Annual Report 2014

unity in diversity

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 2014 ContentsPresident’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

Training 20

Settlement Services & Community Programs 28

94.7 The Pulse 36

Wholefoods 38

Youth Education 40

Income Statement 45

Thankyou 46

Diversitat Services & Sites 48

1Annual Report 2013 - 2014

President’s Report

Dear Diversitat Friends

As I pen this Annual Report, it is most difficult to comprehend how a year has gone by since I

wrote my last one. In that time, through countless programs, events, services and training, you,

the Diversitat staff and volunteers, community groups, sponsors and supporters have all made

an overwhelming difference to many a disadvantaged youth, elderly person, refugee family,

unemployed or Geelong community member.

Diversitat’s mission of empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential

promotes a sense of achievement, acceptance, pride and success as they strive to be the best

they can be as contributing members of the Geelong community and connect with the social,

cultural and economic life of this great city of ours.

In an ever-changing climate and community sector that often brings about uncertainty and

doubt, it is pleasing to see our organisation reinvent itself and its programs to ensure that

we are not left behind and move with the economic challenges confronting us. All this is

achieved whilst still remaining true to the values and beliefs that always have and always will

be Diversitat.

Such re-evaluation and constant adjustment comes only with the continual support and

committed efforts of Diversitat managers and staff. Your day after day dedication and service

to our clients does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. As always, my sincere thanks to our

CEO, Michael Martinez, for his categorical passion and unwavering commitment to the daily

operations of Diversitat and Financial Controller, Brian McMahon, for his utmost diligence and

hard work in maintaining financial order. To my fellow Executive members, thank you for your

friendship, wisdom and support in steering Diversitat over the last twelve months.

The generosity of spirit and goodwill amongst the wider Geelong community, networks and

partnerships is also to be commended and celebrated.

To the ever-growing number of members of our affiliated groups, thank you to each and every

one of you for your friendship and support over the previous year. May our journey continue

to be rewarding for many more years to come.

Yours sincerely

Dr. Linda Sydor Petkovic

President

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Diversitat’s Key Achievements

236 clients through the

Humanitarian Settlement Services

(HSS) Program

Largest numbers of HSS

clients come from Afghanistan & Burma

709 Settlement Grants

Program (SGP) clients

40+ Youth Futures

participants from CALD

& refugee backgrounds

Settlement & Community

Programs assisted by

231volunteers

109 clients obtaining their Probationary Licence

through the Driver Education program

4500 casework hours

delivered between five

Financial Counsellors

400+

clients receive

Aged Support Services

23 first languages spoken within Aged Support

54% of Youth JSA clients

obtained Apprenticeships/

Traineeships in Construction/Trades

6,000 spectators Geelong After Dark

1060 active enrolments in

Traineeships with

247 in Children’s Services &

129 in Food Processing

400+ students gained Community and Health

Course Qualifications, and

200+ gained Certificate

of Attainment

Approx. 436

students enrolments for Language and Literacy

160 students enrolled in Youth

Education programs

with 8 gaining their

full VCAL

You Turn students

Up to 100 young people discovered cooking at

SchoolHoliday Cooking Workshops

Pako Festa 8,000 entertainers

100,000+ spectators

130+ dedicated volunteers

at 94.7 The Pulse78+

locally produced & presented

radio programs including 18

ethnic languages, weekly at

94.7 The Pulse.

over

120 countrieshave people listening to

94.7 The Pulse via online live streaming

36

300 artists & participants

12,159 meals served at

Wholefoods Cafe

Clothing Relief

Centre helps

500+ people

up to 200 students

in Arts Short Courses

100 partipate in

Women’s Craft Circle

activities

Young Parents Program students

8

48 people

in Sewing Program

@ Diversitat’s Hub

250+

participate in

Bike Safe Program

30 countries of birth

28% of CALD JSA clients obtained

work in Cleaning/Asset Maintenance

21% of Youth JSA clients

obtained work in

the Hospitality Industry

3Annual Report 2013 - 2014

CEO’s ReportMuch 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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Geelong Cats Footballers teach Aussie Rules to our community kids at The Hub

5Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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Strategic Vision To empower individuals and

communities to reach their full potential 2012 - 2015

Voice, Connections and Partnerships

Goals:

1. Continue Diversitat’s leadership role (at the

local, state, national and international level) in

empowering, advocating for, and responding to

the needs of people from multicultural

and disadvantaged backgrounds.

