Somalia Australian Council of Victoria Inc.

ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDING JUNE 2016

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 13 November 2016

Somalia Australian Council of Victoria Inc.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Annual General Meeting, Sunday 13 November 2016

CONTENTS

AGM AGENDA………………………………………………........5

SACOV Vision…………………………………………......………6

1. President’s Report…………………………………………..........7

2. SACOV Community Support Workers Report ............................8-13

3. SACOV Report…………………………………………………14-27

3. SACOV Management Committee 2015-2016...............................27

4. Minutes of AGM 2015...................................................................28-35

5. Financial Report End of June 2016 ……………….......................36-41

Somalia Australian Council of Victoria

Notice of 2015 Annual General Meeting;

Please be advised that the AGM of the SACOV Inc.

Will take place at 6:00PM-7:00PM on Sunday 13 November 2016

Venue: The Harmony Centre, 48 The Mall, Heidelberg West 3081

AGM AGENDA:

1. Welcome by Hussein Haraco

2. Apologies.

3. Minutes of 2015 AGM

4. President’s Report.

5. Community Support Workers Report

6. SACOV Report

7. Financial Report.

8. Election of the SACOV Management Committee

9. General Business

Vision Statement

SACOV advocates in resilience for the wellbeing of Somali Community in

Victoria.

Mission Statement

The Somali Australian Council advocates for the Somalis need in

government and non-government agencies that provide social service in

Victoria and setting up the resources and information they require.

Creating conducive environment for people to be able to communicate and

address their needs and set up a service to provide referral, advice and

advocacy in building thriving and achieving community.

Our Services

• Acting as an umbrella body for Somali organisations in Victoria and

supporting the activities of member organisations, youth, women and

applying for funds for them.

• Lobbying to find work experience placement and suitable jobs for

young Somalis with tertiary qualifications from Australian educational

institutions.

• Providing homework club for primary and secondary school students

of Somali descent whose parents do not have the means of hiring a

private tutor and need extra assistance in Science, Maths and English

on one-on-one tutor basis to reach basic literacy and numeracy

benchmarks required for their level of education.

• Providing free access to computers, Internet, and other office facilities

and advice to enable community members to access the job market

and community information.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

From my perspective as President of the SACOV for the 2015/16 year, I believe the

Organisation has progressed to another level in its historic rise from its humble

beginnings Twelve years ago to its current status.

For a relatively small organization we continue to achieve success that is the envy of

longer established counterpart organizations. I think the distinguishing characteristics of

SACOV are imagination and creativity and the passion and energy to bring our ideas to

fruition.

Firstly, I will take this opportunity to thank those on the Committee that have worked so

hard to promote the best interests of the Association. And as usual there are some

individuals that make an enormous contribution and a contribution that is often not

understood.

One of those huge contributors is our Secretary Dr Hussein Haraco, whose work ethic

and ongoing effort to get things done has been invaluable.

Secondly, I would also like to mention the rest of the committee members for their

commitment to the roles they have taken on and the support they have given me as

President. We usually have four meetings of the full committee each year as well as a

range of other meetings to organise SACOV events or deal with SACOV issues as they

arise.

For me as President this overarching principle of respect and listening to each other is the

most important aspect of what SACOV stands for as we move forward with our program

to address better well-being of our community.

SACOV organised community events such as, Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Mall, Eid

Festival at the Bell Street Mall, Mosque Open Day, Cultural Diversity Celebration to

create a very strong relationship between the Somali Community and the wider

Community. SACOV also organised many different forums such as Fathers Forum,

Employment and Youth forum, Women’s, Youth Leadership forum and Community

Forum.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Federal Government, State Government, Victoria

Multicultural Commission, and Banyule City Council for their financial grants.

Finally, there are always individuals that significantly keep the organisation on track and

need a special mention. We Thank our hard working our generous volunteer Said Farah

(Shirwac)

Jabiri Ali

President

COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKERS REPORT

Youth leadership

On Thursday 21 and 22 of January 2016, Somalia Australian Council of Victoria

(SACOV), Banyule Youth Services and Life Saving Victoria joined together to deliver a

Senior First aid program with a focus on water safety and leadership to 15 young Somali

men from Banyule and surrounding areas. The aim of the project was to have them fully

qualified in their First Aid whilst promoting health, safety and strengthening their

leadership skills.

This program took place at Banyule city council’s Harmony centre in Heidelberg West

and included:

• A host of Leadership activities.

• Drills, skills and explanation of Victorian water safety rules and regulations.

• Workshops on healthy living.

• Full Senior First aid course.

• Free Lunch and morning tea.

• Talk by David Holland - Manager of Multicultural projects at Lifesaving Victoria.

