Northern Settlement Services Limited

A warm hello to our friends in the North, and a very sincere thanks to those of you who support and value our work in your area. We are very proud of our little ‘ triumvirate’ based in Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell -areas, Amalin, Judith and Katie, and very proud of the wonderful work they are doing to assist newly arrived refugees and migrants in their journey towards successful settlement. The services they provide are critical in making that process a little easier and more confident for the individuals and families involved, and we salute the commitment and energy they bring to their work. There is much written and spoken about the need to encourage greater settlement in Australia’s regional areas to take the pressure off the teeming metropolitan areas– a matter much discussed in the lead up to the Election 2010.

The reality is that regional settlement needs to be backed up by effective service infrastructure, by employment opportunity and by a welcoming and supportive social environment. A genuine commitment to regional settle-ment needs to be very seriously resourced—not in a piecemeal way, or when there are political points to score. Regional settlement can be difficult both for the settlers, and for those trying to help them, and not always easy for the host community, who may not be Familiar with very different cultures and customs. This must be recognised and acknowledged in very real ways. Our agency and staff are very pleased to be able to make a contribution to this important process, and to provide a “softer landing” for those families and individuals settling in the area.

Welcome to another edition of the New England Rural Team Update. Time certainly is flying. Its hard to believe yet another financial year has started and Christmas isn't that far away. We have all had a wonderful few months with lots

to celebrate. Harmony Day and Refugee Week 2010 were both a huge success, with a variety of events held across the New England. Please see the great photo’s within. We hope you enjoy this issue and feel free to contact us if you would like to

make a contribution. Best Wishes Judy Roberts, Amalin Sundaravaj & Katie Wright

Upcoming Events

African Women’s Conference 3rd September AND

African Women’s Dinner Dance 4th September Cabra Vale Diggers Club

Contact Rosemary on kari.ros@police.nsw.gov.au or

0421 059 166

Northern Settlement Services Ltd

August 2010 Issue 1, Volume 2

New England Rural Team Update

Violetta Walsh—Chief Executive Officer NSS

Yar Maker & Rebecca Manyuon Inverell

Cr Peter Ducat ADC Mayor Mr Simon Reech & Mrs Mary Dut

Armidale

IN THIS ISSUE

Armidale Update

Tamworth Update

Inverell Update

Moree Update

Fire Safety

Northern Settlement Services Limited

Judith Roberts-Settlement Grant Project Worker, Armidale

Katie Wright-Settlement Grant Project Worker, Inverell

Amalin Sundaravaj-Settlement Grant Project Worker, Tamworth

organizations.  Speeches were given by NSS’s  Alex Burns and Amalin Sundaravej, Tam‐worth SGP, on this memorable event.   A write up  was fea‐tured  on the 28th June 2010 in the Northern Daily Leader newspaper.  Likewise during the week, PRIME television came to the NSS office and talked to Amalin about Refugee Week in 

Tamworth and the meaning of  being a refugee.  The Tamworth TCN city news on 24 June 2010, featured Amalin on its front cover with a heading “Refugee Week 2010 Freedom From Fear” . 

Amalin

A few highlights for this year’s themed Refugee Week celebration “Freedom From Fear”  included an event organized by NSS on the 22nd June at its  Tamworth office. This was graced by Mayor Treloar and attended by people from refugee background as well as from members of the Tamworth commu‐nity’s  support  

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New England Rural Team Update

Refugee Week 2010 Armidale

Refugee Week Celebrations, Tamworth

Hello Everyone Once again the Inverell Community has come together to recognise and celebrate Refugee Week 2010. This year the Inverell Mirgant Network in conjunction with NSS decided to plant a tree and with the in-valuable support of the Inverell Shire Council we did just that. A silverton gum kindly donated by Tree Tenders, Inverell was planted at Guide Park in Campbell St. (Please take the time to stop by if you are in town)

Rebecca Manyuon, Yar Maker and John Yol along-side Cr Larry Cameron did the honours as nearly 60 people from across the com-munity cheered on. The local Girl Guides allowed us the use of their hall and were great hosts of a light morning tea. The best thing was the front page photo and article in the local news-paper. A big thanks to every-one who supported this event and made it possible.

