Ethnic Communities

Ethnic Liaison Strategy Project

Welcome to the Ethnic Liaison Strategy project page, which provides an insight into the innovative response of the Seniors Information Service to the growing needs of the ageing population who are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The aim was to ensure that older people, their families and carers have free and equal access to information about relevant programs and services, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. The Project was funded through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program for three years, from July 2004 to June 2007.

Background

The project moved along quickly after identifying the six target communities with significant ageing populations and greatest needs. These target communities were the Arabic-speaking communities, German, Hungarian, Latvian, Russian and Vietnamese.

Source: AIHW(2001) Projections of Older Immigrants – People from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Background, 1996 -2006, Australia; Appendix A
ABS Census of Population and Housing 2001.

A Steering Committee and Community Focus Group was established to ensure that all strategies developed would respond appropriately to the needs of the ageing populations of the target communities. The Focus Group was comprised of workers, leaders and carers from the target communities who are working closely with the Project Officer to identify issues or barriers and assist in the development of strategies.

Strategies developed:

1. Cross-cultural training and cultural information sessions for SIS staff, providing insights into other cultures and enabling the provision of culturally appropriate services.
2. Simplification and translation of SIS brochures into seven languages.Community announcements of SIS services in five languages, broadcast fortnightly on 5EBI FM 103.
3. Presentation of SIS services to target groups expanded to other CALD communities. Introductory computing courses were developed and taught in our Internet Lounge. The aim was to provided the skills that seniors, carers and volunteers of the target communities required to access information and relevant services using Information Technology. At the completion of the course SIS provided ongoing access to computers and the internet as well as technical assistance from skilled volunteers.
4. Formed a partnership with Greek Orthodox Community Services of SA under the Community Partners Program, (CPP), a project funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. The aim was to address the information needs of the ageing Greek community in SA. 
5. A Greek Community Reference Group was established to consider the issues and barriers to accessing relevant information and services.
6. Multicultural resource development was ongoing.
7. Promotion of the Project via Radio 5UV and Coast FM.
8. Networking, consultation and collaboration with other CALD communities, CALD community service providers and mainstream service providers.

Outcomes:

1. SIS brochure simplified and translated into Greek.
2. Presentations explaining SIS and Carelink services tailored specifically for the aged Greek community.
3. Members of the aged Greek community to visit SIS regularly.
4. SIS services to be promoted in Greek via Radio 5EBI-FM, Radio Ena and others.

The Project is now integral to the services provided by Seniors information Service.

SIS brochure in other languages

Download the Seniors Information Service overview brochure in the following languages (Please note that these brochures are yet to be updated with SIS's new logo and contact details):

ENGLISH
ARABIC
CHINESE
GERMAN
GREEK
HUNGARIAN
ITALIAN
LATVIAN
POLISH
RUSSIAN
SPANISH
UKRAINIAN
VIETNAMESE

Multicultural Communities Update: