WINTER/ SPRING International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne in Towards a Healthy Nation Conference. New research into social cohesion

Transcription

1 WINTER/ SPRING 2006 THE MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN MULTICULTURAL FOUNDATION International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne in 2007 Towards a Healthy Nation Conference New research into social cohesion

2 IN THIS ISSUE UPDATE Winter/Spring UPDATE is published by: Australian Multicultural Foundation 185 Faraday St Carlton Victoria 3053 PO Box 538 Carlton South Victoria 3053 Phone: Fax: info@amf.net.au 2 CONFERENCES Coming up 3 Towards a Healthy Nation A conference exploring health issues faced by Australia s diverse community will be held in Adelaide this year at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide between October 30 and International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne 2007 Entitled Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion, the Conference will be held in Melbourne from October 8-12, Fourth Diversity Matters Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007 REPORTING 4 Prato Immigration Futures Conference II 6&7 New perspectives on health and well-being for the diverse community INITIATIVES 8 Helping newly arrived clergy to Australia A new workshop aimed at helping newly-arrived clergy familiarise themselves with Australian society and culture. 8 Multifaith Advisory Council for the Commonwealth The Commonwealth Foundation (UK) has recommended the establishment of a Multifaith Advisory Council offering advice aimed at bridging gaps between diverse faith communities across the Commonwealth. 9 New research into social cohesion Scanlon Social Cohesion Research program 10 Step into Voluntary Work Program Find out about these innovative workshops for volunteer coordinators and managers. 10 Helping seniors from new and emerging communities access health promotion activities A project aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of newly arrived communities in Western Metropolitan Melbourne. MAKING NEWS 11 Grassroots addresses issues of concern for Muslim Youth Engaging young Victorian Muslims through social awareness, education and art-focused activities 11 Visit promotes cultural understanding High-profile government representatives from China visit as part of their on-going Memorandum of Understanding. NEW PUBLICATIONS 12 Fostering broader understanding of multicultural issues in schools A brand new series of non-fiction educational books entitled Harmony and Understanding. 13 Exploring the lives of seven immigrants Fascinating and eye-opening book exploring the lives of seven immigrants and their experiences after their arrival to Australia. YOUTH AFFAIRS 14 Young people offer strategies to benefit wider community The National Muslim Youth Summit, aimed at finding practical solutions to key issues concerning young Australian Muslims. 14 CMYI launches new Youth Kit and Participation Initiatives Provides useful strategies for young people wishing to establish or seeking ideas about how to run a youth group. 15 Summit provides practical solutions to problems affecting young Australian Muslims More than 85 young Muslims attended a workshop in Melbourne recently to discuss a range of issues identified by participants at last year s Summit.

3 CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT Towards a Healthy Nation CO-HOSTS Adelaide October A conference exploring health issues faced by Australia s diverse community will be held in Adelaide this year at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide between October 30 and 31. Following the success of the Diversity in Health conference last year, Australia s largest health conference, this conference is designed to further explore the issues raised at the 2005 conference. Participants will be given the opportunity to discuss the issues in depth by taking part in interactive discussions designed to highlight the challenges faced by carers, clinicians, service providers, planners and policy makers. Entitled Towards a Healthy Nation, the conference is a partnership between the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the Diversity Health Institute and Multicultural South Australia. It is locally supported by the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia, Alzheimer s Australia SA, the Multicultural Communities Council of SA Inc, the Australian Refugee Association Inc, the Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS), Multicultural Youth SA Inc and Migrant Health Service SA. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Diversity Health Institute, Multicultural South Australia, the Australian Government s Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS), the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT), Multicultural Mental Health Australia, Alzheimer s Australia SA and Migrant Health Service SA. The format for the conference will include a series of plenary sessions held in the morning, with workshops held in the afternoon further exploring issues highlighted from the morning s discussions. Some of the issues to be covered include: Youth Issues to include issues about young Australian Muslims. Mental well-being and social connectedness refugees and newly arrived, immigrants, health promotion, torture and trauma, and volunteerism. Policy and health care improvement carers, consumers, disability. Ageing dementia, aged care facilities, HACC, carer issues. Cultural Safety - cultural competence in health care interpreters, hospitals, General Practitioners and health professionals. The Keynote Speakers are: Mr Robert Tickner, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Australian Red Cross Associate Professor Nicholas Procter, Academic Integrity Officer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia and Adjunct Professor, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University Plenary Speakers include: Professor Megan-Jane Johnstone, Professor of Nursing and Director of Research, Division of Nursing and Midwifery, RMIT University Dr Kate Barnett, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Institute for Social Research, University of Adelaide Costs are $345, NGO rate $235 and student/concession $130. For further details or bookings contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) or info@ amf.net.au The registration brochure can be downloaded from the Foundation s website, SPONSORS Migrant Health Service SUPPORTERS 3

