EVOCA

EVOCA 

Issue: 157 

February/March 2011 

from the Chair 

Goodbye 2010 - many challenges in 2011 

Agnes M Whiten OAM 

Quote: We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope - 

Martin Luther King Junior 

We said goodbye to 2010 and as we say welcome to 2011, we are confronted with many 

challenges in Australia and countries around the world. The unrest in Tunisia, the ongoing protest in Egypt, the 

landslides in Brazil, and the devastating floods and cyclone in Queensland: they are events which will result in 

many changes around the world. 

The devastating flood in Queensland which received worldwide coverage showed the power of the media. The 

news bulletins kept all of us updated and Premier Anna Bligh demonstrated great leadership during the trying 

days of the flood and later cyclone Yasi with her regular press conferences and decisive actions. 

It was comforting to all of us. 

In my little corner of the world, we did not escape, although water inside the house was not as high as in 1974 

when we had over 5 feet of water then but it was still enough to damage carpets, book cases, wardrobes, and 

many books. Still, we consider ourselves lucky compared to many others who lost everything. 

Neighbours came and shifted furniture and many other household items to garages up the road. We spent a 

couple of nights in the very same house where we also took refuge in 1974. As the water receded the following 

morning, neighbours came and helped remove damaged carpets and many other things. 

Their wives and children came with buckets, mops and disinfectants and this scene was repeated in many 

places in Brisbane affected by the flood. Young people were going around distributing home-baked cakes and 

bottled water. Everyone had something to offer, and ordinary people became extraordinary in the aftermath of 

this great flood. 

To us who have been affected, we must rebuild - we recovered in 1974 and we will. We are resilient, we are 

strong. The offer of help and the messages we received from friends all over the world and Australia were heart 

warming and really appreciated. 

What is it in us that enables us to go on despite many trials, disappointments? Because we know we are not 

alone, we get support from everyone around us. The power of the media, the images on TV and the constant 

reports mobilized everyone to share and assist their neighbours. 

It will take many years for farmers, families and government infrastructures to recover. In those parts of the 

world with on-going people’s protests there will be big changes. In all of these, HOPE gives everyone the inner 

strength and the belief in oneself and in others that things will be better, and that somehow we will get over all 

these trials. 

There is no such thing as a good or bad year. All years are good because we care for each other.

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Guest Speaker: 

April Meeting: 

Guest Speaker: 

Dates to Diarise 

Members’ Meeting Wednesday 16 March 2011 - 7pm 

ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End 

(entry to Gumbaya downstairs conference room via Granville Street) 

Ms Sharon Harris 

National President of the Migration Institute of Australia and the 

Queensland/Northern Territory State President of MIA 

Wednesday 20 April 

Ms Queenie QR Balaba 

Multicultural Services Manager, Centrelink Area South & West Qld; 

Language Services Coordinator Queensland 

We look forward to welcoming you to the ECCQ Members’ meeting 16 March and at subsequent meetings 

throughout the year. 

Women’s Ethnic Network (WEN) March meeting 

Friday 11 March 2011 - 1pm to 3pm 

at Kurilpa Hall, 174 Boundary St, West End (next to Library) 

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2011 

Queensland Theme: Celebrating 100 years of women’s achievements 

International Women's Day (IWD), an important day for women all around the world when we can all celebrate 

the strengths and achievements of women, is celebrated on 8 March each year. IWD was first declared in 1910 

with the first IWD event held in 1911. 2011 sees 100 years of International Women's Day having been 

celebrated around the world. 

Minister for Women Karen Struthers has announced that the Queensland Government’s theme for International 

Women’s Day 2011 events held in Queensland will be Celebrating 100 years of women’s achievements. 

WEN’s guest speakers will be inspirational and interesting, so please note Friday 11 March in your diary …. 

come along, bring your friends, hear what our guest speakers have to say and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. 

For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance by phoning the ECCQ office on 3844 9166 or email 

administration@eccq.com.au. 

WEN’s meeting day, time and location have been changed to tie-in with International Women’s Day 2011 

For more information about International Women’s Day, visit www.women.qld.gov.au or phone Women’s Infolink 

on 1800 177 577. 

WEN meetings are normally held at ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End on the second Thursday of 

every second month, commencing at 12noon. Members, new members and guests are most welcome at WEN 

meetings. For further information call the convenor, Irene Cayas, on 0407 145 000 or Laraine Brandon at ECCQ 

on 3844 9166. 

Welcome to: 

Individual Members: 

Association Member: 

New Members 

Mr Abel Abishai Sokifasi 

Mr Andrew Cooper 

Mrs Janeth Mumtaz Begum Deen 

Ms Annette Ruzicka JP 

Cook Island Northside Community Inc 

Membership of ECCQ is open to individuals and organisations. To join, or if you know of any organisation or 

person who would like to join ECCQ, call our office manager, Laraine Brandon, on 3844 9166, email 

administration@eccq.com.au or visit www.eccq.com.au. 

ECCQ meetings are an excellent opportunity for community members, family and friends to join with us 

and our guest speakers, be brought up-to-date on the latest information in our multicultural community 

and join in stimulating discussion on issues important to our cultural diversity. 

