Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services

of the ACT Inc. (MARSS)

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Second FloorTheo Notaras Multicultural Centre

180 London CircuitCanberra City,

ACT 2601GPO Box 697

Telephone: 02 6248 8577Fax: 02 6257 7655

Email: marss@marss.org.auWebsite: www.marss.org.au

Print Post Approved, Publication No. MARSS2013

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc.(MARSS)

Annual Report 2013

ContentsAcknowledgements.......................................................................................................................................................3

Agenda for the Thirty First Annual General Meeting.....................................................................................................4

MARSS History and Mission...........................................................................................................................................5

MARSS Board of Management 2012-2013…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

Current MARSS Staff......................................................................................................................................................7

Volunteers and Friends .................................................................................................................................................8

Minutes of 31th Annual General Meeting.....................................................................................................................12

Chairperson's Report...................................................................................................................................................15

Chief Executive Officer’s Report..................................................................................................................................16

Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Report.........................................................................................................18

Settlement Grants P99ogram (SGP) Report.................................................................................................................22

Migrant Settlement Services (MSS) Report..................................................................................................................28

Community Development Program (CDP) Report........................................................................................................30

Learn to Drive .............................................................................................................................................................38

Program for After School Studies (PASS) Report..........................................................................................................41

Harmony Project Report..............................................................................................................................................45

MARSS Members 2012-2013.......................................................................................................................................48

Annual Financial Report...............................................................................................................................................49

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AcknowledgementsThe Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc. (MARSS) gratefully acknowledge the assistance and support of: ACT Chamber of CommerceACT Community Services DirectorateACT Education and Training Directorate ACT Government Economic Development DirectorateACT Government Health Directorate ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services ACT Libraries ACT Multicultural Arts ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs ACT Office of Women ACT ShelterANU Law Reform and Social Justice Australian Federal PoliceAustralian International Education AcademyBasketball ACT Canberra Ethnic Community Groups Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Capital FootballCare FinancialCentrelinkCISACDepartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Havelock Housing AssociationHodgkinson Real EstateLegal AidOffice for Children, Youth and Family Support Ready Real Estate Real Estate Institute of ACTScouts ACTSoccer CanberraTelstra Tenancy Advice BureauThe Canberra TimesTurini.com Volunteering ACT

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White NileYouth Mama South Sudanese Dance Group

Agenda for the Thirty Second Annual General Meeting

Time: 5:30 pm

Date: Wednesday, 11 September 2012

Location: Function HallLevel 2, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre 180 London Circuit, Canberra City, ACT 2601

1. Welcome and acknowledgement by the Chair, Raewyn Bastion

2. Guest Speaker – MLA Ms Mary Porter AM

Deputy Speaker

3. Minutes of the Thirty First Annual General Meeting

4. Business arising out of the Minutes of the Thirty First Annual General Meeting

5. Annual Report by the Chair

6. Audited Annual Financial Report presented by the Treasurer

7. Appointment of Auditor for 2013-2014

8. Other Business

9. Close of Meeting

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MARSS History and Mission

Our HistoryThe Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc. (MARSS) was established in 1980, and incorporated in 1983. It is funded largely by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the ACT Community Services Directorate (CSD). Financial support has also been provided to MARSS by Commonwealth and ACT Governments since 1990. Since its inception, MARSS has been managed by a Board of Management comprising elected nominees from Canberra’s ethnic communities, and nominated members representing local territory and Commonwealth Government and community organisations. MARSS has grown to become a vibrant service-oriented organisation, incorporating programs for migrants of all ages to assist with language, welfare, employment, access and equity for people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Our ClientsOur clients are migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants who are in the process of settling in the ACT and the surrounding region. MARSS recognises that in providing services to migrants, our organisation is involved in providing information and support to a broad cross-section of community organisations. As such, our relationship with communities as well as Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments is crucial to our success in assisting clients. MARSS values the co-operative arrangements that our organisation has established with other support services and all levels of Governments.

Our MissionMARSS’ mission is to be a leader in the provision of settlement and related services for migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants in the ACT and region in a caring, supporting and enabling way.

Our ValuesThe following core organisational values are imbedded in our organisation to establish a culture capable of achieving MARSS’ mission. They include:

Accountability Open communication Confidentiality Integrity Professionalism Respect

Sensitivity Objectivity Inclusiveness Flexibility Continuous improvement Innovation

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These values help to shape and guide MARSS, whilst also providing an effective way in which to measure the organisation’s success.

MARSS Board of Management 2012-2013

Ms. Raewyn Bastion Chair (elected)

Ms. Nim Osborne Deputy Chair (elected)

Ms. Cheryl King Secretary (elected)

Mr. Tetteh Dugbaza Treasurer (elected)

Mr. David Ng Public Officer (elected)

Mr. Alfred Flask Board Member (elected)

Mr. Siri Mon Chan Board Member (elected)

Mr. Mohammad Suhail Khan Board Member (elected)

Mr. Simon Kwan Kit Ng Board Member (elected)

Mr. Ebenezer Banful Board Member (appointed)

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Current MARSS StaffDewani Bakkum Chief Executive Officer

Anne Mann Accountant

Niran Karaeni Receptionist

Minjie Yao Assistant Accountant

Andrew Kazar Senior Project Officer

Grace Caniel Community Development Program (CDP) Officer

Kari Pahlman Community Development Program (CDP) Officer

Rajib Paul Settlement Grants Program (SGP) Officer

Skye Stranger Settlement Grants Program (SGP) Officer

Alison Willard Human Settlement Services (HSS) Case Manager

Hashmat Mir Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Case Manager

Tapelo Manduku Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Case Worker

Hasan Mahmud Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Case Worker

Yepeng Wang

Rachel McNaughton Sports Coordinator

Helen Hawes English for Living – Teacher

Jackie McLoughlin English for Living – TeacherNadine Ashton

Maneerat Jeerapet

Samuel Awuol Anyang

English for Living – Teacher

English for Living – Teacher

Driving Instructor

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Joseph Aduor Wal Biar Driving Instructor

Achuil Bet Malou Driving Instructor

Volunteers and Friends

The MARSS Board of Management and staff would like to acknowledge the contributions made by volunteers in a variety of fields ranging from teaching, mentoring, computer technology, and other services provided by MARSS.

