Minutes

Friday, October3rd 2014

Whitehorse Community Centre, Level 1 Conference Room,

79 Mahoneys Road, Forest Hill.

  1. Present

Chris CosgriffCCOEI, Anchor

Heather CosgriffCCOEI

Glenis CrockerCCOEI (part of the meeting)

Maria deMonteDHS Centrelink, Multicultural Services Officer

Belinda Gillam DerryECLC Yarra Ranges, Coordinator

Leigh GilmoreDOJ, Sheriff Office Ringwood, Senior Sheriff Officer and Multicultural and Indigenous Liaison Officer

Margot HennessyAMES, Youth Coordinator

Teena LeeEastern Health Child Youth Mental Health Services, Promotions Officer

Jaya ManchikantiCity of Knox, Multicultural Community Officer

Sam NavarriaCCOEI

Andree O’DonnellAMES Settlement, Case Manager

Saturnino OnyalaMIC, Settlement Support Worker

Railey OrgerCity of Whitehorse, Diversity and Healthy Ageing Officer

Elizabeth SidiropoulosVictoria Police, Multicultural Liaison Officer

Sui Ting TseCCOEI

Clary VerbuntCCOEI, Dutch Community

Apologies

Leonie BurnhamECLC, Manager Inner East Office

Jeska ChamberlainVictoria Police, Multicultural Liaison Officer

Linda ChenCCOEI, ESL Teacher

Donna DimartinoDHS, Northern Vic

Twanny FarrugiaCCOEI, DonateLife Community Champion

Jack IntziadisDHS Northern Vic, MSO

Kiri McKendrikDOJ, Sheriff Office Box Hill, Sheriff Officer

Stephen NoyVictoria Police, Inspector, Community Engagement, EMR

Madeleine ParkerDEECD EMR, School Development Officer ESL

Cynthia ShawCCOEI

Guest

Suzie Su Consumer Affairs Victoria

  1. Minutes September 2014 meeting

Minutes circulated electronically. Moved Andree O’Donnell Seconded: Sui Ting Tse. Accepted.

  1. Business Arising – incorporated in agenda
  2. Issues and concerns template

MSC members/organisations can use this form to detail an issue or concern for the attention of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) or the local Regional Advisory Council (RAC). A coveringletter from CCOEI would be attached. An annual summary report should be sent with all the issues/concerns raised during the year and indicating issues that are outstanding or still require action.

  1. Correspondence

Settlement Planning Update from DSS – electronically circulated to MSC members.

  1. Meeting focus: Consumer Affairs Victoria – an overview of services, alerts, campaigns and multilingual resources presented by Suzie Su, CAV.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is the state’s consumer affairs regulator, helping create a competitive and fair marketplace for businesses and consumers.Its purpose is to help Victorians be responsible and informed businesses and consumers. CAV advises and assists on renting and accommodation, estate agents, building, shopping and trading, and other areas.CAV administers more than 60 legislations.

Some of CAV’s main activities are to:

•review and advise the state government on consumer legislation and industry codes

•advise and educate consumers, tenants, businesses and landlords on their rights, responsibilities and changes to the law

•register and license businesses and occupations

•conciliate disputes between consumers and traders, and tenants and landlords

•enforce and ensure compliance with consumer laws

In the south east of Melbourne,CAV operates from Dandenong and Box Hill.

Suzie addressed a number of areas including:

Rental: by far the biggest issue that comes to CAV with 200,000 out of 500,000 calls per year. Bond related issues are significant - many landlords do not lodge the bond which later on becomes a problem. Moving out is also a problem because processes are not clearly understood. Rooming venues (rooms rented to individuals) are a significant issue. CAV and local councils inspect registered rooming houses. Those that operate as rooming houses but are not registered can only be inspected if they are reported. Minimum standards apply to rooming houses, e.g. size of refrigerators, smoke alarms, and number of power points. CAV provides advice to tenants and landlords on renting.

Australian Consumer Law (ACL) - CAV provides advice to consumers and businesses onconsumer rights in relation to goods and services, refund policy and consumer guarantees.Under ACL a business can be a consumer too when buying goods/services for use in the business. All consumers are protected by consumer guarantees. CAV can act as mediator for both individuals and businesses.

Scams are a considerable problem and can have a devastating financial and emotional impact. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2013 Victorians reported more than 19,000 scam-related incidents and more than $21 million in losses. As many scams go unreported the actual numbers are likely to be higher.

Difficult to act on scams after consumers have been scammed and Suzie referred to the Scam website website provides a range of easily accessible information on types of scams that the public should be aware of. The information could be used for educational activities and to raise awareness. It is recommended to regularly visit the website.

