2014 Annual Report

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Annual Report 2014
Diversitat Refugee Photography Project
This exhibition celebrated six remarkable individuals
from refugee backgrounds that contribute greatly to the Geelong
community through their work with Diversitat. They were from Sudanese, Iraqi,
Karen(pictured), Ethiopian, Afghani(pictured) and Bosnian backgrounds and reflect the
diversity of Geelong’s newly arrived and more established migrant communities.
Their contributions to the organisation are highly valued as bi-lingual support workers, case managers, volunteers
and as workers with Diversitat’s Property Services Social Enterprises. The skills, dedication and empathy they bring to
their roles greatly assists the settlement process of individuals from Geelong’s newly arrived communities
and provides the support they need to reach their full potential.
These images were taken by internationally awarded photographer, Tobias Titz, as part of a project for 2014 World Refugee Day
that aspired to share stories that are rarely told by mainstream media about the experiences of refugees. Tobias Titz is a freelance
photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. Over the last ten years he has worked for a range of local and international magazines
and commercial clients.
All images © Tobias Titz www.tobiastitz.com
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Annual Report 2014 Contents
President’s Report
2
Diversitat’s Key Achievements
3
CEO’s Report
4
Strategic Vision
6
Executive Committee, Management Team
& Affiliated Ethnic Community Groups 7
Arts & Events
8
Aged Support
12
Employment Services
16
Training20
Settlement Services & Community Programs
28
94.7 The Pulse
36
Wholefoods38
Youth Education
40
Income Statement
45
Thankyou46
Diversitat Services & Sites
48
1
2
President’s Report
t Friends
Dear Diversita
ne by since I
w a year has go
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rvices and traini
se
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and supporters
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eelong comm
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Diversitat’s mis
ect with the so
acceptance, pr
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Geelong comm
promotes a se
embers of the
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t city of ours.
life of this grea
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In an ever
confronting us
our organisatio
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es
se
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will
the economic
doubt, it is pl
ve and always
and move with
that always ha
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ft
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le
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we are no
true to the valu
still remaining
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ls
hi
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support and
be Diversitat.
the continual
ith
w
ly
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rvice
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dication and se
de
nt adjustmen
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ta
da
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af
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an
da
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anks to our
and staff. Your
Such re-evalu
s, my sincere th
tat managers
si
ay
er
w
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al
D
s
A
of
d.
ts
te
or
ecia
e daily
committed eff
ed nor unappr
mitment to th
m
tic
co
no
g
un
in
er
go
t
av
w
does no
ssion and un
ligence and
to our clients
s categorical pa
r his utmost di
hi
fo
,
r
fo
on
,
ah
ez
cM
tin
M
ar
n
M
ia
r your
CEO, Michael
ial Controller, Br
rs, thank you fo
nc
be
na
Fi
em
d
m
e
an
iv
t
ta
ut
Diversi
my fellow Exec
operations of
ve months.
ancial order. To
fin
ng
ni
ai
er the last twel
nt
ov
ai
t
m
ta
in
si
k
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or
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g
hard
ort in steerin
dom and supp
tworks and
friendship, wis
community, ne
ng
lo
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G
er
id
amongst the w
t and goodwill
iri
sp
of
ty
si
ro
d celebrated.
The gene
commended an
be
to
so
al
is
d every
partnerships
k you to each an
an
th
,
ps
ou
gr
ted
ney continue
rs of our affilia
. May our jour
ar
ber of membe
ye
m
nu
us
g
io
in
ev
w
pr
ro
To the ever-g
pport over the
iendship and su
fr
ur
yo
r
fo
u
one of yo
years to come.
for many more
ng
di
ar
w
re
be
to
Yours sincerely
r Petkovic
Dr. Linda Sydo
President
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
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4
CEO’s Report
Much like a family, Diversitat’s
fundamental role is to empower
individuals and communities to
reach their full potential. With
the help of our hard working
and committed team Diversitat
aims to achieve the best
possible outcomes for our clients against an ever
evolving and changing environment and 2014 has
been no different.
and Council members with a special thanks to the
growing number of wonderful, kind and generous
volunteers without whose help all this could not
be realised.
As many of our supporters would know this year
has been one of much change and new challenges
for the community sector in general. As such, the
community sector according to various surveys
and reports in 2014, has experienced high levels of
uncertainty and pessimism about funding and the
future. What I am really proud of is Diversitat’s ability
to tackle these issues, look for the opportunities and
adapt to the changing trends to ensure the long
term success of our communities and individuals.
In response to these challenges we have made
significant changes to our operations, developed
new programs and we are very confident about
our future endeavours.
Likewise we continue to innovate and drive program
development across our various program areas,
such as in Arts and Events where we directed the
inaugural After Dark program in the City, considered
to be one of the best arts events held in the central
Geelong area.
Like many not for profit RTO’s and TAFE’s throughout
the state we have struggled under the weight of the
State Government cuts whilst balancing increased
demand. Likewise, Federally, there has been a great
deal of uncertainty around departmental program
funding with a number of programs cut affecting
our service delivery methods and practices.
This year’s annual report is about telling these
stories, highlighting the achievements of clients
and staff within our programs and services, as well
as showcasing some of our new enterprises and
initiatives that have taken place during the year.
We also wanted to map the changing trends and
demands within our community and individual
clients in regard to training, employment,
participation, events and activities.
All of this could not be achieved without the
dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our
fantastic staff, President Linda Petkovic, Executive
One of this years new initiatives was to look at the
disability services within the CALD community.
We have undertaken significant research and
commenced working with refugee and migrant
clients with disabilities who, without our support,
would have no access to services.
Pulse television is another example of new initiatives
launched by us through the dedication of our staff
and volunteers with the support of our sponsors.
Sitting alongside this innovation is the ongoing
day to day case management and community
development work done across the many
communities of Geelong which we assist, ranging
from the needs of our recently arrived refugees and
asylum seekers to the complex needs of our older
population.
Our future growth into the Barwon South West
region is underway and we have a number of funded
positions in Colac and Warrnambool.
What is most pleasing about our services and the
development of our organisation is that we remain
true to our key mission and goals. I would like to say
a big thank you to all of our Diversitat family.
Thanks to all those who have donated to our various
fund raising activities and thanks to our sponsors
and supporters across a range of philanthropic
organisations and government departments, that
we may continue to ensure dignity, respect and
acceptance of all individuals in our society.
Michael Martinez
CEO Diversitat
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
5
Geelong Cats Footballers teach Aussie Rules to our community kids at The Hub
6
\
Strategic Vision
To empower individuals and
communities to reach their full potential
2012 - 2015
Voice, Connections
and Partnerships
Goals:
Service Delivery
and Quality Goals:
Staff and
Volunteer Goals:
1. Integrate and grow
1. Attract and retain
1. Continue Diversitat’s
Diversitat’s programs
appropriately skilled
leadership role (at the
and services to improve staff and volunteers who
local, state, national and long-term outcomes for
share the vision and
international level) in
clients.
values
empowering, advocating
of Diversitat.
for, and responding to
2. Ensure programs and
the needs of people
services are relevant,
2. Continuously invest
from multicultural
empathetic, viable and
in the development
and disadvantaged
meet the needs of clients
of staff and
backgrounds.
and communities.
volunteers.
2. Lead and develop
strategic partnerships
and representation at all
levels of community and
government.
3. Strengthen
connections with
multicultural and
disadvantaged
communities, support
their activities and
facilitate, connections
between communities.
4. Grow corporate and
business connections
whilst maintaining the
commitment to our
vision, mission & values.
5. Pursue opportunities
to promote Diversitat’s
services and increase
its advocacy role and
positive influence locally,
regionally and beyond.
3. Strengthen the
management of service
quality, focussing on
monitoring, change
management,
continuous
improvement and
outcomes.
3. Promote a culture
whereby staff are
accountable for their
responsibilities and
uphold the vision,
mission and values of
Diversitat.
4. Recognise and support
the efforts of volunteers
and staff, and optimise
their involvement in
the diversity of
programs and services.
Organisational
Development and
Sustainability Goals:
1. Work with
other community
organisations,
government
departments
and community
entrepreneurs in
advocating for improved
sector resourcing.
2. Optimise the
sustainable use and
development of
buildings and facilities.
3. Identify, develop and
implement business
strategies to provide
greater efficiency,
effectiveness and
ecological sustainability.
4. Continuously improve
the governance
framework and practice
of the Executive and
Management.
5. Focus on financial
sustainability for the
short and long term
including increasing
independent income
streams.
6. Develop an
organisational
culture that values
communications and
collaboration.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
7
Executive Committee
President Vice-President
Secretary Treasurer Assistant Secretary Dr. Linda Sydor Petkovic
Mr. Esad Zorlak
Mr. Zoran Dimovski
Mr. Wally Scharf
Mrs. Fely Spikers
Assistant Treasurer Ordinary Member Ordinary Member Ordinary Member Ordinary Member Ms. Sophia Shen
Mr. James Matueny
Mr. Rumen Ginev
Mr. Hadi Miri
Dr. John Lamp
Diversitat Settlement
& Community Support
94.7 The Pulse Diversitat Wholefoods
Diversitat Youth Tony Jenkins & Maureen O’Keeffe
Leo Renkin
Luisa La Fornara
Barry Hocking & Christie Ditcham
Management Team
Chief Executive Officer Michael Martinez
Financial Controller
Brian McMahon
Diversitat Aged Support Lynne Shanahan
Diversitat Arts
Luisa La Fornara
Diversitat Employment Kirsten Hargreaves
Diversitat Training Judy Jamieson & Garry Gow
Affiliated Ethnic Community Groups
Afghan
Austrian Bosnian Bulgarian Cameroon Chinese Congolese Croatian
Dutch Fijian Filipino
French German Greek Hungarian Indian
Indonesian Iranian
Irish
Italian Karen Karenni
Latvian
Liberian
Lithuanian Macedonian Malay Maltese Maori Nepalese
Polish
Portuguese Scottish Serbian Sikh Slovenian Spanish Sri Lankan South Sudanese Thai Turkish Ukrainian Venezuelan Wathaurong
94.7 The Pulse
Laughter and hugs at the International Womens Day celebrations at The Hub
8
Diversitat Arts & Events is a key program in
strengthening art linkages in Geelong to ensure people
from diverse communities are able to participate as
arts makers and audiences. With the arrival of new
CALD communities to our region, the Arts program has
had a year of dynamic and inspiring projects. Initiatives
continue to be developed to ensure cultural groups
are supported and have the capacity to showcase their
own cultural identity.
