Up to $65K p.a. package (depending on experience and skills)
The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECC) is a non-government peak body representing thousands of people from ethnic communities throughout the State. The Council is looking to employ a full time Executive Officer at its Waterloo office to manage a small team of office and project staff and to oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation.
The ECC is an equal opportunity employer.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the ECC Chair and working under the broad direction of the Management Committee, the role is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation of the organisation and the co-ordination and promotion of ECC projects and work programs.
The position is required to exercise a significant degree of initiative, autonomy and judgement in undertaking the day-to-day management of ECC operations and staff.
Other key responsibilities include representation of the ECC and the migrant community in relevant forums, the development of policy and submissions in relation to CALD communities and liaison with media outlets, government departments, community organisations and members of the public.
Essential Criteria:
1. Experience and demonstrated commitment to working with CALD communities
2. Experience with writing policies and funding submissions
3. Effective interpersonal and communications skills to coordinate the work team, liaise with the Management Committee and coordinate media requests.
The position is subject to the availability of ongoing funding.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should send an expression of interest addressing the criteria to : eo@eccnsw.org.au Enquiries: Helen Scott on 93190288
Applications close Thursday 17 April 2008.
30 March 2008
Mental Health Festival at Manly
ECC gave support to the Mental Health Festival held at Manly 30 March 2008.
Pictured are Ted Quan with festival organiser Joan Hunt, and Australian Idol Casey Donovan who performed all day to help raise awareness for suicideprevention in the community.
Speakers included former MP John Brogden who has worked tirelessly making use of his own experiences in providing education to the public, and dispelling the stigma of depression and mental illness.
25 March 2008
Inspirational works by Australian school children at Harmony Day Poster Awards at Parliament House
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From ECC Chair Mr Ted QuanI was privileged today to be invited to Parliament House to join theMinister for Education in presenting the Award to students for the annualHarmony Day Poster competition.
There were 3,600 entries.In the attached photo, I am with the overall winner Ashneet Kaur Sethi fromSt Ives High School next to her winning entry.The theme of living and growing in harmony is such a valued notion in ourAustralian community right now.
The Minister, John Della Bosca, spoke of howpeople need to be taught to hate and to be prejudiced. Reflecting on the song "You've gotta be carefully taught" from Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical"South Pacific".
The organiser of this competition Ernie Friedlander had told of how hestarted the event to honour the German soldier who had the compassion tosave his life and his mother's life during WWII.
The risk taken by this German soldier and his kindness was not forgotten by the then 8 year old Ernie. I just wanted to share with all of you how inspired I was to see so many school children being encouraged to promote harmony... Not prejudice!
HREOC media release: Racial Discrimination Act should reflect contemporary Australia
The Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma, said today that a fresh consideration of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) is warranted to ensure it remains relevant to contemporary Australian society.
Commissioner Calma made this comment as he released the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) Background Paper No 1, An International Comparison of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
“As the first anti-discrimination law in Australia, the RDA declared unambiguously to the Australian people that racism and discrimination were no longer acceptable in our society,’ the Commissioner said.
“After 33 years it is important that the RDA continues to be reviewed against the goals it seeks to achieve, which are equality and non-discrimination,” said Mr Calma. “Yet it is also important that the legislation evolves in response to the changing makeup and reality of Australian society, which is very different today to what it was in 1975.”
Commissioner Calma pointed out that, since 1975, thousands of individuals and organisations have used the RDA to address racism, either by making complaints of discrimination, or by negotiating policy changes based on the broader principles of racial equality.
The legislation has also made possible important developments in the area of Indigenous rights, culminating in the recognition of native title in 1993.’
“The Background Paper analyses the continuing usefulness and effectiveness of the RDA by placing it in context with contemporary race discrimination legislation in other parts of the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union,” Mr Calma said.
The Paper will now be distributed to interested parties is downloadable from the HREOC website at www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/papers/
Commissioner Calma made this comment as he released the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) Background Paper No 1, An International Comparison of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
“As the first anti-discrimination law in Australia, the RDA declared unambiguously to the Australian people that racism and discrimination were no longer acceptable in our society,’ the Commissioner said.
