Minutes
Friday, Sept 5th 2014
The Courtyard Room, City of Whitehorse, 379 Whitehorse Road Nunawading, 9.30-11:30
- Present
Jessica BishopMIC, Settlement Community Development Officer
Leonie BurnhamECLC, Manager Inner East Office
Jeska ChamberlainVictoria Police, Multicultural Liaison Officer
Linda ChenCCOEI, ESL Teacher
Glenis CrockerCCOEI
Jane Curry Swinburne University, AMEP Counsellor/ESL Teacher
James Thang DeihAustralia Zo Organisation
Margot HennessyAMES Youth Coordinator
Cindy Kung Louise Multicultural Centre, Program Coordinator
Kiri McKendrikSheriff Office Ringwood, Sheriff Officer
Sam NavarriaCCOEI
Fiona NichollsActing Chief Executive Officer, Anchor
Andree O’DonnellAMES Settlement
Madeleine ParkerDEECD EMR, School Development Officer ESL
Sarah ReidMaurice Blackburn
Cynthia ShawCCOEI
Bwe ThaySwinburne University
Sui Ting TseCCOEI
Clary VerbuntCCOEI, Dutch Community
Fred WarrenHolmesglen TAFE
Apologies
Gitta ClaytonAMES Outer East Volunteer Tutor Program Coordinator
Karen ConnollySwinburne University, Team Leader CALD
Maria deMonteDHS Centrelink Multicultural Services Officer
Twanny FarrugiaCCOEI, DonateLife Community Champion
Leigh GilmoreSheriff Office Ringwood, Sheriff Officer
Michael HardieDorish Maru College, Rector, International Students
Jack IntziadisNorthern Vic MSO, DHS
Teena LeeEastern Health Child Youth Mental Health Services, Promotions Officer
Jaya ManchikantiCity of Knox, Multicultural Community Officer
Railey OrgerCity of Whitehorse
Guests
Ann Sathasivam Community Organiser Coordinator,
The Freedom Partnership to End Modern Slavery, The Salvation Army.
Yu Yu WinStudent in placement with MIC
Gerald ThornewellGlen Waverley Anglican Church – Catalyst, Ministry Leader
David SpittelerAsylum Seekers Centre, Facilitator
- Minutes August 2014 meeting
Minutes circulated electronically. Moved Sui Ting Tse Seconded: Jeska Chamberlain. Accepted.
- Business Arising
.
- Issues and Concerns Template - Template developed by Cynthia and will replace the settlement needs in your area(form see item 4 below).
- Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) - school age students not always placed in classes on arrival. HSS reported that the issue had now eased. HSS need to enrol students within 6 weeks. Madeleine (DEECD) stated that the issue is across Melbourne. Margot (AMES) reported that young people from 17 years of age can access youth specific AMEP classes.
- Settlement Needs in your Area
This form has been superseded by the Issues and Concerns Template. This document is draft and all are welcome to propose changes. When an issue is sent to the VMC/RAC it would be sent with a covering letter from the CCOEI. At the end of 12 months a summary report should be sent with all the issues/concerns raised during the year and indicating issues that are outstanding or still require action.
- Correspondence
Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) – RCOA (Asher Hirsch)has invited leaders of refugee organisations to participate in the Refugee Communities Advocacy Network. The Invitation has been emailed to MSC members. Jessica (MIC)noted that refugee groups had been invited, including community leaders in the Eastern Region, to an information meeting about what they are doing and their role in advocating for refugees.
- Meeting focus: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery – a snapshot of the issues by Ms. Ann Sathasivam, Community Organiser Coordinator, The Freedom Partnership to End Modern Slavery, The Salvation Army.
Background
The Freedom Partnership is an extension of the Salvation Army’s existing anti-slavery work in Australia. They operate the only safe house for victims of slavery in Australia (in Sydney). They have participated on a Government Round Table in relation to the Slavery Bill 2012. The Salvation Army is a member of the Government’s National Round Table on Human Trafficking and Slavery coordinated by the Attorney General’s Department. They received a Freedom Award from the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs.
Slavery still exists today; donations have helped to set up the Freedom Partnership to assist in raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery. The covert nature of the crime needs people who are observant and willing to speak out. There are community activities designed to work towards eliminating the misery of trafficking. Inter-faith resources will also be available soon on the Salvation Army’s website.
The annual profits are extraordinary and in the billions of dollars. The profits per victim are substantial and Ann provided data of a victim being trafficked in the EU as US$ 34,800 and in the Asia Pacific region US$5,000. It is lucrative, high gain/low risk, is facilitated by technology and difficult to expose. It results in human misery on an unprecedented scale.
Vulnerability Factors: Ann stated that physical or linguistic isolation from the broader community, financial pressures, payment of bonds or loans back in the home country and migration status with fears/threats of being deported are major factors.
