Media Statements: Statements

Innovative service centres lead the nation

Antartis, Jill — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:03:48 GMT

Content:

An innovative program to support the needs of humanitarian migrants was the focus of a meeting between State and Federal Ministers in Koondoola today.

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich, Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans and the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, visited the Integrated Services Centre (ISC) at Koondoola Primary School.

The Koondoola project site is one of two ISCs - the other is at Parkwood Primary School - which support the needs of humanitarian entrants in Western Australia through delivery of a range of vital services to address the complex needs of new arrivals.

The ISCs were established in March 2007, as pilots with the aim of addressing issues relating to service delivery in the area of health, education, training and employment, family and community development . They were an outcome of the State Government’s across-government working party on settlement issues for African humanitarian entrants.

The services delivered by the ISCs complement the settlement services provided through the Federal Government’s Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS), which assists humanitarian entrants during their crucial initial period of settlement in Australia.

Ms Ravlich said the ISC model provided a co-ordinated approach to delivery of settlement services between key State Government agencies through better use of existing infrastructure and utilising the skills of specialist non-Government agencies.

“The delivery of services to humanitarian entrants through WA’s ISC model is both innovative and successful,” she said.

“The ISCs have helped these vulnerable new arrivals to our community to adjust more quickly to life in Australia, by ensuring they receive the services and support they need to allow them to start their new lives.”

The Minister said she was pleased to hear of the positive impact the ISCs had had on the lives of the students and their families and the Carpenter Government was committed to providing extra support services to assist the most vulnerable in the community.

“The State Government is pleased at the steps taken by the new Federal Government to address issues relating to humanitarian entrants and looks forward to working together to provide better settlement services and improved outcomes for migrants in WA”, she said.

The Ministers met with the principal of Koondoola Primary School, Mr Rod Steere, along with ISC staff including a nurse, counsellor and community liaison worker.

The ISC project is a partnership between the Office of Multicultural Interests, the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health.

Minister's office - 9213 6800

Date: 3/07/2008

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Region: Eastern Metropolitan

Guide welcomes new migrants to workplace.

Stratford, Pamela — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:22:58 GMT

Content:

A guide launched today will help new migrants better understand Australian workforce culture.

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the release of ‘Employability skills and workplace culture in Australia - A guide for new migrants to Western Australia planning to enter the workforce’ was timed to coincide with World Refugee Day on Friday, June 20.

“Employment offers more than just an income for migrants,” Ms Ravlich said.

“Our jobs affect our relationships with our families and friends, our self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth.

“This guide is the first of its kind in Australia and gives tips on how to get that ‘cultural or organisational fit’ that can be elusive for migrants.

“It is a valuable resource to help boost their employment prospects, while helping them feel comfortable and accepted in the workplace.”

The guide includes information on key skills essential to performing well in Australian workplaces, such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, and learning and technology.

It is designed to help:

· migrants who are ready to enter the Western Australian workforce;

· employers of new migrants;

· organisations providing career development services to migrants and refugees; and

· people who provide English and access courses to migrants and refugees.

Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the booming economy was attracting many migrant workers to the State.

“More and more WA businesses are employing new migrants, and we expect this guide will also help employers identify which customs and behaviours might seem strange or even confronting to migrant employees,” Mr McGowan said.

“It is an excellent resource that has already received very positive feedback from migrant and refugee groups.”

The guide was funded by the Australian Government and was developed by the Department of Education and Training in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, migrant and refugee groups and other community organisations.

It is anticipated that the guide will be translated to languages other than English after an initial feedback period.

For more information, visit http://www.vetinfonet.det.wa.edu.au/home

Office of the Minister for Multicultural Interests and Citizenship - 9213 6800

Office of the Minister for Education and Training - 9222 9111

Date: 20/06/2008

Minister: Ravlich;McGowan

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship;Education and Training

Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt

WA defender of indigenous human rights awarded

Antartis, Jill — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:51:02 GMT

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A West Australian who has spent more than 30 years working to advance the rights of indigenous people has been recognised with the inaugural Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award.

The Hon Fred Chaney AO was last night congratulated for his exceptional leadership in the fields of social justice, human rights, equality and anti-racism.

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said his efforts to promote indigenous reconciliation and Native Title were particularly noted.

“The value of this work cannot be underestimated,” Ms Ravlich said.

“At a time when we have made a national apology to the Stolen Generation, it’s pleasing to see that a local advocate of indigenous rights has been recognised.”

Mr Chaney is best known for his role as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from 1983 to 1990. During that time, he managed a number of ministerial portfolios, including Aboriginal Affairs.

In 1994, he was appointed as a part-time Member of the National Native Title Tribunal, a full-time Member in April 1995 and Deputy President in April 2000.