“After 33 years it is important that the RDA continues to be reviewed against the goals it seeks to achieve, which are equality and non-discrimination,” said Mr Calma. “Yet it is also important that the legislation evolves in response to the changing makeup and reality of Australian society, which is very different today to what it was in 1975.”
Commissioner Calma pointed out that, since 1975, thousands of individuals and organisations have used the RDA to address racism, either by making complaints of discrimination, or by negotiating policy changes based on the broader principles of racial equality.
The legislation has also made possible important developments in the area of Indigenous rights, culminating in the recognition of native title in 1993.’
“The Background Paper analyses the continuing usefulness and effectiveness of the RDA by placing it in context with contemporary race discrimination legislation in other parts of the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union,” Mr Calma said.
The Paper will now be distributed to interested parties is downloadable from the HREOC website at www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/papers/
24 March 2008
IMPORTANT new laws for incorporated associations
Proposed changes to the laws regulating incorporated associations will make them easier to run and provide increased protection for their members. The reforms will simplify many of the rules for small associations as well as ensuring greater financial transparency for associations whose annual turnover exceeds $200,000.
There are over 35,000 incorporated associations in NSW, with interests ranging from small hobby groups to large sporting clubs and community service organisations. Overall, the proposed changes will modernise the processes involved in running an association and improve the flexibility for meetings and office holders.
The NSW Office of Fair Trading is seeking public comment on the proposed reforms which can be found on the Fair Trading website at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ or by calling 13 32 20. Submissions close Friday 11 April.
There are over 35,000 incorporated associations in NSW, with interests ranging from small hobby groups to large sporting clubs and community service organisations. Overall, the proposed changes will modernise the processes involved in running an association and improve the flexibility for meetings and office holders.
The NSW Office of Fair Trading is seeking public comment on the proposed reforms which can be found on the Fair Trading website at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ or by calling 13 32 20. Submissions close Friday 11 April.
POSITION VACANT- Ethnic Communities Council of NSW Administration Officer / Office Coordinator
Administration Officer / Office Coordinator for a State-wide Community Organisation based Sydney Office in Waterloo
Email application outlining your experience in the above areas to: admin@eccnsw.org.au
- 35 hours per week, or part time, commencing as soon as possible
- Commitment to cultural diversity and working with CALD communities
- Provide receptionist duties, and administrative support to Chair, Executive Officer and other staff
- Assist in various community projects
- Maintenance of office supplies, resources, filing systems and information on website
- Effective communication skills required, and competence in coordinating correspondence and appointments
Email application outlining your experience in the above areas to: admin@eccnsw.org.au
Chinese Cultural Day 2008
Chinese Cultural Day 2008 will take place on Tuesday, April 15 in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour. “Culture & Harmony IN Australia” is the theme of this year’s free event. Activities, performances and talks to suit all ages will be presented from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
The program includes a lion dance, kung fu workshops, opera singing, costume display, Chinese musical instrument performances, folk dances and magic shows. Other program highlights are Late Spring in Southeast China, Chinese calligraphy and painting demonstrations, Chinese paper cutting and folding, Kids Talent Time and a children’s art workshop.
Talks will be given by Dr Yow Yit Seng on “Understanding Chinese Names” and “Interpreting Chinese Zodiac Signs,” while City historian Dr Shirley Fitzgerald’s talk “From Market Garden to Fragrance Garden” presents a brief overview of the Chinese in Sydney. There will also be a “Living Library” with live books where borrowers are able to talk to and ask questions of these books.
As one of the celebration events of the City of Sydney’s Living in Harmony Program, the overall aim is to foster harmony in a multicultural society. The program and Chinese Garden setting promotes cultural understanding and awareness, by providing an opportunity for the wider community to have a deeper understanding of Chinese Australians.
Chinese Cultural Day is coordinated by the City of Sydney in association with the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Chinese Australian Services Society Co-operative Ltd, Chinese Senior Group Ultimo Community Centre, Chinese Cultural Friendship of Australia, Jing Lao Tang, Australian Chinese Community Association of NSW Inc, Chinese Heritage Association of Australia Inc, University of NSW Community Development Program and Super ‘V’ Multicultural Volunteer Program.