Evoca: Issue 157 - February/March 2011

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Is all fare in the taxi industry? 

ECCQ convened its inaugural Ethnic Taxi Advisory Committee (ETAC) meeting in 

November last year to establish a forum to address the needs of those from culturally and 

linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds working in the taxi industry in Queensland. 

ECCQ Executive Committee member Dr. Mustafa Ally, who chairs ETAC, says the 

primary aim of the committee is to improve networking and information sharing by 

establishing communication channels with CALD taxi industry workers - owners, drivers 

and interested ethnic community stakeholders. 

Dr Mustafa Ally 

This will enable ECCQ to consult with taxi industry stakeholders and effectively collate 

and analyse information and concerns, and then raise these matters through ECCQ’s representation on the 

Queensland Government’s Ministerial Taxi Industry Advisory Committee. Dr. Ally is also ECCQ’s representative 

on the Taxi Industry 

Advisory Committee. 

The meeting, attended by more than 20 people, established the structure of the Advisory Group and the 

mechanisms to identify and communicate ideas, concerns and issues relating to CALD taxi drivers and owners 

and to act as a conduit between ETAC and the Taxi Industry Advisory Committee through ECCQ. 

Meetings will be held quarterly with the next one scheduled for mid-February and are open to all interested 

persons and organisations who have an interest in the welfare of CALD drivers and operators. 

For more information about ETAC please contact Dr. Ally on 0402 026 786 or email mustafa.a.ally@gmail.com. 

Congratulations Nick Xynias 

On 19 November members of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table were invited to a celebratory morning 

tea in honour of ECCQ Honorary President Nick Xynias. 

After stepping down as Chair of the Round Table, Nick was presented with his Honorary Ambassador award by 

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman. 

Dated and signed by the Lord Mayor on 27 September 2010, the plaque reads: “Mr Nicholas Xynias AO BEM is 

hereby appointed ‘Honorary Ambassador’ for the City of Brisbane. On behalf of the City of Brisbane I appoint 

you ‘Honorary Ambassador’ as recognition of your personal contribution in making Brisbane Australia’s most 

Livable City. As ‘Honorary Ambassador’ for our City you are called upon to promote Brisbane both Nationally 

and Internationally as one of the most dynamic cities in the Asia Pacific region, and to encourage whenever 

possible the economic growth and development of our City.” 

Nick, congratulations on this well deserved award in recognition of your achievements. 

Above: ECCQ Honorary President Nick Xynias (left) 

being presented with his Honorary Ambassador Award by 

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman 

Right: Nick Xynias surrounded by Members of the Lord 

Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table 


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ECCQ has much to celebrate at end-of-year gathering 

ECCQ Chair Agnes Whiten (2 nd from right) and ECCQ 

Honorary President Nick Xynias (left) welcome 

Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk 

and Leader of the Opposition & Shadow 

Minister for Multicultural Affairs John-Paul 

Langbroek to ECCQ’s end-of-year celebrations 

From left: 

Halimah Azein, project officer with ECCQ’s 

AFL Multicultural Program; Lalita Lakshmi, 

ECCQ’s Statewide CAMS coordinator; Jebet 

Kipsaina, project officer, ECCQ’s Young 

African Women's Health Project; and 

Muhammad Musa, admin assistant under a 

Work Placement Project 

Over 100 guests came along to sample ECCQ hospitality 

and delicious multicultural food 


Communications and Website News 

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The metamorphosis of Denise – or what? 

from Jeanette Shepherd 

After volunteering for five weeks towards the end of last year as an advocacy assistant 

working with ECCQ Policy & Advocacy Officer Fiona Caniglia I am now endeavouring to 

be ECCQ’s new ‘Denise’, after ECCQ’s Web Manager & Librarian, Denise Turner, 

accepted a job as librarian at Southbank TAFE. While we are all definitely sad to see 

Denise leave, I am also excited at the opportunity to be working at ECCQ. 

In my role as Communications Officer & Web Manager I am managing the e-bulletin and ECCQ website, while 

also supporting Lalita Lakshmi with CAMS’ communications (website, e-newsletter, promotional material etc.) 

and Fiona Caniglia in the area of advocacy. 

I also hope to start a Master of Communication for Social Change (just need to be accepted now!), which will be 

a great chance to use and develop these new concepts and skills in my work here at ECCQ. 

And now a quick plug for the e-bulletin: if you don’t receive the e-bulletin but would like to, just send an email to 

library@eccq.com.au or phone ECCQ to have your email address added to the list. 

Jeanette Shepherd is ECCQ’s Communications Officer & Web Manager 

Great outcome for ECCQ – Minister announces $274,230 grant for SECA program 

On 22 December 2010, in a joint statement, Community Services Minister Karen Struthers and Multicultural 

Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said ECCQ would receive $274,230 over three years to continue the 

Strengthening Ethnic Community Associations (SECA) program. 

Ms Struthers said the program aimed to help key organisations train staff to get a better deal for Queensland's 

ethnic communities. 

"We're committed to creating a fairer Queensland for all Queenslanders," she said. 