4 CONFERENCES Prato Immigration Futures Conference II An international forum examining the impact and future of immigration attracted academics and leading policy makers when it was held at the Monash Centre in Prato, Italy recently. Entitled Immigration Futures, the international forum was organised by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Metropolis. The forum examined future migration flows, migration patterns (including circular, temporary and permanent migration) and the impact of out-migration on sending countries. Immigration Futures brought together some of the world s leading academics, policymakers and internationallyrenowned migration thinkers. The five day forum began on May 17 this year and included a half day tour of Pisa, setting the scene so that international guests and speakers could marvel at the country s beauty. After the official tour participants got down to the serious business of debating the benefits and pitfalls of immigration by exchanging information on patterns and effects of previous immigration programmes. Participants took part in panel discussions with leading policy makers and academics that provided case studies citing the effects that immigration has on sending and receiving countries. Key themes of the forum included: The pattern of skilled migration flows - which countries will be favoured by skilled migrants, what skills will be in demand and how will skilled migrants be retained? A comparison of different approaches to the selection of skilled migrants. The strategic advantages of permanent migration versus temporary programs. The ethics of 'cherrypicking' - out-migration and its impact on source countries. Circular migration: how settled are the ethnic diasporas? Chairman of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Sir James Gobbo told participants at the forum he was concerned about Australia s growing obsession with highly educated, skilled immigrants. He said, Australia s preoccupation with skills is not an effective methodology for screening our future immigrants. We don t place enough emphasis on those unskilled migrants who are willing to do the hard yards. Economics professor at King s College in Cambridge, Professor Robert Rawthorn, also voiced his concern at the number of skilled immigrants entering Western countries including Australia, Canada and the US by suggesting our gain was at the expense of the sending countries. Professor Rawthorn questioned the moral difference between taking land via colonisation and the exportation of skilled labour. He said, One method of addressing this imbalance is to refuse entry to skilled migrants from poor countries on the basis that they are needed at home. He also suggested that students from poor countries could be forced to go home after graduating from a richnation university. According to Professor Rawthorn s statistics Australia will accept between 134,000 and 144,000 migrants during the next financial year. Director of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, Professor John Nieuwenhuysen, also expressed concern that immigration should not focus exclusively on skilled settlers. He said, Policy makers should take a broader view of immigration, allowing family reunions. Second or third generation immigrants tend to be more highly educated than those immigrants who were specifically targeted through the skilled immigration program. For more information contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) Courtesy: Quotes from the article Downside of the focus on skills, Natasha Bita, The Australian, 24 May Organising Committee Left to right: Standing - Hass Dellal, Australian Multicultural Foundation, Kate Latimer, Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, Howard Duncan, Metropolis Canada, Professor John Nieuwenhuysen, Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements. Seated - Erin Tolley, Metropolis Canada, Irene Thavarajah, Monash University. 4

5 AMF COMMUNITY SUPPORT International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne in 2007 The Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements and the Australian Multicultural Foundation will be hosting the International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne in The theme for the 2007 conference will explore issues surrounding current patterns of future migration and its economic and social effects. Entitled Migration, Economic Growth and Social Cohesion, the Conference will be held in Melbourne from October 8-12, The Conference will feature an extensive list of national and international speakers and cover themes including: Conditions for social cohesion in diverse societies Measuring social cohesion indicators Constructing social cohesion in society Comparative approaches to multicultural policies Minorities in society and the relationship with racial profiling and anti-terrorist legislation Proving a solution for irregular migration Comparative policies to attract new settlers to regional locations Recognition of overseas professional qualifications of migrants Future research agendas for people movement Comparative skill migration programs The impact of cherry picking of skilled workers on poorer sending countries Comparative Asia Pacific/European-North American Migration patterns Gaining economic advantage through migration Migration in a borderless world its security implications Participants will also be given the opportunity to participate in a pre-conference program designed to provide first-hand knowledge of cultural diversity on Australian life and its institutions in Victoria. By meeting with representatives from government agencies, service providers and the business and community, delegates will be able to establish networks and develop initiatives for the future. Consequently delegates will be given the opportunity to undertake one of three tours on offer. The themes for the tours are Language, Employment and Settlement, Culture and Community, and Faith and Community. For further information on the Metropolis Conference go to metropolis2007.html 5