Bookings: Tickets from City of Sydney Multicultural Development Officer Phone (02) 9246 7874 or email sng@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Media Contact: Daphne Lowe Kelley 9719 3080 lowekelley@bigpond.com
Chinese Heritage Association of Australia Inc.
The program includes a lion dance, kung fu workshops, opera singing, costume display, Chinese musical instrument performances, folk dances and magic shows. Other program highlights are Late Spring in Southeast China, Chinese calligraphy and painting demonstrations, Chinese paper cutting and folding, Kids Talent Time and a children’s art workshop.
Talks will be given by Dr Yow Yit Seng on “Understanding Chinese Names” and “Interpreting Chinese Zodiac Signs,” while City historian Dr Shirley Fitzgerald’s talk “From Market Garden to Fragrance Garden” presents a brief overview of the Chinese in Sydney. There will also be a “Living Library” with live books where borrowers are able to talk to and ask questions of these books.
As one of the celebration events of the City of Sydney’s Living in Harmony Program, the overall aim is to foster harmony in a multicultural society. The program and Chinese Garden setting promotes cultural understanding and awareness, by providing an opportunity for the wider community to have a deeper understanding of Chinese Australians.
Chinese Cultural Day is coordinated by the City of Sydney in association with the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Chinese Australian Services Society Co-operative Ltd, Chinese Senior Group Ultimo Community Centre, Chinese Cultural Friendship of Australia, Jing Lao Tang, Australian Chinese Community Association of NSW Inc, Chinese Heritage Association of Australia Inc, University of NSW Community Development Program and Super ‘V’ Multicultural Volunteer Program.
Bookings: Tickets from City of Sydney Multicultural Development Officer Phone (02) 9246 7874 or email sng@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Media Contact: Daphne Lowe Kelley 9719 3080 lowekelley@bigpond.com
Chinese Heritage Association of Australia Inc.
23 March 2008
Properly funding public schools the answer to "white flight"
In the last month, the Sydney Morning Herald published a number of front page articles on a report by the NSW Secondary Principals Council revealing how white Australian students are increasingly fleeing public schools, leaving behind those of Aboriginal and Middle Eastern origin.
The article reported that "Around Sydney, the parents of some Anglo-European students are avoiding what they perceive as predominantly Lebanese, Muslim and Asian schools" and that "Not only have some public schools lost enrolments; they have become racially segregated. In pockets of rural and remote NSW, Aboriginal students fill public schools and white students attend Catholic and other private schools in the same town." See full article here.
The findings of the research, if true, are obviously of concern to us. The success of Australian multiculturalism has always relied on Australians from all cultures interacting with each other in everyday life activities. An important aspect of that interaction is found in the education system, which for many people represents their first real opportunity to experience meeting someone from a different cultural background. Polarisation of schools based on ethnicity or faith undermines those opportunities, and with that, multiculturalism.
What can be done to address this trend? Racists would probably seize on those reports as supporting evidence that people of different cultures cannot peacefully co-exist. But that would be a simplistic analysis. It assumes that students are leaving pubic schools as a result of fear of other students from another ethnicity.
There is however another more optimistic explanation. Parents, no matter from what ethnicity or religion all want their children to receive the best educational opportunities possible. And perhaps they are not confident that the public education system is currently providing those opportunities. Hence, the movement to private, religious, and selective schools by those who are most able to afford to do so. Statistically, they are more likely to be Anglo-celtic Australians. On the other hand, many families from migrant backgrounds are still the most likely to face financial disadvantages. The latter do not have the luxuary of choice. Financial circumstances could therefore be a major contributor to the segregation.
Thus part of the solution to this issue, and one supported by the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW is for increased funding and support to public schools and its teachers. If parents can be confident that their children will receive the same high quality educational opportunities no matter where they are schooled, that will go a long way towards addressing the white flight phenomena.