"That's why we've funded ECCQ with more than $90,000 a year for three years to continue to deliver their 

Strengthening Ethnic Community Associations program. 

"It will benefit ethnic community organisations across Queensland, helping them to access ongoing training and 

skills development for their staff. 

"ECCQ will also be taking on a no-wrong-door approach to help improve collaboration between government 

agencies and non-government organisations to assist clients. 

"Under the program, a greater number of ethnic community organisations can learn about dealing with government 

departments and the non-government sector on a range of issues. I'm talking about issues like advice on 

aged care, law and order, health, education and employment." 

Ms Palaszczuk said the continued funding for the SECA program was a great outcome. 

"The program has been a great success since it was established," she said. 

"The State Government provided ECCQ with more than $240,000 in 2006 to get the program up and running 

and it's gone from strength to strength since then. 

"Since then, representatives from almost 170 organisations have attended 45 training workshops across 

Queensland to develop important skills and knowledge. 

"This is about creating a more inclusive Queensland where people from diverse backgrounds can access the 

services and supports they need in their own communities." 

News from Diversicare and Berlasco Court 

For information on ECCQ’s Diversicare and Berlasco Court Caring Centre visit the following websites to 

access their newsletters: 

• Diversicare – www.diversicare.com.au and click on ‘Resources & Publications’ then click on Newsletters 

to connect to MAS Newsletter.’ 

• Berlasco Court Caring Centre – www.berlascocourt.com and click on ‘Newsletters’ then click on 

‘Berlasco Beacon.’ 


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Strengthening Ethnic Community Associations (SECA) 

from Shilpa Banerjee 

AFL Multicultural program for SECA 

We were overjoyed and much relieved when the State Government announced late last 

year that ECCQ would receive $274,230 over three years to continue the SECA program 

which supports Queensland's ethnic community associations (please see article on 

previous page).. 

The SECA program works with ethnic community associations and leaders to build the 

capacity of their management committees and members to effectively manage their associations and thus 

achieve better outcomes for their associations, members and communities. 

SECA has identified the need for ongoing professional support to establish and maintain ethnic community 

associations in order to sustain them, to articulate their needs, to secure resources, and to participate generally 

in Australian democracy. In the last three years, SECA through its training and information workshops has 

ensured community associations and NGOs have organisational tools and resources to help them operate 

effectively and encouraged sharing and collaboration between organisations and stakeholders in the 

community. 

SECA program will continue to support these associations to be effective, accountable and sustainable. Please 

feel free to contact me for information about the SECA program or to discuss your or your association’s 

organisational capacity building needs - email seca1@eccq.com.au. 

We are also pleased to announce that ECCQ is now a project partner with Australia Football League 

Queensland (AFLQ) on their multicultural project funded by the Department of Sports & Recreation. 

The AFL Multicultural Program aims to assist and encourage young people from CALD communities to access 

Australian Football. 

We welcome Halimah Azein who will be working with ECCQ as the Project Officer on this project. She will be 

involved in wide consultations to develop appropriate strategies to engage CALD youth into football coaching, 

umpiring and playing. For more information contact Halimah on 3844 9166 or 0402 321 368 or email her on 

seca3@eccq.com.au. See our flyers for ‘Come and Try’ day included in this issue. 

SECA’s Evaluation Group 

ECCQ’s community development program, the Strengthening Ethnic Community Associations (SECA) program, 

recently engaged a group of senior University of Queensland students to undertake an evaluation of the 

program. The SECA Evaluation Group feedback session in November was a great success. The students 

effectively and efficiently summarised the evaluation process and recommendations. ECCQ will keep them in 

perspective for the future development of the program. The photograph shows the group receiving their 

Certificates of Appreciation for their work. 

From left: Emma Heard, Lily Moult, Tess Reddel, 

Shilpa Banerjee from ECCQ, UQ supervisor Nicole 

George, Bethany Carey and Eadie Adams. 

Shilpa Banerjee is ECCQ’s Program Manager for the 

SECA program which is funded by the Department of Communities 


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Sexual Health program 

- 9 - 

from Zhihong Gu 

Workshops & Refresher Training for Bilingual Health Workers 

Welcome to the first issue of Evoca for 2011. I hope you all had a safe and relaxing 

holiday. My thoughts are with the people who have been affected by the floods and 

cyclones and best wishes for the rebuilding of your homes. 

Some of our bilingual health workers were kept busy during the holiday season because it 

was the best time to gather people together. More than 25 workshops were conducted 

with over 200 people attending. 

Thank you for your hard work! 

Refresher training for our bilingual health workers was held over two days in the first week of this month. I would 

like to thank Judith Dean and Anna Voloschenko from Queensland Health and Burglind Liddle from the Mater 

Hospital Liver Clinic for delivering valuable training to our workers. We also invited Adrian Buzolic who did 

training on evaluation skills which is very important for workers to know how to improve the quality of their work. 

The Queensland Health Communicable Disease Branch is working on the Viral Hepatitis Prevention & Control 

Action Plan. I’ve been invited to sit on the Reference Group to provide advice on developing the plan. Because 

of the increasing incidence of hepatitis infections in Queensland’s CALD population, especially hepatitis B, the 

action plan will be very important for controlling and managing hepatitis in our communities. 