Abdi Mohamed Anna Mitchell Brooke CoplandAgnes Tzimos Anna Stevenson Brooke SeccullAgot Ayuel Deng Anne Bryant Brygita LutonAinsley Glassford Anne Gunn Caitlin WinterAlan Chan Anne O’Keefe Cameron WinnettAlana Kearns Anne Wong Caroline TanAlec Gray Anneke Myers Casey HillAleksandar Misev Annette Hughes Charles CokerAleksandra Sladojevic Annette Taylor Charlotte BarclayAlex Maskiell Anni Chilton Charlotte WallinAlex Turini Aqel Odah Chris BerginAlexander Hodder Ashleigh McArthur Chris BurtAlexandra Davies Azadeh Abbasi Chris Killick-MoranAli Reaz Edalat Barbara Jesiolowski Christine BurtAli Yusuf Barbara Mummery Christine DaviesAlice Halpin Barry Avery Christine StewartAlice Reynolds Bec Thornberry Christine Yee Ching TayAlina Lim Ben Ansell Chung-Linh Tran Chau

Alireza Edalat Ben Harris Claire BaddeleyAlison Brewster Ben Ye Claire BrownAllirra Selkirk Benjamin Power claire O'SullivanAmanda Edmonds Benjamin Tait Claire WilsonAmanda Neilson Bernard Forjoe Clare BaddeleyAmaya Currasco Bethany dowe Cleo FlemingAmber Deveridge Bettina Buehnert Clifford LawsonAmy Hamilton Beverley McLeod Colleen O’SullivanAmy Neve Bevil Purnell Cristan McCuskerAmy Peters Bianca Hennessy Cuneet ChehlAndrea Conti Blandine Machozi Daniel Esayas BelehuAndreas Sherborne Bonn Maguire Daniel Loudon

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Andren Katherine Brenda Hartley Danny BravoAnita Dwyer Brendan Tonson Dave WatsonAnita Ghaemi Tehrani Brian Bycroft Dawn MichelleAnita Tehrani Briana Ganesharajah Debbie LeeAnna Desimone Bridget Martin Debra SpeldewindeAnna Gruen Bronte Corcoran-Ward Deng ThonDenis Apel Fay Padarin Jae-Gon YooDenis Appel Fessehaye Haileselassie James TaylorDenis Bayada Fiona Hoggart James WardDenis Cairney Francis Ingwersen James Weatherly

Dennis McLennan Frederic JeanJean Jamie Cole

Dennis Nguyen Gabi Burke Jamil ShibliDinesh Indraharan Gabrielle Burgess Jan FuhrmanEdit Adamis Gabrielle Ho Jan MorganEhsan Abbasi Shavazi Genna Hegyeshalmy Jan TraskElisabeth Patz Geoffrey Swete Kelly Jane FarrElise Thomas Georgia Marjoribanks Janette GrayElizabeth Mountain Georgina clough Janette PetreElizabeth Muller Graceman Abakah Janice FuhrmanElizabeth Proctor Greg Foster Janina KrugerElizabeth Richards Guleilma Paton Jaroslav Kaczerepa

Elizabeth Thangpueh Gulfam Hussain Jasmine Cernovs

Ella Rosso Gulielma Paton Jeane BicketElle Greet Hadas Haileselassie Jed BARTLETTEllen Poels Hannah McInnes Jeechun (Lydia) KwakEloise Menzies Hannah Neumayer Jennifer HaighEmdad Haque Hashmatullah Sahfaq Jennifer KabanguEmi Seino Heather Domaschenz Jennifer LoweEmilie Adlide Heather Randall Jennifer McKayEmily Grey Helen Aveyard Jennifer Nixon

Emily Obrien Helen Baxendale Jeremaia Gakau

Emily Wetton Helen Sutherland Jeremy JonesEmma Cook Helen Wilson Jessica BromheadEmma Cumming Henry Bowyer Jessica MacKayEmma Madsen Hina Raval Jessica PhillipsEmma Vaughtin Huang Huu Do Jessical AndersonEmma Welsh Hussain Skari Jessie Coronakes PeadEmmanuel Makur Ian Gould Jill Causer

Eric Sheck Ingo Kleinert Joan Talent

Erin Thorpe Irene Harvey Joella SansonEs Alfreds Irene Mills Johanna Castles

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Eva Rishan Iris Lowe John BakkumFarzaneh Pashmfondosh Isabella Stephens John MoroFarzin Jamatlou Isam Saadeh Josephine ChuFarzin Jamatlou Jack Williams Juanita GabrielFay Grafen Jacqueline Elliott Judith BongiornoFay Khaw Jacquelyn Fogerty Judith Johnson

Julie Mangos Lucy Bechtel Maureen ScottKaitlin Sarah Young Lucy Nelson Max LiddleKaren Burraston Lucy Sutherland Megan FlynnKate Ornsby Lydia Kwak Megan LingafelterKate O'Shaughnessy Lyn Rainforest Megan ThompsonKate Rogers Lyn Wilson Megan WilliamsKate Waterforn Lyndon Shapcott Mel D’SouzaKay Chee Lance Lyndsey Vivian Merid EyasuKen Hughes Lynette McGuinness Mi AimonKent Brown Lynne Johnson Michael RhydderchKerri Ng Lynne Thompson Michael StarkKerry Silock Maddison Kane Michael WoodwardKieran Harris Maddison Kane Miles GanteyKieran Browne Madeleine Miller Mirna DeebKieran Harris Madeline Winterbottom Mohammad Al-AniKim Andren Madi-Madelaine howard Mohammad AlisherzaiKimberly Street Maguerite Castello Mohammad Saleem Khan AlisherzaiKirsten Wade Maithili Mahalingasivam Moo K’Lue Di GayKirsty Avantharajah Maneerat Pinyopusarerk Munashe RusamoKishwar Rahman Maragaret Lancaster Murtaza HaqKristin Rashmi Galla Mardie Troth Myo AungKun Jiang Margaret Dunkley Nadia KrivetzKylie Jackson Margaret Lancaster Nagalaxmi IyengarKylie Sutherland Margaret McCullock Nancy ClarkeLachlan Mackenzie Margaret McDonald Nandita DuttaLarry Larmour Maria Rojas Pineda Naomi WoottonLaura Healy Marie Joly Natalie Sullivan

Laura Pound Marie Ngiam Nejat AliLauren O'Rouke Marie-Alice McLean-Dreyfus Nicholas CroftsLauren Renshaw Marilyn Ong Nicole ReaperLe Tran Mark Fraser Nicole SeifertLeah Winnett Mark Gilbert Omar Aransah

Lee Fuller Mark Kulasingham Pamela Bakkum

Leigh Cox Mary Good Patricia Worth

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Lin Marjovic Maryam Aziz Patrick JonesLincoln Young Maryam Azizi Pete MacLeod

Lindy Ross Marylyn Board Peter Akachili

Lisa Martens Mathew Blunt Peter O’KeeffeLizy Mejais Mathura Sinnappurajar Peter Wilson

