Welcome to the second edition of the LAMP Newsletter!
Dear *|FNAME|*
Welcome to our new look LAMP Newsletter! Please forward to your friends and contacts.
Since the last LAMP Newsletter lots of incredibly innovative work has been happening in the LAMP network. LAMP workers have been actively involved in supporting Multicultural Affairs Queensland with the State Government Multicultural Policy Review. LAMP workers gathered input from various Council departments and co-ordinated the development of a submission on behalf of their Council, attended a community consultation meeting, and encouraged their local networks of service providers and community to make a submission. Some of the LAMP workers also contributed to the joint LAMP submission which was coordinated by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
The LAMP Network met in Cairns between 11 – 13 May, 2010 for the LAMP Strategic Planning and Visioning Summit. The Summit focused on the professional development needs of the workers, by strengthening their skills as an internal change agent. Workers were provided with a comprehensive book of resources to help them to develop even stronger relationships, and pathways of strategic influence within their Council and community. Some of these tools included:
- visioning
- managing competing priorities and demands on their time
- developing a pathway from the present to the future
- relationship mapping
- cultural competence checklist
- dealing with resistance to change, and much more.
This edition will provide you with an update from each of the workers in the following areas:
- key priority areas
- current LAMP work being undertaken
- involvement in State Government Multicultural Policy Review
- new and emerging issues
- biggest achievement/ highlight this year
What is LAMP? The Local Area Multicultural Partnerships (LAMP) is the innovative and award-winning initiative of the Queensland Government in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and local government organisations. LAMP is a key strategy through which the Government seek to fulfil its commitments under its multicultural policy, Multicultural Queensland – making a world of difference. LAMP helps to develop harmonious and inclusive communities across Queensland where people feel connected, valued and supported to participate fully in all aspects of community life, regardless of their cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds. A total of $ 640, 000 per year for three years is available to support the efforts of local government councils to integrate the principles and practices of multiculturalism throughout their organisation and to promote harmonious intercultural relations in their local communities. There are currently 15 funded LAMP positions, including 14 workers based in Councils throughout Queensland, and Nicole Turner the LAMP Coordinator who is based at the LGAQ. The 14 workers include:
Lorella Piazzetta Community Development Officer – Diversity (LAMP) Brisbane City Council 3403 6333 1. develop an Internal Multicultural Reference Group for Council 2. review and develop revised Interpreter’s and Translation Guidelines, and review mechanisms for Translator Checkers to ensure a coordinated approach across Council 3. continue planning and organising engagement initiatives with people from CALD backgrounds 4. investigate the opportunity for Council to become a signatory towards International Coalition of Cities against Racism and Discrimination (UNESCO initiative). CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Supporting staff across Council through providing resources, specialist advice, policy feedback and partnerships to engage with Brisbane’s CALD community
- Collating and developing recommendations from two previous Community Engagement Forums
- Above identified priority areas
How has your Council & community contributed to the State Government: Multicultural Policy Review Council has prepared a response and a number of recommendations towards the State Government Multicultural Policy Review. A number of Council staff across various branches were invited to provide input into Council’s response. I also attended a community consultation. At the Community Relations Forum held on Brisbane North-side in March 2009, participants identified:
- Intercultural Relations - in particular relationships between CALD and Indigenous communities, and seniors from CALD backgrounds (issues such as access to services, social isolation etc) as new and emerging issues.
Council is currently delivering on an Intercultural Strategy which includes a number of initiatives between Elders from CALD communities and Elders from Indigenous communities. Council is also in the process of completing its Senior Strategy. Council staff attended the Community Relations Forum 2010 where a workshop was held to discuss the concerns and issues for CALD seniors.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR A significant achievement this year was the Community Relations Forum. Over 100 participants attended, including a large range of service providers and people from CALD backgrounds to discuss 3 main issues: 1. Employment; 2. Intercultural Relations; and 3. Seniors from CALD The participants also provided input into other Council business.
Community Relations Forum –Brisbane’s north side, March 2010
Hala Kattab Multicultural Planning & Development Officer Cairns Regional Council 4044 3012
- Create strong partnerships within Council, as well as with external departments and multicultural community leaders. Continue to increase the membership and active involvement of the reference group
- Involve Multicultural Group members in consultation for the Sports and Recreation plan, Community Plan, Cultural Activities, Safe communities, and MAQ Policy Review.