BCC Betta & Betta Home Living
Pako Festa - A Celebration of
Pako festa
Cultural Diversity
On February 22, Pako Festa celebrated its 32nd
Event with a full day of fantastic fun, music, dance
and food. Once again, police estimated attendance
numbers to be in excess of 100,000 people. The
event organisers, Diversitat thank all the event
staff, sponsors, and event contractors, hardworking
community events
Volunteers, Pakington Street Traders, the Geelong
Community and all the people from far and wide
who joined us in this extraordinary celebration of
our cultural diversity.
Most of all, a million thanks to the following hard
working, passionate local cultural community
groups that paraded down the street, cooked
delicious food and performed their hearts out!
harmony day
Afghan, Bosnian, Chinese, Croatian, Congolese,
Dutch, Filipino, French, Greek, Hazara, Hungarian,
Indonesian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Indian, Karen,
Karenni, Liberian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay,
Maori, Nepalese, Polish, Scottish, Serbian, Slovenian,
Spanish, Sudanese, Ukrainian and Wathaurong
Communities together in harmony.
In these troubled times Pako Festa encourages
refugee
us to appreciate
the week
growth and richness of our
short courses
multicultural community and acknowledge the
social capital built by the event which gives us
direction to develop even further in the future.
On behalf of Diversitat and the Pako Festa Event Team
we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
2014 Event Sponsors BCC Computers, Betta Home
Living, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship
(OMAC), City of Greater Geleong, Channel 7, Music
Workshop, Deakin University, Occasions Party Hire,
Energy Safe Victoria, Westpac, Geelong Advertiser,
Codeacious, Telstra, Showtime Attractions, Barwon
Computer Solutions, Barwon Youth, Geelong Mini
Garage, McHarry’s Buslines, Geelong Regional
Library Corporation, Victoria Police, Pakington
Strand, Generator Rentals Australia, Premiers Active
April, Courthouse Arts, Evologic, Barwon Water,
Cotton On Foundation, Newgrove Benchtops,
Ian Trezise, Goodway Print Group and Pakington
Street traders.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Diversitat Arts – Short Courses
Diversitat Arts continues to grow and is fast establishing
itself as a reputable arts short course provider in
Geelong, attracting participation from nearly 200
people. Popular classes include Life Drawing, Pottery,
Clay Sculpture, Felting and Basket Weaving. We also
provide After School Art Club and Pottery for children
and young people.
9
aspect to continue to nurture. Over the summer months
holding stalls at local markets, with the Pako Festa stall
being a highlight, gives an opportunity to promote and
sell crafts produced from all groups and provides a point
of connection between them and the public.
This year the introduction of crafts on consignment is
widening our contacts, providing an outlet for sales
for crafts people and adding variety to our existing
multicultural crafts for sale at Wholefoods. There is
plenty of scope to build this further.
Karen Weavers
The ‘Pipi’ group continues to meet regularly at the
Northern Hub and in partnership with Diversitat Aged
Support. Most of the women who weave now have
weaving equipment set up at their homes, which is
more practical for them. We provide a meeting place
and weaving cotton from Thailand, which they wind
into balls when they meet. Finished woven items are
delivered back for us to sell on their behalf.
Students are predominately women and we have
successfully maintained a core group of students that
are now developing their own artistic styles of work.
Some of this work can be viewed on our Diversitat Arts
Facebook page.
A highlights for this year has been the addition of Janne
Kearney to our team. Janne has an extensive resume of
awards for her figurative and portrait works and is one
of Geelong’s favorite artists.
Women’s Craft Circle
The Saturday Craft Circle is now well established, with
a core group of regular attendees, who bring their own
craft projects along and enjoy sharing tips and ideas
with each other. The monthly workshops are proving
very popular, bringing new interests and new people
along. We have engaged with over 100 women over the
past 12 months.
Maintaining cultural handicraft skills remains a central
purpose and the group is always happy to encourage
this in others. Building links between the Northern Hub
Karen weavers, the sewing groups and Craft Circle is an
Connections with the wider community are also
encouraged, through exhibiting at and visiting the wool
museum scarf festival, displaying and selling their woven
items and taking orders from the public for weaving.
Beyond weaving the women also enjoy trying their
hand at other crafts which we facilitate. They also really
enjoyed participating in a clay totem project.
Whilst the women enjoy weaving their traditional bags,
scarves and tops, they have also designed new craft
products, in collaboration with the sewing group, with
the fabric they have woven.
10
Sewing Program @ The HUB
Nadia Mayfield, Trina Secen, Heather Robinson,
Davood Hemedinejad, Heather Robertson, Gail
Willett and the late Maisie Lindsay and Claire Grinter.
Stitch brings together women from a range of
cultural backgrounds, along with many dedicated
volunteers. Each participant shares skills from their
culture and develops new skills interacting with
Pako festa
and learning from each other. The project not only
teaches women to sew but develops their English
skills. They have grown to be socially confident
and feel connected in the Stitch environment. This
community events
program
incorporates a pre-vocational ACFE funded
course and an open class day for those women that
are unable to access any training.
Cultural Kitchens Australia
Program
We are dedicated to developing a sustainable
enterprise
thatday
provides dignified work for women
harmony
with a focus on developing culturally infused
products and clothing for sale. The program has
implicit aim of empowering, educating and
an extending this group to move forward and create
refugee
week
positive
change
in their lives. The sewing program
attracted 48 participants, with 20 women making up
the core group for Wednesdays.
The 40+ participants have found the program to be
a flexible introduction to some of the more popular
Aussie foods, it is a student lead exploration around
foods of interest, seasonal cooking and cooking for
their children and families.
We would like to formerly thank our sewing facilitator
Julie Giles and her wonderful volunteers for their
short courses
tireless work and efforts that make this program
such a success.
Thank you to the following for your important
donations
tell meduring
a story the year: Miranda Hughes, Brax
Window Treatments, Heights Sewing Centre, Ineke
Thornton, Sue Baker, Avril Lamont, Liz Sinkinson,
Cath Crooks, Anne Lambert, Spotlight, Kate Willet,
arte dalla Australia
musical morning
Graduation class of the Sewing Group
The Diversitat Sewing Program is funded through
the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE).
Cultural Kitchens is a cooking and healthy eating
project that targets those from our refugee and
emerging communities. It provides its participants
with practical cooking skills, education around
Australian healthy eating choices, sourcing of
appropriate foods and budgeting.
Cultural Kitchens also contributes to the minimisation
of mental health issues that surface from being
isolated in a new community. Many new friendships
and connections have stemmed from this group.
Those who participated had expressed a desire to
take part in adapting traditional cultural recipes
to life in Australia alongside learning how to cook
popular Australian foods. A big thanks to the
Victorian Multicultural Commission for funding this
important project.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
11
Massive Hip Hop Choir at GPAC
Geelong After Dark
The inaugural Geelong After Dark (GAD) event was a huge success
with over 6,000 people visiting Central Geelong on Friday 9th
May. There was a diversity of art activity including projections, art
displays, interactive workshops, music and much more presented
in over 30 locations between 6pm-10pm. Important relationships
have been established with all venues involved and we look
forward to developing these and new partnerships to ensure the
event can flourish in the future.
The programming allowed for some innovative concepts to
be born from Classical Music in the toilet block to pop up
performances at the Train Station. The 2014 event gives us
inspiration to further develop projections specific to GAD and its
locations with the ultimate aspiration that audience members will
be exposed to discovering Geelong in a new light!
Hoop Fusion in the Mall. Photo Courtesy of Brian Cohn
The event ultimately attracted new audiences into the city centre
as it showcased our vibrant cultural fabric and which in turn had
a positive economic benefit for the City Centre.
The City of Greater Geelong initiated GAD as a flagship event for
M~M2014: Geelong’s 24hr Extreme Arts Walk. Diversitat partnered
with CoGG as Creative Producers of GAD. The following supporters
contributed to GAD: Deakin University, Geelong Performing Arts
Centre, Geelong Gallery, Geelong Regional Library Corporation,
National Wool Museum, Central Geelong, Artistic Merit, Barkly
Arts Centre, Courthouse Arts, Back to Back Theatre, YWCA, Curious
Works, Open 4, Art Is, Music Workshop, Beavs Bar, Pistol Petes,
Black Sheep, Batman Investing, Sailors Rest, Market Square,
Westfield Geelong and Waterfront Kitchen.
Pop-Up Art Exhibit in Lt. Malop St
Luisa La Fornara
Arts & Events Manager
Facebook: DiversitatArts
Projections on Courthouse Arts facade
12
Our Aged Support at the Community Centre in
Geelong West continues to give people from
Geelong an opportunity to come together and join
in activities with other older people who are living
at home and importantly interact with others who
speak the same language. 170+ people per week
are supported through an activity group or through
our access and support program. More than 400
people per quarter receive 3 or more meals through
our meals program – it is a diverse group with 30
countries of birth and 23 different languages – not
to mention dialects!
We celebrated 20 cultural days, four “Tastes of
Diversity” lunches and talks from community
members about their food and migration
experiences (Karen, Congolese, Italian and Afghan
communities), hosted a craft and memory event for
Seniors Month: Collages of Pakington Street. Other
highlights included our CEO’s/Senior Management
evening as part of HACC Diversity Project that not
only provided authentic Spanish food and wine
but also an intimate interview with a small group
of Iranian asylum seekers, which participants
appreciated on a very meaningful level.
We provided our clients with as many different
experiences as possible some of which were; a baby
animal petting zoo, outings to the bush, the beach,
Melbourne, a farm, berry picking, Footscray market,
dahlia farm, barbeques at Eastern Beach and even
just a simple drive around Geelong is appreciated by
those who can no longer drive themselves.
Key Statistics
No.
Countries of Birth of Service Recipients
30
Different First Languages of Recipients
23
Number of clients per quarter receiving a
service from Aged Support
400+
High needs clients reporting that they are
happier since attending our group
75%
Clients reporting that they are doing
things they had never done before
30%
Clients reporting their overal health had
improved since attending our group
33%
Our annual ‘A Year to Remember’ event at the Filipino
club was another success bringing together the 14
different activity groups and their family members
all the staff and volunteers to celebrate the year
gone. The evening included musical favourite Ben
Costanzo, some dancing, a short movie giving an
insight into the year gone, presentations, and of
course drinks and yummy food prepared by the
lovely ladies at the Australian-Filipino Friendship
Society. This ever popular event was started due to
the overwhelming support for the 2010 Lifestories
presentation. Clients remarked that they had
not been out in the evening for years, but really
enjoyed it, and families also appreciated the event
as it brought about a much better understanding
of what their loved ones do when they attend
our services.
