Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Year Two Summary

Transcription

1 Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Year Two Summary No. Action/Objective Progress Outcome Year Two (p15) (p15) (p15) (p15) (p15) Promotion of Council as a welcoming place for asylum seekers and refugees using a range of communication methods. Support the inclusion of asylum seekers in Refugee Week activities. Promotion of Greater Dandenong as a Refugee Welcome Zone. Circulate Council s Diversity Policy and Cultural Diversity Strategy as a way of showing leadership and encouraging inclusion and respect. Work with service agencies and local volunteer groups to develop, coordinate and distribute welcome PEOPLE - Action Area 1 Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Support the development of inclusive, respectful and equitable communities that foster health and wellbeing 18 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: City of Greater Dandenong named as best example for welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers in 'Association of Hazaras in Victoria' quarterly newsletter. Council's commitment to Refugees and Asylum Seekers and National Anti-Racism Strategy promoted at the Dandenong Show. Regular posts on Council's support for asylum seekers and refugee and community stories promoted on its website and social media during key days or weeks of significance (e.g. Refugee Week). Welcome Flags were displayed on flagpoles around the municipality from Monday 13 June Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Big Screen includes advocacy for asylum seekers in its content and Council-produced messaging. Webpage modified and given greater accessibility and prominence on Council's website. New short video from the Harmony Festival developed and is promoted regularly on the Big Screen. 6 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Greater Dandenong added as a signatory to Welcome Scroll (Rural Australians for Refugees). Presentation on 'Coordinating services in one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia' delivered at the Sustainable Refugee Settlement Conference in Sydney to over 150 national delegates. Welcome video presented on website, social media and the Big Screen. 5 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: A one-page summary of the Policy developed and promoted externally through the Community Development e-newsletter, neighbourhood houses, libraries and customer service centres. A translated version of the summary distributed and promoted in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Serbian, Khmer, Greek and Vietnamese. Endorsed Policy promoted to Council departments and teams. Planning for staff training about principles of diversity, access and equity is underway in partnership with Organisational. 7 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Council s Role of Local Government brochure printed in other languages and video developed and promoted to public on the Big Screen and to service providers and through networking. Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Services brochures printed in Khmer, Persian, Vietnamese Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 1

2 1.1.6 (p16) (p16) (p16) (p16) materials and local familiarisation information. Tailor and adapt information from Council welcome materials to ensure relevance and accessibility asylum seeker and refugee residents Develop an informative webpage to be featured on Council s website as information for the wider community about the profile of and support for asylum seekers and refugees. Support community leaders to speak publicly and positively about asylum seekers and refugees. Facilitate community events which influence greater understanding and recognition about refugee rights, journeys and experiences such as Refugee Week, Cultural Diversity Week and others. Completed and Mandarin. Research conducted on welcome materials and local familiarisation information. Research was presented to the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Advisory Committee, resulting in all useful resources and links being included on Council's website. 4 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Internal working group set up to guide implementation of the Language and Communications Action Plan. Highlights from the Language and Communications first year actions include preparation of guidelines for the use of interpreters, translations and intercultural communication, and a new Webstar page serving as a coordination point for Council staff. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output. Asylum Seeker and Refugee webpage redesigned to be more user-friendly and spread its information across two pages: one about Council's role and the other relating to services and programs. Webpage regularly updated to include Action Plan progress and new resources. 7 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Australian of the Year Award Winners promoted on Council's website - Hayatullah Rahimi receiving the Leadership Award and Mohammad Reza Haidari & Khalid Katikang the Young Leaders Award. Story of Be Ha, Community Hall of Fame recipient, featured in the 8 February edition of Dandenong Star News. Refugee and asylum seeker stories were shared and promoted at a Q&A forum Journey of Courage held on 28 June at the Drum Theatre. 9 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: 'The Harmony Festival: Step into Our World', held on 16 March 2016, featured an international dress parade, multicultural concert, world games, food vendors, souk and other activities. Welcome Banners and related information promoting Council's support for asylum seekers and refugees in the municipality to be made available at Council-led festivals, such as Australia Day, Snow Fest, Children's and Autumn Festivals. Community organisations and services that support asylum seekers and refugees were invited to participate in Council-led festivals, with the opportunity to hold an information stall, market or food stall. South East Community Links, in partnership with Dandenong Market, presented the Diwali Festival at the market on Sunday October 30th. Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 2