6 CONFERENCE REPORT New perspectives on health and well-being for the diverse community Australia s largest multicultural health conference Diversity in Health 2005 It s everybody s business was considered by industry experts as an ideal opportunity to exchange information and establish partnerships in the multicultural health arena. Co-hosted by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Multicultural Mental Health Australia and the Diversity Health Institute, the Conference was held at the Hilton on the Park in Melbourne from October last year. Participants were provided with new perspectives on old issues concerning challenges of health and well-being for the diverse community in Australia. Diversity in Health is considered by health professionals as one of the most innovative multicultural health and well-being conferences in Australia. It focused on the latest physical and mental health priorities relating to the challenges faced by the community, careers, clinicians, service providers, planners and policy makers in their efforts to provide high quality health for Australia s multicultural community. It also highlighted innovative research, practices, programs, and partnerships between health management systems, providers, governments, legal systems, social service agencies, and patient health status. There was a large emphasis on prevention and intervention strategies relevant to diverse cultures. The Conference was opened by the then Federal Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. John Cobb, and attended by more than 400 participants from the multicultural arena. A number of prominent speakers provided specialist views including the Victorian Minister for Health, The Hon. Bronwyn Pike who spoke on issues of migration and health. Chief Executive Officer of VicHealth and Father of the Year, Dr Rob Moodie, discussed the importance of health promotion and prevention. Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood spoke about the importance of providing supportive care in an ever challenging global environment, while former Victorian Premier and Chairman of Beyondblue, The Hon. Jeff Kennett, relayed the importance of a mental health policy in a culturally diverse Australia Individual symposiums were held simultaneously across the three days where participation took place in active discussions on issues including trauma and torture, obesity and multicultural communities, adult sexuality, religion and health and ethno-cultural aspects of youth suicide. One of the Conference organisers said: The Conference provided an important opportunity for health professionals and policy makers to discuss the latest research. They were also privy to eminent local experts who spoke about the physical and mental health priorities of Australia s multicultural community. Participants were extremely impressed with the high calibre of international speakers, with many taking the opportunity to explore issues on an individual basis with a number of the speakers. In addition to an Evaluation Report exploring the Conference outcomes participants were also privy to the launch of a project known as the Peace Tree. The Tree was used as a symbol representing Australia s diverse multicultural community and involved students from Carlton Primary School. 6

7 CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT Professor Rodreck Mupedziswa, Acting Deputy Director, School of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe. The Hon John Cobb MP, Former Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Australian Government The Hon Jeff Kennett AC, Chairman, beyondblue The Conference covered themes including: Capacity Development and Diversity Clinical Innovation and Research Policy Culture, Music, Dance, Art and Health Health and the role of Philanthropy Intergenerational Health Issues - Youth and Ageing Medicine and Alternative Health Issues Migration and Health Models of Excellence in Health Promotion in a diverse community Organisational Cultural Competence Providing a Supportive Environment The Hon Bronwyn Pike MP, Minister for Health, Victorian Government Mr Hass Dellal OAM, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation Fourth Diversity Matters Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007 The Australian Multicultural Foundation is pleased to announce the Fourth Diversity Matters Forum on MEDIA AND DIVERSITY IN THE COMMONWEALTH to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 2007 at the Monash University South Africa Campus. This important forum will focus on the relationship between the media and communities throughout Commonwealth countries, and how this can be better structured for mutual benefit. Attending will be key speakers and representatives from around the world, debating issues such as: The problems with objective reportage, pre-conceptions and stereotyping, getting an accurate portrayal of minorities. The role of the media in community opinion-making. Cultural diversity within newsrooms and the diversity of talent recruitment by newsroom managers. Getting the real story: gaining access to the key community leaders, avoiding prejudice and caricatures, working constructively with communities. Finding the best stories vs finding the negative ones. From a community perspective: How can communities foster better relationships with the working media? Ensure fair and balanced coverage of their people and activities? Gain the skills to be better heard and understood by the press and other opinion makers? This will be the fourth Diversity Matters forum, following the success of previous forums held in Brisbane (2001), London (2003), and Kolkata, India (2005). The 2007 forum has been organised by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, in partnership with the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, the Commonwealth Foundation, Monash University Campus South Africa, and The Statesman. There will be study tours following the forum, and one of the anticipated outcomes will be a practical guide/tool-kit for communities and the media. For further information contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) or info@amf.net.au 7