Thumbs up from the Karen participants of our Men on a Mission group, with worker Hee Gay
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
13
Regional HACC Diversity Planning and positive client
outcomes through our access and support program
in Geelong.
A Year to Remember 2013
Our yearly surveys showed great satisfaction with the
support and services received with 75% of our high
needs clients reporting feeling happier since attending,
30% reporting that they are doing things that they
had never done before and 33% reporting that their
health had improved. Some of the favourite things to
do included walking along Pakington Street, outings,
exercise programs, food, arts and crafts, and watching
movies. But by far the most enjoyable part of the
program was talking to the other people who attend
the group. 90% of the clients said that they always enjoy
the bus outings, and we are very grateful to have our
two small buses to be able to provide this option.
This year we reverted to cooking all the meals ourselves
from our own kitchen. The waft of fragrant food cooking
is great for the appetites of clients, and adds to a
homelike atmosphere at the centre. The menu is varied
and we can cater to individual needs and requests more
diligently, with client input into the types of meals they
would like.
The year wasn’t all fun for the staff however, with a
Victorian HACC and Australian Government Community
Common Care Standards Assessment in February 2014
requiring much preparation. The assessors remarked on
very favourable feedback we received from clients and
carers, and we received extremely positive comments
from the consultants, in particular regarding our
documentation and preparation for audit. Big thanks to
all of the team for the enormous effort involved.
In May 2014 we received the results of our Department
of Health desktop audit which noted innovative social
supports for older people, outstanding support to
Thanks to collaborative development we are setting
examples of good practice in this relatively new
strategy. To complement this important work in the
HACC sector, the Bridging the Gap program, funded
by DSS Aged Care Service Improvement and Health
Innovation Grants is able to bring together aged care
providers and CALD older communities. The project
also provides information regarding Aged Care to older
CALD communities and resources aged care providers.
One of the highlights in the past year was the Lifestories
training/booklets with Bellarine Community Health
(Ann Nicholl House) and Geelong Aged Care, along
with the invaluable Bridging the Gap bimonthly get
togethers at either an aged care provider or an ethnic
community group.
Jester Geoff with Ben, Betty and Pepe from
International Women’s Group, Geelong West
Diversitat Aged Support is a small team of staff and
volunteers striving to provide the best possible
opportunities for older people to live at home as long
as possible, and be well informed about their options
in any areas affecting their ability to do so. We keenly
implement the active service model that maximises
independence, provides choice and encourages people
to reach their full potential. Staff training is an important
aspect for all involved achieving best practice and
staff attended 33 different training courses/sessions/
workshops during the year. We were also involved in
delivering 10 different training sessions and forums.
14
Vince prepares our vegetable garden
Looking Forward
I can’t believe that in April this year I had my 10 year anniversary
with Diversitat. During that time many changes to the organisation
have happened with expediential growth, including the Pulse,
Wholefoods and our social enterprises, re-emergence of
employment programs, the Hub transformation of a disused
paddock into a thriving community area with not just a state of
the art building but a wonderful garden and a men’s and women’s
shed, and Ryans Place also transformed to provide a trademark
warehouse to workplace with flair for our training department.
Serious chess at our Ukrainian group
We have also seen people and clients come and go, which is really
the hardest part of working in Aged Support as there are plenty of
goodbyes. It is a privilege to work with my colleagues and team
dedicated to the social justice principles and values that make
going to work worthwhile.
Lynne Shanahan
Aged Support Manager
Elena and Rudy from the GADS group
Jozo gives the Mayor a word of advice
A Night to Remember 2013
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
15
Celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day 2014
16
Diversitat has been providing employment services
to the Geelong region for over 20 years. Into the sixth
and final year of the Department of Employment
Job Services Australia (JSA) program, Diversitat is
busy preparing a tender and getting ready for some
major changes to Employment Services come 1st
July 2015. The Federal Government has carried out
a major overhaul of employment services and the
program will be fundamentally different from the
Labour Governments’ current Job Services Australia
program.
Diversitat plans to maintain a service focus on
culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and
Youth (15-25 years) job seekers as well as servicing
all eligible job seekers across the region. The tender
process will be highly competitive and performance
over the last year will be crucial to the success of
continuing employment services into the future.
2013-14 saw the local labour market become a very
tough environment for job seekers and JSA providers
looking to provide employment opportunities to
their clients.
Employment Activity 2013-14
Looking back on employment placement activity
for our job seekers during 2013-14 shows some
stark differences between our youth and CALD
cohorts. A high level of unskilled labour, production
(includes food processing and general factory work),
gardening and cleaning work was taken up by our
CALD job seekers versus a high level of hospitality,
construction and related trades, warehouse and
sales taken up by our youth job seekers.
CALD JSA Placements by Occupation
Statistical reports for the Geelong region continue
to show growth in the community services sector
in roles such as aged care, welfare and social
services, and disability. These types of positions
continue to remain a small proportion of the overall
employment placement activity of our youth and
CALD job seekers. This can be attributed to a large
proportion of Diversitat’s’ job seekers either with a
low level of English or are early school leavers who
are reluctant to take up further training within job
growth areas. Our internal training programs that
focus on soft skills such as confidence, work ethic
and motivation have been continually developed to
encourage job seekers to look further into the future,
reflect upon their own personal strengths, increase
their confidence and develop a good understanding
of where future job prospects will be. We aim to
encourage more job seekers to take up training in
these growth areas.
Food
processing
continues to remain
a steady industry
with
many
job
opportunities sourced
locally and around
Victoria. We have
found this to be a
great
source
of
opportunity,
particular to our CALD
job seekers with low
levels of English.
Food Processing Student
practising on ‘plastic’ chickens
Youth JSA Placements by Occupation
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
CALD JSA Apprenticeship/Traineeship
Placements by Occupation 2013-2014
Apprenticeships and
Traineeships
It is very pleasing to see that a large proportion of our
youth job seekers have taken up positions in another
growth area, apprenticeships within construction and
related trades. Of all the apprenticeships commenced
during 2013-14, 54% were in this sector. This will
continue to be an industry and career option that we
promote to all job seekers.
Apprenticeship and traineeship take up for our CALD
job seekers was comparatively low. Our focus will be
to promote adult apprenticeship options to both job
seekers and employers.
Work for the Dole
Work for the Dole has been reintroduced as a priority by
the Government for all job seekers aged 18 to 30 years
and unemployed for 12 months or more. Diversitat
Employment has collaborated with local community
organisations such as Encompass and Gateway
Community Assist Inc. as well as developing our own
programs aimed at providing a wide range of Work for
the Dole activities for our clients to participate in.
A Diversitat Work for the Dole project currently up and
running is the Community Garden at the Northern
Community Hub, also known as the Hope Garden.
17
Youth JSA Apprenticeship/Traineeship
Placements by Occupation 2013-2014
Supervisor, Polly Musgrove, is incredibly passionate and
has been the driving force since the garden’s inception
in getting it built up to the level it is at today. The Hope
Garden was initiated in 2005 with federal funding
through Skills Victoria to create opportunities for CALD
clients to enrol in Certificate 1 in Vocational Training
as a pathway to employment, under the umbrella of a
simulated workplace.
Many Diversitat clients, communities and programs
have benefited from the Hope Garden including the
Maori Association (TEARAHINA), the Wathaurong
Cooperative, the Karen/Karenni, Afghan, Congolese and
Sudanese communities, Youth Education and Green
Corps to name a few.
The Hope Garden provides something for anyone who
walks through the gate; whether it is an opportunity
to grow food, or come and pick something from the
sharing communal area of the garden, or just walk
through and enjoy being outdoors and perhaps have a
chat with someone/practise some English conversation;
a safe area that has given a lot of displaced people a
sense of ownership and empowerment.
The funding through the Work for the Dole program has
ensured the Hope Garden will continue to growth and
thrive for some time to come.
18
Geelong Labour Market
The local labour market is growing tougher for unskilled workers with the unemployment rate increasing in
the last year from 6.2% in July 2013 to 8.4% in July 2014, well above Victoria and nationally.
Unemployment Rate 2009-2014
Youth Unemployment Rate 2009-2014
Local youth unemployment remains a concern with a 3.8% rise from July 2013 (14.2%) to July 2014 (18%),
again well above Victoria and nationally.
Strategic job seeker training, development and career planning that focuses on local labour market growth
will remain crucial to addressing the unemployment rate over the next five years. The team at Diversitat
Employment Services is very passionate about they do and will continue to work closely with industry and
local training providers to ensure our job seekers have the best opportunity to gain sustainable employment.
Kirsten Hargreaves
Employment Services Manager
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Work for the Dole participants working hard in the Hope Garden at The Hub
19
20
Diversitat Training’s 2013 - 2014 financial year has
been an eventful year marked with many changes.
celebrated her 10th year anniversary prior to her
departure from Diversitat in May 2013.
One of the main highlights of the year was that
the training department moved premises from the
Centrepoint Arcade to our new home in Ryan Place
in September 2013. The official opening was a special
event and was made even more memorable by the
fact that it was opened by our Mayor, Cr Darryn
Lyons; his first official opening as Mayor of Geelong.
It has been a hectic year of change at Diversitat
Training, where we have seen the:
• Successful completion of the Australian
Standards & Quality Assurance (ASQA) Audit
resulting in Diversitat Training being granted
registration for a further 5 years.
Judy Jamieson, Mayor Darryn Lyons & Michael Martinez
Garry Gow took over the leadership of the
Department from long-standing General Manager
of Training & Education, Judy Jamieson, who
•
Expansion of our Work Education program,
with new programs at Clearwater and Skills
Connection (Colac)
•
Creation of new partnerships with Training at:
• Strategies for Excellence
• Yooralla
• Ferguson Plarre
• Kossie Free Range Eggs
• Skills Connection
•
A total of 839 Qualifications and 869 Certificate
of Attainments were issued for the 2013/14
financial year giving us a total of 1702
completions for the year.
2013-2014 Financial Year - Qualification Completions
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Language and Literacy
The Language and Literacy Program Area had a
busy year delivering various of courses to a variety of
students. There were many positive outcomes from the
students in regards to increasing their knowledge and
skills. All the staff of the program area are very skilled,
qualified and have worked hard at getting the best
result for each student.
Diversitat’s Language and Literacy Program area
incorporates a range of Federal and State G-overnment
funded foundation skills courses, and English
language and literacy courses. There were accredited
and pre-accredited courses delivered using 3 main
funding sources – Adult Migrant English Program
(AMEP), Victorian Training Guarantee (VTG) and
Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE). The
21
Language and Literacy Program Area had many courses
running including Certificates in Spoken and Written
English, Certificate I in Transition Education, Certificate
I in Work Education, Asylum Seeker English Programs
and the Volunteer Home Tutor Program. There were
also pre-accredited English, gardening and computer
courses.
