Opportunity knocks for service providers to reach out
13 May 2010
Service providers in Moree, Inverell and the North-West region are being encouraged to “reach out” and learn at a FREE multicultural forum being held in Moree on Thursday 27 May 2010.
The forum is called Reaching Out and aims to help service providers gain knowledge and confidence in engaging with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the North-West region.
This forum is fully subsidised by the Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach Project (TRROP) and Moree Plains Shire Council.
TRROP Field Liaison Officer Sue Budden said representatives from mainstream health services, local businesses, local government organisations, non-government organisations, schools and volunteer services are all urged to attend.
“The multicultural forum aims to break down stereotypes and provide examples of cultural differences in order to promote cultural harmony,” Sue said. “Labels belong on jars not people. The forum is a way of celebrating Australia’s diversity and increasing understanding of different cultures.
“It provides an opportunity for services in Moree and the North-West to learn practical tips on how to engage with CALD communities in their area area,” Sue said.
“The forum is free and we really urge people to come along, listen, get involved and learn.”
Debby Baxter-Tomkins, Human Resource Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council said, “Reaching Out forms the first event in the Moree Plains Shire Council's Day of Opportunity – a day for individuals, businesses and the community to learn, grow and develop together.”
The forum program includes an introduction to cultural issues, such as examples of cultural differences, stereotypes and assumptions, and an interactive workshop on how to access and use interpreters.
A panel of workers and a CALD communities member who will discuss presenting a welcoming ‘first point of contact’ for CALD community members to your service, and strategies and practical tips on engaging CALD clients and connecting with the CALD community.
About TRROP
TRROP is a major NSW Health access and equity initiative and is a partnership between Transcultural Mental Health Centre and Hunter New England Area Health Service.
TRROP aims to increase the workforce capacity in order to deliver culturally relevant services to the culturally and linguistically diverse populations in rural areas.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: The media is invited to attend the forum. For further information or to arrange an interview on the day of the forum, please contact TRROP Field Liaison Officer Sue Budden on (02) 6767 8620 or email: Susanne.budden@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216