Lorna Stansfield Matilda Elder Priscilla Phommaly

Louisa Yasukawa Matilda Elder Rachel GregsonLouise Parrott Matthew Gill Rachel MurphyRaegina Taylor Sheena Ashwell Thomas VienRaina Singh SHIBLI, Jamil Timothy Lindsay-ClarkeReagan O’Neill Shin Thu Gay Tina PahlmanRebecca Higgins Shirley Daniels Tinsae TsegayeRebecca Walker Shukur Beshkerem Tishen Balea

Rebecca young Shyamala Durvasan Tom Allem

Redemtor Saavedra Sian Wolloughby Tori Bree MarshallRenata Grossi Snowy Haiblen Tori MarshallRichard Bakkum Sonia Loudon Trish GerritsenRita Murray Sooshiant Kiafar Verna MackintoshRobert Spry Sophie Buchorn Veronica WrightRobert Spry Sowan hong Victor SurkusRobin Hudson Sowpakiakowri (Kowri) Perampalam Vilayphone (Ruth) BoudsingkhoneRobyn Pearson Stella Park Vimon

ROIJID, Banyar* Steph Black Vincent Gwese

Rose Dillon Stephanie Cox Violet InatiRose Roxburgh Stephanie Hadobas Waleerat ForanRose Tsen Stephanie Katzer Wallace MacindoeRosemary Royds Stephen Currie Warwick MilesRoseNuttall Stephen Currie Wendy TrethawayRosie done Steven Dawson Will CrossingRosie Done Suellan Leelawardana Willie SananayakeRosie Rayns Sugar Masangcay Yogi Lal-ParksRoslyn Henderson Sugar Masangcay-Guillena Yvonne TobinRoxanna Lane Susan Andrews Zahra AyatRuimin Gao Susan Buckle Zid MancenidoRuth Bader Susan Manning Zimnako RayidjelalRuth Henderson Susan Nicholls Zoe MortonRuth Lin Susan Walters Zohara LucasRuth Stone Suzanne PhippsSabrina Chin Suzanne Russell

Sally Nelson Sylvia Townsend

Santhi Jagthan Taddele Berhe

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Sarah Logan Tamie BalagaSarah Louise McKenna Tamsyn CarusoSarah Norgrove Tanya JuradoSaraswathy Bhaskaradas Tathira FatemaScott Charu Terence BakkumShahrin Mohammad Ariff Tha Wah K'HserShamsuddin Shafi Thea CowieShane Harrison Thein U MaungSharjeel Mujahid Thomas AllenSharon Crisp Thomas Phelan

Minutes of the 31st Annual General MeetingMigrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the Act Inc.

Date: 25 September 2012Venue: Theo Notarus Multicultural CentreOpened: 6.40pm

1. Welcome by Deputy Chair Vic Rebikoff Apologies from the Chair Raewyn Bastion who is ill.Acknowledge special guests from the ACT Government, and welcome all members of the various communities here.

We deeply appreciate the support MARSS receives from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and support from Senator Kate Lundy especially the increased funding. Also we acknowledge the support from the ACT Government, and MLA Joy Burch’s portfolio, which has enabled us to proceed with other programs.

Call on Opposition Minister Steve DoszpotAlways a pleasure to be here. A lot of good works are done here. Know how hard you have all worked, along with the strong support of Dewani. I congratulate you all on the great work you have done and thank you for your dedication.

Call on ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs Joy BurchThank you and I acknowledge the fabulous work done in the community by MARSS. MARSS makes a difference to our society, for people who come to a new place, how they are welcomed, embraced. MARSS plays a strong role, by giving you sustenance, safety and security. Canberra is a global community and stands firmly for all to respect their heritage and background.

2. Minutes of the Special General Meeting held 19 June 2012 Board moved to change the Constitution so those elected in 2011, are automatically elected for a two year period. This was overwhelmingly endorsed. Thanks to our Legal Advisor Mohammad Suhail Khan.

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Motion: “That the minutes of the Special General Meeting be accepted.”Moved: David Ng Seconded: Mohammad Suhail Khan CARRIED

3. Minutes of the 30 th AGM held 19 September 2011 The minutes were printed in the Annual Report 2012.

Motion: “That the minutes of the AGM be confirmed.”Moved: Khawar Saleem Seconded: Raj Satija CARRIED

4. Business Arising from the Minutes Nil

5. Annual Report by the Chair The report as printed in the Annual Report 2012.

Chair added a special vote of thanks to Dewani as CEO, and special thanks for the excellent work and dedication that Dewani has given to the organisation over the past few years.

Motion: “That the Chairman’s Report be accepted.”Moved: Khawar Saleem Seconded: Elena Stone CARRIED

6. Audited Report of Accounts presented by the Treasurer The report as printed in the Annual Report 2012.

Motion: “That the Treasurer’s Report be adopted.”Moved: Simon Ng Seconded: Elena Stone CARRIED

7. Appointment of Auditor for 2012/2013 Recommended to continue to engage current auditors for the 2012/2013 financial year.Moved: Nim Osborne Seconded: Khawar Saleem CARRIED

8. Other Business a. Migration Bridge. Vic Rebikoff advised that the money that has been collected for this

original idea, has gone towards a new “Immigration Place” which the National Capital Authority has designated to be in an area within the parliamentary triangle. This is going through a design stage as a valuable monument to migrants. There are ideas to have names of families engraved on plaques etc.

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b. MARSS refugee services. Vic Rebikoff advised that the workload has increased immeasurably due to the numbers now coming into the ACT, and the organisation is being very stretched. Support is appreciated from the Federal Government especially Senator Kate Lunch and her personal commitment, and thanks to Joy Burch for her support of the english program and other programs that have been implemented.

c. Settlement services. Discussion on how best to approach new migrants and disseminate information. Suggested that if information was provided to organisations, they can then distribute information. Dewani is more than happy to talk to community AGMs and functions to provide information. There are also community radio programs that are multilingual, these are important avenues for MARSS to get our message across.

d. CEO Dewani Bakkum described some of the programs that MARSS runs. A full report of these programs can be found in the Annual Report.

e. Suggestion that community organisations can put links on the MARSS website.

f. MARSS have been asked for help in dealing with migrants with culturally sensitive issues, and implement programs to assist. This will be looked into.

9. Speech on behalf of Senator Kate Lundy Apologies from the Senator, speech presented by Annika Hutchins. Acknowledge and paying respects to the Ngunnawal people.Commendations to MARSS on the great work they do in assisting migrants and communities in Canberra and the surrounding region. MARSS works closely with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to provide ongoing support to migrants. The continuation of the services that MARSS provides is essential in maintaining the vibrant, multicultural spirit of Canberra.Thank you to all board members, employees and volunteers at MARSS for their hard work.You are a bridge between cultures, and provide an invaluable service both for the individuals you work with and for the broader Australian community.