Certificates in Spoken and Written English courses had
about 436 enrolments for the year – with about 230
students at any one time
• Course in Preliminary Spoken and Written English: 152
• Certificate I in Spoken and Written English: 157
• Certificate II in Spoken and Written English: 103
• Certificate III in Spoken and Written English: 24
The Baidar brothers (Waled, Ziad, Nader and Firas) arrived
in Australia from Iraq with their mother and sister last year. Since then
they have become active members of the Diversitat and wider Geelong communities.
They have great enthusiasm and energy, and a willingness to be involved in many
community activities. They help deliver food to refugees at Diversitat as part of the
Second Bite program. They also work as community guides to Arabic-speaking and other
new arrivals in Geelong, showing them how to use home appliances, use public transport,
get to appointments, and many other things they need to know. The brothers also help
out at Diversitat parties and other functions.
They moved to Melbourne in May 2013 to be closer to family members but moved back to Geelong after a couple
of months, realising how much they appreciated life in Geelong, their English classes here, and the friends they had
here. Waled describes Diversitat as ‘amazing’, and said that Diversitat has good teachers and all the services new
arrivals need. He said he also appreciates all the activities Diversitat organises, like picnics, sporting events and so on.
The brothers have finished the AMEP hours and are still engaging in training as well as having part time jobs. Two of
the brothers are continuing their English studies at Diversitat and one brother has gone on to a higher level of English
at TAFE. The last brother has commenced training in a VET course at Diversitat - Certificate III in Aged Care. It has been
great to see the brothers continue to learn and participate in the local community. They are looking forward to a good
future in Australia, and are sure to do well, after making such a great start.
22
Other course enrolments within the Language and
Literacy department
•
The Volunteer Tutor Program had over 130
home tutors and over 140 students
•
There were 12 students who participated in the
SLPET program.
•
Certificate I in Transition Education attracted
20 students studying part time in our South
Barwon Community Centre and Pulse locations
•
English programs were provided for 265 asylum
seekers in the Community Detention and
Bridging Visa E programs.
•
78 students participating in our Cert I in Work
Education via 3 courses running with workers
from local Adult Disability Enterprisers (ADEs)
at Clearwater Property Services and Skills
Connection (Colac)
•
The pre-accredited ACFE English classes,
gardening and computer classes had 76
students participate
The AMEP program students accessed the Federal
Government funding were adult migrants and
refugees who had recently arrived. They are
entitled to 510 free hours of English classes. Before
commencing the English classes some students
attended a 4 week settlement program which
equips them with skills and knowledge for their new
lives in Australia. Students who have children that
require childcare had their childcare funded as part
of their AMEP hours.
SLPET class at Centrepoint
The Volunteer Home Tutor program matches up
volunteers from the local community who visit
CALD students weekly and spend about an hour
teaching them English at the student’s home or local
library. The volunteers attended a 5 week program,
training them to be able to effectively assist the
students learning English and then were matched to
students. A real highlight of this program was that
Donya Ali Ahmadi, one of our volunteers who runs a
weekly Afghan tutor group at Diversitat’s Northern
Hub, won the Rotary’s Young Volunteer at the Rotary
Highton Kardinia held their Volunteer of the Year
Awards
The Certificate I in Transition Education program
is to help upskill adults with special learning needs
which impact on their learning and has a focus on
enabling learners to find the most appropriate
option for them in the community after leaving
school. We have received some great feedback from
the learners including;
“I attend the class in Transition Education run
by Diversitat teaching organisation in 2013 and
2014 to improve my literacy, maths and computer
and other basic skills like use of myki card for travel on
trains, buses and trams. The course is held at Mt Pleasant
Road Community Centre in Belmont.”
By Bruce
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
The Settlement Language Pathway to Education/
Training (SLPET) program is also funded by AMEP.
The SLPET program aim was to deliver a workplace
orientation program for low level AMEP students
who are interested in employment in Australia.
The learners learnt about employability skills and
practices in Australian workplaces, generic workplace
communication skills and targeted vocabulary for work.
Diversitat’s CALD JSA visited the class to talk about
finding work, resumes and cover letters.
Within the AMEP Funding additional English programs
were provided for asylum seekers in the Community
Detention and Bridging Visa E programs. These were
non-accredited courses which were designed to
provide clients with regular routine and some structure
during the week; constructive, purposeful activity and
the opportunity to learn English whilst they await
determination of their visa status. They also provide an
opportunity to socialise with others and learn new skills.
The Certificate I in Work Education program is a course
designed for a range of learners with a disability. The
course is designed to provide a focus on orientation
to work options and a pathway to further specific
vocational education and training. It provides the
opportunity to students to improve their employability
and work readiness in a supported environment.
Funding from the Adult Community and Further
Education (ACFE) program enables CALD learners to
be able to participate in some pre accredited courses
including English classes, gardening and computers.
These courses enable students to learn skills in an area
that interested them whilst developing their English
Language and Literacy. This program helped maintain
the community garden. It has also enabled students
to improve their computer skills which will assist
them in their everyday lives and in further studies and
employment.
The Language and Literacy Program Area had a very
busy year with many quality programs being delivered
and we are looking to continue this in the future. Focus
for the future will be to continue delivering quality
23
English language programs where students are able
to develop their employment and education pathways
alongside their English. We are also developing
quality programs in Certificate I in Work Education and
Certificate I in Transition Education which will deliver in
Geelong and across regional Victoria.
Accredited Training Program
(Courses)
Diversitat Staff at the Geelong Jobs Fair
This year has seen Diversitat Training Accredited
Courses continue to provide quality training programs
in challenging times. As we respond to the Federal
Government’s new initiatives and directions focussing
on upskilling its current and future workforce; the
accredited courses department has had to relook at
its course offerings; building on our strengths and
rationalising our course delivery in some areas.
The Victorian State Government continue to support
our programs via the Victorian Training Guarantee
Funding and allows us to provide training opportunities
for learners in many industries from Certificate I to
Advanced Diploma levels.
The ever-changing training landscape has had a
significant impact on our enrolments and courses
this year. Our breakdown of course participation per
industry is detailed in the chart on the next page.
One of our main goals in Accredited Training is to
provide the quality of training that will support our
learners to find employment and the following chart
details our performance in this area.
24
Industry Areas x Client Enrolment, 2013-2014 Financial Year - Commencing
% of Qualified Learners Now in Employment
As you can see from the chart above our training is
significantly assisting our learners find employment
in various industries and we will be working on
partnering further with industry to increase the
employment opportunities of our learners. It is
worth noting the challenges in the Geelong region
in an employment sense and these results are a
fantastic reflection of the quality of training that
Diversitat delivers.
Our marketing of accredited programs and short
courses has been effective in both its traditional
forms and also through its growth in the use of
social media. Our website continues to be a fruitful
source of enquiries for courses. Student surveys have
indicated that our course guide still remains our
number one source in generating course enquiries
followed by word of mouth.
Once again our trainers have responded positively
and with an enviable work ethic in supporting the
many activities required of them this year. The
following new courses were developed and placed
on scope; Certificate IV in Youth Work, Certificate
IV in Education Support, Certificate III in Early
Childhood Education and Care.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Other areas of improvement were created in providing
greater flexibility in program delivery, improved
administration processes were implemented and their
respective team leaders continued to provide feedback
and support.
In a year where three external audits have been
conducted which created significant interruption to
normal work schedules our administration officers have
continued to provide the support to their respective
trainers, students, and management teams in a timely,
professional and effective manner.
Our business development team expanded this year
to include an additional staff member, Amber Barrow,
to try and increase our numbers in the food and
agricultural industries. Much work has been done in this
area and we have gained the attention of an innovative
expanding company, Kossie Free Range Eggs, to
become their sole training provider. Work has also been
done in gaining a larger percentage of market share in
the school based traineeship sector via our partnerships
with group training organisations throughout the
region. Our team are now marketing a broader range of
qualifications and we are working closely with various
organisations that are interested in providing a variety
of qualifications to the school communities in Geelong
and the wider region.
“Hi there. My name is Anna and I have
been an early childhood trainer here at
Diversitat for the past 4 years, and I love it.
There are many things that I love about the role
as a trainer, but the main thing would have to be
teaching leaners about the importance of being
the best educator they can be for children in the
workplace. When I’m in the class room it makes me
smile, passing on my life experiences, and sharing
my knowledge of 15 years in the industry with others
makes the job joyous.
25
Industry Traineeships Programs
It also has been a year of change within the Industry
Traineeship Program team with Anne Kehler being
appointed to lead the team. Both the industry and
national programs have been active in gaining new
clients and retaining repeat business from our much
valued existing employers. Over the year we have
seen business sustained by our versatility in the types
of qualifications we have on our scope. We have seen
some significant results in the department and these
include
•
Total active traineeship enrolments: 1060
•
Actual commencements: 444
•
Actual completions: 391
We have had a 71.56% increase in traineeships from last
financial year to this financial year.
Children’s Services and Food Processing were our two
top qualifications that had the highest number of active
enrolments 247 and 129 respectively.
As per the chart, on the next page, we have a huge
presence in the Children’s services area, with our
Trainees being employed in 38 Child care facilities
across the region. We also have worked very closely
with the Primary School Network to get parents back in
to training or work in our Education Support program.
If anyone was looking at
enrolling in the early childhood
education and care course the advice I would
give them would be to do it for the love of children,
not for the money. Children are the most precious
gift that life can give others, and the fact that you
want to care, educate and nurture these gifts is an
honour.”
By Anna Clothier
26
Traineeship Commencements
Traineeship Commencements Per Qualifications
Traineeships is also a growing area with Community
Services and youth work having a huge growth
this year with 31 sign ups to date. Also through the
traineeship area we have been able to assist many of
our trainees onto further study and create a career
path for them into many differing areas.
Some noteworthy names in business have recently
aligned themselves to Diversitat. Yooralla and
Ferguson Plarre have joined us to help educate their
staff and there has been discussions to suggest that
there is a bright future ahead for all involved.
We also continued business with our established
employers such as Turi Foods and the Multicultural
Aged Care Centre. We continue to get fantastic
feedback from our partners.
Next financial year will yet be another exciting
chapter for traineeships as we refine and consolidate
qualifications that are financially viable and
strategically align ourselves with employers that
value the quality training that Diversitat provides.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Looking Forward
The challenge for the training department moving
forward will be to maintain a sustainable business model
that reduces its reliance on government funding. We are
very excited about the opportunities and challenges
that the ever evolving market place will provide. I am
confident that our ability to adapt to change, married
with our experience of the sector, will allow us to create
innovative programs to attract learners to our business.