3 No. Action/Objective Progress Outcome (p17) Representation to relevant Ministers and Government agencies to seek an increased allocation of funding to address significant growth in local demand, risk of homelessness and associated service pressures. No. Action/Objective Progress Outcome (p18) (p18) Maintain and continually improve library services, internet access and English as a Second Language resources. Provide opportunities for meaningful and PLACE - Action Area 2 - Housing Accessibility Advocate for adequate resource allocations and innovative approaches to Improve accessibility to short and long term local housing options for asylum seeker and refugee communities 5 Activities and items were reported for this output: On 31 October, AMES Australia supported the Welcome to Australia s annual Walk Together event. OMAC suggested exploring joining the Network of Asylum Seeker Agencies Victoria Housing Working Group. PLACE - Action Area 3 - Accessible Facilities Ensure facilities are useful for asylum seekers and refugee communities 11 Activities and items were reported for this output: The Library Service offers a wide range of print and electronic resources in 20 community languages as well as resources to learn English and improve literacy. For the year-to-date there have been 5,961 sessions on Library English learning databases. The 'Your-tutor' program provides access to live online tutors who assist students and adult learners with homework, resume writing or learning English. For the year-to-date there have been 491 English or literacy-based tutoring sessions. For the year to date 1,759 sessions have been conducted on Library English learning databases. For the year to date there have been 183 participants to Library-run conversation circles. Libraries worked in partnership with local service providers to assist Library patrons in completing the 2016 census. 6 Activities and items were reported for this output: 'Get Creative' a new series of creative programs to provide the community with an opportunity to build Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 3

4 3.2.1 (p18) (p18) (p18) active engagement to occur at libraries and other publicly accessible spaces (such as conversation circles and community based English classes). Assess current and future needs for improved access to facilities and services for agencies that support asylum seekers and refugees within Greater Dandenong. Develop and implement a process for managing the use of free and low cost facilities. Recognise the local requirements around the need for diverse facility sizes, affordability and insurance. creative skills, meet new people and utilise local cultural facilities. In the Engaging Women through Food and Conversation, seven local organisations delivered six to eight sessions promoting social cohesion and friendship among multicultural women. Life Without Barriers conducted the Multicultural Playgroup from the Library to ease social isolation, enhance confidence and boost local knowledge. 'Cultural Threads', a month-long arts and cultural program conducted in August 2016, provided the community with an opportunity to build creative skills, meet new people and utilise local cultural facilities. 14 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Springvale Monash Legal Service works in partnership with a range of services to deliver legal education sessions. Partnerships have included schools, community service organisations, grass roots community organisations and hospitals. Red Cross Migration Support Programs assist asylum seekers with income support and material aid. This work is conducted in collaboration with various agencies in the south east. The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre's move to the old Council offices has enhanced access to activities for refugees and asylum seekers. The Springvale Monash Legal Service has established a health-justice partnership with Monash Health and operates a site-based legal advice clinic two half-days each week. A service guide has been reviewed and updated to reflect current resources. Links to places related to facility hire and use have been added to the Asylum seeker website under services and programs for easier access. SMLS has partnered with AMES to deliver legal education to refugee groups, and is exploring a partnership with ASRC to deliver regular sessions there as well. Red Cross convenes the Asylum Seeker and Refugee and Community Services Network. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output: Applications for Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre's office space by small community organisations are regularly assessed. The Community Development Network in the South East promotes collaboration on projects and the sharing of resources. 12 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: South East Community Links connect local service providers to community groups to inform them about requirements and services provided. Through the Settlement Grants Program and Refugee Action Program at South East Community Links, community groups are connected to local services and community facilities. SECL also provides an afterschool homework program at its Springvale site. In partnership with City of Greater Dandenong, South East Community Links conducted a soccer Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 4

