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The Hon V Judge MP
Minister for Fair Trading
Minister for Citizenship and
Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts
Level 36
Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000
31 October 2009
Dear Minister
I have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report of the Community
Relations Commission for the year ended 30 June 2009 for presentation
to Parliament.
The report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 1985 and the Annual Reports
(Departments) Regulation 2005.
Yours sincerely
Stepan Kerkyasharian AM
Chairperson
Community Relations Commission
The Hon. N. Rees MP,Premier,Minister for the Arts andMinister for the Central Coast
The Hon. V. Judge MP,Minister for Fair Trading,Minister for Citizenship andMinister assisting the Premier on the Arts
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Contents
Letter of transmission of the annual report 1
About the Commission 3
Vision, mission, values and objectives 3
Functions 4
Chairperson’s overview of the year 2008/09 5
Summary of achievements 6
Financial overview 9
Performance reports 11
Focus 1 – Effective leadership in community relations 12
Focus 2 – Provision of quality language services 26
Focus 3 – Effective resource utilisation 29
Focus 4 – Effective communication and consultation 30
Focus 5 – Promotion and implementation of the principles of multiculturalism 33
Focus 6 – Effective knowledge management 45
Focus 7 – Leadership system throughout the Commission 47
Legislative and corporate governance 49
Principles of multiculturalism 50
Members of the Community Relations Commission 51
Former commissioners of the Community Relations Commission 54
Commissioners’ attendance at meetings 55
Principal staff of the Commission 56
Organisation structure 57
Boards and committees 57
Functional 58
Executive position 60
Audited inancial statements 63
Statement of affairs 111
Structure and functions 112
Effect of the Commission’s functions on members of the public 117
Arrangements for public participation in policy formulation 118
Description of the types of documents held by the Commission 118
Access, arrangements, procedures and points of contact 119
Appendices 121
Appendix 1 – Management overview 2008/09 122
Appendix 2 – Multicultural Policies and Services Program 126
Appendix 3 – Representation of staff on committees 133
Appendix 4 – Membership of Regional Advisory Councils 136
Appendix 5 – Language Services statistical information 138
Appendix 6 – Grants awarded in 2008/09 140
Index 146
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About the Commission
OBJECTIVES
VISION MISSION VALUES
To be the leader and
facilitator of community
relations in achieving a
harmonious and cohesive
multicultural New South
Wales.
Engage the community,
public and private sectors
and provide direct services
and advice to enable
equal participation and
promote community
harmony and the beneits
of multiculturalism in New
South Wales.
The Commission values:
• Commitment
• Diversity
• Equity
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Quality
• Accountability
The Community Relations Commission of New South Wales was established as a statutory
body on 13 March 2001 under the Community Relations Commission and Principles of
Multiculturalism Act 2000.
• participation of the people of New South Wales in community life and the public
decision making process so that they can exercise their rights and fulil their obligations
• access to government and community services that is equitable and that has regard
to the linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic diversity of the people of New South
Wales
• the promotion of a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society with mutual respect
for and understanding of cultural diversity
• the enrichment of all sections of society through the beneits of cultural diversity
• the promotion of the principles of multiculturalism and the advantages of a
multicultural society
• the promotion of social justice, community development and community initiatives for
ethnic communities in New South Wales.
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FUNCTIONS
• to undertake systematic and wide ranging consultation with people and groups with respect to its objectives
• to advise and make recommendations to the Minister to promote any of its objectives
• to investigate and report to the Minister on any matter relating to its objectives that the Commission considers appropriate or that the Minister refers to the
Commission for investigation and report
• to arrange and participate in forums to promote its objectives
• to facilitate co-operative arrangements involving governmental, business, educational and community groups or bodies to promote its objectives
• to enter into agreements with public authorities in connection with their functions to promote the objectives of the Commission (including, but not
limited to, the objective relating to access to government services)
• to assist, and assess the effectiveness of, public authorities in observing the principles of multiculturalism in the conduct of their affairs, particularly in
connection with the delivery of government services
• to assist in resolving issues associated with cultural diversity
• to provide (whether within or outside New South Wales) interpreter or other services approved by the Minister
• to advise the Minister on the most effective use of funds appropriated by Parliament for programs related to its objectives (including funds for the
provision of resources to community groups that promote the objectives of the
Commission)
• to support community initiatives that promote the objectives of the Commission
• to encourage eligible people to become Australian citizens
• to advise and make recommendations to the Anti-Discrimination Board on matters relating to discrimination and racial viliication
• such other functions as are conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.
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Chairperson’s overview 2008/09
Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM
Welcome to the 2008/09 Annual Report of the Community Relations
Commission.
This report marks a major milestone in the 30 year history of the
Commission, for it is to be the last annual report published by the
Community Relations Commission as a separate NSW State Government
Department. As of 1 July 2009, the Commission, while maintaining its
statute, will form part of the Communities Department.
A further signiicant milestone for the Commission occurred during the year when two long-serving commissioners were sadly farewelled. Mr Michael Marx AM retired as deputy chairperson
after 13 years service, and Mr Ned Maruncic OAM retired after serving almost 12 years. Both
were exemplary commissioners who contributed greatly to the deliberations of the Commission
and who were instrumental in building the foundations and structures of community harmony
and in ensuring the success of multiculturalism in New South Wales. I place on record my
appreciation for their dedicated service.
A summary of the Commission’s achievements is illustrated in the pages following with more
detailed information and activities provided in a further section of this report.
I wish to acknowledge with thanks my fellow commissioners for their invaluable assistance
throughout the year, as well as the members of the Commission’s ten regional advisory
councils.
To the staff, I extend my gratitude once again for implementing the important programs of the
Commission.
Stepan Kerkyasharian, AM
Chairperson
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Summary of achievements
Effective leadership in community relations
• a community project was developed in the Albury/Wodonga area to help recently- arrived communities with support structures.
• a working group was formed to address the various housing issues affecting emerging
communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western
Sydney, particularly those from African countries.
• concluded the Cabramatta CityWatch program that successfully addressed serious
drug-related crime issues.
• co-chaired a National Working Party on Traficking and Sexual Servitude and chaired the committee on the Recognition of Overseas Nursing and Midwifery Qualiications.
• coordinated the development of NSW government policy on visa sub-class 457 and related issues.
• hosted a number of activities during World Youth Day 2008.
• in Albury/Wodonga, a community consultation was organised for the recently-arrived Bhutanese community in conjunction with the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
• information sessions on various topics including the legal and justice system in NSW
for the African and Burmese communities were conducted in the Coffs Harbour,
Wagga Wagga and Illawarra regions.
• initiated a sports sponsorship program for young people from African backgrounds
to participate in sport at regional centres.
• in Orange, a community consultation was held that focused on the secondary
migration of people from African backgrounds and their settlement issues.
• in ten regions across NSW, 41 Regional Advisory Council meetings were held, bringing
together representatives from the community and government agencies to discuss
and address issues of concern to people whose irst language is not English.
• in the New England region, social support networks are being developed for
temporary skilled workers under the 457 visa program.
• negotiated the translation and publication of a Commission publication into Japanese.
• organised a lecture by Imam Habib Umar Bin Hadif on the ethics of governance in
Islam.
• the need for additional assistance was highlighted for residents of Grifith who have limited English and literacy skills wishing to undertake the Australian citizenship test.
• throughout regional NSW, consultations were organised that would address the
concerns of the African community.
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Provision of quality language services
• 107 external and internal complaints were received and addressed. This equates to
0.2% of 48,746 assignments.
• accommodated 101 video conferencing interpreting sessions.
• a service charter was developed to improve the quality of language services to
customers.
• an additional 50 organisations have direct access to the LanguageLink system.
• interpreting services increased by 9.2%.
• conducted training sessions for casual translators that addressed quality issues in
translation services.
• language services are now available in 86 different languages.
• major contracts with the Roads and Trafic Authority and the Department of Housing have been extended for a further year.
• most NSW courts are now booking an interpreter directly via LanguageLink.
• a recruitment drive took place for casual translators and interpreters resulting in 43
new panellists in 26 languages/dialects.
• the new shopfront for language services that is located at the Parramatta Justice
Precinct is progressing according to plans.
• translation services increased by 4.4%.
Effective resource utilisation
• developed an online portal, Multicultural E-Advice NSW, to assist public authorities
to update, report and correspond with the Commission electronically, increasing
eficiencies and environmental savings in storage and printing costs.
• most key programs and activities have now been made available on the website.
• online transactions increased, allowing business to be conducted expeditiously and
more eficiently.
• 83 candidates from among 18 nominating agencies passed the CLAS examination.
• EmailLink service was utilised by 109 customers.
• MediaLink service reported 174, 014 articles in the year, an increase of 21%.
• received 461 expressions of interest for the Community Development Grants Program.
• the 2008 Community Relations Report highlighted 150 outstanding multicultural
initiatives undertaken by public sector agencies and local councils across New South
Wales, supporting the full participation of people of cultural, religious, and linguistically
diverse backgrounds in the life of the State.
Effective communication and consultation
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Effective knowledge management
• a customer satisfaction questionnaire was circulated to translation customers inviting
feedback to determine areas for improvement.
• initiated Multicultural E-advice NSW to streamline client relationship management
for the administration of the Multicultural Policies and Services Program and other
reporting requirements under the Act.
• responded to 906 requests for brieings, speech notes or messages to assist the Premier and Minister for Citizenship or their representatives when attending community events.
• upgraded the electronic records management system.
Leadership system throughout the Commission
• arranged training for new OH&S committee members, to ensure their understanding
of the OH&S legislative framework and risk management principles, and to provide
leadership on workplace safety issues.
• coaching sessions were conducted by volunteer staff on the use of speciic business applications, allowing the opportunity to develop presentation skills and knowledge
sharing among users.
• conducted an annual workplace inspection and made necessary recommendations,
particularly in relation to ire safety, use of appropriate equipment and availability of storage.
Promotion and implementation of the principles of multiculturalism
• assisted the AFL to increase participation of young people in sport in western
Sydney.
• attendance at the Gala Presentation dinner for the National Multicultural Marketing
Awards increased by 20%.
• launched the publication Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally:
A Planning Framework for Councils, that provides guidance and benchmarks for
Councils when implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism.
• promoted inclusion of social cohesion through the multicultural street festivals program.
• provided opportunities for young people and community leaders to inform decision- making through the annual symposium and youth leaders’ day.
• recognised and promoted the beneits of multiculturalism through a range of awards.
• reviewed the operation of the Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) program
after 25 years of existence.
• since its introduction in 1988, the Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS)
Standards Framework has undergone a review, and will be relaunched as the
Multicultural Planning Framework in late 2009.
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Financial overview 2008/09
Source 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Government appropriation $ 11 696 000 11 893 000 13 039 000
User charges $ 4 138 000 4 719 000 5 034 000
Other $ 383 000 409 000 493 000
Total $ 16 217 000 17 021 000 18 566 000
An unqualiied audit report was issued by the Auditor-General. In the Auditor’s opinion, the inancial report is in accordance with section 45E of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (the
PF&A Act) and the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2005.
There were no major events after the balance date that would have a signiicant affect in the succeeding year on the Commission’s operations, clients or stakeholders.
Revenue
The Commission’s revenue in 2008/09 was $18.6 million which was drawn from three
sources:
• government appropriation• user-pays revenue from the sale of language services• miscellaneous revenue including grants for special projects, earnings from provision
of corporate services and investment income.
The following table outlines the Commission’s revenue over the past three years.
Operating result
The Commission’s net result for 2008/09 was a surplus of $0.1 million.
Expenses
The value of the Commission’s total expenses for the year ended 30 June 2009 was $18.5
million. The table below provides a comparison of the expenditure of the Commission over the
past three inancial years.
Employee-related $
Other operating $
Maintenance $
Depreciation $
Grants & community outreach $
Total $
Category 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
11 351 000 11 762 000 14 138 000
2 248 000 2 284 000 2 309 000
26 000 41 000 187 000
517 000 437 000 299 000
1 518 000 1 457 000 1 526 000
15 660 000 15 981 000 18 459 000
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Time for payment of accounts – accounts payable
The Commission has an excellent account paying record and settles at least 99 percent of the
claims by the due date. While all claims on hand are settled promptly, some late payments are
unavoidable through factors beyond the control of the organisation. Payments effected after due
date may be due to the late receipt of creditors’ invoices and/or discrepancies with the goods or
services received. Despite settling a minute proportion of claims after the due date, no penalty
interest was paid or became payable in 2008/09 for late payments of accounts. The table below
illustrates the performance indicators of the Commission’s payments (accounts paid on time
within each quarter).
Quarter Total Accounts Paid on Time Total amount
Target % Actual % $ paid $
Time for payment of accounts – accounts receivable
The Commission continued with its aim of keeping debtors’ balances low. The following table
shows the debtors’ aged analysis at the end of each quarter for 2008/09.
Quarter Current 30 days 60 days 90 days
$ $ $ $ September 08 1 091 972 151 427 116 223 15 826
December 08 970 243 102 133 55 906 12 103
March 09 886 445 80 102 30 442 22 127
June 09 1 285 998 44 736 17 197 23 044
Engagement of consultants
During the 2008/09 inancial year the Commission engaged three consulting assignments costing less than $30,000 and one consulting assignment costing more than $30,000.
2
1
Total
Univesity of NSW Research Services
Number of engagements Category Amount $
Management services 13 087
Information technology 5 000
18 087
Multicultural Policies and Services Program (formely Ethnic 30 553 Affairs Priority Statements) Standards Framework review.
Consultant engagements costing less than $30 000 each
Consultant engagements exceeding more than $30 000
September 08 100.00 99.87 3 873 986.87 3 869 131.44
December 08 100.00 99.52 4 794 645.25 4 771 918.09
March 09 100.00 100.00 3 469 745.64 3 469 826.35
June 09 100.00 99.97 3 551 398.39 3 550 177.36
Number of consultant Title of project Amount $
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performance reports
Focus 1: 12 Effective leadership in community relations
Focus 2: 26
Provision of quality language services
Focus 3: 29
Effective resource utilisation
Focus 4: 30
Effective communication and consultation
Focus 5: 33 Promotion and implementation of
the principles of multiculturalism
Focus 6: 45
Effective knowledge management
Focus 7: 47
Leadership system throughout the CRC
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EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY RELATIONS
OBJECTIVES
To maintain the lead agency proile as facilitator to government and community
promoting community harmony and the
beneits of cultural diversity.
To provide expert advice to government
and community on community relations and harmony.
To coordinate government responses to issues relating to cultural diversity.
RESULTS
Facilitate and support cooperative arrangements and community initiatives.
Increase participation in government initiatives in the promotion of cultural diversity.
Address by Imam Habib Umar Bin Hadif
On 7 May 2009, internationally respected Islamic scholar and
principal of Dar al Mustafa Institute of Islamic Studies, delivered
a lecture on the The Ethics of Governance and Islam during his
visit to Sydney.
The lecture was hosted by The Hon. Virginia Judge MP, Minister
for Citizenship, and organised by the Commission. Approximately
120 people from the ields of academia, government and the community attended. Following the lecture, a question and answer
session was presented by the Imam that was facilitated by the
Chairperson of the Commission.
AFL Peace Team reception
The Commission coordinated a welcome reception for the AFL Peace Team and the Peres
Centre for Peace on 22 August 2008 at the Chinese Friendship Garden. The AFL Peace Team
is an initiative of the Australian Chapter of the Peres Centre for Peace and comprises players
drawn from both the Palestinian and Israeli regions. The reception, hosted by the former
Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship, The Hon. Barbara Perry MP, was attended by
key members of the community. The event honoured the team players as symbols of peace,
mutual understanding and respect.
Imam Habib Umar Bin Hadif
1Focus
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Cabramatta CityWatch
The Cabramatta CityWatch program was established in March 2001 and came to a close in
2008. A inal ‘thank you’ event was organised by the Commission on 21 August 2008.
In 2001, the NSW Government responded to the serious drug-related crime issues in
Cabramatta, by announcing the Cabramatta Anti-Drug Strategy with a comprehensive plan
to address the drug problems in Cabramatta.
One of the components of this strategy was the Cabramatta CityWatch program. The program
was coordinated by the Commission and was successful in bringing together the NSW Police
Force, government agencies, businesses, community police and the local community to
develop solutions to local crime and to build a safer and a more vibrant community.
Community harmony
Corporate social responsibility – Think Tank
The Commission and United Way Sydney hosted a think tank between representatives of the
corporate and community sectors to discuss the relationship between community harmony
and corporate citizenship. Discussions centred on opportunities and practical initiatives
to promote community harmony as a part of a corporate social responsibility agenda - an
initiative where corporations and the community sector cooperate to promote community
harmony. The think tank’s 16 members, including Commission staff, will keep the discussions ongoing and turn ideas into practical strategies.
Social cohesion
Throughout the year, the Commission continued to meet with community and religious
leaders, organisations and individuals to identify issues and resolve matters of concern.
These included matters involving
social cohesion and the availability
of burial grounds that impact on all
communities in NSW.
One of the areas that required
the Commission’s attention was the submission of development
applications for religious schools and
the reaction to those development
applications in some local areas. Religious leaders at a public meeting to discuss the shortage of burial space in Sydney
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Community resource list
The Commission developed a list of community representatives in consultation with the
NSW Police Force and the Department of Juvenile Justice who can be called upon to assist
in matters relating to young people from culturally and linguistically different backgrounds.