Since joining Diversitat training I have been very
impressed by the dedication and passion of the team in
achieving their goal of delivering quality training to all
of our learners. This passion coupled with a sustainable
business model will ensure we continue to be the
region’s premiere community based Registered Training
Organisation.
Garry Gow
Training and Education Manager
Website: www.diversitat.org.au/training
Facebook: Diversitat.Training
“Diversitat Training worked with
us to design a unique training
package specific to our needs. They
have now implemented this package to
over 1000 of our staff. The way the training is
structured is for minimal impact on production but
for maximum benefit by empowering those people
(being trained) and giving them the information and the
knowledge to produce a quality product with consistency. Not
only do they do their job better, but they also gain an understanding
of the whole business and feel more a part of the business.
Our staff turn-over has reduced. It’s a win-win situation.”
Leanne McPherson
Turi Foods
27
28
I commence this report by acknowledging the work
of my predecessor Tony Jenkins who held this role
for more than seven years. I was delighted to be
appointed to the position of manager in April this
year. I have inherited a marvellous team of dedicated
staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to achieve
good outcomes for our clients.
Disability Services
Approximately one in four people with disability
and one in four carers in Australia are from a CALD
(Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) background.
However, CALD people with disability are underrepresented in the disability system.
Over the past year Diversitat invested in a new
position within the Community Development team
to respond to the access and equity issues that CALD
people with disability face when engaging with the
disability system.
Diversitat has been advocating to, and working
with, the NDIA, disability service providers and
CALD peak bodies to address the specific needs of
CALD people with a disability. We were successful in
attaining funding from the Helen McPherson Trust
to continue this advocacy work and link eligible
clients with NDIA services.
Diversitat also became a registered provider for
a range of services, including Case Management,
Interpreting and Translating and social support
activities. At the time of writing, three clients
have chosen Diversitat as their provider for these
activities, with additional clients anticipated over
the next financial year.
Volunteering
Our volunteers continue to play a vital role in the
range of programs we provide. Currently we have
231 volunteers within our program. This financial
year there has been a strong interest from the
Geelong community with 132 new volunteers
joining our program.
Not only has there been keen interest from locals
but there has been a real trend of volunteers
coming from CALD backgrounds, being new arrivals
or skilled migrants themselves and it is expected
that this trend will continue into 2015, with new
arrivals seeking volunteer opportunities to provide
pathways to employment and a means of social
connectedness.
This year also saw the commencement of a new
homework club at Northern Bay College, Wexford
Campus, which is providing support for newly arrived
students in the areas of literacy and numeracy. This
homework club has seen Diversitat partner with
Sacred Heart, Clonard and St Joseph’s Colleges who
send volunteer students along to tutor in numeracy,
whilst Diversitat volunteers coordinate the program
and provide support in the area of literacy.
The North Geelong Homework Club
In March, training was provided to nine new
driving mentors who have since this time been
volunteering with the Driving Practice Program.
The North Geelong Homework Club has seen the
commencement of a new program coordinator,
Gail Cook and has seen the commencement of a
number of highly skilled volunteers who have been
able to support the students as they commence
their VCE studies.
Driving program
The Skills to Empower Driving School continues
to educate learner drivers and those with an
International licence from the new and emerging
communities in the Geelong region. Participants
learn about their legal responsibilities when using
the road, the role of Police, safe driving and road
rules, buying a car, car maintenance, child restraints,
insurance and where to go for further assistance.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Skills to Empower Driving School
No.
Trained volunteer driving instructors
10
Lessons run by volunteers
25
Safe Driving Program Graduates
90
Hours of class room education
1350
Kilometres of driving lessons
52,000
29
years with 21 children from Congolese, Karenni and
Afghani backgrounds attending. Water activities, a
visit to the Point Lonsdale lighthouse, the Queenscliff
Marine Discovery Centre and the local carnival ensured
a memorable experience.
This program aims to ensure new arrivals with a learners
permit have a real understanding of Australian road laws
and how to be safe on Victorian roads before driving.
In April a group of 22 young women from the Afghan
community had an action packed weekend canoeing,
bike riding, surfing and netball. An invitation to visit
the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre was the
perfect end to a fun filled weekend. The generosity and
warmth of the local people in Queenscliff, welcoming
the young women to the town and homes was part of
an experience that we hope will contribute to building
lasting friendships and cultural understanding.
Increased participation by women in this program
has contributed to enhanced independence and selfesteem amongst women from a refugee background.
Developing driving skills contributes to increasing
employment and educational opportunities and is
particularly pertinent in the context of Geelong where
public transport is limited.
We thank the Licola and Cottage by the Sea staff and
volunteers who helped make the camps happen. In
particular, Brian Edward, John Claringbold, Carter
Harris Smith, Hannah Bouchier, Mary Pearson, Angelina
Russell, Jamie Lee Lacy and Annie Peters, Queenscliff
Uniting Church, Queenscliff Men’s Shed, netball club and
community members offering support and friendship.
Licenses obtained through the driving school 84
Licenses obtained through use of private 25
vehicles (lessons with Skills to Empower
Driving School)
School Holiday and Recreation
Program
The Community Development Team has been busy with
school holiday and recreational activities to engage
children and families in what Geelong and the Barwon
region has to offer.
The Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay this year
celebrated the success of 10 years of fundraising and
the sponsorship of the 500th child from the local
community to attend the Lions Village Licola summer
recreation camps. Diversitat was pleased once again
to send 17 children from Afghani, Congolese, Karenni,
Iraqi and Sudanese backgrounds to the Lion’s Village
Wilderness Camp in Licola. These camps give children
the opportunity to participate in challenging activities,
work in teams and importantly delight in canoeing,
swimming, high and low rope courses, rock climbing,
flying foxes and Frisbee golf.
A Netball game with Queenscliff Football Netball Club
A further camp at Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff
was held during January’s longest heat wave in 100
Visiting the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre
30
Mental Health Program
Within the Multicultural Mental Health & Wellbeing
Program a small but significant partnership project
with Barwon Health continues to contribute
significantly to the mental wellbeing of some of
the most vulnerable families. The Mental Health
Carers respite program contributes funds to support
opportunities for families who have a family
member with a mental health issue to access a range
of experiences that promote mental wellbeing. A
range of activities offer carers and family members,
space and time for relaxation and can introduce
new networks and alternative levels of community
support. Five families accessed weekend breaks
to the coast; 6 individuals participated in sports
and fitness clubs and 2 carers and their children
participated in a music camp.
Many of the new arrival families struggle with prearrival experiences that can manifest in a range of
mental health problems. High prevalence issues
such as depression and anxiety plus post-traumatic
stress disorder means that for some settlement is
especially challenging. To have access to respite
including physical and emotional support from
community members means for some a step in
restoring resilience and a sense of control.
Youth Futures
Youth Futures was a 15 month Youth Leadership
and Participation Project, funded by the Office of
Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC) that
ran throughout the year. Over this time, 40 young
Youth Futures Activities
men and women (aged 15-22) from CALD and
refugee backgrounds from the Geelong region
participated across two, six month programs. The
programs consisted of weekly workshops at the
Hub, a leadership camp, a mentoring program,
higher education and local industry tours and some
big days out including canoeing at Queenscliff,
horse riding at Aireys Inlet and a multi faith bus tour.
The programs both culminated with a graduation
ceremony where participants, families and program
partners celebrated the young people’s commitment
and achievements.
Partnerships were key to the success of the program
with workshops facilitated by MASSIVE Hip Hop
choir, promoting cultural harmony and tools to
combat racial discrimination. These workshops built
toward a performance at Diversitat’s Geelong After
Dark event, Stand Up Brothers and Sisters where they
brought the house (GPAC) down with their soaring
voices, positive messages and infectious energy. It
was evident on the night how much the participant’s
confidence had grown with the program.
Mentors from across the region were engaged and
provided support to participants regarding future
education and employment, cultural exchange and
understanding and building connections in the
wider community.
The Youth Futures project engaged with a broad
cross-section of the community including local
employers, local schools, TAFEs and Universities,
CFA, faith leaders, local council, Barkly Arts/ Western
The Massive Hip Hop Choir at GPAC
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Region Community Health, MASSIVE Hip Hop Choir,
Artistic Merit, Royal Life Saving Association Victoria
as group mentors, guest facilitators and peer leader
presenters.
Bike Safe
This year we welcomed the Queenscliff Men’s shed as
a new supporter to the program. They have been a
great help in making bikes safe and road worthy. Over
250 newly arrived refugees and Asylum seekers have
completed the Bike Safe program. Safety equipment
and second hand bikes have been distributed to those
most in need.
Multicultural Gambler’s Help
This year we launched SIGP (Sports Instead of Gambling
Project). The key message being that sport is a
healthy alternative to gambling. Players of 7 different
nationalities, mainly from refugee background, promote
this message via their soccer jerseys that are on display
in the local league each week.
This ‘Diversity Team’ has brought health and wellbeing
benefits within the families, the broader community
and every other person related to this initiative
including club members and supporters. Various
partners to this initiative include Bethany (funders)
Victoria Responsible Gambling Foundation, Deakin
University, Corio Bay Cricket and Sports Club and local
agency representatives.
Responsible Gambling resources continue to be
distributed via culturally sensitive platforms, e.g. Pako
Festa, Blokes Day Out, Refugee Week and Responsible
Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW).
31
Refugee Action Program
The Refugee Action Program funded by Office
Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship aims to build the
capacity of new arrivals communities by funding
initiatives identified by the communities.
Gaining Australian Citizenship has been rated in the top
three most important priorities for the communities
along with driving and employment. During
consultations every community identified assistance
with practice for the citizenship test. In response a
course was developed by two bilingual workers who
had recently completed a Certificate IV in Training, and
Assessment. Between February and June 2014, 110
community members from the Congolese, Afghan,
Karen and Karenni communities completed the course.
Asylum Seeker Program (ASP)
The Department of Immigration and Border protection
(DIBP) has continued to fund the Asylum Seeker
Programs (ASP) throughout the 2013/2014 financial
year. The ASP incorporates The Community Assistance
Scheme (CAS), Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme
(ASAS), and Community Detention Program (CD). The
programs allow families and individuals, classified as
Irregular Maritime Arrivals (IMA) to exit from mainland
detention into the community while their visa status is
being resolved.