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.

Service Delivery and Quality Goals:

1. Integrate and grow Diversitat’s programs

and services to improve long-term outcomes for

clients.

2. Ensure programs and services are relevant,

empathetic, viable and meet the needs of clients

and communities.

3. Strengthen the management of service

quality, focussing on monitoring, change

management, continuous

improvement and outcomes.

Staff and Volunteer Goals:

1. Attract and retain appropriately skilled

staff and volunteers who share the vision and

values of Diversitat.

2. Continuously invest in the development

of staff and volunteers.

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.

6

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

Affiliated Ethnic Community Groups

Executive CommitteePresident Dr. Linda Sydor PetkovicVice-President Mr. Esad Zorlak Secretary Mr. Zoran Dimovski Treasurer Mr. Wally Scharf Assistant Secretary Mrs. Fely Spikers

Assistant Treasurer Ms. Sophia Shen Ordinary Member Mr. James Matueny Ordinary Member Mr. Rumen Ginev Ordinary Member Mr. Hadi MiriOrdinary Member Dr. John Lamp

Management TeamChief Executive Officer Michael MartinezFinancial Controller Brian McMahon Diversitat Aged Support Lynne ShanahanDiversitat Arts Luisa La FornaraDiversitat Employment Kirsten Hargreaves Diversitat Training Judy Jamieson & Garry Gow

Laughter and hugs at the International Womens Day celebrations at The Hub

Diversitat Settlement Tony Jenkins & Maureen O’Keeffe & Community Support 94.7 The Pulse Leo RenkinDiversitat Wholefoods Luisa La FornaraDiversitat Youth Barry Hocking & Christie Ditcham

7Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Pako festa

community events

harmony day

refugee week

short courses

tell me a story

arte dalla Australia

musical morning

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 Cultural DiversityOn 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 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! 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 us to appreciate the growth and richness of our

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.

8

Diversitat Arts – Short CoursesDiversitat 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.

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

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 WeaversThe ‘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.

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.

9Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Sewing Program @ The HUBStitch 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 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 program incorporates a pre-vocational ACFE funded course and an open class day for those women that are unable to access any training.

We are dedicated to developing a sustainable enterprise that provides dignified work for women with a focus on developing culturally infused products and clothing for sale. The program has an implicit aim of empowering, educating and extending this group to move forward and create positive change in their lives. The sewing program attracted 48 participants, with 20 women making up the core group for Wednesdays.

We would like to formerly thank our sewing facilitator Julie Giles and her wonderful volunteers for their tireless work and efforts that make this program such a success.

Thank you to the following for your important donations during 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,

Nadia Mayfield, Trina Secen, Heather Robinson, Davood Hemedinejad, Heather Robertson, Gail Willett and the late Maisie Lindsay and Claire Grinter.

The Diversitat Sewing Program is funded through the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE).

Cultural Kitchens Australia Program 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.

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.

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.

Pako festa

community events

harmony day

refugee week

short courses

tell me a story

arte dalla Australia

musical morning

Graduation class of the Sewing Group

10

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!

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.

Luisa La Fornara Arts & Events Manager

Facebook: DiversitatArts

Hoop Fusion in the Mall. Photo Courtesy of Brian Cohn

Massive Hip Hop Choir at GPAC

Pop-Up Art Exhibit in Lt. Malop St

Projections on Courthouse Arts facade

11Annual Report 2013 - 2014 11Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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.

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.

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%

Thumbs up from the Karen participants of our Men on a Mission group, with worker Hee Gay

12

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

Regional HACC Diversity Planning and positive client outcomes through our access and support program in Geelong.

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.

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.

13Annual Report 2013 - 2014

A Year to Remember 2013

Jester Geoff with Ben, Betty and Pepe from International Women’s Group, Geelong West

Looking ForwardI 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.

