DEPARTMENT OF THE CHIEF MINISTER MulticulturalNT · resume writing. Speaking at the graduation ceremony last month, ICAE Chief Executive, Sean Mahoney, said ICAE was happy to be associated

MulticulturalNTDEPARTMENT OF THE CHIEF MINISTER www.nt.gov.au

The Office of Multicultural Affairs Phone: 08 8999 3859 Floor 4, Northern Territory House Fax: 08 8999 388922 Mitchell Street, Darwin NT 0800 Email: [email protected] Box 4396, Darwin NT 0801 Web: www.multicultural.nt.gov.au

Message from the Chief MinisterPeople from more than 100 nationalities call the Northern Territory home. This broad diversity of cultural backgrounds makes the Territory a great place to live.

Successive generations of migrants and their families have made a major contribution to the social and economic development of the Northern Territory and will continue to do so.

The Government has an ongoing commitment to support multicultural diversity through a broad range of policies and programs. My decision to retain the portfolio of Multicultural Affairs reflects the importance I attach to our partnership with your communities.

As Minister for Multicultural Affairs I am inspired to see the ongoing efforts of our multicultural communities in maintaining the most cohesive and vibrant multicultural society in Australia.

I want to place on the record my appreciation for the work undertaken by the Office of Multicultural Affairs to implement Government policy and deliver programs which promote harmony and diversity in our community.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs are about to undertake a review of the Government’s Multicultural Policy which will involve a process of public consultation. I urge all multicultural communities and stakeholders across the Territory to contribute to the review.

Congratulations to all the management committees, staff and volunteers who support the Territory’s multicultural organisations. Your contribution is recognised and appreciated.

Please accept my best wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday season. I look forward to working with you again in 2009.

PAUL HENDERSONChief Minister

MulticulturalNTDecember 2008

The UDHR was the first international recognition that all human beings have fundamental rights and freedoms. On 10 December this year, International Human Rights Day, the 60th anniversary of the UDHR will be celebrated around the world with a renewed focus on human rights.

Each year, the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) runs an NT-wide poster competition to source poster artworks from school children for publication in the full-colour Harmony Calendar. This project is funded by the NT Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The theme for the 2009 Harmony Calendar is the 60th anniversary of UDHR. This year’s poster competition, a collaboration between the MCNT and the United Nations Association of Australia - NT Division, resulted in great entries of high quality poster artworks from all over the Territory.

The entries selected for publication for the 2009 Harmony Calendar will be announced at a function on the evening of Wednesday 10 December – International Human Rights Day – being organised by the MCNT and the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission (NTADC) and sponsored by the NT Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The function will run from 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm at the Darwin Wharf Precinct Function Centre. The program will feature former NT Administrator, Mr Ted Egan AO, as guest speaker and local cultural performers.

Everyone is invited to the UDHR 60 function. Refreshments will be provided at no cost. Contact Karyn Jessop at the NTADC on 8999 1461 or email: [email protected] to find out more and to RSVP your attendance.

The artwork to be featured on the cover of the 2009 Harmony Calendar was submitted by Rebecka Smith-Watts (above), a year seven student from Anzac Hill High School in Alice Springs. To order a copy of the 2009 Harmony Calendar – distributed throughout the Territory for free – contact Fiona Henderson at the MCNT on 8945 9122 or email: [email protected]

Celebrating the 60th anninersary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, with Australia’s support, in 1948 in the aftermath of WW2.


Cyprus Food and Wine Festival 2008The annual Cyprus Food and Wine Festival was held on 6 September 2008. The Northern Territory Government helped support this event through grant funding under the Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship Program. The event, one of the highlights of the Greek Cypriot community in the Northern Territory, was held at the Cyprus Function Centre on Batten Road, Marrara.

Visitors to the festival, including the newly appointed High Commissioner from Cyprus were treated to Cypriot food such as sheftalies and souvla and the ever-popular Commandaria Cypriot wine was available. The celebration of Greek Cypriot culture was displayed through dance performances by the Mediterranean Dance Group Opa, Ellas and the Cyprus community’s very own dance group.

Visitors also learnt about the history of Cypriot settlement at the cultural tent, which was set up with a display of photos, as well as a record of stories of the early Cypriot immigrants.

Preparations for a feast

Dancers and performances

Cultural tent

Darwin Pipes and DrumsDarwin Pipes and Drums are looking for bagpipers and drummers to practise with on Tuesday nights from 7:30pm. If you know anyone who plays the bagpipes or is a pipe drummer, please contact Moyston Wright on 0424 265 668 for further information. Also contact Moyston if you require a piper or pipe band for your function.

Darwin Burns Night 2009Scottish song, dance and poetry

Airport Hotel, MarraraSunday 25th January, 2009

Pre-dinner drinks from 6:30pmDinner 7:30pm sharp

Contact Moyston Wright for tickets

Upcoming event


Free information sessions offer help to apply for Australian citizenship!

Migrants and refugees in the NT can now obtain assistance to prepare for the Australian Citizenship test and to apply for citizenship.

