Hope in Settlement - A Creative Refugee Week Performance
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) and Melbourne Playback Theatre Company will present a unique creative performance as part of the national Refugee Week theme
Restoring Hope.
When refugees settle in Australia there is an emphasis on taking care of the essentials - food, housing, education and employment. Yet refugees also need resilience, courage and hope to face the challenges of settlement.
Playback Theatre actors draw on these themes to create a unique performance from the stories of audience members.These actors and musicians bring the audience's stories of hope and resilience in a way that is entertaining, surprising, and transformative.
Hope in Settlement is on 13 June, 6:30 - 8:00pm, at FortyFive Downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane. Drinks and nibbles included.
Costs: $15 general, $12 concession, ECCV members free. To RSVP click HERE.
ECCV and Welcome to Australia hold Welcome Party for Newly Arrived
This month ECCV and
Welcome to Australia hosted migrants and refugees for a Welcome Party at an Australian family home.
The party included migrants from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal who met and socialized with other Australians. The party was an opportunity for swapping stories, sharing food and building new friendships between people of different cultural backgrounds.
ECCV Board Member and former Young Victorian of the Year Wesa Chau said the party was a great opportunity to break down barriers and develop stronger community bonds.
“Welcome Parties show that the vast majority of Australians want to get to know new arrivals and make them feel a part of the Australian community,” Ms Chau said.
The Council supports initiatives such as the Welcome Parties which encourage friendships and new understanding between migrants and more established members of the community.
If you are interested in holding a Welcome Party in Victoria contact Jo Pride jo@welcometoaustralia.org.au or visit the Welcome to Australia website.
ECCV Talking Disability Consultation Project Begins
The ECCV has established a partnership with the Victorian Disability Services Division (DSD) at the Department of Human Services to facilitate a series of consultation events on the issue of disability in ethnic communities.
The ECCV Talking Disability consultation project will run over four months in 2012 and aims to enhance collaboration and understanding between ethnic communities, the DSD and disability service providers. It will also provide CALD community feedback to inform the new Victorian State Disability Plan, the Victorian Disability Advisory Council and will inform people about the new Carer’s Recognition Act 2012.
It is expected that priority issues to be discussed throughout the consultation include:
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Community engagement with services
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Accessibility of information, supports and services
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Language services
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Cultural responsiveness
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Dealing with discrimination and stigma
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Specific challenges faced by refugee background and new and emerging communities
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Strategies for CALD collaboration in service development and policy planning