- 156 refugees arrived in Cairns in the past 12 months from Bhutan, Congo, Sierra Leon, Rwanda, Burma, Liberia, and PNG. Meeting with external various reference groups, including Centrelink, Migrant Settlement Services, Qld Health, Disability Services, captured emerging issues such as access to employment, English language, skilling. Issues were reported to the Management and General Manager, who have indicated that these issues are identified in the Community Development Strategy
CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Updating Website with useful links.
- Peace Week celebrations marking the end of the decade of peace and the beginning of the International Day for peace celebrations
- Cairns Regional Council joined the Mayors for Peace initiativ
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- 12 Cross Cultural Training presentations were provided to new Council employees as part of the corporate induction. To date there has been a total of 83 participants, 15 speak a language other than English at home. Two community consultations were indicated as an outcome of corporate induction, enhancing council department partnership.
- Monthly Multicultural Advisory Group meetings over 41 cultural groups represented, and 14 departments.
- Partnering with TAFE, LAMP officer provided one hour lecture to Volunteer Teachers on Cultural Awareness and Cross Cultural Communication, presented to 32 students under this programme. The graph below indicates feedback generated.
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW
- Ongoing Community consultation and engagement with state government meetings
- Participated in the New Arriving Family Settlement working groups, monthly meetings, attending by various state government representatives to discuss issues related to new arrivals settlements issues
- Participated in Victims of Crime Working group Monthly meetings. With representatives from various state and NGO departments and police, to discuss community
- Created and participated in Access to Employment for New Arrivals Working Group, with participants from state and non-government organisations to identify employment access issues such as English language, Driving, and Skilling. Creating partnership between participating agencies, and the identification of relevant service providers to facilitate projects to build community capacity and facilitate access to employment
- Participated in State-wide Refugee Health Services “Refugee Health Committee” bi monthly meetings
- International Human Rights Day organising committee monthly meeting. Providing access and link with Multicultural communities, nominating potential candidates for living books
In addition, communities who have missed on MAQ grant applications cycle in 2009 due to lack or no knowledge in grant application. To facilitate greater access and support for all communities (including new and emerging) to grant opportunities. I developed and delivered four grant writing workshops were developed and delivered between June & July 2010. The fourth Workshop used the train the trainer model. Potential trainers will be identified from those who attended the first three sessions. Communities such as Bhutanese, African, and Pacific Islanders will be trained to provide training to their community members. This will break the language barrier and facilitate training within the individual communities. The training aims to build community preparedness to apply for grants and funding. BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR 1. Cairns Regional Council joining Mayor’s for Peace Initiative and a possibility of hosting Atomic Bomb Exhibition provided by the Mayors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan. 2. Strong partnership with Multicultural communities facilitated high participation in the Multicultural Policy consultation from the Multicultural community representatives, with Cairns achieving one of the highest numbers of participants in Queensland. 3. Increased number of multicultural community consultation, as a result of promoting partnerships within Council departments and the LAMP initiatives as part of the corporate induction. Kim Agli Community Relations Officer Cassowary Coast Regional Council 1. Supporting Council to develop a Community Plan as required as part of the new Local Government Act. Kim has undertaken Multicultural Community Engagement and advocated for the inclusion/ consideration of cultural diversity throughout the process. 2. Getting young people actively involved in local community initiatives: Youth Week and Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week to address issues of Youth Truancy 3. Information Sharing with Multicultural Seniors CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN 1. Opened the Community Gardens in Innisfail at the TAFE/ High school on 29 May, 2010. More than half of the garden is dedicated to ‘Gardens of the World’ which is a partnership initiative between TAFE/ High School, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the community. 2. Friendship Morning Tea with St Johns Greek Orthodox Church on 16 June. The initiative brings together multicultural community, key service providers, and key Council staff. There was a guest speaker on ‘Elderly Abuse.’ Morning tea’s such as this are held monthly as part of the Multicultural Reference Group Meeting. 3. Provide a presentation to the Community Sector Network Meeting on Multiculturalism. This network met bi-monthly for the purpose of information sharing, project updates, and partnership building. ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Multicultural Reference Group (bi-monthly) run by LAMP worker in partnership with Queensland Health
- Truancy Committee (monthly) run through the Innisfail and District Police Station which focused on addressing issues of truancy in both primary and high school aged children
- Liquor Accord (monthly) run by the Innisfail and District Police Station and Liquor License Venue with a focus backpackers
- Liveable Cassowary Coast Meeting (monthly) partnership between Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Queensland Health with a focus on the overall health and wellbeing of the community
- Cassowary Council Regional Youth Network (monthly) run by Cassowary Council Regional Council.