The article reported that "Around Sydney, the parents of some Anglo-European students are avoiding what they perceive as predominantly Lebanese, Muslim and Asian schools" and that "Not only have some public schools lost enrolments; they have become racially segregated. In pockets of rural and remote NSW, Aboriginal students fill public schools and white students attend Catholic and other private schools in the same town." See full article here.
The findings of the research, if true, are obviously of concern to us. The success of Australian multiculturalism has always relied on Australians from all cultures interacting with each other in everyday life activities. An important aspect of that interaction is found in the education system, which for many people represents their first real opportunity to experience meeting someone from a different cultural background. Polarisation of schools based on ethnicity or faith undermines those opportunities, and with that, multiculturalism.
What can be done to address this trend? Racists would probably seize on those reports as supporting evidence that people of different cultures cannot peacefully co-exist. But that would be a simplistic analysis. It assumes that students are leaving pubic schools as a result of fear of other students from another ethnicity.
There is however another more optimistic explanation. Parents, no matter from what ethnicity or religion all want their children to receive the best educational opportunities possible. And perhaps they are not confident that the public education system is currently providing those opportunities. Hence, the movement to private, religious, and selective schools by those who are most able to afford to do so. Statistically, they are more likely to be Anglo-celtic Australians. On the other hand, many families from migrant backgrounds are still the most likely to face financial disadvantages. The latter do not have the luxuary of choice. Financial circumstances could therefore be a major contributor to the segregation.
Thus part of the solution to this issue, and one supported by the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW is for increased funding and support to public schools and its teachers. If parents can be confident that their children will receive the same high quality educational opportunities no matter where they are schooled, that will go a long way towards addressing the white flight phenomena.
22 March 2008
Closing the Gap must remain a daily priority
Closing the Gap must remain a daily priority
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has used national Close the Gap Day today to urge the federal government to make closing the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians a daily priority.
"Just over a month ago we witnessed the historic signing of a Statement of Intent between the Australian government, Indigenous and non-Indigenous health experts and the reconciliation movement to work together to Close the Gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030," Commissioner Calma said.
“We must do everything in our power to build on this momentum and to put flesh on the bones of the rhetoric and sentiment of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations in February.
"While the Prime Minister's commitment to report on progress in closing the gap on the first day of federal Parliament each year is welcomed, I implore all governments around Australia to continue consulting, planning and implementing the steps along the way towards ensuring that benchmarks and targets for achieving these fundamental human rights for Indigenous Australians become a reality."
Commissioner Calma said the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign, launched in April last year, involved more than 40 organisations pushing for government commitments to fixing the tragedy of Indigenous health.
"The Close the Gap coalition has put the crisis in Indigenous health under the national spotlight and I call today on all Australians to look beyond 2020 and realise that together we can work to ensure that an Indigenous baby born in 2030 has the same life expectation, the same access to quality health services and the same life outcomes as non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr Calma said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has used national Close the Gap Day today to urge the federal government to make closing the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians a daily priority.
"Just over a month ago we witnessed the historic signing of a Statement of Intent between the Australian government, Indigenous and non-Indigenous health experts and the reconciliation movement to work together to Close the Gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030," Commissioner Calma said.
“We must do everything in our power to build on this momentum and to put flesh on the bones of the rhetoric and sentiment of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations in February.
"While the Prime Minister's commitment to report on progress in closing the gap on the first day of federal Parliament each year is welcomed, I implore all governments around Australia to continue consulting, planning and implementing the steps along the way towards ensuring that benchmarks and targets for achieving these fundamental human rights for Indigenous Australians become a reality."
Commissioner Calma said the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign, launched in April last year, involved more than 40 organisations pushing for government commitments to fixing the tragedy of Indigenous health.
"The Close the Gap coalition has put the crisis in Indigenous health under the national spotlight and I call today on all Australians to look beyond 2020 and realise that together we can work to ensure that an Indigenous baby born in 2030 has the same life expectation, the same access to quality health services and the same life outcomes as non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr Calma said.
12 March 2008
HREOC endorses moves by government to address alienation of Muslim people in Australia
Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma, today welcomed proposed federal government initiatives which aim to take a more socially-inclusive approach to help address the complex issues faced by many Muslim Australians.
