AWAFN eNews #6 ★ August 2024

Let Me Tell You a Story

Last Saturday 3 August, African Women's and Families Network (AWAFN) was honoured to present our latest event in partnership with DonateLife. We called our event 'Let Me Tell You a Story', which was our way of inviting our community to have a conversation about organ donation during DonateLife Week 2024.

AWAFN aims to support all the members of the African-Australian community in Melbourne and Victoria, and is very proud to have been selected as worthy of a role in promoting organ donation. Audience members were joined by many community leaders including the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney , the Mayor of City of Greater Dandenong Lana Formoso and the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Vivienne Nguyen .

AWAFN's immediate Past President, Ms Theresa Sengaaga Ssali said that having a conversation ?about sensitive topics is always a good thing as she urged the audience to enjoy the conversation about organ donation during the afternoon. The conversation was started by a panel made up of medical specialists who were joined by several people who themselves have direct experience of being an organ donation recipient and having a donor from their family.

If the level of applause was any guide, the audience was very impressed with the wisdom that came from the panellists. Overall, their very clear message was that organ donation is very important as it saves lives. Special thanks to AWAFN Project Officer Katinda Ndola and AWAFN Interim Committee member Ross Barnett OAM for organising the event.

2024 AWAFN AGM Outcomes

The 2024 African Women's and Families Network Annual General Meeting was held on-line via 'Zoom', on the afternoon of Saturday July 27th.

It was with sadness that members of the African Women's and Families Network (AWAFN) were advised by founder and current President,?Ms Theresa Sengaaga Ssali that she wished to stand down due to ill health. Theresa has been the driving force behind the organisation since its establishment in 2011. She told members that it takes a huge amount of work to manage a community based, not-for-profit organisation like AWAFN, and that had taken its toll on her health and her levels of energy. Whilst?being a difficult decision, Theresa expressed the willingness to remain connected in an alternative role to support a new Committee of Management. She urged AWAFN members to establish an 'Interim Committee of Management' to continue the forward trajectory of the organisation and ensure that by the AGM of 2025 a new formal Committee can be elected.?

AWAFN Interim Committee member Sarah Chong offers this heartfelt tribute:

"Anyone who knows Theresa will without a doubt say she is a leader, friend, mentor and unsung hero. It is bittersweet to see her step down as the?president of the African Women's and Families Network. Yet the memories and legacy she leaves behind will forever live not just within AWAFN?but also within the broader community and in our hearts. Her tireless efforts?of championing for smaller hardly reached communities to be recognised and more recently the establishment of a carers program that has been able to reach deep into these communities, supporting those most in need. This is not goodbye, for you will always have a place within AWAFN?and with me as I smile remembering all our conversations in which you so selflessly?shared your wisdom."

In planning for her move to a less demanding role with AWAFN, Theresa had ensured the organisation was taken through?a Strategic Planning process earlier?this year. This resulted in a Draft Strategic?Plan to take AWAFN forward into 2025-2023; that Plan was endorsed at the AGM. Members thanked Mr Richard Dent, OAM FAICD for his many hours of volunteer effort to facilitate the two planning days, and produce the draft document.?

Following a call for expressions?of interest at the AGM, a group of ten?AWAFN financial members agreed to join together to form a new Interim Committee which will meet on August 13th to decide who takes up the 'Office?Bearer' positions; and to start the process of aligning the organisation with the new Strategic Plan.

If you wish to be considered for co-option to the Interim AWAFN Committee, or to be a AWAFN volunteer in any of our organised activities, please email us your Expression of Interest at: [email protected], preferably before next Tuesday August 13th.

Congratulations to Assistant Minister the Hon Julian Hill MP!

AWAFN warmly congratulates and welcomes our local Greater Dandenong member of the Australian Government, the Member for Bruce, on his recent appointment as Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. Newly appointed Assistant Minister Julian Hill is also the Chair of the federal government's Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

On his appointment, Assistant Minister Julian Hill said: "Human diversity is the distinguishing characteristic of my local community. I’m very keen to now engage right across modern multicultural Australia, as the new Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs." We are proud to have Assistant Minister Hill as a friend of the AWAFN and look forward to engaging with him in his new role!

AWAFN Supports Carers

The African Women’s and Families Network has secured State Government funding for a Carers Respite program to support twenty-five volunteer carers from African Australian and new diverse communities living in Victoria. This Program is funded until 30 June 2025.

AWAFN recognises that looking after someone can be a very demanding and sometimes isolating experience. It is sometimes difficult to know what support services are available. The AWAFN Additional Carers Respite Support program is designed to enable carers to take a break, improve their own health and wellbeing, and access other activities of their choice.

To learn who is eligible and what sort of support the program provides, email us at [email protected]

Other news of interest to AWAFN stakeholders...