It the next few weeks we will have a plaque laid next to the tree and a large guard to protect it along the way. The IMN meets as often as possible. The ladies have been sourcing good quality materials and craft items to make things for a stall. If you have any items you think might be useful, please send them my way. Katie

Refugee Week 2010 Inverell

Although it’s been so cold, there has been some great opportunities to get out and be together. Refugee Week was well celebrated across Armidale with Drummond Memorial School holding The Treas-ure Chest of Cultures and Councillor Peter Ducat hosting the Mayor’s Refugee Welcome Morning Tea at the Dumaresq Council Chambers. At least 55 people attended with a diverse range of Refugee backgrounds represented. Cr Ducat commended

those in the community who provide ongoing support to Refugees as well as recognising the many positive contribu-tions that Refugees continue to make in Armidale. A highlight of the event was a heart felt speech made by Mary Dut, who with the help of fellow Refugee Simon Reech shared her joys of her new life in Australia. Mary’s ululation was heard across the Council Chambers as she showed her immense pleasure and gratitude to the Mayor and all those who have welcomed her and her family since their

arrival. Many thanks go to Cr Ducat and the ADC staff who made this event a great success. On a sporting note, Makuach Maluach continues his great form in the National Primary Schools Sports Association Basket-ball Team. Sanctuary, NSS volunteers Fran & David Armitage and Judy Monaghan alongside many others continue to support this talented young man and we hope he continues to build on his great successes at the recent competition.

Well done to all and keep up the great work!

Judy

Rebecca moved to Inverell in 2006 joining her family that had previously settled here. Rebecca loves Inverell. She finds this town to be quiet, peaceful and the people are really friendly. Rebecca is currently studying at TAFE and one day hopes to work in child care. Rebecca said that ‘talking and playing with the children makes me feel so happy, I also really enjoy reading the children stories’. Rebecca recently assisted in the planting of a tree for Refugee Week 2010. The highlight was making front page of the local newspaper. Rebecca spends a lot of her spare time making beautiful embroidery.

Rebecca Manyuon, Inverell NSW

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Issue 1, Volume 2

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contacted your nearest NSS office to find out how!!

Rebecca Manyuon Rebecca’s embroidery

Fire Brigade warning: put out fire risks this winter before it’s too late Fire Brigade warning: put out fire risks this winter before it’s too late

The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) is encouraging residents in the New England area to take quick, easy steps to reduce the risk of a home fire this winter. David Weir, Community Safety coordinator said he urged households to take action now to prevent a fire in the home. “Winter is traditionally the most dangerous time of the year for home fires so we are encouraging Newcas-tle residents to use fire prevention advice to protect themselves, their families and properties from fire this winter.

NSWFB winter fire safety advice 1. Consider placing a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen near the exit 2. Turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen 3. Portable heaters need to be at least one metre away from curtains, clothing, tablecloths and bedding – switch them off when going to bed 4. Make sure power points aren’t overloaded 5. Put out naked flames such as candles before leaving the room 6. Faulty electric blankets can easily cause fires – make sure you check them before use each winter 7. Clean the lint filter of the clothes dryer each time before use. Synthetic clothes can produce static elec-tricity and the heat generated from the drying process can also ignite built up lint 8. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of the home 9. Practice your escape plan regularly with the whole family.

For more information visit www.3minutes.com.au or Contact: David Weir 0408 228 740

NSS Armidale Judith Roberts 141 Faulkner St Armidale NSW 2350 Phone: 02 6771 3975 Fax: 02 6771 3691 Mobile: 0431 464 540 Em: nssarm@nsservices.com.au

NSS Tamworth Amalin Sundaravaj Unit 10 56/58 Dowe St Tamworth NSW 2340 Phone: 02 6766 5070 Mobile: 0432 500 891 Em: nsstam@bigpond.com

NSS Inverell Katie Wright Suite 3, 18 Sweaney St Inverell NSW 2360 Phone: 02 6721 0051 Mobile: 0423 573 939 Em: inverellnss@nsservices.com.au

I am an Eritrean Refugee and was born in Ethiopia. In Eritrea, the govern-ment operates under an oppressive communist system. The people of Eritrea a re deprived of freedom of speech and freedom of faith. Due to this regime’s policies, a lot of people are now behind bars. We are forced to leave our families and flee to neighbouring countries as refugee’s. Some of these countries include Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Libya. I left my country and fled to Kenya and claimed refugee status. UNHCR considered my case and I received refugee status (Mandate). I was sponsored by the Sanctuary Foundation and applied to come to Australia. After consideration by the Department Immigration and Citizenship I was granted a permanent resident’s visa to settle in Australia. Lastly, the Armidale Sanctuary provided my airfare. On the 8th of April 2009 I arrived in Australia where members of the Armidale Sanctuary warmly welcomed me at the airport. They helped me in many ways so as a new arrival; I would not be confused as everything was so different to Africa. Since arriving, I have successfully completed my Community Services Certificate III and am now working at the Tomato Exchange, Guyra whilst I continue to study Advanced English. I would like to say thank you to the Australian Govern-ment, the Armidale Sanctuary, Northern Settlement Services and the people of Armidale for their hospitality. God bless Australia.

