These much needed services include:

Transcription

1 As the President of the Khmer Community of NSW Inc, it is with great honour and pride that I present the 2012 annual report covering our activities from January 2012 to December Khmer Community of NSW Inc. is a nonprofit organisation established since It is recognised by government and non-government organisations in representing, assisting and benefitting Khmer people living in New South Wales. Our vision of working and uniting with other Khmer organisations in serving the Khmer community and our commitment in building a strong and professional team and supporters have produced the desired outcomes. Our management committee, staff and supporters have been working together in developing and implementing programs and projects to serve the needs of the community effectively and efficiently. It has been a very busy and satisfying year for us and I would like to thank my management team members and staff for their great dedication, time and efforts. Mr. Samath Kheuv (Vice President), Mr. Eric Tjoeng (General Secretary, Public Officer and Advisor), Mr. Samorn Chim (Treasurer), Mr. Peter Linegar (Legal Advisor), Mr. Toeum Min ( Art, Dance and Cultural Co-ordinator), Mr. Virak Um, Mr. Vichet Chea, Mr. Seth Seng, Mr. Chhour Pich Sambo, Mr. Savuth Men, Mrs. Sophea Lim; Mrs. Sophea Jones (SGP Worker), and Mr. Saroeun Keo (Co-ordinator, Links to Learning); Links to Learning Tutors Mr. Sararith Por, Mrs. Charita Khloth, Mr. Dina Mok, Mr. Sothea Ouch, Miss Sarah Ly; Mr. Kittikun Chan, Khmer Angkor Dance Group Teacher for their tireless, valuable contributions, and also thank Ms. Phinren Nop our previous Vice President who has contributed many years to the Khmer community. 1 / 5

2 We have fulfilled our objectives by providing much needed services for the Khmer Community of NSW. This is evidenced by the outcome of our work, positive support and comment from community leaders, funding organizations, government and non government leaders, and very importantly by the Khmer community members themselves. These much needed services include: - Settlement Grants Program This program provides assistant to newly Khmer arrivals, who face obstacles in their resettlement issues in Australia. Ms. Sophea Jones, our SGP worker funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship providing this service through effective consultations, and information sessions. - Links to Learning Project This program is funded by The Department of Education and Training to assist young people with difficulties in junior high schools to continue their education. Mr. Saroeun Keo, our Links to Learning Co-ordinator work with our tutors to provide this service to local participating schools with great success. - 2GLF Khmer Community Radio Khmer community radio (frequency 89.3FM, 2GLF), based in Liverpool station, has played an important role in broadcasting useful information in Khmer language for more than eight years. Khmer radio program has recently changed the broadcast time to every Thursday afternoon from 6pm to 7pm. Mr. Vicheth Chea and Ms. Sophea Jones is the current broadcasters assisted by Mr Savuth Men. - Development and sharing of our culture 2 / 5

3 Through Khmer Angkor Traditional Music and Dance Group lead by Mr. Toeum Min, the Art, Dance and Cultural Co-ordinator with great support from our Dance Teacher Mr Kittikun Chan have performed several live performances in important events such as the Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, and other events with outstanding feedback regarding our great art and culture. We have involved with a number of meaningful community events such as cultural & community activities, and fund raising. These meaningful community events include: 1. Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben In partnership with the Cambodian Buddhist Society of NSW Inc, we celebrated our New Year in April 2012 and Pchum Ben in October 2012 at Wat Kamerangsaram. These events were well attended by federal, state and local MPs, community leaders,honoured guests, management committees & staff, members, supporters and friends. We have received many positive comments and commendations from attendees. 2. Various community fund raising events We have been honoured by the invitation to participate in various community fundraising events by Khmer community organisations and other organisations throughout the year as a way of giving something back to the community, as well as a means to support each other. 3. Khmer Community of NSW Inc. fundraising function. We had our fund raising event in July and August held at Golden Star Restaurant. We provided great entertainment and enjoyment to the community by presenting the Cambodian Super Models to showcase our fashion and culture with fantastic feedback as something new, exciting and enjoyable. Special thanks to our management team and volunteers for making the event a memorable one. 4 Various Round Table and Community Functions It has been an honour for the Khmer Community of NSW Inc. to be invited to the various important Round Table functions and community functions, and I have attended the event and represented the Khmer community accordingly. 3 / 5

4 5. Interfaith Harmony It was an honour for the Khmer Community of NSW Inc. to be invited to the Interfaith Harmony celebration by the Premier of NSW Barry O Farrell on 3 August 2012, and I have attended the event and represented the Khmer community accordingly. 6. White Ribbon Day We have participated in the White Ribbon Day event in November 2012.We had our stall to promote our services to the Khmer community. 7. Sister Community We will continue with the visionary Sister Community project with HE. Nhem Thavy in 2013 in providing a useful facility for Khmer people in Cambodia and fostering a better understanding of Australia. It was also very sad for the passing of our beloved Great Father King Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, we have co-ordinated the condolence books for the community to share their grief and appreciation, also co-hosting the remembrance day with the the Cambodian Buddhist Society of NSW Inc. on the 28 of October Our local Federal MP Hon. Chris Hayes has signed the condolence book for the passing of our Great Father King Samdech Norodom Sihanouk and he has brought the book to Canberra for signing. As the result The Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Deputy Minister Wayne Swan, The Senate Leader Chris Evans and the Deputy Senate Leader Stephen Conroy, The Foreign Minister Bob Carr and many other Ministers have signed the condolence book to pay respect and to show appreciation of our Father King contribution to Cambodia. We are very grateful for this and I have personally deliver the books to our Ambassador HE Chum Sounry from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Canberra to be delivered to Cambodia accordingly. I would like to conclude by expressing my thanks to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Department of Education and Training, all the volunteers who have given up their precious time to help prepare and run the 2GLF Khmer Community Radio, fund raising events and all other the important occasions. Specially acknowledge Frank and Maggie Lim for their generous support and donations with our fund raising events, also to Federal, State and Local MPs, our Mayor Frank Carbone, Khmer and other community leaders, KC Management 4 / 5

5 Committee, members, staff, and supporters for all their help and assistance throughout the year. Wishing you all the best in 2013 Lina Tjoeng President Khmer Community of NSW Inc. 15 December 2012 // // // 5 / 5