PISSAM (PACIFIC ISLANDERS STRENGTHENING SUPPORTING ADVOCATING & MENTORING NETWORK & PROGRAM

Agencies who are providing services to Mental health, disability and disadvantages communities similar to Pacific Islanders and others shake-up urged

PISSAM's public advocate has called for a shake-up of funding and delivery for disability, mental health and disadvantages people's services similar to Pacific Islanders and others.

Kalo says a new vision is required to help those in need and desperately crying for help.

She says agencies are an efficient provider of services to those with disabilities, mental health issues, disadvantages but more can be done.

"We do get to many people in Canterbury and beyond with services, but we do that by delivering less services than they might require," she said.

"This isn't just a question of money, it's a question of a vision for disability, less fortunate and disadvantage services into the future."

Rather than a system based on welfare, Kalo wants a rights-based system where individual needs are looked at more closely.

she is calling for legislation to outline clearly the access to and choice of services and give people the right to appeal when services are denied, not available a move Opposition MP Stephen Wade supports.

"So that people don't just have to take it or leave it when a bureaucrat says so, but they can actually have their case reviewed to ensure they are being treated fairly," she said.

The public advocate thinks the money could be spent more wisely and says that a client's needs should be heard and the provider should fix the issues after it diagnose the problem, the service provider will get the right cure to get the results.

SUBMISSION FOR FUNDING

FOR THE PACIFIC ISLANDERS STRENGTHENING SUPPORTING ADVOCATING & MENTORING PROGRAM

A PROJECT OF CANTERBURY HARMONY GROUP INCORPORATED AUSPICE BY RIVERWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

There is a range of scenarios for organisations undertaking activities that have a charitable, religious or community service not-for-profit purpose and they provide many services to the community however they do so in a very different manner to each other. 

There is a place for the non-profit community organisation managed by a volunteer Management Committee that has no affiliation with a religious or Church run service.

The non-profit community organisation tends to be a support to the local community and understands the needs of its community and may respond to needs much more quickly than a hierarchical, agencies or religious organisation. Our PISSAM network provides 24 hrs services by professionals in their capacity to deal with the clients directly instead of referring the clients to other sources. For instance like if a death in the family occur during the night or the weekend PISSAM can solve and put the family at ease right there and we can take over everything starting by taking care of the decease, picking up the body up to counselling and provided the family with what they needed to do.  We provided them with a guide book on what to do when someone dies. We can help with visa application for relatives from overseas to come to the service, discount on airline tickets for immediate family members, any claims for superannuation, funeral bond, claim for social security recipients, protection commissioner, public trustees, solicitors contacts and more. We can put the family at ease by dealing with the family wishes from A to Z. 

However, we are part of these grassroots, communities and other small local non-profit community organisation that is put at a disadvantage because they do not have the resources of a large charitable or religious organisation. They do not receive the benefits that are available for these, such as tax deductibility for donations, rate free from Local Government, the vehicle for large sponsorship and marketing etc. 

Key points made in the report include: 

• Cost effectiveness of a small centre that will be available 24hrs to meet the various needs of Pacific Islanders children, youths and parents that seek refuge when they cannot cope with life at home till PISSAM find a place for them as opposed to a hierarchical organisation.

 

• Benefits of small versus large

 

• Diversity of services from "one stop shop" that are viable, appropriate and cultural to the Pacific Islanders community, emerging communities and general community.

 

• Accountability to Funding Bodies and PISSAM program are happy to run its services under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony group inc. auspice by Riverwood Community Centre.

 

• A large administration structure tends to outweigh the direct service provision, and PISSAM is thankful to Riverwood Community Centre for taking care of our financial affairs and supporting us in all levels.

 

• Implications of social and economic trends across Canterbury and beyond re issues of our Pacific Islanders and PISSAM is fully supported and sponsored by Canterbury Council and will be extended to other Local Government areas and surrounding district where most of the Pacific Islanders resided, like Marrickville, Ashfield, Bankstown, Auburn, Granville and others.

 
 

INQUIRY INTO THE DEFINITION OF CHARITIES AND RELATED ORGANISATIONS 

Pacific Islanders Community auspice by Riverwood Community Centre

BACKGROUND

An overview of the Pacific Islanders PISSAM PROGRAM.  The Pacific Islanders Network, formerly the Australia Pacific Islands Services (Name change in 2009) has operated since 2006 from premises at 43 Fairfax Rd Bellevue Hill. It was unofficially started at 4 Short Street Hunters Hill when John Valu Sikimeti supported the Tongan Community in the early 1960’s. Until the Tongan Catholic people approached the late Bishop Finau of Tonga to start up the Tongan Catholic Community.  In 1975 John Sikimeti was endorsed to be the leader of the Tongan Australian Catholic Community in Australia. So it went from there doing exactly what we are doing today.  In 2007 PISSAM network established by the direction of Kalo Sikimeti in partnership with Canterbury Harmony Group Inc. connected inclusively working in with the Multicultural Community across Canterbury and its Network and Program. PISSAM is auspices by Riverwood Community Centre.