Mr Chaney’s first involvement in indigenous affairs began when he joined the Aboriginal Legal Service in a voluntary capacity in the early 1970s.

The Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award is a key initiative of Harmony Week, held between March 15 and 21.

Harmony Week promotes cultural diversity and encourages all Western Australians to participate in our society, respect each other and take a stand against racism.

Harmony Week is an initiative of the Office of Multicultural Interests and Department for Communities.

The Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award honours the lifelong work of the late Sir Ronald Wilson, who was one of Western Australia’s most distinguished public servants, a respected lawyer, judge, social activist and a steadfast advocate for the disadvantaged.

His commitment to advancing the cause of minority community groups, in particular indigenous people, made him arguably without peer in this area.

The Minister said striving to build a society that was inclusive, free of prejudice and discrimination, was fundamental to the ideal of multiculturalism.

“All citizens regardless of their origin, culture, religion, ethnicity and nationality, are entitled to exercise their rights and participate fully in society,” Ms Ravlich said.

For more information, visit http://www.multicultural.wa.gov.au.

Minister's office -9213 6800

Date: 18/03/2008

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Big names and big talent for Harmony Week 2008

Antartis, Jill — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:03:51 GMT

Content:

Individuals from more than 200 different countries who live, work and study in Western Australia will come together this Saturday to celebrate the launch of Harmony Week 2008.

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich will officially launch Harmony Week at the International Folk Fest, presented by the Australian Asian Association (AAA).

Harmony Week, which runs from March 15 to 21, promotes cultural diversity and encourages all Western Australians to participate in society, respect one another and take a stand against racism.

More than 300 performers from seven continents will light up the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for the International Folk Fest with a combination of modern and traditional cultural music, song and dance.

“The talent which is contained in our State is astounding,” Ms Ravlich said.

“WA is the country’s most culturally diverse State and the indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations contribute significantly towards its economy and identity.

“For me, that’s what Harmony Week is all about; valuing the skills, knowledge and perspective that cultural diversity brings to WA, and ensuring that everyone in our society is free from racism and discrimination.”

The International Folk Festival starts at 5.30pm this evening.

Ms Ravlich will also be attending the Beauty of Africa Ball, a fundraising evening for the Street Kids Training and Education Centre in Tanzania.

“The money raised will support learning and skills initiatives, which will enable Tanzanian street children to build healthy and productive lives for themselves,” the Minister said.

Ambassador to Nelson Mandela’s ‘46664 Foundation’, Mr Vusi Mahlasela, will also speak at the ball.

The foundation works to combat the HIV AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela’s inmate number was 46664 when he was imprisoned on Robben Island off Cape Town, South Africa in 1964.

Mr Mahlasela is donating a book for auction which has been personally signed by Nelson Mandela. It is entitled ‘Mandela: The Official Portrait’.

The event, organised by the not-for-profit WA-based African Education Society, will be held at 6.15pm this evening.

Mr Mahlasela, a talented musician who performed at Nelson Mandela’s Presidential inauguration in 1994, will also perform at this weekend’s Blues and Roots Festival.

Interesting statistics

· More than half a million Western Australians, or just over a quarter of the population were born overseas.

· People from more than 200 different countries live, work and study in WA.

· Residents speak as many as 270 languages and identify with more than 100 religious faiths.

More information is available at: http://www.multicultural.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 9213 6800

Date: 14/03/2008

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

New community project celebrates multiculturalism

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:23 GMT

Content:

14/02/08

A new project to help promote and embrace the cultural diversity of Western Australian communities was launched in Perth today.

Acting Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Sue Ellery said the ‘Linking Communities’ project aimed to foster understanding, mutual respect and social cohesion among local communities.

“The project will encourage local residents from different backgrounds to interact with each other, with the aim of achieving a greater understanding of and respect for the cultural and religious diversity of WA,” Ms Ellery said.

“With the help of a new cultural access worker, the project will encourage communities to appreciate their multiculturalism.

“The cultural access worker will organise a range of activities in selected communities throughout WA during the next 10 months and it is expected that about 400 residents will be involved.

“It is very encouraging to see local agencies with shared visions working together with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse groups to build better communities.”

‘Linking Communities’ is funded by the joint State and Federal Governments’ Inclusion and Integration Grants Program, through the WA Office of Multicultural Interests.

The project is being co-ordinated by Learning Centrelink, the State Association of Community, Neighbourhood and Learning Centres.