Update on Recruitment for ECCV’s new CEO

The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is recruiting an experienced and inspirational Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Chief Executive Officer role presents a unique opportunity for a purpose-driven and outcome-focused CEO to lead a well-established, well-respected organisation on its next chapter towards growth and sustainability. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria by no later than 5pm this Friday, 9 August. Find out more here.

"Together we can find solutions for a better multicultural Australia..."

Rosemary Kariuki OAM is a member of the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) and is the 2021 Australian Local Hero. The AMC is a ministerially appointed body representing a broad cross-section of Australian interests that provides independent and robust advice to Government on multicultural affairs, social cohesion and integration policy and programs.

Rosemary recently posted on LinkedIn: "I had the honour of being invited for lunch with other 17 community leaders and conversation by Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. I had the opportunity to speak from the heart about the reality of the needs of our community, particularly focusing on women and their unique challenges especially on Domestic and Family Violence, international students and racism where I reminded that we should all ‘Get to know your neighbour’ and stop living in Silos’ from my speech of 2021 as Australian Local Hero."

Towards Fairness -?a multicultural Australia for all?

The Multicultural Framework Review Report and Recommendations were released last month. The Review is a generational reform agenda requiring a whole-of-government and community approach that will position Australia to realise its full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences.

?? Read the Multicultural Framework Review here.

?? Read the Government Response to the Review here.

Africa Dialogue & Debate

Tomorrow! At Melbourne Business School – 6th August, 5 PM

Join us for an insightful evening of dialogue and a debate at the prestigious Melbourne Business School.

This event brings together academia, think tanks, business community, and policy affairs to discuss critical issues arising from the African continent, explore growth opportunities, and highlight the role of diaspora engagement in advancing Africa. Get tickets here.

Education Support For Primary School Children

Wellsprings for Women is pleased to offer Education Support to primary school children in years 2 to 6.? This program is being offered especially to children who need extra help.

Each student is assessed to determine where the help is needed and then provided with an individual plan and goals to be achieved through tutoring by qualified staff.? Currently, the program runs every Saturday at our site in Dandenong. But we can expand the program to be delivered from other sites. Email Marie Marzovilla for more information: [email protected]

Communities for Children

Wellsprings for Women is a partner in the Communities for Children program managed by Windermere and targeting the Cranbourne and Clyde areas. The programs include a Mother Goose music playgroup and an Abecedarian Approach mother and children’s literacy group.

?? Join Wellsprings' Communities for Children! Our Mother Goose music playgroup ?? and Abecedarian Approach literacy group ?? are designed to support families with proven methods. Contact Marie Marzovilla for referrals and more info today! [email protected]

Supporting South Sudanese Students

Do you know a young South Sudanese person who would love to join a Homework Club? The club is run in collaboration with the CMY South Sudanese Community Support Group (CSG) and Djerriwarrh. This program offers tutors and a supportive environment for learning, building confidence and self-esteem, and connecting with families and the community.

It will run on Wednesdays for Secondary students and Thursdays for Primary students. To find out more you can contact Akoi on 0401 908 711 or email at [email protected] or Geu on 0475 400 449 or at [email protected]!

Grants Supporting Employment + Literacy Projects

The Scanlon Foundation’s Annual Community Grants are the core of their local investments. These grants focus on two areas that are consistently raised by the community as particular areas of need: Employment and Literacy. ?

Any organisation with DGR1 status is eligible to apply; organisations can apply for up to $30,000. Find out more?on the Scanlon Foundation website.

Overcoming the silencing effect of racism

Last month, Victoria University (VU) launched Understanding reporting barriers and support needs for those experiencing racism in Victoria. It is a new report about the damaging effects of racism, why those impacted often stay silent, and ways to improve anti-racism support across Victoria.?

Led by VU’s?Associate Professor Mario Peucker, in partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), funded by Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), the report was launched today at Fitzroy Town Hall.

At the launch VU Associate Professor Mario Peucker said: “Listening to and centering community voices is crucial for any advancement in reducing racism. Our report captures the experiences of hundreds of people who continue to be negatively impacted by racism, while offering proactive ways to encourage people to speak out and ultimately improve anti-racism support.” To read the key findings, and download the full report - click here.

All governments lack courage to call out racism

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) recently released a report that found governments across all sectors and departments Australia wide have failed to identify, and deal with racism. The AHRC report made six recommendations, including developing a nationally recognised definition of racism, and anti-racism education in schools. The AHRC report was part of a broader national anti-racism framework to be developed.

National Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman said: “This report shows governments at all levels in Australia are not taking seriously enough their responsibility for action to address racism. If some areas of government are reluctant to use the term ‘racism’, how can they tackle it?" Editor's comment: this is reminiscent of the then federal government's 1999 'Living In Harmony' strategy, which also failed to call out racism.