5 No Action/Objective Progress Outcome (p19) Examine opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination regarding service responses to changes in migration type, numbers and cohorts Encourage community based and collaborative approaches to the provision of material aid and assistance that responds to the tournament for young people, chiefly from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds, in the pop up park in Dandenong during the April 2016 school holidays. In partnership with Jesuit Community College, Libraries are hosting Learning English through Storytime sessions at Dandenong Library. In partnership with Dandenong Oasis, South East Community Links delivered a Women s-only swimming program for 30 people of asylum seeker or refugee backgrounds. This was facilitated by one of Council s youth leaders, who consequently earned her swimming teacher qualification and secured casual work at the Oasis. PLACE - Action Area 4 - Evidence Based Planning and Advocacy Develop and expand space for stakeholders to facilitate collaborative local research with asylum seeker and refugee communities 10 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Establishment of the Victorian Settlement Planning Outcomes Committee with Council representation, as required Statistical information concerning the characteristics of residents, including their settlement and cultural status, as well as settlement trends, has been regularly updated when contemporary information comes to hand, uploaded onto the Council website, distributed to relevant staff and local agencies, and disseminated among Victorian councils. South East Community Links commenced co-hosting the South East Settlement Committee with Southern Migrant Resource Centre. This committee replaces the previous Migrant Settlement Committee and now includes representation from the Cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong and the Shire of Cardinia. Information about current settlement trends for 2015/16, including number of settlers by birthplace and migration stream, for Greater Dandenong and other Victorian municipalities, was updated, shared with Council staff and external agencies, and distributed to Victorian Councils through the VLGA and MAV. Details of the number of asylum-seekers in community detention, within each municipality and suburb, as at March 2016, was assembled and published on the Council website, then distributed to internal and external stakeholders. 5 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Avocare Emergency Relief Work for the Dole Project reference group established, comprising Avocare, City of Greater Dandenong and South East Community Links (DCAB site). Research on emergency relief agencies has been conducted and will be disseminated among local service providers and is available online. The Material Aid Network meets quarterly to discuss and collaborate on a range of issues, including Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 5

6 evolving needs of asylum seekers within Greater Dandenong Consider the most effective mechanism to coordinate information and share this with voluntary service agencies and funded agencies Asylum seekers and refugees have access to pathways, advice and opportunities for social enterprises The social enterprise initiative tailors mentoring programs for asylum seekers and refugees. Intensive business skill support programs are available. Translating and Interpreting Service funding cuts to Emergency Relief Services and Financial Counselling. South East Community Links held an advocacy forum in the City of Greater Dandenong leading up to the 2016 Federal election regarding loss of funding for interpreting services for ER and Financial Counselling. The campaign did not lead to reinstatement of this funding. 3 Activities and items were reported for this output: Information concerning the number and characteristics of asylum seekers residing in Greater Dandenong was updated, with a summary provided to the Settlement Planning Committee, and detailed information posted on the Council website and distributed to other councils. Avocare Emergency Relief Directory Website offers immediate online access to all the essential information for the wide range of services offered in the Greater Dandenong Monash Health directory of resources and social inclusion opportunities completed and distributed among partners. 13 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Entrepreneur Program commenced in Dandenong Social Enterprise webpage developed to provide information to guide the establishment or growth of social enterprises. Social Enterprise e-newsletter developed and regularly disseminated to promote opportunities, good news stories and maintain connections with Council Business Workshops and Seminars series developed by the Economic Development Unit in partnership with agencies and Libraries. South East Community Links are currently supporting the Free Burma Cafe social enterprise to promote their crowd funding initiative to raise funds to acquire a food truck. 8 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Council's Economic Development Unit supports the local Social Enterprise sector through regular e- newsletters, the social enterprise web page, articles and features in Council s business newsletter and Stakeholder, activities for the broader business community and social enterprises. Support and assistance with grant applications provided to Jesuran Healing & Community Welfare Centre. Information sessions on social enterprises delivered to ten new and emerging groups in April In 2016 Business Workshops and Seminars series were conducted by the Economic Development Unit in partnership with agencies and the Libraries. Twenty workshops were planned for March-October 2016, with nine delivered to August 2016, attracting 127 attendees. OPPORTUNITY - Action Area 5 - Opportunities for meaningful engagement, skills, education and integration within local communities Expand local volunteering, educational, and employment opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees, and maximise accessibility to the formal employment sector Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 6