The six centres involved in the project are:

Armadale Community Family Centre;
Broome Circle;
Collie Family Centre;
Glyde-In Community Learning Centre (East Fremantle);
Playfield Learning Centre (East Victoria Park); and
Westerly Family Centre (Cooloongup)

Minister's Office - 9213 7150

Date: 14/02/2008

Minister: Ellery

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt;Goldfields;Regional Budget;Southern Western Suburbs;Southern Eastern Suburbs;Southern;All

New award honours the late Sir Ronald Wilson

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:22 GMT

Content:

24/12/07

Western Australians who show an outstanding commitment to advancing social justice, human rights and equality will be eligible for a new award honouring the life and work of the late Sir Ronald Wilson.

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today announced that nominations were open for the inaugural Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award, which will annually recognise a Western Australian who has made an exceptional contribution.

“Sir Ronald Wilson was one of Western Australia’s most distinguished public servants, a respected lawyer, judge, social activist and a steadfast advocate for the disadvantaged,” she said.

“He had a remarkable career and rose above an early life of hardship. One of his most rewarding and greatest achievements was presiding over the inquiry that led to his co-authoring of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report.

“Sir Ronald Wilson was a great champion of indigenous reconciliation and social justice. His compassionate commitment to advancing the cause of marginalised community groups, particularly indigenous people, made him a shining example in his field.

“This award publicly recognises an outstanding Western Australian who has had a sustained impact on the lives of indigenous, ethnic or other marginalised groups.”

Ms Ravlich said the State Government was committed to building an inclusive society where all Western Australians were entitled to exercise their rights and participate fully in society, regardless of their linguistic, religious, racial or ethnic background.

Nominations for the Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award close on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The award will be presented at the Vice Chancellors Oration at Murdoch University on March 18, 2008.

Nomination forms are available by telephoning the Office of Multicultural Interests on 9222 8800 or by visiting http://www.multicultural.wa.gov.au

Minister's officer - 9213 6800

Date: 24/12/2007

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Ministers visit the Integrated Services Centre at Parkwood

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:20 GMT

Content:

30/10/07

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich and Communities Minister Sue Ellery visited the Integrated Services Centre (ISC) at Parkwood Primary School today.

The Carpenter Government recently implemented the 12 month Integrated Services Centre Pilot Project to provide and coordinate a range of settlement services for humanitarian entrants covering health, education, training and employment as well as family and community development.

The Parkwood project site, one of two ISCs in WA, was chosen as it has an Intensive English Centre (IEC) with a high number of humanitarian entrant students from a wide catchment area.

“The opening of these centres is an indication of the Government’s commitment to providing extra support services to assist the most vulnerable in our community,” Ms Ravlich said.

“It is very exciting to see the Parkwood ISC in operation and hear of the positive impact the project is having on the lives of the students and their families.”

The ISC staff, and the staff and students of the IEC welcomed the ministers as they toured the school, the IEC and the ISC building which was relocated to the school specifically for the delivery of services by the ISC staff.

Ms Ravlich and Ms Ellery also met with Mr Ross Albones, District Director, Fremantle-Peel Education District and Mr Kim Doust, the Principal of Parkwood Primary School.

The ISC services are provided by a nurse, counsellor, community liaison worker and career development worker to the students at the Parkwood Intensive English Centre.

“I want to congratulate the various partners in this project and the staff of the ISC in meeting the immediate health and welfare needs of these families,” Ms Ellery said.

The project is a partnership between the Office of Multicultural Interests, the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health, with the Department for Communities, Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Centrelink also being represented on the project’s Steering Committee.

Office of the Minister for Multicultural Interests - 9213 6800
Office of the Minister for Communities - 9213 7150

Date: 30/10/2007

Minister: Ravlich;Ellery

Portfolio: Communities;Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Region: South Eastern Suburbs

WA Week Celebration of our Youth highlights the talent and potential of young people

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:44 GMT

Content:

20/10/07

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich will join Celebrate WA and the City of Perth to acknowledge the contribution, talent and potential of young Western Australians at a WA Week Celebration of our Youth event at Forrest Place from 12pm to 3pm today.

The event, organised by Celebrate WA, is a highlight of a State-wide program of WA Week events from October 14-21.

Awesome Arts and Propel Arts will co-ordinate interactive and exciting workshops throughout the day to engage and entertain young people and outstanding ‘Walk of Wonder’ student video presentations will be telecast to showcase WA through the eyes of its young citizens.

The WA Week ‘Walk of Wonder’ contest was open to all primary and secondary school students who were invited to use their digital photography skills to capture the natural environment, man-made features, landscape or people in their unique part of the State and create a two to three minute presentation.

Six finalist video presentations were selected from students at Fitzroy Crossing District High School, Como Secondary College, Katanning Senior High School, Duncraig Senior High School and Lockridge Primary School. The six videos will be shown at the Celebration of our Youth event and prizes will be awarded to two primary and two secondary schools.