Find out more here. You can also read the related ABC News article: Human Rights Commission report says governments fail on racism — here are six recommendations.

AWAFN eNews Editor's opinion: "Primary carriage of redressing societal racism ought in the first instance be the responsibility of elected political leaders and their governments, with statutory authorities like AHRC and VEOHRC holding them to account. Leadership ought not be outsourced to institutions governments can potentially ignore, criticise, oppose or undermine, as recent history has demonstrated."

Sudan's civil war remains a daily horror for many Australians

The ongoing war in Sudan is having devastating consequences for Sudanese diaspora around the world — including here in Australia. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch this week revealed grave violations against children and systemic sexual violence in Sudan.

Aid agencies say the international community needs to push for violence to stop and humanitarian assistance to reach desperate civilians. Full report at ABC News.

A champion of decolonisation in Africa - Who was Dag Hammarskj?ld?

Directed by Per Fly, Hammarskj?ld - Fight for Peace is a gripping movie drama currently screening as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival. It is based on true events and stars iconic actor Mikael Persbrandt as charismatic diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskj?ld, the man John F. Kennedy once called “the greatest statesman of our century.”

At the peak of the Cold War, Dag Hammarskj?ld is at the pinnacle of his power, serving his seventh year as Secretary-General of the United Nations. After decolonisation, he takes it upon himself to bring peace to the African countries, thwarting plans of powerful entrepreneurs and world leaders to further their exploit resources. When UN peacekeepers are killed in open battle in the Congo, Hammarskj?ld decides to impose peace by new measures and leads UN troops into their first wartime operation. Although aware his enemies may plot against him, he boards a plane in a desperate attempt to negotiate a cease-fire. Hammarskj?ld perished as a result of that plane crashing under suspicious circumstances, as did all of the 15 other passengers. He was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961. Check for film screening times here.

African Film & Theatre In Australia

Congratulations to Mumbi Hinga and Safia Amadou for a wonderful Africa Film Fest Australia last month at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta; it was supported by Arts & Cultural Exchange, Screen NSW, and WeirAnderson Films.

The only pan-African film festival in Australia, the sold out opening night demonstrated that there is a lot of demand to see films from and about the African perspective.

La Belle Epoque is a multimedia play by multi-talented African Australian Future Destin (aka Future Fidel) that interweaves different art forms to tell the story of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This play addresses DRC's deeply troubled history - also covered by Hammarskj?ld - Fight for Peace (see further above) - but from the perspective of young African Australians.

AWAFN eNews Editor Con Pagonis attended closing night of 'La Belle Epoque' at Theatre Works in St Kilda on July 20th and can report that the full house closed to an enthusiastic standing ovation - congratulations to playwright Future Destin , his African-Australian actors and the production team. Brisbane-based, Future is also a published author and musical performer. Read a review of La Belle Epoque by Arts Writer Dorcas Maphakela in Arts Hub.

2 MORE FRIDAY NIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC RESIDENCIES AT NGV

A champion of the rich and diverse sounds of the African continent, Stani Goma draws upon his wealth of knowledge and passion to present Flight 1067 to Africa – Melbourne Community Radio PBS 106.7FM ’s iconic and long-running show dedicated to African music. He has curated South African music performances at the National Gallery Victoria (NGV) over the next two Friday nights.

This Friday (9 August) Stani presents the sounds of South Africa! Fem Belling: Project Mzansi - Fem and her band perform South African jazz and township music past and present. Soul-stirring melodies and rhythms overflowing with the spirit of resistance and resilience of the Apartheid era. Celebrate the rich history of urban African music and its role as a voice against oppression.

The following Friday (16 August) Stani presents Kunjani Heita Afrika. Led By Patrick Daniels, Kunjani Heita Afrika’s music is inspired by the the Ghoema Carnival Sounds and other musical styles from Cape Town and influenced by the soulful infectious rhythms of South Africa. Their original tunes form a dynamic blend of Afro Jazz with funk, latin, soul & gospel.

NGV Friday Nights - details and tickets here.

2024 African Music and Cultural Festival

Save the date for Australia's largest African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) - celebrating diversity and harmony in the heart of Melbourne.

???? FREE EVENT! ?? Friday 15th - Sunday 17th November 2024?? Federation Square, Melbourne

To find previous editions of the AWAFN eNews - click here.

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Disclaimer: The AWAFN eNews publishes content as it’s contributed or sourced with minimal editing. Material included does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor nor the AWAFN Board, nor should its inclusion be seen to necessarily constitute an endorsement.

For further information or enquiries, email AWAFN at: [email protected]