10. Close of Meeting 7.35pm

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Chairperson’s Report

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services Of the ACT Inc. (MARSS) aims to be a leading organisation in the provision of settlement and related services to migrants and refugees, who are in the need of assistance. MARSS operates today in a competitive environment and needs to be both effective and efficient in order to survive.

To function, MARSS needs the support and participation of all ACT migrant communities and of course the support of relevant bodies. We are particularly grateful to Federal and State funding departments especially Department of immigration and Citizenship, Community Services Directorate, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Department of Education and Economic Development Directorate – ACT Government.

I believe that we at MARSS are lucky in having a professional, dedicated and caring team of people, who are drawn from a range of countries, who have very different backgrounds and who together form a functioning microcosm of multiculturalism.I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and every member of staff and also to the many volunteers who help MARSS achieve its objectives – without them MARSS would simply not be able to function.

I also want to thank members of the MARSS management committee, both elected and ex-officio, who have all shown a great level of commitment and co-operation during the past twelve months. It has been a pleasure to work with all members of the committee. They are all volunteers and have dedicated much of their personal time to provide the oversight and guidance needed for MARSS to operate effectively.

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My thanks also to Ms Dewani Bakkum, the MARSS CEO. Ms Bakkum has had a special role during the past twelve months, to build the HSS program to the level it is and to explore the possibility of extending our serivcies to the Southern Highlands especially Goulbourn.

Raewyn Bastion ChairmanMigrant Refugee and Settlement Services (MARSS)

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Chief Executive Officer’s Report

It gives me great pleasure to present my report to the Annual General Meeting for the year 2012–2013. The core service of MARSS is to provide settlement services, which is supplemented by Community Development projects, youth programs and social activities.

Our goal is to ensure that all our clients are provided with efficient and effective services to meet all their settlement needs. We have continued to focus our energies on this goal and with our limited resources we have ensured high quality service delivery within our main program areas.

Last financial year MARSS has seen a significant growth in client numbers. In 2012-2013 MARSS has provided services to about 4700 clients through casework, advocacy and referrals. Growth in numbers was due to an increase in new arrivals in the ACT and also an increase in secondary movements of clients.

Due to MARSS’ ‘one stop shop’ model, we are able to provide a range of settlement services to our clients. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff that clients are comfortable at MARSS and receive most of the required services to settle in the ACT.

Settlement Services

These services focus on building self-reliance by assisting migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants clients in the ACT and surrounds to achieve sustainable settlement outcomes. This is achieved through the provision of flexible, client centred casework, appropriate community and mainstream public sector service referrals and information services.

Our settlement programs include Humanitarian Settlement Services, Settlement Grants Program (funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship), and Migrant Settlement Services (funded by the ACT Government).

Other ServicesSupplementing our settlement services are the Community Development Program, youth programs, social activities, employment, and education programs. All of these programs are outlinedd in the staff reports.

Staff Development and TrainingMARSS aims to give staff and volunteers the maximum opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through training sessions run internally and externally by consultants. This year we are particularly grateful to Australian International Education Academy for sponsoring the

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Diploma in Project Management to all our eligible staff. We are also very grateful to the funding bodies that have provided specialized training to our staff under certain projects we administer.

In conclusion, I would like to show my appreciation for the continued support from:

ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and IndustryACT Education Department ACT GovernmentACT Health DepartmentCommunity Services Directorate Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous AffairsDepartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)Department of Immigration and CitizenshipEconomic Development Directorate – ACT Government Office of Multicultural Affairs Real Estate Institute of the ACT My special thanks to the Chair, Raewyn Bastion and the Board of Management for their support throughout the year.

My sincere thanks to the dedicated, professional and enthusiastic staff who are committed to providing high quality services to all MARSS clients.

Finally, I would like to thank the volunteers without whose contribution and commitment we would not be able to deliver successful programs.

Dewani Bakkum CEOMigrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the A.C.T. Inc.

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Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) Report

The Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program is Australia’s flagship program for delivering initial settlement support to humanitarian clients upon first arriving in Australia. The program is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). HSS provides intensive settlement support through a coordinated case management approach. HSS is based on a tailored service delivery model that will help humanitarian clients gain the skills and confidence needed to become independent and fully participating members of the community.Under the HSS program, MARSS assists humanitarian entrants who hold Refugee, Global Humanitarian, and Protection Visas. During the 2012-2013 financial year, DIAC referred 147 cases to MARSS. These cases involved 216 individuals referred (a mix of individual cases and families) from a variety of countries. MARSS has worked closely with these clients throughout the financial year to ensure settlement needs are met and a high level of service has been delivered.

Case Management

During the 2012-2013 financial year, HSS Case Workers have coordinated a range of elements to ensure our clients have the best possible transition into life in Canberra. These services begin right from the moment a client arrives into the Canberra community. Some of the key settlement services provided to HSS clients included airport reception and transit assistance, property induction, initial food provision, registering with Centrelink, registering with Medicare, setting up bank accounts, enrolment in education, and health appointment registration. During the 2012-2013 financial year, HSS Case Workers were very successful in ensuring these key components of the settlement journey were as seamless as possible.

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Newly arrived clients socialising at their new homeHSS team greeting clients at Canberra airport

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Orientation

As part of case management, clients also took part in an orientation program that ensures they understand key components that make up living in Australia. Orientation begins the minute someone arrives in Australia or is referred to MARSS. Clients are taught things as simple as which side of the road cars drive on and what to do at a pedestrian crossing, to more complicated things such as cultural practices and tenancy obligations. As part of this orientation, large group sessions are held every 6-8 weeks wherein guest speakers from a range of organisations give vital information to our clients. Topics covered include: tenancy rights and obligations, legal rights and responsibilities, rubbish and recycling, schooling, employment, and many more.

Accommodation Services

During the 2012-2013 financial year, the HSS Accommodation Team facilitated short term and long term accommodation to all HSS clients referred from DIAC. Housing ACT continued to maintain its stock of houses provided to MARSS under the Refugee Transitional Housing Program (RTHP), through which HSS clients were provided transitional short term accommodation until affordable/suitable long term accommodation was sourced. Additionally, Housing ACT also provided MARSS with access to a former youth hostel, which the MARSS staff

HSS orientation session

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worked hard to convert into accommodation for single male clients referred to the HSS program. The facility dubbed the Waramanga Project can house up to 14 clients.

Furthermore, MARSS also established several MOUs with mainstream accommodation providers such as Havelock Housing Association and even the Rahula Lodge, to accommodate HSS clients.

A key initiative of the HSS program during the 2012 – 2013 financial year was the launch of the Investors Can Help program in September 2012. The new initiative encourages benevolent homeowners and investors to rent their homes to newly arrived refugees. The program has been very well received by the Canberra community with inquiries being made by over 25 individuals wanting to rent their homes. MARSS has secured around five properties for HSS clients through this initiative. Investors Can Help is a combined effort of MARSS, The ACT Chamber of Commerce and The Real Estate Institute of the ACT (REIACT).