Tewedros Gebremariam—(Teddy) Armidale

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Moree Update—Tony Baxter-Tomkins

Tewedros Gebremariam and Joy Harrison

Refugee Health Nurse

Moree Plains Shire Council

is doing some great things as far as the CALD community is concerned :

1) Conducted a first aid course for 457 visa holders; 2) developed 2 'Welcome' signs (the pull up banner type) with Welcome across the top and welcome in 25 differ-ent languages down the banners. These are used when we have CALD events such as Harmony Day and are use them regularly at the pool; 3) In the process of developing in partnership with Barwon Division of General Practice basic health and community services information (schools, 000, Drs, hospital etc) in the main 5 languages within the Barwon Division of General Practice. Am writing to neighbouring Shires to get their local details and seeking funding to have informa-tion translated. The BDGP encompasses these areas and that's the reason for approaching them. This will be included on Council's website; 4) Developed a Multicultural Development and Advisory Group (335 Committee of Council) to advise Council about issues of a CALD na-ture. All reports to Council that deal with CALD issues goes through this Committee for a recommendation before it goes to Council; 5) In the process of resurrecting the proposal to make the Shire a Refugee Friendly Zone. This report is being tabled at the next Multi-cultural Committee on the 19 July.

New England Rural Team Update

N

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Issue 1, Volume 2

Betty Seow-Woo & Punitha Le Jambre - Armidale

Betty Seow-Woo

& Punitha Le Jambre

Displaying their national dress at

the Multicultural Day for the Armidale Dementia Day Respite

Program Coordinated by Stephanie Watts, Armidale Dumaresq

Council’.

On Friday the 16th of July, Stephanie Watts, Coordinator of the Armidale Dementia Day Respite Program-incorporating the “Jacaranda Social Club”, hosted a Multicultural Day for clients, carers, staff and volunteers. The purpose of the day was to recognise different cultural backgrounds between club members and the wider community. The multicultural day was a great success thanks to the support of Northern Settlement Services coordinator Judith Roberts who was able to provide Stephanie with a number of contacts who supported the day. Club members were encouraged to share their own memories of growing up in another country, which included cultural backgrounds from South Africa, Germany, Poland and England. The group then enjoyed experi-encing foods from Malaysia, and National Costumes form Malaysia, Kenya, Africa, Israel and Paua New Guinea. Participants shared information on population, education, climate, industry currency and traditions. A great day was shared by all those who participated, with much thanks to Northern Settlement Services.

Stephanie Watts

A note from Judith! Betty and Punitha Le Jambre are valued volunteers for NSS in Armidale.!

NEMIM– New England Multicultural Interagency

The New England Multicultural Interagency Meeting is held quarterly across the New England, primarily between Armidale, Tamworth and Inverell. This forum provides an opportunity for services, organisations and government depart-ments to network, access and exchange valuable information to assist their work with the multicultural community. Since its inaugural meeting in 2005, the meeting has had presentations from a wide group of stake holders including; The Department of immigration and Citizenship, NSW Community Services, Centre-link, the Department of Education and Training, Adult Migrant English Service and many others. The chair of the NEMIM, Alex Burns has had many years experience in the Multicultural sphere. He is also the NSS Rural Team Leader as well as providing support to Settlement Grants Program Workers across the Northern and Western areas of New South Wales. The forum particularly en-courages members of the CALD Community to attend the meetings so please contact any of the NSS staff to find out more. Our recent meeting in August was held in Tamworth, and the next one will be in Armidale on the 3rd of November at 10.30am in the Kent House Activities Room, 141 Faulk-ner Street. All welcome!

Akeer Dut, Mary Dut and Agoi Marial.

Celebrating Refugee Week 2010

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We are a group of refugee and migrant African women who came together as friends in 2005. Our aim is to unite fellow African women living in NSW so we created the African Women’s Group (AWG) – a group that supports women during their resettlement process by building strong friendship and support networks.