7 No. Action/Objective Progress Outcome (p20) (p20) Promote volunteering among communities and encourage local businesses, agencies and not for profit organisations to host volunteers in roles that can expand social support networks and increase future employment opportunities. Volunteer opportunities for people seeking asylum to gain experience which could lead to employment within Council or broader community employment opportunities. (A/S) Promote existing scholarship opportunities, map and promote free or affordable training options Work with Greater 4 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Life Without Barriers is developing an asylum seeker volunteer program to encourage meaningful engagement, economic and social participation. Regular promotion to community groups and settlement service providers are made available on the Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service, volunteer roles and associated programs. South East Community Links has continued to assist community members to obtain volunteer experience with local service providers. 6 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Burmese women s group invited to become volunteers, providing assistance to elderly Burmese in the community. Council s Volunteer Program Co-ordinator provided an education session to a group of culturally diverse youth through the Youth Services Impact Program, showing how volunteering can prepare them for work. The Volunteer Program and the Monash Refugee Health Program is liaising with Council s Language and Literacy program with the possibility of offering participants an opportunity to engage with Council s Garden Renewal Asylum Seeker Program in the Autumn of Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: In partnership with South East Business Networks, South East Local Learning & Employment Network (SELLEN) Conducted a Migrant Youth Employment forum, with approximately 90 young people attending, meeting employers and having their questions answered. SELLEN runs the South East Try-a-trade and careers expo held in April 2016 (3,750 people many from CALD backgrounds attended) Youth and Family Services conducted the 2016 Young Leaders program attracting 120 young people and featuring a forum and expo to promote the benefits of volunteering. South East Community Links, in partnership with SELLEN, Youth Support Advocacy Service & Taskforce have received funding for the Navigator Program. The program commenced in August 2016 and will run for 18 months to assist young people years olds to reconnect with school. As of December 1st, 2016, there have been 146 referrals to the program. South East Community Links has established a scholarship for asylum seekers to undertake higher education funded by donations. 12 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 7

8 Dandenong South East Business Networks and Education Taskforce as an existing platform for engaging with regional employers to identify opportunities to build connections between refugee communities and business Develop partnerships between Libraries, community organisations and volunteer agencies to enhance access to literacy and learning programs through soft entry pathways Enhance opportunities for a variety of English language skills and activities to occur such as formal language classes, conversational classes and informal language skills sessions. 'Introduction to Small Business' training program, offered by the Sothern Migrant and Refugee Centre. South East Business Networks and the Greater Dandenong Employment Taskforce have continued to develop and utilise the One Percent Project to encourage employers to engage with disadvantaged jobseekers. South East Business Networks and SELLEN have also collaborated to develop the Work Local Greater Dandenong web portal to enhance opportunities for cross-fertilisation of employers and jobseekers. Mothers Mean Business migrant women s small business expo held in May 2016 at Dandenong Market. 6 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: The 'English for Asylum Seekers Network has been established to enhance service provision and reduce duplication The Library Service, in partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, conduct English computer learning sessions at the Dandenong Library, with the assistance of volunteers. Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the English for Asylum Seekers Network have created an App which identifies where people may learn English in the region. 14 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Through its Social Cohesion Program, Red Cross is conducting English classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced groups, with content including basic English, conversational literacy and life skills, and incorporating excursions to community facilities, such as the Library and Dandenong Market. The Literacy Framework is part of the Library Strategy Since its adoption, the following has been implemented: o Establishment of the Family Literacy Project funded through Mission Australia Communities for Children Project, featuring: Homework Help at Dandenong and Springvale Libraries Reading buddies, and Family Fun. Language and Literacy Advisory Service Review resulting in the appointment of a Literacy Officer to assist people with Literacy based enquiries in the Library such as: o MyGov or other e-government applications o Homework help for Ault Learners o Help with resumes and general advice on applying for jobs Youth Services ran the Skilled up program in the Dandenong Library to assist young people in applying for jobs Develop a tool for Completed 3 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 8