Commissioner Calma said a revival of the Council for Multicultural Australia, as well as a new-look Muslim advisory body that would feature leaders and role models from a cross-section of ethnic backgrounds and focus on everyday Muslim Australians, would be a positive step.
"The level of social alienation faced by many Australian Muslim people, particularly young Muslims, has to be turned around," said Commissioner Calma. "Racist, religious or cultural hatred directed towards any member of the community is a breach of human rights and is absolutely unacceptable,"
Commissioner Calma referred to the concerns covered in a 4 Corners television program this week which focused on the need to promote social inclusion, multiculturalism and zero tolerance to racism in order to avoid the continuing alienation of young Muslims.
"Ongoing fear and misinformation in the wider community remains a major threat to social harmony," said Mr Calma. "Social inclusion measures are likely to be much more successful at protecting the community from violence than many of the tough security initiatives advocated under the 'war on terror'.
"Failure to take action to improve social inclusion and combat racism will only fuel frustration within Muslim communities and continue to reinforce discriminatory perceptions of threats to national security among non-Muslim communities."
Mr Calma noted that the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has been working for several years to form strong partnerships between Muslim communities, NGOs, universities and government agencies in an effort to build awareness and engagement with Muslim communities.
"We require whole-of-government and whole-of-community approaches to building community capacity, cross-community and cross-cultural respect and social inclusion," said Mr Calma.
"The HREOC approach, mixing 'coal-face' community partnership projects, with human rights education resources, research, and communications is an important model that complements this targeted approach to working with communities."
"For these initiatives to work, we require a major rethink on security and social inclusion, which this government appears to be working hard to achieve," said Mr Calma.
Commissioner Calma said a revival of the Council for Multicultural Australia, as well as a new-look Muslim advisory body that would feature leaders and role models from a cross-section of ethnic backgrounds and focus on everyday Muslim Australians, would be a positive step.
"The level of social alienation faced by many Australian Muslim people, particularly young Muslims, has to be turned around," said Commissioner Calma. "Racist, religious or cultural hatred directed towards any member of the community is a breach of human rights and is absolutely unacceptable,"
Commissioner Calma referred to the concerns covered in a 4 Corners television program this week which focused on the need to promote social inclusion, multiculturalism and zero tolerance to racism in order to avoid the continuing alienation of young Muslims.
"Ongoing fear and misinformation in the wider community remains a major threat to social harmony," said Mr Calma. "Social inclusion measures are likely to be much more successful at protecting the community from violence than many of the tough security initiatives advocated under the 'war on terror'.
"Failure to take action to improve social inclusion and combat racism will only fuel frustration within Muslim communities and continue to reinforce discriminatory perceptions of threats to national security among non-Muslim communities."
Mr Calma noted that the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has been working for several years to form strong partnerships between Muslim communities, NGOs, universities and government agencies in an effort to build awareness and engagement with Muslim communities.
"We require whole-of-government and whole-of-community approaches to building community capacity, cross-community and cross-cultural respect and social inclusion," said Mr Calma.
"The HREOC approach, mixing 'coal-face' community partnership projects, with human rights education resources, research, and communications is an important model that complements this targeted approach to working with communities."
"For these initiatives to work, we require a major rethink on security and social inclusion, which this government appears to be working hard to achieve," said Mr Calma.
06 March 2008
FAMILY STORIES: BELGRADE
By Biljana Srbljanovic
Translated and Directed by Bojana Novakovic
15th Oct – 2nd Nov 2008
At the Stablemates Griffin Theatre Darlinghurst
Family Stories: Belgrade is a violently skewed ‘Family Portrait’ of a developed nation in the process of imploding. It gives voice to a generation of people who grew up during a ten-year civil war and articulates what they lost over that time: an identity, a voice and the ability to develop opinions of their own.
A war is over, or it might not be. It is any time after 1999. The inflation rate is absurdly high, there are demonstrations in the streets, politicians wives are publishing self-help books, families are rationing food and kids are left unsupervised in their concrete playground.