Local Area Coordination (LAC) meetings

During the 2012 – 2013 financial year, a total of four LAC meetings were held including one in Goulburn. The meetings which have been formatted differently, now feature presentations from key stakeholders involved in delivering services to HSS clients (such as Centrelink, Care Financial etc.). These meetings continue to be great platforms for the HSS team to increase their knowledge about services available for HSS clients.

Interior of Waramanga project Recreation room at MARSS property

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Volunteer program

The services delivered through the HSS program could not be possible without a dedicated team of volunteers who assist in the overall settlement of HSS clients. 97 volunteers are currently registered with the HSS program and have assisted HSS Case Workers to develop clients’ self-sufficiency and independence and promote their social inclusion. Volunteers are an integral part of the HSS program and assist with a range of tasks including (but not limited to) shopping for client arrivals, ensuring on arrival properties are homely and welcoming, helping clients with appointments and understanding where things are in their local area, showing clients how to use public transport, and being a general social support for clients

Conclusion

The 2012-2013 financial year has been an extremely successful year for the HSS team at MARSS. The HSS team looks forward to welcoming more humanitarian entrants in the ACT and surrounds in the coming year and assisting them to settle in their new home.

HSS Volunteers attending a training session. HSS Volunteer and Case worker preparing for clients arrival

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Settlement Grants Program Report

This project is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Figure 1 Senator Lundy awarded the ladies of the Arts and Craft class their 'sewing licenses' on International Women's Day.

The Settlement Grants Program (SGP) assists migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants in the ACT to achieve sustainable settlement outcomes. This is achieved through the provision of flexible, client centred casework, appropriate referrals to community and mainstream public

Left to right : Alison Willard HSS Case Management – Manager, Warren Jansen HSS Accommodation - Manager

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sector service providers and settlement focused group information sessions. The program also includes community development, social participation and other activities.

Some of the challenging areas of settlement for clients include accommodation, employment, finances and household management, education and training, income support and many other related issues. Clients are from a variety of backgrounds and ages. Caseworkers within SGP also perform a great deal of advocacy on behalf of clients, with independence and settlement the ultimate goal. The Settlement Grants Program for 2012-2013 can be categorised in the following way:

1. Casework2. Information Sessions3. Outreach 4. Community Development and Consultations5. Engagement and Events and Celebrations

Casework

During the 2012-2013 financial year SGP caseworkers assisted a total of 203 clients. The quantitative target for the period was 130 clients, thus, SGP caseworkers exceeded the requirement. The target of 20 intensive cases (requiring more than 3 sessions) was also exceeded as 33 clients required this level of service.

A major component of SGP casework includes referrals. SGP caseworkers made a total of 1445 external referrals and 215 internal referrals, well exceeding the targets of 1000 and 100 respectively.Chart 1.1 demonstrates the demographic of the clientele. The highest number of clients came from Iran, at 16% and Afghanistan, at 10%, followed by Burma and Sudan equally, at 8%.

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16%

10%

7%

8%

6%

7%8%2%

4%2%3%

3%2%2%2% 4%

1%1%1%1%1% 1%

1%

10%

No. of ClientsIran AfghanistanIndia BurmaSierra Leone IraqSudan ChinaEthiopia ThailandBangladesh SrilankaVietnam CongoLiberia PakistanRawanda MoroccoPhilippines EritreaFiji IndonesiaKuwait Other Countries

Chart 1.1 Pie chart shows the percentages of clients from different countries assisted by MARSS SGP during 2012-13.

Information Sessions

Fourteen Group Information Sessions were held throughout the financial year, all of them convincingly exceeding the minimum target of attendees set in the SGP Work Program. The topics for these sessions were “Family, Drug and Alcohol Awareness”, “Cross-cultural Training for Professionals”, “Domestic Violence”, “Australian Citizenship”, “Job Preparation and Cultural Awareness Training”, “Financial Management” (two of these sessions were held), “Parenting”, “Housing” (two of these were held) and “Legal Information”, as well as three orientation information sessions specifically targeted at youth on “Life Skills and Transport”, “Family, Relationships and Health” and “Education and Training”. For each of these sessions, specialist guest speakers were present to provide important and relevant information and to answer clients’ questions.

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The Cross-cultural Training for Professionals was slightly different to the other sessions in that it engaged professionals in the wider community to receive cross-cultural training, which included listening to speeches on particular cultural norms by leaders from the Karen, Hazara and Vietnamese communities. There was an overwhelming response to this event from the wider community, with sixty-six professionals from government, local service providers and the community service sector in attendance.

Figure 22: A Department of Immigration and Citizenship Representative presented information at the SGP Australian Citizenship Information Session held on 21st March 2013.

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Accommodation continues to be a prominent area of concern for a great number of clients. The SGP Project Officers held the two Housing information sessions with an aim to address these concerns and provide useful information regarding accommodation in the ACT. The sessions were well attended by clients and utilised speakers from ACT Housing, ACT Tenants’ Union and a local real estate agent.

Outreach

As part of MARSS’ commitment to its clients, SGP caseworkers engaged their clients at a variety of locations in the North of Canberra throughout the financial year. Outreach sessions were conducted fortnightly at CIT’s Bruce and Gungahlin campuses as well as at the Belconnen Library. These outreach services are a valuable part of SGP as they allow clients to access assistance at a convenient location.

Community Development and Consultations

As part of community development, SGP caseworkers hosted two Emergency Services information sessions. Information in these sessions was provided by the Australian Federal Police, ACT Ambulance service, ACT Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Services. Such information sessions are instrumental in informing clients of what to do in an emergency and

Figure 3: Karen community representative, Shin Thu Gay speaking on Karen cultural norms at the 'Cross-cultural Training for Professionals' held on 12th February 2013.

29

how to avoid emergency situations, as well as creating rapport between the clients and emergency service providers.To further engage with the community, SGP caseworkers held meetings with the Afghani (Hazara), Eritrean, Iranian and Karen communities. These meetings are extremely important to ensure the SGP caseworkers keep up to date with community issues, concerns and suggestions and in maintaining MARSS’ relationship with such communities.

Engagement and Events and CelebrationsArts and Craft ClassesThe Arts and Craft class (held every Friday during the school term from 10am – 1pm) continued to be very popular in the third and final year of the program. Over the three-year period, the class became significant in many of the women’s lives, who attended to learn new skills or improve on a hobby, but also to socialise and connect with the wider community. It became clear that the class provided them with a sense of stability through a regular activity.