If you have any concerns about this issue or would like to know more about it please contacts me. 

The Young African Women’s Project is nearly completed. If you are interested in knowing more about the 

Project and its results please contact Nava Moghbelpour, the Multicultural Youth Health Promotion Officer, at 

youth@eccq.com.au or Jebet Kipsaina, the project officer, at africanyouth@eccq.com.au. 

I mentioned in the last issue of Evoca that we held a very successful HIV Forum on World AIDS day. My 

colleague, Miad Jamali, has written more about this forum in this issue. 

Refresher Training for ECCQ 

Sexual Health program Bilingual 

Health Workers at ECCQ House 

Evoca: Issue 157 - February/March 2011 

Zhihong Gu is ECCQ’s Sexual Health 

Program Manager

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Sexual Health Program 

2010 Wrap Up 

from Miad Jamali 

It’s been an exciting start to the New Year for ECCQ’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis & Sexual Health 

team. We ended 2010 with a bang culminating with World AIDS Day, which is held on 

December 1 every year all round the world. 

Our Sexual Health team, as a lead up to this event and a show of solidarity with those 

infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, held a World AIDS Day Forum. The event, held on 

November 26, was attended by about 40 people from many communities. 

The event was exceptionally well received with the highlight being presentations given by 

two men, one of Chinese background and other from Botswana, both members of the 

Queensland Positive Speakers’ Bureau. They were able to share their experiences of living with HIV. 

Participants had many questions for the speakers and a willingness to explore sensitive topics. 

For many of the participants it was the first time they had the opportunity to engage with someone with HIV. The 

speakers did a great job at dispelling some myths and encouraging discussion. 

We were also involved with helping organise numerous World AIDS Day events around the South East. These 

included an event in Logan and a number of activities around Brisbane ending with a stall and live performances 

in King George Square in Brisbane. 

Other World AIDS Day events included stalls at the West End Markets, Chermside Shopping Centre, Garden 

City, Virgin Blue domestic terminal, Fortitude Valley and Central train stations. 

Nava Moghbelpour, ECCQ’s Multicultural Youth Health Promotion Officer, and I were also involved in helping 

organise the annual poster competition linked to World AIDS Day. 

Mary Wellington, one of our bilingual workers, was also involved in organising World AIDS day events in Cairns. 

Mary Wellington (left) with Grace Guaigu, a PNG 

Postgraduate Student at James Cook University, at 

the World AIDS Day event 

organised in Cairns by Mary 

Miad Jamali BSocSc, MCommun is ECCQ’s Multicultural 

Strengthening Resource, Training & Community Development Officer 


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Chronic Disease program 

from Nera Komaric 

Strengthening CALD communities’ access to national health programs 

ECCQ has launched a new initiative under the Queensland Health National Partnership 

Agreement and Preventative Health. 

The National Health Survey 2007-08 found that while 63% of those born in Australia were 

overweight or obese, the numbers are greater in some communities: 67% of those born in 

Oceania, 67% in Southern and Eastern Europe, and 65% born in Middle East and 

Northern Africa were overweight or obese. 

It also found that 71% of those born in Australia were sedentary or had low exercise, while 75% from Southern 

and Eastern Europe, 91% from Middle East and Northern Africa, 79% from South East Asia and 76% from all 

other countries were sedentary or had low exercise. CALD communities are even more at risk due to psychosocial 

and socio-economic risk factors that may include past experiences of trauma, racism and discrimination, 

alienation and isolation, and lack of cultural capital. 

A recent Queensland Health study on Pacific Islander health found considerable health inequities with between 

five to six times higher rates for all avoidable admissions; two and nine times higher rates for diabetes 

complications; more than double the rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admissions in one 

community; more than double the rate of coronary heart disease in another community; and almost double the 

mortality rate for avoidable conditions in one community. 

CALD populations in Queensland with higher levels of chronic disease, smoking, obesity, 

physical inactivity and lower fruit and vegetable consumption. 

Communities 

South East 

Queensland 

Indian/Fijian √ 

Indian 

Bosnian/Croatian/ √ 

Serbian 

Spanish speaking √ √ 

Arabic speaking √ √ 

South Sea 

√ 

Islanders 

Vietnamese √ √ 

Samoan √ √ 

Cook Islander √ √ 

North 

Queensland 

Sudanese √ √ √ 

Toowoomba 

Darling 

Downs 

Our Living Well Multicultural program, a Lifestyle modification program recently accredited by the Department of 

Health & Ageing, includes culturally tailored healthy eating sessions using our 'Healthy Eating for the Prevention 

and Maintenance of Chronic Disease’ manual. This manual is now available in Arabic, Bosnian, Filipino, Greek, 

Indian, Samoan, Spanish, Sudanese and Vietnamese. 

The physical activity module is designed to encourage active lifestyles within CALD communities to prevent and 

self manage chronic disease. The module incorporates an education session and a community development 

workshop. The education sessions deliver culturally appropriate information on how to plan for physical activity, 

how to make it a part of everyday life and how it can improve the overall health of the body and mind. 

