Unity in Diversity – creating a culture for multiculturalism –

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW invites you to participate in a collective forum to create an agenda for constructive change, within the ECC, and within the community.

Over the past few years multiculturalism has become a debate rather than a recognised way of Australian life. This challenge needs to be addressed proactively. We as the peak multicultural body recognise that we need to evolve to respond to your needs as our membership.

As we move to reinvigorate ECC NSW, we would like to see all of our member organisations work together to achieve our collective goals. No one organisation can advocate for change on their own. But as a collective unified voice, we can instill change on a community, policy and political level.

We understand this journey won’t be easy. Every community has specific and differing needs which need to be addressed. However this should not divide us, it should be our source of strength. Our common interest in cultural diversity should unite us in addressing social justice, human rights, education, heath, migration and settlement, housing, industrial relations, transport, cost of living, work-life balance and social inclusion. It impacts on us all as uniquely as multicultural Australians.

In 2008 we want you to join YOUR ECC in developing a program for change.

Sunday 31st of August 2008. Starts 10:00am finishes at 3pm. 221 Cope Street, Waterloo.

See you all there

Best wishes to the Australian Olympic Team!

We look forward with excitement to watching One World come together for the2008 Beijing Olympic games.The Ethnic Communities' Council would like to extend our best wishes to our Australian Olympic Team, to AOC Chief John Coates and Deputy Chef de Mission Lynne Bates (pictured).

Let our migrant communities brighten the tapestry that forms our nation

People rely on hopes and wishes to keep motivated. As I come to the completion of a year as Chair, I have been pondering a wish list for the migrant communities in a country in pursuit of furthering “social inclusion”.

I invite you to add to this list.

The list:

Social Inclusion through all Australians taking pride in our culturally diverse nation

This can be achieved by: (a) education via school and media, leading to an unbiased awareness of diverse cultures and faiths; (b) developing true understanding and acceptance of other cultures and faiths will be the next step; (c) fostering participation in and enjoyment of diverse cultures for all in Australia.

The old must look after the young, so that the young will then look after the old

Young people must be encouraged to become more active in community. They need to be shown the way. We must find the right incentive, in an incentive driven world. Not enough people are willing to give their time to community. Why is it so? Community leaders need to cultivate young to step up to the plate, and take responsibility. We desperately need leaders of the future, especially from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Create more role models for our young people

To enable more opportunities for people from culturally diverse backgrounds in representative roles. Create more role models for our young people, like our NSW Premier, The Hon. Morris Iemma, who is from Italian background, and Governor Marie Bashir A.C., who is of Lebanese background.

Over 25% of the population are from diverse cultural backgrounds. But why is it that the same proportions are not represented on the board of major companies, as judges, in state and federal government, or as ambassadors for Australia.

I encourage you all to add to this list. Put your comments on our blog. Contact the ECC with your ideas. Better still, come along and actively participate.

Progressing from one Chair to the next, together in a council of leaders from richly diverse backgrounds, let’s keep working collectively to keep our hopes and wishes alive for the migrant communities.

Migrant communities brighten the tapestry of our nation. Diversity makes us global.

Ted Quan
ECC Chair

Hong Kong –NSW Business Awards now Open

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council together with the Hong Kong Australia Business Association –NSW Chapter is encouraging participants to enter in the annual Hong Kong –NSW Business Awards of Excellence

The awards acknowledge the achievements of local NSW companies trading with Hong Kong, said Director of HKTDC Australia/ NZ Ms Bonnie Shek “The awards recognize individuals and companies striving for excellence in all aspects of international trade between Australia/NSW and Hong Kong SAR/China,” Ms Shek told “It also provides incentive for other NSW based companies to establish trade links with Hong Kong.” There are six award categories, including export of goods, export of service, imports of goods, imports of service, creative SME, contribution to the industry.

In addition to these awards, there will be a Grand Prize selected from one of the six winners. The independent judging panel is to be chaired by The Hon. Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC, and comprises The Hon. Henry Tsang OAM MLC with other professionals and industry heads from Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Austrade, Qantas Airways, Aon Risk Services and CMC Markets.Previous Business Awards Grand Prize Winner was Nature’s Care Manufacturing. Other winners included Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Bluechip Infotech Pty. Ltd, Rockman (Australia) Pty.Ltd, K Square Karaoke Lounge, Informed Investors Magazine and Kairos International Pty. Ltd.

Mr Peter Sinn, President of the HKABA NSW, adds “This year the awards have grown to recognize those companies doing business between not only Hong Kong and NSW but also China, 2008 is the biggest year yet with significant sponsors supporting the event led by Qantas Airways Ltd, Aon Risk Services and CMC Markets, truly making this a not to be missed event” The winners will be announced at the Annual Hong Kong Australia Business Association-NSW Chapter Business Awards of Excellence gala dinner, to be held at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney on October 17.