Diversitat’s ASP intake of clients fluctuated throughout
the financial year. Large numbers of CAS clients
were placed in Geelong from April to August, 2013,
approximately 50 per week. Support from ASP
included individual case management for the first
32
six weeks, sourcing long term accommodation, and
material aid to assist clients with the purchase of
household packages. Over these four months the
work was demanding and highly emotional but
staff demonstrate commitment and resilience and
maintained their professionalism at all times. The
need for additional support for asylum seekers was
identified during this busy period. Diversitat set up
its own Clothing Relief Centre, and Emergency Food
Relief Centre. These Centres continued to provide
much need support to asylum seekers.
During and after the federal election in September
2013, sweeping changes to asylum seeker policy
significantly impacted on the numbers of asylum
seekers released into the community, and hence
dramatically impacted on our ASP area. Fortunately,
many asylum seekers had decided to stay in
Geelong during their six week period in CAS which
help to build the ASAS population. Additionally, CD
numbers have remained constant.
It has been more than 15 months since the program
started and the visa application outcomes vary.
Some have become permanent residents, some
have decided to leave Australia, and the rest are
still awaiting for a resolution to their immigration
status. Despite the uncertainty, many clients have
established strong connections to the Geelong
community. The generous community support for
asylum seekers in the region has been amazing.
The ASP has focused a lot of energy into
increasing the participation of asylum seekers in
the community. Some asylum seekers do regular
volunteering, others have joined community groups
such as community kitchens, playgroups, sports
clubs, and church organisations. We are grateful to
members of the Geelong community who support
Community Detention clients and have regular visits
and outings with them. Rotary Club Highton funds
free English classes for clients, and Geelong College
offers female clients free swimming sessions. These
initiatives help clients feel supported and feel safe in
their new communities.
Social Enterprises
Born out of the need to maintain properties
utilised under the Asylum Seeker Program, The
Diversitat Gardening and Cleaning enterprises were
established in November. The enterprises provide
property care services to private and commercial
clients whilst providing employment opportunities
to people of a disadvantaged background.
In April we took over the cleaning of all Diversitat
sites which enabled us to have two cleaning teams,
employing seven people. A further three people are
employed as members of the gardening crew. Local
advertising has seen the workload steadily increase
and has generated a lot of interest from the wider
community.
Humanitarian Settlement
Services (HSS)
The HSS program provides support for refugees
during their first six months after arrival. This year
we assisted 92 cases (236 individuals). Most arrivals
came from Afghanistan (66 cases) with the next
largest group being Burma (13 cases). Other clients
came from Burundi, Iraq, Iran and Liberia.
This year 8 cases (25 individuals) chose to come to
Geelong after initially settling in another state and
5 cases (11 individuals) from other contract regions
in Victoria. Conversely 13 cases (all individuals) left
Geelong to settle in other locations.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
33
Who did we support?
HSS Orientation Program
The HSS Orientation program consists of 20 group
sessions delivered over four weeks. The session topics are
settlement related such as accessing services and using
interpreters, transport and pedestrian safety, money
management, emergency services and personal safety,
housing, employment, health, education and Australian
law. The sessions are facilitated by a settlement
information officer and AMEP English teacher as well as
other internal and external (Centrelink, Victoria Police,
Barwon Health, Barwon Community Legal Service
and Glastonbury) service providers. Participants are
engaged in a combination of class based learning and
excursions to Corio Fire station, Geelong Law Courts,
Corio Library, Rental property, and bus tour of Geelong.
The program was showcased at the rural quarterly
meeting with the Department of Social Service in
Mildura in October 2013 and more recently at a monthly
meeting with AMES in Melbourne in June 2014 as an
example of best practice and which other settlement
service providers are keen to emulate.
As of the end of the 2013/14 financial year there were
1618 eligible SGP clients living within the Barwon region,
inclusive of Colac. Over the year we have delivered
services both in Geelong and in the new Diversitat
office in Colac. We have registered 307 new clients in
Casework at these locations over the year, 26 in Colac
and 281 in Geelong. This is a significant increase on the
187 new client registrations from last financial year.
The Casework team assisted a total of 709 clients in
the 2013/14 financial year. There were a total of 2350
contacts made with these clients. Of these clients, 39%
accessed casework services more than 3 times over the
course of the year.
The primary issues addressed were assistance with
documents (21%), skills for living in Australia (18%),
accommodation and tenancy issues (12%), mental
health (6%) and health (5%), amongst a range of other
issues.
Self-referral was the primary source of contact with the
Casework service, with 84% of contacts being initiated
by the client themselves. Other points of referral were
from internal sources, such as HSS, and external sources,
such as other service providers. SGP Caseworkers
also provide extensive consultation to other service
providers and agencies within the region to support the
Settlement Grants Program
Casework
The Casework component of the Settlement Grants
Program provides support to an individual or family
to access information and services relevant to their
settlement needs. The service is available for individuals
on refugee and humanitarian visas, family visas and the
family of skilled migrant visa holders for up to five years
after their arrival in Australia. The Casework service
complements the settlement learnings from HSS and
involvement in community development activities.
Consistent with previous years, the demands of the
program exceed the capacity to effectively respond
with the level of funding available.
Clients by Birthplace
34
capacity of these services to respond to the needs
of new arrival clients. We have strong working
relationships with the Barwon Health Refugee
Health Nurses, Glastonbury Torture and Trauma
counsellors, school wellbeing workers, local GP’s
and family support agencies.
Complex Case Support
Diversitat is a contractor on the Humanitarian
Settlement Panel as a provider of Complex Case
Support (CCS). CCS is an intensive case management
program designed to support clients with multiple
and complex needs. The service is provided on a
case by case basis as agreed with the Department
of Social Services through a Case Management Plan.
The aim is to provide information and support for
access to mainstream support agencies to ensure
that the client’s settlement needs are addressed.
Referrals to the program come from a range of
community service providers.
Throughout the year, we had 12 active complex
cases. This is the most cases that we have had
within a year at Diversitat. A number of potential
factors have contributed to the increase, including
the growth within the communities, the capacity
of other service providers to identify potential CCS
clients and the changes in migration policy that
have relaxed the health and disability conditions for
new arrivals. Clients of CCS have originated from
Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar and Sudan.
Refugee Minor Program
The Refugee Minor Program (RMP) is a case
management program that supports young people
under the age of 18 that have come to Australia
without their parents. The RMP supports these
young people and their registered carer’s until
they turn 18 years old. Diversitat partnered with
Bethany Community Services (Geelong) and Child
and Family Services (Ballarat) for delivery of this
program in the region. As a partner, Diversitat’s role
is to provide secondary consultation and training
support to the other agencies to support their
case management role with the young people. The
program commenced on the 1st July 2013. We have
provided support to14 clients this year.
Refugee Minor Employment
Program
The Refugee Minor Employment Program (RMEP)
is a program designed to transition young people
that have been clients of the RMP to independence.
Links with employers assist young people to
develop skills for independence and a successful
future in Geelong. Diversitat is subcontracted to
provide this service through Youth Connect – the
service provider for this program in Melbourne.
We had 5 new referrals for this program over the
year, with case management supporting them to
identify goals for the future and facilitate links for
employment opportunities.
Fee for Service Migration
Services
The demand for fee for service migration services
has increased this financial year. On average we
received two enquiries per day that led to four initial
consultations per week.
CCS Client Country of Origin
75% of our clients sought family visas (consisting of:
65% partner, 10% child/remaining relative/orphan
relative, 5% parent visa); 15% employer sponsorship/
skilled/permanent residency visas (15%); and 10%
Australian Citizenship. We have had a particularly
high success rate with our visa applications.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
35
Changes in legislation for 866 Protection Visa holders
meant that many re-applied for their families to come
here under the non-humanitarian family stream visa
category, only to be advised that as of 19/12/2013, all
partner visa applications lodged by 866 holders were
excluded from further processing until the sponsor
becomes an Australian Citizen. This was a major change
in legislation that had an emotional impact on both
agents and their clients.
that led to people finding it difficult to manage their
circumstances. Rising costs of essential services and
rent also make a significant impact on low income
household’s budgets and present a major part of our
casework activities.
Grazia continued to support European Aged pensions
with pension related and similar matters. She assisted
380 people in this financial year.
Looking ahead
Financial Counselling Service
2013- 2014 has been a year of change for the Financial
Counselling Programme. State Financial Counselling
funding was secured for 3 years with a new formal
partnership with an integrated Triage and Duty
process with Colac Area Health. Submissions have also
been made to the Federal Government involving an
expansion to the program including an emphasis on
Financial Literacy.
Over 4,500 hours of casework were delivered amongst
the 5 Financial Counsellors. 2,600 people were assisted
over the telephone and over 1,000 face to face
interviews. The most common issues related to debt
management, including personal loans and credit
cards and access to essential services such as gas and
electricity. Most of these issues arose as a result of
unemployment, poor health or changes to income
Polly and the Hope Garden participants shopping for new seedlings
People are assisted with resolving disputes and
difficulties with bills and debts. Emergency Relief assists
greatly with making sure crisis situations for the people
we assist do not go without some of life’s essentials.
2014 – 2015 looks to be as interesting a year, and
we look forward to positive announcements under
Federal funding for further innovation across the
range of activities within the division. We have a new
program recently funded called USAVE – (Utilities
Saving and Value Energy) which will give our clients a
better understanding of energy suppliers and the cost
effective use of energy.
The Barwon South West project will explore how we
can further support CALD communities in the region
and we hope to strengthen and expand our community
enterprises and disability services whilst maintaining
our existing range of programs and services
Maureen O’Keeffe
Settlement and Community Support Services Manager
One of our successful Soccer teams
36
In the time following our 25th Anniversary
celebrations in the second half of 2013, 94.7 The
Pulse has seen a rapid growth in radio broadcasting
students, university interns and work experience
students. These joined with staff and volunteers
to ensure our 78 radio programs in 18 different
languages, and ½ hour of Pulse Geelong TV, goes to
air each week. Our Pulse Geelong TV completed its
third season, and has succeeded in raising the profile
of both our TV and Radio, all while featuring the
diversity of Geelong and its people. In conjunction
with the National Ethnic Multicultural Broadcasters
Council (NEMBC) we also provided radio training
throughout regional Victoria and the ACT Canberra.
The Pulse’s multipurpose building, now houses many
different students from disability services through to
Art and English as a Second Language(ESL) classes.
We also house a food relief centre, migration services
and ABC’s Geelong regional office.
This year provided an exhaustive list of outside
broadcasting events in all community sectors.
Produced by the dedicated team of staff and
volunteers at the Pulse we broadcasted: Pako Festa;
weekly GDFL football; the Aireys Inlet Open Music
Festival; Queenscliff Music Festival; Motor City
Music Festival; Barwon Health “Blokes day out”; Amy
Gillet Grand Fondo Bike Ride; Otway Mountain Bike
Odyssey; Sustainable Living Festival; Sea Shepherd
Fundraiser; “Rock the Mole” Skin Cancer Fundraiser;
Light of Day Parkinson Fundraiser; GFL Grand Final
and Deakin University Healthy Breakfast seminar.