The PISSAM Network is a Pacific Islanders based non-profit, non-government organisation providing free Pacific Islanders community and emerging community information service plus a range of additional services. The Network also acts as an umbrella organisation providing a base for a range of Pacific Islanders and emerging community services.

The primary aim of the Network/Centre is to provide a focal point and meeting place for the Pacific Islanders and emerging Communities and their friends, to highlight community education, health, legal needs, grief counselling, recreation and sports and to facilitate the development of services to meet those needs. People can access its services by visiting PISSAM website, by phone, by email, by correspondences. PISSAM visit school on set days or by request by the schools and parents.  We also visit the sick in hospital, age care facilities and Nursing Homes, our youths in juveniles & adults in jails, families at home or even you visit us at every Wednesdays or Mondays from 6pm till 9pm at homework classes, music and  cultures, counselling, and to talk to other students and parents. After we sit down and have dinner and share the rest of the evening enjoying meals and have talks on any topic that you would like to discuss. The venue is child friendly and is just like one big family. Many thanks to Canterbury Council for funding the venue and to all the University Students tutors, teachers, counsellors for facilitating the education program.  From time to time we call on our consultants to come and talk on the services they provide. PISSAM CEO, Dietician, co-ordinator and the youth Manager and the assistant are the permanent facilitator also one facilitator for dancing and cultures.

The Network/Centre is administered by a community based management model, which encompasses the principle of facilitating services which are flexible and responsive to community needs and complements services provided by Government agencies. We are happy to work with all agencies who wish to link with us.

The Management Committee is made up of Grassroots Pacific Islanders specialists in their capacity representing the profession they are members of from various professions, a honourable magistrate, the Deputy Mayor of Canterbury council, auspice body Riverwood community Manager and Director, Pacific Islanders University student representatives, and agency representatives, Service Providers, and individuals with varied backgrounds and experience, who together cover a cross section of the general attitudes of the Pacific Islanders and emerging Community in which they operate.

As a Pacific Islanders community-based organisation, it is not limited by State or Local Government nor does it have religious affiliations. This ensures its independence to represent the social needs of the Pacific Islanders Community in which we live. All Pacific Islanders, emerging communities and the whole community are welcome to all services of the PISSAM program.We are happy to say that our homework program are enjoyed and attended by Arabic and Korean.  They are friends of the Pacific Islanders Youths.  PISSAM is excited, they brought a lot of courage to our Pacific Islanders youths.

The Network/Centre is supported financially by Canterbury Council, State Government, Department of Community Services, Education Department, Immigration Department, Attorney General Department, Punchbowl Ex-Servicemen's Club and Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL. PISSAM has its own fund raising effort and donations. Over the years from a small beginning, the Centre has steadily expanded, now providing a diverse range of services. 

Chief Executive officer/Principal Researcher full time, a Principal Solicitor full time, a co-ordinator/project manager full time, an administration officer full time, a Community worker full time, a Counsellor full time, trained volunteers and four part-time tutors, a recreation and sport manager working 12 hours a week with an assistant, and 2 youth workers @ 8 hrs per person at the Network/Centre and in the Football grounds across Canterbury. This arrangement is not only cost effective, but ensures that the Network/Centre can be seen as part of the Community, as functioning within the parameters of the Community Centre Philosophy: "That we are committed to affirmative action which acknowledges the rights of all groups and individuals to services which are accessible, viable and appropriate to meet their individual needs".

We also have our Executive members and our partners the service providers and they are accessible 24 hrs also. PISSAM are pleased to say that not only Pacific Islanders but other emerging communities are participating in our program. The  are our 24 hrs service

Child Abuse Prevention Service (Lorraine Wright)  24hrs

Medi- LINK Counselling Services (Mohini Prasad)

David Cohen Solicitors (David Cohen) Sydney

Michael Vaughan (Johnston Vaughan Solicitors) Kogarah

Hibah Harim (Solicitor) Sydney

Hifo Leva PISSAM Principal Solicitor/Registered Nurse)  24hrs

Orana Board (Jane Bastin-Sikimeti)

Pelenatita Mafi Young (Compliance Taxation Dept)

Patu Medics (Dr Patu) Campsie/Mt Druitt)  24hrs

Dr Rifi (Belmore)  24hrs

Ramona Johansson Mahe (Director of Nursing) 24hrs

Immigration Enquires: Registered

Migration Directions Australia (Houssam and Ezzah) Lakemba

(Senat and Associates) and Solicitors Punchbowl

Acupuncture associates (Jane Wu) Ph: 02 9787 9739 3A/9 4-98 Beamish St Campsie. 2194

Dr Zachariah Matthews and Mrs. Matthews (Punchbowl)

EDUCATION:

Kalo Sikimeti (PISSA CEO/Principal Researcher) representing the Catholic University and Schools for Pacific Islanders Communities  24hrs

Vana (Drama teacher Holy Spirit) (Lakemba)

Elisapeta Lolesio (PISSAM dietitian and teacher)

ATL Translators and Associates (Santina)

John Valu Sikimeti (Treasurer) for Australian Catholic Community/Auditor for Pacific Islanders Community/Treasurer for Tongan Community Support Services TCSS

CO-COORDINATOR LIASON OFFICER: (CANTERBURY HARMONY GROUP INC.