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 ShanahanAged Support Manager

Vince prepares our vegetable garden

Serious chess at our Ukrainian group

Elena and Rudy from the GADS group

Jozo gives the Mayor a word of advice

A Night to Remember 2013

1414

Celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day 2014

15Annual Report 2013 - 2014 15Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 2013-14Looking 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.

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 o p p o r t u n i t y , particular to our CALD job seekers with low levels of English.

Youth JSA Placements by OccupationCALD JSA Placements by Occupation

Food Processing Student practising on ‘plastic’ chickens

16

Apprenticeships and TraineeshipsIt 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 DoleWork 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.

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.

Youth JSA Apprenticeship/Traineeship Placements by Occupation 2013-2014

CALD JSA Apprenticeship/Traineeship Placements by Occupation 2013-2014

17Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Geelong Labour MarketThe 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.

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 HargreavesEmployment Services Manager

Youth Unemployment Rate 2009-2014

Unemployment Rate 2009-2014

18

Work for the Dole participants working hard in the Hope Garden at The Hub

19Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Diversitat Training’s 2013 - 2014 financial year has been an eventful year marked with many changes.

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.

Garry Gow took over the leadership of the Department from long-standing General Manager of Training & Education, Judy Jamieson, who

celebrated her 10th year anniversary prior to her departure from Diversitat in May 2013.

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.

• 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.

Judy Jamieson, Mayor Darryn Lyons & Michael Martinez

2013-2014 Financial Year - Qualification Completions

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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

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

•CourseinPreliminarySpokenandWrittenEnglish:152

•CertificateIinSpokenandWrittenEnglish:157

•CertificateIIinSpokenandWrittenEnglish:103

•CertificateIIIinSpokenandWrittenEnglish: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.

21Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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.

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

SLPET class at Centrepoint

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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

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)

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.

Diversitat Staff at the Geelong Jobs Fair

23Annual Report 2013 - 2014

% 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.

Industry Areas x Client Enrolment, 2013-2014 Financial Year - Commencing

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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.

Industry Traineeships ProgramsIt 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.

“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.

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

25Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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.

Traineeship Commencements Per Qualifications

Traineeship Commencements

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“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

Website: www.diversitat.org.au/training Facebook: Diversitat.Training

Looking ForwardThe 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

27Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 ServicesApproximately 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 under-represented 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.

VolunteeringOur 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.

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 programThe 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.

The North Geelong Homework Club

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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.

Increased participation by women in this program has contributed to enhanced independence and self-esteem 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.

School Holiday and Recreation ProgramThe 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 further camp at Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff was held during January’s longest heat wave in 100

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.

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.

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.

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

Licenses obtained through the driving school 84

Licenses obtained through use of private vehicles (lessons with Skills to Empower Driving School)

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A Netball game with Queenscliff Football Netball Club

Visiting the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre

29Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Mental Health ProgramWithin 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 pre-arrival 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 FuturesYouth 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

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 GPACYouth Futures Activities

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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).

Refugee Action ProgramThe 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

31Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 EnterprisesBorn 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.

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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.

Settlement Grants Program CaseworkThe 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.

Who did we support?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

Clients by Birthplace

33Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 SupportDiversitat 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 ProgramThe 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 ProgramThe 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 ServicesThe 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.

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. CCS Client Country of Origin

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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.

Grazia continued to support European Aged pensions with pension related and similar matters. She assisted 380 people in this financial year.

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

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.

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.

Looking ahead2014 – 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’KeeffeSettlement and Community Support Services Manager

Polly and the Hope Garden participants shopping for new seedlings One of our successful Soccer teams

35Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 VolunteersThe 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 ManagementThe 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

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Twitter: 947thepulse Youtube: 947thepulsetv Bob Appleton with Channel 9’s Martin King Jane interviews Hugo Armstrong about the Motor City Music Festival

Happy 25th LIVE Broadcasting at Pako Festa

Lisa chats with our Mayor Darryn Lyons Bethany escapes a medieval melee

37Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 WorkshopsOur 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

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 ProgramThe 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.

