CMCF
Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) Inc
Multicultural News
Edition 47 Date 15 December 2010
ACT Multicultural Community eNews
Have Your Say – Discussion Paper for an ACT Languages Policy
The ACT Government has released a discussion paper on developing an ACT Languages Policy and is seeking your views. We invite submissions from the community by 28 February 2011.
The idea for a languages policy for the ACT was raised by many Canberrans who attended the 2005 and 2008 Multicultural Summits. The ACT Languages Policy will provide a framework to assist ACT Government agencies in meeting their obligations according to Australian and ACT laws and the human rights principles which the ACT Government is committed to in regard to language acquisition and accessibility.
We look forward to receiving your comments on what you believe should be covered in an ACT Languages Policy.
You can view the Discussion Paper for an ACT Languages Policy at http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/matsia
Be Part of the 2011 National Multicultural Festival as a Volunteer!
The 2011 National Multicultural Festival is just around the corner, and we would love YOU to come join us as a VOLUNTEER!
If you were one of our wonderful volunteers at the 2010 National Multicultural Festival, thank you again for your time and efforts towards a very successful festival.
Volunteers are not only essential to the success of the festival, but they have a great time, and there are many different volunteer positions available to suit your interests.
We would love to hear from you if you are available to volunteer any time from Friday 11 February through to Sunday 13 February – or in the lead-up! Training is provided along with other support including meal vouchers. All volunteers receive a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Joy Burch.
Please consider joining the team and have a great time immersing yourself in the excitement of Festival time.
Please go the website http://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/functions/volunteers, download and complete a Volunteer Application Form and email it to us as soon as possible.
We can't wait to hear from you!
John Vincent Atanasoff – Architect of the Way of Life
Professor John Vincent Atanasoff (1903-1995) and graduate student Clifford Berry invented the world's first electronic digital computer at Iowa State College between 1939 and 1942. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) represented several innovations in computing, including a binary system of arithmetic, parallel processing, regenerative memory and a separation of memory and computing functions. Come and see this fascinating display which also includes examples of computing memorabilia from the collection of Max Burnet of Burnet Antique Computer Knowhow Pty Ltd.
This exhibition is organised by the Bulgarian-Australian Association ‘Rodina’ Canberra & Region Inc, with the kind support of the ACT Government's Multicultural Grants Program.
When: Daily from Friday 10 December 2010 to Monday 20 December 2010
Where: Civic Library, Civic Square, London Circuit
Cost: Nil
Contact Details: For inquiries or group visits, email canberra.rodina@gmail.com
Warehouse Circus 2010 Theatre Production: Projected
Canberra's premiere youth circus Warehouse Circus presents its major theatre production for 2010: Projected, at the Belconnen Community Theatre. ‘Projected’ is an energetic, witty and awe inspiring performance by the Warehouse Circus advanced performance troupe. It is the culmination of skills and ideas developed over the past year in the Warehouse Circus advanced training program. Don't miss this captivating show, suitable for all ages, written and performed right here in Canberra by Canberra's finest young circus performers. You will be amazed!
When: 12:00pm or 6:00pm 18 and 19 December 2010; 12:00pm 20 December 2010
Where: Belconnen Community Theatre, cnr Chandler Street and Swanson Court, Belconnen
Cost: Adults $15, Concession $10, Child (under 15 years) $8, Family $45
Contact Details: Warehouse Circus, phone (02) 6260 3626 or email admin@warehousecircus.org.au
More information: To book tickets, visit http://warehousecircus.eventbrite.com
Polish-Australian White Eagle Club New Year’s Eve Ball
The White Eagle Club invites everyone to join our New Year’s Eve Ball! Enjoy fantastic music from Sydney duo J & J (great for dancing!); lucky door prize and raffles; a delicious three course meal; champagne for all; and a well stocked bar!
When: From 7:00pm, Friday 31 December 2010
Where: Polish-Australian White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner
Cost: $70
Contact Details: To book your ticket phone Barbara Alwast on 0430 277 440 or Eta Rogoyska on 0401 683 346
Sierra Leone Community New Year’s Day Trip to Wollongong Beach
The
Sierra Leonean Community of Canberra and the Region is organising an outing to
Wollongong Beach on New Year’s Day. Hurry! Book now, as seats are limited. Don't
miss out, it’s going to be great! Come and have fun and enter 2011 in Grand
Style!