Anne Latu (Grief Counsellor, interpreter, Family consultant, Community Contact officer on any of our services with Government non Government Services, Catholic and Private School, Children, parents, Senior Citizens and Multicultural and General Communities across Canterbury 24hrs

BILINGUAL COUNSELORS

Vesna Vukovic Bsc Dip of Counselling JP (Cantonese, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian)

Ruby Yap JP Dip of Counseling (Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Japanese, Mandarin) Naheed Hakim (BA major in Psychology)

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES

Australia Tonga Pacific Island Services

Walker Party Hires  (24 hrs)

Polikati Foketi (Pacific Connect)

Palms Deli (Norm Saad)

Hina Funerals and Midnight Venue Security

John and Fred Ducan (Eternity Funerals) (24hrs)

Mailangi (Jumping Castle) 24hrs

We are connected locally across Canterbury and beyond:

This is the only Pacific Islanders Network/Centre of its kind across Canterbury and other Local Government Area and surrounding district. It is unique for its 24 hrs service with grief counselling and taking care of families when someone dies during the night and after hours. 

THE MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE PISSAM PROGRAM AUSPICE BY RIVERWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE;

To provide a focal point and meeting place for the Pacific Islanders Community across Canterbury.

• (Kava party for elders, forums, socialising and consultation
• Safe place for youths who are cannot cope with life at home, till the morning till they find a place or may be calm down and will return home (conselling)
• a house provided by Housing NSW so can families can use when they are evicted or escape from family violence till they find permanent place to live.
  

To highlight Pacific Islanders Community needs

To facilitate the development of services to meet these needs

To enhance the quality of life for the Pacific Islanders needs

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

1. To operate the Pacific Islanders Community Network/Centre within the principles of the Local Community Services Association Neighbourhood Centre Policy. 

2. To relieve poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution and helplessness in the Pacific Islanders community generally. 

3. To provide and maintain readily available comprehensive information on a broad spectrum of issues. 

4. To provide a supportive interview assessment and referral service within a caring environment. 

5. When appropriate to advocate on behalf of individuals and/or groups who are disadvantaged. 

6.  To recognise the voluntary nature of the organisation and to ensure that volunteers are supported in the use of their existing skills and expertise for the benefit of the Centre. 

             7. To provide on-going education for Pacific Islanders children, families so they    can               reach their potentials in life, provide training for all staff, both paid and volunteer.

             8. To accommodate, facilitate and coordinate Pacific Islanders community services and programmes as appropriate, with consumer participation in decision making. 

9. Liaising closely with other social and community welfare organisations for maximum efficiency. 

10. To promote awareness of services provided by the Centre and its role in highlighting community needs and initiating, implementing and supporting community development.

COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CENTRE

As stated in the overview the Centre is supported financially by the New South Wales State Government Department of community Services, Education Department, Immigration Department, Fair Trading, Attorney General, Corrective Services, Immigration and Canterbury Council (equally) and the efforts of a fundraising Committee which raises up to $ per year. 

This budget is approximately $x per annum for CEO/Principal Researcher per year included in her package, (see CEO Position description and she is on call after hours and weekend on community needs. $x per annum for the Principal Solicitor/Registered Nurse (see job description ) included after hours calls on community needs; $x for Co/ordinator/Project manager/Court Co-ordinator/school support and community support and representatives (see job description)  included with after hours calls on grief and counselling, Community worker/Social worker $x (see job description) secretary/administration $x (see job description) 1 Dancing and Culture tutor 6 hrs a week, 1 Recreation Sport Manager 12 hrs per week $x (see job description) evening and weekends assistant 12 hrs per week $10,000, 5 tutors @ four hours per week 20 hrs $20,800 (see job description) picnic and sports training in the park we provided some lunches and drink and  homework classes 6 pm till 9pm we provided some tea for children and parents who attended.  We budget for $200 per week some parents bring their own but some just dropped their children without anything to eat and drink. $10,400 for the whole 12 months which provides and accommodates a large number of services every week. Running of the office will be $x per year. For each year to run our program we need $x per year.  Our financial affairs will be taken care by Riverwood Community centre.  We will only come to them with receipts of our expenses of running the office and other expenses and Riverwood can just direct debit the staff's wages. In future programs we will do raise funds to support families who are in need in emergency situations.

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

The Network/Centre employs the 3 salaried people on a 24hrs service, CEO/Principal Research Officer, the Principal Solicitor/Registered Nurse, and the co-ordinator on salary between them. The rest of the staffs are on 38 hrs per week and part time staffs are as above. All staff members are specialist and members of the profession they belong to in their capacity to act and make decision accordingly, trained counsellors, teachers, trained nurses, solicitor, community and welfare workers will provide the different services.  Also staffs will participate in training programs as set down by the funding bodies i.e. NSW Department of Community Services, Housing NSW, Attorney General, Education NSW,  Immigration, Fair Trading, legal training and community. This is particularly relevant for child protection issues and domestic violence and Riverwood Community centre.