An operational guidelines manual was developed detailing the roles and responsibilities
of community members. Recruitment was inalised and training provided. The community resource list is now being piloted.
Coordinated response to issues of international students from the Indian sub-continent
In May 2009, a number of reported incidents of assaults against international students
from India received signiicant media attention and raised concerns in the community and government about their safety and security.
The Commission coordinated a number of responses on behalf of the New South
Wales Government to address the issues raised by international students with a holistic
approach.
The Commission organised a round table conference for the Premier, The Hon. Nathan
Rees MP, to meet with representatives of the Indian community on 5 June 2009, and discuss
concerns relating to the safety of international students in New South Wales.
Several practical steps were identiied at the meeting, including the establishment of a working group by the Commission, to put together an information package for international
students from the Indian sub-continent, containing advice and assistance on working and
studying in New South Wales.
The Commission also held a series of meetings with representatives from diverse communities
in Parramatta and Harris Park, and Indian international students, to resolve immediate issues
at hand. The Commission ensured the participation of representatives from the NSW Police
Force, the Consulate-General of India and other government agencies at these meetings.
A forum for international students was organised by the Commission at the Parramatta
RSL Club on 18 June 2009. The forum provided an opportunity to consult directly with
international students regarding pre-departure information, on arrival assistance by
educational institutions, employment, accommodation, safety and community support. There
were 130 people who attended the forum, along with representatives from the NSW Police
Force, Parramatta City Council, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department
of Education and Training, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Consulate-
General of India.
The Commission is now coordinating actions to implement recommendations that were put
forward by the international students at the forum.
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Expertise of Commission is recognised in multiculturalism and community harmony
The Commission’s expertise in multiculturalism and community harmony continues to be recognised nationally and internationally. In 2008/09 the Commission received delegations
from Canada, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as journalists from
Africa and India.
NSW has a sister state relationship with Tokyo and there are 40 NSW-Japan sister city
relationships. Relationships with Japan continue to lourish and in 2008 the Commission participated in arranging and providing seminars for a study tour organised by the Japan
Local Government Centre (CLAIR). The Japan Local Government Centre was so impressed
with the approach taken in New South Wales that it requested permission to translate the
Commission’s publication Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally into
Japanese. This is due for publication and distribution in Japan in 2009/10.
In 2009, the Commission also facilitated the participation of Ms Nada Nasser of the New
South Wales Department of Housing to address an international symposium on the acceptance
of foreign nationals and their integration in Japan (Nagoya), where she delivered a paper
on migrant integration and social inclusion.
In association with the Japan Foundation, the Commission co-
hosted a visit to Sydney by Professor Keizo Yamawaki on 5-6 March 2009. The visit included a public lecture and meetings with
a number of non-government organisations. Over 100 participants
attended Professor Yamawaki’s lecture Japan and migration in the
age of globalisation: Ready to become a country of immigration?
at the MLC Centre. The lecture lasted 45 minutes and was followed
by over an hour of in-depth and enthusiastic questions.
The Commission engages in regular discussions with the Japan
Foundation, the Japanese Local Government Centre, Japanese
academics and consular staff.
Islamic scripture resource kit
The Commission is working with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to
implement projects associated with the National Action Plan to Build Social Cohesion,
Harmony, and Security.
Among these projects is the development of a resource for providers of Islamic Special
Religious Education in government secondary schools. The resource kit will assist in educating
young Muslims about aspects of Islam and their alignment with Australian values.
Professor Keizo Yamawaki
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Lead agency in settlement planning and immigration policy development
The Commission represented the NSW Government on committees and at meetings of:
• the NSW Government Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee (chaired by the
Commission), which has proven an effective instrument in coordinating the development
of NSW policy and positions on immigration and settlement issues. Through this process,
the Commission prepared the NSW policy positions on a range of matters including the
New South Wales submissions to the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review.
• the Standing Committee on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (SCIMA) in February
2008 and coordinated the NSW Government agenda and position papers for the July
2008 meeting of the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
(MCIMA).
• the National Working Party on Traficking and Sexual Servitude (co-chaired by the Commission and the NSW Ofice for Women), and produced the working party report. The recommendations of the working party report were endorsed by the Ministerial
Conference on the Status of Women and the Ministerial Council on Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs (MCIMA) in July 2008.
• the Implementation Committee for the Report of the Committee on the Recognition of
Overseas Nursing and Midwifery Qualiications. The report’s recommendations aim to remove the barriers to the employment of overseas trained nurses in NSW and have
been endorsed by major stakeholders, NSW Treasurer, NSW Minister for Health and
the Minister for Ageing and Disability.
The Commission continues to represent the NSW Government at national fora on immigration,
settlement and social cohesion and, alongside the NSW Department of State and Regional
Development, at meetings of the Standing Committee on Immigration and Multicultural
Affairs (SCIMA) Commonwealth/State Working Party on Skilled Migration.
Maltese language candidature
In September 2008, the Commission provided assistance to the Maltese community of NSW
to increase candidature levels in the Maltese language and ensure its preservation in the
Higher School Certiicate curriculum. The Commission liaised closely with the Federation of Maltese Language Schools and the Maltese community to develop strategies for the
maintenance of Maltese language and culture. In 2009, there was an increase in candidature
levels which has guaranteed the continuation of the language for the next three years.
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Minister’s round table with the Muslim community
The Commission organised a round table meeting hosted by The Hon. Virginia Judge MP,
Minister for Citizenship, with members of the Muslim community on 29 June 2009.
The aim of the meeting was to provide an opportunity to explore ways in which the
government and the community can work together in partnership.
A number of issues were explored including the availability and affordability of burial land,
community harmony, and foster care. The Minister for Citizenship offered to continue the
dialogue with the community on a regular basis.
Premier’s ethnic media briefings
On 8 April 2009, the Premier met with 27 ethnic media editors and journalists to brief them on the
Government’s direction in a range of portfolios. The meeting was coordinated by the Commission and offered the Premier a irst opportunity to meet with members of the ethnic media.
Premier’s round table conference with diverse communities
The Commission is coordinating a series of round table conferences with the diverse
communities of NSW, hosted by the Premier, The Hon. Nathan Rees, MP.
The meetings provide a platform for the Premier to brief local ethnic communities about
the Government’s programs and discuss ways in which the communities and government can work together to advance the interests of the State.
Representatives of Chinese community organisations meet with the NSW Premier, The Hon. Nathan Rees MP.
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The irst of the series of conferences took place on 26 May 2009, when the Premier met with approximately 50 members of the Chinese community. The community raised matters
such as the teaching of Chinese, support for international students, and programs to advise
new migrants about governance issues relating to community organisations.
The AUSMUS group
In 2008, the Commission assisted the AUSMUS group to incorporate. The AUSMUS
group plans to be a conduit for Australians of all sects within the Islamic faith that reside
in NSW, to work together at state level to further the wellbeing of Australians. Members of
the AUSMUS group are exploring ways to achieve the group’s objectives.
Together for Humanity Foundation
The Together for Humanity Foundation
commenced its business operations from
Commission premises in March 2009.
The Foundation was allocated two desk spaces
by the Commission, on a pro bono basis, as
a part of the Commission’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. The Together for
Humanity Foundation is an independent
grass-roots non-proit organisation, promoting interfaith dialogue and partnership for a
harmonious society.
World Youth Day 2008
The Commission successfully hosted a number of activities in Sydney as part of the World
Youth Day 2008 celebrations. These activities included the Premier’s reception for bishops and cardinals at the Sydney Opera House, and a Did You Know? exhibition at the Australian
Museum in partnership with the Migration Heritage Museum that showcased Australia’s migration history.
On 16 July 2008, at the MacLaurin Hall of Sydney University, the Commission also organised an event for Multi-faith Prayers for Global Peace and Social Justice.
At this event, major religious heads from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Orthodox Christian, Sikh and Zoroastrian faiths prayed together with young people
for peace and justice for all people around the world and to send a powerful message to the
world, through the pilgrims, that Sydney is not only beautiful and friendly, but also a model
of multi-faith understanding, acceptance and harmony.
Students participating in a cross-cultural program
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REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Regional Advisory Councils
The Commission’s ten regional advisory councils play an important role in the relationship between the government and the community by identifying and
addressing major issues of concern.
All councils have demonstrated the capacity to highlight the particular needs of
multicultural communities and to effectively share and distribute information
relating to policies that affect them, as well as promoting the programs and services
available to people throughout regional New South Wales.
Regional Advisory Councils also promote Adult Migrant English Service programs
that assist migrants to access local employment through additional bridging courses,
job search skills and vocational training and mentoring.
African community concerns in the Hunter
A meeting was convened in Newcastle between members of the Hunter African Communities
Council, senior police oficers and the NSW Police Cultural Diversity Unit to address the concerns of community leaders over relations between the Police Force and the African
Community in Newcastle. Regular community consultation and communication strategies
have now been established and the issues have been addressed to the satisfaction of the
Police Force and African community leaders.
International pilgrims to the World Youth Day 2008 with religious leaders.
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A consultation was also arranged between senior oficers of the Department of Education and African community leaders to address the educational issues of the community. A
strategy is being developed to increase the involvement of African parents in their child’s education, through better interaction and consultative processes between the Department
of Education, schools and families.
The Commission is working in conjunction with the Department of Premier and Cabinet on a
strategy to facilitate African community members with access to employment opportunities. A
submission for a full-time African employment oficer has been lodged with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Australian citizenship test for residents in Griffith
The Commission has highlighted the need for additional assistance for some permanent
residents in Grifith who have limited English and literacy skills wishing to undertake the Australian citizenship test. This issue was raised with the Department of Immigration and
Citizenship.
Community consultation in Albury/Wodonga
The Commission organised a community consultation in Albury in partnership with the
Victorian Multicultural Commission. A standard was set that provided the community
with an opportunity to talk about their background and promote awareness of settlement
requirements and needs to service providers, and to develop relevant strategies to address
these issues.
The consultation resulted in a community development project targeting the Bhutanese
community, jointly funded by the Commission and the Victorian Multicultural Commission,
and also in partnership with the Albury/Wodonga Volunteer Bureau. The project aims to
reduce the isolation of the recently-arrived community and to help them to develop their
own support structure to become independent and self reliant. This will also assist African
refugees and other established communities who have little support mechanisms in place.
Ethnic community cancer issues
The Illawarra Regional Advisory Council is concerned about the apparent increase in the
number of cancer sufferers in ethnic communities and the limited support available to patients
and their families. This issue is being monitored by the affected communities.
Ethno-specific health aged care packages for communities
The Commission promotes and facilitates discussions concerning ethno-speciic health aged care packages for small and diverse communities in Albury/Wodonga which are similar to
packages that exist in other areas.
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Information sessions for the African and Burmese communities in Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga and the Illawarra
The Commission also organised information sessions on justice and the legal system for
newly-arrived African communities in the Coffs Harbour and Wagga Wagga region, in
partnership with community leaders, Courts, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Legal Aid,
local refugee services, multicultural networks and the NSW Police Force. The sessions were
delivered through interpreters and resulted in a better understanding of the legal system and
greater interaction between the African communities and the agencies involved, leading to
more successful integration and effective communication channels.
The Commission facilitated information sessions in partnership with the Ofice of Fair Trading, the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, the Illawarra Legal Service and the
Illawarra Multicultural Services, on tenancy in the Illawarra for the African and Burmese
communities. The sessions were well attended and resulted in greater awareness of tenancy
laws and the expectations of landlords and real estate agents.
Interpreting needs in regional centres
The Commission continues to highlight interpreting needs in regional and rural areas,
promoting the use of interpreters to government departments and making them aware of
the State’s policy regarding interpreter use. It has been noted that there is low interpreter usage by the public hospitals in the Central West.
A regional strategy has been coordinated to establish a panel of interpreters accredited by
the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) who are
available locally in the Riverina, South Western and Northern regions of NSW. The aim is
to develop a panel of on-site interpreters who can assist newly arrived immigrants in their
dealings with government departments.
In the Grifith region, support has been provided to four bilingual workers who have been employed to provide services to the Afghani, Indian, Paciic Island and Turkish communities. Also in this region, the Commission has facilitated discussions and access to interpreting
services, through video conferencing facilities, during geriatric health assessments of patients
from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Multicultural and transcultural mental health
The Commission monitors access to mental health services in rural and regional areas,
promoting comment and participation from Regional Advisory Council members on NSW
Health’s Multicultural Mental Health Plan 2008-12, and on the services of the Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach project.
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Pacific seasonal worker program in Griffith
The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the Paciic Seasonal Worker Pilot Program in Grifith. The Federal Government’s three year trial program will allow for 2,500 temporary work visas that allow seasonal workers to work in Australia for up to 7 months,
in any 12 month period in the horticultural industry. The irst workers under this scheme are from Tonga and Vanuatu. The Grifith Regional Advisory Council is monitoring discussions between the Federal Government and the Grifith City Council on the provisions which have been made for workers in Grifith.
Regional Advisory Council meetings and presentations
There were 41 council meetings held in ten regions across NSW. These meetings brought
together community and government representatives to discuss and address issues of concern
to people whose irst language is not English.
Presentations and information sessions were conducted by various government departments
covering issues such as:
• language barriers for some people sitting the Australian citizenship test
• mental health issues in rural and remote areas
• availability of health care interpreter services in regional areas
• settlement services strategies for new arrivals
• services available from the Anti-Discrimination Board
• education training and employment of migrants under the additional training places and
skilled migrant mentoring scheme
• services of the Ofice of Fair Trading
• provisions in place for workers under the Paciic Seasonal Worker Scheme
• the role of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
• the role of the Department of Education and Training (Henry Parkes Equity Resource
Centre)
• the role of Housing New South Wales
• services of the New England Ofice of Fair Trading
• the role of the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations
• services of the Loft - Newcastle City Council Youth Services
• the role of the NSW Police Domestic Violence Coordinator
• the role of the NSW Adult Migrant Education Service
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• the facilities of NSW Health Multicultural Health Units
• Maitland City Council’s Community Development Unit
• Tamworth Regional Council’s Community Development Unit
• Gosford City Council’s Community Development Unit
• functions of the Department of Premier and Cabinet
• activities of the Department of Community Services
Presentations conducted by non-government and community organisations included:
• NSW Rural Doctors Network
• Transcultural Mental Health
• Auburn Migrant Resource Centre
• Northern Inland Development Board
• Coffs Harbour Refugee Support Services
• Barter Enterprises
• Coffs Harbour Accommodation Brokerage and Housing Support Service
• Italian Social Welfare Interagency
• Lismore African community
• Coffs Harbour African community
The presentations increased the regional representative’s awareness of the needs of communities, and services that are available in areas such as health, housing, employment,
education, youth issues and settlement services.
Secondary migration of people from African backgrounds
The Commission organised a community consultation in Orange in relation to cultural
diversity issues in the Central West. This focused on the secondary migration of people from
African backgrounds and their settlement issues. The consultation provided an opportunity
to promote the work of the Commission and the Regional Advisory Councils, and for
business, civic and religious leaders to celebrate the contributions of Orange’s multicultural communities to the city’s growth and development.
Shortage of bilingual community workers in the Illawarra region
The Commission is actively promoting awareness of the need for additional bilingual
community workers for speciic communities who have a high level of unemployment and an ageing community, such as the Macedonian and Italian communities in the Illawarra region.
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Social support networks for temporary workers in the New England region
The New England Regional Advisory Council raised signiicant issues relating to temporary skilled workers and their families coming to work in the New England region through the
457 visa program.
Concerns focus on the social isolation experienced by skilled migrants and their families,
and the need for small communities and service providers to be informed of their arrival.
This will ensure that they are welcomed and have access to appropriate information and
services, and that service providers, such as schools and hospitals, are prepared.
The Regional Advisory Council is currently developing strategies to provide social
support networks to temporary visa holders, in conjunction with community organisations
and employers. The Commission has raised these issues to the Standing Committee on
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Strategies to accommodate the needs of minority groups in Griffith
The Commission made representations to the Grifith City Council on behalf of various community organisations for a multi-purpose centre to address needs. The request is
consistent with Grifith City Council’s development strategy to accommodate the needs of minority groups.
Study of community languages in NSW
The Commission highlighted complex issues associated with the study of community
languages by students in NSW high schools and has facilitated discussions with the Board
of Studies. The Commission continues to advocate for access to the study of community
languages.
Supporting youth from African backgrounds to participate in sport at regional centres
The Commission has sponsored a sports exposition at Coffs Harbour. The exposition was
organised in partnership with NSW Sport and Recreation, organised sports clubs, the African
community and settlement services. The exposition highlighted the need for young African
youth to engage in sports as an effective means of reducing isolation and risk-taking activities,
and to improve integration into the wider community.
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As a result of this exposition, the Commission has now initiated a sports sponsorship
program for disadvantaged youth from recently-arrived communities in Coffs Harbour, the
Hunter region, Lismore, Orange and Wagga Wagga. This initiative will be implemented
in partnership with community organisations and sports clubs and will enable signiicant numbers of young people to join various sporting organisations in these regional centres.
Working group for housing issues in Western Sydney
The Working Group for Housing Issues was formed as a result of a recommendation of the
Nepean Blacktown Advisory Council. The purpose of this working group is to address the
various housing issues affecting emerging communities from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds in Western Sydney, particularly those from African countries.
The working group held its irst meeting and is giving serious consideration to holding a major forum to develop relevant strategies.
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PROVISION OF QUALITY LANGUAGE SERVICES
OBJECTIVE
To enhance access to quality interpreting and translation services in New South Wales.