When: Bus departs 7:30am, Saturday 1 January 2011
Where: Departing from Jolimont Bus Station, Civic to Wollongong NSW
Cost: $35
Contact Details: To book your ticket phone Umar Bah on 0401 253 849, Charles Koker on 0413 164 081, or Fatmata John on 0414 480 553
Free Outfits for Women Attending Job Interviews
Do you have clients who are in need of appropriate clothing and accessories for scheduled job interviews? Working Wonders is a Canberra based organisation that provides interview clothing, shoes and accessories to ACT women who are unable to resource these themselves. These are provided free of charge for the women to keep. Women can only access this service through an existing community organisation.
If it's been a while since you've cleaned out your wardrobe we are also seeking donations of clothing, shoes and accessories; and volunteers to help us in the ‘boutique’!
Cost: Nil
Contact Details: If you wish to make an appointment on behalf of a client or would like more information, email bookings@workingwonders.org.au or phone 0451 681 188
Piroshki,
bortsch, pilmeni, cakes, handmade crafts, books, white elephant stall and more.
Everyone welcome!
When: 10:00am-2:00pm, Saturday 18 December 2010
Where: St John the Baptist Church Hall, 4 Matina Street, Narrabundah
Cost: Free entry
Consultation on Australia’s 2011-2012 Humanitarian Program
Each year the Australian Government decides the size and composition of Australia’s Humanitarian Program, taking into account the views of the Australian community; peak refugee and humanitarian organisations; government agencies; and resettlement needs identified by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
You are invited to provide input, by way of a written submission or a letter containing issues of concern or comments on Australia’s Humanitarian Program for 2011–12 and future years.
A discussion paper will be available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website at www.immi.gov.au/about/contracts-tenders-submissions/ in early December.
When: For submissions to be included in the consultation process, they must be received by Friday 28 January 2011
Contact Details: For more information email actro.humanitarian.settlement@immi.gov.au
Celebration of a Multilingual Canberra in 2013 – Your Ideas Please!
The Canberra Region Languages Forum has been discussing an idea for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Canberra in 2013. The idea is to design and install a lasting monument in central Canberra which celebrates the city’s multilingual past, present and future. This might take the form of a statue, mural, mosaic or interactive soundscape and would be a powerful symbol of the role of languages spoken in the ACT region in the past (including Aboriginal languages), today, and the importance of languages and communication for the future of Canberra as a cosmopolitan and international city and national capital.
The inspiration for this idea came from a fantastic languages statue in Vancouver, Canada. As you can see from www.flickr.com/photos/briantolin/5060926140/in/set-72157624991706561/ this incorporates the alphabets and characters of many languages. Another recent language-inspired construction was the Korean pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, which was based on the shapes of the letters of the Korean alphabet.
Please contact Mandy, the Convenor of Canberra Region Languages Forum if you support our idea and if you have any suggestions about what the monument might look like or where it should be located.
Contact Details: Mandy Scott, email mandy.scott@anu.edu.au
YWCA STEPS Program – Support for Young Pregnant and Parenting Women
The YWCA of Canberra’s STEPS program aims to educate and support young pregnant and parenting women aged 13-25 to enhance their health and well-being. The program provides information and support through a series of weekly workshops on: Community and Social Connections; Health and Wellbeing; Positive Parenting; and Healthy Relationships. STEPS provides additional support through our case management model. Transport is provided on an as needs basis.
When: Tuesdays 10:00am-2:00pm, 8 February 2011 – 14 June 2011 (excludes some holidays)
Where: Tuggeranong Youth Centre, Cowlishaw Street, Greenway
Cost: Nil – Free lunch and free childcare on the premises
Contact Details: For more information or to register phone Gina on phone (02) 6257 1640
2011-2012 Settlement Grants Program Now Open
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s 2011-2012 Settlement Grants Program (SGP) funding round opened on Saturday 4 December 2010. The aim of the SGP is to deliver services which assist eligible clients to become self reliant and participate equitably in Australian society as soon as possible after arrival. The funding priorities of the SGP are informed by an annual assessment of settlement needs and through consideration of the statistical data.
There have been some slight changes since the 2010-2011 SGP round, so please read all documentation carefully.
