1

Mission ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

AMCS Board of Directors ......................................................................................................................... 3

President‟s Report .................................................................................................................................... 6

Chief Executive Officer‟s Report ............................................................................................................... 7

Volunteering Programs............................................................................................................................. 8

Polish Older Persons Outreach Program ............................................................................................... 10

Planned Activity Groups (PAG) .............................................................................................................. 11

Community Partners Program ................................................................................................................ 13

Supported Access Pilot Project (SAPP) ................................................................................................. 15

Home and Community Care (HACC) Access Program ........................................................................... 16

Community Care Program ...................................................................................................................... 17

The Multicultural ER Case Management Program .................................................................................. 18

Human Resources Management ............................................................................................................ 19

AMCS Adult Education ........................................................................................................................... 20

AMCS Projects ....................................................................................................................................... 23

Upcoming AMCS Projects ...................................................................................................................... 24

Financial Report ..................................................................................................................................... 24

In Memoriam .......................................................................................................................................... 25

Partnerships & Support .......................................................................................................................... 27

ISBN 978-0-9803040-4-6

2011

Front cover “Celebrating Diversity” picture courtesy of Leader Newspapers.

2

Mission AMCS, a charitable organisation, is dedicated to provide support, opportunity, access and equity for Australia's multicultural community. To lead in the provision of services, advocacy and training in the interests of our clients to meet their unique linguistic and cultural needs. Objectives 1. Primarily to extend independent living opportunities for the aged and people with disabilities of multicultural background

2. To support all Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the maintenance and development of their cultural traditions and

3. To promote amongst the Australian people an acceptance of the diversity of cultures and a commitment to Australia as one people drawn from many cultural traditions through high quality training, education and support of all involved in providing services and care to people of multicultural background

4. To continually grow services and respond innovatively to changing community needs and the ever increasing size of the Australian multicultural community

5. To establish and strengthen links with and between high quality appropriate service providers

6. To encourage local, State and Federal governments become more committed to promoting and upholding the rights and needs of people with a multicultural background through advocacy, consulting and research on behalf of our clients

7. To provide development and learning opportunities for our staff, stakeholders and adults in our community to assist them to reach their full potential in their personal, educational and vocational pursuits

8. To provide direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability, destruction or helplessness as arouses compassion in the community

9. To promote and celebrate cultural diversity in Australian Society

3

AMCS Board of Directors Russell Harold Howard, President

Russell has had more than 35 years extensive experience in human resources, line management, executive and non-executive director roles across a wide range of organisations locally and internationally.

His experience covers the steel, aluminium, construction, transport, heavy engineering, general manufacturing, aerospace and aircraft maintenance, glass, consulting, superannuation and Not-for-Profit industry sectors.

During the course of his career Russell was responsible for developing and implementing wide ranging business and human resources strategies. He has also held a number of directorships for Australian and New Zealand firms, including superannuation funds.

Russell‟s formal qualifications are Bachelor of Economics, Post Graduate Diploma of Business Administration, and Post Graduate Certificate of Industrial Law. He is also an alumnus of the Advanced Management Programme – INSEAD (Europe)

Russell has been President of AMCS for the past 3 years. He is also a Client Manager with Great Connections, an organisation that matches volunteers with Not-for-Profit organisations.

John Pater, Vice President John‟s professional experience spans a broad cross-section of industries including civil engineering, construction, risk management, financial planning and investments, sales and marketing in both middle and senior management roles.

John has also worked in a honorary capacity within Polish community organizations for the past 30 years including K.S. Polonia, Polish Sports Recreation and Community Association and the Miss Polonia Australia Bureau. John‟s formal qualifications include a Diploma of Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Ron Horfiniak, Treasurer

Ron is a qualified Accountant and a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia with a diverse and extensive business background, spanning the IT, Manufacturing, Management Consulting, Financial Services and Not-for-Profit sectors. He has held executive positions as General Manager, CFO and Director of Strategic Planning for both local and international organisations which have been punctuated with running his own Management Consulting Practice mainly involved in mergers, acquisitions and business Transformation.

Agatha Pawlowski, Secretary Agatha was born in Poland and arrived in Australia in 1984. Her interest in working in community services began while at high school when she undertook voluntary work visiting the elderly in the community and was a leader at camps for children and young people.

Agatha is a registered psychologist and has been working in public service settings and privately for over 11 years. She began her career as a probationary psychologist working with the Department of Human Services in 1999 in regional Victoria. Since registering as a psychologist she has worked in various teams and settings within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Agatha completed a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health (Child, Adolescent and Family Stream) with support from the Department of Human Services in the form of a scholarship to better understand the systems and interventions available in assisting families where a family member has a mental illness or disability. As well as working in the public health system, Agatha is currently completing a Master of Public Health on a part-time basis. She has a keen interest in the provision of quality services to clients and in efficiency, sustainability and support of the health workforce.

4

Barbara Swiatkowski, Director Barbara was born in Poland and arrived in Australia with her parents in 1964. She has worked exclusively in the superannuation industry and has over 30 years experience in the field.

Barbara's extensive administration, management and consulting experience cover all aspects of effective management of corporate superannuation funds. Key competencies include; investment structure, member communication, staff management, fund secretariat and compliance reporting. More recently Barbara was appointed as a Senior

Associate within a Global Consulting Firm providing expertise in group insurance arrangements for some of the top corporate clients within the firm's master trust. Barbara has completed her Diploma in Superannuation Management and Advanced Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning).

Ben Lloyd, Director Ben is a principal of the law firm Russell Kennedy practicing in the Public Law, Litigation and Aged Care group. His connection to the AMCS was initially through marriage as his wife is Polish and is a former employee of AMCS. He has volunteered to assist AMCS by being a member of the Board because he believes he has a range of skills that can assist the organisation in continuing to deliver the services to its historical base (the Polish community) and to help it broaden the range of services it provides and the clients it delivers those services to.

Professor Des Cahill, O.A.M., Director

Des is Professor of Intercultural Studies in RMIT University‟s School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning. He is one of Australia‟s leading authorities on immigrant, refugee and cross-cultural studies, and has done many studies for Australian and State governments and other organizations in areas such as immigrant and multicultural education, ethnic minority youth, intercultural marriages and ethnic community development. More recently, he has focused on religion and cultural diversity. With Elizabeth Drozd he has edited two books on Poles in Australia, and has been closely associated with the Polish community in Victoria since the early 1990s.

Mary Schloetzer, Director Mary is currently employed at both Swinburne and Victoria Universities as a Senior Educator. Mary is an experienced practitioner in public relations, especially in corporate communications and advertising for both private and Not-for-Profit sectors. Prior to teaching at Victoria and Swinburne Universities, Mary acted as a public relations specialist for many established niche markets, providing strategies for major corporations and major stakeholders. She is particularly noted for her photographic styling skills and much of her work has been published both locally and internationally.