Ongoing LAMP Projects/ Initiatives:
- Cross Cultural Training (monthly)
- Community Gardens (on-going)
- Harmony Day (Annually)
- Community Services Newsletter to all staff and Councillors within Cassowary Coast Regional Council
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW 1. Delivered information to the ‘Liveable Cassowary Coast Committee’ which is co-ordinated by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in partnership with Queensland Health 2. Sought input and raised the awareness of the importance of the review at the Multicultural Reference Group
Emailed the discussion paper to the Community Services Networks 3. Conducted one-on-one conversations with multicultural community members: 4. Contributed to the submission co-ordinated by LGAQ. 1. Working closely with TAFE to advocate the divergent need to have Migrant English Classes in Tully (TAFE closed in Tully in 2008, and since that date no English classes have been held, despite the growing need) 2. Domestic Violence is a growing issue of concern for Council. Council work in close collaboration with the Domestic Violence Service in Innisfail, however it is still difficult to support these communities as they are incredibly hard to reach 3. Supporting community members and service providers to understand citizenship and visa rights, responsibilities and eligibility to services. BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR My biggest achievement for 2010 has been to have all Cassowary Coast Regional Council undertake Cross Cultural Training. The training has enabled all Council staff to:
- increased their understanding of local multicultural communities
- meet me and understand the role of LAMP
- improve understanding of accessible and equitable service delivery
Luis Arroyo Multicultural Community Relations Officer Gladstone Regional Council 4976 6352 1. Developing strategies to raise awareness within local government, industry (existing and emerging) and businesses about the use of Translating and Interpreting services, as Gladstone is preparing for a significant major industrial expansion 2. Implementing a strategic portfolio of projects (Health, Education, Employment, Settlement and Access) under the umbrella of Gladstone Intercultural Reference Group to address some of the community issues experienced by skilled migrants. 3. Establishing and developing cooperative alliances with the Department of Employment and Economic Developing and Innovation (DEEDI) to run a multicultural settlement seminar, which aims to improve the labour market participation of skilled migrants through migrant work experience programs in collaboration with industry and government agencies CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN 1. A Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) survey was implemented to measure the linguistic competency of Industry, Business and services providers within local area. Results found that while 67% of surveyed organisations know about the TIS Service, large majority (83% of them) have never used this service before. Furthermore, 58% of those surveyed stated that they would not know what to do if they were presented with a TIS card. Not surprisingly, 81% of surveyed would like to have TIS training. 2. Upgrade of Council' Cultural Diversity Policy which includes a proposed implementation plan as well as the prospective deployment of resources to fulfil all action plans. 3. The establishment of the Interfaith Project, which aimed to build a harmonious relationship among traditional faith tradition groups. 4. Assistance to Gladstone Multicultural Association Inc. (GMAI) with the process of becoming an approved service provider, which enables this organisation to apply for funding. 5. Assistance to the Sister City Advisory Management Committee to formalise official opening of the Tondoon Japanese garden, which has been scheduled on 11 July 2010. ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- The Gladstone Regional Council ' Multicultural induction booklet is at the last stage of development will be put forward for Council endorsement next month.
- Establishment, development and maintenance of the Multicultural database.
- Facilitation of monthly Intercultural Reference group' meetings (members from service providers, Industry and local business to discuss about community projects).
- Facilitation of 3 Welcoming Morning Tea’s, which entails meet and greet, relaying of information about the area , distribution of resources, Welcome to Gladstone Booklet, and various Directories etc
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Despite having a very short notice by the Minister’s Office regarding the Gladstone community consultation, ten (10) community members and three (3) Gladstone Regional Council' Councillors attended. The attendees made strong emphasis on the following three points: 1. Continue funding of LAMP program beyond 2012. 2. Compulsory Multicultural Awareness Training for industry and services providers by policy. 3. A more comprehensive implementation scheme for the Multicultural Action Plans within Regional Queensland. The Women Intercultural Network (WIN) is one of the most dynamic emerging group of volunteers that assist migrant women, who are either at risk of isolation or already isolated. It has been identified that social isolation, lack of access and participation are some of the contributing factors that have been associated with poor community retention, this been highlighted at various forums and community consultation processes. It is also specified that in 8 out of 10 cases spouses at home are just as skilled as the "Bread winners". They are both professionals seeking for a better financial future. WIN operates with the support and sponsorship of the Gladstone Women’s Health Centre Services. The network provides the following services:
- Offer a range of support services within volunteer organisations.