The attendees of the class came from various ethnic communities and included Indonesians, Sudanese, Iranian, Afghani, Iraqi, Polish, Pakistanis, Vietnamese, Mexican and Thai women. Two information sessions on business skills were held on 30th of November 2012 and 10th May 2013 respectively.By the end of the three-year program the women had successful experiences displaying and selling their products at the 2013 Multicultural Festival, International Women’s Day (during

Figure 4: A representative from ACT Government's Housing and Community Services discussing housing at an SGP information session held on 29th May 2013.

30

which they sold items to Senator Kate Lundy who also presented them with their sewing ‘licenses’) and the MARSS 2013 Celebration of World Refugee Day and MARSS Open Day. The SGP team, in cooperation with Lynne Johnson (the teacher of the Arts and Crafts class) have been researching local markets for the women to sell their handmade products at, during the 2013-2014 financial year.

Events and Celebrations

SGP caseworkers invited their clients to participate in MARSS activities including the Christmas Party, the Multicultural Festival, the Sport Tournament for Harmony Day, the Celebration of International Women’s Day and the Celebration of World Refugee Day 2013 and MARSS Open Day. All these celebratory events were an excellent opportunity for clients to enjoy a sociable and enriching experience.

Conclusion

The Settlement Grants Program is a vital part of services offered at MARSS. SGP Project Officers assisted a wide range of clients and provided a range of services. SGP met all stipulated targets set forth by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and often exceeded them. The SGP Officers were very present in the community in the 2012-2013 financial year, with the Project Officers attending various local area service provider meetings, Multicultural Matters Meetings, teleconferences with the Settlement Council of Australia, the Melba Copland Harmony day Ceremony, Havelock House Anniversary and a Hazara community candle vigil. SGP Project Officers also attended training at the Rural and Regional SGP DIAC Annual Conference and Raising the Standard Training (as well as in-house training). This, coupled with the comprehensive casework provided to clients, ensured SGP was an effective component of the settlement services offered to clients by MARSS.

31

SGP Project Officer: Rajib Paul SGP Project Officer: Skye Stranger

Migrant Settlement Services (MSS) Report

The program is funded by the Community Services Directorate-ACT Government and provides settlement services to migrants and refugees in the Canberra region. MSS officers provide referrals, advocacy, information and casework services to a large range of clients who are not eligible for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Settlement Grants Program. MSS client are assisted with an expansive variety of settlement issues, including finding accommodation, employment, training and education services, family support, financial stability and community interaction. In providing these services, MARSS MSS officers endeavour to link clients with mainstream service providers to provide a pathway to independence and a transition to life in Australia.

The top 5 MSS client referrals can be found at Chart 1 below.

050

100150200250 215

172

85 72 61

Chart 1: Top 5 referrals from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013

Clie

nts

As part of the MSS program the following information sessions were held during the 2012-2013 financial year:

Housing Information Session Ageing and Aged Care Information Session

32

Youth Week Event

Program for After School Studies (PASS) ReportMARSS Seniors Class clients listen to CALD Carers Coordinator at Carers ACT, Anndey Ho, (standing) explaining the work of carers at the Ageing and Aged Care Information Session on 15 May 2013.

MARSS clients gather information from Carers ACT, Council of the Ageing and the Office of Multicultural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs-ACT Government at the Ageing and Aged Care Information Session.

33

Community Development Program (CDP) Report

The community Development Program, funded by the ACT Community Services Directorate (CSD) is an integral part of MARSS’ settlement services.Clients can access free language classes, tutoring, information sessions, sports (reports on our sporting programs – basketball and soccer – can be found later in this report), consultation sessions, and computer classes. For a small fee, clients can now access driving lessons.

English language classes:

The English language classes continue to remain popular with clients. A new Everyday English class has been create to cater for the students waiting to enter the formal English classes, clients waiting to access the Adult Migrant English Classes (AMEP) at CIT and for clients on bridging visas.

During the last financial year, clients from the Elementary Class in Civic went on an excursion to The Arboretum. Many clients have commented on the importance of these English classes and noted that they were a great way to make new friends. Clients also commented on how grateful they were to have patient and knowledgeable teachers. Outlined below are key performance indicators and an overview of the various projects delivered by the CDP over the past financial year.

Clients from the MARSS’ Elementary English class enjoy the sunshine and the setting of the Arboretum which they visited for an excursion.

34

MARSS’ English class timetable Day Class / Location Time

Monday

Pre-Intermediate / Intermediate: MARSS Computer Room 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Seniors: MARSS Classroom 1 10:00 am - 12:00 pmBeginners: Civic Library Hub 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Elementary: Tuggeranong Community Centre 10:00 am - 12:00 pmPre-Intermediate / Intermediate: MARSS Classroom 1 1.00 pm - 3:00 pm

Computer Class: MARSS Computer Room 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Tuesday

Elementary: MARSS Computer Room 10:00 am - 12:00 pmAdvanced: MARSS Classroom 1 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Pronunciation: MARSS Classroom 1 12:30 pm - 2:00 pmEnglish Writing Class for Women: MARSS Computer

Room 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Wednesday Seniors: MARSS Classroom 1 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday

Elementary: MARSS Computer Room 10:00 am - 12:00 pmAdvanced: MARSS Classroom 1 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Singing and Dancing: MARSS Staff Room 12:30 pm - 2:00 pmConversation: MARSS Classroom 1 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Friday

Art and Craft (Sewing, Kniting and Beading): MARSS Classroom 1 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Communication: Civic Library Hub 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmEveryday English: MARSS Computer Room 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Chart 1: Total attendance for each English for Living class.

35

Advanced

Intermed

iate/P

re-inter

mediat

e

Elemen

tary

Elemen

tary (

Tugge

ranong)

Beginners

Seniors

Conversa

tion

Pronuncia

tion

Communication

Everyd

ay En

glish

Women's E

nglish W

riting C

lass

Singin

g and Dan

cing C

lass

0

10

20

3021 20 18

12 15

2622 19 18

12 10 8

English for Living classes attendancesCl

ient

s

Chart 2: EFL clients’ gender

Male Female0

20

40

60

80

100

120

31

101

Gender

Chart 3: EFL clients’ nationalities

36

ChinaRussi

a

Vietnam IranKorea

JapanPoland

AfghanistanBurm

a

ArgentinaChile

Spain

Indonesia

MalaysiaFrance

CroatiaIta

ly

Sierra Le

oneSudan

Sri Lanka

Egypt

Liberia

Ivoiria

n

Paraguay

Taiwan

PeruSerbia

Portugal

Uzbekh

istan

Mexico

Macedonia

Hong Kong0

5

10

15

20

25

30

3532

1312 12

87

4 43 3 3 3

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 21 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

NationalitiesN

umbe

r of c

lient

s

Chart 4: EFL clients’ years in Australia

Under 5 years Over 5 years56

58

60

62

64

66

68

70

72 71

61

Time in Australia

Num

ber o

f clie

nts

37

Kari PahlmanEnglish for Living Project Officer

Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) Report

The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides support to individuals who require immediate financial assistance. As part of the program clients have access to food vouchers and bus tickets. For many clients the financial burden of transport prevents them from accessing services. Providing food vouchers helps clients overcome their financial concerns. The provision of bus

tickets enables clients to access services, attend

appointments, or take their children to school safely. Over the 2012-2013 financial year, 162

38

clients were assisted on 338 occasions. A total of 102 referrals were made to other services both internally and externally.