On stage, or at the back of an apartment block, four adult actors play children who in turn play adults; mum, dad, son, daughter and the family dog. This is the game of Family Stories, a thrilling, hilarious, devastating parable of post war society.
It is vital to consider that only a couple of decades ago Yugoslavia was very much like Australia seems now; an intellectual and cultural epicentre. Its citizens well-educated, it was a final destination for all Europeans looking for freedom, opportunities, intellectual and artistic expression, and an exciting night-life. In a country that still has this potential, the impact of a work like Family Stories: Belgrade cannot be underestimated.
This play is, at heart, an allegory of Yugoslavia under Milosevic, and one of the most original, contemporary and honest theatrical dramatizations of the unrest that came under his regime. More than that however, it is a depiction of the dehumanization of a society - any society - under the boots of repression, nationalism, corruption, and war.
Ride On Theatre
Fringe theatre doesn’t get much more exciting and disturbing than this.
Cameron Woodhead, The AGE
Ride On is a collective of young professional theatre makers, performers, designers, technicians and musicians who share a passion for theatre as a vital source of our collective cultural conscience, our identity as individuals and as a community. Steered by the artistic vision of Tanya Goldberg and Bojana Novakovic, Ride On’s vision is the creation of challenging, innovative theatre works, which always draw upon the vitality of the medium and resonate and expand the boundaries in our distinctive culture.
"Compelling… refreshingly accessible … inventive… such theatrical conceit seems perfectly matched to the politics of today"
Mark Hopkins, Sydney Morning Herald
Ride On’s 2004 production of LOVEPLAY was a B Sharp sell-out and set an unprecedented box office record for the Downstairs Belvoir Street Theatre, only superceded in 2007 by Ride On’s The Merchant of Venice. After shaking up Sydney audiences during its April 2006 season, Debris had a sell-out second season at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in October, hosted by our friends The Black Lung Theatre. Debris received Green Room Award nominations for Best Independent Production and Best Actress (Bojana Novakovic) With our acclaimed 2006 production of Bone, the production was invited for a return season at the Seymour Centre as part of the Best of Independent Theatre BITE season. Bone received a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best Actress (Vanessa Downing) 2006. With The Merchant of Venice, Ride On returned to B Sharp, at Downstairs Belvoir, once again welcoming new members into the company for a fresh, invigorating and highly acclaimed theatrical experience. Thematically and artistically, The Merchant of Venice continued the Ride On tradition of pushing creative boundaries for our team as well as personal ones for our audience. Our 2008 plans continue in the same direction, with ideas for original work and rare contemporary adaptations. We hope you are enjoying the ride!
… Ride On Theatre have certainly ticked the biggest box on their mission statement – providing “a community of artists who believe in theatre’s enlightening and transforming power” Debris indeed enlightens and transforms, and gives hope where you least expect it.
SydneyStage.com
Bojana Novakovic : translator and director.
Bojana graduated from NIDA in 2002. In 2004 she won the AFI award for Best Leading Actress on Television for the ABC mini series Marking Time. This year she is about to star along side Will Smith in the film 7 POUNDS. Other film Credits include Optimisti, Solo, Thunderstruck, The Monkey’s Mask, Strange Fits of Passion, Blackrock and The Eye Inside. Theatre credits include These People, Away and Strange Fruit at the Sydney Theatre Company; The Female of the Species at the Melbourne Theatre Company; Criminology (Greenroom nomination for best actress 2007), Eldorado (Helpman nomination for best supporting actress, 2006) and Necessary Targets at the Malthouse, Death Variations and Loveplay (Ride On) for B Sharp, Romeo And Juliet with Bell Shakespeare and Debris for Ride On Theatre which received a Greenroom Award nomination for best Independent production and best actress in 2006. TV includes the Showtime series Satisfaction and The Cooks, Wildside, Water Rats, Big Sky, Heartbreak High and Murder Call.