- Conduct relevant information sessions.
- Identify, provide and access relevant educational and training.
- Make migrant women familiar with the area and the local people.
- Refer clients and members to existing programs and services conducted in the community.
- Identify, access and develop relevant resources
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR The establishment and consolidation of a portfolio of relationships with DEEDI has resulted in the lodgement of the Gladstone Regional Council' submission for the Migrant Experience Program and the development Gladstone settlement seminar to be held at the Gladstone' Central Queensland University on 23 June, 2010. This cooperative alliance has enabled me gain a better understanding of the employment barriers from the employers as well as the skilled migrant perspectives. The momentum created by a prospective Migrant Program has gathered significant support from various sectors of the local industry and education service providers. Local TAFE is considering to put together a Migrant Work experience program similar to the initiative offered at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, which focuses on the development of professional English skills , practical industry experience and knowledge transfer of Australian' WHS standards. One for the Access Project/Seminar, Health TIS survey Kelly Rose Project Officer (Multicultural) Gold Coast City Council 5581 6449 1. Improve staff customer service skills by coordinating training for staff and educating staff on the National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 2. Provide a variety of Council translated material to reduce language barriers for people with limited English skills to access Council information, services, facilities, programs and events. 3. Work collaboratively with the multicultural community to deliver projects/events that will support their successful integration into the Gold Coast community. CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Develop a TIS brochure for council staff
- Update ‘Getting Your Message Across Booklets’ (Translating Guide)
- Assist CEO Office to develop fact sheets for Council’s complaints policy which will be translated in a variety of languages
- Update Cross Cultural Staff training
- Aqua English – Plan the next step to teach the CALD community on surf safety
- Gold Coast Multicultural Festival – Provide assistance to the organising committee where necessary
- Junior Council’s Multicultural themed meeting
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Community (external) and Internal Requests/Enquiries
- Facilitate and provide secretarial support for the Multicultural Services Network Meeting
- Multicultural Health Advisory Meeting
- Pacific Islander Workers Network Meeting
- Information distribution
- Research
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Gold Coast City Council have encouraged community groups to participate in the Multicultural Policy Review. This has involved information distribution and assisted those who had enquiries regarding some of the questions in the Policy Review Booklet. I attended the community consultation session and encouraged people to contribute their ideas. I also provided my comments to LGAQ who sent in a joint submission from all the LAMP Officers.
- The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Gold Coast Branch Office will permanently close its services on July 2011.
- Need for services in Gold Coast Northern Suburbs to cater for the rapid population growth.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR The Street Soccer Fun Day – 6 April 2010. I worked collaboratively with the ‘Big Issue’ to encourage the CALD community to participate in the Street Soccer program. The key aims were to:
- reduce social isolation by encouraging the participants to regularly attend the Big Issue Street Soccer Program and by building friendships with each other
- build the capacity of the Big Issue Street Soccer Program to continue their program successfully
- raise awareness on services available to the CALD community
- encourage an active and healthy lifestyle
- bring a variety of cultures together to build social cohesion within the community
Service providers were also invited to attend the event to raise awareness on their services. Entertainment was also organised such as jumping castles and multicultural performances. The event was a great success and a lot of fun.
Cath Sweeney Multicultural Project Officer Ipswich City Council 3810 7989 1. Community Relations Plan Review 2. Increasing the awareness within Council and the Ipswich community of the diverse communities residing in our local government area. 3. Supporting, developing and empowering CALD communities. CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Development of an official Welcome Ceremony for all Humanitarian Entrants and Refugees: with th
 e growing number of secondary migration within Ipswich, and the importance of each and every person having a sense of belonging, a Welcome Ceremony is being developed. - Review of the Ipswich City Council Community Relations Plan http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/community/multicultural/index.php In November 2007 Ipswich City Council adopted the Community Relations Plan. The development and implementation of the Community Relations Plan was a contractual obligation under the current agreement that Council has with Multicultural Affairs Qld, and the LGAQ. The Community Relations Plan is now due for a review.