8 INITIATIVES Helping newly arrived clergy to Australia A new workshop aimed at helping newly-arrived clergy familiarise themselves with Australian society and culture was developed and conducted by Monash University in conjunction with the Australian Multicultural Foundation. The two day workshop entitled A Course for Clergy New Australia aimed to assist religious workers become acclimatised to the Australian context. Covering issues concerning the needs and aspirations of various faiths and their congregations, the workshop focused on the broader political, social and religious contexts in which they operate. The workshop also provided exciting opportunities for participants to establish networks with clergy from their own religions, as well as interact with clergy from other faiths or religious backgrounds. Professor Gary Bouma, Monash University said: New religious leaders exposed to this course in their early stage of development will be able to take this experience back to their communities, which is a key to crosscultural learning. The course was developed using a multifaith peace building approach. This approach reflects Australia s commitment to multiculturalism and the peace building aspects of religion that have contributed to the social capital of our society. Monash University and the Australian Multicultural Foundation believe that religious leaders have the ability to be powerful peace builders by countering religious extremism and building bridges with government and community agencies and that a multi-faith approach to the education of religious leaders new to Australia enables religious leaders to develop the skills to maximise their potential to contribute to the creation of harmony within the Australian context. The course has been developed by academics and community leaders from a variety of faith traditions. None of the facilitators represented a particular religious group, all the presentations offered a multifaith approach. It simultaneously provided an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper appreciation and knowledge of faiths other than their own. The workshops were provided free-ofcharge with the financial assistance of the Australian Government s Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. The workshops begun by introducing participants to the history and geography of Australia and ensuring they understood the multicultural composition of its 20 million inhabitants. Part of this ensures participants are provided with an overview on topics including governance and law, Australian values, marriage, ethnic and religious diversity, interfaith peace-building, national security and youth. Two courses were conducted as part of a pilot program, one in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. Multifaith Advisory Council for the Commonwealth The Commonwealth Foundation (UK) has recommended the establishment of a Multifaith Advisory Council offering advice aimed at bridging gaps between diverse faith communities across the Commonwealth. 3rd Kolkata, India 28 February 2 March 2005 The recommendation was an outcome of the Third Diversity Matters Forum held in Kolkata India in 2005, which was co-hosted by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the Commonwealth Foundation and The Statesman. The Advisory Group will be expected to advise the Commonwealth Foundation on the role of culture and faith in development and promotion of social cohesion. The group will also offer the Commonwealth Foundation advice on new and emerging issues, networks and best practice initiatives. It will represent a balanced membership consisting of relevant experience, knowledge and networks to offer professional and pertinent advice. The recommendation was endorsed at the Commonwealth People s Forum held in Malta on 24 November 2005 (CHOGM) at a special one day meeting titled Faith and Development: a Commonwealth Dialogue. The meeting coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Commonwealth Foundation and attracted a high-calibre of international speakers and participants. Participants also discussed the important role that faith institutions play in education, justice, gender equality and the resolution of nonviolent conflict. The Australian Multicultural Foundation s Executive Director spoke about the important role that diversity plays in Australian society. The Commonwealth Foundation is in the process of undertaking a feasibility study on the establishment of a Multifaith Advisory Council for the Commonwealth. 8

