United Voice

In this issue:

1. A helping hand

2. Wired up for social justice

3. Planting seeds for community growth

4. Funding boost to help combat social isolation

5. Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA annual raffle

6. Community Notices

Dear friend,

This year is already shaping up to be a huge one, both for LHMU and our many good friends.

In March we celebrated the first nine Service Stars graduates to commence our Service Stars Mentoring Programme.

Now, with the help of our partners, training and placing refugees in good jobs with union employers is only the first step.

Each Service Stars graduate is also teamed up with a mentor to support and guide them through their first year in the Australian workforce.

Below you will also read about JustAct. It’s a fantastic website run by Antony McMullin at the Uniting Church’s Justice and International Mission Unit.

Using the web, they’ve made it simple to speak out against injustice and make a difference.

You’ll also read about a community planting day at Moonee Ponds Creek in May. It has been organised by superstar community activist, Bronwyn Riddell, to help improve the environment in the west and nurture stronger community bonds on the Flemington Estate.

And in terrific news for the Australian African Women’s Association, they have received a $10 000 grant. They plan to use it to combat social isolation by teaching some useful skills, like swimming and sewing.

As 2010 continues we look forward to working with you to plant the seeds of many more great success stories!


In unity,

Cyndy Connole
Community Coordinator
LHMU Victoria

A helping hand

Starting work in a new country can be daunting.

Proud hospitality member Saeeda Hassan has a new job as a food and beverage attendant with Spotless and Peter Rowland catering in Melbourne.

She got the job through LHMU Victoria’s Service Stars program. Since 2008 this program been training and placing people from disadvantaged communities in real jobs with union employers. 

“I can get my life on track now, I am in charge of what I am doing — it’s so important to be independent!” explains Saeeda (pictured, right).

But for Saaeda, a refugee originally from Saudi Arabia, and for other Service Star graduates, starting work in a new country is a daunting experience.

So this year Service Stars has been extended to include a mentoring program for our graduates.

These mentors support Service Star graduates, by helping them understand Australian culture, talking them though issues like finance and housing and helping them become confident and independent.

For all their workplace questions they have the union office, just a phone call away.

Saeeda’s mentor is Neil Saxton, who works at Hesta Super Fund. An immigrant himself, he understands many of the challenges Saeeda will face.

“My hope is that I will help empower Saeeda to do the best she can with the opportunities she’s been given,” said Neil (pictured left).

“The main reason I got involved is I really like the idea of providing support for people transitioning into the workforce.”

“Neil is very encouraging!” Saeeda enthuses.

“If I have any problems I can talk to Neil about anything and get advice. He is there to help me solve my own problems – not to solve them for me. That is so important for me,” Saeeda said.

“I am very grateful to LHMU for giving me a job, a mentor and a better outlook for my future,” Saeeda smiled.

“It’s wonderful to see our unique Service Stars program go from strength to strength, helping people like Saeeda get a secure foothold in Australian society, with good training and a good job,” said LHMU Victorian Secretary Jess Walsh.

Wired up for social justice

One LHMU community partner is taking the fight for a just world to new frontiers.

Antony McMullen has discovered that when it comes to building a movement for justice, it pays to think outside the box.

He is a Social Justice Officer for the Justice and International Mission Unit (JIM), Uniting Church in Australia, and his job involves policy and campaigns on everything from child labour to prison reform.

He and colleague Tess Keam are behind JustAct, a cutting edge website and SMS network that makes it easy for people to speak out against injustice.

“Our work explores the idea of ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you’ on a grand scale,” said Antony (pictured).

“There is a new issue every month, the April edition is child labour, and each month we ask people to do something.”

Those who sign up to the site receive a monthly SMS alerting them to the latest JustAct issue, with simple ways people can take action online and beyond.

“It is proving a really effective way of getting the public involved particularly in terms of awareness raising.”

Currently the JustAct site is helping get word out about our Service Stars program.

Antony says it is part of a strong and enduring partnership between LHMU and his organisation.

“We have had a long association with the Clean Start campaign and that has been a great partnership for us,” Antony said.

 “I have enjoyed attending different rallies and promoting respect for cleaners.”

If you would like to sign up to JustAct, click here for the website.

Or click here for the Facebook page!

Planting seeds for community growth

A community activist is inspiring locals to look after the environment and each other.

Lifelong greenie Bronwyn Riddell has dedicated 25 years to hands-on environmental education.