- Development of a Multicultural Consultative Committee. A key strategy of the Community Relations Plan is to establish, facilitate and support a Multicultural Consultative Committee representative of Ipswich’s CALD community.
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Cross Cultural Information Sessions: held quarterly
- Ipswich City Council Language Pool
- Internal database incorporating staff member’s place of birth, their parent’s place of birth and the languages they speak
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Ipswich City Council contributed to the State Government: Multicultural Policy Review through attendance at a community consultation session held in Ipswich. Community groups, organisations, businesses and government departments were informed and reminded of the consultation sessions in Ipswich and surrounding areas. Networks were also informed of the alternate methods of getting involved throughout the process.
- Identifying the individuals and families migrating to the Ipswich region
- Supporting Pacific Islanders within the region
- Assisting Council to implement changes that will have a positive long-term impact upon the lives of CALD people and the broader community
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR Celebrate Pasifika!  Strong networks have been established with many Pacific organisations and individuals over the years, and all are enthusiastic to work in partnership with Ipswich City Council to deliver a Pacific-style festival. There are a large percentage of the Ipswich community who were born in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, as well as large numbers of Australian-born Pacific Peoples living in Ipswich. The inaugural Celebrate Pasifika included the involvement of the whole community through:
- Cultural Performances
- Pasifika Food Stalls
- Information Stalls
- Cultural Arts and Craft Stalls
- Cultural Workshops, including dancing and ceremonies
This celebration was a phenomenal success and everyone involved is eager to participate again next year.
  Nicole Turner Community Relations Project Officer/ LAMP Co-ordinator Local Government Association of Queensland 3000 2235
- Review and revamp of the Cultural Diversity pages on LG Online (both the public and private pages)
- State Government: Multicultural Policy Review
- Seeking/ providing professional development and training opportunities to the network with the aim of strengthening the networks ability to undertake their work
CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Co-ordinating the development of the second edition of the LAMP E Newsletter
- Revamp and review of the cultural diversity pages on LGOnline
- Development, implementation and evaluation of the LAMP Strategic Planning & Visioning Summit held in Cairns between 11 – 13 May, 2010
 - Commencing the initial planning for LAMP Summit later this year
- LGAQ are adopting a new operating model as of 1 July, 2010 – so, I am currently seeing where LAMP fits within that and how partnerships/ linkages across the organisation can be strengthened
- Active member of the Queensland Health CALD Physical Activity Project Working Group (report will be available on LG Online once launched)
- Supporting LAMP workers prepare for annual report for MAQ
- Researching and compiling good practice policy and program example
- Did a tour of the South West Region and visited 8 Councils in 7 days. Met with senior Council staff in Human Resources, Customer Service and Community Development
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Since the release of the Discussion Paper LGAQ have widely and actively supported, and promoted the State Government: Multicultural Policy Review in the following ways:
- Active participant on the Operational Multicultural Policy Review Working Group
- Co-ordinated a joint LAMP submission on behalf of the network
- Promoted the online discussion forum and community consultation to key-state wide multicultural networks and Qld Local Government.
- Provided discussion papers to key Council staff including: 7 Councils located in the South West region in January 2010 whilst on a partnership development tour.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR The biggest achievement for me was starting the process of reviewing and revamping the cultural diversity pages on LGOnline (both the public and private pages). This website will become a hub of information that will support Local government staff undertake community relations work in their Council and community. Information on the website will include: 
- What is LAMP?
- What can Local Government do?