ECCQ’s Multicultural Health Workers (MHWs) have been effective in delivering these programs. 

Phase one of our CALD Measure Up program in Queensland found that mainstream social marketing 

approaches did not effectively reach CALD communities. 

Recent piloted Measure Up sessions found that employing MHW’s to deliver culturally tailored Measure Up 

messages was successful in increasing participants knowledge about the campaign, including the intention to 

make positive lifestyle changes. 

>>>> 


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Community Action for a Multicultural Society network 

CAMS Update 

from Lalita Lakshmi 

Disaster and Recovery Management 

With CAMS workers situated in communities across the state from Cairns to Toowoomba, 

few have not been affected by the natural disasters we have experienced recently. Many 

CAMS workers and their organisations have worked directly with CALD communities 

assisting them to prepare for the emergency, and assisting with recovery. CAMS workers 

hope to work together to document this and provide feedback and advice around best 

ways to support CALD communities during and after disaster situations. Although we are only at the start of this 

process, it would seem that the lack of translated materials, availability of audio materials, and appropriate 

support in recovery centres have been some of the issues identified. 

CAMS Advocacy Priorities 

The CAMS network continues to work jointly on many advocacy priority areas. This work is being done through 

established statewide working groups including Queensland Accessing Interpreters Working Group, Employment 

Advocacy for Cultural Diversity and Queensland Pacific Islanders Workers Network. These working 

groups are all convened and actively supported by members of the CAMS network. CAMS workers have also 

made the following priority areas a focus of joint work: ESL and culturally inclusive education; cultural 

responsiveness working with the Department of Communities; Pacific Islander issues; and police and justice 

issues. 

ESL and culturally inclusive education: the CAMS network will continue to consult with local communities 

including teachers, schools and parents to ascertain what the situation is for CALD students and families and 

what increased support is needed. The CAMS working group’s first task of the year will be to respond to the 

Federal Government’s Review of Funding for Schooling. The working group hopes to use and build on work that 

CAMS and our organisations have undertaken. 

Cultural responsiveness: the working group is aiming to further evidence and support increased cultural 

responsiveness of local NGO’s funded by the Department of Communities. The working group continues to 

collect case studies and hopes to provide a thematic analysis of these. They also plan to research examples of 

how other state government communities and human service departments implement cultural responsiveness 

and write a report on best practice, practices in other jurisdictions and data analysis. A first draft has been 

completed. Working group members are also mapping the culturally inclusive aspects of the Community 

Standards, and how they are applied to an NGO. 

Pacific Islander issues: the working group is looking at undertaking some research and is designing a draft 

research template and format. They hope to include a regional perspective and examine the effect of the 

Trans-Tasman agreement. 

Police and Justice: the working group hopes to focus on improvements to interpreter access; internal QPS 

cultural competencies; and QPS and CALD community relationships. 

Keeping up to date with regional CAMS 

Several CAMS workers in local regions have recently commenced their own regional email newsletters which 

include news of local CALD communities. If you would like to be added to their email lists its best to contact 

them directly at: 

• Sunshine Coast: contact Naomi Wiley, Multicultural Coomunity Worker, Nambour Community 

Centre at mcw.ncc@flexinet.com.au 

• Logan: Feli Lacorte-Gayat, CAMS Officer, ACCES Services Inc at felig@asi.org.au 

• Caboolture: Nooreen Harris, CAMS Multicultural Worker, Neighbourhood Centre Caboolture at 

camsnhc@tpg.com.au 

Established CAMS newsletters are: 

• Toowoomba: David Barton, Multicultural Community Worker, Mercy Family Services at 

david.barton@mfsq.org.au 

• Gold Coast: Nao Hirano, Multicultural Community Development Officer, Multicultural Community 

Council, Gold Coast at naoh@mccgc.com.au 

For more information on the CAMS program visit www.camsqld.org.au or contact Lalita on 3844 9166 ext 109. 

Lalita Lakshmi is ECCQ’s Statewide Coordinator for 

the Community Action for a Multicultural Society Program 

which is funded by the Department of Communities 


Caroline 

Bouten Pinto 

Sandra Bennett 

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Partners in Cultural Competence 

from Caroline Bouten Pinto and Sandra Bennett 

Community Engagement: bridging cultures 

Community engagement and consultation are high on the agendas of many government 

departments and large corporations. These agencies realise that to serve their clients and 

communities, best practice requires frequent and effective community consultation. 

Before you embark on any type of community engagement process, it is important to be very clear 

why you are engaging with the community. Is it because you want to provide information? Is it 

because you want to gather information and share ideas? Is it because you want to include 

community perspectives in decision-making? Are you seeking community participation? Or is it a 

combination of all of the above. 

Being clear about this is incredibly important, as it will influence the overall strategy and success of 

the community engagement process. 

Any engagement is influenced by a number of assumptions we inherently tend to make as we take 

on such processes. For example: 

◊ the community wants to engage 

◊ the community conceptually understands what we want to engage them around 

◊ the community understands us and the context in which we operate 

◊ and we understand the community and the context in which they operate. 

