Westpac bank and the Dandenong Plaza are running an art competition at the plaza on Saturday the 27 March 2010 from 9:30am - 1:30pm.

They will have an artist to support children to draw/paint about the theme 'what you love about Dandenong' there is a $100 dollar prize that will be offered at a VIP night at the plaza/bank on Thursday 1 April, the bank will be exhibiting the works on the night.

Please see the attached flyer for further information.

Mission Australia is running another 'Getting to Work' program, which starts on 15 March 2010

If you know any young people who want to get into building and construction and are seeking employment, please refer them onto us! This may be the break your young people are looking for. Young people will receive training in building and construction, a white card certificate, life and employment skill training, personal support and intensive job search support.

The getting to work program targets young residents aged 16 - 25 years within the City of Greater Dandenong of refugee/migrant background including those of new and emerging communities who are disengaged or at risk of being disengaged, from education, training and employment.

For more information or to make a referral please contact Rosemary or anyone in the 'Getting to Work' team on 9213 2500 or you can also visit the website:  www.missionaustralia.com.au.

Planning a Human Rights Campaign

FREE Workshop
Saturday 27 March, 11:00 am - 4: 00 pm
The Humanitarian Crisis Hub invites community groups to a series of free Human Rights workshops and evening presentations designed to promote discussion and networking, and improve their practical activism skills and outcomes.

For more information, please visit: www.crisishub.org.au

 
Our Community and its training arm, the Australian Institute of Community Practice & Governance, are again offering a range of training programs in the coming months - from old favourites such as the Intensive Community Fundraising Seminar and Secrets of Successful Boards to new offerings such as How to Get Donations & Bequests and the Community-Business Partnerships Bootcamp.

In addition to our range of short courses, the Australian Institute of Community Practice & Governance is still offering the ever popular Certificate IV in Governance.

The annual Communities in Control Conference has just been announced, with early bird discounts for individuals and group bookings (but only until March 19, so hurry) 

Southern Youth Commitment Conference

The 2010 Youth Commitment Conference will provide the opportunity for teams from Government, Independent and Catholic schools and Community Partners to participate in workshops in the areas of Youth Commitment, Student Engagement, Senior School Provision and Transition.

'Making Connections'
Friday 16 April 2010
Caulfield Race Course
8: 30 am - 3: 30 pm
Cost: $ 120

For conference details and to register log on to: http://www.pd-online.com.au/

Registrations Open: 22 February 2010
Registration Close: 2 April 2010

For all conference enquires contact Carol Hankinson at hankinson.carol.f@edumail.vic.gov.au or mobile 0439143521

Please see attached flyer for further details.

Skills Plus Dandenong

Skills Plus Dandenong office offers Accredited and Short Course Programs - such as First Aid, Diploma of Management, Children's Services (Early Childhood Education & Care), Certificate III in Aged Care to name but a few. The Work Pathway Options: Course Directory 2010 contains information on the courses running at Skills Plus Dandenong and is now available.

For further information, contact Rebecca Pratt on 9792 9583 or visit: www.skillsplus.com.au

Young Leaders Program

The City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services is recruiting young people aged 16 - 25 to be part of the Young Leaders Program (YLP). The program provides an opportunity for young people to improve their skills in effective communication, leadership, public speaking and team work. The program also promotes the development of social skills, participation in the community and encourages participants to be the voice of young people in the community.

It is structured as an 18-week program which  runs from 5: 30 to 8: 00 pm on every second Wednesday starting 24 March 2010. Light refreshments will be provided and transport is available upon request. It is a free program.

Further information, contact Mark Carter or Kyaw Soemoe on 9793 2155.

Click here for further information

Young Womens' Gala Day

City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services is hosting a Young Womens' Gala Day in partnership with VMC, Vic Health as part of 2010 National Youth Week activities. Targeting Year 9 students from various secondary schools a series of sporting and health and wellbeing workshops will be offered. The event will be held at Springers Leisure Centre on Thursday 15 April 2010 from 9:15am - 2:30pm. All interested parties need to register for the event.

For further information download flyer

City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services' School Holiday Program Activities

There will be various exciting school holiday activities in the City of Greater Dandenong area from 29 March to 9 April. All activities are low or no cost but young people need to register beforehand. For more information contact City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services on 9793 2155 or visit the Greater Dandenong website.

Jam Nite

City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services’ Muso Network are presenting a Jam Nite at The Castle, Princes Highway, Dandenong on Thursday, 1 April 2010 from 7: 00 to 9:00 pm. Free entry. The event will feature Paper Dreams and DMP rappers, plus open mic. For a copy of the flyer and further information, visit Youth Services website.

Urban Edge

City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services Momentum Committee present Urban Edge. This event features DJ- Crunk and DJ Tek from South East Sounds and there will be rap crews, dance crews, dance battles and more.

The event is on Friday, 9 April 2010 from 7: 30 pm to 11: 30 pm at The Castle, Princes Highway, Dandenong. Entry $6. For further information, please visit Youth Services website.

