Upon commencement of my role as Project Officer in May 2014 I have spent most of my time focusing on promotion and recruiting, resourcing and supporting the formation of the group as well as collaborations and initiatives to ensure team bonding and personal development of the participants. This exciting project has been appreciated by the South Asian Community as it addresses issues related to participation and education that CALD women experience because of cultural, linguistic and other barriers. We are hoping it will have multiple positive outcomes including empowerment, participation in the work force with sustainable source of income and most importantly will boost the participants’ confidence.

Participation of Women in the work force – being a major social justice concern in the community is in line with our organisational values, with good collaborative input, we now have the opportunity to design a program that will provide a targeted in-house certified training program for 15 women in Home & Community Care (HACC) through a local RTO, ongoing English language support, both formal and conversational; learning support using a peer learning circle approach and Leadership development. A key component of the project will be supported work experience both voluntary and formal work experience in HACC related work during the life of the program.

Significant challenges and opportunities exist for the project limited funding, Project facilitator appointed one day a week and space limitations at the training premises.

Promoting Access and Social Inclusion by fostering networking and links between participants and HACC service providers, Department of Human Services, Advocacy services, Legal assistance, Women & Children’s Health Services and Mental Health has been and continues to be a priority in order to achieve positive outcomes.

I am very passionate about achieving the outcomes of the project. Looking forward to a dynamic, successful and rewarding year ahead.