RESULT
Improved access to government and community
services that has regard to the linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic diversity of the people of New South Wales.
Interpreting and translation services
Customer Service Charter
A service charter was developed in April 2008 in consultation with the staff of Language
Services to improve the quality of the provision of language services to customers. The
service charter was placed on the Commission website and on LanguageLink. Feedback is
encouraged and closely monitored.
LanguageLink – the online system for interpreting and translations
LanguageLink continues to support the goals of the Commission by providing an online
booking, monitoring and semi-automated worklow processing system for interpreting and translation requests.
The LanguageLink system is progressing towards a systems upgrade later in 2009. This
upgrade is expected to provide more powerful process lexibility, enhanced usability, improved maintenance and support, and less complicated database management.
The provision of an online booking system for interpreting requests allows customers to
monitor requests, facilitates faster processing and provides for an electronic communication
channel with the Commission regarding notiications, amendments, assignment history as well as cancellations.
2Focus
TheCommissionprovidesinterpretingandtranslationservicesin85languagesanddialectstogovernmentdepartmentsandagencies,privateandcommercialorganisations,communitygroupsandindividuals.Anoticeableincreaseinthedemandforinterpretingservices(9.2%)andtranslationservices(4.4%)during2008/09isevidentinthestatisticalinformationatappendix5.
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Language Services continues to promote online interpreting bookings to current account
customers. An additional 50 organisations were able to access LanguageLink directly. The
electronic data transfers for all Local Courts under the Attorney General’s Department continued throughout the year.
Panellists’ feedback sessions
The Commission continued to meet with casual panellists to discuss service provision and enhance
the quality of services to customers. The Commission also developed and conducted training sessions
for casual translators, speciically targeting common quality issues in translation deliveries.
Practicum sessions for future interpreters/translators
The Commission provided three training sessions on interpreting and translation issues to
63 students from the University of Western Sydney, the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University.
Recruitment drive
A substantial recruitment drive for translators and interpreters took place during April and
May 2009. This resulted in 43 new panellists joining the panel of casual interpreters and
translators in the Arabic, Auslan, Dari, Dinka, Dutch, French, German, Gujarati, Hindustani,
Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lingala, Macedonian, Maltese, Mandarin, Persian,
Portuguese, Pulaar, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese languages. The
Commission also undertook speciic recruitment in new and emerging languages where NAATI
accreditation does not exist.
Shop front at Parramatta Justice Precinct
The shop front to provide language services located at the Parramatta Justice Precinct is now
at the itting-out stage. Accommodation for up to three staff will be ready later this year. The ofice will provide an additional access point for clients to lodge translation requests and thereby reduce travelling time for clients living in the area.
Specialised interpreter training
Some casual panellists attended a two day training session on interpreting in sexual assault
and domestic violence cases.
The Commission, together with the Deaf Society of NSW, sponsored six Auslan (Australian
sign language) NAATI level 2 interpreters in their preparation to sit for the NAATI level 3
examination in July 2009.
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Tenders
The Commission was successful in its tender to provide onsite interpreting services to
Housing NSW, for block bookings over a two year period with an option to extend for a
further two years. Assignments were provided in Arabic, Assyrian, Bosnian, Cantonese/
Mandarin, Korean, Persian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
The contract with the Roads and Trafic Authority to provide onsite interpreting services has been extended until 31 March 2010. Assignments were provided in Afghan, Arabic,
Assyrian, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian , Khmer, Kurdish, Laotian, Pashto,
Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Samoan, Tamil, Thai, Tongan and Urdu.
Video conferencing (AVL)
The Commission continues to promote the use of video conferencing for appropriate matters
requiring an interpreter, especially in rural locations. This has resulted in greater eficiency in the use of interpreting resources, where interpreters for rare languages are in demand.
There is also signiicant cost savings for clients, as travelling costs have been eliminated or greatly reduced. Positive feedback has been received from interpreters and court staff
on the convenience of this system. The Commission accommodated 101 AVL interpreting
sessions.
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EFECTIVE RESOURCE UTILISATION
OBJECTIVES
To improve and strengthen internal capability.
To meet extended targets for tangible and intangible asset utilisation.
RESULTS
Meet performance standards and strategic targets set out in the Results and Services Plan.
Maximise customer beneits through continuing development
of electronic service delivery.
Multicultural E-Advice NSW online portal
The Commission is developing an online portal to assist all NSW government agencies,
including local councils, to communicate with the Commission, and to enable electronic
amendments to contact details as well as document uploads. This will involve electronic
lodging of reports by agencies, automation of the Multicultural Policies and Services
program assessment process and online reporting of outcomes. The system will also
assist the Commission to track compliance when reporting compliance through the annual
Community Relations Report.
The electronic lodging of reports by agencies will allow electronic management of
Multicultural Policies and Services Program reports at the Commission. This process will
facilitate easy access, retrieval and use of information resulting to increased eficiency and savings in storage and printing costs. It is anticipated that the system will be developed in
late 2009, in time to allow submissions by agencies of their annual Multicultural Policies
and Services Program reports.
Online business
Most of the Commission’s key programs and activities are now made available in the Commission’s website. These include:
• lodgement of expressions of interest to the Community Development Grants Program
• applications for webhosting in CommuniLink and requests for EmailLink service
• nominations for the National Multicultural Marketing Awards
• registration for Commission events and functions
• requests for inclusion in the Commission’s list of ethnic community organisations.
Online transactions increased during the year which allowed business to be conducted
expeditiously and more eficiently.
3Focus
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EFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION
OBJECTIVES
To maintain consistent and responsive internal and external communication.
To enhance the proile of the Commission as the reference point for community harmony and cultural diversity.
RESULT
Develop targets and performance measures for reporting commencing early
2009.
Community Language Allowance Scheme
Language examinations for public service employees under the Community Language
Allowance Scheme were conducted by the Commission. There were 83 candidates who
passed the examination (81.4%) compared to 90 in the previous year. This result directly
contributed to the increased capability of the government to provide services to the
linguistically diverse people of New South Wales.
CommuniLink
CommuniLink is a free webhosting service for ethnic community organisations. The
Commission uses CommuniLink to inform communities about opportunities for involvement
in consultations, career development, forums, and projects.
It also supports multilingual content that facilitates communication and enhances the
provision of information. Each community website features a calendar of events that links to
a consolidated community calendar. Another useful feature of CommuniLink is a discussion
board to encourage communities to participate in community issues. There are currently
57 organisations hosted, an increase of one from last year.
As CommuniLink has been built on a superseded platform, the Commission has decided
to close the service and offer assistance to hosted organisations in moving to a chosen
alternative site.
Community Relations Report ‘Joining our Neighbourhood’
The vital role played by ‘neighbourhoods’ in the promotion and maintenance of community harmony is a major theme in the 2008 Community Relations Report.
While community groups and associations play an important part in developing neighbourhood
links and structures, the pivotal role in connecting, providing services to, and ensuring
the sustainability of neighbourhoods, is played by local government. Consequently, local
government initiatives are one of the focal points of the 2008 Community Relations Report.
4Focus
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Under the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000,
local councils together with New South Wales Government agencies are responsible for
implementing the principles of multiculturalism in the conduct of their affairs.
This can include the provision of multilingual information or the employment of multicultural
workers to provide services to the culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the local
area, facilitating intercultural exchange at festivals, and supporting fuller participation by
immigrants in the local community.
The report includes a description of 44 outstanding multicultural initiatives, which show
the variety and extent of work that is being done within local councils in New South Wales
to realise and enjoy the full potential of our remarkable multicultural society, and a further
106 initiatives from NSW public sector agencies. It also reports on the ways in which all government agencies are implementing the principles of multiculturalism, and in assessing
the activities of selected key agencies in the State.
The theme for the 2009 Community Relations Report will be ‘Embracing Change on Sound
Foundations’.
EmailLink
EmailLink, launched in May 2008, provides a service to deliver email messages for private,
public and government entities. It links into the Commission’s extensive database of contacts including multicultural community groups, ethnic leaders and community members. The
service leverages on the Commission’s 30 years of knowledge and experience in working with ethnic communities.
Usage of the EmailLink service increased by almost 100% in 2008/09 compared to the
previous year.
Grants program
A total of $1,118,619 in grant funding was provided for 119 projects, to not-for-proit organisations which implemented community-based projects. The projects enabled culturally
diverse communities to increase access to government programs and support services,
particularly to newly-arrived immigrants, to participate in community life and to celebrate
cultural diversity in New South Wales.
The Commission undertook a major review of its Community Development Grants Program,
with a view to widening the scope of eligible organisations to receive funding, and in
strengthening the guidelines for the grants program. As a result, three categories of funding
will be introduced in the 2010 Community Development Grants Program; namely, general
grants, sponsorship grants and local partnership grants.
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Kommunicate
Kommunicate, a quarterly bulletin that provides news and developments in multiculturalism,
was published during the year. The information contained in Kommunicate enlightened the
general community about the achievements and issues in multiculturalism in New South
Wales.
MediaLink
The MediaLink reporting service provides, in electronic format, English reports of articles
published in major non-English languages in Australia. It is the irst and only service of its kind in Australia.
Subscription numbers dropped slightly during the 2008/09 year, while the spread of
subscribers covered the Federal, State, Local Government and the private sectors.
The MediaLink service has enabled Government and private agencies to access information
communicated through the main information channel of ethnic communities. The service
has enabled agencies to respond to issues and concerns of the diverse community in a timely
manner. It has also provided data and materials for the planning of policies and programs.
Multicultural Entry Scheme
The Commission conducts examinations for the Multicultural Entry Scheme that offers
enhanced entry to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Sydney for students
at the Higher School Certiicate level. Exams were held in December 2008.
Multicultural marketing conference
The Commission organises a multicultural marketing conference to provide a practical guide
in developing innovative and effective marketing strategies to a multicultural market.
The 2008 conference titled Business Success in Diversity presented case studies of successful
businesses and provided participants with an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. The balanced representation from businesses, government agencies and community
organisations was an indication of the impact that multicultural marketing has across all
sectors.
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PROMOTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE PRINCIPLES OF MULTICULTURALISM
OBJECTIVES
To recognise and promote the beneits of diversity to the community.
To maintain government accountability
for the implementation of the principles of multiculturalism through the EAPS program and reporting.
To provide opportunities to communities to inform decision-making by government.
To facilitate the participation of people
of culturally diverse backgrounds on advisory bodies and in volunteer activities.
RESULTS
Promote social justice, community development and community
initiatives for ethnic communities in NSW.
Increase the participation of people of NSW in community life
and the public decision-making process.
Measure and report the observation of the principles of multiculturalism by public authorities.
Promote a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society with mutual respect.
Assistance to the AFL in recruiting people from diverse backgrounds
The Australian Football League approached the Commission for assistance in expanding
its committees to include representatives from diverse communities. The Commission
provided expert advice on the matter, and linked the AFL to members of migrant and refugee
communities, thereby promoting the participation of people in the public life of NSW.
Awards
The Community Relations Commission’s awards program promotes the advancement of multiculturalism in New South Wales and contributes to the enrichment of all sections of
society through the beneits of cultural diversity.
Community Relations Commission Award in the Premier’s Literary Awards
The Community Relations Commission Award is conferred upon writers who have made
noteworthy contributions to Australian literature, theatre, ilm, radio or television in representing either the settlement experience or the interweaving of cultures in Australia’s culturally diverse society.
The 2009 Community Relations Commission Award recipient was Professor Eric Richards
for Destination Australia: migration to Australia since 1901.
5Focus
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The judges of the 2009 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards considered that this work was an important contribution to the nation’s social and cultural history, as Destination Australia
tells the story of this extraordinary transformation. Against the odds, this change has caused
minimal social disruption and tension. While immigration has generated some political and
social anxieties, Australia has maintained a stable democracy and a coherent social fabric.
One of the impressive achievements of the book is in explaining why this might be so.
Community Relations Commission Awards for Volunteering
The Commission’s annual Awards for Volunteering honour those individuals in NSW whose tireless community service has enhanced the cultural and social wellbeing of their
migrant communities. The purpose of these awards is to highlight the cultural diversity of
those undertaking voluntary work and to foster a greater understanding of the value of their
contributions. NSW recognises the crucial role that volunteering plays in social cohesion
and community building.
The four award categories are:
• Community Service Award
• Lifetime Achievement in Community Service Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Young Volunteer Award (under 25 years of age)
Winners of the 2008 Volunteer Awards with the Minister for Citizenship, The Hon. Virginia Judge MP and Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairperson of the Commission.
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Award winners for 2008/09 were:
CommunityServiceAwardWinner: Mrs Shula Endrey-Walder
Highly commended: Mr Kalyan Ram
LifetimeAchievementinCommunityServiceAwardWinner: Mr Pavlo Czudakewycz
Highly commended: Dr Ervad Peshotan Katrak
VolunteeroftheYearAwardWinner: Mr Ken Habak
YoungVolunteerAwardWinner: Ms Samah Hadid
Highly commended: Mr Sam Almaliki
The awards were presented by The Hon. Virginia Judge MP, Minister for Citizenship, at a
ceremony at NSW Parliament House on 3 December 2008.
Dendy Short Film Award
The Community Relations Commission has been sponsoring an award at the Sydney Film
Festival since 1992, where previous recipients included John Evagora’s ‘296 Smith Street’
and Tony Krawitz’s ‘Jewboy’.
The award recognises ilms which relect the multicultural experience of Australia, by dealing with the immigration and settlement process, cultural and linguistic diversity, or
cross-cultural settings.
The 2009 award recipient was Khoa Do who won the prize for his ilm ‘Missing Water’, a
portrayal of Vietnamese refugees who travelled to Australia during the 1970s and 1980s.
The story follows the memories of a now middle-aged sweatshop worker who led Vietnam with her sister, uncle and a stranger, hoping for a better life on Australian shores.
Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Poetry Award
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Award is one of the oldest national competitions for children
and young people in Australia, and is associated with National Literacy and Numeracy Week.
The Community Relations Commission Award is for the best poem highlighting the value
of cultural diversity within the Australian community.
In 2008, the judges awarded the prize to eight year old Rory Burg from Kingswood College
of Box Hill in Victoria, for his poem titled ‘A Painting of the Universe’.
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National Multicultural Marketing Awards
The National Multicultural Marketing Awards recognise
and reward businesses and organisations that demonstrate
leadership and innovation in meeting the challenges
and making the most of the opportunities presented by
cultural diversity.
The National Multicultural Marketing Awards are
an annual event organised by the Commission. Each
year the Awards recognise and reward businesses and
organisations that target the cultural diversity of Australia
in their overall marketing strategies.
The judges commented that “the amazing thing about this poem is that it creates a sense
of community, not only across race, but across time, and places humanity within the
extraordinary mysteries of the universe. The maturity of this poetic young voice amazes,
and totally belies his years”.
A Painting of the Universe
In my Dreamtime heart
There is a boy like me.
Red desert dust between his toes
In the gloom of outback sunset
He sits in chestnut sand.
His chocolate skin glows
In moonless starlight
Of an expanding universe.
Memories of Corroboree Chorus,
Stomp and stamp inside his soul.
The dreaming visions of a murky cave
Come down from black hole night.
Fingertips stroke the stones silver surface
Opal jewels of the universe shine at him,
Colours of never-ending beauty.
His spirit is lost there, waiting forever.
We sit together, 2000 years apart.
The same meteorites cross a shining sky.
Gum trees burn and wattles bloom.
And he is not forgotten.
Inside an opal cave
My friend’s imagination lies
Like a Dandenong breeze
Or the peppermint taste of rainforest.
We hold hands in ginger sunset skies
And meet in bronze storms on Jupiter.
My ancient brother will always live
Inside me.
Rory Burg
The 2008 awards program was sponsored by:• Casella Wines• CMC Markets• Commonwealth Bank• Integral Energy• Microsoft • Qantas• The Australian Newspaper• Westin Sydney
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There was an unprecedented increase in participation in the 2008 Awards, strongly indicating
the Commission’s leadership in recognising the beneits of multiculturalism.
Award entries increased by 22% and attendance at the Awards presentation dinner exceeded
the previous year by 20%. Sponsorship also saw an increase of 25%.
The following organisations were acknowledged and commended
for their efforts towards multicultural marketing:
AdvertisingAwardandGrandAwardWinnerCultural Perspectives and BMF
CMCMarketsCommercialBigBusinessAwardWinnerWestern Union
CommercialSmallBusiness AwardWinnerMulticultural Arts Victoria
ExportAwardWinnerAsia Paciic Screen Awards
GovernmentAwardStrathield South High School
IntegralEnergyCommunity AwardWinnerInformation and Cultural Exchange
MicrosoftInformationTechnologyAwardWinnerState Library of NSW
NSW Premier’s Chinese Community Service Awards
The annual NSW Premier’s Chinese Community Service Awards honour Chinese individuals for outstanding service within and beyond the Chinese community. They recognise the
long-standing presence of Chinese Australians in NSW. The purpose of these awards is to
acknowledge the social value of voluntary work within the Chinese community.
The winner of the 2008 Multicultural Marketing Awards grand prize, Mr Pino Migliorino of Cultural Perspectives, with the Minister for Citizenship, The Hon. Virginia Judge MP.
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There are four award categories:
• Jack Wong Sue Award for Voluntary Community Service Beyond the Chinese
Community
• Quong Tart Lifetime Achievement Award in Community Service
• Victor Chang Community Service Award
• Young Chinese Volunteer
In 2009, three Chinese Australians were honoured for outstanding voluntary service to the
community.
