between 10am-12pm. provide them with the information Between Term 4 in 2018 and Term Every week covers a different topic and knowledge which they would 2 in 2019, we successfully delivered and you are welcome to join at any need to help bring up young children the project to 98 people who time. successfully in Australia. MCCSA speak Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi and 12 volunteers assisted with the was funded by the State Government Mandarin. Amongst the participants playgroups provided for each session, for a pilot program in 2016 with were mothers, pregnant women, allowing them to gain valuable skills the South Korean community and grandparents, dads and even some and experience to further their a Middle Eastern parenting group. who had arrived in Australia as short career development. A number of The pilot tested whether the concept as 2 weeks ago. volunteers have been successful was still valid today and needed in gaining employment during and by parents. Hee Young Lim who Some of the feedback we have after their volunteer period. We have is our senior CVS Coordinator, received from the participants been delighted to be referees for with experience in South Korea, in are given below: outstanding volunteers. engaging and managing speakers for “The Kick-Start sessions were really television programs, worked hard to useful, going beyond my expectations. For more information about Kick- put together a program of relevant My opinion is that every parent should Start Your Child’s Success Program, speakers. The pilot was independently attend as they will gain access to basic please contact Lena Gasparyan evaluated by the University of information to address every issue Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm South Australia and found to make regarding their family.” - Punjabi Ph: 08 8213 4606 / 04 6051 6684 a significant difference for all the Group Email: [email protected] participants.
SPRING 2019 | P20 MCCSA Celebrates 45 Years of service
MCCSA celebrated 45 MCCSA Vice Chairperson Dr Ian MCCSA and its predecessor the years of service to CALD Harmstorf OAM gave a brief recount Ethnic Communities Council. of the MCCSA history dating back to communities at Government Helena Kyriazopoulos, CEO of the formation of the Good Neighbor MCCSA said it was great day for House on Tuesday 30th Council (GNC) in 1949. MCCSA to reflect on the work of July 2019. Themed ‘45 The GNC was formed to assist the organisation has achieved and Years Strong and 70 years migrants settle in Australia. also recognise the efforts of our of Tradition’ the event was According to Ian “with the increasing past Presidents, Boards, staff and hosted by his Excellency the number of migrants and their volunteers who have collectively over Hon Hieu Van Le Governor changing needs it was considered the past 45 years contributed to work that a new approach was necessary” and programs of the organization. of South Australia. and in 1974 the Ethnic Communities Approximately 100 people The event was attended by the Hon Council (ECC) of South Australia comprising of community leaders, Jing lee, Assisting Minister to the was established. However, some government representatives and Premier and the Hon Emily Burke years later the United Ethnic service providers were in attendance. Shadow Assistant Minister to the Communities of South Australia was After the formalities the guests Leader of the Opposition, a host of established and this duopoly was to enjoyed the hospitality of the Executives from Government and not continue until August 1995 when the Governor and Government House. for profit organisations and some of merger of these two Councils led to our members. the formation of the Multicultural Our next celebratory event is planned for the 29th September at In his opening remarks the Governor Communities Council of South the Migration Museum, a save the commended the MCCSA for Australia (MCCSA) as we know it date note has been sent out to all our their ongoing service to South today. members. Hoping to see many of you Australia’s multicultural community, Certificates of appreciation were at this special function. acknowledging the important role the presented by the Governor to past MCCSA has played over the years MCCSA pioneers, acknowledging in strengthening and supporting our their longstanding service and CALD communities. MCCSA commitment to the ideals of the celebrates
45YEARS STRONG ears tra t
P21 OUR PEOPLE
MCCSA STAFF MEMBER STUDENT PLACEMENT Milan Andelkovic and President of the dance group. With my involvement with the I am a new employee here at dance group, I ended up on the MCCSA, and started as a volunteer committee of the Adelaide Folkloric initially in the office and then took Society, helping to put on shows of on a part-time role as a Community ethnic dancing, not only within the Visitor’s Scheme Coordinator along Adelaide Metropolitan area, but with three others. My main role is to also in other major South Australian keep the office side of the position cities. My parents became involved running smoothly. I also try and in Ethnic Radio from its early days arrange for the volunteers to be as a standalone access program on Kim Tran matched to residents that require a University Radio 5UV, through to the My name is Kim Tran and I am a visitor who speaks their language in creation of 5EBI-FM, and through student from the University of Adelaide various facilities and find this very their involvement it got me involved. undertaking student placement at challenging. I have been a volunteer “Continuity MCCSA. I am currently studying a I was born in Adelaide to Serbian Producer” at the station for many double degree in International Studies parents and learnt to speak Serbian years and also became directly and Law. I was born in Adelaide, while from the local “Sunday School” as involved with the Serbian program, my parents came to Australia as well as at home. I became involved with the formation of a “Youth” immigrants during the Vietnam War. with ethnic dancing from the age program, designed to try and meet As a child of immigrant parents, I know of 12 and progressed through to the needs, both musically and other how being part of an inclusive and become a teacher for young children for the younger generations. multicultural community can have a significant impact on people’s lives. My student placement was largely research based and focused on how the social inclusion aspect of MCCSA’s youth programs relate to Countering Violent Extremism. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my student placement at MCCSA as I was able to learn a lot about social inclusion and the community sector by working alongside MCCSA’s Programs Manager, Megan Hill and participating in various MCCSA youth programs and events. During my time at MCCSA, I was particularly inspired by the positive impact that MCCSA’s youth programs had on young people. Subsequently, while my student placement has concluded, I will continue to support MCCSA as a volunteer in the future. SPRING 2019 | P22 OUR PEOPLE
VOLUNTEER
Sid Jamieson Thus, Sid jokes that his buses frequently end up jumping down the As MCCSA’s longest serving road from laughter. volunteer bus driver, Sid Jamieson has The 2019 over fifteen years of knowledge and One of the key reasons why Sid experience in relation to volunteer continues to work as a volunteer Governor’s driving. Before volunteering at driver after more than fifteen years is Multicultural MCCSA Sid among other things had that he finds volunteering enjoyable been a coal miner, a marksman and as it encourages him to get out and Awards nomination been involved in farming. meet nice people. Aside, Sid notes that there are other benefits to period is open until As a volunteer driver for MCCSA, volunteer driving such as the fact 5pm Friday Sid provides free bus driving services that it keeps him trim with driving for people across various nationalities. and provides him with fuel allowance. 11 October 2019. Apart from driving, socialising is one Thus, Sid recommends volunteer South Australians are encouraged of the key aspects of Sid’s role at driving at MCCSA as it can lead to to nominate an individual or MCCSA. Sid is adept at socialising other employment opportunities. organisation that is passionate as he is able to connect with a broad Consequently, Sid has volunteered about making a positive range of passengers in different at MCCSA for over 15 years and contribution and promoting our ways. In some instances, he is able to continues to do so as he believes that culturally diverse State. engage with passengers by drawing on the limited monetary rewards from his love of fishing. In other instances, volunteering is made up by the fact The award categories include: he is able to engage with passengers that it allows him to enjoy himself. through his strong sense of humour. »» Outstanding individual achievement »» Arts and culture »» Community sector »» Media »» Private sector »» Public sector »» Senior volunteer »» Volunteer »» Youth.
For more information, or to nominate online, visit multicultural.sa.gov.au/GMA
P23 No News is Good News - Building Resilient CALD Communities
…and nothing is truer than that when Every year, Australian communities The outcomes and benefits of the it comes to natural disasters and face devastating losses caused by project will be numerous: emergency situations. Nevertheless, disasters. Bushfires, floods, storms, 1. Newer CALD individuals and when bad news arrives, it’s certainly and other hazards. Their associated communities will be aware of better to be prepared. MCCSA consequences have significant impact the SA emergency strategies, started its new project “Building on communities, the economy, existing plans, the authorities in Resilient CALD Communities”, in infrastructure and the environment. charge and stakeholders involved. July 2019, to assist new and emerging The question is, what do we do when communities. This project will something like this happens? Who do 2. Newer CALD individuals and improve their knowledge of Disaster we refer to? The Police, the Country communities will strengthen Preparedness and Emergency Fire Service or the State Emergency their networks and increase their Management, increase their Service? How can I prepare for resilience. capability to communicate with the an emergency? How can I better 3. Newer CALD communities and relevant institutions and get messages protect my family and my house? International Student groups out to their community during a People and communities newer to will prepare and disseminate on disaster. South Australia, maybe with limited Emergency Plans to their peers. English skills, are more likely to not The Project is funded by the Federal If you want more information, please understand the system in place in and the State Government. It contact: South Australia or even know which will last an year and is under the authority is in charge of dealing with Isabella Bracco, Resilient coordination of SAFECOM (South said emergencies. These types of Communities Project Officer Australia Fire and Emergency Service disasters may be very different to Ph: 08 8213 4613 Commission). disasters in their country of origin. Email: [email protected] The issue of Disaster management Isabella works Monday, Thursday and is a priority for the Government and Friday the Ministerial Council. The Police and Emergency Management have agreed that the future direction of Australian emergency management will aim to achieve community resilience. Many factors are known to increase communities’ vulnerability to disasters, including community fragmentation and not being connected with regular support services. This can be an issue for new and emerging communities and international students.