Photos courtesy of Jolanta Czerminska

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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 FornaraWholefoods Manager

Facebook: geelongwholefoods

39Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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.

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 Ditcham83 Ryrie Street GeelongBoth 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.

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

SWEET, Xpress and Upskill activities

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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.

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.

Diversitat Young Parents Program, Coordinated by Helen FoordOpen 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.

Young Parents learning essential baby CPR skills

Day to day activites all while studying

41Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 well-established 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.

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 HockingYouth 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 AwardBrittany 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!

Graduating Class of 2013

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Trainer Kerren chats with respected guests at the graduation ceremony

43Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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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

Seminars expense -43,285 -71,597

Borrowing Cost expense -171,975 -160,575

Other expenses from ordinary activities -7,919,849 -6,806,899

Operating surplus from ordinary activities 297,342 6,401

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.

GEELONG ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL INCINCOME STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

Income Statement for Year Ended 30 June 2014

45Annual Report 2013 - 2014

ThankyouAdult Centre of Further Education (ACFE)Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC) Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)Aim HireAireys Open Mic Music FestivalAlzheimer’s Australia (Vic) Geelong BranchArden VictoriaArtistic Merit Barandeb EnterprisesBarkley Arts CentreBarwon CoastBarwon Community Legal Centre Barwon Computer SolutionsBetta ElectricalBarwon HealthBarwon Health - Mental Health Carers RespiteBarwon Health – Refugee Health NurseBarwon Regional Aged Care Assessment ServiceBarwon YouthBatforceBethanyBike Safe GeelongBoatcatchBoomaroo NurseriesBoralBorough of Queenscliffe - Aged Care & Disability ServicesBreastscreen VictoriaBunnings - North GeelongCarer Respite BarwonCentre Against Sexual AssaultCentre for Culture Ethnicity and HealthCentrelinkCFA GeelongChannel Seven MelbourneChannel 31 Geelong & MelbourneChild FIRSTChristopher SzadayCodeaciousCoGG – Aged & Disability ServicesCoGG – Arts & Culture UnitCoGG – Geelong Major EventsCoGG - Youth Development Unit, Local SchoolsCommittee for Geelong

Cotton On FoundationColac Otway ShireColac Otway Shire - Community DevelopmentColac Otway Shire - Family Services DevelopmentColac Otway Shire - Older People and Ability SupportCorio Bay Cricket and Sports ClubCorio Bay Rotary ClubCorio Waste ManagementCottage By The Sea - QueenscliffCoulture RoucheCourthouse Youth ArtsCr Kylie Fisher, CoGGCr Eddy Kontelj, CoGGCr Stretch Kontelj, CoGGDal Wild ArchitectsDavidsons AccountingDawn Wade FoundationDeakin University Dept. of Education & Early Childhood Development (DEECD)Dept. of Health (HACC)Dept. of Human ServicesDept. of Human Services Youth JusticeDept of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC)Dept. of Justice – Barwon South WestDept. of Planning & Community DevelopmentDept. of Regional Australia, Regional Development & Local GovernmentDept of Social Services, Aged CareEco Waste ServicesEnergy Safe VictoriaEthnic Communities Council of VictoriaExide Batteries GeelongEzicleanFord AustraliaFoundation HouseGeelong Regional Alliance (G21)Geelong Adolescent Sexuality ProjectGeelong AdvertiserGeelong Community FoundationGeelong English Language CentreGeelong Hospital Social Work DepartmentGeelong Local Settlement Planning CommitteeGeelong Performing Arts Centre

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Geelong Regional Library Corp.Geelong West Neighborhood HouseG-Force RecruitmentGippsland & Gippsland East Aboriginal CooperativeGive Where You LiveGlastonburyGoodway Print GroupHeadspaceHepatitis VictoriaHighton RotaryHorizon HouseIan Potter FoundationIllingworth David AccountantsJack Brockhoff FoundationJigsawJohn Laney ConstructionsKaringalKaringal - Create YouthKerley’s Coastal Real EstateKoroit Health ServicesLeisure NetworksLubrimaxMackillop Family ServicesMark HerdMatchworksMC HerdMcHarrys BuslinesMulticultural Aged Care ServicesMusic WorkshopNorth Geelong Secondary CollegeNorthern FuturesOccassions Party HireOcean Grove Surf ClubOffice Multicultural Affairs Citizenship Parks VictoriaPaul Jamieson, COGGPercy Baxter TrustPPGPreston MotorsQuality Australian Farmed RabbitsReid EngineeringRoyal Children’s HospitalRyan Thompson, Third EcologySalsa Street