JackWongSueAwardforVoluntaryServiceBeyondtheChineseCommunityWinner: Mr Ron Yeo
QuongTartLifetimeAchievementAwardinCommunityServiceWinner: Mr Robert Ho, OAM
VictorChangCommunityServiceAwardWinner: Ms Hua Mei Ruan
The winners were announced by the Premier, The Hon. Nathan Rees, at a ceremony at
Government House on 16 February 2009.
Winners of the Premier’s Chinese Community Service Awards. Left to right: Ron Yeo, Hua Mei Ruan, Robert Ho, The Hon. Nathan Rees MP, Henry Tsang MLC and The Hon. Barrie Unsworth.
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Community Relations Symposium and Youth Leaders’ Day 2008
Living in the Neighbourhood was the theme for the 2008 Community Relations Symposium
and Youth Leaders’ Day which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Parramatta on 26 and 27 August 2008.
Following on from the success of previous youth leaders’ days, this special day was dedicated to the voices of young people in NSW and was attended by over 200 young people from
over 95 different schools and organisations.
The Youth Leaders’ Day and Symposium delegates were inspired and informed by the keynote addresses delivered by Ms Sara Haghdoosti and Ms Mimi Zou, National 2020
Summit delegates and university students. Ms Haghdoosti was formally the women’s oficer of the Sydney University Student Representative Council, and is now a member of the executive and has extensive involvement with non-government organisations. Ms Zou
has represented young people at local, national and international levels. She has received
the Community Relations Commission’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award, Order of Australia Youth Community Service Award and International Year of the Volunteer Award
from the Prime Minister.
There were 31 workshop presentations delivered over two days that included performances
by Soul Connect Records (NJE) performing hip hop, and Yellow Monday, a multifarious three
piece group playing exotic compositions with eastern, celtic, gypsy and arabic inluences.
Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement presentations at Regional Advisory Council meetings
Various state government agencies conducted presentations at regional advisory council
meetings on the progress of the implementation of their Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement in
regional areas. These have included the Ofice of Fair Trading, NSW Police, the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Football United
Football United commenced the Social Cohesion Through Football project in March 2009,
with the Commission providing strategic partnership and support. The project promotes
positive community relations by engaging with, and increasing cooperation between refugee
and local communities in the Blacktown and Liverpool areas.
A grant of $24,000 for three years from the Commission assists towards the employment
of two part-time community relations coordinators for one day per week over forty weeks
of the year.
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Funding was provided by the Commission in its capacity as a partner with Football United
for an Australian Research Council Linkage grant.
Other partners in the project include Area Health Services, Blacktown District Soccer
Football Association, Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre, and SydWest Multicultural
Services Inc.
The Commission also organised a meeting on 25 February 2009 between Minister Judge,
Football United project coordinators, and staff of SydWest Multicultural Services Inc, to
discuss the project and encourage participation of young people of refugee backgrounds in
sporting activities.
Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally
Local government plays a pivotal role in connecting people and community groups, providing
local services, and ensuring the sustainability of neighbourhood links and structures. This
can include the provision of multilingual information or the employment of multicultural
workers to provide services to the culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the local
area, facilitating intercultural exchange at festivals, and supporting the fuller participation
by immigrants in the local community.
With this role in mind, the Community Relations Commission and Principles of
Multiculturalism Act 2000 made it mandatory for all New South Wales Government agencies,
as well as local councils, to implement the Principles of Multiculturalism in the conduct
of their affairs.
At the launch of the publication Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally – A Planning Framework for Councils. From left to right: Dimitrios Thanos, Mayor of Marrickville Council, The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, Member for Marrickville, The Hon. Paul Lynch MP, the then Minister for Local Government and Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairperson of the Commission.
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To assist local councils in meeting this requirement, the Community Relations Commission,
the Department of Local Government, the Local Government and Shires Associations and the
Local Government Community Services Association all contributed to this implementation
project. To ensure its applicability, four local councils piloted the framework:
• The Council of the Shire of Baulkham Hills
• Blacktown City Council
• Grifith City Council, and
• Walgett Shire Council.
The book Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally: A Planning Framework for
Councils , was launched by the Minister for Local Government and the Commission on 23 July
2008. It provides guidance and benchmarks to assist councils, which may have widely varying
demographics, with implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism in their business.
State Governments across Australia, and delegations from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and
Thailand have all expressed considerable interest in the Framework. Taking this interest further,
the Framework is also being translated into Japanese for its possible use in local government.
Multicultural Youth Network
The Multicultural Youth Network is a diverse group of young people who are committed
to working together to promote the value of cultural diversity and to foster the acceptance
and respect of this diversity.
The objectives of the network are to provide skills training, leadership and networking
opportunities for its members. The network explores and identiies cultural issues facing young people in NSW. The network communicates with the Commission on issues of
concern to young people of diverse backgrounds, for incorporation into Commission and
NSW Government policy, and supports its members in working with their local communities
in engaging young people and the issues affecting them.
The Multicultural Youth Network played a pivotal role in organising the 2008 Youth Leaders’ Day. Since then, a number of young people from various cultural backgrounds such as
Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Samoan, have joined the network. The network
meets monthly and is planning the 2009 Youth Leaders’ Day.
Partnership with United Way Sydney
United Way Sydney is a volunteer led non-proit organisation that invests donations and volunteer time in community impact initiatives. The Commission and United Way Sydney
have embarked on an exciting partnership and are pooling resources and knowledge to
jointly address critical needs in the community.
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Cultural trip to Chinese Garden
The Commission and United Way Sydney
took 32 children from disadvantaged
backgrounds from the Glebe Centipede Child
Care Centre on an excursion to the Chinese
Gardens in Chinatown on 23 April 2009.
This multicultural adventure for children,
primarily from indigenous and Paciic Island backgrounds, provided an action-packed
day with cultural activities and yum cha at
a Chinese restaurant.
Commission staff facilitated the day, which
was an educational exercise to create
awareness in children about diverse cultures,
and to learn social skills.
The day’s cultural program was planned by working closely with the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Chinese Youth League and the Emperors Garden Restaurant, and featured
Chinese drumming and a colourful lion dance performance.
Corporate Connect Volunteering
The Commission partnered with United Way Sydney also on the Corporate Connect
Volunteering project, which provides opportunities to staff from the corporate sector to get
involved in community projects.
These projects set new directions for the Commission, particularly in relation to increasing the
public participation of community members from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
Regional visit to Lismore
The Commission held its annual regional visit in Lismore, where Commissioners and staff
met with the region’s newly-arrived and established multicultural communities, developing greater insight into regional cultural diversity issues and promoting the services of the
Commission.
Review of Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement operational issues
Since 1983, the Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) has been the driver for the
development of public sector services to the multicultural community of New South
Wales.
Children from the Glebe Centipede Out-of-school Program on an excursion to the Chinese Gardens at Darling Harbour.
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After 25 years, many of the programs, services and initiatives introduced through the EAPS
program over the years are today features of mainstream service delivery in New South
Wales. As a result, the Commission asked the University of New South Wales to review the
operation of EAPS, as required by the NSW Government White Paper, Cultural Harmony
The Next Decade 2002-2012.
The review sought the views of the full range of NSW Government agencies, through
individual interviews held with key agencies, and via two forums held in June and July
2008. The University incorporated these views into a discussion paper, which also makes
recommendations on future directions for the EAPS program.
Review of Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement Standards Framework
The Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) Standards Framework was introduced in
1998 as a management tool to assist key agencies to develop and monitor EAPS performance.
The Framework has also allowed the Commission, in line with its legislated role, to monitor
and assess EAPS progress by key agencies against deined parameters, and report on this progress in the Community Relations Report to the NSW Parliament.
In 2008 the Framework was in its tenth year of implementation, and was reviewed and
trialled by a number of key agencies, following a recommendation of the EAPS operational
review. Consultations around the EAPS Standards Framework have indicated that a majority
of EAPS key agencies have found it a valuable planning tool, but that there is also a clear
need to simplify and align the Framework with more current needs.
Therefore, the Commission worked with the University of New South Wales and a number
of key agencies to pilot a revised Standards Framework. It is anticipated that this process
will see a greater emphasis on multicultural forward planning, with reporting by agencies
against agreed performance indicators.
Street festivals
The Commission continues to encourage local councils to participate in its Multicultural
Street Festival Program to promote community participation, social cohesion and community
harmony.
Wollongong Council built on its success from 2007 and organised another festival in
October 2008. Camden Council held a one-off festival in 2007 and has now committed to
multicultural street festivals for at least another ive years. Wollondilly and Wagga Wagga Councils are currently considering their options.
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In order to encourage the establishment of these street festivals as a regular feature of the
events calendar, the Commission offers participating councils three years of consecutive
funding on the provision that the councils hold events for a further two years after the
funding period ceases.
Sudanese stories project
The Commission is a member of the steering committee of the Sudanese Stories project
which is administered by Blacktown City Council. Sudanese Stories is an integrated research
and oral history program that records the experience of individual Sudanese refugees within
the Blacktown area. The irst stage of the project was launched during the 2009 Refugee Week on 18 June 2009.
Web portal on volunteering
The Commission developed a web portal on volunteering which provides links and
information on volunteering opportunities to help newly-arrived migrant and refugee
communities in their settlement.
The portal links to a number of multicultural agency websites in NSW. It aims to encourage
formal volunteering among migrant communities and broader communities, in order to
promote community harmony. Currently 15 organisations are featured on the website, with
information on volunteering in relation to settlement, intercultural projects and community
activities.
Future directions for the project will incorporate building resources to help multicultural
and ethno-speciic organisations with their volunteer programs.
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EFFECTIVE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
To develop an effective knowledge management system.
To apply continuous improvement to the technological and human aspect of the knowledge management system.
RESULTS
Improve access to information.
Measure, report and improve customer satisfaction with frontline services.
Business continuity
The Commission maintains a Business Continuity Plan. The Plan safeguards the Commission
from unforseen events and unwanted business disruptions. The alternative site for the
Commission’s information technology environment was updated. This provided security for Commission information and business data and ensured business continues in case of
incidents and disasters.
Customer Feedback
In order to improve customer satisfaction with the Commission’s translation services, the Commission developed a written questionnaire which was circulated amongst translation
customers over a period of four weeks. This survey was translated into ive community languages, where 400 surveys were distributed and 161 responses received. Collated survey responses are being analysed and speciic improvements in the delivery of translation services have been identiied.
There were 107 internal and external complaints received (0.2%) in relation to 48,746 assignments. All complaints were analysed and addressed. Written communication, face to
face dialogue, discussions and training were conducted with staff and casual panellists.
The provision of a written customer feedback facility is available in the interpreter record
books for casual panellists. Comments, both positive and negative, enable the Commission
to continually improve the quality of interpreting and translation services that leads to
customer satisfaction.
Customer information management system
The database of contacts for ethnic and non-ethnic organisations and individuals grew
steadily through online registrations of interest on the Commission’s website. The database provides the NSW Government with a unique resource and reference for the multicultural
community of New South Wales.
6Focus
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Electronic document management
The TRIM records management system software was upgraded earlier in 2009 to strengthen
and enhance the management of records at the Commission. The upgrade was critical to
enable the Commission to implement electronic document management.
Ministerial liaison
The Commission manages ministerial correspondence and ensures that timely and accurate
high level advice is provided to the Premier and the Minister for Citizenship. The Commission
also monitors contentious issues and provides appropriate advice to the Premier and Minister
for Citizenship.
An average of 15 enquiries is received each day from the Minister’s ofices on various matters relating to the citizenship portfolio.
In 2008/09 the Commission responded to 906 requests for brieings, speech notes or messages, to assist the Premier, Minister for Citizenship or their representative when
attending community events.
Privacy management plan
The Commission’s Privacy Management Plan was reviewed in consultation with the Ofice of the Attorney-General and the NSW Privacy Commissioner. As a result of this review, strategies identiied in the privacy management plan 2006-2010 were updated and implemented.
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EFFECTIVE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
To maintain an effective leadership system throughout the Commission.
To align the Commission’s organisational culture to support leadership to achieve the Commission’s strategic direction.
RESULT
Measure performance against the Corporate Plan.
Development and training
The Commission continued to conduct in-house training to ensure staff become more
competent and conident in the performance of their tasks.
Training for records management, including email management, helped new staff understand
their roles and obligations in accordance with the State Records Act.
Coaching sessions on the use of speciic business applications were conducted by volunteer staff. This allowed an opportunity to develop presentation skills and knowledge sharing
among users.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee
The Commission is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, consistent
with its legislative obligations, through the application of leadership and best practice in the
workplace. This commitment is underpinned by the Commission’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy, which articulates the arrangements for the Commission’s occupational health and safety framework.
Each division in the Commission has designated representatives in place to identify and
manage risk issues, in consultation with division heads. Though the OHS Committee is
based in the central ofice in Sydney, it regularly consults with staff at its regional ofices in Newcastle and Wollongong regarding safety issues.
In 2008/09 the activities of the occupational health and safety committee included:
• providing an Occupational Health and Safety policy to all new staff, informing them
about adherence to safe practices, and the roles and responsibilities of the employer,
employees and health and safety representatives
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• arranging training for new committee members, to ensure their understanding of the
OH&S legislative framework and risk management principles, and to provide leadership
on workplace safety issues
• undertaking nomination and appointment processes in accordance with its policies and
procedures to ill any vacancies resulting from staff movements
• conducting annual workplace inspections and making necessary recommendations,
particularly in relation to ire safety, use of appropriate equipment and availability of storage
• compiling recommendations from ergonomic assessments in 2008, and submitting them
to the Accommodation Manager.
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legislative and corporate governance
Principles of multiculturalism 50
Members of the Community Relations Commission 51
Former Commissioners of the Community Relations Commission 54
Commissioners’ attendance at meetings 55
Principal staff of the Commission 56
Organisation structure 57 Boards and committees 57 Functional 58
Executive position 60
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Part 1 Section 3(1) of the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism
Act 2000 enacts the following principles of multiculturalism:
(1) Parliament recognises that the people of New South Wales are of different linguistic,
religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, who, either individually or in community with
other members of their respective groups, are free to profess, practise and maintain
their own linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic heritage. It does so by supporting and
promoting the following principles of multiculturalism:
(a) Principle 1 – All individuals in New South Wales should have the greatest possible
opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, all aspects of public life in which
they may legally participate.
(b) Principle 2 – All individuals and institutions should respect and make provision
for the culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and
institutional framework where English is the common language.
(c) Principle 3 – All individuals should have the greatest possible opportunity to make
use of and participate in relevant activities and programs provided or administered
by the Government of New South Wales.
(d) Principle 4 – All institutions of New South Wales should recognise the linguistic
and cultural assets in the population of New South Wales as a valuable resource
and promote this resource to maximise the development of the State.
(2) Parliament also recognises that those principles are based on citizenship. The expression
citizenship is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and
responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society in which there is:
(a) a recognition of the importance of shared values within a democratic framework
governed by the rule of law, and
(b) a unifying commitment to Australia, its interests and future.
The principles of multiculturalism are to be construed accordingly.
(3) The principles of multiculturalism are the policy of the State.
(4) Accordingly, each public authority must observe the principles of multiculturalism in
conducting its affairs.
(5) Itisthedutyofthechiefexecutiveoficerofeachpublicauthoritytoimplementtheprovisions of this section within the area of his or her administration.
Principles of Multiculturalism
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Members of the Community Relations Commission
as at 30 June 2009
Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM, Chairperson and Chief Executive Oficer
Appointed 27 February 1989. Re-appointed to 14 September 2013.
President, Anti-Discrimination Board
Member, National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters
Member, Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Culturally Responsive Policing
Member, Migration Heritage Centre Panel of Advisors
Member, Ministerial Taskforce on International Education
Member, Chief Executives Counter Terrorism Coordinating Group
Ms Seini Afeaki
Project OficerAppointed 25 March 2009. Appointment expires 24 March 2012.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Liverpool-Macarthur Regional Advisory Council
Assistant Treasurer, Tongan Community Support Services
Consultancy Support, NSW Council for Paciic Communities.
Commissioners from left to right:Standing: Ezel Jupiter, Michael Christodoulou AM DO, Katrina Banh, Seini Afeaki, Angelique Vongsaya.Seated: Jihad Dib, Wajiha Ahmed, Stepan Kerkyasharian AM (Chairperson), Gambhir Watts, Vivian Pak.
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Ms Wajiha Ahmed
Solicitor.
Appointed 15 February 2006. Re-appointed to 24 March 2012.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Albury Regional Advisory Council
Chairperson, Grifith Regional Advisory Council. Lecturer, Insearch, University of Technology, Sydney
Member, Geographical Names Board
Ms Katrina Banh (youth commissioner)
Lawyer, Allens Arthur Robinson
Appointed 6 December 2006. Re-appointed to 4 November 2010.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Multicultural Youth Network
Chairperson, Central West Regional Advisory Council.
Choreographer, Ming Der Chinese School dance group
Management Committee, Football United, Australian Research Council Project
Mr Michael Christodoulou AM DO
Chiropractor and Osteopath
Appointed 2 March 2005. Re-appointed to 9 April 2011.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Illawarra Regional Advisory Council
Commission representative to the Federation of Community Language Schools
Commission representative to the 2006, 2007, 2008 Cohesive Community School
Award of the Department of Education and Training
Commission representative to the Beyond Sympathy - Across My Bridge, Islamic Arts
Youth Project.