A range of services is provided by our professional partners, special purpose volunteers and other services are accommodated at the Centre. They are as follows:

Multicultural Unit (including Friendly Aliens)

This service is well established which provides information to people from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The position liaises closely with related workers and agencies in the area, such as the Inner West Sydney Area Health Service, Innerwest Area Region NESB Network and Refugee Forum and plays a key role in the management of local support bodies. PISSAM Network/ Centre worker continues to provide information, assessment and referral services to the Pacific Islanders Community and other emerging communities.

Tongan & Pacific Island Welfare Service (Outreach). Refugee Week, Concert for the East Timorese and the  Canterbury Harmony group Inc which Pacific Islanders are part of and so other areas that the volunteers work.

Legal Service

PISSAM Principal Solicitor to work in Burwood, Bankstown and Downing Centre Liverpool, Parramatta and kogarah. The legal service operates once a week in the evening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm and once a month on a Saturday. Lawyers, regularly volunteer their services and give willingly of their time to provide legal assistance in many areas including Family Law, criminal charges, civil litigation and probate/estate issues. During the last financial year 295 people attended the evening service.

Taxation Service

The taxation service operates from July to end of October each year offering a free service to the elderly, low-income earners, people receiving pensions and benefits, people with a disability and those from non-English speaking background. It is a vital community service, which has a well-deserved reputation for professional competency. 
 
 Information Service

This service is a core function of the Centre, with paid staff and volunteers providing a wide variety of up to date community information both by telephone and face to face. This enables enquirers to be aware of the range of options available to meet their needs and make informed choices. The demand for information is growing as more and more people are learning to ask questions about their rights, needs and responsibilities.

Pamphlet Officer

This volunteer is entrusted with making sure that pamphlets are available on the many, many topics including health, grief & emergencies, youth services, aged services, recreational needs for the aged, children's services, domestic violence etc. etc.

Multicultural Liaison Officer

This service has been operating successfully since 2007 providing a focal point for Arabic, Pacific Islanders, aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people resident and multicultural community in Canterbury, Auburn, Marrickville, Ashfield and Granville and any other Local Government areas that requested our service. The management and coordination of this service has shown resources can be used to develop an understanding between peoples of all cultures working towards reconciliation. A good example of the Canterbury Harmony Group inc. The hard work of the Deputy Mayor, Riverwood community centre, Innerwest Tenant council, Punchbowl Multicultural Group, St George Tenant Council, Eastern Suburb & Sutherland Shires

Volunteers' Representative

A representative of all the volunteers who work at the Centre is represented by one of them on the Management Committee. This person keeps the volunteers updated with policy changes made by the Management Committee and helps communicate information regarding Training Program.

Bereavement Coordinator/Counsellor Anne Latu has been working for the funeral Industry for over 15 yrs as a Consultant, Funeral Director, Conductor, Media Advisor, Manager and General Manager with the Pacific Islanders and the Multicultural Communities. She is also an interpreter and translator for the Tongan Language

This service commenced in 1994 and has up to over thousands of enquiries with over thousands of funerals, Cremations, Memorials and remains sent overseas and came from overseas and more new clients attending the different funeral parlours where Pacific Islanders are resided. The type of contact with clients varies from face-to-face counselling, telephone support, home visit and more, to the organising of videos, photo albums and books. Referrals come from families that we took care of, friends, solicitors, public trustees, and word of mouth, GPs, Hospitals, age care facilities, media reports, previous clients and agencies in the area. The service expanded into organising workshops on Youth Suicide Prevention, Warning Signs, Emergencies, Accidents, Suspicious Circumstances and Suicide Awareness seminars. Since the commencement of the service opportunities have been provided with Anne Latu’s Experiences on her working with the Funeral Industry and all the professional individuals, organisations about the services that is offered and about grief in general.

Volunteer Recruitment and Training Service

Prospective volunteers are interviewed and the interviewer is vigilant that the three basic tenets of volunteering, free choice, without pay and working with non-profit organisations is provided to each person.

Data Entry Officer

Every day statistics are entered on a data base and recorded for reporting in the Annual Report accordingly.

Language Tutor

A multi-linguist with a particular concern for Pacific Islanders, emerging and former refugees provides English Language tuition to this group on a weekly basis as part of the Literacy Network program. Provision is also made for English Language conversation classes for people from Non English Speaking Background. This program is run by Kalo Sikimeti and with our partnership with the Canterbury Harmony Group inc. We call on the Inner west Area Tenant Council Arabic personal to support us in as well. Kalo will taught the Pacific Islanders Community.

Centre Newsletter Officer

A volunteer and all staff will support in contributing with each individual special skills for writing, researches information and gathers photos for an update on the services of the Centre. A newsletter is published on a quarterly basis.