NSW Businesses can enter online http://www.hkaba-nsw.com.au entries close mid-late August 2008 or contactMr. Peter Bosevski from Hong Kong Trade Development Council Email: peter.bosevski@tdc.org.hk orMs Coco Li from Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA-NSW)Email: hkaba_nsw@tdc.org.hkPhone: 02-9261-8911

ADVANCING AUSTRALIA FAIRLY MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER COMPETITION 2008

1. Background to the Competition

Today’s young people will be tomorrow’s leaders. They will make a critical contribution to building an Australia that promotes tolerance, respect and understanding, and is dedicated to combating prejudice and discrimination against individuals or groups on any basis.

Advancing Australia Fairly is an annual competition that aims to stimulate university and TAFE students to think about their contribution towards shaping Australia’s future.

The competition organizers come from diverse backgrounds and community groups, but are united in our commitment to work together for the common good. We share universal values of love, compassion, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law. This competition is a contribution towards building unity in diversity in the Australian community.

2. Competition Theme

The theme of this year’s competition is

GROWING TOGETHER IN HARMONY: MY PROPOSAL

Students are invited to express their ideas as essays or visuals.


3. Competition Details

3.1 Competition Categories:
There are two separate sections to the competition – an essay section and a graphic/photo section

The essay should be one page or less (800 words maximum)

The graphic/photo should be a graphic image or photo supported by no more than 300 words. Minimum size is 10cm x 15cm and maximum size is 20cm x 25cm.

3.2 Submission of Entries
Entries may be submitted by individual students or by groups of students attending Universities or TAFE colleges throughout Australia

All entries must be original.

Entries to be posted to
ADVANCING AUSTRALIA FAIRLY COMPETITION
PO Box 443
KINGS CROSS, NSW 1340

3.3 Closing Date
The closing date for all entries will be 8 August 2008. Entries will become the property of the competition organisers.

3.4 Judging
A panel of qualified judges will judge the entries. Decisions made by the judging panel are final.

The entries will be judged on the overall clarity of meaning, focus and relevance of the entry, and its appropriateness relative to illustrating the theme of the competition. Originality and innovation will score highly. Dramatic, beautiful, truthful and creative images will rate highly in the graphic/photo section.

The organisers reserve the right not to award a prize if, in the opinion of the judges, there is no eligible entry that satisfies the judging criteria.

3.5 Winning entries
· Each entrant will receive a certificate of acknowledgement
· Winning entries in each section will receive a prize of $4000
· There will be 6 runners up prizes in each section. Each of these prizes will be $1000
· Winners will be publicly announced in 21 Sept. 2008 to mark the ‘ International day of Peace.
· Winning entries may be published, exhibited publicly, used for promotional purposes or uploaded onto World Wide Web.

4. Organisers

The competition has been initiated by
· The Alfred Dreyfus Unit ( under the umbrella of MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER )
· Australian Baha’i Community
· Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA)

Community groups and organisations are invited to contribute to the competition as partners or supporters.

Competition partners will contribute, materially or in kind, towards the planning and implementation of the competition.

Competition supporters give their endorsement to the competition and its aims, and commit to promoting it within their organisations and networks.

Supporters of the inaugural competition in 2007 included: Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Uniting Church Education, Buddhist Council of NSW, Hindu Council of Australia, Chinese Australian Forum, Hye Hoki, and the NSW Senior Crown Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi QC.

Competition sponsors for 2008 include: Meriton, Specialty Fashion Group, Amitran

5. Further Information

Further information and entry forms will be available from the competition website, www.movingforwardtogether.com.au

B’nai B’rith contact person: Ernie Friedlander, tel (02) 9361 6035 or email erniefrbnaibrith@ozemail.com.au
Australian Baha’i Community contact person: Natalie Mobini-Kesheh, tel (02) 9877 5826 or email natalie.mobini@bnc.bahai.org.au

Photo from Chinese Community Beijing Olympics Dinner

Young Australian Olympians for Beijing 2008, divers Alexandra Croak and Matthew Mitcham holding one of the auction items.

Women of Faith Dinner 08

WOMEN OF FAITH DINNER 08
reconciling inwardly, outwardly and in between

Keynote Speaker Coral Oomera Edwards
'Aboriginal Spirituality'
Also featuring will be Jewish, Christian & Muslim speakers

Entertainment: Cultural Music & Dancing
Date: Saturday, 31st May 2008
Time: 7pm for a 7:30pm start
Location: Parra Villa Function Lounge 42 Campbell St, Parramatta (behind Westfield)Cost: $38 per person (includes three course meal plus dessert)
Bookings & Payments are Essential.

Please RSVP by 17th May at registrations@affinity.org.au or by phone on 02 9702 0789

Chinese Australian Forum and Chinese Youth League BEIJING 2008 APPEAL DINNER

The Chinese Australian Forum and the Chinese Youth League are hosting the Supporting the Australian Olympic Team BEIJING 2008 APPEAL DINNER.

Meet Olympians, Parliamentarians, Community & Business Leaders

Celebrating the 1st ever Olympic Games to be staged in China

Dinner & Entertainment
Friday, 13 June 2008 at 7 pm
RSVP 30 May 2008. Booking Essential.

The China Grand Restaurant
Level 3, Market City, 9 Hay Street, Haymarket

Ticket: $100 per person
For a memorable evening and a noteworthy cause

All proceeds go to the Australian Olympic Team Beijing 2008

Enquiries & RSVP:

Tony Pang Tel: 0414512027 email: tonypang@tpg.com.au
Patrick Voon Tel: 9436 6088 email: patrickvoon@bigpond.com
Dominic Cheng Tel: 0412 440 863 email: chinatownpromotions@e-telcom.com.au

Chinese Australian Forum http://www.caf.org.au

Chinese Youth League http://www.cyl.org.au/

All correspondence to P O Box 876, Turramurra, NSW 2074
Cheques payable to: “Chinese Community Supports The Australian Olympic Team Fund”
GST Free

Macedonian play: "Fear & Shame" putting mental health issues in the spotlight

Above: St George Hospital Director of Mental Health David Pearce, Playwright of “Fear & Shame” Dushan Ristevski, and Ted Quan ECC Chair

Mental health is a prevalent issue in our community. Mental health professional and noted Sydney playwright Dushan Ristevski has written a ground breaking play “Fear & Shame” in his native Macedonian language highlighting the complexities that confront a family living with mental illness.

The award winning play opened to full houses. This is an issue that deserves such a creative medium for awareness-raising in all ethnic communities.

ECC Chair Ted Quan was pleased to offer the support of ethnic communities to encourage Mr Ristevski to have the play translated into other languages, along with the support given by St George Hospital in staging the powerfully written play. The barrier of language was transcended by a superb cast along with humour that was laced through the intensity of the dialogue.

We look forward to seeing the play published in English next.

Congratulations go to Dushan Ristevski, the cast, and to St George Hospital Mental Health Service for their support of a worthy initiative for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

ECC participates in 2020 Summit in Sydney

ECC Chair Ted Quan attended the Sydney 2020 Summit seen here with 2020 Summit convenor Tanya Plibersek MP (Member for Sydney; second from right), discussing issues affecting families and community, and affordablepreventative health care for an ageing Australian population.

Lively discussion on the future direction of Federal multicultural and immigration policies

The Chinese Australian Forum hosted a very successful community forum on 8 April 2008 on the topic of “Immigration & Multicultural Policies of the Rudd Labor Government”, which was attended by over 150 people and many leaders from the Chinese and Korean communities (including the first Korean Australian Community Relations Commissioner Vivian Pak).

The guest speakers for the evening were the Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, representing the Federal Government, and Mr Gavin McCain, NSW State Director of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

For 2 hours, a panel comprising of Arnold Conyer, National President of Migration Institute of Australian , Kate Gauthier, A Just Australia's National Director, Ron Kessels, Principal of Kessels and Goddard, and Justin Li, Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia Youth Chair, as well as audience members asked Mr Ferguson and Mr McCain a number of tough questions regarding the new Federal Government's direction on multicultural and immigration policies.

Topics discussed included the "white flight" phenomena recently reportedly occurring in the State's public schools, 457 visas, the Federal Government's plans to more actively promote multiculturalism, family reunion programs, regulations for migration agents and lawyers, and Australia's immigration levels.

Mr Ferguson gave recognition to the contributions made by migrants in Australia and gave a renewed commitment on behalf of the Federal Government to the promotion of multiculturalism.

The Chinese Australian Forum is a non-partisan body dedicated to fostering advocacy and political discussion for the Chinese community. For future activities organised by the CAF, visit
http://www.caf.org.au/

Pictures from Colour Parade, Sydney

The Colour Parade is a small celebration of diversity, freedom of expressionand colour in the City of Sydney, supported by the ECC.

POSITION VACANT: Executive Officer for community organisation

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.

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.

Inspirational works by Australian school children at Harmony Day Poster Awards at Parliament House

From ECC Chair Mr Ted Quan

I 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/

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.

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

• 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

For further details regarding this position, Phone ECC on 9319 0288.

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.

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.