Mary has a Bachelor of Arts, Advanced Diplomas‟ in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Vocational Education and Training.

Paul Walec, Director

Paul works in the property industry and has a strong interest in Aged Care/Retirement and associated services. He has 20 years of experience are in the areas of strategy, financial/commercial analysis, property development and investment. He has worked internationally in various countries and nationally has recently relocated back to Melbourne. Paul's qualifications include an Engineering Degree and Post Graduate qualifications in Teaching and Management. Paul also has an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).

He has joined the board of AMCS to assist in expanding the business of AMCS to become a leader in aged care and affiliated services into the broader multicultural community. He is also an advisor to other boards and has lectured at both RMIT and UNSW. His outside interests include playing basketball and cooking.

5

Ryk Bliszczyk, Director With over 18 years experience as a strategy consultant, Ryk has spent most of his professional career advising companies around the globe. He now uses his unique insights into human behaviour gained as a clinical neuropsychologist, to support corporate leaders in leadership development.

Ryk continues to consult to and make presentations to corporations around the world - most recently to Ho Chi Minh City TV in Vietnam, Reserve Bank of India, Johnson & Johnson Medical and La Trobe University.

He currently holds a position as Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Business and Law at RMIT University in Melbourne, lecturing in Economics and Strategy. Ryk is a registered Psychologist in Australia. He is also completing a PhD in behavioural economics studying the effects of group identity on decision making.

The Bliszczyk family have long been community activists. Ryk continues this tradition having recently completed the Leadership Victoria Experience Bank program, is School Councillor for the William Ruthven Secondary College and psychological consultant to Melbourne Heart Football Club (honorary).

Board Members and CEO with Guest Speaker Sandy Austin, Director, Health and Aged Care, Northern and Western Region, Department of Health at the 2010 AGM

6

President’s Report I am pleased to be able to present 2010/2011 as being another successful year for our organisation. It has been a year which embraced many aspects of ongoing consolidation and major change initiatives.

The Board, through the management team, have continued to build on the past 3 years and focus on the implementation of the 5 planks of our Strategic Plan:

1. Continue to deliver programs and services to the Australian Polish community;

2. Offer our services to other ethnic communities;

3. Offer corporate services to other organisations;

4. Continue to develop our organisational leadership and corporate governance;

5. Ensure ongoing and future funding for the organisation.

The various initiatives within our Strategic Plan are being pursued against the development of an organisational culture based on:

Quality and High Standards

Respect and Diversity

Client Driven Outcomes

Continuous Improvement

Legislative and Community Compliance

We have continued to embrace major organisational development and change over the past 3 years to ensure we remain viable and in a position to deliver high standard, professional programs, services and care to all our clients. I believe we continue to do this against the ongoing economic and political uncertainty and increasing corporate governance requirements facing the community services sector. By focusing on our Strategic Plan and developing a strong and committed organisational culture, we continue to be a strong, robust organisation with an exciting future.

The major initiative this year has been to change our name to the Australian Multicultural Community Services Inc. This allows us to embrace all 5 planks of our Strategic Plan and move forward by expanding our field of service, funding options and range of programs within the community services sector. We have continued to develop our RTO which is now fully operational and offering training programs to other organisations. Another initiative with potential wide ranging exciting outcomes is the Multicultural Community Services Exchange Project, which we have championed. A number of ethnic based community organisations are examining ways of cooperating together to better deliver services, improve organisational efficiencies and reduce costs. Separately we continue to look to work with others as per our Strategic Plan.

In summary, our financial position remains solid, the Board is active and committed and the management team focused on the task at hand and the future. Much of the foundation work - policies, corporate governance, risk management, RTO, quality management, new offices and facilities, name change, improved staff employment terms and conditions, etc. has now be done. Expanding our services and funding base is the focus for the next 12 months.

I thank the Board for their dedication and ongoing commitment to AMCS. A very special thank you to Elizabeth and her hard working staff and volunteers who are the heart and soul of AMCS and who continue to deliver quality, client focused services to our community.

Russell Howard

President

7

Chief Executive Officer’s Report I am pleased to report on another busy and successful year for our organisation. The last 12 months were at times rather difficult, especially due to staff changes and employment and client related challenges which emerge as a part of our day-to-day service provision. Overall, the year has further strengthened AMCS policies and practices.

The biggest change that the organisation experienced was the change of our name in February 2011. Whilst on the surface it seems a small change of only one word, in reality this decision was made after extensive consultations and deliberations over two years. In retrospect, the Board and Management of AMCS can be proud of how this forward-thinking and necessary change was handled.

2010/11 will also be remembered for a number of other highlights and achievements

Running the first AMCS Dual Certificate Course in Aged Care and Home & Community Care, as a newly established Registered Training Organisation (RTO);

Successful implementation of an employment project for mature-aged workers;

Celebrating harmony and greater cultural awareness, together with the Indian and Congolese communities.

Approval of comprehensive AMCS Quality and Risk Management Strategies;

Mutually successful close partnership between the Ukrainian Elderly People‟s Home (now called Kalyna Care) and AMCS;

Complete revamp of the AMCS website;

Obtaining sufficient funds to undertake a Multicultural Community Services Exchange Project whereby AMCS wishes to explore in-depth better ways of supporting smaller and emerging migrant and refugee communities in Victoria;

Initiating several continuous improvement projects with pro bono support from: Great Connections, Small Business Mentoring Program, Peter McCormick (management and human resource consultant);

Participating in the Skills for Growth program available through Small Business Victoria and Victoria University;

Establishing a Future Services Sub-committee for the purpose of better planning and responsiveness to community needs;

Participating in fundraising to support the victims of floods in Poland;

Developing and implementing the Active Service Model across the whole of AMCS service provision;

Significant increase in the provision of the Multicultural Brokerage Program;

A review of AMCS mission and objectives;

Highly effective and popular Diabetes Community Awareness project, in partnership with Victoria University Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD) CALD Advisory Committee

Securing funds for a virtual museum about the Polish community in Victoria and e-learning innovation project through Adult, Community and Further Education.

Last, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the AMCS Board of Directors for their commitment, support and guidance throughout all of 2010/11, under the stewardship of our esteemed President Mr Russell Howard. May I also thank the AMCS management team and staff for your hard work, to ensure that we deliver quality and client-focussed services. As always, like many other charitable organisations, AMCS could not do what it does without the dedication of almost 100 friendly and helpful volunteers who support older members of our community and our other organisational activities.