9 promoting and accessing information about local volunteer English language classes, conversational activities and literacy opportunities Literacy opportunities are pursued in a variety of community accessible locations and settings to maximise uptake Explore opportunities for English language enhancement for women through playgroup programs and where child care can be provided Advocate to the Federal Government for increased resourcing for the coordination of language and literacy opportunities in the community for asylum seekers (beyond the allocated hours of language (p22) support already provided) Explore opportunities for employment of asylum seekers (with work rights) and refugees. In March, the English for Asylum Seekers Network launched an iphone App to map all English language classes across Greater Dandenong. The English for Asylum Seekers Network is currently updating the Persian language translation on the App. The App features alerts and updated programs from English language providers. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: English language activities are available for community members attending scheduled group activities (weekly, 2 hour sessions) through South East Community Links. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output: Women's English conversation & Craft Classes are conducted every Tuesday and Thursday by Women's Health in the South East. In partnership with Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, South East Community Links provides weekly English language classes during the Multicultural Women's Sewing Group, with childcare provided by a qualified worker. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output: SELLEN provided feedback and advocacy to State Government into (a) the Quality of VET provision in Victoria (b)the Training Review. On 9 March 2016, Anglicare Victoria presented on 'Educational Challenges of Students from CALD Backgrounds' to the Strategic Partnership Meeting, led by the Commission of Children 11 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Life Without Barriers provides Job Ready Workshops to asylum seekers who are seeking employment. Status Resolution Support Service program at South East Community Links provides individual support to asylum seekers with résumés, cover letters and references. The Economic Development Unit continues to promote the Library small business workshop series, which targets asylum seekers and refugees planning to start a business, providing them with basic information about operating a business in Australia. South East Community Links conducted a nine-week Employment program from October to December 2016 to provide skills, knowledge and confidence to secure employment to young unemployed people aged 16 to 25, predominantly of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 9

10 5.5.2 Promote case studies of 6 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: (p22) employers who employ staff As part of the concept of shared value, a series of case studies with supporting videos were produced, of refugee backgrounds. placed on Council s website and played on Council s Big Screen. Cabrini Linen Service featured on page three of the September 2015 edition of Stakeholder in recognition of their Corporate Citizen Award for their employment model assisting recently arrived migrants, longterm unemployed, homeless people and at- risk youth to secure employment. The March 2016 edition of Stakeholder featured TRYClean, which employs disadvantaged young people from all backgrounds Provide opportunities for 11 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: (p22) asylum seekers and refugees to use artistic skills Heritage Hill Museum artist in residence, Motoko Katsuta Kitano, has launched Ship of Dreams, a community art project, with local migrant groups in Greater Dandenong. and exhibit or perform as a means to develop their Arts Access Victoria and the Council are partnering to deliver Art of Origin, directed toward people from CALD backgrounds with those with a disability. skills, and build creative expression. The Connections Gallery collaborated with Life Without Barriers to conduct art workshops at the LWB Centre for asylum seekers. The workshops sought to enhance social cohesion, support aspiring artists, foster confidence and self-esteem, and generate employment opportunities. South East Community Links conducted a 10-week Wheel of Fate Theatre Program with young people, largely of asylum seeker or refugee background. The program explored choices and consequences of personal decisions, culminating in a performance in Dandenong. The 'Cultural Threads', month-long arts and cultural program in August 2016, provided the community with an opportunity to build creative skills, meet new people and utilise local cultural facilities Research and pilot a program that 4 Activities and items were reported for this output: Partially (p22) involves Council internships with completed The Employment Working Group promoted the business networking breakfast and various others career pathways (for asylum platforms for fostering an awareness of the issues related to asylum seekers and refugees. seekers who have work rights) eg. Whittlesea Work Ready Project. Notice of Motion 98, titled 'Exploring options of Council facilitating employment of asylum seekers within Greater Dandenong', was presented to Council Work with local agencies to 8 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: identify community members of asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds to In partnership with Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre's Refugee Action Program, the Springvale Monash Legal Service is enhancing the ability of community leaders from the Horn of Africa community leaders to respond to community concerns on Victoria Police s Receipting Proof of Concept pilot. develop their leadership capabilities through the Refugee Action Program Leadership training was arranged by the Southern Migrant and Refugee centre with the Australian Hazara Women's Friendship Network through Refugee Action Program. Mentoring leadership was offered through the program, coupled with planning and evaluation, and assistance with grant applications. (RAP). South East Community Links assisted in conducting three training sessions to community members, with topics including governance, strategic and project planning, fundraising and event planning. Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 10