With her green thumb and love for people, Bronwyn’s projects have bolstered community spirit and beautified parks across the city.

“I facilitate days that enable people to become involved in enhancing and protecting their environment,” said Bronwyn (pictured).

“My main aim is to inspire people to get out on the ground and be active.”

But it is not just about looking after Mother Earth.

“It brings about that social connectedness that is very important in a community,” Bronwyn said.

“People in the Flemington area, especially the African communities, suffer from isolation and these projects bring them together so it is great for their wellbeing.”

Bronwyn’s recent LHMU-backed Clean Up Australia Day event at Debney Meadows Primary School was a huge success — over 100 volunteers cleared 95 bags of rubbish from Moonee Ponds Creek.

“I am very grateful that LHMU has been a great supporter of the program with over 20 union members helping out on the day,” Bronwyn said.

Bronwyn is calling for volunteers for a community planting day on Sunday 23 May at Moonee Ponds Creek.

 “It is fun, it helps the environment and there is an opportunity to meet your neighbours.”

Community planting day

Sunday 23 May at the Citylink Ornamental Pond, Mt Alexander Rd, opposite Flemington Community Centre. Planting will be from 10am – 12pm.

Funding boost to help combat social isolation

A big donation will allow AAWA to offer classes and activities to African women on the Flemington Estate.

Members of Flemington-based African Australian Women’s Association (AAWA) are ecstatic after receiving a donation of $10 000.

They have received the grant from the Australian Hotels Association’s charitable arm, Hotel Care.

AAWA President Habon Sudi (pictured) said her group, who were nominated for the grant by LHMU, will spend the money on classes and activities to help combat social isolation on the estate and teach useful skills.

“We are buying four sewing machines and setting up sewing classes at the Flemington flats,” Habon said.

“We are also setting up swimming lessons for women and for children with disabilities.”

Habon believes the sewing classes will have huge financial and emotional benefits for the community.

“These lessons will be a great way for the women to break out of their isolation and socialise while learning a new skill,” Habon said.

“This is a really useful domestic skill: they can make the clothes they cannot afford to buy for their big families.”

Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA annual raffle

Millions of workers in developing countries do not enjoy the same workplace rights as we do in Australia. They face a life of poverty and injustice.

Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, on behalf of Australian union members, helps workers in many of these countries win decent jobs and better lives, through education, health and human rights programs.

Join their campaign to help 'Make Life Fair Everywhere' by supporting their annual raffle.

By selling a few raffle tickets you will be helping to fund 50 projects in 15 countries!

First prize is a round the world trip for two plus an accommodation and spending package valued at $8,400.

Second prize is a Dell Vostro 1520 laptop valued at $999.

There is also a 52cm colour TV for the seller of the most tickets.
 
The closing date is 14 May 2010. The winner will be drawn on 3 June 2010 with results in The Australian 8 June 2010.

Join their campaign to help 'Make Life Fair Everywhere' by supporting their annual raffle.

Community Notices

Friday 23 April – Sunday 9 May
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
Exploring human rights issues through art and film.
43 human rights features and shorts from both Australian and international directors.
The festival will also feature art, music, dance, literature, speakers, poetry, forums and community initiatives which will highlight a range of stories from people all over the world.
Held at various venues around the city.
For more information click here for the website.

Wednesday 12 May, 6.00pm
The Early Years of the Victorian Council of Churches
As our contribution to the centenary of the Edinburgh Conference, the Altona/Laverton Council of Churches have asked the Rev Doug Dargaville to come to Altona and to reminisce on his time with the Victorian Council of Churches.
Cost of a meal is $15.00
For catering purposes, please contact John Ozanne on 9315 9152 (Message bank) or email johnozan@melbpc.org.au before May 10th.
Altona Sports Club, 11 Altona Road, (Melway 55A10)

Thursday 13 May, 4.00pm – 7.30pm
ECCV media forum – Spotlight on Stereotypes: Multicultural Communities in the Media
Special guests including: Margaret Simons, Indira Naidoo, Aamer Rahman.
A lively look at the modern media and future directions in reporting, representation and regulation.
Bookings essential. For further information, please contact ECCV on 03) 9349 4122 or email: eccv@eccv.org.au
Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria.