Trafficking in Australia: There are highly organised criminal groups, and women play a dominant role. As at 30 June 2012, 13 matters resulted in convictions of 7 females. 4 defendants are currently facing charges before the courts. Source countries and Industries include: Thailand (Sex) Korea (Construction) Philippines (Agriculture) Malaysia (Hospitality). Most victims enter on a valid visa such as a student visa but also 457 visas and spouse visas. Examples of exploitation/poor conditions are long hours; little or no pay; low-skilled occupations and little or no health and safety considerations with people sleeping on floors in kitchens without shower facilities as one example.
Forced marriages are also used in slavery. Legal Definition of a Forced Marriage: Section 270.7A of the Slavery Act states that “a marriage is a forced marriage if, because of the use of coercion, threat or deception, one party to the marriage (the victim) entered into the marriage without freely and fully consenting”.
There are 2 offences:
- The person(s) who engage in conduct that causes another person to become a victim of forced marriage (family member or marriage celebrant)
- Being a party to a forced marriage (applies to the spouse who is the perpetrator)
The AFP has received 10 complaints since March 2013 as a result of the new legislation. All are female, mostly under 18 years old, Australian citizens with an ethnic background, most have been removed off shore to be married in the family’s country of origin.
Apart from the Salvation Army there are also other organizations supporting victims, including Australian Catholics Against Human Trafficking, and Project Perspective.
The Salvation Army has a safe house in Sydney, and provides case management and counseling.
Important contacts: AFP 137237 and 131444 and also
Ways to assess if a situation is suspect: Ann said that as workers if they feel that a situation is a bit strange they should ask questions such as “How are you paid?” and “Can you leave this job if you want to?” Fairwork Australia is also a good place to go if clients need someone to advocate for them in terms of low pay (or no pay), exploitative work hours and conditions, etc.
Please note: A copy of the presentation will be made available on the CCOEI website.
- MSC Calendar 2014 - The calendar is flexible and developed in consultation with MSC members.
MSC 2014 Calendar
MSC meeting dates / MSC Meeting focus / MSC Forums/functions/events dates and working groups / International events in 2014(multicultural calendar events of note)
January / No meeting
07 Feb / Refugee Council of Australia – Australian Government policy on Asylum seekers and refugees and its impact on the ground (Louise Olliff, Settlement Policy Coordinator, RCOA);
Brooke Collins - Coranderrk and community involvement: Keeping Barak’s dream alive / February 1-7 United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week
07 March / Multicultural Affairs & Settlement Grants Program, Department of Social Services: an update on the changes from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to the Department of Social Services (DSS).(Multicultural Affairs &Settlement Grants Program, DSS – Manager Anna Hughes). / Harmony Day – support activities including soccer harmony events (Australia Burma Society and others). / Sat March 15th Coranderrk (Aboriginal Station) Festival Healesville
March 21: Harmony Day
04 April / Foundation House – its work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in 2014, (Jasmina Mulugeta, Eastern Region Team Coordinator, Foundation House) / April 7 – World Health Organisation World Health Day
02 May / "Equality is not the same...". Leanne Sargent will speak to the outcomes of the Community Consultations undertaken by Victoria Police in 2013 and the way forward for Victoria Police. Leanne will also provide a brief overview of thenewlycreated Priority Communities Division which hasbeen established in recognition that Victoria Police must do more to engage effectively and purposively with the diverse communities of Victoria. / May 6: Building cultural competence: Mind Your Language Forum Leonie (convenor), Railey – City of Whitehorse, Maria DHS - Centrelink, Teena-Eastern Health and Linda / May 21 - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development,
06 June / MSC - .30 minutes with a focus on Forums and Agency Reports, followed by Refugee Week event – see forums/events and function column / Refugee Week forum/event – working group: Cynthia (convenor), Michael, Maria. Jeska, Gitta, Jasmina. Event title: Refugee Celebration. / June 20 – UN World Refugee Day, June 26 – UN Day - Support of Victims of Torture
July / No meeting
01 Aug / VMC and RACs – achievements and challenges. Speaker, Rudy Monteleone, Director VMC
05 Sept / Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery –A snapshot. Speaker – Ann Sathasivam, Community Organiser Coordinator, The Freedom Partnership to End Modern Slavery, The Salvation Army
03 Oct / CAV - focus on key areas of activity and concerns, Suzie Su, Consumer Affairs Victoria. / DV: Leonie (convenor) Jasmina, Judy (MIC) Jeska. Event title: Breaking the cycle. More information to be provided.