For example, knowing the cultural context of your own organisation is as important as knowing the 

cultural context of each community. Take the time to explore, articulate and communicate the 

underlying values, beliefs and practices of all parties. In Western society and developed countries, 

organisations operate with a major emphasis on compliance, documentation, task completion, timing 

and quantitative outcomes. 

Yet ‘grass roots communities’, whether ethnic, indigenous or mainstream, will be valuing connection, relationships and 

qualitative outcomes. The polarisation of these perspectives can often lead to confusion, frustration and the breakdown of 

relationships in the engagement process. 

As communities are diverse in make-up, perspectives and opinions, making these assumptions without checking them out 

can have real consequences for the quality of engagement with any community. Thus the biggest challenges in community 

engagement lie in being inclusive and being able to recognise, acknowledge and draw on community diversity as a 

resource. 

Being able to do this effectively requires us to prepare and reflect on these assumptions before we even begin to engage. 

But we cannot do this preparation and reflection in isolation. For example, how can we really understand a community and 

the context in which they operate if we have never paid attention or interacted with members of this community? Also, how 

do we go about ensuring that a community understands us and the context in which we operate. True community engagement 

starts long before issues need to be consulted on or strategies need to be approved. It starts with the development of 

relationships and trust. 

So how do we go about that? 

This is where Culturewise Practice® may help. This community engagement strategy enables you to embark on a process 

that connects you and the community in more meaningful ways. The Culturewise Practice approach is action-research 

based and engages individuals and groups to consider each other’s perspectives and world views, focus on possibilities 

and, through engaging in creative processes, the development of shared outcomes. Rather than focus on contentious 

issues this process is about inclusion and possibilities. As building relationships with communities begins with being 

interested and showing a sense of respectful curiosity, it continues with engaging in Culturewise Practice and developing 

knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours in the following three domains: 

◊ Awareness: seeing beyond your own cultural interpretations 

◊ Communication: using creative ways to reflect, explore and ask questions 

◊ Leadership: taking personal responsibility, to guide people and processes into inclusive engagements. 

Through this process, everyone has the opportunity to: 

• understand they are a key player in what is created during interactions 

• develop the skills and knowledge to explore theirs and others’ perspectives 

• take responsibility for moving beyond the limitations of their own perspectives 

• explore with others, possibilities for meaningful outcomes. 

It is a process that has application beyond the intercultural field. It has been successfully trialed in professional and personal 

conflict resolution; organizational culture change; customer service; team building; diversity leadership and community 

consultation. 

For more information on this contact Caroline Pinto or Sandra Bennett at ECCQ’s training unit, Partners in Cultural 

Competence (PiCC) on 3844 9166 or email: training@eccq.com.au. 

Caroline Bouten Pinto is Consulting Manager of Partners in Cultural Competence 

Sandra Bennett is the PiCC Client Liaison Manager 


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PiCC Program 

Your one-stop-shop for cross-cultural training and diversity management solutions 

30 Mar ; 16 Jun (MORNING) 

Working with Professional Interpreters 

This three and half-hour workshop, provides a comprehensive introduction to working successfully with 

professional 

interpreters. It is ideal for those who must use professional interpreters in their dayto-day 

work. This program is targeted to all levels of government, organisations and businesses. From 

9am to 12.30pm 

30 Mar ; 16 Jun (AFTERNOON) 

Communicating Effectively with Non-fluent English Speakers 

This three and half hour workshop provides participants with insights, understanding and skills to communicate 

more effectively with non-fluent English speakers in day-to-day interactions where the use of formal 

interpreters is not required. From 1pm to 4.30pm 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Anyone who works and/or interacts on a regular basis with individuals from 

29 Mar ; 15 Jun 

Providing Culturally Responsive Service 

This one-day workshop provides participants with insights, knowledge and skills to interact more effectively 

with a culturally diverse public WHO SHOULD ATTEND? - All staff who provide client services or 

22 Mar ; 7 Jun 

Culture and Conflict Resolution 

This one-day workshop provides participants with an overview of the interaction of culture and conflict and 

gives practical techniques on how to constructively engage with disputes in a culturally diverse context. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Anyone who works or interacts with people from culturally diverse backgrounds 


Culturewise Practice 

This one day workshop introduces you to the latest approach in developing cultural competence. It shows 

you how to expand your perspective and develop your capabilities to engage in meaningful ways with 

others. 


Diversity Leadership 

This one-day program provides participants with the insights and skills to move self and others from an 

awareness of diversity to engagement in creative processes that result in effective and meaningful out- 

To register please contact: Ms Hedy Sri Munaswati on 3844 9166 or Email: training@eccq.com.au 

Half-day fees: 

One-day fees: 

$ 40 per person (+GST) 

$ 75 per person (+GST) 

VENUE: West End Qld 4101 areas. Details in registration. Website at www.picc.org.au 

“An initiative of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland” 


- 16 - 

Culture and Conflict Resolution 

Time: 9am-4.30pm 

Date 

Code 

Tue 22 Mar 2011 CCR-03 

Tue 7 Jun 2011 CCR-06 

Venue - This course will be delivered at West 

End Brisbane. Details in registration 

Investment 

$75 fee (+GST) includes course materials, 

morning/afternoon tea and light lunch 

HOW to register? 