Elizabeth Drozd

8

Volunteering Programs Australian Multicultural Community Services manages two volunteer-based programs: the state Department of Health funding the Friendly Visiting Program (FVP), and the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), which is funded by Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. More than 80 volunteers in the two programs actively visit older isolated people of Polish background. The aim of these two programs is to provide social support or transport to different places for isolated, elderly and disabled persons of Polish background living in their homes or residential aged care facilities.

FVP volunteers visit clients who live in their own homes in the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne. Volunteers make it possible for the clients to take part in social activities like attending Seniors‟ Club meetings and attending Mass presided over by Polish priests.

CVS volunteers visit clients who live in residential aged care facilities across the Victoria. On many occasions volunteers are the only source of news from Poland for the residents. The most incredible matches are when the volunteer is much older than the resident of residential care facility. At the moment, we have two such matches - one in rural Victoria and one in Melbourne.

At the end of financial year 2010-2011:

CVS FVP

Number of Matches 59 41

Number of visits volunteers made 1084 1505

Our entire, over 80 volunteers make a significant contribution to the Polish community in Victoria. To recognize their involvement and priceless roles AMCS is organising social activities for them. The events organised in 2010-2011 for volunteers included:

A group of over 30 volunteers watched Polish movie and participated in Polish lunch arranged in our Maidstone office in June.

Celebration of National Volunteer Week:

„Thank you‟ letter was sent to all our volunteers

An article was published in „Polish Weekly‟ in order to appreciate volunteers‟ dedication.

An outing to National Gallery of Victoria and a lunch organised in Melbourne.

Four of our volunteers, as part of the celebrations, took part in SBS Radio interview. The interview gave a chance for the Polish community in Victoria to learn about the ups and downs of the volunteering, and learn about caring for the disadvantage people.

Quarterly meetings were also organized for the volunteers at the AMCS premises, and were usually combined with the workshop about wellbeing conducted by a volunteer health professional.

In 2010 and 2011 volunteers participated in following in-house and external training:

Enduring Power of Attorney information session was organised in collaboration with the Office of Public Advocate. Participants were informed, inter alia, about their rights and privacy as medical patients in Victoria

„Gambler‟s Help‟ information session was focused on gambling and how to help people with gambling problem

Brotherhood Green, a social enterprise of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, delivered an information session about how to reduce energy bills and lead more comfortable, environmentally - friendly lives

„Healthy Living‟ session organized in collaboration of Multicultural Centre for Women‟s Health. Volunteers were informed, inter alia, about healthy eating habits, active living and how to prevent diabetes.

Active Service Model session- new approach in HACC funded programs. The session covered: why the Active Service Model is being introduced and what the Active Service Model is

Our Volunteers in front of the National Gallery of Victoria.

9

Skills and Epilepsy Care and Management

Water for Wellbeing

Life Stories and Life Books

Apply First Aid

Professional Boundary Setting for Direct Care Staff

Managing Challenges Behaviour in Older People and People 50+ with Disabilities

Communication and Mental Health

Perform CPR

Condition of Disability

Providing Emotional First Aid for Frontline Workers

Falls Prevention

Food Hygiene – Provide Food Services

Hearing Loss and Communication in Aged Care Services

Myths and Stereotypes of Ageing

Introduction to Mental Health

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and for being there for our clients. You are all very much appreciated and valued. I wish you all the best for the future.

Joanna Kaflowski Coordinator of Volunteers

Active Service Model information session at the AMCS premises

“There are many reasons why I have become a volunteer.

In my opinion, a smile and the appreciation received from people are the most important things. People‟s cheerfulness makes me happy and I feel that I am receiving more than I have given away.

This is showing me that somebody needs me and to be aware of that gives me confidence and raises my self-esteem

Very often I am being asked: „How do you have time to do it?‟ or „Are you really not getting paid?‟ It is hard for me to answer those questions as I have never asked myself about it.

I believe that if we want we will always find time to help people who need us, and I never regret the time spent on helping people. This is my human duty in regards to others.

Being a volunteer allows me to meet wonderful people”

“Makes my life happier knowing I am getting a visit.”

81yo Client

“You can see how much this client has changed.

He becomes very active in activity groups. I am really happy to see his progress. He is trying to be more and more independent even though he still needs our help.”

Volunteer Feedback

10

Polish Older Persons Outreach Program The Polish Older Persons Outreach Program (POPOP) is a part of the Home and Community Care Program and has been operating in conjunction with the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Polish Migrants, in particular Sr Beata Krawczynska and Sr Malgorzata Pomersbach. From February Sr Malgorzta Pomersbach was succeeded by Sr Elzbieta Cieslarczyk. The service is directed towards frail, older and isolated Polish people, living in the southern and eastern metropolitan regions.

This past year can be ranked as another positive one for the POPOP. We continue responding to the needs of POPOP clients, providing a “human touch” in their often lonely and isolated world. Warmth, common sense on our side and a sensitive listening presence quite often help people find solutions to their problems, give the opportunity to create new friendships and the courage to look for social interaction outside their own environment. The program supports our clients‟ determination to stay in their homes for as long as possible. To further this, AMCS has developed an Initial Active Service Model Implementation Plan for the next 12 months. The main principle of the Active Service Model is recognition of the client‟s strengths and the belief that every client has the capacity to improve his or her health conditions and quality of life.

2010/ 2011 Statistics

Activity Number of instances

Home Visits 1,110

Telephone contact with clients 82

Contact with clients‟ family members 27

Assistance with transport 59

Visiting clients in hospital 63

Clients who participated in program activities 85

Provision of assistance with Emergency Relief 10

As we move into the future, POPOP will continue to live its mission: “the transition from social isolation to social interaction”

Providing assistance during a Christmas function for Polish older people in Morwell

11

Planned Activity Groups (PAG)

Our Planned Activity Groups are designed to help older people and people with disabilities stay healthy and active by engaging in interesting and fun group activities. The program is designed to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of people from a Polish or Eastern European background.

Planned Activity Groups also have a respite function, allowing carers time out to catch up on other tasks or simply have a break from carer responsibilities.

Within the last year our groups went on bus trips to Altona, Batesford, Alzheimer‟s Victoria in Hawthorn, Eden Park Nursing Home, to visit friends in local residential care and on a trip around Geelong. We celebrated Mother‟s Day with an outing to a restaurant, Christmas and Easter at the Polish House in Albion and clients‟ birthdays with cakes.

To increase our clients‟ knowledge and to support the creation of greater independence we organised information sessions about healthy living and reducing health risks. We also kept them informed about relevant issues with a guest speaker from

Centrelink who spoke about the Australian Polish agreement and Polish pension and a session about Powers of Attorney and Guardianship.

Other activities undertaken include:

Light physical exercise, music and dance to keep clients as fit and mobile as possible;

Games such as Rummikub, bingo and cards and discussion groups which provide mental stimulation

Entertainment such as a Magic show and concerts like “East Timer” performed by Gayathrie

Patrick or “Polish Choir” to bring to our clients live little bit of fun.