Coordinator, United Nations Human Rights Day Committee
Director, Board of Directors of the Stanmore Hawks Football Club
Member, Board of World Council of Hellenes
President, Cyprus Community of NSW
President, Federation of Cyprus Communities of Australia and New Zealand
Chairperson, Hellenic Emergency Relief Fund.
Mr Jihad Dib
High school principal
Appointed 22 April 2009. Appointment expires 21 April 2012
Community involvement:
Secretary, Lebanese Muslim Association
Board member, Together For Humanity Foundation
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Ms Ezel Jupiter
Senior programs oficer, NSW Police Force. Appointed 17 October 2001. Re-appointed to 26 March 2011
Community involvement:
Chairperson, New England Regional Advisory Council
Ms Vivian Pak
Partner, KP Lawyers.
Appointed 7 November 2007. Appointment expires 6 November 2010.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Nepean-Blacktown Regional Advisory Council
Vice President, Korean Society of Sydney
Deputy Chair, Bendigo Bank Strathield Community Bank Member, NSW Ambulance Services Advisory Council
Commission representative of NSW Legal Assistance Forum CALD Working Group
Legal Advisor Korean Elderly Friendship Association Inc.
Advisor, Korean Australian Young Leaders Inc.
Ms Angelique Vongsaya (youth commissioner)
University student.
Appointed 6 December 2006. Appointment expires 5 December 2009.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Hornsby-Central Coast Regional Advisory Council.
Chairperson, Hunter Regional Advisory Council.
Chairperson, Multicultural Youth Network
Member, board of directors, Lao Community Advancement Co-op Ltd
Mr Gambhir Watts
Company director.
Appointed 6 December 2006. Appointment expires 5 December 2009.
Community involvement:
Chairperson, Northern Regional Advisory Council.
Founder director, Australia India Foundation
President, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia
Member, Leaders' Council, Sydney Alliance
Commissioners whose appointments concluded during 2008/09
Mr N Maruncic, OAM
Mr M Marx, AM
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Former Commissioners of the Community Relations Commission
Alagich M, BEM, OAM *
Aquilina J
Aquino M
Arrarte A
Baena T
Barakat J *
Barany M, BEM, OAM
Bozikis N
Buckland-Fuller D, AM
Bures S, AM
Cantali M
Cassar V
Chan P
Chan M
Chuchkovich N
Chung C
Dal Broi J
Doueihi J*
Duncan A
Gebhardt J, OAM
Giang D
Gonzalez C
Harrison G
Hussain F
Jegorow W, MBE, AM*
Kahla M
Kama M
Karanges C, OAM*
Koutsounadis-Germanos V, OAM
Le Dang C
Le-Dang T
Lee M
MacLeod D
Marchich C
Maruncic N, OAM
Marx M, AM
Masselos P
Mills-Evers G, AM
Miltenyi G
Mojsin L
Moss I, AO
Moussa L, OAM
Muhieddine L
Ngo P
Nguyen-Hoang P*
Norton L
Owen K, AM
Obeid E, OAM
Otaegui P*
Pan H, OAM
Pangallo F, MBE
Peponis G
Peng B
Raheb A, OAM*
Rasoni F
Rii J
Ristevski D
Rufo D
Sham-Ho H
Shboul A, AM
Sipka J
Skoroszewski N, OAM*
Sonter J
Spasojevic N
Strong-Cincotta M
Szajewski M, OAM*
Taskovski S
Themal U, OAM
Totaro P, AM
Tzannes R, AM
Varova S
Wakim J
Walsh M, MBE*
Walsh V, OAM
Witton R
Wong P, AM
Zuro V
* deceased
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Commissioners’ attendance at meetings
S Kerkyasharian 12 12
M Marx 8 4
S Afeaki 3 3
W Ahmed 10 10
K Banh 11 11
M Christodoulou 12 11
J Dib 2 2
E Jupiter 12 10
N Maruncic 8 7
V Pak 12 12
A Vongsaya 12 12
G Watts 12 12
Commissioner Number of meetings Number of meetings attended
eligible to attend
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Principal staff of the Commission
CHAIRPERSON AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERDr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM
DIVISION HEADS
Business ServicesDirector
Mrs Marte Tagle MBT GCertPSectMgt
Community Relations ServiceDirector
Mr Richard Acheson
Financial and Corporate ServicesDirector
Hakan Harman FCPA, MP Admin
Government Relations ServiceDirector
Ms Steffanie von Helle
Language ServicesDirector
Ann Groth ALAA
Regional ServicesDirector
Fadel Benhima PSM
Executive OfficerMs Patricia Giannotto
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Organisation structure
CHAIRPERSON AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Stepan Kerkyasharian AM
MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP
The Hon Virginia Judge MP
PREMIER OF NSW
The Hon Nathan Rees MP
and
ILLAWARRA
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Michael
Christodoulou
NORTHERN
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Gambhir Watts
NEW ENGLAND
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Ezel Jupiter
ALBURY
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Wajiha Ahmed
GRIFFITH
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Wajiha Ahmed
HORNSBY and
CENTRAL COAST
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Angelique
Vongsaya
MACARTHUR –
LIVERPOOL
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Seini Afeaki
NEPEAN –
BLACKTOWN
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Vivian Pak
CENTRAL WEST
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Katrina Banh
HUNTER
REGIONAL
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Chairperson
Angelique
Vongsaya
Organisation structure - boards and committees
as at 30 June 2009
PART-TIME COMMISSIONERS
Seini Afeaki
Wajiha Ahmed
Katrina Banh
Michael Christodoulou
Jihad Dib
Ezel Jupiter
Vivian Pak
Angelique Vongsaya
Gambhir Watts
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Grants
administration
CHAIRPERSON and
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Education and training
Planning and quality
Language
examinations
Secretariat
Public affairs and
publications
Electronic business
Management of the
Multicultural Policies
and Service Program
Government
Relations Service
Reporting the
status of community
relations to
Parliament
Organisation Structure - functionalas at 30 June 2009
Business Services
Ethnic Media
reporting
Event brieings and messages
Policy analysis and
Development
Monitoring the
implementation of
Cultural Harmony
2002-2012 White
Paper
Community Relations
Service
Community harmony
projects
Research and
investigation
Community
consultation
Migrant settlement
and planning
coordination
Awards and
festivals
National Multicultural
Marketing Awards and
seminars
Information, records,
privacy and freedom
of information
Develop and
maintain community
proiles
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Regional
programs and
projects
coordination
Regional outreach
Regional
Services
Interpreting
Translation
Video
conferencing
Corporate budgeting
Financial accounting
Accommodation
Risk
management
Procurement
Employee relations
and human resources
Industrial relations
Equal employment
opportunity
Language Services Financial and
Corporate Services
Information and
communication
technology
Ministerial and
parliamentary
liaison
Coordinating
Commission
input into the
NSW State
Plan
Special
projects
Executive
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Executive Position
Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM
Chairperson and Chief Executive OficerSES Level 5: remuneration as at 30 June - $288,350 and an allowance of $10,000pa as President
of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW.
As the Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW and
President of the Anti Discrimination Board, Mr Kerkyasharian has realised a number of signiicant objectives for the Commission.
1. In response to protests by Indian international students in the Harris Park area, the
Chairperson played a signiicant role in meeting with students, stakeholders and key government agencies to address the needs of the students gathered. The Chairperson was
also instrumental in establishing a working party to manage the concerns and information
needs of the students. Partners in the working party include the Commission, Federation
of Indian Students in Australia, the United Indian Association, the Consulate General
of India, and Commonwealth and NSW Government agencies. The working party
meets regularly and is developing strategies related to a range of international student
information resources.
2. The Commission conducted an exhaustive review of its Community Development
Grants Program. The review set a new direction for the program examining changing
migration patterns and community needs and how state and local government could
better work together. The review was completed in June and resulted in the creation of
three grant categories; General, Sponsorship and Local Partnership grants. These new
arrangements will enable the Commission to better support the work of community
organisations and work in partnership with local councils to address the needs of new
arrivals and emerging communities.
3. The 2008 Community Relations Symposium was successfully held over two days in
August, with the irst day being dedicated to youth leaders. A total of 220 delegates participated on the Youth Leaders’ Day from various public, private and religious
schools in NSW. The aim of the event was to create a forum for young people to discuss
multicultural youth issues that were of relevance and interest to them and their peers,
while 180 delegates participated from peak organisations including regional NSW at
the main Symposium on day two. The forum allowed community leaders, government
and community groups to foster relationships and expand their networks with various
groups and with the Commission.
4. The Commission’s annual “Community Relations Report” for 2008, prepared under
section 14 of the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism
Act (2000), detailed nearly 150 wide-ranging initiatives that were undertaken by NSW
Government agencies and local councils to promote community harmony. The report
also included a section devoted to awards presented during the year, which recognised
the positive contribution to our society by multicultural communities and individuals
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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5. The Commission, in partnership with the Department of Premier and Cabinet,
successfully organised information sessions on justice and the legal system with
members of the African community in Coffs Harbor. The sessions were attended by
community leaders, local refugee services, multicultural networks, the Police, court
representatives and Legal Aid. Under the Chairperson’s leadership the sessions, with
the aid of interpreters, resulted in a better understanding of the legal system and greater
interaction between the African communities and the service delivery agencies involved.
The sessions led to more successful integration and effective communication channels
between all stakeholders in attendance.
6. In 2008 the Commission conducted an operational review of the Ethnic Affairs Priorities
Statement (EAPS). EAPS has for 26 years been the principal system of multicultural
governance in the New South Wales public sector. The review found that the program
has no parallel, even in states, provinces or countries with some comparable form of
multicultural legislation. The review also found that it was timely to revitalize the
program, by simplifying procedures and drawing it closer to the current public sector
operating environment. The program will be re-launched with a new name and suite of
resources in 2009.
7. In 2008, the Commission with the close oversight of the Chairperson launched the
LanguageLink service. The LanguageLink facility enables the full range of translation
services to be conducted online from start to inish - from booking, acceptance by the translator, submission to the Commission, invoicing and payment to the translator.
This facility enables prompt processing of requests for translations within 24 hours of
request. LanguageLink has provided greater eficiency for customer service staff and is now used by the Supreme Court and most Local and District Courts.
8. The Commission successfully organised three events during World Youth Day 2008;
the Premier’s Reception for cardinals, bishops, non-Christian religious leaders, youth
and community leaders, a Multifaith prayer event and a Did You Know? exhibition on
migration heritage in NSW. The Commission hosted the Multifaith prayer event for global
peace and social justice at MacLaurin Hall, Sydney University with the Chairperson
giving the opening address. The event provided an opportunity for World Youth Day
delegates and young people from different faiths to connect, make friendships and join
in multifaith prayers.
9. The Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils continued to play an important role
in the relationship between the government and the community by identifying and
addressing major issues of concern in NSW. The meetings brought together community
and government representatives to discuss and address issues of concern to people from
non-English speaking backgrounds. The Regional Advisory Councils demonstrated the
capacity to highlight the particular needs of multicultural communities and to effectively
share and distribute information relating to the policies that affect them, as well as
promoting the programs and services available to people throughout regional NSW.
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10. During 2008 the Commission actively consulted with ethnic and religious leaders,
members of the public and communities regarding a shortage of burial space in the
Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. The availability of affordable burial space is of
concern to a large number of communities in the Sydney region, particularly the Muslim
community. A number of meetings discussed various alternatives for the use and re-use
of burial space to address concerns from community representatives.
11. The Chairperson attended and participated in hundreds of community meetings, events
and functions throughout the year.
audited financial statements
Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW
Statement by Auditor-General 64Statement by Department Head 65Financial statements 66Summary of significant accounting policies 74
Office of the Community Relations Commission
Statement by Auditor-General 97Statement by Department Head 99Financial statements 100Summary of significant accounting policies 104
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statement of affairs
Structure and functions 112 Effect of the Commission’s functions on members of the public 117
Arrangements for public participation in policy formulation 118
Description of the types of documents held by the Commission 118
Access, arrangements, procedures and points of contact 119
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Statement of Affairs
1. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS
THIS STATEMENT was prepared in pursuance of Section 14 (1) (a) of the Freedom of Information
Act, 1989. Its aim is to provide an overview of the activities of the Community Relations
Commission For a multicultural NSW and to provide to the public or clients of the Commission an
indication of when Freedom of Information (FOI) procedures may, or need not, be necessary.
Establishment
The Community Relations Commission was established in terms of the Community Relations
Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 and commenced operation on 13 March
2001.
The Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 provides for
the appointment by the Governor of up to eleven Commissioners. The Commission consisted of
one full-time Chairperson, one part-time Deputy Chairperson, and nine part-time Commissioners.
Commissioners are appointed on the basis of their qualiications, experience, knowledge and sensitivity to multicultural issues.
The Community Relations Commission is responsible for promoting community harmony, participation and access to services so that the contribution of cultural diversity to New South
Wales is recognised and celebrated.
Organisation
In order to carry out the functions prescribed under the Community Relations Commission and
Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000, the Commission operates as an administrative ofice under the Public Sector Management Act. Its structure includes: Community Relations Service, Government Relations Service, Regional Services, Business Services, Language Services and Financial and Corporate Services.
In addition, section 20 of the Act allows for the establishment of committees of commissioners
or commissioners and other persons as required to assist the Commission to carry out its
functions.
For the inancial year ended 30 June 2009 the Commission’s total expenses were $18.5 million. This was funded by total government contributions of $13.0 million, and user charges and other revenue of $5.5 million. The Commission’s operating expenses comprised $14.1 million for employee-related costs and $2.5 million in other operating expenses.
In the 2008/09 inancial year the Commission had a budget of $1.6 million for grants.
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Advisory committees and sub-committees
Refer also to the diagram Organisational Structure – Boards and Committees.
Regional Advisory Councils
The Commission operates ten Regional Advisory Councils to enable enhanced community input into policy formulation and community comment on prevailing regional issues. They are convened by part-time commissioners and their recommendations are brought to the attention of the Commission.
Structure and Activities of the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW
Refer also to the diagram Organisation Structure – Functional.
n Business Services
Business Services manages and controls the linkages between the Commission’s knowledge base, technological system and infrastructure and organisational performance. It undertakes strategic policy development and planning, promotes innovative initiatives and implements performance management and reporting. Its functions and responsibilities include:
• corporate and strategic planning
• performance management, training, and compliance reporting
• quality management
• information, records, data and knowledge management
program management and administration (funding and language testing)
• project management
• electronic business
• secretariat support
• National Multicultural Marketing Awards
• ethnic media reporting
• public affairs and publications.
n Community Relations Service
The Community Relations Service promotes the development and implementation of community
relations policies across the spectrum of government activities, as outlined in the Community
Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000.
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The Community Relations Service develops model projects with communities and partnership
organisations based on the goals of the Act.
n Executive Services
Executive Services works in collaboration with the Chairperson to manage communication with Ministerial ofices and oversees the preparation of a range of ministerial brieings and consultation forums. It also conducts a range of special projects and advises on partnership opportunities that carry forward the work of the Commission and government policy, particularly in relation to the State Plan.
n Financial and Corporate Services
The Financial and Corporate Services Division comprises the inance, human resources and accommodation units. Responsibilities include:
• budgeting and control
• inancial management and reporting
• risk management and the coordination of internal audit
• procurement
• asset management including insurance
• accommodation and security functions of the Commission
• human resources and industrial relations services
• information communications and technology
n Government Relations Service
Through the Multicultural Policies and Services Program (formerly Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement or EAPS), the Government Relations unit implements the Commission’s legislated responsibility to assist and assess public authorities in observing the Principles of Multiculturalism. It also prepares policy advice and correspondence as required, and brieings and speech notes for the Minister, the Premier or their representatives when attending community events.
n Language Services
Language Services provides comprehensive interpreting and translation services throughout NSW in over 85 languages and dialects including Auslan in order to facilitate equal participation and access to government services within a multicultural NSW.
The Community Relations Commission employs over 650 professionally recognised and accredited casual interpreters/translators. Services are available to all Government departments,
agencies, private and commercial organisations, community groups and individuals. Services are provided primarily on a user-pays basis, with exemption granted on a needs basis. Language Services provides:
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• access to interpreters 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the cost of a local call on 1300 651 500
• counter service for translations, open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in Sydney CBD. Regional ofices are available in Wollongong and Newcastle
• TTY (telephone typewriter) number 8255 6758
• electronic transactions via LanguageLink
• communication with casual panellists via LanguageLink
• booking an interpreter on-line.
n Regional Services
This division coordinates and manages ten Regional Advisory Councils which cover the Albury, Central West, Grifith, Hornsby and Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Macarthur-Liverpool, Nepean-Blacktown, New England and Northern regions.
The councils assist the Commission in its interaction with people representing the multicultural community in rural and regional areas. The councils advise on matters affecting their speciic regions of the state. Membership of the councils comprises relevant local and regional government agencies and individuals to relect the diversity of each region.
Regional Relations Service develops strategies and works in partnership with local community organisations and government agencies to address identiied regional issues. This division keeps the Commission informed of any regional developments.
Planning mechanisms
The following planning mechanisms are in place for the Community Relations Commission:
• the 2007-2012 Corporate Plan identiies the goals of the Commission and outlines strategies to ensure the achievement of the corporate objectives and the relevance to the Government’s community relations objectives articulated in the Community Relations
Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 and the White Paper Cultural
Harmony, The Next Decade 2002-2012
• the Results and Services Plan provides a summary of the corporate objectives for
service delivery. The Commission reviews the plan annually to ensure alignment of the Commission’s priorities and targets with the State Plan
• strategic plans provide direction and a consistent focus in key areas of management including risk, information and communication technology, information and records and business operations
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• each division develops an operational plan to ensure corporate objectives are achieved.