9 INITIATIVES New research into social cohesion The Australian Multicultural Foundation is proud to announce its participation in the Scanlon Social Cohesion Research Program with the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements. Australia is often considered to be the epitome of a successful multicultural country with hundreds of ethnicities residing relatively harmoniously in close proximity to each other. To examine these issues, a major research initiative on social cohesion in Australian and other societies has begun. The Social Cohesion Research program has been generously funded by the Scanlon Foundation, managed by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements and the Australian Multicultural Foundation and is being undertaken by Monash University researchers in association with scholars from the Australian National University and Chatham House in London. The research program was officially launched by His Excellency David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria on Wednesday 28 June We are grateful to Peter Scanlon and the Trustees of the Scanlon Foundation for their support and commitment to this major initiative. The research is divided into five sections: Components of Social Cohesion How do we determine whether a society is cohesive and healthy? What are the signs that can objectively show social harmony or social discord? Researchers will contribute to the answers to these questions by developing a framework of key indicators of social cohesion in Australia. The indicators will aim to capture functional dimensions of social cohesion such as labour market participation, as well as more subjective ones, such as feelings of inclusion, belonging and recognition. Measuring the Degree of Social Cohesion An endeavour to measure the degree of social cohesion and changes in it over time is a central part of the research. Key questions include: What are the suburbs and towns with the highest number of immigrant groups? Are these changing because of the influx of immigrants? Researchers will map the distribution of Australia s immigrant communities to identify the locations in which there are substantial communities, especially those recently arrived from countries subject to war or instability. Benchmark Survey of Attitudes to Social Cohesion This project involves the pretesting of questions and pilot testing to the questionnaire to be administered in the benchmark survey of attitudes to social cohesion. It will be based on a national representative sample of the Australian population and is intended to provide the first comprehensive measure of the condition of social cohesion in Australia. Constructively Attaining Social Cohesion In a landmark book to be edited by Australian Multicultural Foundation Executive Director, Mr Hass Dellal, Monash University s Professor John Nieuwenhuysen and Australian National University s Dr James Jupp, distinguished authors from Australian universities will survey the various means by which Australia could try to constructively attain a high level of social cohesion. Topics will include the conditions for social cohesion; understanding and counteracting inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic violence; educational attainments and inter-ethnic marriage; Indigenous Australia; unions and the workplace; religious diversity; police and ethnic communities; terrorism; the media; sport; the arts; human rights; and identity. Minorities in Australian and International Society Increasingly, political activism has become a crucial aspect of the modern movement of people across national boundaries. That we live in an era where political violence is a reality permeates the concern of many countries, including Australia. This research will be undertaken by authors from a variety of countries. The project will be presented at the 12th International Metropolis Conference in Melbourne, 8 to 12 October For details on the Scanlon Project contact the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements on (03) or the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) The Scanlon Social Cohesion research project was launched at the State Library of Victoria on 28 June. Pictured at the launch were from left: Professor John Nieuwenhuysen, Mrs de Kretser, Governor of Victoria David de Kretser, Peter Scanlon, Sir James Gobbo and Hass Dellal. 9

10 INITIATIVES Step into Voluntary Work Program Step into Voluntary Work program (funded by the Victorian Government s Community Support Fund) has been developed and delivered by the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Judith Miralles and Associates over the past four years. The program delivers workshops to volunteer coordinators and managers on recruitment, inclusive training, support and mentoring of volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as strategies to increase the diversity of volunteer programs across the organisation. To date six programs have been delivered in 2006 throughout Victoria. Over 70 participants from 35 organisations have attended courses in Dandenong, Melbourne CBD, Maribyrnong, St Kilda, with four courses to be completed in Ballarat, Morwell, Melbourne and Burwood. This year s program has included delivery of courses to ethnic communities who wish to attract volunteers not only from their own communities, but the broader community. Community groups have included Serbian Welfare, Melbourne South Eastern Chinese Friendship Centre of Victoria, Ethnic Community Council of South East, Salvadorian Welfare Council of Victoria and Afghan Philanthropic Association with further programs to be delivered. For further information contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) Helping seniors from new and emerging communities access health promotion activities The Australian Multicultural Foundation has just completed a project aimed at enhancing the mental well-being and social connectedness of seniors from the Horn of Africa and Coptic Egyptian communities living in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne. The project also researched service provision capabilities and gaps in addressing health promotion and public initiatives to enhance mental well-being and social connectedness within the targeted communities. Information was gathered through focus groups with community groups and leaders as well as individual semi-structured interviews conducted with ethno-specific and mainstream community workers. While there were some variations between male and female Horn of African senior groups and between Horn of African and Coptic Egyptian groups, consistent themes emerged from the research findings. A couple of the identified issues included: Participants perceived that language difficulties, social isolation, differences in cultural values, financial difficulties, loss of extended family and conflicts between genders and generations increase sadness and mental distress. Social isolation was increased due to limited English, lack of knowledge of Australian culture, accessing and negotiating public transport and a lack of appropriate and accessible venues to meet and socialise. For further information contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03)