“The Government is proud to be involved with this event which acknowledges and recognises young Western Australians and the important role they play in building strong and vibrant communities,” Ms Ravlich said.

“Young people are the hope and future of our State and events like this provide an opportunity to recognise the work and contribution of our young people.

“It is pleasing to see Awesome Arts and leading youth arts organisation Propel Arts become involved in this WA Week youth event. I am looking forward to viewing the Walk of Wonder video presentations from students throughout the State.”

A WA Week program is available at http://www.celebratewa.com.au

Minister's office - 9213 6800

Date: 20/10/2007

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Local Champions honoured at WA Week

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:15 GMT

Content:

17/10/07

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich will join Deputy Lord Mayor and City of Perth Councillor Michael Sutherland and Celebrate WA Chairman Peter Fitzpatrick to publicly recognise the achievements and contribution of 100 remarkable Western Australians.

The 100 Local Champions, who are Western Australian Citizen of the Year Award recipients and award nominees from 2005, 2006 and 2007, will be honoured at a WA Week reception at Perth Town Hall this evening.

“WA Week has been initiated by Celebrate WA to highlight and celebrate the very best of WA,” Ms Ravlich said.

“The Local Champions reception will provide the community with an opportunity to honour 100 remarkable Western Australians who have made a significant and enduring contribution to our State.

“The State Government is particularly pleased to promote WA Week through the WA Small Grants Program, as well as supporting WA Week initiatives such as the Local Champions reception.”

The Western Australian Citizen of the Year Award was established in 1973 to recognise the achievements and contribution of eight exemplary Western Australians and a voluntary service organisation.

The eight individual award categories from which the Local Champions were selected from were the Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Service, Industry and Commerce, The Professions, Sport, Youth, Youth Arts and the Governor’s Award for Regional Development.

Biographies on the 100 Local Champions are published on the City of Perth website at http://www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au

“WA Week is a wonderful initiative and I encourage all Western Australians to take pride in our State and embrace this week-long celebration by attending WA Week commemorations in their community, suburb, town or region,” the Minister said.

Celebrate WA will present and promote more than 85 community, corporate and special events during WA Week 2007 which runs from October 14-21, 2007.

These will include 20 regional and 13 metropolitan events generated by the State Government sponsored WA Week Small Grants Program.

A full WA Week program is published on http://www.celebratewa.com.au

Minister's office - 9213 6800

Date: 17/10/2007

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship

Minister launches trio of community integration projects

LANGROUP\AFongChan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:19 GMT

Content:

15/10/07

Multicultural Interests and Citizenship Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today launched three projects that aim to support migrant and refugee families in the south-east metropolitan area.

The combined launch was for two projects funded through the Community Relations Integrations Officer (CRIO) Grants Program, administered by the Office of Multicultural Interests, and one through Lotterywest.

The CRIO Program has been developed by the State Government, with funding assistance from the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship, to raise awareness of and facilitate access to services and programs for members of new and emerging communities.

The two CRIO projects launched today are The Gowrie and the Gosnells Women’s Health Service.

“I strongly support the CRIO projects as they are a practical community based strategy that aims to educate people about what local community services are available for them to offer support and assistance,” the Minister said.

“Newly arrived refugees and migrants are often unaware of the range of services and programs available to them.

“They also face barriers such as language, transport and the cultural appropriateness of services and information provision in gaining access to those services.”

Ms Ravlich said settlement was a highly complex process and its success was the responsibility of both the individual concerned and the community as a whole, particularly in its ability to support the integration of immigrants into Australian society.

“Community based projects such as these are vital in developing relationships between new and emerging communities and service providers so that members of these communities can better access services and programs,” she said.

“It also helps them build their capacity to identify and find solutions to their needs, which they know better than anybody else. “

The Gowrie’s CRIO project aims to establish networks and identify issues and service gaps for young people aged 12 to 17 from new and emerging communities.

The Gosnells Women’s Health Service CRIO project aims to provide support for refugee women and their children settling in the south east metropolitan corridor to access post and prenatal services available in the area, with a focus on parenting, pregnancy, childbirth and emotional health and wellbeing.

The Gowrie’s innovative Multicultural Supported Playgroups project, funded by Lotterywest, is also being launched to assist migrant and newly arrived refugee families with young children in the south-east corridor.

The project aims to develop and strengthen parents’ knowledge and understandings of young children's development and to facilitate their access to local community services and facilities. Weekly ‘family play and learning sessions’ are provided at the creche facility at Gosnells Community Lotteries House.

“It’s very encouraging to see community agencies with shared visions working together address to issues and implement programs that have the potential to make such a difference,” the Minister said.

Minister's office - 9213 6800

Date: 15/10/2007

Minister: Ravlich

Portfolio: Multicultural Interests and Citizenship