Suzie also referred to CAVs campaign on scams Scams hurt. Talk helps–to raise awareness that anyone can fall for a scam and to promote the support services available if needed.To access visit the CAV website The campaign is being launched during Mental Health Week (5-11 October) and is supported by beyondblue, SANE Australia,Headspace and the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.CAV’s news, warnings and information about scams is available in newsletter, facebook and twitter.

The campaign encourages people who have been affected by a scam to talk about how they are feeling with friends and family, and to seek professional help if they are experiencing depression or anxiety as a result of being scammed.TheScams hurt. Talk helpscampaign features videos that educate consumers about the tricks scammers use to rip them off through romance, lottery, online selling, investment, rebates, rental and business scams.People affected by scams are being encouraged to report them, and to share their story to help warn others about scams.

Suzie also touched on the area of Unsolicited Consumer Agreements. These are usually achieved through telemarketing,and door to door sales. People should be made aware of the risks involved and can ward off the risk by notparticipating, adopting a do not call register, using do not knock stickers and if signing a contract that they could cancel it within the 10 days cooling off period.

Suzie noted that CAV can only conciliate disputes but if conciliation fails, matters can be taken to VCAT and CAV can provide advice on how to access VCAT, VCAT forms, applications etc. CAV cannot prosecute. Any systemic problems that are brought to the attention of CAV are directed to their compliance section. Conciliation is best when it works.

Suzie also touched on the areas of buying and selling cars from licensed motor car traders and privately, car services and repairs and buying houses. These areas are regulated but also suffer scams which can have far reaching consequences. Just as important is the law governing Owners Corporation and one should be aware of fees, rules, Owners Corporation Committee, AGM, OC certificate.

Product safety is an important area for CAV, consumers and suppliers. From time to time a product alert or information is issued by authorities such as governments or suppliers:

•Safety warning notices - formal alert issued by an Australian Government Minister. The notice warns that the goods or services may cause injury and/or is under investigation. A supplier of goods and services must comply with the national product safety laws.

•Bans - there are two types of bans. An interim ban lasts for 60 days and can be extended for a further 60 days. A permanent ban can only be imposed by the Commonwealth Minister. In either case, it is illegal to supply, offer to supply, manufacture, process or control a banned product.

•Mandatory safety standards - these are specific requirements for a good or service set by the Commonwealth Minister. These standards include the way the good is made, what it contains, how it works, what tests it must pass, and warnings or instructions accompanying this good.

•Recall of consumer goods - can be initiated by a supplier or ordered by a Minister. A supplier should recall a product as soon as they realise it may cause injury, or does not comply with a safety standard, or has been banned. If a supplier voluntarily recalls a product they must notify the Commonwealth Minister within 48 hours of the recall. If a supplier does not voluntarily recall a product then a minister can order a recall if the product poses a safety risk. Go to to notify the Minister of a recall.

•Reporting requirements - suppliers must notify the Commonwealth Minister within 48 hours of becoming aware that a person suffered serious injury, illness or death associated with a consumer good or product-related service they supplied (whether in Australia or overseas). To notify the Minister, a supplier can complete the online mandatory reporting form on the product safetyAustralia website

•Consumer compensation - if a consumer suffers loss or damage because of defects in a manufacturer’s product, the consumer can take the manufacturer to court or they can make a complaint to Consumer Affairs Victoria who can take action on the consumer’s behalf.

CAV also provides support in relation to building and renovation; incorporated associations, retirement villages, and business licensing

In summary, CAV Services include

•enquiries – phone calls, emails, face to face

•conciliation – for both consumer and business

•residential tenancy inspections

•community and business presentations

•compliance assistance visits

•investigation and prosecution

More informationis available on the website or call 1300558181 and TIS 131450 or CAV centres, e.g. 703 Station Street Box Hill.CAV is also on Facebook, Twitter and UTube

Unfortunately, CAV has no brochures in community languages. Plain English is used but this is not enough for people whose English is limited. However, free interpreter service (paid by CAV)is available

  1. 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 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),Jeska Jasmina, Judy (MIC). Event title: Breaking the cycle.
Spring Festival City of Whitehorse 19th October; Crime preventionproject CCOEI 28th October / October 17-International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UN recognized
07 Nov / Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria – the multicultural landscape: ECCV’s place in it, Eddie Micallef, Chair ECCV. / 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 / Review of MSC activity in 2014 and planning 2015 calendar / Dec 3rd: International Day for People with a disability.