The plans demonstrate how corporate strategies are to be implemented.
• meetings of the Commission are convened monthly, or more often if required, to determine policy and priorities
• weekly meetings of senior executive staff play a major role in planning the day to day activities of the Commission
• the White Paper, Cultural Harmony, The Next Decade 2002 - 2012 contains the Community Relations Plan of Action 2012. The White Paper sets the directions for
community relations and the implementation of the Principles of Multiculturalism by
NSW Government agencies until 2012.
The Plan of Action 2012 contains the four key objectives which low from the principles of multiculturalism and articulate the Government’s aims and the results expected from Government agencies. Key objectives are:
• leadership
• community harmony
• access and equity within a framework of social justice obligations
• economic and cultural opportunities.
To ensure the timely and eficient implementation of the Community Relations Action Plan 2012, the Government requires key agencies to provide their Multicultural Policies and Services Program to the Commission. Each Multicultural Policies and Services Program will indicate the recent achievements of the agency in implementing key objectives, as well as foreshadowing the initiatives that will be undertaken.
To ensure that Multicultural Plans are publicly accessible and fully implemented into the core
business of all NSW government agencies, the Government requires that all NSW agencies, except those with 200 or fewer equivalent full-time staff, provide in their annual reports a statement of Multicultural Policies and Services achievements and foreshadowed activities for
the following year. Agencies with 200 or fewer equivalent full-time staff will be required to report on a three yearly cycle.
Furthermore, the Commission is required to annually produce a report to Parliament on the state
of community relations in New South Wales.
• an annual community relations symposium is the major consultative event on the NSW
multicultural calendar. The Commission organises symposia as part of its legislative responsibility to consult systematically and widely with the people of New South
Wales.
The symposia invite participation from key community organisations in rural, regional and metropolitan NSW.
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Criteria for measuring the Commission’s performance
The Commission is sensitive to community response to its policy decisions. Community Relations
Service staff provide information on community reaction.
The corporate plan outlines goals and strategies of the Commission for the period from 2007 to 2012. The annual report provides feedback against the corporate plan using pre-determined performance indicators.
The Results and Services Plan reports key performance in service delivery. The plan provides measures and costing for each service group. It forms part of the annual budget submission of the Commission.
In the interests of customer service, the Commission has in place mechanisms to monitor
performance in meeting customer expectations.
Language Services monitors standards for translation and interpreting by meeting with and networking closely with major clients. This provides a clear indication of customer needs and satisfaction with services. Language Services also actively recruits interpreters/translators in rare and emerging languages.
The Commission’s MediaLink ethnic press reporting service provides feedback on community views and reaction to programs and other initiatives.
Funding assistance to community organisations is provided by the Commission through the Community Development Grants Program. All grant recipients enter into a funding agreement with the Commission. Part of the acquittal process for community development projects is the
submission of completed Service Providers Survey and Client Survey forms. These are compiled
and a report is provided to the Commission during the planning process. Funded organisations are also required to submit a inancial and written project report.
2. EFFECT OF THE COMMISSION’S FUNCTIONS ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The Commission’s functions affect the public in the following ways:
• the provision of interpreter and translation services has immediate beneit for non-English speaking clients of the Commission both in personal matters and in their dealings with government departments
• community relations policies and programs in the NSW public sector are based on the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 which
incorporates four principles of multiculturalism and makes chief executive oficers of public sector agencies responsible for the implementation of the principles
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• the Act seeks to ensure that the public sector is responsive to the needs of, and the opportunities created by, a culturally diverse society
• the Commission’s community relations programs are an avenue for bringing the needs of community groups to the attention of the government
• the Commission accepts submissions on matters relating to community relations, and is prepared to examine them in the context of Government policy.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN POLICY FORMULATION
The Commission welcomes the comments of the public on issues relating to community relations and service delivery. This is achieved through the activities of its Regional Advisory Councils, the conduct of seminars and forums, and the distribution of documents for public discussion.
Community members of Regional Advisory Councils are appointed for three years.
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE TYPES OF DOCUMENTS HELD BY THE COMMISSION
Commission reports and publications are available on a range of matters such as religious development in NSW, and the keynote address by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO, Governor of New South Wales.
A full list of Commission publications is available from the Commission’s website at www.crc.nsw.gov.au.
A. The following documents are held at the Commission or on its website and are available free of charge:
• policy documents and guidelines on the Commission’s programs
• Green Paper, Cultural Harmony, The Next Decade 2002-2012
• Corporate Plan 2007-2012
• annual reports
• guidelines on exemptions from payment for language services
• guidelines on the operation of Regional Advisory Councils
• policy documents and management plan on the protection of privacy and personal information
• White Paper Cultural Harmony, The Next Decade 2002 - 2012
• The People of NSW Statistics from the 2006 Census
• Community Relations Report 2008.
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B. The following documents are not normally available for public inspection:
• departmental iles and records which include correspondence and ile notes in respect of all of the Commission’s operations
• agendas and minutes of Commission meetings
• departmental iles on of staff recruitment, staff training, and staff members’ personal iles and information
• departmental files on grant and web hosting applications, and assessments of applications
• departmental iles on commercial transactions
• background notes on ethnic community groups
• documentation on requests for translations
• documentation on interpreting assignments.
Information is stored at the Commission’s ofices as either traditional paper iles or computer records.
5. ACCESS, ARRANGEMENTS, PROCEDURES AND POINTS OF CONTACT
The documents listed under part A are available from the Commission’s website at www.crc.nsw.gov.au.
If access to documents listed under part B is required in the context of the Freedom of Information legislation, an approach should be made to the Freedom of Information Oficer at level 8, 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. The telephone number is (02) 8255 6767 during the same hours of business on weekdays.
Charges for access to the documents are in accordance with the guidelines established by the Freedom of Information manual:
Nature of application Application fee Processing charge
Access to records by natural persons $301 $30perhourafterirsttwentyhours1
about their personal affairs.
All other requests $301 $30 per hour *
Internalreview3 $401, 2 Nil
Amendment of records Nil2 Nil
1 subjectto50%reductionforinancialhardshipandpublicinterestreasons.PensionersholdingaHealthBeneitscardaswellasthoseapplicantswithanincomewhoareconsideredtobeunderinancialhardshipareentitledtotherebate.
2 refundsmayapplyasaresultofsuccessfulinternalreviewsandsuccessfulapplicationsforamendmentofrecords.3 applicationfeeswillnotbechargedforinternalreviewsinrelationtoamendmentofrecords.
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Access to information
During the reporting year one request was received for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act 1989. This is the same as for 2007/08.
In 2008/09, FOI procedures had no signiicant impact on administration. No major issues or problems arose and there were no inquiries to the Ombudsman or appeals to the District
Court.
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appendices
Appendix 1 – Management overview 2008/09 122
Appendix 2 – Multicultural Policies and Services Program 126
Appendix 3 – Representation of staff on committees 133
Appendix 4 – Membership of Regional Advisory Councils 136
Appendix 5 – Language Services statistical information 138
Appendix 6 – Grants awarded in 2008/09 140
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APPENDIX 1
Management overview 2008/09
Accommodation services
The Accommodation Services unit is responsible for procurement, stores, facilities, energy and
waste management, maintenance acquisition and disposal of ixed assets. Refurbishments, it-outs and building maintenance are also monitored and coordinated by this unit.
The Accommodation Services unit is responsible for ensuring the Commission’s compliance
with various regulatory and social objectives. In particular the unit prepares and monitors the Commission’s performance in respect of:
• asset management plan
• ofice accommodation strategy
• procurement plan
• WRAPP – waste reduction and purchasing plan
The Commission leases three leet vehicles which are used for oficial business travel by staff and Commissioners. One of these vehicles is a hybrid electric-fuel powered vehicle to ensure that the Commission leads by example in its social and environmental responsibilities.
Corporate credit cards
The Commission implemented a procurement card policy which is conducted in line with
Treasury guidelines.
Disability plan
The Commission has reviewed and updated its Disability Action Plan for 2009-2011 via a consultative process with each of the various divisions of the Commission. A Disability Action Plan has been developed using guidelines issued by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and also in consultation with the Disability Action Planning Unit. The Commission has formulated targets in each of the outcome areas stipulated in the plan and
fully supports the opportunity to plan for inclusive services that also meet the needs of those
with a disability.
Disclosure of controlled entities
The Community Relations Commission does not control entities as described in section 45A (1A) of the Public Finance and Audit Act, 1983.
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Energy performance
The Community Relations Commission is committed to achieving savings in energy usage and sustained energy management principles. The Commission has ofices at two sites which purchase electricity in the contestable market. The two sites currently purchase 6 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. The continued purchase of electricity in the contestable market has lowered costs. A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions has been achieved by consumption of green power for the last six years.
Planning
Accountability and responsibility for energy management has been established by the nomination
of an Energy Manager and Energy Coordinator.
Where costs are effectively feasible, the Commission will endeavour to continue to reduce
energy consumption in buildings and transport. The Commission has already achieved the GEMP energy reduction target by 15 percent of the 1995 level in 2001 (excluding leet data). An energy management plan has been completed and identiies energy consumption reduction targets and includes the strategies for all facilities.
Implementation
The Energy Management Plan has established a plan of implementation to enable energy savings to be enhanced. The plan addresses facilities or technologies with the greatest saving potential. The plan has identiied suitable funding options to enable energy saving recommendations to be implemented.
Future direction
The Energy Management Plan includes the Commission’s policy directions, monitoring, targeting and reporting mechanisms and energy management strategies. These directions, mechanisms and strategies will be implemented during 2008/09 where possible.
Exceptional movements in employee wages, salary and allowances
There was a substantial revaluation of Long Service Leave entitlements during the inancial year initiated by NSW Treasury which are relected in both employee related expenses and in the acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee beneits and other liabilities line items in the inancial statements.
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Implementation of price determinations
During the year there were no price determinations which had a signiicant effect on the operation of the Community Relations Commission.
Internal audit and risk management
In May 2007 the Commission requested an enterprise-wide risk assessment which was facilitated by the Commission’s internal auditors, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
The assessment assisted the Commission to identify, evaluate and better manage strategic
and operational risks that may be impediments to achieving its objectives as articulated in the
Results and Services and Corporate Plans. The assessment was also used to develop a three year Strategic Internal Audit Plan.
As part of the Commission’s current Strategic Internal Audit Plan, three reviews were conducted during 2008/09:
• Language services
• Systems maintenance review of LanguageLink
• Grants administration and processing.
Land disposal
In respect of the reporting period, the Community Relations Commission did not hold, sell or acquire land.
Human Resources - Number of staff by division
* Total number of resources available
Location 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Executive 2 2 3 7
Community Relations Service 10 11 7 5
Financial and Corporate Services 10 11 11 14
BusinessServices 16 19 18 12
Language Services 25 25 22 24
Regional Relations Service 5 5 5 6
Government Relations Service 6 5 6 7
TOTALS 74 78 72 75
Panel of interpreters and translators* 601 395 672 547
Equivalent full-time 52 75
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Major assets acquired in 2008/09
Asset Cost Written down value $ $
Switch Fiber IBM Total Storage 5,733 5,044
Switch Fiber IBM Total Storage 5,733 5,044
IBM Server 3650 7,197 5,008
IBM Data Storage 12,526 8,716
IBM Server 20,657 14,374
Kyocera Photocopier 8,408 8,017
TRIM upgrade 9,000 8,852
Server Licence 20,310 13,707
Airfox Firewall Project 9,534 7,225
Major assets
The list of major assets is shown in the following table. For the purpose of this annual report, a major asset is an item with a written down value of over $5,000 on 30 June 2009.
Overseas visits
The Commission did not participate in any overseas visits during 2008/09.
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APPENDIX 2
Multicultural Policies and Services Program (MPSP)
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing and as required
Corporateplan objective
Standardsframeworkactivity area
EAPS standardsframeworkcriteria
Performanceindicator
Timeframe Outcomes
1.2
1.3
2.1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3
EAPS SF A.4.3: Ethnic affairs issues are a key feature of monitoring and evaluation processes
EAPS SF A.3.1: Corporate plan has ‘cultural diversity’ as feature of service environment
EAPS SF A.2.2: Collect data on client requirements for language assistance
EAPS SF B.3.1: Organise planned consultations with ethnic communities and clients
Planning and evaluation
Planning and evaluation
Planning and evaluation
Program and service delivery
In 2009, the Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) program was renamed as the Multicultural Policies and Services Program (MPSP), and a revised Multicultural Planning Framework replaced the former EAPS Standards Framework. The Multicultural Planning Framework is linked to the Commission’s Corporate Plan 2007-12.
Advice on multicultural issues provided to the NSW Government
MPSP Forward Plan 2007–12 linked to Corporate Plan
Data collected and analysed on usage of language services
Major consultations include:•Communityrelations
symposium•Youthleaders’day•MPSPconsultations•Premier’scommunity
round table conferences•Premier’sethnicmediabrieings
•Internationalstudentsforums
•Otherconsultationsasrequired
•ActivelypromotesthePrinciplesof Multiculturalism within the NSW Government, through the provision of expert advice on a wide range of multicultural issues.
•EAPSincludedasastandingitemat monthly Commission meetings
•MPSPForwordPlanlinkedto2007-12 Corporate Plan.
•Asubstantialrecruitmentdrivefor translators and interpreters took place during April/May 2009. Forty-three new panellists attended an orientation induction day and joined the casual panel.
•Thecontinuedoperationandfunctioning of Cabramatta CityWatch was handed over to the NSW Police Force
•EAPSconsultationsheldwithkey and non- key agencies, feeding into the review of EAPS in accordance with White Paper requirements
•Feedbackfromfourpilotagenciesincorporated into revised EAPS standards framework (now Multicultural Planning Framework)
•RegionalAdvisoryCouncilscontinued to consult with ethnic communities across NSW. This included targeted consultations with Bhutanese and African communities
•Regularconsultationswiththenon-government organisation settlement services sector in informed policy development
•Participationinfestivalsandevents
•Premier’sroundtableconferences with the Chinese community leaders (26 May)
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Corporateplan objective
Standardsframeworkactivity area
EAPS standardsframeworkcriteria
PerformanceIndicator
Timeframe Outcomes
1.1, 1.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3, 5.4,6.2
Program and service delivery
EAPS SF B.3.3: Use the outcomes of data analysis and research in the design and evaluation of services
Develop programs and services which are appropriate to the needs of the community
Ongoing and as required
•Premier’sroundtableconferencewith Indian community leaders (5 June)
•Premier’sbrieingforethnicmediaeditors and journalists (8 April)
•Forumforinternationalstudentsfromthe Indian sub-continent (18 June)
•Organisedaseriesofconsultationswith Indian community leaders and students regarding issues faced by overseas students.
Major achievements (also refer to body of this annual report) are as follows:
•Engagedwithlocalgovernment,community and government stakeholders regarding a number of development issues involving the Islamic community
•ContinuedtosupporttheNSWCouncilforPaciicCommunities
•StreetFestivalswereheldinClarence Valley, Dubbo, Penrith, Waverley, and Wollongong
•CommunityLanguageAllowanceScheme (CLAS) examinations conducted
•CommuniLink–web-hostingprovided for ethnic communities
•NationalMulticulturalMarketingAwards program
•MediaLinkethnicmediareportingservice made available to government and private agencies
•EmailLinkservicedeliveryof messages direct to ethnic communities via email using the contacts database
• ImplementingthePrinciplesofMulticulturalismLocally:AplanningframeworkforCouncils promoted to Councils and international delegations as a model of good practice
•CommunityDevelopmentGrantsProgram
•Commission’sawardsintheartsforworks which promote cross-cultural understanding and community harmony
•Premier’sChineseCommunityAwards
•Commission’sAwardsforvolunteering
•WorldYouthDay2008activities•ContinuedtosupportAUSMUS
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Corporateplan objective
Standardsframeworkactivity area
EAPS standardsframeworkcriteria
PerformanceIndicator
Timeframe Outcomes
1.3, 4.2, 5.3, 5.4
Program and service delivery
EAPS SF B.4.1: Has in place participation forums which contribute to the design and implementation of program and service delivery
Projects are implemented and stated project goals
Ongoing
•Establishedaresourcelistofrespected community members to assist the NSW Police Force and the Department of Juvenile Justice todeliverprovisionsoftheYoungOffenders Act
• Implementedrecommendationsof the UNSW 25YearsofEAPS:ReviewofEAPSOperation
•Developedandhostedamulticultural marketing conference
•AustralianResearchCouncilpartnership with Football United for the SocialCohesionthroughFootball project (March 2009).
Participation forums include:•CommunityrelationsYouthLeaders’
Day•Communityrelationssymposium•RegionalAdvisoryCouncils•MulticulturalYouthNetwork•SettlementServicesCoalition•ConveningtheNSWGovernment
Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee
•EAPSforaforNSWgovernmentagencies, highlighting good practice in the design and delivery of multicultural programs and services
•NSWgovernmentagenciesparticipate in the design and pilot of a suite of resources to assist other agencies to develop and deliver a range of programs and services to culturally diverse communities.
•Allpositiondescriptions,staffselection training and recruitment and selection guidelines include a reference to EAPS
•PositiondescriptionsforCommission managers include an essential criterion on implementation of the principles of multiculturalism.