Overall, the program was successful with a number of the boys successfully completing

their Senior First Aid, and allowing opportunities for developing youth leaders with a

greater understanding of Victoria’s Water Safety rules and regulation practices. Team

activities and opportunities to ask questions were very beneficial for these young men to

develop awareness about healthy living and Water Safety.

The program reinforced the role these young men have in their community and the wider

community as young leaders whom their communities can identify with, and the need for

more programs as such. Lifesaving Victoria also offered to support any of the participants

whom wanted to undertake a pool lifeguard course - four of the young men have taken up

this opportunity.

Those who helped to make the program a success by attending and assisting on the two

days include Richard Euston Youth Engagement Officer with Banyule City Council,

Mahad Abdirahman Community Support Worker with Somali Australian Council of

Victoria, David Holland manager of Multicultural Projects Lifesaving Victoria and Cathy

trainer from Lifesaving Victoria.

Unity Cup

The Unity Cup is an initiative of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), AFL Multicultural

Program and the Essendon football club and was first played in 2008.

The inaugural Unity Cup featured a round robin football challenge between four Muslim

teams, consisting of local community members and representatives from the AFP and

Victoria Police. It was focused on strengthening ties with Police, Muslim and other

culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) through a mutual appreciation

of Australian Rules football.

The 2016 Unity Cup was hailed a success after more than 4,000 people turned out for the

annual event held on Sunday March 23, 2016.

Warm weather created perfect football conditions for the 16 male and 10 female

multicultural teams to take to the field and battle it out for the covered Unity Cup title.

Young Somali men from West Heidelberg playing under the name Banyule Boys played

in their first ever Unity Cup and came runners up in the men’s division two.

Held at JJ Holland Park, Kensington, in conjunction with the Kensington Community

Festival, onlookers were greeted with some exciting action both on and off the field, with

a host of activities and food trucks to enjoy.

Pathways for Employment and Education

The joint Banyule Youth Services/SACOV ‘Education and Employment Forum’ was an

event aimed at providing local young people with practical information about the

employment market, how to plan for careers and access employment and educational

pathways. The event had a specific focus on young people from African backgrounds and

aimed to address some of the barriers these young people from diverse backgrounds

experience in accessing employment.

The event was driven by consultation with Australian-African young people from

Heidelberg West and surrounds to ensure that the event was relevant to their needs and

interests and was engaging for the target audience.

Due to cultural boundaries it was decided it would be most effective to consult with

young men and young women separately but to run the event for all genders. Casual

worker Hani Mohamed and Myself who live and work in the community of Heidelberg

West undertook the extensive consultations with young people both formally and

informally.

Hani consulted with young women who are members of AWAG (African Women Action

Group) as current and future leaders in their community. This consultation occurred via

formally meetings, informal social opportunities and through online engagement over

social media.

I consulted with the young men through informal social opportunities, sport (formal and

informal), cultural groups and through online engagement.

This was critical in getting young people involved at every level of the event, making it

predominantly youth driven. They undertook lead roles before the event including

promotion and advertising, using their knowledge of where the best places for posters

were so they would be seen by the most foot traffic, and most importantly sharing the

event via word of mouth through their community.

On the night young people were responsible for introducing guests and MC’ing the event,

they assisted with set up and pack down and making sure the events schedule was kept on

track and taking care of any needs from the stallholders. By supporting young people to

take active and lead roles at the event we were able to develop their leadership skills and

they were seen by their peers as leaders in their community.

The event was held in an effort to inform the attendees on what options are available both

within their community as well as more broadly. We had some inspirational speakers and

a panel of professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds who answered participant

questions and delivered information that was accurate and accessible.

The Banyule Youth Summit.

The Banyule Youth Summit gives opportunity and voice to young people in the area,

creating a safe and open space for them to voice their concerns and opinions, and have

those voices heard loud and clear through real actions and results. In 2016, Banyule

Youth Services hosted the second Youth Summit in the Council’s history—and like the

first time round in 2014, it was an incredible opportunity for everyone involved.

On the morning of Friday May 6, 100 hundred high school students gathered at the

Heidelberg Golf Club, eager to begin a day of sharing thoughts and experiences. They

were split into small groups to discuss all manner of topics including gender equality,

cultural and racial diversity, animal rights, the environment, mental health and more.

At the end of the day (and after a fantastic catered lunch!) a young representative from

each group took to the stage to present their recommendation for action to everyone in

the room, including their peers, teachers, local council representatives and politicians.

It’s important to note that these recommendations are not just for a school project or ‘for

fun’. Each recommendation ensures that real change happens in the community as new

programs are birthed and existing ones altered to improve the everyday experiences of

young people in the community.