Spring Festival City of Whitehorse 19th October / October 17-International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UN recognized
07 Nov / Amnesty International – its work locally and globally.
Review MSC 2014 program; plan MSC 2015 program; Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria – the multicultural landscape: ECCV’s place in it;
OR Holistic support for youth (e.g. Anchor services and programs; specific programs and services provided by JEM, NAPCAN; CMY, Life Without Barriers); OR Domestic Violence Victoria OR Human Rights Law Centre or RILC. (Leonie to contact Human Rights Law Centre) OR Red Cross and its work with asylum seekers and refugees in 2014. / Refugee health forum (cultural perspectives on mental health?) / November 16 - International Day for Tolerance
November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women,
05 Dec /
- Meeting to be advised.
Other areas of interest for future meetings:
- How LGAs in the Eastern Metropolitan Region address the needs of cultural minorities in their area
- The law – magistrates court/Sheriff office
- Human rights and culture (could be part of the MSC August meeting)
- Refugee Minors Program: – changes to support clients turning 18
- Forum and Agency Reports
Forums
Domestic Violence Forum (JeskaChamberlain& Leonie Burnham): The working party met on the 28th August. The forum will be entitled “But I didn’t know” and will be held in the Box Hill Town Hall on the 30th of October. A forum feature will be scenarios exploring the realisation of not knowing and its consequences.
Refugee Celebration 2015 (Cynthia Shaw/Kirsten Reedy) This event will be held in partnership with the City of Manningham. An initial planning meeting is to take place shortly.
Seeking the Answers – Speaker Series
- 1st event was held on the 31st July at the Blackburn English Language School Croydon campus. The conversation focused on the participation of young males in education and employment. A report will be made available (Glenis Crocker and Jane Curry).
- 2nd Event with a focus on Refugee Girls will occur next year.
Agency and individual reports
ECLC (Leonie Burnham) –talked about the Elder Abuse grant received. Noted a new resource “The Ghost Train, an extraordinary short film highlighting issues of ageism and relationships that has premiered across Australia and will now feature on the global stage. ECLC was delighted to partner with producer/directors James Fleming and Kelly Hucker as they developed the gripping documentary. The project began with a small grant from the Victorian Law Foundation auspiced by ECLC. The Ghost Train is a documentary about an elderly man and his wife’s decline into dementia. The film challenges assumptions and expectations about the role of older people in the community”.
City of Whitehorse Spring Festival (Clary Verbunt) informed the MSC that the New Holland Dutch Club and the CCOEI would be jointly participating in the Whitehorse Spring Festival on Sunday 19th October with an information stall. “The Spring Festival is a free, fun-filled day that celebrates our vibrant community! It offers a perfect day out for all the family; this year’s festival will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the City of Whitehorse”.
Centrelink (Maria deMontevia email communication). Asylum Seeker Payment – SRSS (Status Resolution Support Services) Payment. This payment to all asylum seekers is transitioning over and Centrelink hope to have all transitioned by the end of 2014.
DHS – Eastern Region are running a number of Digital Information Sessions across the following Service Centres for all service providers in the region. The sessions are from 5-6.30pm: Boronia 14 Oct; Lilydale 21 Oct; Ringwood 11 Nov.
Louise Centre – (Cindy Kung). The art festival still planned for delivery this year. Art from refugees for the arts festival is most welcome. Contact Cindy at Louise.
Humanitarian Settlement Services - HSS (Andree O’Donnell). August arrivals in the area are 25 Chin and Karen and a 201 visa entrant (in country refugee). Settlement volunteers are supporting HSS clients.
AMES Youth program (Margot Hennessy). Outer Eastern LLEN forum on 14 October from 4.30-6.30. Flyer to be sent to Sam for circulation. Noted the publication of a report on AMES youth: findings that youth want to study with youth. The report is available on the AMES website. Program is seeking increased funding.
Victoria Police (Jeska Chamberlain). Met with Swinburne University teaching staff in trades to develop programs in trades suitable for refugee – this was a result of the participation of Victoria Police and Swinburne staff at recent refugee youth participation in education training and employment conversation.
Migrant Information Centre (Jessica Bishop). Noted parenting program for Hakka Chin community – a family relationships program. Also noted session in various languages with electoral commission on voting.
Asylum Seekers Centre –(David Spitteler)
Newsletter about activities of the centre circulated at the meeting. The centre is a voluntary organisation.
Next MSC Meeting: Friday 3rd October 2014, 9.30– 12.00
Focus: Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) – an overview of services, alerts, campaigns and multilingual resources
Speaker – Suzie Su, CAV
Venue: Conference Room, Level 1, Whitehorse Community Centre, 79 Mahoneys Road, Forest Hill
NOTES:
(1) For past and current CCOEI and MSC documents, including meeting papers and guest presentations, visit ;
(2) To contact Cynthia Shaw or Sam Navarria on matters relating to the MSC please use .
MSC Minutes Sept. 2014