Arts and craft activities (e.g. Painting on a glass, flowerpot adornment, memory folders, egg painting, Christmas trees, etc) allowing participants the opportunity to continue favourite past time activities

Celebrating Holy Mass on important religious days supporting important spiritual connections

Watching Polish movies, reading magazines and sharing jokes.

In accordance with the new Active Service Model (ASM) approach, appropriate training for staff and volunteers was organised to support a better understanding of the ASM concept. The program brochure was revised in both Polish and English, made more colourful and reflective of the activities undertaken in the groups. Clients were informed about the introduction of the ASM and participated in discussions about the aims and objectives of the model and how these changes may affect them in a positive. The PAG were promoted through Polish community groups such as Senior‟s Clubs and other Polish organisations.

In order to support the implementation of the Active Service Model we revised the Care Plan template to better capture individual needs and strengths and to set achievable goals. The new templates are providing clients with an even greater opportunity to identify any

“I have used the service for about 5 years and almost from the first day of my participation I am fascinated with the cozy atmosphere similar to that of a family and loving care.”

Client Feedback

Staying fit & strong – a regular exercise program takes place at each group

“The staff are very helpful and friendly trying to meet everyone‟s needs. The day trips are wonderful as neither my husband nor I drive. It is a shame there cannot be more of these.”

Client Feedback

12

changes they want to make in their life and to engage them more effectively in the personal development objectives they have set.

Our Planned Activity Groups (PAG) meet on Mondays and Wednesdays in Castley Hall, Sunshine and Fridays at White Eagle House in Geelong.

STATISTICS SUNSHINE GEELONG

Total number of clients 44 34

Average age of clients 83 80

New clients registered this year 5 1

Average attendance number Current number of people on wait list

22 10

30 7

Anna Suchowiecka PAG Coordinator

“I really like when we go somewhere, to a restaurant for example. This is what we need in old age.”

Client Feedback

“I always look forward to coming to PAG. I am very happy that I can leave my home and be here. All the staff are very helpful and I can count on them. I wish we could come here more often.”

Client Feedback

Geelong PAG participants making “Survival Packs” with sweets

Sunshine PAG attending Easter Lunch in Albion Geelong PAG members participating in a Polish community event

13

Community Partners Program During last financial year 2010/2011 the Community Partners Program (CPP) focused on service providers and the Polish community in rural Victoria, particularly in the Geelong, Ballarat and Morwell areas. The aim of the CPP is to assist elderly members of the Polish community to access a range of aged care services and also to offer support to service providers in the provision of culturally and linguistically responsive services. The project is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.

The activities delivered by the CPP Project Officer for the Polish community included information sessions about options in aged care, living with dementia, diabetes, depression, respite care and many more. Approximately 800 people attended 27 information sessions. Polish seniors also took part in 4 bus trips to Alzheimer‟s Australia Victoria, the Polish Hostel in Bayswater, the Ballarat Community Health Centre and Eden Park Nursing Home in Geelong. The excursions were a great opportunity for the community to see the facilities, meet the people who work there and find out more about available services. Other activities aiming at improving the access to aged care services by the Polish community included: 10 articles in the Polish newspaper, 4 radio interviews and 30 referrals to the various support services.

The CPP Project also provided support to a wide range of service providers in the provision of culturally and linguistically responsive services to the elderly members of the Polish community and their families. This included 18 cultural briefings delivered to more than 220 staff members from various services such as Aged Care Assessment Services, aged care facilities, local councils and other. In addition 55 organisations have been

provided with resources such as English – Polish communication cards and communication boards,

simple Polish recipes and the directory of Polish organisations.

The CPP Project Officer attended a number of sector meetings and forums in order to liaise with and strengthen relationships with relevant stakeholders to communicate the needs of the Polish community and work towards provision of culturally appropriate services. Among many organisations who have collaborated with AMCS were Aged Care Assessment Services in Ballarat and Geelong, Ballarat Community Health Centre, City of Greater Geelong, Latrobe Community Health Services, Royal District Nursing Service, Carers Victoria and number of aged care facilities in regional Victoria.

The Project Officer also took part in many additional initiatives and events. One was collaboration with Carers Victoria on recording a radio message and producing a DVD in different languages, including Polish, in order to raise awareness of carers in the community. As an outcome of this initiative a pre-recorded radio message and DVD in Polish has been produced about the role of carers and forms of support available to them.

Information session at Ballarat Community Health Centre

Polish seniors during the trip to Eden Park Nursing Home in Geelong

14

Furthermore AMCS hosted a “Celebrating Cultural Diversity” event. Highlights included members of the Polish, Congolese, Indian and Sudanese communities showcasing aspects of their culture, faith and language and celebrating the benefits of multiculturalism. The guest speaker was Elizabeth Drozd, Multicultural Commissioner of Victoria and CEO of Australian Multicultural Community Services. Other guests included representatives from the Department of Health and Ageing, Victoria Police, Centrelink, ACAS, RDNS, Western Region Health Centre and other service providers.

During the next financial year the CPP Project will explore strategies for responding to the needs of the Polish older community in whole Victoria.

Agnieszka Kleparska CPP Project Officer

Resources available to support the Polish community and understand Polish culture:

Polish-English Communication Language Cards

Polish Migrants‟ Stories: Memoirs of Polish post-war settlement in Melbourne (bilingual version)

Lest We Forget: Ocalić od Zapomnienia- Early Experiences of Polish Older Persons (bilingual

version)

“Everyday Polish language” A4 poster

“Helping you to care better for Polish clients” (Polish services & shops)

The Polish Way – Information Kit

Simple, popular Polish recipes

“Celebrating cultural diversity” - picture courtesy of Leader Newspapers

15

Supported Access Pilot Project (SAPP) We are pleased to announce that the Minister for Ageing has recently approved a three year extension to the SAPP appointment. It will allow our organization to move to a new role in the context of Home Aged Community Care (HACC) Diversity Planning and Practice. Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) is in a strong position to assist generic agencies to respond to the special needs of groups and individuals. Our bi-lingual worker will continue to provide support to HACC-eligible people, carers and families from a Polish background to understand access and negotiate the HACC service system.

During the 2010-2011 period the Supported Access Project officer answered 33 enquiries weekly providing support, information and referrals to individuals and organisations. The assistance ranged from simple information provision to making formal referrals to the other programs and agencies, short term case management as well and advocating on the client‟s behalf.