When: Applications close 5:00pm, Wednesday 2 February 2011
Contact Details: For more information, phone 1800 453 004 or email COMPROG@immi.gov.au
More information: Information to help you complete your application can be found at http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants/applyingforsettlementgrants.htm
aquaCulture 2011 – Family Fun by the Pool
North Canberra Community Council and The Tradies are generously providing funding to support aquaCulture nights, now in its fifth year at Dickson Pool! Please let your colleagues, friends and members know – community groups are very welcome to set up stalls for fundraising!
This is a volunteer-run community-building event that celebrates families and cultural diversity, with bands and roving entertainment. Bands include Dubba Rukki (Jim Sharrock's reggae sounds) and the Fun Machine, and we're delighted to welcome Pablo Latona back to the land of the living!
So come along, enjoy the fun, tell your neighbours: there's something good going on in January every Saturday, by the pool.
Please note: no glass or alcohol allowed....dancing, playing and swimming much encouraged!
Hope to see you there after Christmas!
When: 6:00pm-8:00pm, every Saturday in January 2011 (1st,8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)
Where: Dickson Pool, cnr Cowper and Antill Streets, Dickson
Cost: Normal pool entry fees apply
Contact Details: For more information or to arrange a
stall, phone Jane Goodman on
0468 649 640
Body Percussion Workshops with Greg Sheehan
A two-hour body percussion workshop with Australia's pioneer of body percussion, Greg Sheehan, master percussionist and rhythmatist! A fantastic exploration of rhythm for those interested in music, percussion and dance. You'll have lots of fun clapping, slapping and stamping your way through a number of intricate rhythm games and Greg will lead you on an exploration of improvisation, polyrhythms, and rhythmic number patterns (diamonds theory).
Bookings essential as places are limited.
When: 10:30am-12:30pm, Sunday 23 January 2011
Where: Corroboree Park Hall, Paterson Street, Ainslie
Cost: $35
Contact Details: To book, visit www.drumeffect.com.au, email info@drumeffect.com.au or phone 0414 236 323
African Drumming and Dance Courses – Enrol Now for 2011
Drumming: Learn
djembe in a high-energy group class led by Kate Gascoyne. A great way to meet
people, de-stress, and learn a musical instrument! Beginners welcome and drum
hire available.
Dancing:
Join a 10-week course led by expert Guinean dancer, Mory Traore, and accompanied
by live drumming from some of Canberra's top djembe and dundun players. These
classes will get your blood pumping, your spirits up, and your whole body moving
to the funky traditional rhythms of West Africa!
Contact Drum Effect to reserve your place or simply book online at
www.drumeffect.com.au.
Gift vouchers are also available – something different for Christmas this year?
When: Classes start February 2011
Where: Ainslie, Dickson and Kingston
Cost: See website for details
Contact Details: For more information, phone 0414 236 323 or email info@drumeffect.com.au
More information: www.drumeffect.com.au
National Youth Week Grants – Apply Now!
The Youth Coalition of the ACT, in partnership with Youthbeyondblue, the Australian Government
and ACT Government, is announcing the ACT National Youth Week Grants 2011. ACT National Youth Week Grants 2011 are available to assist individuals or groups of young people to organise events for themselves and other young people. Applications can be from young people themselves, services supporting young people, schools, community groups etc. There are three different grants available in 2011:
The General National Youth Week Seeding Grants support youth-led activities, events and projects that focus specifically on engaging disadvantaged young people
Youthbeyondblue Grants are available for youngpeople working with an organisation to deliver an event or activity that raises awareness of depression and anxiety and promotes the
Youthbeyondblue key messages which are: Look for the signs of depression; Listen to your friends’ experiences; Talk about what’s going on; Seek help together!
The ACT School Project Grants are available to fund an event or activity initiated by students in
ACT high schools or colleges which celebrates and recognises the value of diverse young people in the ACT. This grant supports events that are planned and organised by and for young people.
National Youth Week is an annual, weeklong celebration of young people (aged 12–25) throughout
Australia. It is a joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments. National Youth
Week 2011 – Own it! will be held from 1-10 April 2011.
When: Grant applications close 5:00pm, Friday 21 January 2011
Contact Details: To find out more, phone Anna Voronoff
at the Youth Coalition on
(02) 6247 3540 or email
youthweek@youthcoalition.net
More information: www.youthweek.com or look for us on Facebook: ‘Youth Week: ACT’