South Eastern League - Skate and BMX Competition

South Eastern League - Skate and BMX competition and Arcade Anarchy event will be held at Hemmings Park – Princes Highway, Dandenong (Melways Ref 90 C6) on 17 April 2010 between 10: 00 am to 3: 00 pm.

This is a free event. The event is a joint initiative of City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services, South Eastern 2010 League, ProTec, Strictly BMX, Dekline, Darkslar, Tensor, YMCA and SEADS.

For details visit Youth Services website or contact CGD Youth Services on 9793 2155.

Girls Indoor Soccer

The City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services in partnership with SER Migrant Resource Centre is running Girls Only Indoor Soccer (12 – 25 yrs) who live, work, study or hangout within the City.

Day and time: Tuesdays starting 23rd March (4 – 6 pm Terms 1 & 2)
Venue: Mills Reserve, Cleeland St. Dandenong
Entry: Gold coin donation

For details visit Youth Services website or contact CGD Youth Services on 9793 2155.

Street Styles Hip Hop Dance Program

The program is targeting young people aged 12 – 25 and runs each Tuesday at The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway Dandenong.

For details visit Youth Services website or contact CGD Youth Services on 9793 2155.

Young Mum Play and Support Group

Young Mum Play and Support Group is for young mums and their toddlers aged between 1 and 3 years. The group is for high risk young mums from CALD backgrounds to learn how to interact and learn about their toddlers and being a young mum. The group has a Playgroup Facilitator, Maternal and Child Health Nurse and Youth Services staff member in each session to allow for the young mums to have direct links to services if needed. Young mums with babies have a group at the Dandenong neighbourhood house, while young mums with toddlers group runs out of the YSTOP centre. This group will begin term 1 but we are taking referrals now.

For more information, visit Youth Services Website
 

Family Mediation Centre

Juan Peake has taken over the role of Parent and Adolescent Mediator at Family Mediation Centre in Narre Warren.

The Parent and Adolescent program helps young people and their parents or carers build better relationships with each other. The program is funded by the Federal Attorney General's Department. The program is designed to assist family members to develop strategies to resolve conflict; communicate well with each other; understand each other's behaviour and attitudes; resolve individual problems and difficulties that may impact on the family; and create positive family experiences.

We accept referrals from both the young person and parent/carer. Fees are based on family income. If you require further information, please contact Juan on 9705 6277 or see: www.mediation.com.au.

Hanover Educational Pathways Project

Recognising that children and young people experiencing homelessness often disengage early from school, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) has provided funding to Hanover for a 12 month Education Pathways Project, focusing on supporting children and young people in housing crisis. For more information dowload the project fact sheet or contact Linda Davis on 9792 3512 ext.308 or please visit: www.hanover.org.au

Learning Beyond the Bell (LBB)

Learning Beyond the Bell (LBB) is a program that assists organisations and schools to establish and maintain their 'Out of School Hours Learning Support' Programs (OSHLSPs). LBB is funded through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD).

Out of School Hours Learning Support Programs (sometimes know as homework clubs) can teach literacy or numeracy, build confidence and self esteem, provide study resources and improve attitudes to learning.

These programs could be especially beneficial for young people

• who are new English language learners (applicable to some young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds)
• who may be disadvantaged by disrupted education
• who may have inadequate support for completing work at home i.e. limited adult assistance, lack of access to a computer and other resources, unsuitable study space environment etc

For further information, contact Placid Jayasuriya on 9771 6648. Refer to the website: www.cmy.net.au/LearningBeyondtheBell

Female Soccer Coach

South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre (SER MRC) is currently recruiting a Girls Soccer Coach. Please see the  position description for a volunteer soccer coach. SER MRC held on a weekly Thursday afternoon, in Endeavour Hills.

 If you are interested in the position, please download position description or contact Georgina Crawford on 9706 8933.

Centrelink Community Engagement Program

Centrelink Community Engagement Officers provide services to people of all ages who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Centrelink has many procedures and services in place to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including a network of specialised staff, such as Social Workers, Centrelink Community Engagement Officers and Indigenous Service Officers.

Centrelink is sensitive to, and flexible about, the varying needs of people of all ages who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

How Centrelink Community Engagement Officers can help you Centrelink Community Engagement Officers deliver services to people outside the traditional Customer Service Centre setting, in locations like drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres, mental health units, hostels, boarding houses, refuges, drop-in centres, prison half-way houses, and organised meeting places such as local parks.

This means people can be assisted in an environment in which they feel comfortable, and where they can be supported by others such as hospital and refuge workers.

Centrelink Community Engagement Officers:

• offer support and assistance to homeless customers and those at risk of homelessness to help them understand, claim and maintain income support payments
• provide referrals to Centrelink specialist services, programs and other government and non-government organisations, and
• work collaboratively with a wide range of community agencies.