Anglicare NT are conducting free information sessions for anyone who needs advice on the citizen application process and citizenship test preparation. Community resource workers are available to explain what to expect when sitting the Australian Citizenship Test, eligibility for a standard or assisted test and the nature of the test.

They will also clarify and help applicants to understand information in the booklet ‘Becoming an Australian Citizen’, focussing on responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship, Australian values, traditions, history and national symbols.

Basic computer skills coaching and a citizenship test tutorial are also available.

Anglicare offers regular information sessions in the Darwin area. Phone support and study booklets can be sent out to regional areas.

For more information call Mary Willems on 89850000Citizenship Resource Service Anglicare – NT

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:Freedom of religion and belief in 21st century Australia

Go to: www.humanrights.gov.au/frbCall: (02) 9284 9600 or 1800 620 241

Email: [email protected] close 31 January 2009

In partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation and in association with RMIT and Monash universities.


The Filipino Australia Association of the NT (FAANT) hosted the 12th Barrio Fiesta on Saturday, 30 August 2008. The Northern Territory Government helped support this event through grant funding under the Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship Program. One of the biggest and most popular multicultural events in Darwin, the Barrio Fiesta (Filipino Village Festival) started off the evening with games for the children called the Pabitin and Piñata.

Ten Darwin-based migrants and refugees recently graduated from a job-ready program (Steps to Work) with the International College of Advanced Education (ICAE). Steps to Work is an initiative aimed at providing the target group with an understanding of the Australian workforce culture and job-seeking skills. Participants also receive tips on job interview techniques and resume writing. Speaking at the graduation ceremony last month, ICAE Chief Executive, Sean Mahoney, said ICAE was happy to be associated with the program because it addressed a significant need for the target group.

Some participants expressed gratitude at the opportunity to undertake the training. One of the participants, Annie Biyongo, said that she found the program very informative as it made her aware of some of the rights of employees in Australia.

Three participants obtained apprenticeships while others gained job interviews and employment offers through assistance from ICAE. ICAE will run six more sessions targeting 60 participants over the next 11 months. The Steps to Work program is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), under the Settlement Grants Program.

Sean Mahoney presenting Lydie with her certificate of completion

Traditonal dance called Subli

Steps to Work

Barrio Fiesta

Parade of Mutya Candidates with trophies and prizes

Happy servers at one of the food stalls that serve delicacies from Cebu

The Filipino cultural dances, produced by a dance choreographer from the Philippines, depicted traditional dance movements never performed in Darwin before.

The evening showcased vibrant and rich contemporary dances and modern songs performed by talented Filipino dancers and singers. A colourful parade of the candidates for the Mutya ng Barrio Fiesta Pageant proceeded with the proclamation of the 2008 winner.

The finale of the Barrio Fiesta was a treat with a concert performance by two visiting karaoke champions from Brisbane. Visitors were also treated to a range of Filipino foods and the famous Philippine San Miguel Beer. The 12th Barrio Fiesta brought together Filipinos from various centres in the Northern Territory, including a small group from Kununurra, WA, to experience what is truly a Filipino tradition.


Precious Timor-Leste Artefacts Arrive in Darwin His Honour Mr Tom Pauling AO QC, Administrator of the Northern Territory, joined Mr Diamantino (Dino) Ribeiro, President of Darwin’s Portuguese and Timorese Social Club, to inspect a shipment of precious Timor-Leste artefacts being unpacked by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).

MAGNT Curator of Southeast Asian Art and Material Culture, Ms Joanna Barrkman, said the container held 47 precious cultural objects on loan from the National Collection of Timor-Leste.

“Over the next few months we will continue to prepare these beautiful cultural objects for the first ever international display of the National Collection of Timor-Leste since the nation gained independence in 2002,” Ms Barrkman said.

Ai bahat asswa’in, figurine of warrior, escopro da figura heroica

Tais feto, woman’s tubeskirt, pano das mulheres

“The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is very honoured to be the first museum in the world to host this collection and the opportunity to present the cultural heritage of Timor-Leste. In conjunction with the National Directorate of Culture, Timor-Leste is providing a positive exchange of knowledge and skills between both institutions.”

MAGNT conducted a salvage operation in association with United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), saving 500 objects from the Dili museum collection following the 1999 riots when much of the Timor-Leste’s cultural heritage was destroyed. It is some of these objects that the Timor-Leste government has now sent to Darwin for inclusion in the joint exhibition.

“The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory already has considerable holdings of Timorese objects in its collection, many of which will also be displayed for the first time with the National Collection of Timor-Leste,” Ms Barrkman said.

President of the Darwin Portuguese-Timorese Club, Mr Diamantino Ribeiro, said the Portuguese and Timorese communities are very excited about the exhibition.

“With Darwin in such close proximity to Timor-Leste, events such as this are welcomed and our Timorese community in Darwin is pleased to assist developing the international profile of Timor-Leste,” Mr Ribeiro said.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to be engaged in the exhibition and for the public to learn and understand more about the culture of Timor-Leste.”