Register online or download the Registration 

Form from PiCC website: www.picc.org.au. 

For further information 

contact PiCC admin, Ph: 07-3844 9166 

or email training@eccq.com.au 

COURSE OVERVIEW 

The program focuses on the interface of conflict 

and culture and how our understanding of and 

ways of dealing with conflict are shaped by our 

cultural background. Participants are encouraged 

to reflect on their own cultural assumptions and to 

develop culture and conflict fluency to enable 

them to better deal with stressful and/or 

conflictual situations. They will also develop a 

deeper understanding of the cultural starting points 

of other people. 

The reflective component of the program is 

complemented by practical exercises and tools to 

enable participants to analyse a conflict situation 

and its underlying cultural components, and to 

make informed decisions on how to deal with them 

appropriately. The workshop is highly interactive 

and the learning activities will be suitable to deal 

with conflict in a variety of work-related and 

private environments. 

WHO should attend? 

• Staff and service providers who work in 

areas of high stress and potential 

intercultural conflict. 

• Managers, team leaders and supervisors 

who work with culturally diverse teams. 

• Conflict resolvers, social service 

providers and community workers who 

are looking for new tools to address 

intercultural disputes. 

WHY? 

♦ For individual staff and service providers: become more 

aware of how your personal assumptions shape conflict 

interaction and how you can better understand and deal 

with perplexing and frustrating situations of intercultural 

conflict. 

♦ For team leaders and managers: learn processes that help 

recognise intercultural conflict early and to support 

cross-cultural fluency amongst staff. 

♦ For conflict resolution and development professionals: 

gain awareness on how conflict resolution processes are 

shaped around cultural assumptions and how they can be 

tailored to better fit culturally diverse contexts. 

Culture and Conflict Resolution Core Segments 

• Conflict stories and what patterns we can recognise from them 

• What is conflict and how can we deal with it 

• Multiple layers of culture and how they can impact on conflict management 

• The interface of conflict and culture: developing culture and conflict fluency 

• Analysing the web of conflict and culture: a workplace situation 

• Creating a safe space for resolving intercultural conflict 

A RANGE OF CUSTOMISED PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY IN YOUR WORKPLACE - 

please contact Sandra Bennett or Caroline Pinto on 07-3844 9166 or email to picc@eccq.com.au 



- 17 - 

Culturewise Practice® 

Time: 9am-4.30pm 

Date 

Code 

Tue 22 Mar 2011 CCR-03 

Tue 7 Jun 2011 CCR-06 

Venue - This course will be delivered at 

West End Brisbane. Details in registration 

Investment 

$75 fee (+GST) includes course materials, 

morning/afternoon tea and light lunch 


Register online or download the 


This one day workshop introduces you to the latest 

approach in developing cultural competence. It shows 

you how to expand your perspective and develop your 

capabilities to engage in meaningful ways with others. 


People who want to improve their ability to engage 

effectively with diversity in the workplace. 


Register online or download the Registration Form from 

PiCC website: www.picc.org.au. For further information 

contact PiCC admin, Ph: 07-3844 9166 or 

email training@eccq.com.au 

CULTURWISE 

PRACTICE 

- SYNERGY 

OUT OF DIVERSITY 

Taking responsibility for your own cultural worldview and how this influences 

the outcomes of interactions 

LEARNING 

OUTCOMES: 

Participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Understand they are a key player in what is created during (intercultural) interactions. 

• Develop the skills and knowledge to explore theirs and others’ perspectives. 

• Take responsibility for moving beyond the limitations of their own perspectives. 

• Explore with others, possibilities for meaningful outcomes. 

Culturewise Practice develops knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours in three domains. 

1. AWARENESS: Seeing beyond your own cultural interpretations 

2. COMMUNICATION: Using creative ways to reflect, explore and ask questions. 

3. LEADERSHIP: Taking personal responsibility, to guide people and processes into inclusive 

engagements. 

Culturewise Practice is a process that has application beyond the intercultural field. 

It has been successfully trialed in: 

• Conflict Resolution: professional and personal. 

• Organizational Culture Change. 

• Customer Service. 

• Team Building 

• Leadership Development. 


please contact Sandra Bennett or Caroline Pinto on 07-3844 9166 or email to picc@eccq.com.au 



- 18 - 

Diversity Leadership 

Time: 9.00am-4.30pm 

Date 

Code 

Thur 24 Mar 2011 DL-03 

Thu 9 Jun 2011 DL-06 

Venue 

This course will be delivered at West 

End Brisbane. Details in registration. 

Investment 

$75 fee (+GST) includes course 

materials morning/afternoon tea & light 

lunch. 


This workshop provides individuals (in leadership positions) 

with the skills, insights and knowledge to move self and 

others from an awareness of diversity to engagement in 

creative processes that result in effective and meaningful 

outcomes. 