11 IN THE NEWS Visit promotes cultural understanding Grassroots addresses issues of concern for Muslim youth The Australian Multicultural Foundation once again played host to a number of high-profile government representatives from China as part of their on-going Memorandum of Understanding. The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), in conjunction with the Australian Multicultural Foundation, recently launched the newly formed youth wing of the ICV, Grassroots. The Grassroots Muslim Youth Festival was held on April 30 at Federation Square in Melbourne and was aimed at attracting young people between the ages of 16 and 25. The Festival was sponsored by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Featuring Hip-Hop demonstrations and workshops by Triple J s Maya Jupiter, MC Trey, MC Raceless, Joelistics and DJ Jumps from the Cat Empire, the Festival was considered to be an enormous success by all those who attended. It also featured The Age newspaper journalist Waleed Aly and Coordinator of the Young Australian Muslim of the Year Program, Monique Toohey. Grassroots was specifically established to address issues of concern for Muslim youth including alienation, racial and religious discrimination and unemployment. The program aims to engage young Victorian Muslims through social awareness, education and art-focused activities that foster inclusiveness, social responsibility and empowerment. For details about Grassroots contact (03) or visit www. grassroots.icv.org.au. The Memorandum of Understanding between the State Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People s Republic of China and the Australian Multicultural Foundation was established in It aims to promote cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries. The 2005 delegation consisted of six people from the State Ethnic Affairs Commission including Vice Minister Du Juan and Commissioner Rong Shixing. Delegates began their seven-day program in Sydney with their first official visit to SBS Radio followed by a meeting with the Chairman of the Community Relations Commission Stepan Kerkyasharian. As well as visits to the Diversity Health Institute and the Breast Cancer Institute, delegates took part in a number of meetings with Australian government officials including the Governor of New South Wales. They also met with Melbourne Lord Mayor John So, and the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. John Pandazopoulos. Delegates also visited Tasmania where they took part in a number of official visits as well as spending some free time enjoying the scenery. Meetings were kindly hosted by Inspector Craig Waterhouse of Tasmania Police and Ms Lyn Andersch, Manager of Multicultural Tasmania. Grassroots was specifically established to address issues of concern for Muslim youth including alienation, racial and religious discrimination and unemployment. 11

12 BOOK LAUNCHES Fostering broader understanding of multicultural issues in schools The Australian Multicultural Foundation was pleased to act as Series Editor in the development of a brand new series of non-fiction educational books entitled Harmony and Understanding. Whilst they focus on guided reading they can also be used for independent reading and research and as such make a valuable contribution to any school library. The series was released recently to foster broader understanding of multicultural issues in schools. Aimed at educating young people, the books promote respect and harmony between different cultural groups by enabling students to gain a grass roots understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Published by Blake Education and developed by UC Publishing in association with the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the series features a large educational book, five student books and a teacher s resource guide. The series consists of six separate strands focusing on the multicultural experience covering areas such as festivals, families, schools, foods, religions and cultural experience. There are currently 30 books in the set which is aimed at students as young as eight, although their factual presentation ensures they are also suitable for older students conducting research into the multicultural arena. The books feature the underlying message that racism in any form is both unacceptable and detrimental to social cohesion. Whilst they focus on guided reading they can also be used for independent reading and research and as such make a valuable contribution to any school library. They feature a variety of visual literacy models including photos, maps and diagrams. They also include an easy to use contents page, glossary and index. The big books help promote classroom discussion while the teaching guides provide specific classroom activities for the busy classroom teacher. Worksheets are easily photocopied and there are also a number of assessment ideas provided to enable teachers to help monitor the progress of students understanding. To find out more about this series contact Blake Education on (03) Harmony and Understanding is already a Primary School best seller. 12