Numerous school students, community groups and
organisations, alongside business people, politicians
(local, state and federal) regularly visit the Pulse to
listen, learn, look and talk about what is going on in
Geelong and further afield.
Our website provides live streaming and is accessed
by people in over 120 countries. The website features
video highlights of Pulse Television stories, podcasts,
local news, social media, upcoming broadcasting
courses, and other general information. Our social
media has developed strongly in response to an
emerging online savvy audience, listening alongside
traditional radio listeners and television viewers.
An important achievement has been building on our
ethnic language programs broadcast on 94.7 The
Pulse. We have added programs of French, South
Sudanese and Afghan to the weekly schedule.
These join our current ethnic programs which include:
Karen, Maori, Persian, South African, Lithuanian,
Serbian, Chinese, Russian, Bosnian, Macedonian,
Filipino, Indonesian, Croatian and Irish. The Pulse still
remains a top regional ethnic broadcaster in both
Victoria and Australia.
Staff and Volunteers
The Pulse would not exist without the volunteers
who make up our program teams and it is their
dedication and passion for broadcasting that was
reflected in the push to maintain funding for all
community radio stations after the commission of
Audit report recommended cutting the funding
to community radio early in the year. Alongside
politicians from all parties, the loyal listening public
and subscribers, it was great to see support for
Geelong’s own community radio station.
One of our “youth” volunteers Bob Appleton (a
young 92 year old) was honoured by an interview
with Martin King which featured on Channel 9’s
A Current Affair program. View this via our website.
Its is with great sadness that we remember our
friend and presenter Craig Johnston, who passed
away after a long battle with Parkinsons. Craig was
an inspiration with a great life story, he was a delight
to be around and his knowledge of music was
unsurpassed. We miss him dearly.
Last but not least I would like to thank all the hard
working staff who have donated countless weekends
and late nights in providing Geelong with the widest
range of shows found on community radio and TV.
Pulse Board of Management
The Pulse is overseen by its Board of Management.
It’s representatives include Station Volunteers,
Representatives from Geelong’s Multicultural
communities, and the Diversitat Executive.
Our members are: John Lamp, Bethany Keats, Thalual
Marwang, Fran Mahia, Ali Heydari, Lex Fletcher,
Sophia Shen, Esad Zorlak, Michael Martinez, Leo
Renkin and Liz Carr. Thankyou for all your hard work.
Leo Renkin,
Station Manager
Website: www.947thepulse.com
Facebook: 947thepulse
Twitter: 947thepulse
Youtube: 947thepulsetv
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Lisa chats with our Mayor Darryn Lyons
37
Bethany escapes a medieval melee
LIVE Broadcasting at Pako Festa
Happy 25th
Bob Appleton with Channel 9’s Martin King
Jane interviews Hugo Armstrong about the Motor City Music Festival
38
Wholefoods operates as a “healthy alternative”
café, shop and catering service. As the region’s
premier,
community-based,
bulk
supplier
of certified-organic fruit, vegetables and
groceries. Wholefoods offers a broad product
range to suit people with special dietary needs
and environmentally-friendly cleaning and
domestic products.
As a community enterprise, Wholefoods seeks to
nurture its links with the region’s many ethnically
diverse communities by catering for, and actively
encouraging their participation in the enterprise
and by stocking a diverse range of organic and
conventional products.
Over the past twelve months Wholefoods has
continued to grow in reputation across all areas of
the enterprise including catering, offering a diverse
vegetarian menu and monthly Cultural Cuisine
workshops. In the past twelve months 12,159 meals
have been served. A new initiative is our School
Holiday cooking program which has been successful
with over 100 young people learning new cooking
skills over the past year.
Cultural Cuisine Cooking
Workshops
Our Cultural Cuisine Cooking Workshops allow
participants to learn the art of cooking from local
representatives from our diverse community, then
sit down and enjoy the meal they have prepared
together. This program complements existing
activities associated with Wholefoods while at the
same time encouraging our local Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse (CALD) affiliated communities
Photos courtesy of Jolanta Czerminska
to utilise these programs in order to learn new skills,
access positive volunteer experiences, identify
training opportunities and develop potential
income streams for their own communities.
Individuals from the following communities
participated in this program: Sri Lankan, Iranian,
Indian, Congolese, Spanish and Greek.
There are many volunteer opportunities at
Wholefoods including: Clothing Relief Centre for
Asylum Seekers, Retailing, Customer Service, Cooking
and Barista skills. If you are looking for a rewarding
volunteer experience don’t hesitate to contact us!
This year we have provided opportunities for over
50 volunteers to participate in the many aspects of
the business.
Community Engagement
Program
The community engagement project @ Wholefoods
is supported by TAC and offers opportunities open to
all asylum seekers who are in community detention
and CAS/ASAS programs who are interested
in volunteering in the community. Through
volunteering asylum seekers have the opportunity to
learn and develop new skills, practice conversational
English, develop community connections and have
a distraction from their current adverse situation.
Wholefoods is quickly developing as an important
space for this client group and we are hoping to
expand the volunteer opportunities to include
formal training, cooking, retail skills, cultural specific
catering, sewing programs and craft groups.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Clothing Relief Centre (CRC)
The Clothing Relief Centre officially opened on August 27 2013 and to
date we have had over 500 people through the space. It is open to clients
and those who want to donate on Tuesdays 10.00 am to 3.00 pm and
is located at Geelong Wholefoods. We have been overwhelmed with
generous donations of clothes and crockery from both Diversitat staff
and the broader Geelong community. Thanks to Natalie Vervest for her
commitment and passion in maintaining this space and managing a
committed group if volunteers. In addition we thank Christian College
for their ongoing support through donations and student volunteering
since the inception of the centre.
Food of the World Festival
Was successfully staged on Friday 6th December 2013 at Diversitat
Wholefoods. The event showcases and celebrates a cultural cooking
program that runs throughout the year and the festival is an opportunity
to invite cultural representatives to meet all other reps and together
cook up a storm; while the patrons have the opportunity to order a
tasting plate to experience the diversity of foods found in the Geelong
Region. This year through an important partnership with Arts About Us
Roadshow we also had the opportunity to screen Curious Works – Meet
and Eat Series which was exciting and most complementary to this
existing event.
This laneway event has been running for 6 years. The 2013 event did not
disappoint showcasing the following cultures via their incredible food:
Sudanese, Italian, Karen, Malay, Indian, Sri Lankan, Mauritian, Spanish,
Greek and Croatian.
In addition the event also showcased our Diversitat Arts Courses with a
dynamic display or arts and craft. The laneway was set up with tables and
chairs for dining and featured a large outdoor screen.
Diversitat would like to thank all communities and organisations that
support this important annual event on our calendar.
This project was supported by City of Greater Geelong and Vic Health
through the Arts About Us program
Finally, a special thank you goes to the Wholefoods team managed by
Christina La Fornara, for their dedication and shared vision in establishing
Wholefoods as a thriving community enterprise. Most importantly thank
you to all our committed volunteers!
Call in and enjoy some of the best, nutritious and affordable food in
Geelong and introduce yourself to the Wholefoods Team.
Luisa La Fornara
Wholefoods Manager
Facebook: geelongwholefoods
39
40
Our Youth Education programs have had a very busy
year with about 160 enrolments this year.
As in the past our students have significant barriers
to succeeding with their education. Many have
mental health, drug and housing issues. All of the
participants must have a history of non-completion
in mainstream education to be considered for a
position in one of our programs. We firmly believe
that mainstream schooling is the best model for
most young people and do not seek to enrol anyone
that can succeed in mainstream education.
This past year the trainers, admin and wellbeing staff
have worked hard to ensure no young person is left
behind and there have been many success stories.
For some students success would be a completed
VCAL certificate, for others it may be the completion
of an entire years schooling for the first time or the
confidence to re-commence mainstream education,
training or employment. 8 students gained a full
VCAL in 2013. The student wellbeing support
provided by Stephanie McLean and then Chadley
Peerman has been key to our students participating
successfully.
Diversitat Youth Education programs also offered
work placement to 8 students studying community
services qualifications. These students have been
very helpful to us assisting in classes and on
excursions.
I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of
volunteers across our programs. In particular I would
like to thank Angela Sharp who has volunteered with
us since early 2012. She is loved by the students and
has assisted many to achieve good class results. She
is not only generous with her time, she also donates
breakfast to the Xpress program each week.
SWEET, Xpress and Upskill activities
Current Enrolments at June 2014
No.
SWEET
32
Xpress
38
Young Parents Program
8
Upskill Cert I Work Education
6
You Turn
34
You Turn Upshift & Cert I Auto
8
Art & Surf for life
10
Total at Time of Report
136
Our current funding situation is very tight and all the
education staff do a great job offering interesting
and engaging classes with very little. We are most
appreciative of the community support we receive
and use these resources very carefully. Government
funding has been reduced the past couple of years
so this assistance from the community is more
important than ever.
SWEET, Xpress & Upskill Programs
Coordinated by Christie Ditcham
83 Ryrie Street Geelong
Both SWEET, Xpress and Upskill programs operate
from the Old Post Office in Ryrie Street Geelong.
Enrolments are steady at about 80 across these
programs. As with most our education programs the
students are enrolled in VCAL (Victorian Certificate
of Applied Learning). The only exception to this is
the Upskill program that incorporates Units of Cert
I Work Education as a Literacy and Numeracy skill
builder course.
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
During the past year students have participated in
many community activities including organising a Fun
Run fundraiser for Give Where You Live, volunteer work
at Geelong Animal Welfare and beautifying several
school buildings and laneways around Geelong. Giving
back to the community is a great way to build student
self-esteem and the students really enjoy these hands
on activities. The students have also attended several
youth oriented performances at GPAC and participated
in health and fitness activities.
We also have a graduation where staff prepare a
traditional Christmas dinner each year for the students.
This has proven to be very popular with all participants.
We have had some staff changes this year, Mike and
Steph Mclean have left the SWEET & Xpress programs
and Aaron Hamill and Rychelle Carmody have started
with us.
41
Diversitat Young Parents Program,
Coordinated by Helen Foord
Open to young parents and expecting mothers aged
15 to 19 years this VCAL program has grown over the
past year. Currently 8 students are working toward their
certificate at our Belmont campus. Reading, writing
and maths are incorporated into parenting and health
focussed classes.