- News and Stories
- Useful Links
- Funding and Networks
- Policies and Plans
- Resources and Research
Lyn Powell Local Area Multicultural Policy Officer Lockyer Valley Regional Council 5466 8872 1. Undertaking training programs so I will be able to develop Cultural Awareness Training for Council 2. Assisting with Queensland Police in relation to driver education programs for our local CALD youth 3. Working on internal council policy and procedure guidelines for building a more socially inclusive community. CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Early Intervention Programs
- Driver Education Workshops
- Policy and Procedure Implementation
- Urban Artwork project for local youth
- Anti-discrimination workshops
- Citizenship Ceremony Training
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS As above plus Aqua English projects looks like being approved for 2011:
- Re-print of the Welcome to Lockyer Valley Kits for new migrants
- Early intervention programs
- Art works and Multicultural Festival
- Monthly Editorials to the local paper
- Working with the local university for assistance with student projects
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Attended the Toowoomba community consultation with members of the Lockyer Valley Multicultural Association, promoted it among my networks and provided input into the joint LAMP submission. English English English lessons are required before anything else! BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR Editorials and radio talk back invitation. Finding jobs for several persons in our community. ADAMAND NAWAL Goma with their two children are much happier and feel safer in Australia.
Lamar Brown Cultural Diversity Project Officer Logan City Council 3412 5695
0412 448 023 1. A strong and supportive community by facilitating and developing Council endorsed programs 2. Healthy and Safe Communities: community health and wellbeing heritage and culture 3. Improve Council systems and services through corporate governance, workforce development and customer service CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN Youth and Experience Program – received funding from Diverse Australia Program which targets at risk young people aged between 14 and 20 years as well as senior citizens 60+ (who at risk of social isolation). Project worker commenced Monday 28 June, for a 12 month contract. CALD Work Experience Program: 2 new staff commence on Monday 28 June – designed to assist qualified and experienced migrant and refugees in the local area that are not currently employed for up to 15 weeks to get local experience and build pathways back into the community and employment. Cultural Awareness Training – there has been over 700 staff that have undertaken the training this financial year. ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Ethnic Leaders Advisory Group gives advice on Council policy and strategies and the Town and Social Planning. On 7 July there will be a launch of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2010 – 2013 which the Ethnic Leaders were a key part of. The group have given advice on the Connected Communities Strategies, Active Logan Strategy, Recreation Trails, Safe Cities Strategies and raised money for the Logan Cares Appeal for Tsunami Affected Communities.
- Refugee Health Clinic Advisory Group – developed in 2006.
- Garden Spaces – Griffith Community Garden – designed to support migrants working in the garden. Land donated by Griffith. Advisory Council and Working Group.
- Flags of Logan: Nationalities and Cultures of Logan – 184 cultures represented in Logan. Will be uploaded on the Logan website
- Linguistic Register: 35 languages spoken by Council staff.
- Cross Cultural Training (weekly) for all new inductions and 3 hr monthly for comprehensive induction.
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Promoted and encouraged communities to make a submission through the Ethnic Leaders Advisory Council which consists of 125 leaders, 50-60 ethnic group from all across the world. Also promoted through all Council departments – and distributed posters in public places, and contributed to the LGAQ Co-ordinated response. Developing partnerships and being the process of understanding and responding to the needs of newly arrived people from Atar: South Sudan. Working with Hmong Australia Society as they want more involvement in community. They are holding a New Years Festival at the Beenleigh Community Centre and Logan Gardens from 25 December – 28 December. Grant Writer Program:
- Logan Samoan Advisory Group received $30, 000 to look at issues affecting Samoan communities in Logan
- Queensland African Council received $ 20, 000 to look at issues affecting African communities in the area.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR Youth and Experience Program – received $ 50, 000 funding from Diverse Australia Program. This program aims to develop better cross cultural understanding between Indigenous and Samoan communities by bringing together at risk young people aged between 14 and 20 years and senior citizens 60+ (at risk of social isolation) in culturally appropriate ways. Mia Sammut-Landt and Lara Payne LAMP Officers Mackay Regional Council 4961 9596 1. Work alongside key departments in Council to facilitate structural change on the delivery of Council core business activities and ensure that such change is culturally inclusive and sensitive. 2. Deliver outcomes against Council specific individual work plans that report against the Corporate Plan. 3. Resource and support community and government on a wide range of multicultural issues and policy initiatives in an effort to assist in the provision of creating inclusive communities and organisations in the region. CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Roll out of Council Services Information Sessions to migrant communities with guest speakers from various council departments delivering the relevant content.
- Active contribution on sub-committee toward the development of business plan and sponsorship proposal for the Welcome Centre project for the region.
- Facilitation of community workshops toward the development of the Global Grooves Multicultural Festival for 2010 and supporting cultural groups/individuals with their participation and involvement.
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Facilitate the Multicultural Internal Reference group (mix of council employees from various departments) on a monthly basis.