11 5.7.2 Establish a clear rationale for local asylum seekers and refugees to participate in appropriate consultations, local networks and forums regarding relevant community issues on a wide range of activities and other agency consultation opportunities Work with local agencies to identify and skill community members of asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds to develop their leadership capabilities Explore program opportunities (such as the Community Links Program ) to provide support to adults seeking asylum, with training and referrals in areas of financial management, health and other wellbeing/lifestyle issues. (A/S) 19 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: A forum for sports clubs was held to encourage sports clubs to be more welcoming, especially to asylum seekers and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Council Youth Services: a) Conducted eight Greater Dandenong Youth Network Meetings from February 2015 to May 2016 and attended by approximately 350 professionals b) Delivered two young leaders programs to 40 young people, the first program concluding in October 2015 and the second commencing in April 2016 c) Noble Park English Language School Art Project - Graffiti removal project with young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. d) Mayoral Forum - Social Cohesion: Celebrating why Multiculturalism works in Greater Dandenong held on June 24, e) Hosted a Youth Forum, facilitated by Youth Affairs Council of Victoria and Office for Youth, to involve young people in State Government policy-making. Fifty young people attended, with multiculturalism and racism among the themes raised on the night. Resettlement services at South East Community Links conducted community consultations and developed a document to record community issues and needs. 5 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Intensive and targeted leadership training provided to community members by Platform Advisors and organised by South East Community Links. Leadership committee being established by the RAP at South East Community Links to develop programs addressing the needs of leaders within ethno-specific organisations. South East Community Links are planning training for community and youth leaders on family violence. 23 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: In September, a Multicultural Women s Health Program was conducted at the Multicultural Hub. The eight- week program was a partnership between AMES Australia and the Multicultural Centre for Women s Health (MCWH) and included modules on making healthy choices, using medicine safely, reproductive and sexual health and women's health issues. A swimming program, driving program, Afghan men's group, African women's exercise group and Women's group are available at Southern Migrant and Refugee Centres. Springvale Monash Legal Service conducts ongoing community legal education sessions with local organisations to improve their understanding of common legal issues among newly-arrived communities. a) 6 workshops every term with AMES AMEP program. 1-3 classes per term. 138 attended in b) 5 workshops in partnership with South East Community Links on a range of legal issues. Workshops delivered to 97 participants. StopWatch VIC delivered information and four legal education workshops about police rights and Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 11

12 5.7.5 Ensure that asylum seekers can access various fitness and recreational activities (such as the Water Safe swimming lessons and low cost school holiday programs for children and young people). (A/S) Encourage and support local groups and organisations (such as sports clubs) to work with asylum seeker and refugee communities. responsibilities, as part of Victoria Police's Receipting Proof of Concept trial. 9) Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) offers outreach water safety presentation on a referral basis. The program targets specifically new and emerging communities. The YMCA also offers discounted membership options for those who are referred by AMES. Council Youth Services conducted: (a) a drop-in soccer program delivered in partnership with Melbourne Victory to promote social cohesion and targets hard to reach young people, attracting 510 young people (b)the Refugee Week Indoor Soccer Tournament, conducted on 9 July 2016 in partnership with SMRC, ERMHA and Monash Health. (c) Facilitation of four school holiday programs for young people during term breaks. The programs provide young people with an opportunity to develop group work, social and activity skills. 7 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Ticket 2 cricket scheme conducted in partnership with Cricket Victoria offering discount sport club membership for asylum seekers. Seventeen asylum seekers subsequently joined the Dandenong West cricket club. Massala Football club encourages asylum seekers to participate in Australian rules football. South East Community Links have supported community organisations to apply for funding to deliver programs which will be inclusive of all community members, including older residents and young people. OPPORTUNITY - Action Area 6 - Local Community Engagement Proactively respond to local asylum seeker and refugee advocacy priorities No. Action/Objective Progress Outcomes (p24) (p24) Network of agencies is established and regular topic based forums planned to discuss issues and services for local organisations. The Material Aid Network to focus on enhanced coordination and 7 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Three Afghan Leaders Dialogues were held in October, November and February, attracting over 160 community members and over 40 stakeholders representatives, including Minster Robin Scott and VMC Chair Ms Helen Capalos. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre facilitates the English for Asylum Seekers Network and Employment Working Group in Dandenong. The South East Refugee and Asylum Seeker Community Development Working Group meets monthly and is auspiced by the Red Cross. 3 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: New members Jesuran Wellness Centre, Launch Housing and Save the Children have now joined the Material Aid Network. Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 12