Scanlon FoundationSerbian Fishing AssociationSettlement Council of Australia (SCOA)Sew and StitchShell AustraliaShine On FoundationSidchromeSignific SignsSigns t’goSkills VictoriaSleepy Hollow Blues ClubSouthern Star WindowsStanleySurf Life Saving VictoriaSurfCoast ShireSurfcoast Shire – Aged & Family ServicesSustainability VictoriaTransport Accident Commission (TAC)TelstraTender CentreThe Fagg FoundationThe Tile PeopleTimboon & District Health SerivcesTime For YouthTuckers Funderal ServicesTurbovacUniting Aged Care Kalkee Day RespiteUniting Church - Queenscliff and HightonVic Fitness AcadmeyVic HealthVictoria Police (Corio and Geelong)Victoria Regional Channels AuthorityVictorian Curriculum & Assessment AuthorityVictorian Multicultural CommissionVictorian Transcultural Psychiatric UnitVolunteering GeelongWathaurong Aboriginal CooperativeWestpac BankYouth Approach to Pregnancy and Parenting ProgramYouth JusticeYouth LawYouth Support & Advocacy Service (YSAS)

47Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Services & SitesAged SupportMulticultural Social Support Programs & Projects9-15 Clarence St, Geelong West, 3218Ph 5222 7275 Fx 5222 5814

Arts & EventsPako Festa & Community EventsGeelong West Town Hall153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848

Corporate ServicesGeelong West Town Hall 153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848

Employment ServicesJob Services AustraliaGeelong West Town Hall 153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848

Youth Job Services Australia Old Geelong Post Office 83 Ryrie St, Geelong 3220Ph 5223 3222 Fx 5224 2764

Settlement Services & Community ProgramsNorthern Community Hub25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane 3214Ph 5260 6000 Fx 5278 4664

Belmont Office33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216Ph 5244 0070 Fx 5241 3664

Colac Office54c Bromfield St, Colac 3250Ph 5231 1655

Financial Counselling Geelong West Town Hall 153 Pakington St, Geelong West 3218Ph 5221 6044 Fx 5223 2848

94.7FM The Pulse Community Radio & Television68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504 www.947thepulse.com

Training ServicesNationally Accredited TrainingAdministration Office 7-9 Ryan Place, Geelong 3220Ph 5224 2329 Fx 5224 2328

Hairdressing & Beauty TherapyCentrepoint Arcade, Geelong 3220Ph 5227 4870

Music, Media, Sound, Film & TV68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504

Language, Literacy, Volunteer & Tutor ProgramsNorthern Community Hub25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane 3214Ph 5260 6000 Fx 5278 4664

Language, Literacy, Volunteer & Tutor Programs68-70 Lt Ryrie St, Geelong 3220Ph 5222 5947 Fx 5229 6504

Language & Literacy Program - CGEA South West Neighbourhood House 33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216Ph 5244 0070 Fx 5241 3664

Youth ServicesXpress & SWEET ProgramsOld Geelong Post Office 83 Ryrie St, Geelong 3220Ph 5223 3222 Fx 5224 2764

You Turn Program76 Furner Ave, North Geelong 3215Ph 5277 1710 Fx 5241 3664

Young Parents Program33 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Belmont 3216Ph 52440070 Fx 5241 3664

WholefoodsCafe, Shop & Catering2 Baylie Place, Geelong 3220Ph 5221 5421 Fx 5221 5429

www.diversitat.org.auFacebook: DiversitatGeelongTwitter: @DiversitatGeeYoutube: diversitatgeelong

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All images © Tobias Titz www.tobiastitz.com

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