Bojana was a producer for the 2004 Ride On sellout season of LOVEPLAY at the Downstairs Belvoir Street Theatre and the 2006 award nominated production of Debris. She was director and writer with Melbourne’s Black Lung Theatre for the critically acclaimed production of Sugar at the 2007 Adelaide Fringe Festival. She was an anti-nuclear testing protest organiser all throughout high school and appeared on the news! As well as fundraising for anti communist protests in Belgrade from 1997-2001. She has worked extensively with refugees in Australia. She is a professional translator for theatre and film (Serbian/ Croatian).
Translated and Directed by Bojana Novakovic
15th Oct – 2nd Nov 2008
At the Stablemates Griffin Theatre Darlinghurst
Family Stories: Belgrade is a violently skewed ‘Family Portrait’ of a developed nation in the process of imploding. It gives voice to a generation of people who grew up during a ten-year civil war and articulates what they lost over that time: an identity, a voice and the ability to develop opinions of their own.
A war is over, or it might not be. It is any time after 1999. The inflation rate is absurdly high, there are demonstrations in the streets, politicians wives are publishing self-help books, families are rationing food and kids are left unsupervised in their concrete playground.
On stage, or at the back of an apartment block, four adult actors play children who in turn play adults; mum, dad, son, daughter and the family dog. This is the game of Family Stories, a thrilling, hilarious, devastating parable of post war society.
It is vital to consider that only a couple of decades ago Yugoslavia was very much like Australia seems now; an intellectual and cultural epicentre. Its citizens well-educated, it was a final destination for all Europeans looking for freedom, opportunities, intellectual and artistic expression, and an exciting night-life. In a country that still has this potential, the impact of a work like Family Stories: Belgrade cannot be underestimated.
This play is, at heart, an allegory of Yugoslavia under Milosevic, and one of the most original, contemporary and honest theatrical dramatizations of the unrest that came under his regime. More than that however, it is a depiction of the dehumanization of a society - any society - under the boots of repression, nationalism, corruption, and war.
Ride On Theatre
Fringe theatre doesn’t get much more exciting and disturbing than this.
Cameron Woodhead, The AGE
Ride On is a collective of young professional theatre makers, performers, designers, technicians and musicians who share a passion for theatre as a vital source of our collective cultural conscience, our identity as individuals and as a community. Steered by the artistic vision of Tanya Goldberg and Bojana Novakovic, Ride On’s vision is the creation of challenging, innovative theatre works, which always draw upon the vitality of the medium and resonate and expand the boundaries in our distinctive culture.
"Compelling… refreshingly accessible … inventive… such theatrical conceit seems perfectly matched to the politics of today"
Mark Hopkins, Sydney Morning Herald
Ride On’s 2004 production of LOVEPLAY was a B Sharp sell-out and set an unprecedented box office record for the Downstairs Belvoir Street Theatre, only superceded in 2007 by Ride On’s The Merchant of Venice. After shaking up Sydney audiences during its April 2006 season, Debris had a sell-out second season at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in October, hosted by our friends The Black Lung Theatre. Debris received Green Room Award nominations for Best Independent Production and Best Actress (Bojana Novakovic) With our acclaimed 2006 production of Bone, the production was invited for a return season at the Seymour Centre as part of the Best of Independent Theatre BITE season. Bone received a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best Actress (Vanessa Downing) 2006. With The Merchant of Venice, Ride On returned to B Sharp, at Downstairs Belvoir, once again welcoming new members into the company for a fresh, invigorating and highly acclaimed theatrical experience. Thematically and artistically, The Merchant of Venice continued the Ride On tradition of pushing creative boundaries for our team as well as personal ones for our audience. Our 2008 plans continue in the same direction, with ideas for original work and rare contemporary adaptations. We hope you are enjoying the ride!
… Ride On Theatre have certainly ticked the biggest box on their mission statement – providing “a community of artists who believe in theatre’s enlightening and transforming power” Debris indeed enlightens and transforms, and gives hope where you least expect it.
SydneyStage.com
Bojana Novakovic : translator and director.
