Opportunities

For more opportunities, see our volunteering and employment pages.

Research, inquiries and consultations | Grants and funding | Academic/Education/Training | Art |Sport | Award nominations | Competitions | Other

Research, inquiries and consultations

Consultations on Access and Equity
The Australian Government is seeking feedback on whether government services are responding to the needs of people from all cultures and language backgrounds and how access to services can be improved. A paper containing consultation questions for communities and clients is available for download in 26 languages at http://tinyurl.com/79fxosp. Submissions close 24 February.

Mental Health and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
The Mental Health Council of Australia is currently compiling information about the experiences of CALD community with mental health services. They seek the input CALD mental health carers for their current MH Carers Survey which has been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Italian and Greek. The English survey is available at  http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/569049/Mental-Health-Carers-Survey-2011-12 or more information is available at www.MHCA.org.au.

PhD study on post-traumatic growth of new arrivals in South Australia
University of Adelaide PhD Student, Teresa Puvimanasinghe, seeks members of the African-Australian community in South Australia to research their experience travelling to, and settling into, Australia. Discussion is expected to last 60 to 90 minutes. Group discussions can be facilitated if preferred. E-mail teresa.puvimanasinghe@adelaide.edu.au

Interviews about racism
All Together Now is conducting interviews to find out what people think racism is, how it has affected them or others, and what can be done about it. Each interview is filmed for distribution online, and will take less than half an hour. We are interviewing individuals, as well as groups of colleagues representing a business. For more information visit
www.alltogethernow.org.au/news/do-you-have-something-say-about-racism.

Humanitarian Entrant interviewees needed for study on settlement assistance and homelessness
The University of Adelaide and Flinders University are currently conducting a study researching the experience of humanitarian entrants with regard to settlement assistance and homelessness. The project is now in its second stage and requires 10 humanitarian entrants currently using homelessness services who were entrants into NSW, VIC or SA. Ten humanitarian entrants who previously used homelessness services but who have now settled into more stable accommodation are also required. For more information see http://www.adelaide.edu.au/churp/research/, or contact Emily Thwaites-Tregilgas at emily.thwaites-tregilgas@adelaide.edu.au.

Victorian Refugee Health Network: survey of health professionals
The Victorian Refugee Network is currently undertaking a survey to investigate effective mediums of health information for people of refugee backgrounds. They seek to survey health professionals on the types of health information being used in their practice. The short survey is available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VRHNhealthinfo. For more information please contact ebulletin@refugeehealthnetwork.org.au

FECCA Community Consultations
FECCA is conducting its annual Access and Equity consultations to understand experiences with government services – what works and what does not. FECCA not only provides this feedback to government agencies but will actively lobby for change. Consultation topics will include employment, health, housing, and family and child services, and any others you think are important. For more information please contact Jenni Gough on jenni@fecca.org.au or phone (02) 6282 5755.

Where and What is Victoria’s Immigration and Settlement Material Heritage?
Many of Victoria’s ethnic groups still hold collections of materials which immigrants valued enough to bring with them. The material reflects their particular experience in the settlement process and the adaptation of their original culture to their new home. Arts Australia is supporting an Initial Scoping Study conducted by Dr Helen Light which will provide an overall indication of the number and scale of multicultural collections in Victoria in order to develop a methodology, for assessing and scoping the collection of material, stories, condition, access and ownership. It is hoped to eventually find a way to help communities preserve their material for posterity. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Victorian migration and settlement objects or about communities that hold their own history, contact Dr Helen Light on 0416 096 160 or helenlight@netscape.net.au .

Grants and funding

Multicultural Arts and Festivals Grants
In February 2011, the government launched The People of Australia – Australia's Multicultural Policy. One of the policy's key initiatives was to provide funding for Multicultural Arts and Festivals Grants (MAFG). Through the MAFG, community groups and organisations can apply for grants of up to $5000 for multicultural arts and festivals projects. Applications may be made at any time during 2011-12, unless the annual program funds have been exhausted. Organisations are encouraged to apply several months prior to their project taking place. Details on eligibility and how to apply, including an Application Information Booklet are available at www.harmony.gov.au/dscp/mafg/eligibility-apply.htm.

2011-12 Multicultural Queensland Partnerships program annual grants
This grants round is open and the Government has increased the provision for this year’s annual grants round to a record amount of $1 million. The grants round offers funding for community events and projects that promote multiculturalism, positive community relations and community capacity, including improved access to services. If you are interested in submitting an application for a grant under the 2011-12 annual grants round, the Funding Information Paper can be accessed at www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural

Eastweb Grants
The EastWeb Fund promotes the full participation of refugee and asylum seeker communities in the wider community. EastWeb gives small grants in the areas of health care, employment, education and cultural heritage promotion and maintenance. For more information visit www.eastweb.org.au.