Other areas of interest for future meetings:

  1. How LGAs in the Eastern Metropolitan Region address the needs of cultural minorities in their area
  2. The law – magistrates court/Sheriff office
  3. Human rights and culture
  4. Refugee Minors Program: – changes to support clients turning 18
  5. Amnesty International – its work locally and globally.
  6. Holistic support for youth (e.g. Anchor services and programs; specific programs and services provided by JEM, NAPCAN; CMY, Life Without Barriers);
  7. Domestic Violence Victoria
  8. Human Rights Law Centre or RILC.
  9. Red Cross and its work with asylum seekers and refugees.
  1. Forum and Agency Reports

Forums

Domestic Violence Forum(Teena Lee):Forum title changed to avoid confusion with another forum of the same name at about the same time. Forum venue (Box Hill Town Hall) and forum date 30th of October. Forum will be interactive and explore issues through case studies. The impact of family violence on children will be explored.

Refugee Celebration 2015(Sam Navarria).Cynthia and Sam have met with Kirsten Reedy, City of Manningham, to discuss the event. The event is a partnership of CCOEI, MSC and Manningham. The celebration will be held alongside a significant event on the city of Manningham calendar.

Seeking the Answers – Speaker Series(Glenis Crocker)Report on the refugee youth participation in education, training and employment forthcoming.

Crime Prevention Community Safety CCOEI project (Sam Navarria): The DOJ funded project is underway. The projectincludesresource development (production of a toolkit) and delivery of forumswith stakeholder input. Culturally sensitive forums will be delivered to established ethno specific groups who appear to be experiencing a greater incidence of issues related to financial guarantors. Steering Committee has been established and is meeting regularly.

Agency and individual reports

City of Knox (Jaya Manchikanti)

  • Knox September Council meeting will adopt the Australian Human Rights Commission Racism Stops With Me campaign.
  • The city will hold a Community Safety Day on October 26
  • Stringy bark festival to be held on the18th and 19th of October at the Rowville Community Centre
  • Knox Multicultural Committee vacancies by the end of the year – encouraged to apply
  • Jaya is leaving Knox to take up the position of Case Manager with the city of Monash

Special Note: On behalf of the Migrant Settlement Committee Sam thanked Jaya for her active involvement and contribution to the MSC, events and forums and wished her success in her new position with the City of Monash.

Communities Council on Ethnic Issue (Chris, Sam, Glenis)

  • CCOEI is delivering a DOJ funded project on the risks of elderly financial guarantors in CALD communities (see entry in forums above)
  • Tighter conditions apply to all CCOEI funded activity - accountability includes receipts for expended funds as well as in kind contribution to satisfy audit and reporting requirements.

ECLC (Belinda Gillam Derry)

  • ECLC AGM 18th November
  • Lilydale Office has employed its first Hakka Chin interpreter.

City of Whitehorse Spring Festival (Railey Orger)

  • 20th Spring Festival celebration to be held on the 19th of October at the civic centre in Nunawading
  • Seniors Festival coming up – Railey will provide web link
  • The City in partnership with Victoria Police is working with milk bar operators and small retail, including liquor outlets, to increase awareness of safety and keep shops safer.

Centrelink (Maria deMonte)

  • Eastern Region is running Digital Information Sessions across the following Service Centres for all service providers in the region from 5-6.30pm: Boronia 14 Oct; Lilydale 21 Oct; Ringwood 11 Nov.
  • From October 6 Medicare office out of Eastland Shopping Centre is joining Ringwood Centrelink to service clients as a one stop shop.

Victoria Police (Elizabeth Sidiropoulos)

  • Given the latest events many people of Moslem faith are requesting support, mainly women. Victoria Police encourages the community to report incidents of racial vilification and racism
  • Saturday mosque in Doncaster open for Eid Festival and Victoria Police will attend.

Humanitarian Settlement Services - HSS (Andree O’Donnell)

  • Appointment of new case manager Ringwood and Noble Park worked on Christmas Island. Total Case Manager EFT is 3.5 for the two areas
  • Entrants of Coptic faith coming under in country refugees, mainly settling in Donvale and Doncaster
  • Some Chin background entrants
  • 2 large Syrian families from Aleppo – Kurdish Moslem faith who are separate from other Moslem groups

Migrant Information Centre (Saturnino Onyala) -MIC AGM 15th October at the Hub in Box Hill from 10-11.30

Next MSC Meeting: Friday 7thNovember 2014, 9.30– 12.00

Focus: ECCV – an overview of services, achievements 2014, challenges and directions 2015

Speaker – Eddie Micallef, Chair ECCV

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 October. 2014