In 2014, for example, the gender equality group proposed a feminist forum be held to

educate young people on issues of gender equality. This happened on International

Women’s Day in 2015. Similarly, a ‘Life Hacks’ book was developed after

recommendations in 2014 revealed young people felt ill equipped to deal with adult life

once leaving high school.

National Conference on Migration, Media and Integration/Social Cohesion 2016

The Basket Ball and Indoor Soccer Program

SACOV REPORT

2015-2016 financial year the SACOV continued to advocate the issue of Housing,

Immigration and Centre Link on behalf of the Somali community to the concerned

Departments.

During 2015-2016, SACOV had issued 57 support letter for public housing, 24 support

letter for affordable housing, 44 support letter for immigration matters, 31 support letter

for other matters. SACOV also advocated and supported 15 families for emergency

housing.

It is the seventh year the Somali Australian Council of Victoria is continuously running

the homework program. The homework program is run in the SACOV office. It is created

to help the Somali students from primary to secondary school. The teachers of the

homework club are from elders in the Community to come and help the students who

most in need of help. A good number of community members volunteered the program

and it was very success. 18 students benefited the program. On the other hand, the elders

and the parents also received volunteer training and learned a lot about volunteering.

SACOV also supports the Somali traditional teaching(Dugsi). The Dugsi is run by

volunteer community teachers in the SACOV office. The number enrolled during 2015-

2016 were 25.

SACOV also supports the Elders Group, the Volunteers Group and the Sports Group

(HSSC) and the Women's Group.

Eid Celebration and the Opining of the New Outdoor Stage at the Bell Street Mall

Saturday 25 July 2015 the community celebrated the Eid (the End of Ramadan) and the

opining of the new outdoor stage at the Bell Street Mall

Cultural Diversity Celebration

On Friday 18 March 2016 SACOV with the collaboration of the Bell Street Mall

organised a Multicultural Festival and Twilight Market at the Bell Street Mall

The Bell St Mall Traders provided a spread of assorted delicacies reflecting cuisines from

Banyule’s new, emerging and established cultural groups. There was also a big-hearted

line up of international music and creative activities for children.

Banyule Volunteer Dinner

On Thursday 14 May 2016 SACOV committee attended the Banyule Volunteers Award

dinner. SACOV Secretary Dr Hussein Haraco received the Multicultural Volunteers

Award on the night.

Mosque Open Day.

The Mosque Open Day was delivered on Saturday 28 May 2016, from 11am to 4pm.

The event brought together committee members from the El Sedeak Islamic Society

(Heidelberg Mosque), the representatives from the Somali Australia Council of Victoria,

and officers from Banyule City Council to meet weekly and engage in collaborative

planning.

The event provided a range of activities for the visitors. Tours of the mosque were

scheduled on the hour, and children enjoyed access to two jumping castles, art activities

and casual sporting games. A free BBQ was provided throughout.

Iftar Dinners.

Iftar Dinners are a wonderful opportunity to break the fast together and to learn more

about the diverse cultural and faith traditions. It is also in recognition of the religious

observance of local Muslim communities, from different countries.

The Ramadan Iftar event was held on Friday 10 June 2016 at the Harmony Centre (48

The Mall). A delicious buffet halal meal produced by Bell Street Mall trader’s association

was provided from sundown with vegetarian options available.

This was a free community event funded by VMC and deliver by the Bell Street Mall

traders association and SACOV, with the support of Banyule City Council.

There were also other Iftar dinners organised by SACOV, Premier of Victoria Daniel

Andrews, Victoria police, Latrobe University and Alsadeek Society.

Ramadan Indoor Soccer Program.

The Ramadan Indoor Soccer program was a follow up from last year’s Program. This

year we included the children under 12 and 10 years old.

The tournament was held during the month of June which coincided with Ramadan when

these young men were fasting during the day.

This program encouraged the young kids to learn discipline and be passion while fasting

and playing soccer. the program was to a build a strong community connection through

participation of the program, and providing leadership to the volunteer team who will

assist in the running of the event.

This program was run by Abas and with the support of Somali Australia Council of

Victoria.

Living safe together Forums

The Somali Australian Council of Australia (SACOV), Heidelberg West has been funded

through the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, Living Safe Together

Programme, to build local capacity and deliver a series of community forums throughout

2015/2016. Aimed to help support the community and divert individuals from radicalism

or violent extremism.

Fathers Forum.

Presented in the Somali language, the Fathers’ Forum was held on 16 October 2015 with

local parents invited to join a community discussion on radicalism and support solutions.