We are committed toWe are committed to

Reducing social isolation among refugee and migrant women by building long term friendships

Hosting and supporting various social events throughout the year that celebrate African culture and empower African women

Providing information to the women about the relevant Australian systems and services available to them

Making connections and building relationships between vulnerable African women and other women who have better sup-port, skills and knowledge in Australia

Creating a positive environment that enhances women’s confidence, self-esteem and pride in their cultures

Providing women with positive African Australian female role models

Providing an opportunity for African women to learn across cultures and to integrate with women from diverse cultures and communities

African Women’s Dinner DanceAfrican Women’s Dinner Dance

Our first social event was the 2005 African Women’s Dinner Dance. It was attended by over 350 women who had arrived in NSW on refugee or humanitarian visas. It was a night of celebration, laughing and dancing where women were able to forget, at least temporarily, the stress of leaving their homes and arriving in a new country.

The Dinner Dance also gives women the opportunity to make new friends, learn about services available to them, and be proud of their culture and their strong sense of survival.

The success of the first event lead to us hosting the Dinner Dance on an annual basis.

The 4th Annual African Women’s Dinner Dance was held on 30th May 2009. It was attended by over 500 women. The event was the highlight of the year for many women, some of whom travelled from Canberra, Newcastle, Ulladulla and Wagga Wagga to be there on the night. For many it is the only night in the year that they can be free from family respon-sibilities in an extremely entertaining, social and loving all-female environment.

The 5th dinner dance will take place in September 2010.

RSVP and PAYMENT by 20th August 2010.

The African Women’s Group (NSW)The African Women’s Group (NSW)

New England Rural Team Update

African Women’s Cultural Exchange ProgramAfrican Women’s Cultural Exchange Program

In 2009 we started the African Women’s Cultural Exchange Program to connect migrant and refugee women living in rural or isolated areas of NSW with African women living in Sydney. In May 2009, African and other refugee women from the south coast of NSW attended and performed at our Dinner Dance.

In September 2009, a group of AWG members and other Sydney-based women from 11 different nations travelled to meet the women in Ulladulla. The women from Sydney were welcomed by their host, shared homes, stories, food, music and showcased traditional fashions. We have come to Australia under different circumstances but we share much and can pro-vide great support for one another. The AWG would like to expand this program and invest in a bus that will allow us to travel to other parts of the state.

Celebration of African Cultures DayCelebration of African Cultures Day

The inaugural Celebration of African Cultures Day, co-organised and supported by the African Women’s Group, was held in April 2009 and attended by approximately 3000 people. The April 2010 event was even bigger with close to 20 perform-ances, more than 30 community stalls, countless workshops, children’s activities, food and sport. Approximately 5,000 peo-ple attended both from Australia’s African community and our broader culturally diverse society. Africans were able to cele-brate and share their vibrant and diverse cultures

Collated verbal feedback from the event, includes, “My daughter, this view of seeing different people from African back-grounds, the stalls, full of African clothes, crafts, foods, paintings), the music and seeing Australians, Afghanies, Chinese, Turkey to come and support Africans today is what I call fun. I never thought we will have activities that will unite us as African people.

“God bless the people who organised this. I left home 10 years ago and the performance reminded me about my country, family and everything and that’s why I’m crying. I feel I am back in Ethiopia, in Africa ….Different colours, different food, different people, different clothes. One people, one continent, on Africa. Today we tell everyone that. I am very happy and thanks to the organisers.

African Women’s ConferenceAfrican Women’s Conference

In 2010 we plan to host the African Women’s Conference – the first of its kind in Australia. The conference will be held in September 2010 and will assist women from African backgrounds to increase their self reliance and participation in Austra-lian society. It will allow them to share struggles, stories and ways to overcome problems.

IncorporationIncorporation

The AWG is currently working with a consultant to become officially incorporated.  

Our FutureOur Future

Our dream is to one day open a place that we can call our ‘home away from home’. We would like to establish an All Afri-can Cultural and Community Centre which will serve as meeting place, education and business centre. It will welcome all women and others wanting to know more about African culture and it will be known in NSW as the primary source of sup-port, care and information for African women. The centre will be run solely by African women to encourage and build lead-ership, organisational, business and social skills.

Contact UsContact Us

Ms Rosemary Kariuki

African Women Group (NSW) c/o PO BOX 203

Carramar, NSW 2163 Tel: 0421 059 166

Web: www.africanwomensgroup.org.au

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments

We are extremely grateful for the donations, sponsorship and support we have received from service providers, business and government that make our work possible.

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