Report of the Wyndham Sudanese Community Forum

Overview

A special report on the local Sudanese community was produced following a successful gathering of community members and service providers at the local community centre in the City of Wyndham.

The report was designed to empower the Sudanese community of Wyndham by providing them with a means to have their voices heard.
See: Report of the Wyndham Sudanese Community Forum (874KB PDF file)

What were the aims of the project?

The aim of the report was to inform government and non-government organisations and service providers about the complex issues facing the community in Wyndham and provide recommendations on how to respond to those issues.

The report represents the issues, recommendations and improvements that the community feel is needed to assist their settlement prospects.

What was involved?

In April 2008 the Sudanese community gathered at the Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale with a number of government and non-government service providers to discuss the complex issues facing the community.

The forum was held in response to a number of complaints to local police and bi-laws officers about the behaviour of young Sudanese in the area. An investigation revealed a number of issues facing the Sudanese community, including a general disengagement within the community.

Attendees at the forum were broken into groups representing health, police, education, family, youth, housing, legal and employment. Facilitators gathered information on the issues facing the community in their respective topics.

This information then formed the basis of the 30 page report, now being used by many service providers in the local Wyndham area who provide services to the Sudanese Community. The report has also been used as a snapshot of a community to inform other local governments, the Refugee Council of Australia, the Victoria Multicultural Commission and many other relevant bodies on the issues facing the Sudanese Community in Australia

The forum and subsequent launch was funded by primarily by the Wyndham City Council – Community Access and Inclusion Team together with assistance from the Werribee Community Centre and ISIS Primary Care.

Who participated?

More than 160 South Sudanese men, women and children attended the forum. It was the first time the entire community joined together.

The report was put together by Victoria Police, Werribee Community Centre, Spirit West Services, New Hope Foundation Werribee Refugee Resource Centre and with the assistance of the entire Wyndham Humanitarian Network Sudanese Sub-Committee.

It was launched by former Chief Commissioner of Police, Christine Nixon APM, who said the launch was one of the most memorable events in her career as Chief Commissioner.

What were the outcomes?

In 2009 the program was nominated by the Wyndham City Council for the National Crime and Violence Prevention Award and also the National Local Government Award.

The Sudanese in Wyndham Association now meets on a monthly basis. The Wyndham Humanitarian Network Sudanese Subcommittee also meets on a monthly basis. They ensure the report recommendations are met by the relevant bodies.

Where can I get more information?

Further information on this project is available.

Leading Senior Constable Richard Dove
Chairperson of the Wyndham Humanitarian Network Sudanese Subcommittee
Multicultural Liaison Officer
Victoria Police
Region 2 (West)
Email: richard.dove@police.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 96894630