13 BOOK LAUNCHES Exploring the lives of seven immigrants Left to right: Mr Mike Zafiropoulos, General Manager, SBS Melbourne, Dr Trevor Batrouney, author, Mr Hass Dellal, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation, The Hon Sir James Gobbo, Chairman, Australian Multicultural Foundation, Dr John Goldlust, author The Australian Multicultural Foundation is proud to support the release of a brand new book entitled Unravelling Identity Immigrants, Identity and Citizenship in Australia that seeks to explore the lives of seven immigrants and their experiences after their arrival to Australia. The books authors are Dr Trevor Batrouney, Adjunct Professor at RMIT University, and Dr John Goldlust, School of Social Sciences at La Trobe University. Australian Multicultural Foundation Chairman, The Hon Sir James Gobbo, said the book aptly evokes its central theme. Sir James commends the authors in his preface when he says they provide many illustrative examples and enlightening commentary from a wide range of immigrants. He also said: The authors have contributed to our understanding of the many complexities that characterise immigrant identities by showing the range of events (personal, national and international) and contexts The exploration of identity issues provides valuable insights into the many patterns that immigrant group identity takes on (physical, social, occupational and religious) which can bring to the fore various elements that both sustain and challenge important components of an immigrants overall sense of identity. Opening with an historical overview of immigration and citizenship in Australia, the authors discuss different concepts of collective identity which are found throughout the book. This is followed by the voices of seven different immigrants as they portray in vivid and poignant detail their life stories and migrant experiences. This is followed by discussion of the diverse views immigrants hold of their identity during and after their move to Australia. The exploration of identity issues provides valuable insights into the many patterns that immigrant group identity takes on and illustrates how this identity emerges as pluralistic rather than as unitary. The final section examines immigrants view of citizenship and the reason they give for choosing whether or not to take up Australian citizenship. Their motivation ranges from the pragmatic to the idealistic. The book was launched on Wednesday 26th April 2006 in partnership with SBS. For copies of the book contact the publishers Common Ground Publishing on (03) or shirley@commonground.com.au 13

14 YOUTH AFFAIRS CMYI launches new Youth Kit and Participation Initiatives On 26 May The Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration & Multicultural Affairs, officially launched the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) new Youth Kit and Youth Participation Initiatives at the SBS offices at Federation Square. The Hon Andrew Robb spoke at length about the Youth Kit and the importance of supporting and developing leadership among young people from diverse backgrounds. Muslim rap group The Brothahood performed to a captivated audience at the launch, which was emceed by Nosrat Hosseini, CMYI project participant & Moreland Young Citizen of the Year The Youth Kit: a Resource for Youth Leaders provides useful strategies for young people wishing to establish or seek ideas about how to run a youth group. The kit explores issues such as how to recruit members, organise activities and manage finances. Copies of the Youth Kit can be downloaded from net.au or contact CMYI for hard copies (copies are $15 for organisations and free for young people). CMYI s Youth Participation Register, which was also launched at the event, aims at engaging young refugee and migrants in a variety of projects. CMYI is regularly contacted by government departments and organisations wishing to involve culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young people in activities or events. The purpose of the Register is to list young people aged 16 years and over who may be contacted when participation opportunities arise. For more information about CMYI and its youth participation initiatives, go to: CMYI is auspiced by the Australian Multicultural Foundation. Young people offer strategies to benefit wider community The National Muslim Youth Summit, aimed at finding practical solutions to key issues concerning young Australian Muslims, was held in Sydney in December The Foundation established the summit in collaboration with the Australian Government s Muslim Youth Sub-group and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Almost 70 young Australian Muslims from around Australia were invited to focus on finding practical solutions to areas of identity, relationships, employment, education and training, and discrimination. The young people were brought together in a spirit of inclusiveness to develop strategies and solutions benefiting the wider community. The Foundation s Executive Director Hass Dellal said: We were encouraged by the honesty and the positive contribution made by the delegates. The delegates identified six core issues and then developed solutions aimed at rectifying these problems. Then they embarked on a campaign to present the solutions to the Government for its National Action Plan on community relations. The six core issues identified by the delegates included a perceived conflict between Muslim and Australian identity, inter-generational conflict, marginalisation, unemployment, the media, and community building. Many of the solutions involved practical strategies such as recruiting Muslim police and making childcare available for Muslim women. Other solutions were aimed at instilling confidence in the community by relaying accurate information to the community and appealing to religious leaders to improve the sense of unity among the Australian umma. For the National Muslim Youth Summit Communique go to the Foundation s website, 14