Mr Tom Pauling, as patron of the forthcoming exhibition, said he valued the opportunity to see these items for the first time. “I look forward to seeing these important cultural objects as they arrive, and think the Territory is very privileged to host the first ever international exhibition of Timor-Leste artefacts,” Mr Pauling said. “This is a truly collaborative exhibition, which has grown out of a strong working relationship between MAGNT and its colleagues in Timor-Leste’s Directorate of Culture, and will serve to bring attention to the need for long-term care and preservation of Timor-Leste’s vulnerable cultural heritage.”

Ai bahat na’i bei, crocodile carving, gravura de crocodilo

Lolo, gusi, water pot, recipiente para água

The Husie Bei Ala Timor Sira Nia Liman – From the Hands of Our Ancestors exhibition will open at MAGNT from November 2008 until July 2009.

Invitation to Community-Based Learning Meeting The Academic Development Team and Community and Access Group at Charles Darwin University (CDU) invite you to a community-based learning meeting.

Tentative date – Thursday 12 February, 2009 – 1-3 pm at CDU.

The meeting will bring together not-for-profit organisations, community service agencies, CDU staff and students to discuss:• Possible projects that students can undertake for community organisations as part of their course• How a community-based learning unit might work at CDU for students and community• Establishing a community-based learning network to share information, ideas, seminars • The overall aim of increasing opportunities for community-based learning at CDU for the benefit of students and the wider community. Community-based learning refers to the broad range of teaching and learning strategies that include work integrated learning, experiential learning, service learning and co-operative education. Community-based learning enhances student learning by providing ‘real world’ learning experiences. Community-based learning benefits community organisations by a student undertaking a project that produces a useful output for the organisation. Projects can be done in the workplace or on campus for the organisation. To register your interest, please reply to [email protected]

CDU will contact you in the New Year to confirm the date, time and venue.


20 October 2008: a date to remember, a time for renewal.

At the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia (MCSCA) Annual General Meeting, held in the Uniting Church Hall, a larger than usual audience gathered, pressing at the door to sign their membership form. The meeting proceeded very well. First, amendments to the constitution were made, and second, the annual report was presented. Copies of the annual report are available at the MCSCA office. The report contains acquittals from the Settlement Grant Program, the Susu Mama Play Group and the Seniors Program, as well as the outgoing chairperson’s report and the financial statement by the bookkeeper. The AGM concluded with the election of a new committee. The new MCSCA committee is strong and well represented. Eleven members now form the Governance of MCSCA, of whom nine are from cultural and linguistic diverse backgrounds and seven bring new blood to the growing association. It reflects the renewed interest of the broader community in the various expressions of multiculturalism in Alice Springs. The road is open for a better and brighter future for MCSCA - the single association in Central Australia that brings together the colourful contingent of various countries in our community events, and that advocates for all cultural and linguistic diverse people in our town. We would like to thank the outgoing committee members for all their effort and energy in the past year. To the new committee, we wish all the best for the upcoming year.

The new committee is made up of the following people:

MCSCA Management Committee

Chair - Eva Sarr Deputy Person & Public Officer - Michele Castagna

Secretary - Paul Gatwetch Treasurer - Patricia D’aranjo

MSCSA Committee MembersLindsey Wright

Anne KennyKamile GeorgiusTheodora Yaneva

Carolyn Lopes Sally Hodson

Isam Khalid Elhasen

Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia AGM

Congratulations from the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The Territory’s Local Hero of the Year is Islamic leader Chowdhury Sadaruddin who is working to set up a centre for the Muslim community in Palmerston.


Closures over the Christmas period

Organisation Dates closed Red Cross Darwin 24 December 2008 to 2 January 2009 Melaleuca Refugee Centre 25 December 2008 to 1 January 2009 MCNT 25 December 2008 to 2 January 2009 Anglicare 22 December to 26 December 2008 MCSCA 24 December 2008 to 2 January 2009

The Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Department of the Chief Minister wishes you and all your family and friends a wonderful, happy and safe holiday season.

Best wishes from all the OMA staff.

The Top End Women’s Legal Service will now be providing a free outreach service for women

at the Multicultural Council in Malak.

The service will be available every second Wednesday from 12noon - 2pm.

All appointments are confidential and

interpreters can be booked.

For appointments phone the Multicultural Council on (08) 8945 9122.

Free and confidential legal advice for: Family law Domestic violence Mental health Immigration Civil law Criminal law

Free legal information, assistance and referral is available by calling 1800 019 343

Darwin Palmerston Katherine 8999 3000 8999 4750 8973 8704

Tennant Creek Alice Springs 89621985 8951 5377 Website: www.ntlac.nt.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Documents

DEPARTMENT OF THE CHIEF MINISTER MulticulturalNT · resume writing. Speaking at the graduation ceremony last month, ICAE Chief Executive, Sean Mahoney, said ICAE was happy to be associated