- Produce Migrant Voice Multicultural Newsletter on quarterly basis. June edition nearly ready for release.
- Deliver Cross Cultural Training components every Tuesday at induction
- Facilitate the LAMP Advisory Committee on quarterly basis to ensure the community has opportunities to bring issues/ideas to the Council in a safe and culturally appropriate and effective manner.
- Investigating options to deliver future multicultural learn-to-swimming lessons to adults from CALD backgrounds.
- Working with the Indian community with development of the Diwali Festival Celebration and encouraging broader community participation in this event.
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW Contributed via promotion to local groups about the policy review workshop held in Mackay on 26 February. A range of people from CALD backgrounds, and strong representation from the Australian South Sea Islander community attended the workshop.
- Loss of Settlement Position (funded through DIMIA) which has created additional work for other multicultural funded programs in Mackay that are not well resourced or funded specifically to provide that support.
- Lack of resources to create systematic approach and effective linkage systems when new arrivals enter the region requiring initial or ongoing support.
- Ongoing high number of temporary visa holders entering the region without adequate support and networks and access to services.
- Lack of funding for appropriate Cross Cultural Competency Training for Council and community organisations.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR The completion of the Multicultural Learn-to-Swim project over the last 3 months has been a highly successful, fun and rewarding project for both the participants, Council staff and swim instructors alike. Participants ranged from a number of cultural backgrounds including Zambian, Ghana, Indian, Thai, and Filipino. Over the 10 week course, participants now have the basic swimming techniques needed to engage in recreational swimming and leisure pursuits. The remarkable shift in observing participants unable to swim and fearful of the water at the commencement of the course, and the shift in attitude and seeing their skills put into action at the completion of the course is gratifying. Participants equally showed and communicated a sense of satisfaction.
Jodie Hampson Indigenous and Multicultural Planning and Development Officer Moreton Bay Regional Council 3283 0337 Denielle Beattie Community Development Officer Moreton Bay Regional Council 3283 0370 1. Multicultural Strategy Development 2. Multicultural Hub Feasibility Study 3. Internal Cultural Awareness Component of Staff Induction Program and Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) Awareness Program Development CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Finalising Induction Program for Cultural Awareness
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) Awareness Program Development
- Community Development Initiatives:
1. Multicultural Hub 2. Caboolture and Redcliffe Multicultural (CARM) Forum Sustainability 3. Pine Rivers Multicultural Forum 4. Refugee Week event (2010) ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS
- Strategic Planning for CARM
- Multicultural Strategy Development
- Internal Cultural Awareness Raising Program Development
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW
- Council participated in the community consultation for the Multicultural Policy Review
- Contributed to the LAMP Multicultural Policy Review Submission
- Promoted Opportunities for community to have input
- Placed on the CARM agenda for discussion
- Indigenous and Multicultural Protocol Development
- Community Plan Requirements and connection to Multicultural Strategy development
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR First region wide Multicultural Forum with over 120 people attending from across the community. The purpose of this forum was to set the multicultural agenda for the region and to assist CARM strategic planning
Maria Rickertt Multicultural Community Relations Officer Rockhampton Regional Council 4936 8560/ 0408 404 583/ 0447 221 184
- Broaden the inclusion of diverse cultural and linguistic groups in community building strategies;
- Increase the levels of understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in local government and community life;
- Facilitate more fully integrated approaches to the ongoing management of community relations.
- Providing information on grant opportunities, and other information to community groups across region
CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN   Establishing Access & Equity Reference Groups to assist Council improve community access to Council services, facilities and public space. Members of the Reference Group will provide feedback directly to the Rockhampton Region Access and Equity Advisory Committee, allowing this Committee to make informed decisions. Members will consist of nominated Councillors, Senior Managers, and representatives from State Government, non-government community service sector and members of local area reference groups. The Reference Groups and Committee will focus on access and equity issues relating to: people with a disability, frail aged, people from CALD, backgrounds, Indigenous Australians, carers as well as other people that are experiencing marginalisation, social isolation and/or socio-economic disadvantage.