Sheikh Abdi Nur Weli, member of the Board of Imams, Imam at Jeffcott Mosque West

Melbourne and the founder of the Centre for Capacity Building and Education was the

keynote speaker to an audience of approximately 70 men.

Community Conversation Forum

This Community Conversation forum was also organized by the Somali Australian

Council of Victoria under the Living Safe Together Programme. This forum was held in

February 2016 and aimed to provide the broader community with an opportunity to meet

with three of Melbourne’s Religious Scholars and discuss their issues of concern.

Book Launched

Wadaddi Nabadda: Path to Peace Launched 10th June 2016.

This book is learning how our people come to Australia and built their new life here in

Australia. Our children can also learn about their parents’ generation, the non-Somali

community can better understand and appreciate our history and some of the hardships

endured and Somali men and women can celebrate proudly the lives of their families,

friends and neighbors.

SACOV MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2015-2016

There have been 4 Committee Meeting since the last AGM in 2015

Management Committee member Meetings attended

Dr. Hussein Haraco 4

Abdirhman Jama Osman 2

Jabir Mohamed Ali 4

Eng. Abdulahi Aden Ibrahim 4

Ahmed Shire 4

Abdirasak Mohamud 4

Mahad Hassan Mohamed 4

Abdirizak Ismail 3

Minutes of 2015 AGM

ABN: 25775212236 Somali Australian Council of Victoria Office Address 7 Tobruk Avenue, Heidelberg West, 3081, P.O. Box 82 The Mall, Bell Street, Heidelberg West 3081 Tel: (03) 9459 6333 Fax: (03) 9459 7633, E-mail: sacvic@gmail.com

MINUTES OF 2015 SACOV AGM

Somali Australian Council of Victoria Inc. (SACOV)

Annual General Meeting

6:00PM-7:00PM, Sunday 29 November 2015

The Mall Pizza and Café, Heidelberg West

1. WELCOME

The meeting started at 6.00PM

Dr Hussein Haraco opened the meeting, welcoming the guests and all the SACOV members; He

commended the Banyule City Council for their support.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies

Abdirahman Jama Osman, Ali Guled, Abdullahi Aden and Abdi Siad

Attendees

Hussein Haraco, Jabir Ali, Ahmed Shire, Mahad Hassan, Abdirazak Mohamud, Abdirazak Ismail,

Mohamed Ahmed, Mohamed Sheik, Mohamud Awale Aseir, Said farah, Isak Liban Ismail

Abdinasir, Abdulkadir Aden, Abubakar Cabdo, Bashe, Mohamed Serar, Abdulaziz Ahmed, Anwar

Aidid, Mohamed Dirie, Abdirhaman Mohamed, Mohamed Farah, Abdullahi Mohamud,

Abdirahman Hussein, Ali Hussein, Ahmed Abukar, Jamal Kassim, Shafi Ulusow. Abdurished

Aliye, Mustaf, Nur Osman, Ali Yusuf and Mohamed Ali

3. MINUTES OF THE 2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

Motion: That the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 30 November 2014 be accepted

as a true record of the meeting.

Moved: Ahmed Shire

Seconded: Jabiri Ali

Carried unanimously

4. PRESIDENTS’S REPORT

The President Dr. Hussein Haraco presented the Annual Report July 2014– June 2015 to the

member.

Motion: That the Annual Report, July 2014– June 2015 be received.

Moved: Abdirizak Mohamud

Seconded: Mahad Hassan

Carried unanimously

5. OTHER REPORTS

Dr Hussein Haraco reported the issues of Housing, Education (homework Club), Sports, youth

programs run by the community support worker and the Elders Program

Motion: That the Other report be received

Moved by: Abdirizak Ismail

Seconded by: Jabiri Ali

Carried unanimously

6. FINANCIAL REPORT

An Audited financial report for the year July 2014-June 2015 were tabled by Mr. Abdirizak

Mohamud the Treasurer of SACOV. There were no questions in relation to the accounts.

Motion: That the Financial Report, July 2014– June 2015 be received.

Moved: Abdirahman Osman

Seconded: Ahmed Shire

Carried unanimously

7. ELECTION OF THE SACOV MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

2014-2015 these members are elected for following positions.

Jabiri Ali elected for President of SACOV until the next AGM

Abdirahman Jama Osman elected for Vice President until the next AGM

Eng. Abdullahi Aden elected for Vice President until the next AGM

Dr Hussein Haraco elected for Secretary until the next AGM

Abdirizak Mohamud elected for Treasury until the next AGM

Ahmed Abukar elected for Assistance Treasury until the next AGM

Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Shire and Abdirizak Ismail elected for the Committee until the next

AGM

8. GENERAL BUSINESS

No General business has discussed in the meeting