Saturday 15 May, 11.00am – 5.00pm
Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET) gathering
Speakers: Edgar Paez, Sinaltrainal national leader from Colombia; Clive Parabou and Joanne Dateransi from Bouganville, Winning against Rio Tinto; Australian union representatives; Jim Green, Anti-Uranium activist; Robbie Thorpe, Aboriginal leader from Victoria; Richard Down, Northern Territory Aboriginal Communities; Richard Rumbiack from Free West Papua Assoc.
ETU Building, 1/200 Arden Street, North Melbourne.

Saturday 15 May, 7.00pm
LASNET Protest Dinner
Building solidarity with Latin America.
Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote.
For more information on both events, click here for the website.

Sunday 16 May – Sunday 23 May
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
In 2010 the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place in the context of the 100th anniversary of the landmark 1910 World Mission Conference.
Posters are available at the VCC office for $6, prayer cards $10 for 25.
Resources for the Week of Prayer are available for download by clicking here!

Monday 17 May, 2.00pm – 3.15pm
Keys Please presented by VicRoads
An information session for learner drivers and parents/supervising drivers. Find out how to get plenty of driving experience in a wide range of conditions. Pick up some tips on the learn to drive process and become a responsible and safe P plater.
Free workshop, bookings required: phone 9092 1500 or email enquiries@multiculturalhub.com.au
At the Multicultural Hub.
Click here for more information on the Multicultural Hub.

Friday 21 May, 9.30am – 3.00pm (registration from 9.00am)
Working with Refugee/Asylum Seeker Children and Families Workshop
Speakers: Prof Louise Newman, Ida Kaplan, Pamela Rycroft
Cost is $75.00 payable prior to the day by cheque or credit card.
Registration is compulsory, please contact mindful-info@unimelb.edu.au for form.
MINDFUL – Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, Building C, 50 Flemington Street, Flemington.

Wednesday 26 May, 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Social Justice in the City
Danusia Kaska "Global AIDS Epidemic" - (including Melbourne/Sydney). Everyone welcome!
St Francis Pastoral Centre, Cnr Lonsdale & Elizabeth Sts, Melbourne.

Saturday 29 May
Stories of Childhood
This annual state-wide conference for ministers, church leaders, playgroup leaders, Sunday school teachers and anyone involved in serving families with pre-schoolers, will be well worth the journey to the CTM in Parkville.  With a fantastic keynote speaker and a range of practical electives, this will be a great day.
For more information, email chris.barnett@ctm.uca.edu.au

Sunday 30 May, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Church Library Association meeting
The program will include a tour of the church library, a speaker: David Kemp, on 'Writing a Church History', a discussion on resources on indigenous themes and a swap table.
Enquiries - Rachel 9850 4828 or Marion 9803 0583
St Johns Uniting Church, Virginia Street, Mt Waverley (Melway 70 D1).

Thursday 1 July, 5.30pm and Sunday 4 July, 3.00pm
JCMA Interfaith Conference
Seventh Residential Conference of Jews, Christians and Muslims in Australia.
The number of participants is limited to 75 people.  An appropriate balance of participants from all three faith traditions is sought, representing a wide spread of experiences and communities.  JCMA seeks a balance of lay men and women, clergy, academics, those working in support or welfare roles, and tertiary students.
Application forms are available from the JCMA website - click here!
Palloti College, Millgrove.
 
Saturday 7 August
Stawell Interchurch Council
The Stawell Interchurch Council will celebrate 40 years since its inception.
Anyone interested in receiving an invitation to the celebrations, please contact either:
Roma Bennett 5358 2298, email gumsdpl@bigpond.net.au
Anne Howlett 5358 5177, email studioaceramics@optusnet.com.au

Province Express raffle
Jesuit Communications, producer of Province Express, conducts fundraising raffles twice each year. These raffles contribute to our ability to produce quality, free publications such as Province Express. So we invite you to help us by requesting books of tickets to sell in our current fundraising raffle.

Prizes for the 2010 Mid Year Raffle are:
1st – A $10,000 gift voucher redeemable at any MYER store
2nd – Whitegoods to a retail value of $2,000
3rd – Colour television to a retail value of $1,000
4th – Camera to a retail value of $700
5th – Books to a retail value of $300

The raffle will be drawn on 5 July 2010 and all winners will be notified.
Click here to order your raffle ticket books!
Alternatively you can contact us via our toll free number 1300 728 846, fax (03) 9421 9600 or mail PO Box 553 Richmond Vic 3121