Telstra Bill Assistance Program (TBAP) Report

The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) officer at MARSS also provides bill assistance for Telstra phone and internet bills. Many clients find themselves in financial hardship in cases where multiple bills are due at the same time, or finances are stretched for other reasons. Over the 2012-2013 financial year, 50 clients were assisted with TBAP vouchers.

Number of clients Times assistance provided Number of referrals0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

162

338

102

ERF Assistance

Clie

nts

Home Tutor Program Report

The Home Tutor Program matches volunteer English tutors with migrant and refugee students who are unable to attend formal English classes for a variety of reasons such as work and family commitments, or travel restrictions. Since these people cannot come to class, the program

39

takes opportunities for learning and social interaction to them in their homes. Along with English language tuition, tutors also provide much needed support in helping students understand Australian culture and systems. The program received a steady stream of both student and tutor applications during the year.

Throughout the 2012-2013 year, the Home Tutor Program has continued to compile regular newsletters to keep in touch with volunteers and share tutoring resources and ideas and well as news about what’s on at MARSS. Volunteer seminars were also held during the year (one per term) with the purpose of providing training, support and information for tutors. These seminars also provided an opportunity for tutors to socialise and network. 2012-2013 was another successful year for the Home Tutor Program.Some examples of how client’s needs are being met through the Home Tutor Program are outlined below.

Example 1) Many of the HTP clients are working toward their Australian Citizenship Test. Many tutors report helping clients with preparation for the test by going through practice questions, explaining the relevant Australian customs and systems, helping them use a computer for the test, practicing vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation etcetera.

Example 2)

Anni Chilton with MARSS Home Tutor Program volunteers

Home Tutor Program volunteers at a tutor workshop.

40

Home tutors also help with clients in practical day-to-day activities that they would find difficult due to their limited English. Tutors have reported helping their client take their car to an auto-electrician, taking them to the dentist, helping them comprehend their training manuals from their workplaces, helping them negotiate with the insurance company after a car accident and understand the procedures, fill out complex forms, etcetera.

Please see below data in relation to the composition of clients in the Home Tutor Program.

Less than 5 years More than 5 years4041424344454647

42

46

Home Tutor Program students' years in Australia

(July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

10 to 20 20 to 30 30 to 40 40 to 50 50 to 60 60 to 70 70 to 80 80 to 900

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

4

12

32

25

12

0 1 2

Home Tutor Program students' ages (July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

41

Male Female0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

16

72

Home Tutor Program students' gender (July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

Sudan

Afghan

istan

ChinaChile Ira

q

Bangla

desh India

South Su

dan

Albania

Guinea

Indonesia

Nepal

Russia

Sri La

nka0

5

10

15

20

25 23

12

5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Home Tutor Program students' country of birth

(July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

42

Learn to Drive Program Report

The MARSS Learn to Drive Program was launched on May 2, 2013 by the Hon Joy Burch MLA Minister for Multicultural Affairs, with support from the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs. The Program provides discounted practical driving lessons to migrants and refugees on low or no income. The lessons are charged at $30 per hour and are taught in a dual pedal car by three young Sudanese men who have trained for the program as Accredited Driving Instructors. Once drivers are deemed to be competent, they are referred to do a one-off government test to obtain either their provisional or full licence, depending.

The program gives people the chance to achieve greater independence, freedom and social inclusion. It is already proving to be a popular program with 35 clients currently learning; while a further 95 clients are on the waiting list to begin lessons

Top left :Accredited Driving Instructors Joseph, Achuil and Samuel with Ms Joy Burch, MLA Minister for Multicultural Affairs.Top right: The new dual-pedal Toyota Corolla Learn to Drive car.

43

Please see below data in relation to the composition of clients in the Learn to Drive Program.

Less than 5 years More than 5 years0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

29

6

Learn to Drive Program students' years in Australia

(July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

44

10 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 60 61 to 700

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

6

9

12

6

0

2

Learn to Drive Program students' ages (July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

Male Female0

5

10

15

20

25

12

23

Learn to Drive Program students' gender (July 2012 - June 2013)

Total

45

Sudan

Burma

Afghan

istan

Iran

Ethiopia

Sierra

Leone

Eritre

aIndia Ira

qJord

an

Kazakh

stan

Pakista

n

Somalia

South Su

dan

Sri La

nka

Tanzan

ia

Zimbab

we0

2

4

66

54 4

32

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Learn to Drive Program students' country of birth

(July 2012 - June 2013

Total

Kari PahlmanHome Tutor Program and Learn to Drive Project Officer

Program for After School Studies (PASS) Report

PASS is a free tutoring service proved to clients between the ages of 12 and 25 from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The aim of the program is to provide regular tutoring to clients in high school, college, university and at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). The program is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Each client receives one-on-one support from a tutor in specific subjects and courses.

46

Clients and tutors have busy lives and timetables that are constantly changing, making PASS very fluid. Where possible the coordinator tries to match a client with a tutor on a regular basis once or twice a week. These regular pairings allow the tutor and client to build a rapport, and for the tutor to learn more about their client and their style of learning. This year clients and tutors participated in a movie night held during Youth Week in May 2013 where they enjoyed each other’s company over some pizza and softdrinks.

Several clients also took the opportunity to write about their refugee journey to Australia, which were pasted on a tree and displayed during Refugee Day in June 2013. Some clients were also taken to basketball training at Dickson College to improve their fitness and learn some basketball skills. There were also several clients signed up for the students transport scheme, enabling them to access free bus rides from home to school and from school to home during Term 2. A big thank you to the “Dig In” program which has funded health food for clients during PASS sessions. The Yellow Van delivers and donates sandwiches and fresh fruit to keep clients’ concentration levels high during tutoring sessions.

PASS has continued to expand in 2012-2013. Over the past year PASS has provided tutoring assistance to 91 clients, while 73 tutors have volunteered their time and expertise. Below are charts that demonstrate the attendance and nationalities of participants involved in PASS during the past year.