•TheCommissionhas18oficersreceiving a CLAS allowance, with information available to staff on the common directory.
7.2
3.1, 7.2
Stafing
Stafingandcommunicationareas
EAPS SF C.3.1: Include ethnic affairs requirements in all relevant position descriptions, staff selection training and recruitment and selection guidelines
EAPS SF C.3.3 and D2.2: Make information available about languages spoken by Community Language Allowance Scheme (CLAS)oficers
EAPS requirements in relevant position descriptions of the community
Information about the languages spoken by CLASoficersisavailable
Ongoing
Ongoing
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Corporateplan objective
Standardsframeworkactivity area
EAPS standardsframeworkcriteria
PerformanceIndicator
Timeframe Outcomes
1.2, 2.1, 5.3, 6.1
2.1, 3.2
5.1, 5.4
3.1, 6.1
EAPS SF D.2.1 and D.2.4: Translate documents based on ABS data, using accredited translators
EAPS SF 2.3 and 3.3: Use professional interpreters
EAPS E.2.1 and D.3.1: Advise ethnic communities about funded services through advertising in English and community languages
EAPS E.2.2 and E.3.4: Collect relevant ethnicity data to inform funding decisions
Information provided to communities is appropriate and accurate
All current account customers can book an interpreter online.Only NAATI accredited interpreters, where accreditation exists, are recruited in the casual panel of interpreters
Place information on funded services in English language press, as well as into community languages selected according to information on clients
Use ABS data and other data to identify priority needs groups under the funding program
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
•TheCommissionoffersarangeoftranslated information, including a brochure in community languages advising on how to respond to phone, letter or parcel bomb threats, as well as information on translation fees and fee exemption.
• LanguageLinkenablesarangeof translation and interpreter requests to be conducted online. All customers with an account can book interpreter requests online andwillreceiveemailconirmationwith details
• LanguageLinkcontinuestosupportthe goals of the Commission by providing an online booking, monitoring and semi-automated worklowprocessingsystemfor interpreting and translating requests
•Currentaccountcustomerscanbook interpreter requests and monitortherequestsuntilinalised
•LanguageLinkprovidesforanelectronic communication channel between customers, interpreters/translators and the Commission.
• InformationontheCommunityDevelopment Grants program translated into 18 community languages and published in mainstream, regional and ethnic newspapers.
•ThePeopleofNewSouthWalesis available on the website, and is promoted to all NSW government agencies to assist in planning of agency programs and services. ABS data analyses and informs policy advice, submissions and decision-making on multicultural policy to NSW Government.
Communication
Communication
Funded services
Funded services
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Community Relations Commission – Multicultural Policies and Services Program Forward Plan 2009/10
MulticulturalPlanningFramework Outcomes
Activities Performance Measures
Timeframes Responsibilities
Outcome 1: Planning
Developing a multicultural plan for 2011 and 2012 (A.1.1)
Corporate Plan 2007 – 2012 is linked to the MPSP Plan (A.1.2)
Language Services analyses client demand data to plan staff recruitment and service provision (A.1.3)
Considers issues raised through its Regional Advisory Councils, yearly Symposium,YouthLeaders’Dayandother ethnic community forums (A.1.5)
Language Services has in place a client complaints mechanism (A.2.5)
Staff represent the Commission on government and community committees and inter-agencies (A.1.6)
The Board of Commissioners maintains a watching brief over the implementation of the Multicultural Plan (B.2.1)
Chairperson addresses conferences, forums and the media on key cultural diversity issues (B.2.1)
Chairperson initiates actions which bring together the community, government or other stakeholders to resolve critical community issues (B.2.1)
Language and cultural diversity experience/skills of staff, other than interpreters and translators, are identiiedandCLASisimplemented(B.1.3 & B.1.4)
Casual interpreters have training opportunities to refresh or further develop their skills (B.1.5)
Plan is developed and implemented
MPSP is linked to the Corporate Plan
Client demand data has determined recruitment of staff to provide service in high demand or rare languages and through casual and internal interpreter panels
Actions taken on issues raised through Regional Advisory Councils and forums,July 2009 – 2010
Number of complaints in English or LOTE that have been received and actioned in the reporting year
Government and non-government committees with Commission representation
Number of times multicultural plan implementation issues are considered in Commissioners’ monthly meetings
Conference and other public and media engagements undertaken in reporting year
Cultural diversity and community relations issues addressed and improved/resolved through intervention,in reporting year
NumberofoficersreceivingCLAS allowance in reporting year
Number of interpreters who have taken part in training in the reporting year.
By end June 2010
OngoingFor review in 2012
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Director, Community Relations Service
Director, Community Relations Service
Director, Language Services
Chairperson,Director, Regional Services andDirector, Community Relations Service
Director, Language Services
Chairperson,Divisional Directors
Chairperson
Chairperson
Chairperson
Divisional Directors
Director,Language Services
Outcome 2: Consultation and feedback
Outcome 3: Leadership
Outcome 4: Human Resources
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MulticulturalPlanningFramework Outcomes
Activities Performance Measures
Timeframes Responsibilities
Number of interpreting and translating assignments and languages serviced in the reporting year
Number of languages information sheets/fact sheets translated
Occasions of TIS use in the reporting year
Number of interpreter use of fact sheets through website hits in the reporting year
Increase in the number of grant applications in the expanded range of categories (Generall, Sponsorship, LocalPartnership)
i) Occasions of MPSP assistance provided to NSW agencies and local councils in the reporting year
ii) Recommendations from the March 2009 EAPS Review implemented in the reporting year
Occasions of policy/ ethnic community/community relations/media advice provided in a timely manner during the reporting year
Equipment available and occasions of video-conferencing equipment used in the reporting year
Equipment available and occasions of use in the reporting year
Increase in number of service users during reporting year
Increase in number of service users during the reporting year
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Outcome 5: Access and Equity
Provision of a 24 hour interpreter service across New South Wales and a translation service in 85 languages. Language services information is publicised in English (C.2.1)
Provision of written information at the counter in LOTE on interpreter and translator services (C.2.1)
Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) is used to provide information at the Language Services counter (C.1.2)
Provision of information facts sheets on how to use interpreters for government agencies and the public (C.1.2)
Managing the Community Development Grants Program where grants are advertised in the mainstream, local and non English language newspapers (C.1.3)
Assisting NSW government and local councils to implement the principles of multiculturalism through the MPSP by providing advice, doing assessments and developing resources (C.1.1)
Advice provided to the Minister and government on cultural diversity and community relations issues (C.1.1)
Utilising video-conferencing facilities to provide interpreting, particularly in the regional areas (C.1.5)
Provision of transmitters for Court interpreting (C.1.5)
Managing the EmailLink service to enable public and private and public agencies to link with culturally diverse societies (C.1.5)
Managing the MediaLink reporting service to enable monitoring by English language agencies of non-English language media (C.1.5)
Director, Language Services
Director, Language Services
Director, Language Services
Director,Language Services
Director,Business Services
Director,Government Relations Service
Chairperson,Commissioners,Divisional Directors
Director, Language Services
Director,Language Services
Director,Business Services
Director,Business Services
Outcome 6: Communication
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MulticulturalPlanningFramework Outcomes
Activities Performance Measures
Timeframes Responsibilities
Ongoing
Ongoing
Director, Community RelationsService
Director,Community RelationsService andDirector,Regional Services
Outcome 7: Social and Economic Development
Administering Awards to give recognition to contribution of people from culturally diverse backgrounds and/or agencies servicing cultural diversity (C.I.6)
Promoting community interaction activities and build partnerships with ethnic groups to assist community relations and settlement or people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Number of nominations received and awards presented in the reporting year
Activities and partnership projects undertaken with ethnicgroups and the broader community in the metropolitan and regional areas
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The commission was represented by staff on the following committees:
Business Services
Marte Tagle
• Emergency Management Australia CALD Reference Group
• FOI/Privacy Practitioners’ Network
• Records Manager’s Forum
Community Relations Service
Richard Acheson
• Camden Community Focus Group
• Commonwealth/State Working Party on Skilled Migration
• Commission Settlement Services Coalition
• Joint State, Territory and Commonwealth Research Advisory Committee for the Australian Population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program
• NSW Government Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee
• Overseas Nurses Report Implementation Committee
• Redfern-Waterloo Interdepartmental Senior Oficer’s Group
• Refugee Review Tribunal Liaison Committee
Malcolm Haddon (July – November 2008)
• Commission Settlement Services Coalition (Secretariat)
• NSW Government Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee (Secretariat)
• Overseas Nurses Report Implementation Committee (Secretariat)
Vanessa Whittington (May – June 2009)
• Commission Settlement Services Coalition (Secretariat)
• NSW Government Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee (Secretariat)
• Overseas Nurses Report Implementation Committee (Secretariat)
APPENDIX 3
Representation of staff on committees
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Thida Yang (December 2008 – May 2009)
• Commission Settlement Services Coalition (Secretariat)
• NSW Government Immigration and Settlement Planning Committee (Secretariat)
• Overseas Nurses Report Implementation Committee (Secretariat)
Executive Services
Patricia Giannotto
• State Plan R4 Volunteering Senior Oficers Group
Financial and Corporate Services
Hakan Harman
• Justice Sector Information Exchange Coordination Committee
• Muslim Cemetery Trust – Rookwood Cemetery
Government Relations Service
Steffanie von Helle
• Housing and Human Services Senior Oficer’s Group
• Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care Expert Multicultural Advisory Group
• Social Inclusion and Vocational Access Advisory Group
Peter Reynolds
• DEEWR/FAHCSIA/Centrelink Multicultural Advisory Forum (Commonwealth)
• Department of Ageing Disability & Home Care Planning for Later Life Forum
• Department of Community Services State Disaster Recovery Committee
• Department of Education and Training Advisory Group on Multicultural Education and Training
Nadia Castronuovo
• Consumer Trading and Tenancy Tribunal Forum
Gosia Dybka
• Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care Expert Advisory on Cultural Diversity
• Department of Community Services Ethnic Affairs Advisory Group
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Language Services
Ann Groth
• Attorney General’s Department Interpreter and Translator Services Review Reference Group
• Cross Justice Agency Video Conferencing Steering Committee
• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) NSW Regional Advisory Council
• University of New South Wales Interpreting and Translating Programs Advisory Committee.
Regional Services
Fadel Benhima
Albury – Wodonga Immigration Settlement Planning Committee
• Riverina Immigration Settlement Planning Committee
Maret Oser-Tamm
• Multicultural Reference Group, Wollongong City Council
• Cultural Diversity Steering Group, Wollongong City Council
Rosie Smith
• Central Coast Multicultural Interagency
• Hunter Multicultural Interagency
• Hunter Refugee Network
• Hunter New England Health Multicultural Advisory Committee
Jacqueline Sergeant
• Blacktown Mt Druitt Migrant Interagency
• Blacktown Emerging Communities Action Plan
• Liverpool Migrant and Refugee Network
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APPENDIX 4
Membership of Regional Advisory Councils
Albury Regional Advisory Council
Wajiha Ahmed (Chairperson)
Jill Allen
Graeme Clarke*
Gary Commins*
Colin English
Sima Golshan
Stephanie Jakovac
George Lekakis*
Susan MacDonald
Allan Mason*
Cassie McAnanly
Charu Mishra
Catherine O’Connell*
Wendy Rhodes/Mike Evans*
Peter Smith*
Maralee Vogel*
Central West Regional Advisory Council
Katrina Banh (Chairperson)
Peter Bartley*
Phil Foster/Richard Sowden*
Ann Gallagher
Rosemary Hailstone*
Ray Hallinan*
Mir Islam
Christina Johansson
Madhwan Keshwan
Theam-Eng Khoo
Elizabeth Makonnen-Desta
Craig Shields*
Mark Szalajko*
Loami Wilson
Grifith Regional Advisory Council Wajiha Ahmed (Chairperson)
Glenda Brown*
Joe Faleu Futi
Max Garland*
Ken Hampson*
Mohammad Kahloo
Maxine Kirby
Allan Mason*
Michael Neville*
Uate Qasi
Sakina Prasad
Geoff Pellizzer*
Michael Rowan*
Gloria Tappi
Tamara Te Huia
Hornsby and Central Coast Regional Advisory Council
Angelique Vongsaya (Chairperson)
George Bradbury*
Cathy Butler*
Keiko Clements
Mary Dallow*
Danielle Habib
Adah Hodgins
Sean Lonergan/Jillian Meyers-Brittain*
Thomas Mangan*
Wendy McMurdo*
Kian Safaei
Mohammed Talib
Isei Verevakabau
Hunter Regional Advisory Council
Angelique Vongsaya (Chairperson)
Michael Adderley*
Loretta Baker
Abdul Bari
Lynne Cohen*
Tony Cosentino*
Amany George
Ruth Jordan*
Shakila Kader
Mohamed Kamara
Jim McArthur*
Simon Pabek
Suzanne Riley
Ann Smyth*
Kirren Steel*
Murray Webber*
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Illawarra Regional Advisory Council
Michael Christodoulou (Chairperson)
Melissa Abu-Gazaleh
Giovanna Cardamone
Peter De Natris*
Khaled Elhage
Paul Humble*
Ansu Kamara
Terry Leoleos
Jelena Mealy*
David Phipps*
Verica Sajdovska
Kyle Stewart*
Jennifer Thompson*
Nihal Uckan
Clementina Velasco
Macarthur-Liverpool Regional Advisory Council Michael Christodoulou (Chairperson)
Cindy Cagney*
Jim Colvin
Gemma Cooney*
Ian Foscholo*
Ali Karnib*
Angela Manson*
Clement Meru
Ray Palmer*
Joseph Rajab
Lorraine Salloum
Eman Sharobeem
Pallavi Sinha
Nhan Tran*
Karin Vasquez
Gary Worboys*
Nepean-Blacktown Regional Advisory Council Vivian Pak (Chairperson)
Faustino Oja Aboka
Ana Gacis
Jackie Greenow
Daryl Jacobs/ Ivan Baker*
Victor Kollie
Karen McKeown*
Clarissa Mulas*
Muhammad Mushtaq
Juliana Nkrumah
Peter Prants*
Kathryn Williams*
JenniferYoung*
New England Regional Advisory Council
Ezel Jupiter (Chairperson)
Anthony Baxter-Tomkins*
Rod Bayliss*
Sally-Anne Burrows*
Milovan Cikota
Peter Ducat*
Vicki Haworth*
Mathew Lynch*
Angela Lyons
Julie May*
Wendy Mulligan/Joy Harrison*
Cholhok Gum Naam
Patrick O’Connor*
Philip O’Reilly*
John Scott
Kiran Shinde
Rebecca Spence
Helen Swain
Edward Whitham
Northern Regional Advisory Council Gambhir Watts (Chairperson)
Judith Addleton*
Victoria Akek
Roger Atwal
Jason Breton*
Dorothy Burns
Susan Clarke*
Michelle Greenwood*
Robert Hoiles*
Joseph Majambere*
Shauna McIntyre
Phil Meehan*
Bill Wood
*denotes a government member
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APPENDIX 5
Language services statistical information
Total assignments
performed
Total assignments
performed
Language Language
INTERPRETING ASSIGNMENTS 2008/09
ALBANIAN
AMHARIC
ARABIC
ARMENIAN
ASSYRIANAUSLAN
BENGALI / BANGLA
BOSNIAN
BULGARIAN
BURMESE
CHALDEAN
CHINESE
CHINESE-CANTONESE
CHINESE-HOKKIEN
CHINESE-MANDARIN
COOK ISLAND MAORI
CROATIAN
CZECH
DARI
DINKA
DUTCH
FANTI
FIJIAN
FILIPINO
FINNISH
FRENCH
FULFULDE
GERMAN
GREEK
HAZARAGI
HEBREW
HINDI
HINDUSTANI
HUNGARIAN
INDONESIAN
ITALIAN
JAPANESE
KANNADA
KAREN
18
38
3,428
25
333
344
175
48
16
75
28
361
1,062
1
2,931
27
146
12
247
312
2
7
16
138
3
77
7
23
341
25
21
264
88
50
210
177
80
5
2
KHMER
KOREAN
KRIO
KURDISH
KURDISH (SORANI)
LAO
MACEDONIAN
MALAYMALTESE
MONGOLIAN
NEPALESE
OROMO
PERSIAN
PIDGIN ENGLISH
POLISH
PORTUGUESE
PUKAPUKAN
PUNJABI
PUSHTO
ROMANIAN
RUSSIAN
SAMOAN
SERBIAN
SIERRA LEONE
SINHALESE
SLOVAK
SOMALI
SPANISH
SUDANESE ARABIC
SWAHILI
SWEDISH
TAMIL
THAI
TONGAN
TURKISH
TWI
UKRAINIAN
URDU
VIETNAMESE
TOTAL
285
963
66
44
2
74
227
1
26
5
65
3
632
6
127
181
3
185
27
61
359
278
429
8
27
3
36
652
83
22
4
57
336
108
629
46
1
90
3,248
20,562
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TRANSLATION ASSIGNMENTS 2008/09
Total assignments performed
Total number of words
translated
LanguageTotal
assignments performed
Total number of words
translated
Language
AFRIKAANS
ALBANIAN
AMHARIC
ARABIC
ARMENIAN
ASSYRIAN
BENGALI / BANGLA
BIELORUSSIAN
BOSNIAN
BULGARIAN
BURMESE
CHINESE
CROATIAN
CZECH
DANISH
DARI
DINKA
DUTCH
ESTONIAN
FIJIAN
FILIPINO
FINNISH
FRENCH
GERMAN
GREEK
HEBREW
HINDI
HUNGARIAN
INDONESIAN
ITALIAN
JAPANESE
KHMER
2
16
9
3,158
5
1
28
5
58
33
178
8,758
181
191
50
207
1
201
12
1
13
34
1,029
796
305
83
68
98
1,120
546
1,193
73
294
2,567
1,000
417,504
887
5
3,304
842
19,128
5,960
25,612
991,229
56,918
25,140
5,699
22,592
300
24,449
1,700
17
12,190
4,784
134,621
102,824
76,198
10,944
13,570
11,323
123,911
98,044
133,155
9,784
KOREAN
LAO
LATVIAN
LITHUANIAN
MACEDONIAN
MALAY
MALTESE
MONGOLIAN
NEPALESE
NORWEGIAN
PERSIAN
POLISH
PORTUGUESE
PUNJABI
PUSHTO
ROMANIAN
RUSSIAN
SAMOAN
SERBIAN
SINHALESE
SLOVAK
SLOVENE
SPANISH
SWEDISH
TAMIL
THAI
TONGAN
TURKISH
UKRAINIAN
URDU
VIETNAMESE
TOTAL
1,712
18
17
8
142
771
3
32
241
23
782
287
906
9
19
50
483
5
179
29
143
1
1,519
101
15
1,251
1
177
76
37
694
28,184
208,088
2,938
2,545
900
31,009
79,017
300
3,300
24,598
3,092
97,418
39,686
103,400
1,005
2,336
8,723
75,588
2,250
31,057
2,900
16,517
100
230,224
11,634
4,958
142,875
681
34,318
8,813
4,075
164,554
3,675,394
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Organisation and purpose Amount $
The following grants were provided to non-government organisations in the Commission’s 2008/09 Community Development Grants Program and Community Partnership Scheme.