SPRING 2019 | P24 MCCSA PHOTOS
MCCSA celebrates 45 years of community service at Government House
Engaging with our youth - Futsal tournament SALA week exhibition at MCCSA Hall
MCCSA Korean Play Group
P25 MCCSA SERVICES
The languages currently spoken by our and Russian speaking communities. We MCCSA CHSP volunteers are: Bosnian, Cantonese, have a digital training program for seniors. Transport Service Croatian, Filipino, French, German, In 2018 and 2019 we are facilitating ‘ Our transport service is well Greek, Hungarian, Hindi, Italian, Knowing your Rights’ in collaboration used and helps many of our frail and Japanese, Latvian, Mandarin, Lithuanian, with OFTA for ethnospecific community older members of the CALD community Polish, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, organisations for older people. Cooking go on excursions and attend Day Centre Hungarian, Serbian, Swedish, Danish, videos and interviews with senior cooks programs. Community groups use our Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari and from our very successful ‘Food from our service for trips to places of cultural Vietnamese. Homeland’ project will be on our website or tourist interest. This provides their If you would like to make use of later this year.. members with an opportunity to socialise our service or join our team of volunteers For any enquiries on this program in comfort and tranquility. call Hee Young Lim at MCCSA on 8213 please call Kristin on 8213 4603 or To hire our buses at very reasonable rates, 4604 or email email [email protected]. call us on 8213 4608 or email sidique. [email protected] [email protected] Reconnect MCCSA Carers Retreat Services Community Hall MCCSA provides individual Our Carers Retreat programs A diverse range of community support to young people help fund planned short-term groups use our 50 seating capacity hall that are having trouble at home. breaks for unpaid care givers of for meetings, forums, workshops and This is an early intervention program to the frail and elderly. CALD community functions Free of charge if they are a prevent youth homelessness and can organisations that work with carers of registered MCCSA community group. provide information, support, counseling, the frail and elderly should contact us to A donation is appreciated for rubbish mediation, practical support , and group discuss applying for this funding, as we removal and electricity. activities. want as many carers as possible to access The Hall is also available for commercial For further information or referral please the benefits of having a retreat. hire. contact Megan [email protected]. For more information call au or Savry [email protected] on Megan Hill on 8213 4605 or email For more information in accessing the 8213 4605. [email protected] MCCSA hall call June on 8345 5266 or email [email protected] for terms and conditions of use. Community Successful Visitor Scheme Communities Healthy Ageing Successful Communities is Our Community Visitor MCCSA supports focused on providing individual Scheme facilitates one-on- community members to stay support to vulnerable and emerging one friendship between older people in connected and receive the culturally diverse communities and their residential care and community visitors support and information they members. speaking their language. They visit at least need as they age . In addition to advocacy For further information please call Megs twice a month to build relationships. They and forums we also participate in research Lamb on 8213 4610 or email megs. add some warmth to the life of our senior such as the CALD age friendly SA [email protected] citizens by reducing their loneliness and report and our current collaboration with isolation. Flinders university on social support. MCCSA supports three art groups for members of the Korean, Spanish speaking
SPRING 2019 | P26 Multicultural Youth Playgroup Engagement Going Places MCCSA is currently MCCSA runs a range of with MCCSA running a multicultural playgroup youth engagement activities in If you are a registered community for children from diverse background in multiple locations across the northern organization or a service provider South Australia to give them the best and western suburbs that incorporate join the MCCSA to organize possible start in life and we want parents soccer, hip hop, employment support, outings, picnics, sightseeing tours to feel supported. intercultural connections, leadership and other social activities for If you would like more information or development and event planning our CALD seniors and people want to attend with your child, please from our new and emerging For more information please contact contact Hee Young Lim on 8213 4604 communities. Ukash or send an email to ukash. or [email protected] Four Toyota Hiace buses are [email protected] available on Mondays and Kickstart your child's Tuesdays including the weekend. For more information email success program [email protected] Raising children and effective parenting without support can be difficult. To better understand the challenges of childhood, safeguards, A big thank you to The Big Issue for the invite to join in services and support available in Australia for your family, MCCSA is introducing your R U Ok? street soccer tournament. a new program Kick-start Your Child’s It was great to join Headspace, GPA Giants, Common Success. This program will run from 2018-2021 and help mothers of Ground, Unity Housing and Cara in such a fun event with preschool children to provide a successful a powerful message. start for their children. Fathers and grandparents are also welcome to attend. If you speak Spanish, Swahili, Dinka, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Arabic, Persian, Hazaraghi, Mandarin, Khmer and Japanese at home and have preschool children, we have got you covered.
For more information contact Lena Gasparyan on 8213 4606 or Lena. [email protected] Justice of the Peace MCCSA also offers the services of a JP, to book an appointment, call the office on 8345 5266.
P27 Interested in volunteering for MCCSA? Visit www.mccsa.org.au for more info or contact us on 8345 5266.
www.mccsa.org.au
Multicultural Communities Council of SA Inc. 113 Gilbert Street, Adelaide Phone 8345 5266 www.mccsa.org.au
Compiled and edited by Sidique Bah, MCCSA Communications Off icer SPRING 2019 | P28