15 YOUTH AFFAIRS Summit provides practical solutions to problems affecting young Australian Muslims Following the success of the National Muslim Youth Summit held in Sydney last year, more than 85 young Muslims attended a workshop in Melbourne recently to discuss a range of issues identified by participants at last year s Summit. The Summit was organised by the Australian Multicultural Foundation in conjunction with the Australian Government s Muslim Youth Sub-Group. The Victorian Summit is the first in a series of state Summits due to be held across Australia over the next year. The Summit was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Andrew Robb, Mr Robb said: We should seek to participate strongly within mainstream Muslim organizations, foster mutual respect amongst Muslims and other communities. The broader community will benefit from what Muslims bring to the community. Participants discussed issues from four key areas: employment, education/schooling, mentoring and volunteering. Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Mr Hass Dellal said: The Summit proved to be a huge success with all participants actively involving themselves in discussions with a view to providing practical solutions to problems affecting young Muslims. He said: The overriding message from the young people was that they did not want to be on the fringe of Australian society because of their faith. They did not want to be marginalised. They wanted to play a vital and positive role in society in all areas. The involvement of young people in mainstream activities such as volunteerism can make a major contribution to dismissing the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that currently exist in the community. Ms Iktimal Hage-Ali, Chairperson of the Engaging with Youth Sub-Group supporting the Commonwealth Muslim Community Reference Group, spoke about the importance of mentoring along with employment, education and volunteering. Iktimal said these four areas have become priority areas for the Muslim Youth Sub-group in the development of the National Action Plan. Participants discussed the type of voluntary activities that they were involved in at their local level and recommended the need for young Muslims to have easier access to mainstream voluntary organisations. The majority of participants felt that there were not enough mentors in the community and wanted to see more programs developed that encouraged peer mentoring. One of the key points raised at the Summit was that young people felt that the only time Islam is spoken about is in response to the media. Participants recommended that schools should actively seek to introduce more discussion on the history of Australian Muslims and Islam. In addition it was suggested that seminars be introduced for parents to develop more understanding about school issues aimed at encouraging participation. There was also overwhelming support for more interaction between state, private and faith-based schools with more visitations, exchanges, sporting activities and debates. Employment was a major area of concern for young people with most expressing their concerns at the levels of discrimination by some employers and workplaces. Participants provided examples of young Muslim women and the wearing of the hijab. Participants suggested that employers be given the opportunity to participate in seminars aimed at breaking down some of the negative perceptions that some employers may have of young Australian Muslims. The Victorian Summit was convened in partnership with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and was held at the CO.AS.IT Conference Centre in Carlton on May 6. Participants recommended that schools should actively seek to introduce more discussion on the history of Australian Muslims and Islam. 15

16 Towards a Healthy Nation conference Adelaide October A conference exploring health issues faced by Australia s diverse community will be held in Adelaide this year at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide between October 30 and 31. The Towards a Healthy Nation conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide between October 30 and 31. Participants will be given the opportunity to discuss the issues in depth by taking part in interactive discussions designed to highlight the challenges faced by carers, clinicians, service providers, planners and policy makers. Cost: $345 NGO rate: $235 Student/concession: $130 SEE PAGE 3 FOR FULL DETAILS For further details or bookings contact the Australian Multicultural Foundation on (03) or info@amf.net.au The registration brochure can be downloaded from the Foundation s website CO-HOSTS SPONSORS SUPPORTERS Migrant Health Service Australian Multicultural Foundation 185 Faraday St Carlton Victoria 3053 PO Box 538 Carlton South Victoria 3053 Phone: Fax: info@amf.net.au