Parents are encouraged to bring their babies to some
classes while other days parents can have a break and
focus on learning. This formula has assisted several
students to gain a VCAL pass, something that would be
very difficult for them without this program. Students
have participated in fitness, first aid and cooking classes
this past year.
Art & Surf for Life Programs
Coordinated by Mike McLean, Narelle Jolley
& David Copeland
With funding changes this year positions are only
available to youth that are not engaged with mainstream
education. These 1 day per week programs are ideal to
build confidence in young people and attract plenty
of interest each term with 35 participants across both
areas in the past year.
The Art program was full, the Surf program is a little
slow during the colder months but becomes very
popular when the weather warms up. Both programs
have an employability skills focus. Art students work on
a portfolio they can take to art courses or prospective
employers. The Surf program has Surf industry site
visits and a focus on health and the environment.
Day to day activites all while studying
Young Parents learning essential baby CPR skills
42
You Turn Program
Coordinated by Kerren Lange
The program started well with a full enrolment of
36 students, comprising of 4 classes. These classes
rotate through the four trade areas on offer over
the year. This year we have also had the opportunity
to offer the construction trade along with the wellestablished auto trades of Mechanics, Spray Painting
and Panel Beating. As with our other programs You
Turn is only offered to those that cannot participate
in mainstream education and we have an agreement
with DHS to take a number of their clients each year.
We have also started a new program this year, it
is called Upshift. This has been designed as a one
day a week taster experience for our youth justice
clients, who find it difficult to reengage in learning
with large student numbers, it also acts as a privilege
program schools can offer to year 7 - 9 students
who have poor attendance, giving them motivation
to stay engaged in learning. This is a nonaccredited
program offered each Monday, with a maximum of
12 students enrolled. As of semester 2 2014 You Turn
will be offered as a Cert I Work Education & Cert I
Automotive program.
Graduating Class of 2013
Our practical workshop requires ongoing
maintenance, organising and stock replacement.
This is costly even in a productive industry situation,
let alone a youth education program. We rely
heavily on the tremendous support received from
our community partners. Bunnings has once again
supplied us with equipment for our kitchen. Air
Radiators are preparing to invest more heavily in
their annual giving. Ford has generously supplied
us with all of the boots and overalls required for
our Up Shift program. Valspar, the paint supplier,
has now become our material supplier with a large
proportion of stock being supplied at no cost.
Barry Hocking
Youth Education Manager
Brittany-Lynn’s Great Success at the
Geelong Youth Awards - Impetus 2014
Brittany-Lynn Murray-Willson, a student of our Youth
Education’s YouTurn Program, has been nominated for yet another
award. Adding to her well established collection of awards, this time it’s
the Impetus Youth Award in two categories:
~ Inspiration Award
~ Leadership Award
Brittany was supported by her proud Dad, Edde, little brother Philip and
YouTurn staff member Linda. Brittany-Lynn was presented with both
certifcates by Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons.
Brittany said, “The whole evening was and will be a memorable one,
enjoying the food and entertainment”.
Congrats to Brittany-Lynn!
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
43
Trainer Kerren chats with respected guests at the graduation ceremony
44
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
45
Income Statement for Year Ended 30 June 2014
GEELONG ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL INC
INCOME STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
2014
$
2013
$
Revenue from ordinary activities
19,049,099
15,960,762
Employee benefits expense
-9,659,579
-8,000,995
Depreciation
-576,840
-552,800
Operating lease expense
-380,228
-361,495
-43,285
-71,597
-171,975
-160,575
-7,919,849
-6,806,899
297,342
6,401
Seminars expense
Borrowing Cost expense
Other expenses from ordinary activities
Operating surplus from ordinary activities
The above statement is not a complete set of financial reports.
The complete reports, notes, and auditors statement are available from
Diversitat, 153 Pakington Street Geelong West.
46
Thankyou
Adult Centre of Further Education (ACFE)
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities
(ADEC)
Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)
Aim Hire
Aireys Open Mic Music Festival
Alzheimer’s Australia (Vic) Geelong Branch
Arden Victoria
Artistic Merit
Barandeb Enterprises
Barkley Arts Centre
Barwon Coast
Barwon Community Legal Centre
Barwon Computer Solutions
Betta Electrical
Barwon Health
Barwon Health - Mental Health Carers Respite
Barwon Health – Refugee Health Nurse
Barwon Regional Aged Care Assessment Service
Barwon Youth
Batforce
Bethany
Bike Safe Geelong
Boatcatch
Boomaroo Nurseries
Boral
Borough of Queenscliffe - Aged Care & Disability Services
Breastscreen Victoria
Bunnings - North Geelong
Carer Respite Barwon
Centre Against Sexual Assault
Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health
Centrelink
CFA Geelong
Channel Seven Melbourne
Channel 31 Geelong & Melbourne
Child FIRST
Christopher Szaday
Codeacious
CoGG – Aged & Disability Services
CoGG – Arts & Culture Unit
CoGG – Geelong Major Events
CoGG - Youth Development Unit, Local Schools
Committee for Geelong
Cotton On Foundation
Colac Otway Shire
Colac Otway Shire - Community Development
Colac Otway Shire - Family Services Development
Colac Otway Shire - Older People and Ability Support
Corio Bay Cricket and Sports Club
Corio Bay Rotary Club
Corio Waste Management
Cottage By The Sea - Queenscliff
Coulture Rouche
Courthouse Youth Arts
Cr Kylie Fisher, CoGG
Cr Eddy Kontelj, CoGG
Cr Stretch Kontelj, CoGG
Dal Wild Architects
Davidsons Accounting
Dawn Wade Foundation
Deakin University
Dept. of Education & Early Childhood Development
(DEECD)
Dept. of Health (HACC)
Dept. of Human Services
Dept. of Human Services Youth Justice
Dept of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC)
Dept. of Justice – Barwon South West
Dept. of Planning & Community Development
Dept. of Regional Australia, Regional Development
& Local Government
Dept of Social Services, Aged Care
Eco Waste Services
Energy Safe Victoria
Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria
Exide Batteries Geelong
Eziclean
Ford Australia
Foundation House
Geelong Regional Alliance (G21)
Geelong Adolescent Sexuality Project
Geelong Advertiser
Geelong Community Foundation
Geelong English Language Centre
Geelong Hospital Social Work Department
Geelong Local Settlement Planning Committee
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Geelong Regional Library Corp.
Geelong West Neighborhood House
G-Force Recruitment
Gippsland & Gippsland East Aboriginal Cooperative
Give Where You Live
Glastonbury
Goodway Print Group
Headspace
Hepatitis Victoria
Highton Rotary
Horizon House
Ian Potter Foundation
Illingworth David Accountants
Jack Brockhoff Foundation
Jigsaw
John Laney Constructions
Karingal
Karingal - Create Youth
Kerley’s Coastal Real Estate
Koroit Health Services
Leisure Networks
Lubrimax
Mackillop Family Services
Mark Herd
Matchworks
MC Herd
McHarrys Buslines
Multicultural Aged Care Services
Music Workshop
North Geelong Secondary College
Northern Futures
Occassions Party Hire
Ocean Grove Surf Club
Office Multicultural Affairs Citizenship
Parks Victoria
Paul Jamieson, COGG
Percy Baxter Trust
PPG
Preston Motors
Quality Australian Farmed Rabbits
Reid Engineering
Royal Children’s Hospital
Ryan Thompson, Third Ecology
Salsa Street
47
Scanlon Foundation
Serbian Fishing Association
Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA)
Sew and Stitch
Shell Australia
Shine On Foundation
Sidchrome
Signific Signs
Signs t’go
Skills Victoria
Sleepy Hollow Blues Club
Southern Star Windows
Stanley
Surf Life Saving Victoria
SurfCoast Shire
Surfcoast Shire – Aged & Family Services
Sustainability Victoria
Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
Telstra
Tender Centre
The Fagg Foundation
The Tile People
Timboon & District Health Serivces
Time For Youth
Tuckers Funderal Services
Turbovac
Uniting Aged Care Kalkee Day Respite
Uniting Church - Queenscliff and Highton
Vic Fitness Acadmey
Vic Health
Victoria Police (Corio and Geelong)
Victoria Regional Channels Authority
Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Victorian Transcultural Psychiatric Unit
Volunteering Geelong
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative
Westpac Bank
Youth Approach to Pregnancy and Parenting Program
Youth Justice
Youth Law
Youth Support & Advocacy Service (YSAS)
48
Services & Sites
Aged Support
Multicultural Social Support
Programs & Projects
9-15 Clarence St, Geelong West, 3218
Ph 5222 7275 Fx 5222 5814
Arts & Events
Training Services
Nationally Accredited Training
Administration Office
7-9 Ryan Place, Geelong 3220
Ph 5224 2329 Fx 5224 2328
Pako Festa & Community Events
Geelong West Town Hall
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
Corporate Services
Music, Media, Sound, Film & TV
153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218
Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848
Centrepoint Arcade, Geelong 3220
Ph 5227 4870
Geelong West Town Hall
68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220
Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504
Employment Services
Language, Literacy, Volunteer
& Tutor Programs
Northern Community Hub
153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218
Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848
Job Services Australia
Geelong West Town Hall
153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218
Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848
Youth Job Services Australia
Old Geelong Post Office
83 Ryrie St, Geelong 3220
Ph 5223 3222 Fx 5224 2764
Settlement Services
& Community Programs
Northern Community Hub
25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane 3214
Ph 5260 6000 Fx 5278 4664
Belmont Office
33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216
Ph 5244 0070 Fx 5241 3664
Colac Office
54c Bromfield St, Colac 3250
Ph 5231 1655
Financial Counselling
Geelong West Town Hall
153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218
Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848
94.7FM The Pulse
Community Radio & Television
68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220
Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504
www.947thepulse.com
25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane 3214
Ph 5260 6000 Fx 5278 4664
Language, Literacy, Volunteer
& Tutor Programs
68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220
Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504
Language & Literacy Program - CGEA
South West Neighbourhood House
33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216
Ph 5244 0070 Fx 5241 3664
Youth Services
Xpress & SWEET Programs
Old Geelong Post Office
83 Ryrie St, Geelong 3220
Ph 5223 3222 Fx 5224 2764
You Turn Program
76 Furner Ave, North Geelong 3215
Ph 5277 1710 Fx 5241 3664
Young Parents Program
33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216
Ph 52440070 Fx 5241 3664
Wholefoods
Cafe, Shop & Catering
2 Baylie Place, Geelong 3220
Ph 5221 5421 Fx 5221 5429
www.diversitat.org.au
Facebook: DiversitatGeelong
Twitter: @DiversitatGee
Youtube: diversitatgeelong
All images © Tobias Titz www.tobiastitz.com
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