PASS students getting one-one one help with their homework

47

Total one-on-one tuition sessions

Total volunteer attendances Total student attendances0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

813 836

1080

PASS Annual Performance Rates 2012-2013

Num

ber o

f clie

nts

Students and tutors from the Program for After School Studies programs in Civic and Belconnen enjoyed some pizza, soft drinks and juice at a movie night held during Youth Week in April 2013.

PASS student getting one-one one help with homework

48

Sudan

Afghan

istan

ChinaIra

n

Australia

Kenya

Sierra

Leone

South Su

dan Iraq

Ethiopia

Pakista

nBurm

a

Somalia

Sri La

nka

Thaila

nd

Vietnam

Austria

Rwanda

Korea Egypt

German

y

Bangla

desh0

5

10

15

20

25

30

3530

96 6 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

PASS client demographics 2012-2013N

umbe

r of c

lient

s

Several PASS clients have gone on to study at university and CIT in areas of law and community development. Some PASS students have completed work experience at MARSS as part of their respective degrees. It is a pleasure to see the commitment of clients in attending PASS to receive tutoring after a long day at school, and to see their improvement in their academic skills and in their general confidence. The PASS coordinator also visited Dickson College twice to promote the program to students. I would like to thank all of the tutors who have volunteered in PASS over the last year. The clients are very grateful for all of the time volunteers give to them.I would also like to acknowledge the Community Services Directorate and ACT Health, the funding bodies for PASS and the “Dig In” programs respectively, and to the Yellow Van.

49

Andrew KazarProgram for After School Studies (PASS) Project Officer

Computer Training

The program is aimed at providing clients with basic computer skills. The course runs for 6 weeks and includes introduction to computers, how to access the internet, sending and receiving emails, file management, downloading photos and setting up a Facebook page. Volunteers from ANU Department of Medicine come to train clients every Monday from 2:30pm to 4:00pm at MARSS Computer Room.The program has registered 21 clients since it started on 8 April 2013. Currently, there are 7 clients attending the training.

Project coordinator (in red ) with students after receiving course completion certificate

50

Harmony Players Program Report

The Harmony Player Program is a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) funded initiative that aims to promote social cohesion and equality through basketball and soccer games and training. The program helps filled the gaps between different communities in order for the to gain better understanding of various values, cultures and beliefs. The overall idea is to promote harmony through emerging communities and mainstream locals through sports.Through the program MARSS has recruited 15 Senior boys, 14 Junior Girls for basketball program and 32 young men for soccer program. Then enrol the recruited players in a basketball/Soccer competition with professional coaching and mentoring along with short training courses on how to become qualified players. The AFP involved in the arranging friendly matches and social gatherings.These activities include basketball and soccer skills development with Basketball ACT and Capital Football to allow the young males and females to play in mainstream teams; social activities involving players, their families and supporters; social and basketball sessions with ACT Policing to help break down the barriers; mentoring opportunities; and raising awareness in ACT schools to foster understanding.

Harmony Soccer

The Harmony Soccer program is a pilot project that aims to make soccer accessible and enjoyable to male participants and promote cross-cultural communication amongst migrants, refugees, and mainstream locals. There are weekly games and training to foster closer relationship between players and the locals. On May 25 2013, two players with project officer from soccer team completed coaching course with Capital Football.Participants were from Afghanistan, Laos, China, Burma, Nigeria, Iraq and local Australians.

Grace CanielComputer Training Project Officer

51

Harmony Basketball

There were three basketball teams, which were Senior boys, Junior Boys and Junior Girls. Senior Boys and Junior Girls didn’t make it to the final however Junior boys won the summer season games and took home the championship medals. On March 2013 three players from basketball program completed a level zero referee course and now waiting for level one referee course then they will be able to referee during competition seasons.Participants were from South Sudan, China, Vietnam, Afghanistan, South America, United States, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and local Australians.

MARSS Harmony Day Sports Carnival

Division 2 and Division 5 players after winning the game

Stephen and Kuir completed level 0 referee courses with Basketball ACT

Coach Rachael and players getting ready for competitive game

52

On 24th of March 2013 MARSS celebrated its annual Harmony Day by organising a sports carnival. About 200 people attended the carnival at the Australian Institute of sport in Bruce. Participants were from a various cultural background. MLA Yvette Berry opened the carnival followed by trophies presentation to the player in the three Harmony basketball teams. Show bags containing a drink bottle, bookmark and in the lead up to Easter, a chocolate Easter bunny, were also presented to the Harmony players and to the visiting players. After lunch MLA Dr Chris Bourke had the honour of presenting the Harmony Futsal team with their trophies.

There was a strong interaction between the harmony players and the AFP players, also two police officers who attended to the carnival. During lunch the player socialised with one another other than sticking with their own group. In addition to friendly chit chat, the lunch hour served as a friendly platform for different ethnic groups to AFP and hears stories.

Harmony Basketball players with AFT team at the Harmony Day Sports Carnival

Harmony Soccer players playing a friendly game against Companion House team at the Harmony

Day Sports Carnival

Harmony Soccer completed their coaching course in June

Junior boys won summer season

53

ConclusionThrough this project we have seen that the general community has more understanding and respect to young people from CALD backgrounds with participants have proven that it is possible to work together as a team regardless of your cultural backgrounds. MARSS is looking forward to more players from wider cultural backgrounds to participate in this program.

Niran KaraeniHarmony Players Program Project Officer

MARSS MEMBERS 2012-2013

ACT Maori Performing Arts IncACT Territory and Municipal ServicesAustralia Cuba Friendship Society CanberraAustralia Tamil Cultural Society of the ACTAustralian India Business CouncilAustralian Karen OrganizationAustralia New Zealand Maori Cultural School of DreamsAustralian Mon AssociationCanberra Academy of Cantonese OperaCanberra and District Hungarian Cultural Association Inc Canberra India CouncilCanberra Islamic CentreCanberra Latvian Association Canberra Multicultural Community Forum IncCanberra Saiva TempleCanberra Tamil Senior Citizens AssociationGhana Australian AssociationGreek Orthodox CommunityIndia- Australia Association of CanberraJohn Hargreaves ( Associate Member )Kia Ora Te Whanau Social Club IncNational Australian Chinese AssociationPakistan Australian Friendship AssociationPakistan Cultural Association

54

Philippine Cultural Society Russian Ethnic AssociationRussian Orthodox Community CentreSamoan Association of the ACTSierra Leone Community in Canberra and RegionsSudanese Australian Community Thai Community of the ACT IncThai Media and Culture of Canberra

MIGRANT AND REFUGEE SETTLEMENT SERVICES OF THE ACT INC

ABN 74 370 795 990

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED

30 JUNE 2013

55

CONTENTS

Statement by Committee

Independent Audit Report

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Statement of Changes in Equity

Statement of Cashflows

Notes to the Financial Statements

56