Download Program Summary - February 2010

Centrelink Community Engagement Team
Local Contacts : Dandenong Region
Steve Lysaght: 0457 509 500
stephen.lysaght@centrelink.gov.au
David Abrahams: 0457 509 506
David.Abrahams@centrelink.gov.au

Gain Respect Increase Personal Power

GRIPP (Gain Respect Increase Personal Power) is a voluntary diversionary program for young males, aged 13 and 17, who have come to the attention of the Court or Police for using aggressive or violent behaviour. The GRIPP program incorporates individual, family and group work with an aim of assisting the participants to develop skills to build, non-violent relationships and behaviour modification. The program is designed over a 12 session period utilising principles of behaviour modification and family problem solving. Referral criteria is as follows

• Committed violent or aggressive offences within Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, City of Monash and Frankston City
• Received a police caution for an assault or an assault-related offence
• Have been sentenced to a Good Behaviour Bond, Deferral of Sentence or Accountable Undertaking for assault or assault related matter at the Melbourne Children’s Court, Dandenong Court and Frankston Court.
• Have an Intervention Order made against them by Magistrate in either Melbourne, Dandenong or Frankston Children's Court

Any enquries, please contact Sylvia Marov on 9793 2155.

SFYS Brokerage Available

Applications for Round 2 of the School Focused Youth Service Project Brokerage in Dandenong / Springvale are now being accepted. SFYS funding is available to support projects that enhance good practice in addressing the well being of 'at risk' young people (10-18 yrs), encourage partnerships between schools and the community and are sustainable. Please contact SFYS Coordinator, Angela Kogge on 8558 9014 to discuss further criteria, suitability and to request an application form. It is intended that brokerage allocations for this current round will be finalised by the end of Term One.

City of Greater Dandenong Community Support Grants Program 2010-2011

The Community Support Grants Program 2010-2011 opened on 1 March 2010. This new program, which replaces the General Support Program, provides grants of up to $20,000 to local community groups and organisations to run projects and activities that will benefit local residents.

Applications close on Friday, 16 April 2010. A second funding round of the program will also be available in September 2010.

All applications to the Community Support Grants Program are assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria as set out in the 'Guidelines and Information' booklet, and all applicants are strongly advised to read the Guidelines and Information booklet before completing their application.

For an electronic copy of the guidelines and application form please click here. Hard copies are also available from any Council customer service centre, library, community centres and neighbourhood houses throughout the City of Greater Dandenong, or can be mailed out on request.

Information sessions will be held to provide interested groups with an overview of the program.

For further information visit the Greater Dandenong Website or contact:

Matthew Bulloch
Community Development Officer - Community Grants
Phone: 9239 5179
Email: commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au

CALD Youth Inclusion Project

The CALD Youth Inclusion project is funded by the Victorian Government and implemented by the City of Greater Dandenong and commenced in 2008. This project focuses on providing flexible funding to community groups and organisations to support them to deliver projects and activities addressing identified priority areas impacting young people of refugee backgrounds. These priorities include health and wellbeing, education, training and employment, youth participation and engagement, the settlement experience, and personal and community safety.

A local advisory group including community groups and local services has worked together to inform and develop these key priority areas which are outlined in the community owned document ‘Being Here: A Plan for Young People’. This important community document will guide how the flexible funding is allocated in the community to deliver projects which support local young people.

The CALD Youth Inclusion project will help strengthen and support the vital work of local community groups and agencies in responding to the needs of young refugee people.

Local community groups and organisations are encouraged to submit a project proposal. There is no closing date for applications. Proposals may be submitted at any time during 2010. 

For further information, contact Ishti Turner on 9793 2155 or  visit the website. 

FOCUS is a new electronic monthly magazine for Australian-African communities.

It will publish your articles, stories and letters. See http://www.att.org.au

Click here to read Edition #1 of Focus

Department of Immigration and Citizenship - Settlement Planning Update

Download Settlement Planning update March 2010

For general information about settlement, immigration and to obtain copies of settlement planning updates, please contact Maheshwari Bryan at the Branch Analysis and Support Unit at vic.settlement.planner@immi.gov.au or telephone 9235 3442.

Dandenong Dads newsletter highlights the needs of couples where a partner is suffering peri natal anxiety or depression. View Dandenong Dads Autumn Newsletter.

For more information please contact John Maddick from Mens' Parenting Programs on 8558 9040 or through email: John.Maddick@southernhealth.org.au.

Please look over the following useful websites for information, training or funding opportunities:

Victorian Multicultural Commission - http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/
Department of Planning and Community Development - http://www.dvc.vic.gov.au/
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc. - http://www.yacvic.org.au/
Refugee Council of Australia - http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
Centrelink Online Services - http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/online_services/index.htm
Department of Immigration and Citizenship - http://www.immi.gov.au/
Multicultural Mental Health Australia - http://www.mmha.org.au/
Headspace - http://www.headspace.org.au/
Beyondblue - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?
Department of Human Services Victoria, Australia - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/home
Department of Justice Victoria, Australia - http://online.justice.vic.gov.au/ots/home
Vic Roads - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - http://www.education.vic.gov.au/
Our Community.com.au - http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/