Since 2009 our organisation has worked in partnership with Victoria University and became a member of Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD) CALD Advisory Committee. 2011 started with a diabetes awareness and prevention project delivered by a group of ACCD researchers lead by Professor Kerry Bennett. Both SAPP and SSR (System Services Resourcing) officers, previously trained at Workforce Development workshops, facilitated six sessions offered to a group of Polish seniors and some AMCS employees. The program was carefully designed to help community people understand diabetes and how to prevent and manage diabetes. ACCD researchers: a general practitioner, a dietician as well as the invited Polish chef and Vietnamese Tai-Chi instructor delivered the presentations and held lively group discussions via a Polish interpreter. The participants had the opportunity to gain awareness in subjects including: diabetes type 2 risk factors, maintaining healthy weight, good nutrition, choices of food and cooking methods, and the importance of regular exercising and monitoring of their health. The Department of Health and Ageing of the Australian Government funded this successful program. One of ACCD original objectives was the development of a knowledge-management system and portal for diabetes. The portal was created in consultation with the CALD Advisory Committee and contains easily accessible information for communities as well as health professionals and researchers (www.diabetesinfo.org.au).

Agnieszka Michalewicz Supported Access Project Worker

Diabetes Community Education session

16

Home and Community Care (HACC) Access Program The Home and Community Care (HACC) Access Program is funded by the Department of Health. This program is designed to provide information, referral and advocacy for Polish elderly, younger people with disabilities and for carers.

During the 2010-2011 HACC Access Worker provided assistance to 300 individuals. The support ranged from simple information provision to making referrals to other programs and agencies, short term case management as well as advocating on the client‟s behalf.

Working closely with many organisations, including Health Centres, Aged Care Assessment Teams and local government is crucial and very important. Good working relationships with many organisation help to increase access of Polish clients to generic services and reduce barriers which prevent them from utilising existing help and services.

Another very important element of the HACC Access Program is provision of financial assistance for people in financial crisis. Emergency relief assistance includes provision of food, material aid, assistance in dealing with utility companies and referrals to financial counselling programs, supported accommodation services and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.

Over the period from July 2010 to the end of June 2011 the AMCS Emergency Relief Program provided assistance to over 40 people. Types of assistance provided included the provision of petrol / food vouchers, payment of utility accounts, material aid and food parcels.

The HACC Access worker also provides assistance to Polish Citizens clubs in the Northern and Western

regions of Melbourne. Many of Polish clubs require assistance with the writing of funding applications, conducting AGMs and organising information sessions for the members of the clubs.

Throughout the last financial year the HACC Access Program also provided ongoing assistance to Polish Carers. A range of outings and information sessions were organised to support carers in their roles:

Gambler‟s help information session

Edelweiss Café – lunch

Health Services Commissioner information session

National Gallery & lunch

Brotherhood Green information session

Lazy Moe‟s restaurant- lunch

Active Service Model information session & lunch

Census 2011 information session

Carers retreats are funded by Carers Victoria and they are always a great opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of others.

Eva Dudzinski HACC Access Worker

A Carers‟ Retreat at a local restaurant where carers were able to share experiences and ideas around their role

17

Community Care Program During the past twelve months the Community Care Program has gone through many changes including a name change from Australian Polish Community Services to Australian Multicultural Community Services. The Community Care program now provides services and support to the broader multicultural community.

The Community Care program has taken the name change as an opportunity to increase both quality and service delivery to existing and new Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) clients living in their own homes. Currently the program has five Case Manager / Care Coordinators, a part time Communication Support Officer and thirty eight highly trained Care Workers in Melbourne. The Geelong office has one Care Coordinator based at the office three days a week, a part time Administration Worker and eight part time qualified Care Workers.

Community care services are currently being delivered to one hundred and twenty five clients, fifteen in the City of Geelong, fifteen in the Eastern Metropolitan area, twenty nine in the North West Metropolitan region and sixty six in the Western Metropolitan area.

Over the past twelve months, Australian Multicultural Community Services - Brokerage service, formerly known as POLCARE, also underwent a name change and is now known as Multicultural Brokerage and Support Services (MBSS). Partnerships and Service Agreements have been established with organisations to meet their client‟s cultural needs. Organisations such as Baptcare, Catholic Homes, Annecto, RDNS, ISIS Primary Care, State Trustees and Carers Victoria currently purchase direct care staff through the Brokerage model.

In order to ensure AMCS continues to offer high quality services professional development opportunities have been taken up. New staff have been supported to obtain or complete Certificate III in Home & Community Care and a number of direct care staff have taken up the opportunity to undertake the Certificate IV in Home & Community Care. Ongoing internal professional development occurs at the monthly Care Worker meetings and staff can participate in other relevant training. Case Managers and Care Coordinators have completed a two day intensive training workshop in Work Performance Management and Supervision of Staff.

The past twelve months has also seen staff changes which has resulted in a strong working team environment and I would personally like to thank my for their support, hard work and commitment to the CACP‟s program.

Louise Czarnoch Community Care Manager

Case Manager / Care Coordinators

Maria Fruhwirth Kasha Mlodzinski Hania Hordynska

Liz Zurek Aneta Andrzejewski

Communications Support Officer Dorota Karbarz (Maternity Leave)

Ela Swiergon

Community Care client Mrs. Dzaman, aged 101, pictured with her Care Coordinator, Liz Zurek and Care Worker, Elizabeth Gauci

18

The Multicultural ER Case Management Program The Multicultural Emergency Relief (ER) Case Management Program for vulnerable groups is funded by The Department of Families & Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

This program provides support to individuals from non-English speaking background who live with a disability or another form of hardship, are experiencing financial crisis and who live in western Metropolitan region of Melbourne. This program is free of cost for all eligible clients.

As the program was new to AMCS considerable time over the past twelve months was spent in networking, researching issues and needs for ethnic and newly emerging communities and in developing appropriate resources.

Promotion and networking

93 organizations and service providers in the region were contacted to inform about the program and establish links for referrals (both to and from the program). Brochures outlining available services and supports were provided for information and distribution

Establishment of good working relationships through networks and liaising with organisations and service providers such as e.g. New Hope Foundation Refugee Centre, Western English Language School (WELS), Centacare, and African Australian Network in Victoria Inc, Western Region Health Centre (WRHC).

Establishment of working relationships with a number of community leaders in the region. E.g. Sudanese, Indian, Congolese, Ethiopian

Ongoing participation in four networks in the region including Maribyrnong Workers with Young People Network, Inner West Settlement Advisory Committee, Asian Community Worker Network, Emergency Relief Network and became a member of Emergency Relief Victoria.

Promotion through religious places and ethnic grocers

Assistance to clients

Case Management

Assessment of need

Provision of support and counselling as required

Advocacy

Assistance for people with a disability or other relevant disadvantage to access services in the region

Assistance to overcome financial distress by linking people with relevant community organisations

Interpreters were accessed where required

2010-2011 Statistics

Number of clients: 37

Total number of casework sessions provided in the period (e.g. face-to-face, telephone), including initial session: 172

Number of files closed: 31

Navneet Kaur Dhillon MER Case Manager

19

Human Resources Management 2010/2011 has been a year full of change for the organisation, with challenges aplenty from the legislative environment and within the workforce as the organisation has had to adapt to changes in government approaches to funding and regulation of community based programs.