Academic/Education/Training

Call for papers: Is the 1951 Refugee Convention Outdated?
For its special issue on the 60th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, REFUGE invites submissions that explore the debate surrounding the relevance of this historic treaty. In particular, there is interest in papers that recognise the diverging assessments in order to propose approaches that might address current and future problems in a more effective manner. For further information, please contact: Prof Michael Barutciski, Editor-in-Chief REFUGE c/o Centre for Refugee Studies, York Research Tower, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto (Ontario), Canada M3J 1P3, or on refuge@yorku.ca. The submission deadline is 30 March, 2012.

Launch of SBS TV Trainee Scheme
SBS TV has launched a Multicultural Television Production Trainee Scheme to provide short-term work placements (12 weeks) for participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds on SBS commissioned productions. SBS has partnered with Film Victoria to offer two placements on commissioned programming before June 2012. The first placement is for a 2nd Assistant Editor with a prominent innovative production company in Melbourne. Minimum skills required for this position are basic knowledge of Final Cut Pro. The contract is for 12 weeks, commencing around the 7 May, 2012. All enquiries should be directed to factual@sbs.com.au or call Katherine on (02) 9430 3905. The deadline for applications is 15 February, 2012. 

Macquarie University Foundation Program
Macquarie University is providing an opportunity to people from refugee backgrounds to enter higher education. The Macquarie University Foundation Program is a year-long program that will prepare students for university studies, providing a direct entry into first year university for students successful in the program. The program leads to a wide range of courses including business, science, information technology, media, politics, psychology, teaching and law. For more information, visit www.foundationstudies.mq.edu.au.

Scholarships for refugee background women: Hegg Hoffet Fund for Displaced Women Graduates
Assistance is open to displaced graduate women in any of more than 80 countries. Grants are usually around US$1000-2000 and are intended as short-term help for a woman to get a few necessary courses or certification so that she can find appropriate employment. In addition to tuition and books, especially if tuition is provided free, the Fund has occasionally funded such necessities as transport, health insurance, or child care costs, to enable the woman to pursue her studies. For more information see www.ifuw.org/hegg-hoffet/index.shtml, or email ifuw@ifuw.org

Introducing the Refugee Employment Advocacy Program (REAP)
REAP aims to train Community Employment Advocates from refugee backgrounds to support people to engage with employment and training. REAP is looking for people from refugee backgrounds interested in being trained to understand the employment/training sector, who will then support other community members to connect with employment/training opportunities and undertake a traineeship or work placement. Contact Maimun for more info on 03 9496 0250 or maimunm@spectrumvic.org.au

Youth 2 Youth, Free Training and Employment Opportunities
People of African background under 29 years of age who want to make a difference to the lives of young people in their community have the opportunity to participate in a free training program focusing on communication and leadership skills. Upon the commencement of the course, there will be an opportunity for part-time employment. Contact Project Coordinator Dr Kinfe Kahssay on 0417 078 941 for more information.

MEWB: Multicultural Enterprises Women in Business
MEWB provide access to business training and mentoring, step-by-step guidance in business planning, assistance in accessing start up funds and marketing support and development. Be part of a dynamic network to start or build your business. Meetings every fourth Friday of the month from 2:30-4:30, at Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre, Cnr Railway Pde and Mcburney Rd, Cabramatta. RSVP to Emmy on seepadmin@fmrc.net or on 02 9727 0477.

Human rights for refugee women
The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health is running free community education session on Human Rights topics for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Training is available in multiple languages and covers topics such as parenting, education and employment, health and accessing goods and services. For more information, e-mail irina@mcwh.com.au. 

New and Emerging Communities Youth Justice Information sessions
If you are interested in the youth justice system, working with at risk young people or learning what supports are available to young people and resources available to support communities and families, then join the VICSEG Youth Justice Familiarisation Training Program. For more info contact Sue or Lanre at VICSEG on (03) 9383 2533 or email spaten@vicsegnewfutures.org.au.

Artistic

Call for participation in poetry project
The 100 Years from Gallipoli Poetry Project has called for submissions from poets in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of the project is to present as diverse a range of views as possible (including from migrant and refugee communities). Further information can be found at http://ozzywriters.com/index.php/100-years-from-gallipoli

Hand In Hand Indigenous and refugee youth project: Invitation to participate
You are invited to take part in a special cultural project. This project will provide an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal people, the original inhabitants of this land and people who have arrived recently from other lands, learn digital photography and photo journalism, contribute photographs to an exciting digital arts exhibition, participate in public speaking, storytelling and performance, and take part in cross-cultural performances. Project workshops start in October. To find out more about the Hand In Hand project , please contact admin@mrcsa.com.au.

Multicultural Women’s Living Stories Radio
NEMBC invites women to participate in the Living Stories Radio Project. Stories will be recorded and turned into short broadcasts to be played on community radio programs around Australia. If you would like to be interviewed, contact Rachael at women@nembc.org.au.