Welfare Assessment & Referral Service

This professional service is integral to the work of the Pacific Islanders Community Centre with all staff members being qualified and experienced counsellors, teachers, lawyers, trained nurse, community and Welfare Workers. Key issues that the workers deal with are in the areas of education, health, legal, child protection, early intervention, youth suicide prevention, needs of the aged, mental health, homeless and domestic violence. A volunteer servicing clients with drug and alcohol dependency works out of the Centre offering a support service for local homeless and transients. PISSAM urged for all service providfers to better understand Pacific Islasnders' tradition and  culture when dealing with their issues. CEO and researcher Kalo says understanding Pacific Islanders culture will help service providers, lawers, doctors, teachers, counsellors, authorities provide better treatment and diagonose to Pacific Islanders Australians to get better outcome and results.

Kalo Sikimeti says more cultural experience specialists should be incorporated into the various training like medical training. educational training, legal training.

"It is a holistic element of course, health, education, legal and it's not only treating them when they're sick, depressed, or cannot cope, slow learners it's keeping them healthy in their mind, body and their surroundings.So it's the full sphere of influence that the health, education, legal, welfare professions need to be familiar with," Kalo said.

"You have to understand the culture if you want to really close the gap and to get results.

Pacific Islanders Housing

There is concern about a shortage of housing across Canterbury and beyond for a growing Pacific Islanders families.

PISSAM says HOUSING NSW is unable to house some families due to loss of employment and cannot cope with the private rents and caused overcrowded in families and friends.

These house shortages having a great big impact, if they can't get mainstream, which a lot can't afford, there's not a lot of housing commission houses, so they're sort of just wandering from place to place till they cannot cope any more..

"It causes a lot of stress to PISSAM program itself because we're here to help our people but we can't do that.

"It puts a lot of strain on relationships because they ... judge us straight away because we can't help them."

Anne says all recent applications for new homes have failed, despite a lot of new applicant on top of others.

"When that doesn't work out they ring and hoping that we can do something. Sadly we can't, end of the story.

"More times than not they try to get support previously but we've just got nothing to offer them. Since the recession things are getting worse. It is affecting children performances, parents, and the whole community.

Pacific Islanders Housing is a non-profit community managed housing association whose aim is to: "provide quality, appropriate, affordable and secure housing to low income people and those otherwise disadvantaged in their access to housing". An officer is accommodated at the Centre, one day a week for interviews to help the target group.

Tenancy Information Service

This service operates one full day a week under the supervision of a specialist worker. The service works closely with the Housing NSW, the Rental Bond Board and the INNERWEST AREA TENANT COUNCIL and the Area Tenants Service.

STATISTICS FOR YEAR 2007/2008/2009 

Eight hundred and thirty seven (867) contacts were made for the financial year 2007/2008/2009. These contacts covered a range of topics including Accommodation (33), Citizenship/Immigration (130) Community Development (203) Education (562) Health (247) Law and Justice (366) Local Services and Facilities (714) Material Aids and Practical Needs (258) Personal and Family Support (85) Multicultural Service (144) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island (4). 

People accessing core services of the Pacific Islanders PISSAM PROGRAM Centre included the following:

Browsing (281)

Emergency SUPPORT with superannuation, immigration, Centrelink, schools, local government writing letters, tax, homework, outing, sport, funerals etc (1089)

Practical Aid (117)

Drop In Refreshments (363)

Legal Referral Service (190)

Taxation Advice Service (31)

Volunteer Recruitment/Training (30)

Welfare Service (18)

Bereavement Service (330)

Many of these services have had a marked increase from the 2007/2008/2009 Annual Report. Legal Referral Service is up from 142 services to 190 services, Bereavement Services is up from 222 services to 330 services, Drop-in Refreshments up from 104 to 1226 and practical aid up from 18 services to 86.

ETHNICITY OF PEOPLE (Excluding Australians) WHO MADE CONTACT WITH CENTRE IN ONE YEAR

Over 160 people from a background other than Australian (up from 44 in the 2007/2008/2009 reporting year) made contact with the Centre either in a face to face or telephone situation included people from the following countries.  New Zealand (182) Samoan (90) Tongan (225) Fijian 33

SPECIFIC CATEGORIES OF CONTACTS

Of the 148 contacts at PISSAM Centre 46.1% of the total (6,83) made through out the year were classified under the following.

Mentally ill (4)

Disabilities, physical (3)

Disabilities, intellectual (11)

Domestic Violence (25)

Single Parent (49)

Homeless (12)

Unemployed (212)

Tourist (44)

Drug and Alcohol (53)

Student (69)

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY FOR DONATIONS

The Centre operates as a tax exempt organisation however since incorporation; attempts have been made to have the Centre given the status of tax deductibility for donations. This has not been achieved. This makes it difficult for the Centre to compete with charity status organisations, which are able, fundraise on a large scale and offer this incentive to people making donations.