AMCS is striving to increase the skills of its workforce to be able to provide a responsive and efficient work group to meet the changing environment, while not letting go of the genuine care and commitment from our staff to our clients for which AMCS is widely known and well regarded.

Specifically some of the larger challenges have been the need to transition from the “old” awards into the “modern” awards under the Fair Work Australia Act. Existing awards will have to transition to the modern awards by early 2012, setting the next financial year‟s challenge

already to ensure the best possible outcome for both staff and the organisation.

Other challenges have come in the need to ensure that AMCS‟ policies are driving the organisation in the right direction, and reflect the values of the organisation. It has also been a challenge to ensure that all staff are aware of the changes to policies and ensure that we have thoroughly explained any changes to policies in terms of those values.

Throughout next year AMCS will continue to reiterate the guiding values in all aspects of policy and procedure: Quality, Respect and Diversity, Compliance, Continuous Improvement and Focus on Client Service – remain the key to the organisation now and for the future.

Neil Fitzsimmonds Human Resources Manager

20

AMCS Adult Education AMCS provides a range of funded and unfunded education programs to adults in the community. Funded programs include pre-accredited ESL based classes through Adult Community and Further Education and accredited training (funded for eligible learners through Skills Victoria, fee-for service for other learners). In addition, we provide volunteer based classes for older members of the community. The mix of classes offered provides the opportunity for lifelong learning and recognises the interest in continuing to learn continues even when learning for training and vocational purposes is no longer the priority.

2011 has also seen the re-branding of ACFE funded programs to reflect the philosophy of accessing services in the local community. As a result all promotional materials and resources have been redesigned with the new Learn Local logo

ESL Classes

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes continued to be delivered in the Western and Eastern Metropolitan Regions throughout the financial year. AMCS is looking to work with a range of communities in the two regions to deliver classes at varying English language skill levels from absolute beginner to those who are trying to improve their language skills for work and study purposes.

Courses delivered throughout the period include:

English for working in the aged care industry

English for interviews and resume writing

English for workplace communication

English for preparing reports and workplace documentation

English for daily life

Students who have participated in ESL classes came from a range of backgrounds and experiences of education including:

Those who have been in Australia for a long time but who had not undertaken previous study in English

Mature aged students re-entering the workforce after a long break or repositioning their careers for a range of reasons

Workers aiming to Improve their English to enhance their employment skills and opportunities

Refugees and/or recently arrived individuals seeking to develop their English language skills with the aim of going on to further study, finding employment and being able to communicate in their local communities

For some the outcomes have been reasonably quick whilst for others they are just commencing their journey of education and training in Australia.

In Semester 1 of 2011 we were fortunate to partner with the Migrant Information Centre in the Eastern Region to deliver classes to participants with support from the Refugee Action Program. This partnership provided and opportunity to trial some new models of support for students with little or no English language skills and limited previous education.

We will continue to explore strategies to engage ESL students in the adult learning process and to create pathways for them to further develop skills and knowledge that provides opportunities for inclusion in education, employment and community life.

ESL Computers for Beginners

Classes in Introductory computing for those with English as a second language have continued in 2011. Motivations for students to take up these classes have varied from a general interest to wanting to be able to work in a modern office environment as students who have been out of the workforce for some time.

21

While some of the students have a limited knowledge of computers, most students begin with a real concern about “damaging the computer”, and a lack of confidence not helped by children or partners who, although well meaning will often do things on the computer without adequately explaining what they are doing.

The key to this course is that computers are fun and offer us access to a vast world of information, communication and items of interest. Students are encouraged to explore their computers and the internet and bring their interests and experiences to the class to share.

Some of the most popular aspects to the classes so far have been attaching images (especially photos) to e-mails to relatives overseas, Skype (phone/video contact over the computer), Google earth (to find the house you grew up in) and learning how to use USB devices and attachments to share and store information.

Classes run for 20 weeks and are structured to a beginner level and a hands on approach.

Accredited Training - AMCS Registered Training Organisation

In late 2010 we established the AMCS Registered Training Organisation with the Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home & Community Care on the Scope of Registration. Our first course was delivered as a dual qualification providing students with both certificates. Students were all from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and over the age of 55, with the exception of one younger student with a disability. We commenced with 20 enrolments and experienced a small number of withdrawals due to the need for overseas travel or students realising that this was not their preferred career path.

Many of the students had not previously studied in Australia or as adults. As a result, the idea of tackling an accredited training program was very challenging. Supports were put in place to assist the students to undertake the training and to complete the qualification. Organised field placements resulted in some students being offered employment as they completed their training.

We now look forward to offering further courses and units of competency to new and experienced aged care workers and to those who are considering entering the aged care industry.

“Since early arrival, I was

trying to learn the language

and then many years of study

of science on full time and

part time basis did not

provide me with a

qualification.

Only for sufficient support

and direction I have received

from the staff at your centre,

during my attending the aged care course, I was able to

finish and feel confident to

receive a certificate”

Student from inaugural dual

qualification course

Adult Education Team Members

Hania Kosowski Rachel Morton Yvette Ladzinski Ewa Pawlak Neil Fitzsimmonds Zofia Vandenberg Eugenia Rabenda Pawel Wilkosz Ola Spring Mirka Kreiser Barbara Prakash Kasha Mlodzinski Joyce Mutahi Elizabeth Drozd Denny Townsend Alina Urbanczyk

22

Conversational English for Senior’s

AMCS continued to deliver the Conversational English for Senior‟s classes to older members of the Polish community from our Maidstone office with the support of a volunteer teacher and assistant. This program plays a valuable role in providing older members of the community the opportunity to maintain and develop their English language skills whilst maintaining social connections with people they have known for a long time.

Activities undertaken in the classes have included:

The origins of English words

Poems and expressions common in both Polish and English

Themes associated with everyday life

Particularly popular are the crossword puzzles connected to the themes of the classes

The participants in this program also have the opportunity to learn about a range of health issues and as a result have participated in a Diabetes project and a Tai Chi program.

Polish Senior Surfers Program

The Polish Senior Surfers Program has proven to be very popular with long waiting lists. The program, initially funded through a small grant from Vicnet, provides Seniors with the opportunity to learn to use computers at a pace suitable to their needs and delivered in Polish. The participants have been enthusiastic learners who have made the most of the opportunities to both learn how to use computers and surf the net and to create new friendships and social networks.