13 community based responses to local emergency relief issues. Council attended a forum hosted by South East Community Links on the Voices without Words campaign, to advocate for the reinstatement of government funds for emergency relief, interpreting and financial counselling services. OPPORTUNITY - Action Area 8 - Volunteer Support and Coordination Strengthen and support the capacity of local volunteer based organisations who are working with asylum seeker and refugee communities. No. Action/Objective Progress Outcomes (p26) Research, map and publish information about accessible and affordable local meeting spaces Develop a project brief for the provision of an online booking system for Council facilities and seek resourcing for implementation (p26) Work through established local networks (e.g. Material Aid Network, Volunteer Coordination Network, Food Alliance) to host regular forums to support local voluntary groups and organisations to exchange information, improve coordination and resource sharing as opportunities arise The newly established Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service (GDVRS) identifies asylum Partially completed 3 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: South East Community Links continues to assist community groups to acquire affordable and accessible meeting spaces for events and community gatherings. Links to places related to facility hire and use have been added to the Asylum seeker website under services and programs, for easier access. 4 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Zipporah, a new online booking system for Council venues, is being implemented. Stage 3 of the implementation, scheduled for the next financial years, will see Zipporah being integrated onto Council s website for the public to view and make booking requests. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output. Volunteer Coordinator Network meetings are held quarterly and information on the Asylum Seeker Action Plan discussed The Material Aid, Volunteer Co-ordinators and Service Clubs Networks continue to discuss ways to support, and increase involvement of, asylum seekers and refugees. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output. Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service (GDVRS) works closely with local agencies in assisting asylum seekers. The service conducted a survey of their volunteers findings that 497 of Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 13

14 seekers and refugee communities as a priority group for enhanced volunteerism Activities include a dedicated volunteer placement (matching) services and training GDVRS assists agencies with relevant processes to engage with asylum seeker volunteers and suitability for placement (p27) (p28) (p28) Needs assessed and information provided regarding entitlements and other documentation that may be a barrier to volunteer recruitment and participation. Network promotes opportunities for collaboration and shared learning about ways to engage meaningfully with asylum seekers and volunteers. Provide cultural competency training (including information about the use of interpreters and translations) to small volunteer based organisations. 706 volunteers identified as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with 20 affirming that they were currently seeking asylum. 2 Activities and items were reported for this output. Monash Health volunteer program has evolved to support job preparation through partnerships with SMRC and AMES. 4 Activities and items were reported for this output. Highlights included: Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service offers free training to develop volunteers, coupled with workshops to build their capacity. The Volunteer Coordinators Network form a platform for discussion about best practice in the voluntary sector as well as for the development of programs and projects to engage with asylum seekers. The Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service refers potential volunteer tutors to be trained by the Springvale Neighbourhood House Literacy centre. Volunteer tutors provide asylum seekers and refugees with ongoing group conversation classes in five venues in Greater Dandenong. 1 Item was reported for this output. The Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service has also been providing Mental Health Awareness training for volunteers who may engage with asylum seekers. Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service provided training to over 160 participants as part of the Mental Health and Well-being Project. 1 Item was reported for this output: The Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service provided an information session to organisations about Police Checks and requirements which could form a barrier to potential volunteers who do not have sufficient identification. 4 Activities and items were reported for this output: The Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service provided free workshops for volunteers and their supervisors about topics such as diversity, working with people from CALD backgrounds and working with interpreters. South East Community Links staff attended intensive cross-cultural competency training in March and April Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan Page 14