SMALL VERSUS LARGE

A service which has an large umbrella organisation supporting it in many aspects e.g. office accommodation, charity status, staff SUPPORT, rates exemption from Local Government, registered as Special Purpose uses with its benefits have an advantage over a local community group. This is not to say that they provide a better service, as a local organisation has "its fingers on the pulse" and is able to respond to community needs in a timelier manner. (E.g. providing bereavement service after identifying the need, support service for homeless). An overly large administration structure tends to outweigh the direct service provision. However restricted funding disallows staff time to promote community based services. This lack of funding also impacts on adequate training, debriefing, and supervision of staff and volunteers. PISSAM PROGRAM needed urgently a special funding for emergencies funerals where someone dies suddenly and the family has no money.  If the government can allowed the legal applicant to use his/her Medicare card to pay for the funeral expenses providing that the legal applicant can guarantee with the Superannuation Fund to directly credited Medicare similar to the Doctors and other Service Providers. 

ACCOUNTABILITY TO FUNDING BODIES

The expectations of funding bodies in regard to setting outcomes for funding received has increased markedly over the past few years. This forces an organisation into bureaucratic procedures which due to lack of adequate staffing levels, administration duties take away time from direct service delivery.  Where as PISSAM are so thankful to its Auspice Body Riverwood Community Centre for doing that hard work for PISSAM.

If the government is genuine in requiring services to provide community development and have the community make decisions for themselves that are affecting themselves, then the workload of non-profit non government organisations must not be given a workload in accountability which is unsustainable. Another effect of bureaucratic procedures is that it contributes to a high level of burnout of community workers. 

Removing funding from community based organisations which have had a long history of operating successfully in community development, social policy and planning and engendering the local community to build frameworks of social capital would bring to a standstill the good works. 

IMPLICATIONS OF MAJOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS

Gentrification of the Canterbury Local Government area has had an impact on the financially disadvantaged and homeless. The gentrification has come about by the recognition that Canterbury has become a premier tourist destination and real estate price values have climbed dramatically in the past few years which has led to the relocation of many of the long term residents such as low income Pacific Islanders, single parents, students, unemployment, emerging communities and retirees. 

Another factor is the decentralisation of the city homeless arriving in Canterbury and the Innerwest because it is cheap and cheap outlets, like Campsie, Lakemba, sister city Bankstown, the Bulldogs and people are looking for a better quality of life. This in turn has led to an increase in general counselling for welfare, financial and drug and alcohol related problems.  

A decrease in the lack of affordable housing exacerbated the increase in homelessness, domestic violence, truancy, gangs and youth suicide and child abuse.

As a Community Centre it is possible to identify and monitor the social trends and the subsequent gaps in service delivery. The Pacific Islanders community, emerging communities services policy and guidelines have had to adapt and modify services and community development initiatives in order to build and empower the local community. The Centre through a community-based volunteer Management Committee has worked constantly to resources the changing community needs and is recognised as community agencies that identifies and highlight community needs.  

It should be noted that the Pacific Islanders Community Network/Centre should be housed in a centrally located heritage building, close by the train station where the children, youths and their families can easily reach in time of need. On fully running of this project the Network/Centre will see an increase of residents, tourists and transients will be using it.  We will see a much happier and contented community.

The Network/Centre will continue to offer a focal point and meeting place for the Pacific Islander Community as stated in the mission statement. Non-government organisations are more of a practical nature and are able to forge stronger links with the community especially providing 24 hrs services.

POPULATION TRENDS IN THE CANTERBURY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA  

Total Persons: 129,96 Total

Males: 69, 567                                 

Total females: 60,985

OSB as % of total population    46.9

Indigenous Origin (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin) 745

Pacific Islanders including New Zealand Maoris are about 2. %

 

CONCLUSION

The non-profit non-government organisation with a Pacific Islanders Community based with the Auspice body Riverwood Community Centre with the Management Committee has a lot to offer in regards to service delivery. It is truly a community organisation working for the community responding to the needs of the Pacific Islanders Community and emerging Community and the whole Community in which it is a part. 

This type of organisation is in danger of being overrun by a charitable or religious organisation by the enormous amount of administrative tasks it is expected to do by some of the funding bodies, which will limit the time it has to devote to service delivery. 

This type of organisation is at a disadvantage because of the benefits afforded charitable and religious organisations which, it is unable to acquire. The Pacific islanders should have their own community outside their Pacific Islanders church. It gave them freedom, for e.g. for Catholics they have to attend their local parish and put their donations there instead of giving it to their Pacific Islanders Priests who do not support the Pacific Islanders but expect money to be donated by the Pacific Islanders people. They do not have to donate big like what their Pacific Islanders Church leaders expected from them. These changes will be well come by all the children, parents and the people of the Pacific will be happy and will move forward.

 

Prepared by Anne Latu Coordinator of the PISSAM PROGRAM/NETWORK with the direction of the CEO/Principal Researcher Catholic University Kalo Sikimeti

 

Our philosophy – to provide our service to our best of our best to those Pacific Islanders and Multicultural in needs of our service.