Arts About Us: challenging race-based discrimination
VicHealth’s Arts About Us program encourages dialogue about the benefits of cultural diversity and the harm caused by race-based discrimination. Sixteen Arts About Us projects are partnering with organisations across Victoria to develop arts-based programs, shows and exhibitions that celebrate cultural diversity and help people understand the impacts of race-based discrimination. For information on getting involved in the project, visit www.artsaboutus.com.au

Screen films regarding refugee experiences on new YourWorldView website
The Commonwealth Broadcasting Association is launching a new website called YourWorldView which will share the views of students and young people globally through debates about development issues. The organisers would like to showcase films from emerging filmmakers looking at issues concerning refugees and migrants. For more information and to submit films for consideration, e-mail yourworldview@cba.org.uk.

Sport

New rugby club for disadvantaged and indigenous youth
Pittwater Rugby Club has been established to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged and indigenous youth to play rugby in a safe and secure environment. The Club is looking for boys aged 10 to play in the Sydney competition. No experience is necessary as training is provided by Australian Rugby accredited coaches. All rugby gear is supplied and there is no cost to play. For further information please contact David Hawkins on 0419 419 103 or via email to pittwaterrugby@bigpond.com

Award nominations

Nominations sought for Nansen Refugee Award
UNHCR has opened nominations for the annual Nansen Refugee Award. The award is named after the late Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen who was the first High Commissioner for Refugees appointed by the League of Nations. It recognises extraordinary and dedicated service by individuals who make great personal sacrifices to assist refugees. Nominations close on 29 February 2012. Further details are available at www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/nansen

Innovation award nominations open
The UNAOC-BMW Award for intercultural Innovation is an annual to identify highly innovative initiatives that are advancing cross-cultural understanding among different communities and cultures around the world. By encouraging new intercultural methods and approaches, the Award is unique and offers very promising and inspiring results. The 2011 application guidelines can be found by visiting www.unaoc.org/unaoc-bmwgroup-award

Competitions

Other

Request for Volunteer Trustee, Australian Refugee Foundation
The Australian Refugee Foundation (ARF) is seeking a fundraising professional with networks and experience in the commercial and philanthropic community. The successful applicant will provide professional strategic and operational advice for the fundraising activities of the ARF which enable RCOA to expand its outreach and support for refugee communities. Expressions of Interest should be addressed to projects@refugeecouncil.org.au.

New webWise project at CMY
The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) is looking for committed young people to deliver education sessions as part of a new project. webWise – Staying Safe in Cyber Space. The project informs and resources young people from newly arrived and refugee backgrounds and their parents about safe internet and mobile phone use. Find out more at www.cmy.net.au  or contact Yohana Jury on yjury@cmy.net.au  or phone (03) 9091 8230.

Used furniture available from Ryde Furniture Freighters
Ryde Furniture Freighters provides a range of services including charity. They are seeking to donate a range of used furniture due to a lack of storage space. For further details, please contact Monika at operations@rff.com.au.

Applications sought for the Inclusion and Professional Support Program
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is seeking applications from suitable organisations for funding to deliver activities under the Inclusion and Professional Support Program (IPSP) from 1 January 2013. The Request for Application (RFA) documentation, including the IPSP Guidelines for 2013-2016, are now available from the DEEWR website at www.deewr.gov.au/IPSPapplications. Applications close 2:00pm Friday, 24 February 2012.

2012 Community Legal Centres NSW State Conference
Community Legal Centres New South Wales invite all those who work in legal, educational, social justice and community organisations to share knowledge, showcase projects, develop partnerships or offer updates and enhanced learning opportunities to submit ideas for sessions at the 2012 CLCNSW State Conference. Submissions are welcome from people working in and beyond the community legal sector. To submit your abstract please go to www.clcnsw.org.au/conference2012.

New support group
The Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) Inc. is pleased to announce the creation of a new Multicultural Social Support Group. This group has been established to fill a void that has existed for many years in communities that are not represented by individual cultural groups. For further information please call 0466340412 or email contact@agmc.org.au.

An opportunity for diverse young people to be mentored in journalism
This is a call out for young people interested in journalism who want to be involved in a fantastic new program run by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY). CMY matches diverse young people with some of Australia’s best journalists. Interested young people should contact Ilz Aslan at CMY as soon as possible on iaslan@cmy.net.au or on (03) 9340 3727.

Showcase your projects on the Integration: Building Inclusive Societies (IBIS) website
The UN Alliance of Civilizations (UANOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have jointly built this interactive community website to showcase international good practice in migrant and refugee social inclusion. If your agency has a project or initiative that you would like to showcase on the IBIS website, simply submit it online via this link:
www.unaoc.org/communities/migrationintegration/integration-practices/submit-a-practice. For further information visit www.unaoc.org/communities/migrationintegration
UNAOC is currently in discussion with a range of Australian organisations to plan an IBIS regional launch and workshop in Melbourne later this year. Further details will be made available soon.