Bojana graduated from NIDA in 2002. In 2004 she won the AFI award for Best Leading Actress on Television for the ABC mini series Marking Time. This year she is about to star along side Will Smith in the film 7 POUNDS. Other film Credits include Optimisti, Solo, Thunderstruck, The Monkey’s Mask, Strange Fits of Passion, Blackrock and The Eye Inside. Theatre credits include These People, Away and Strange Fruit at the Sydney Theatre Company; The Female of the Species at the Melbourne Theatre Company; Criminology (Greenroom nomination for best actress 2007), Eldorado (Helpman nomination for best supporting actress, 2006) and Necessary Targets at the Malthouse, Death Variations and Loveplay (Ride On) for B Sharp, Romeo And Juliet with Bell Shakespeare and Debris for Ride On Theatre which received a Greenroom Award nomination for best Independent production and best actress in 2006. TV includes the Showtime series Satisfaction and The Cooks, Wildside, Water Rats, Big Sky, Heartbreak High and Murder Call.
Bojana was a producer for the 2004 Ride On sellout season of LOVEPLAY at the Downstairs Belvoir Street Theatre and the 2006 award nominated production of Debris. She was director and writer with Melbourne’s Black Lung Theatre for the critically acclaimed production of Sugar at the 2007 Adelaide Fringe Festival. She was an anti-nuclear testing protest organiser all throughout high school and appeared on the news! As well as fundraising for anti communist protests in Belgrade from 1997-2001. She has worked extensively with refugees in Australia. She is a professional translator for theatre and film (Serbian/ Croatian).
04 March 2008
JAPA - Justice Access Programs Alert
JAPA - Justice Access Programs Alert is a free bi-monthly electronic alert published by the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW.
It covers innovative programs improving access to justice for economically and socially disadvantaged people throughout but not limited to NSW. Program evaluations are included if available.Each issue will include a focus on a specific theme.
Programs for Aboriginal people are featured in the first issue, which is available on the web at http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/publications/newsletters/japa.
To subscribe go to http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/publications/newsletters/japa.
Contributions and feedback are welcome and can be sent to arussell@lawfoundation.net.au
It covers innovative programs improving access to justice for economically and socially disadvantaged people throughout but not limited to NSW. Program evaluations are included if available.Each issue will include a focus on a specific theme.
Programs for Aboriginal people are featured in the first issue, which is available on the web at http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/publications/newsletters/japa.
To subscribe go to http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/publications/newsletters/japa.
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02 March 2008
Migrant communities participate in Clean Up Australia Day
Across NSW, migrant communities enthusiastically participated in this year's Clean-Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March 2008.
In Sydney's West, over 30 volunteers from the Lebanese Moslem Association (LMA)met at Lakemba Mosque and spent the day cleaning specific locations around the local area. Sites marked for cleaning included Wangee Rd, Lakemba St, Haldon St and Lakemba Train Station. The day was an overwhelming success. A BBQ for all participants who took part was a great way to relax after a hard day’s work.
"The day showcased the community spirit that exists within the local area and we were ecstatic to be apart of such a great initiative with over 50 bags of rubbish being collected on the day” said LMA president Tom Zreika. The LMA is now looking forward to lending a hand at next year’s event.
"The day showcased the community spirit that exists within the local area and we were ecstatic to be apart of such a great initiative with over 50 bags of rubbish being collected on the day” said LMA president Tom Zreika. The LMA is now looking forward to lending a hand at next year’s event.
In the North West, members of the newly established Australian Asian Association of Bennelong (AAAB) spent time cleaning BBQ stoves and tables at a park in Eastwood (pictured above). Eastwood has become home to an increasing number of Chinese, Korean and other Asian Australians in recent years.
AAAB founding member Justin Li said "Unlike other countries, Australia does not have many paid street cleaners. It is therefore important for volunteers to help maintain a clean environment.”
Established on 25 January 2008, AAAB is a new non-profit organisation set up to represent the Asian community in Eastwood, Denistone, Marsfield, Epping, Carlingford, Macquarie Park, and Ryde.
Established on 25 January 2008, AAAB is a new non-profit organisation set up to represent the Asian community in Eastwood, Denistone, Marsfield, Epping, Carlingford, Macquarie Park, and Ryde.
It is pleasing to observe that more and more migrant communities are participating in Clean Up Australia Day each year as an annual tradition.
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