 

To give a community support according to the complex needs of those looking for support in what affected them in their daily lives. PISSAM is the head body of the Pacific Islanders programs and its Council has developed its own model of governance’. This model is based on the philosophy that our Principal Researcher KALO SIKIMETI developed. It is current, up to date and collaborated with her many years in Education, as a teacher, leader, Director of Education, Educator, lecturer, Principal, counsellor, musician, social worker, mercy leader and many other management positions simply delivering education products and services to Universities, schools, clients, children, and parents since 1975 in the many Pacific Islands nation, New Zealand, Australia and Abroad. She is focusing performance on the achievement of bottom line results.

 

In fact, she sees her role and her team of 7 grassroots University students and grassroots specialist on education, medical, legal, age care, health, community development, counselling, human resources, welfare, interpreters/translators, service providers, sports leaders, community leaders, congregation leaders and professionals working partners are as much more challenging and interesting – providing community leadership to Pacific Islanders and the Multicultural Communities across Canterbury building community strength, and improving the quality of people’s lives. With such a broad projects influence on community well being, She believes its focus should be on people as Pacific Islands citizens and children, parents as families as connected as can be reaching out to those in needs and vice versa. These will bring those in needs to our service in a one to one or group cultural appropriate Pacific Islanders and Multicultural way according to their cultures of their Pacific Island origin.

 

She encourages children, parents and to all citizens to exercise both their rights and responsibilities as members of their community. This means that processes such as communication, consultation, feedback, debate, transparency and inclusion, are as important at PISSAM program as accountability, action, performance and achievement. Our Working for our community will continue to take our PI and Multicultural people to higher and dryer grounds.

 

Our members find that our approaches  to working in partnership with the community provides a rewarding work experience and chance to make a real difference to all inclusively. The more we participated and involved with the community are not only a huge learning, educational, enjoyable but we share other cultures and understand their perspectives.

 

Our reputation for innovation and excellence

Leading in many areas from the Pacific Islands and in Australia since the seventies in the support of bringing hundreds of students and others and now are proud citizen of Australia. Providing the different support to those who have seek and trusted our members in the past now and to the future. Our transparency accountability and governance will strive our utmost best to make differences to our community yesterday, today and everyday will empower us and our future generation to follow. That is why PISSAM program believes in collaborating the past, current and the future specialist to start its program with the three generation so the future generation will be equipped with all the knowledges that will bring high quality of the past, current and the future to take Pacific Islanders to the next level.

 

Our reputations for innovation, for excellence in education are the very fabric of most of the leaders in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia and America where the Pacific Islanders call home. We are very proud of that, still it is so good to keep it going and to achieve the next level. For us we are aiming and focusing on being vocal in our

support of community diversity and harmony. We are ever so proud of our program under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony Group Inc. auspice by Riverwood Community Centre, Manager Greta Vallance and Director Pauline Gallagher. We are growing stronger and stronger each new day with our partnership in many programs, education and forum that we are invited to participated. We acknowledge the support and hard work of the Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Councillor of Karl Saleh and Canterbury Council.

 

To help us meet our goals we are guided by a set of values:

 

1.    communication and children, parents, senior citizen and the whole community focus innovation and strategic thinking teamwork and performance

2.    Communication and children, parents, citizen and the whole community focus are about and understanding our community; innovation and strategic are:

3.    About responding to community priorities (identifying new options and opportunities), and teamwork and performance are:

4.     About delivering results in partnership with our working partners, children, parents, citizens and the whole community.

5.    To support the delivery of innovative and citizen focused services we clearly need the commitment of a high quality, qualify, skilled, up to date and motivated staff team.

6.    Our team is listed below; our professional resources are listed below and are equivalent to provide services in a wide range of roles.

7.    We have four major programs focused on providing quality services, and providing leadership to our Pacific Islanders and diverse community.

8.    Community Services - comprising children and family services, community development.

9.    Communication and cultural, and recreation services. Partnership with other  Service Providers - and finance, legal Aid and general support, public housing support, justice of the peace, filling all types of application forms, Development and sport activities Services - comprising development assessment, monitoring, talented sport people and planning services.

 

We encourage Pacific Islanders people anyone from non English speaking backgrounds, and people with disabilities to come to us when you needed our service.

 

We will continuous Community development. We will work with a merit basis and put a high emphasis on continuous learning and development in partnership with Primary and Secondly Schools to refer to us the slow learners or special needs so we can work on the help they need during our homework classes. We targeted our systems that will support staff through a competency based performances and have an annual personal performance planning and review process. We have excellent systems in place for occupational health and safety directed by our Auspice body Riverwood Community Centre. They have a lot of short courses that train staffs and volunteers and we will be happy to be part of it. 

 

We believe and try to be on a leading organisation with an excellent reputation for both providing good services and being an excellent mentor as shown by some of our members. To sustain these goals we need our staff to be qualify, skilled, experience and specialist on their profession and members of the profession they represented. Staff must have up to date knowledge, innovative, motivated and committed to making PISSAM a great PILOT program to provide the service that Pacific Islander people need.

 

Our working environment

Our terms and conditions are set under the agencies which ensures all staff receive

good employment conditions, salaries are reviewed regularly, we have a competency

Our mentor program and schemes to encourage flexible work arrangements on 24 hrs availability so our client will have to access when there is an urgent need.