APPENDIX 6
Grants awarded in 2008/09
AfinityInterculturalFoundationPurpose: Sponsorship for the 8th International Interfaith Abraham Conference. $3 000
Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau Purposes: Contribution to employ a worker to assist in the New Kids on the Block project. $18 200 Contribution to provide community development programs for newly-arrived refugees. $43 340
Alex & Eve Pty Limited Purpose: Contribution to assist with the cost of developing a screenplay. $5 500
Amazigh Association of Australia Purpose: Sponsorship for the inaugural festival, 2009. $2 500
Antoine Kazzi Purpose: Sponsorship for the publication of a book “Brilliant Faces”. $3 000
AshieldMunicipalCouncil Purpose: SponsorshipfortheAshieldCarnivalofCultures,2008. $2530
Austral Slovenian Society Tivoli Newcastle Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for an older people’s project. $1 985 Australian Alevi Cultural Centre Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to address the needs of Alevi women. $14 000
Australian Telugu Samithi Inc Purposes: Sponsorship for the Dassera and Deevali festival. $1 000 Sponsorship for the Ugadi and Dassera festivities. $2 000
AustralianAfghanHassanainYouthAssociation Purpose: Sponsorship for the Afghan new year celebrations. $3 000 Australian Druze Charitable Society of NSW Inc Purpose: Contribution to the promotion of assimilation and harmony, and to purchase computer equipment. $8 000
Australian Egyptian Council Forum Inc Purposes: Contribution to the youth leadership program. $9 000 Sponsorship for the Egyptian Cultural and Harmony Day festival. $5 000
Australian Kurdish Association Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist the Kurdish-speaking community in Blacktown. $9 100
Australian Lebanese Association of NSW Purpose: SponsorshipforYouthAwardsNight,2009. $3000
Australian Lebanese Welfare Group Purpose: Contribution towards operating costs. $10 000
Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations Purpose: Sponsorship for the Interfaith Media Forum. $5 000
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Organisation and purpose Amount $
Australian Shanghai Cultural Festival Expo Promotional Week Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for a theatrical performance on the occasion of a year countdown for the World Expo 2010. $5 000
Bangladesh Society for Puja and Culture Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for cultural activities to promote physical and mental health. $3 000
Bankstown City Council Purpose: Sponsorship for Bankstown christmas festival and carols, 2008. $5 500
Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Bathurst Network of Friends - Migrant and Refugee Mentoring program. $9 100
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia Purposes: Sponsorship for the 5th Annual World Culture Concert and Arts festival. $3 500 Sponsorship for the Holi Mahotsav festival of friendship, harmony and colours. $5 000
Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia Purpose: Contribution to cross-cultural awareness and workshops. $8 745
Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre Purpose: Sponsorship for the Sierra Leone Women’s Community Development project. $3 000
Central Coast Ugnay Kabayan (People’s Link) Inc Purpose: SponsorshipforUgnayanKabataanCommunityYouthLeadershipTrainingproject. $3000
Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Cultural Artistic/Craft Workshops and Showcase project. $2 000
Chinese Australian Services Society Co-op Ltd Purpose: Sponsorship for the Community Harmony in Action project. $5 000
Co.As.It Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Community Companionship program. $18 200
Community Connections North Coast Inc Purpose: ContributiontoemployaworkertoassistwiththeLismoreAfricanYouthAccessproject. $18200
Cricket Masala Purpose: Sponsorship for a celebration of cricket, food and culture. $5 000
Croatian Australian Community Council Purposes: Contribution to youth leadership conferences and workshops. $10 000 Sponsorship for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of recognition of the Croatian language in Australia. $3 000
Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand Purposes: Contribution to employ a welfare worker. $9 100 Contribution to employ a youth worker. $9 100
Equatorian Community & Welfare Association ECWA NSW Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Sudanese Leadership and Harmony project. $9 100
Ethiopian Community Association in NSW Inc Purposes: Sponsorship for the Cultural, Harmony and Sports festival. $1 000 Sponsorship for the Cultural Exchange project. $5 000
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Organisation and purpose Amount $
Ethnic Communities Council of Newcastle and Hunter Region Inc Purposes: Contribution to the Community Capacity Building, Engagement and Collaboration project. $77 500 SponsorshipfortheoficialopeningoftheDiversityLearningandCommunityCentre. $2000
Ethnic Communities Council of NSW Purpose: Contributiontoemployanexecutiveoficer. $83000
Evolveris Purpose: Contribution to the project Local Heroes: Recognising resilience by using stories of survival from Sudan to catalyse innovation and communication. $10 000
Federation of African Communities Council Purpose: Contribution to the African Family Day event. $1 000
Feza Foundation Purpose: Sponsorship for the annual Qurban Festival, 2008. $2 000
Filipino Community Organisation of Northern Rivers Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the promotion and development of the Filipino culture. $5 000
Football United Purpose: SponsorshipfortheYoungWomen’sDevelopmentProgramandLeadershipProgram. $11500
Friends of STARTTS Purposes: ContributiontoemployaworkertoassistwiththeCoffsHarbourYouthLeadershipproject. $9100 Sponsorship for a Love, Peace, Unity and Togetherness dinner. $ 500
Global Filipinos Australia Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Hope project. $3 000
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Ltd Purposes: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Mature Aged Greek Support Group. $9 100 Sponsorship for the 27th Greek Festival of Sydney. $5 000
Greek Welfare Centre Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Greek community in Western Sydney. $18 200
Greenisland Soccer and Sports Club Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Cypriot Community Harmony project. $8 000
GrifithCityCouncilPurpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist the Indian community. $50 000
GrifithSkillsTrainingCentreInc Purpose: ContributiontotheGrifithMulticulturalYouthPartnershipProgram. $18200
Gundagai Regional Enhancement Group Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Culture Connect project. $3 800
Handital NSW Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a bilingual worker to assist with the peer group project. $9 100
Hunter African Communities Council Purposes: Contribution to the Development of Community Networks and Structures project. $17 000 Contribution to a social event aimed at reducing the isolation of women from African background. $ 500
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Organisation and purpose Amount $ Organisation and purpose Amount $
Immigrant Women Speakout Association NSW Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to provide training to community leaders in accessing services on community relations crisis management. $9 100 Information and Cultural Exchange Purpose: Sponsorship for an Arabic Cultural Forum. $3 000
Initiatives of Change Purposes: Sponsorship for an event promoting communtiy and inter-religious harmony. $1 000 Sponsorship for the Creators of Peace conference, 2009. $1 000
Iranian Community Organisation Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the men’s support group. $9 100 Italian National Day Celebration Committee Purpose: Contribution to the 63rd Italian National Day celebrations. $5 000
Italian Social Welfare Organisation of Wollongong Purpose: Contribution to employ a disability support worker. $18 200
JewishCare Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Outmate project. $18 200
Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Purpose: Sponsorship for the Kawilihan Philipino Dance Group. $3 000
Lao Australian Group Community Services Association Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for teaching basic sewing skills to Lao women. $3 000
Lao Community Advancement (NSW) Co-op Ltd Purposes: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Lao women’s support service. $18 200 Sponsorship for the Lao cultural festival. $3 000
Lebanese Community Council of NSW Purposes: Sponsorship for the All Women + All Cultures = International Women’s Day project. $3 000 Sponsorship for the Friendship Between Communities project. $3 000 Sponsorship for the Many Flowers, One Garden, One Flag project. $3 000
Lightning Ridge and Region Transcultural Community Council Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to provide information and referral services. $10 000
Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a multicultural worker. $9 100
Macedonian Welfare Association Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a community information and development worker. $16 490
Maltese Community Council of NSW (Inc) Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to provide referral services for the community. $9 100
Mandaean Spiritual Council of Australia Purpose: Sponsorship for the cost of hosting the Introduction to Mandaean seminar and a Mandaean cultural exhibition. $2 500
Manly Vale-Calabria Bowling Club Purpose: Sponsorship for the cost of hosting the Sydney Multicultural Festival. $5 000
Maronite Catholic Family and Social Apostolate Purposes: Contribution to the Cross-cultural Anger Transformaton project. $19 000 Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Alcohol and Drugs Program. $9 100
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Organisation and purpose Amount $ Organisation and purpose Amount $
Maronite Diocese of Australia Purpose: Sponsorship for resource material and artefacts for the Maronite Heritage Centre. $3 000 Melkite Welfare Association Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Seniors Connect project. $18 200
Monaro Family Support Services Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the More Magic project. $18 200
Mukti-Gupteshwar Mandir Society Purpose: Sponsorship for hosting the Deepavali celebrations at Parliament House. $7 500
Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra Purpose: Contribution to employ a Regional Ethnic Community Development Project Coordinator. $77 500
MulticulturalCouncilofGrifithInc Purposes: Contribution to employ a worker to assist the Afghani community. $4 372.50 Contribution to employ a worker to assist the Turkish community. $2 186.25 Contribution to employ a worker to assist the Indian community. $4 372.50
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia – NSW Division Purpose: Sponsorship for the Transcultural and Interfaith project. $3 000
Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Forum Australia Purpose: Sponsorship for the World Indigenous Day 2009. $1 000
NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Purposes: Contribution to employ a worker to assist in providing quality services to after hours community language schools. $18 200 Sponsorship for the NSW State Conference for after hours community language schools. $3 000 Sponsorship for the NSW State Conference. $5 000
NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance Purpose: Sponsorship for the project Past, Present and Future of the Spanish speaking community. $3 000
NSW Vietnamese Elderly Friendship Association Purpose: Contribution to employ an aged worker to assist senior citizens. $9 100
Polish Folkloric Ensemble Inc ‘Syrenka’ Purpose: Sponsorship for the purchase of Zalipie costumers for the junior group. $2 000
Queanbeyan Multilingual CentrePurpose: Contribution to the Goulburn Multicultural Centre Volunteer Program. $12 298
Refugee Council of Australia Purpose: Sponsorship for community organisatons to hold Refugee Week events. $5 000
Romanian Australian Cultural Society “Southern Cross” Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Going Further project. $2 000
Rondanihan Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for Rondalla music in the Central Coast. $3 000
Sikh Khalsa Mission Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for promoting community interaction in Western Sydney. $3 300 Somali Welfare and Culture Association Purpose: Sponsorship for the 2009 Celebration of African Cultures event. $2 000
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South Asian Muslim Association of Australia Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for hiring of hall and equipment for the Jashne Buzurg event. $500 Sydney Korean Women’s Welfare Association Purpose: Sponsorship for the Korean Women’s Day and Multicultural Women’s Day. $3 000
Sydney Talmudical College Association Purpose: Sponsorship for the 2008 Chanukah at the Bay Festival. $10 000
SydWest Multicultural Services Inc Purpose: Contribution to employ a worker to assist with the Strength to Strength project. $18 200
The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc Purpose: Sponsorship for the Hills Cultural Festival 2009. $3 000
The Korean Society of Sydney Purposes: Sponsorship for publishing the English language version of 50YearsofHistoryofKoreansinAustralia. $2000 SponsorshipfortheKoreanYouthForum. $10000
The Sabian Mandaean Association in Australia Ltd Purpose: Contribution to employ a social worker to address the needs of the Mandaean community. $9 100
Together for Humanity Foundation Limited Purpose: Contribution to the Goodness and Kindness project in schools. $5 000
Turkish Welfare Association Ltd Purpose: Contribution to the One for All and All for One project. $18 200
Camden Council Purpose: Contribution to assist with a street festival. $10,000
CommunityRelationsCommissionSymposium/YouthLeaders’Day2008 Purpose: Contribution to assist with a community consultation event. $33,627
Clarence City Council Purpose: Contribution to assist with a street festival. $18,181
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Purpose: NSW contribution to NAATI. $185,026
Penrith City Council Purpose: Contribution to assist with a street festival. $18,181
Powerhouse Museum Purpose: Contribution to assist with salaries and working expenses. $100,000
The Social Research Centre Purpose: Contribution to assist with the Arabic Language Telecasts project. $9,750
University of New South Wales Purpose: Contribution to assist with the Arc Linkage project. $24,000
Returned grantAustralian Gaelic Singers $2 900
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About the Commission…3Access…inside back cover
Accommodation services…122Achievements, summary…6Address by Imam Habib Umar Bin Hadif…12AFL peace team reception…12African community concerns in the Hunter…
19Annual report costs…inside front cover
Assistance to AFL in recruiting people from diverse backgrounds…33AUSMUS group…18Australian citizenship test for residents in
Grifith…20Awards…33
Bilingual community workers in the Illawarra region…23Business continuity…45
Cabramatta CityWatch…13Chairperson’s overview…5Chinese community service awards…37Commissioners’ attendance at meetings…55CommuniLink…30Community consultation in Albury/ Wodonga…20Community Development Grants Program… 31Community harmony…13Community Language Allowance Scheme…
30Community Relations Report…30Community relations symposium…39Community resource list…14Consultants, engagement of…10Contents…2Corporate credit cards…122Customer information management
system…45
Development and training…47Disability Plan…122Disclosure of controlled entities…122
Electronic document management…46EmailLink…31Energy performance…123Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement review…42,43Ethnic community cancer issues…20Ethno-speciic health aged care packages…20Exceptional movements in employee wages, salary and allowances…123Executive position…60Expenses…9Expertise recognised in multiculturalism and community harmony…15
Financial overview 2008/09…9Financial statements, audited…63Football United…39Former Commissioners…54
Grants awarded in 2008/09…140
Human resources…124
Implementation of price determinations…124Implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism Locally…40Information sessions for African and Burmese communities…21Internal audit and risk management…124Interpreting needs in regional centres…21International students from the Indian sub- continent, coordinated response to
issues… 14Islamic scripture resource kit…15
Kommunicate…32
Land disposal…124LanguageLink…26Language services…26 customer feedback…45 customer service charter…26 interpreting and translation services…26 interpreter training, specialised…27
Index
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statistics…138,139 tenders…28Lead agency in settlement planning and
immigration policy development…16Letter of transmission…1Legislative and corporate governance…49Lismore, regional visit…42
Major assets…125Maltese language candidature…16Management overview 2008/09…122MediaLink…32Members of the Commission…51Ministerial liaison…46Minister’s round table with the Muslim
community…17Multicultural and transcultural mental
health…21Multicultural Entry Scheme…32Multicultural marketing conference…32Multicultural Policies and Services Program…126Multicultural Youth Network…41
National Multicultural Marketing Awards…36Number of staff by division…124
Occupational health and safety…47Online business…29Online portal, Multicultural e-Advice…29Operating result…9Organisation charts…57,58Overseas visits…125
Paciic seasonal worker program in Grifith…22Panellists’ feedback sessions and recruitment drive…27Parramatta shop front…27Partnership with United Way Sydney…41Payment of accounts, time for…10Performance reports…11Practicum sessions for future interpreters and translators…27Premier’s ethnic media brieings…17
Premier’s round table conference with diverse communities…17Principal staff of the Commission…56Principles of multiculturalism…50Privacy management plan…46
Regional Advisory Councils…19 membership…136 presentations…22,39Regional initiatives…19Regional visit to Lismore…42Representation of staff on committees…133Revenue…9
Secondary migration of people from African
backgrounds…23Shop front at Parramatta Justice Precinct…27Social support networks for temporary
workers in the New England region…24Statement of Affairs…111Strategies to accommodate the needs
of minority groups in Grifith…24Street festivals…43Study of community languages in NSW…24Sudanese stories project…44Summary of achievements…6Supporting youth from African backgrounds
to participate in sport at regional
centres…24Symposium and Youth Leaders’ day…39
Tenders, language services…28Together for humanity foundation…18
Video conferencing…28Volunteer awards…34
Web portal on volunteering…44Working group for housing issues in Western
Sydney…25World Youth Day 2008…18
Youth Leaders’ Day…39
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