We have some skilled migrant lecturers sponsored by Central Queensland University arriving this year from Nigeria and Nepal. ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS Mapping Resource Meeting – general discussion and sharing information Quarterly Multicultural Morning Tea – service providers and government agencies provide information to the CALD and mainstream community Welcome Morning Tea – for secondary migration of Afghanistan and Sri Lankan Tamils to the community. Multicultural Resources Centre - Updating resources and information HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW
- Assisted in promotion of the community consultations to communities/ encouraging them to participate
- Attended Rockhampton community consultation
- Assisted the facilitator
- Facilitated a group workshop
- Networking with NGOs and community members to get their views represented
- Need for regular English classes
- Shortage of affordable accommodation
- Skill recognition of overseas qualifications
- Transport
- Childcare
- Growing need for a Settlement Support Migrant Officer
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR Creation of Multicultural Community Disaster Recovery Group (MCDRG) To provide emergency assistance and information to those in marginal area with languages difficulties. We have 15 nationalities in this group
Elizabeth Jones Multicultural Development officer Toowoomba Regional Council 4688 6300 1. Delivery of Cultural Awareness Training within Council 2. Planning and delivery of Toowoomba’s Annual Languages and Cultures Festival on 8 August, 2010 3. Regional Access and Community Safety Advisory Committee (RACSAC) and sub committee working groups CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
- Developing community social infrastructure for the Languages and Cultures Festival
 - Providing information to service providers about LAMP, and the role of the Community Development branch as a whole
- Provide interpreting training to staff throughout Council
- Conduct Cross Cultural Training on a fortnightly bases as part of staff Induction processes
- Currently working with the Awulian Community in developing their Speakers Bureau
- Co-ordination of the Community Relations Network formerly known as the Cultural Diversity Network
- Attending consultation for policy review, development and planning: QCOSS, MAQ, Arts and Heritage Project Planning etc
ONGOING LAMP PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND NETWORKS  Regional Access Advisory Sub-committee Working Group
Sister Cities Conference Coordination Committee – 14 August, 2011 (will be launched at the festival)
Toowoomba Regional Council: Community Development Network Meeting (monthly)
Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service Interagency (RAMSSI) held monthly hosted by Spiritus
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink: ATSI CALD Advisory Group (monthly)
Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (monthly – advisory capacity)
TRC community relations network meetings held quarterly
Agencies CALD Action Group: meets monthly and delivers early intervention programs throughout the year
Cross Cultural Training for Toowoomba Regional Council staff at the fortnightly staff inductions Annual Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival (held second Sunday of August)
HOW HAS YOUR COUNCIL & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: MULTICULTURAL POLICY REVIEW The very nature of my role ensures that I am the first point of call for Council staff, and am required to provide linkages between sector and community. I am also the strategic link within Council for the community and actively support multicultural communities develop funding applications and project management, and delivery of programs. I have had several meetings with Department of Communities (regional planning and partnerships officer for the South West Region) to advocate for the need for wide spread responses from the sector and community for the Multicultural Policy Review. Since the launch of the discuss paper I have taken all opportunities to mention the importance of the community and sector into the review, at all community and sector meetings. I’ve also distributed the information via email to my extensive list of contacts. Organisations involved include (but not restricted to): Spirtius, Lifeline, QPAS, Catholic Diocese Social Justice Group, TRAINS, Blue Care, QLD Health, and local neighbourhood centres. I have also met individually with a large number people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to discuss the importance, and provide support for them to make a submission.
1. Issues affecting the region: housing, education, employment for refugee and the overall service provision 2. Increase in reporting in Domestic Violence in migrant and refugee communities 3. Lifeline Settlement Group Program (SGP) will cease to be funded as of 30 June, 2010 which will leave a massive gap in the provision of programs and projects that provide integration and settlement support to CALD youth BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT/ HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR The invaluable connections and partnerships that have been developed through the planning process of the Languages and Cultures Festival which will be held on 8 August, 2010. Toowoomba’s Annual Languages and Cultures Festival – 9 August, 2009 Donna Jackson Team Leader - Community Engagement Townsville City Council 4727 9729 1. Planning and organising engagement with CALD community in the development of a new TCC Multicultural Action Plan.
2. Supporting Council in the engagement and development of the Townsville Community Plan.
3. Continue to create strong links within Council and external departments and community groups
CURRENT LAMP WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN
stakeholder review and analysis
development and implementation of an engagement strategy for the Multicultural Action Plan
on-going commitment to the council's Diversity and Equity Reference Group
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