People in management and leadership roles with an 

interest in engaging with diversity as integral to leading 

and motivating people in organisations. 


Register online or download the Registration Form from PiCC website: www.picc.org.au. 

For further information contact PiCC admin, Ph: 07-3844 9166 or email: training@eccq.com.au 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Participants will have an opportunity to explore and gain insight and skills into: 

• Developing personal and professional insights into the dimensions of diversity operating in their 

own organisational context. 

• Engaging employees in processes that enables the development of shared meanings and 

understanding of organisational diversity directives. 

• Engaging self and others in working with creative processes to develop, implement and evaluate 

initiatives. 

INDIVIDUAL AND 

ORGANISATIONAL BENEFIT 

• Increased access and equity in service 

provision 

• Improved productivity and morale 

• Reduced complaints and grievances 

• Improved opportunities for all 

employees 

• Happier, less stressed employees 

• Reduced discrimination 

• Increased responsiveness, effectiveness & efficiency in 

serving culturally and linguistically diverse clients 

• Improved attraction, retention and development of 

employee 

• Enhanced reputation as an employer of choice 

• Wider range of skills available to you 

• Enhanced innovation and creativity 

• Improved work-team interactions & relationships 


Please contact Sandra Bennett or Caroline Pinto on 07-3844 9166 or email to admin@picc.org.au 



- 19 - 

ECCQ’s Vision, Mission & Objectives 

Our Mission "that all people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds have equal access to 

services and can fully participate in all aspects of a cohesive and harmonious Queensland" is 

achieved through a combination of targeted advocacy, representative and consultative functions, 

and service development and delivery. Our objectives and goals are to: 

• work with government and community agencies so that CALD people have equitable access 

to resources and services. 

• promote collaboration and cooperation on issues of common concern and ensure effective participation 

when needed. 

• initiate and promote research into CALD issues in Queensland. 

• advise and inform governments and other organisations of the needs and priorities of CALD 

communities. 

• support and encourage CALD communities to develop and deliver services which meet the needs of their 

members. 

• encourage CALD people to participate in the social, educational and economic life of Australia and 

activities conducive to good citizenship. 

Our activities and services: 

◊ Advocacy and policy development 

◊ Community development programs, such as The Strengthening Ethnic Community Associations (SECA) 

program 

◊ Statewide HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections program 

◊ Statewide Sexual Health Network and support groups 

◊ Statewide Chronic Disease Program 

◊ Cross cultural training unit, Partners In Cultural Competency (PiCC) 

◊ Resource and reference library 

◊ Applied research 

◊ Grants auspicing and Letters of Support for funding applications 

◊ Special projects 

◊ Women's Ethnic Network 

Brisbane to welcome International students 

Saturday 5 March 2011 - King George Square - 11am to 4pm 

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman will again host and give the official welcome to the new students, representing over 

27 countries including China, Korea, Taiwan, USA, India, Colombia, Canada, France and many more destinations. 

Get all the information on life in Brisbane at the Brisbane Welcomes International Students event – the one-stop-shop 

for students starting life in Brisbane … information you need from accommodation, employment and entertainment, to 

banking, transport and things to see and do. The event will include live music and wildlife displays with more than 

3,000 students from across the globe attending - a fun, free day out and a great way to connect with the community 

and make new friends. 

And don’t forget to visit ECCQ’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis & Sexual Health program display for information and health 

brochures in various languages. 

For more information on this event visit www.studybrisbane.com.au. 


The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Ltd 

ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End Qld 4101 

P O Box 5916, West End Qld 4101 

Phone: 07 3844 9166 Fax: 07 3846 4453 

Email: administration@eccq.com.au Web: www.eccq.com.au 

Next Members’ meeting 

Wednesday 16 March 2011 at 7pm 

ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End 

(entry to ‘Gumbaya’ downstairs conference room via Granville Street) 

Members’ Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at ECCQ House West End 

Bus No 199 and get off at the Boundary & Vulture Streets intersection 

ECCQ’s mission “that all people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds have equal access to 

services and can fully participate in all aspects of a cohesive and harmonious 

Queensland" is achieved through a combination of targeted advocacy, representative and 

consultative functions, and service development and delivery. 

If undelivered, please return to: 

ECCQ 

PO Box 5916 

West End Q 4101 

SURFACE 

MAIL 

Postage 

Paid 

Australia 

Contents: 

2 Dates to Diarise; New Members 

3 Is all fare in the taxi industry?; 

Congratulations to Nick Xynias 

4 ECCQ has much to celebrate at end-ofyear 

gathering 

5 The metamorphosis of Denise - or what?; 

Great outcome for ECCQ’s SECA program; 

News from Diversicare & Berlasco Court 

6 AFL Multicultural program for SECA 

7 Australian Football - A Game for Everyone 

9 Workshops & Refresher Training for 

Bilingual Health Workers 

10 Sexual Health 2010 Wrap Up 

11 CAMS Update 

12 Strengthening CALD communities’ access 

to national health programs 

14 Community Engagement bridging cultures 

15 PiCC programs for 2011 

19 ECCQ’s Vision, Mission & Objectives; 

Brisbane to welcome International students

EVOCA

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