The volunteer trainers supporting the program have played a significant role in building confidence and encouraging skill sharing amongst the participants. From the initial tasks of learning how to turn a computer

on and use a mouse, the participants progressed through a range of skills and activities including:

Establishing e-mail accounts and communicating via e-mail

Downloading photos from cameras and other sites

Accessing websites in Polish (both in Australia and overseas)

Using Skype

You Tube

The success of the program and training methods became obvious when new people joined the class and participants rather than trainers supported the new person to establish e-mail accounts. The confidence of the participants developed so well that at the End-of-Project celebrations at the State Library of Victoria, the participants of the self-named “Super Klasa” performed the Polish version of Bob Dylan‟s song, Blowin’ in the Wind.

23

AMCS Projects Western Diverse Care Project

AMCS received funding under the VictoriaWorks for Mature Aged Workers project funded through the state Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (later to become the Department of Business and Innovation). The AMCS project, entitled the Western Diverse Care Project (WDCP), focussed on supporting 25 mature aged people from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds (NESB) to re-enter the workforce in the aged care industry.

Participants ranged from those who had not been in the paid workforce for many years to those who recently became unemployed and those who had retired from one industry and decided to look at a new career. Some had studied in Australia as adults, others had not studied since they left high school. 40 people were registered with the project with 25 being successfully placed in employment. Participants came from 17 different countries of birth. All but two participants were aged 55 and over. 15 participants withdrew from the project due to a

range of issues including: health, grand parenting responsibilities, overseas travel and the realisation that paid aged care work was not the path they wanted to take.

During the project participants were assisted with:

English classes (where needed) Interview skills Resume writing First Aid certificates Aged Care qualifications Support with field placements to

complete qualification (participants studying through other providers)

Support to obtain employment in residential aged care facilities and community care organisations

It is very positive to see the interest in working in the aged care industry by mature aged people from NESB as they need for staff who can provide support in their first language is increasing as migrant populations continue to age.

Multicultural Community Services Exchange

Funding from the William Buckland Foundation and the Community Support Fund through the state government Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has allowed AMCS to progress with this project. The purpose of the MCSE is to explore ways of a greater exchange of information, support, training and mentoring with some ethnic communities (who are not necessarily newly arrived) to establish or to increase their organisational sustainability. The project aims to engage and invite 'hard to reach migrant groups' to participate in the MCSE for the purpose of mentoring, resources, training and solutions to overcoming barriers to community participation. APCS aims to empower these communities to set up their own hubs and engage in community life. The project will also explore organisational sustainability through the potential of shared back-of-house or corporate services.

AMCS is working with Jenny Ashby & Associates to undertake the feasibility study. To date we have been exploring the needs of both

established ethnic organisations (those with funding to deliver services) and smaller community groups and organisations who are in receipt of very little or no funding. The Exchange operates from the basis that even the smallest organisation or community group has some resource someone else needs that they can use in exchange for something they need. There are currently 15 organisations involved in the project and AMCS is currently exploring strategies for how member organisations can share resources and knowledge. It is no surprise that support around funding applications is the most commonly requested support required.

The next step in the project is to deliver a range of workshops to member organisations that reflect the identified needs of community groups. We will also be continuing to explore strategies for member agencies to be involved in mentoring and support programs. The issue of shared services to support a reduction in the costs of corporate services (finances, payroll, Human Resources Management) is still to be determined.

24

Blended Learning Project

AMCS has received a grant through Adult, Community & Further Education (ACFE) to undertake a project to develop blended learning strategies. AMCS is aiming to establish a blended learning environment for the delivery of Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home & Community Care to better meet the needs of adult learners, the majority of whom are from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The project will support the development of flexible training schedules and styles of training delivery, including on-line or e-learning sessions, podcasts or DVDs for learners, access to supports, materials and resources via the internet to facilitate positive learning outcomes and experiences for learners. The learnings from the project will enable AMCS to utilise this method of training to other courses and activities undertaken in the future.

Upcoming AMCS Projects Polish History Website

We have been successful in receiving funding from the Victorian State Government Local History Grants Program to establish a Living Website to document the History of the Polish Community in Victoria. This project will involve the development of an interactive website or virtual museum that captures the contributions of members of the Australian Polish community residing in Victoria, the rich history, experiences and lifestyles. The website will provide historical documents, oral histories and will be a useful tool for anyone wanting to find out more about the Polish community in Victoria.

Members of the Polish community have brought with them a rich tapestry of stories, items of historical significance and experiences. These all contribute to who the Victorian community is today. The information to be shared on the website will increase awareness and understanding of the experiences and survival of Poles through times of adversity and triumph, support an understanding of migration at different times throughout our history, the contribution to the infrastructure of this state, etc.

Translation Project

Western Region Aged Care Inc has provided funding to support the development of resources for the Polish Senior Surfers Program in Polish. The project will involve the preparation and translation of training manuals about using computers and the internet into Polish. The training manuals have been prepared by Vicnet as a part of the CALD Senior Surfers Project and have been designed as uncomplicated,

plain English resources. Whilst the classes have been delivered in Polish, to date the participants have received the training materials in English. The translation of the resources will further support participants to gain confidence in using computers and the internet and to be more willing to practice at home alone. The resources will be translated for both Windows XP and Windows 7 users.

Financial Report The financial report for the year ending 30th June 2011 has been published separately & copies have been distributed to funding bodies and members.

The total income for 2010/2011 was $2,886,329 compared to $2,637,051 the previous year.

The expenditure was $2,884,023 compared to $2,634,603 in 2009/2010.

25

In Memoriam Stanislaw Wilhelm (Bill) Nowak

14th January 1925 – 3rd September 2011

Founding member of Australian Polish Community Services (now know as the Australian Multicultural Community Services)

It is the 14th of January 1925 in Gorka, an impoverished village 150 kilometres from Krakow, Poland. The Nowak family have joyously welcomed the birth of a baby boy and, like every family in the rest of the world, the baby brings hope that life will be better from now on, that the baby will prosper with opportunities for a life that the parents could only dream of.

That hope was partly realised as Bill developed a love of reading and excelled at school. His schooling ended prematurely at the age of 14 when he was kidnapped and forcibly taken to work as a slave-labourer in the Soviet Union. Bill, like our Diggers, rarely spoke about his wartime experiences and his life before we met him. But bringing together the glimpses he did give us, we have formed a picture of his life. In the remotest parts of Russia, the 14 year old child laboured on forestry projects, felling and processing timber, repairing shoes and in a quarry on work far more suited to strapping adults. The work was hard and dangerous, sometimes requiring the use of explosives. The boy eventually escaped with other men and trekked west across Russia to the Caspian Sea then to Baghdad (Iraq) where he joined up and trained with the British Army to participate with Allied Forces in the invasion of Europe. He served as an artillery spotter on a motor bike at the battle for Monte Cassino.

After a year in Italy doing high school studies, Bill went to England. He was de-mobilised in 1947. At Swindon technical school he did a boilermaker's course and later began working in the building industry. Thus began his involvement in the Trade Union Movement. "The same day I joined the Labour Party, the trade union and got myself a job." He met Pam, his future wife, in England. Bill received an invitation and attended the wedding of Princess Elizabeth & Prince Philip. He also met Richard Attenborough.

Bill arrived in Australia by ship in 1950. By coincidence, Pam returned to Australia on the same ship. In Australia, Bill immediately became a Union and Australian Labor Party (ALP) activist.

Bill & Pam had a wide circle of friends. They were married in Melbourne and moved to the Latrobe Valley in 1953. Bill worked with the State Electricity Commission (SECV) as a Welder. Their sons, Robert and Bruce were born in 1954 and 1956.

Bill was a founder of the Newborough Branch of the ALP which worked to elect 3 ALP-endorsed Councillors repeatedly to the Moe City Council and brought to our working-class community many benefits that would

normally elude them in a neglected part of the electorate eg Direct untied Federal Government grants to Local Government, on a needs basis, initiated by the Whitlam Labor Government in 1973. (No Federal Government has dared to abolish this funding initiative which now amounts to some millions of dollars to each Municipal Council in Australia.)

Bill was an inspiring thinker, leader, mentor and a true democrat. He inspired us to join the Fabian Society, read Orwell & Koestler, subscribe to Wolfgang Stargart's Monthly magazine, read the magazine Encounter. He encouraged us to think for ourselves and we formed the only group of Participants for Vic ALP reform in Gippsland.

Though Bill and Pam left the Latrobe Valley about 1966 their legacy was a strong, active ALP Branch in Newborough, active ALP Federal Electorate & State Electorate Assemblies which won the Morwell and Gippsland Province Elections with Derek Amos & Eric Kent respectively & Barry Cunningham in MacMillan. We had an active Trades & Labour Council in Gippsland. Long before charitable funds for overseas aid became acceptable, Bill advocated funds to provide for scholarships for overseas students to study in their own countries - he opposed taking

2007: Bill with Mrs Jan de Kretser, wife of

the Governor of Victoria, at the 60th

anniversary for Polish post-WWII migration

at Government House

26

children to study overseas from his wartime experience of seeing plane loads of Greek children being forcibly taken to Russia for indoctrination.

Bill continued to educate himself attending the advanced Management Course of the Australian Institute of Management and a one year course at Ruskin College, Cambridge.

When he returned from the Latrobe Valley to live in Melbourne, Bill successfully worked to improve the pay and conditions of members of the Bakers & Pastrycooks Union. He visited the land of his birth, Poland, on two occasions. On his first visit he found difficulty communicating in the Polish language which he had to re-learn. On his second visit he presented the Polish leader Lech Walesa with a gift of $8,000 from Australian Trade Unionists. (Extract of eulogy by Pat Bartholomeusz)

In 1983, alongside Ben Dabkowski, Bill became a founding member of Australian Polish Community Services. The first members had an ambition to establish social support and aged care services for the ageing Polish population in the Western metropolitan region. Bill served as an active member of the Committee of Management, including a stint as President, for 24 years. During this time he saw APCS grow from an unincorporated association that met in members‟ homes to a strong, vibrant community organisation that delivers a range of aged care and educational services. Bill was a strong advocate for ongoing education and encouraged the development of education services for the community as well as professional development for staff. Bill became a mentor to a number of staff at APCS, many of whom were new migrants, and supported them on their way to find career paths in their area of interest.

1998 Launch of “From House to Home” Report at Maribyrnong Town Hall

Bill with fellow Committee of Management members Miroslaw

Kuszner & Joe Ribarow in 1998

2007 Clients‟ Christmas Party at Albion

27

Partnerships & Support AMCS is a member of &/or works closely with the following organisations:

Alzheimer's Australia Victoria Annecto Arthritis Foundation of Victoria Inc Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Inc Australian Council for Private Education & Training Australian Polish Historical Society BaptCare Carers Victoria Case Management Society of Australia Inc Catholic Homes Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing Council on the Ageing Inc Diabetes Australia (Victoria) Directions Australia Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria Inc FYI Training Genesis Fitness Club Maidstone Great Connections Health West ISEPICH (Inner South East Partnership in Community & Health) ISIS Primary Care Leadership Victoria Mingary Counselling Service Mowby Pty Ltd Multicultural Arts Victoria Inc National Network of Multicultural Community Care Organisations Inc Pathways Australia Palliative Care Victoria Rotary Club of Footscray Inc Royal District Nursing Service SBS Radio SIAG (Service Industry Advisory Group) South East Healthy Communities Partnership Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre State Trustees The Executive Connection (TEC) Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre Victoria University Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD) Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women‟s Coalition Volunteering Australia Volunteering Victoria Inc

Government Funding Bodies

Department of Health & Ageing Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs Department of Health Department of Human Services Department for Planning & Community Development Department of Business & Innovation (formerly Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional

Development) Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

o Adult & Community Further Education o Skills Victoria

Victorian Multicultural Commission

28

Trusts & Other Sources

Carer Links West Western Region Aged Care Inc William Buckland Foundation

Polish Organisations

Polish Sporting, Community and Recreation Centre in Albion Eastern Districts Polish Association of Melbourne, “SYRENA” in Rowville Polish Association of Kingsville and Ladies Auxiliary, MILLENNIUM House in Footscray White Eagle House in Geelong Australian Polish Benevolent Association Inc Polish Catholic Centre in Keysborough Australian Polish Historical Society Polish Home Army Ex-Servicemen Polish Women‟s Club “POLIBABKI” “NOWOCZESNE POLSKIE BABCIE” Group Polish Senior Citizens Club in Albion Polish Senior Citizens Club in Footscray Polish Senior Citizens Club in Morwell Polish Senior Citizens Club in Glenroy Polish Senior Citizens Club in Ballarat Polish Senior Citizens Club in St Albans Polish Senior Citizens Club in Ardeer Polish Senior Citizens Club in Caulfield Polish Senior Citizens Club in Melbourne Polish Senior Citizens Club in Rowville Polish Senior Citizens Club in Reservoir Polish Senior Citizens Club in St Kilda Polish Senior Citizens Club in Collingwood Polish Senior Citizens Club in Richmond Polish Senior Citizens Club in Doveton Polish Senior Citizens Club in Doncaster Polish Senior Citizens Club in Keilor Downs Polish Senior Citizens Club in Mt Waverley Polish Senior Citizens Club “Golden Age” in Geelong Polish Senior Citizens Club in Altona

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals and families who donated goods and resources through AMCS to support members of the community