 

We also have good working relationships with our working partners so we can stood together in providing the viable service that the Pacific Islanders need.

Our working partners and resources are aware with our consultant where they understand the Pacific Islanders and Multicultural needs are extra work to them especially trying to come down to a Pacific Islander level to provide the best service that they need. An active Consultative Committee – made up of the 4 Projects are members and all the representatives and senior executive members and are of specialist professionals and service providers and they are members of the professional they represented. We also hold regular briefing sessions for all Program members weekly, and a range of many social events all helping to facilitate good communication and we are so connected with the community.

We have invested considerably in Education by upgrading University knowledges, ongoing researches with the community, schools and families. We set up support booklet and flyers and other resources that – our citizen can refer to in time of need.We really want our Mentor members to make a difference and to support this we recognise and celebrate good planning, hard work, encourage participation and genuine contribution. A number of our mentor program members recognize and our children, youths and parents rewarded at the end of the year. There are social clubs and local activities that we are part of and we are very part of the extended community. The Canterbury Harmony Day, The Punchbowl Multicultural Inter-faith Harmony Day, The Ex Students for Catholic School, The Refuge Day, The Canterbury Council Multicultural refugee day, The Clean up Australia Day, The Haldon Street Festival day, The Canterbury Junior League’s Final Day, The Volunteer Award Day, The Tenant Participation Day auspice by Riverwood Community Centre day. The Financial Assistance Day for Canterbury Council awarded to all Organisation who makes a difference to the Community. The Australia Day, The Pacific Islanders Day, The Tonga Day, The Holy Spirit Sport Day, The All Catholic School Sport Day, The St Mary’s House Day, The Mary Mackillip Day, The Junior Rugby League Final day, The Catholic University

Day, Australian Human Rights forum. The Tongan Australian 
ex students day. The Australia Day, World Peace Day and many 
more.

The needs of Pacific Peoples when
they are victims of crime

It is important that the perspectives and needs of Pacific peoples are taken into account
when developing policies and support services for victims of crime. It is a priority to
consider for the PISSAME network to work side by side with the Ministry of
Justice commissioned research, with support from the Health Research Council of NSW
Nationalist Resource - Crime Database: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 to provide information about Pacific
victims of crime. The information in this
research report expands upon that provided by the 2006 National Survey of
Crime Victims.
The objectives of the research were to gather in-depth information about victims of crime
amongst the Pacific ethnic groups, and to ascertain the use and appropriateness of
informal and formal support services for Pacific victims. More particularly, it was 
designed to identify health-related needs and appropriate measures to meet those 
needs, to identify appropriate support mechanisms provided by criminal justice sector 
agencies, and to establish where additional support might be required.
The researchers used Pacific theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, which
resulted in a rich array of information. The findings reported here provide valuable insights
into the impact of criminal victimisation on Pacific peoples, and the ways in which policies
and service provision for Pacific victims of crime might be improved.

Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of many people, without whom this study
would not have been taken to the next level.
Participation
Most sincere appreciation and thanks go to over 100 participants who took part in this study.
Without their willingness to share their experiences, views, ideas and time, this study would
not have progressed and will be eventuated.
Catholic University, schools, community, service providers, businesses, grassroots specialists
Riverwood Community Centre, Canterbury Council, children, parents, authorities, Pacific
Islanders communities.
I acknowledge the Federal Government for commissioning this study. In particular, I would
like to thank Holy Spirit College Lakemba, St Joseph Belmore, St Joachim Lidcombe and all
Catholic Schools for making themselves available to share their
knowledge of the context within which this study was carried out. Moreover, your
willingness to engage with the research team and your positive responses to our many
requests allowed the research team to move with confidence in the delivery of this service
within Pacific communities and the Service Providers who provide services to the Pacific 
Communities..
Malo e Ngaue lahi!
Advisory/Steering Group
I acknowledge the members of the Advisory Group for their support of the research, their
contribution to the conduct of this study, the development of the research questions, and
comments on the drafts of this ongoing report till executed with its time frame 2012..

Child Abuse Prevention Service (Lorraine Wright)  24hrs

Medi- LINK Counselling Services (Mohini Prasad)

David Cohen Solicitors (David Cohen) Sydney

Michael Vaughan (Johnston Vaughan Solicitors) Kogarah

Hibah Harim (Solicitor) Sydney

Hifo Leva PISSAM Principal Solicitor/Registered Nurse)  24hrs

Orana Board (Jane Bastin-Sikimeti)

Pelenatita Mafi Young (Compliance Taxation Dept)

Patu Medics (Dr Patu) Campsie/Mt Druitt)  24hrs

Dr Rifi (Belmore)  24hrs

Ramona Johansson Mahe (Director of Nursing) 24hrs

Migration Directions Australia (Houssam and Ezzah) Lakemba

(Senat and Associates) and Solicitors Punchbowl

Acupuncture associates (Jane Wu) Ph: 02 9787 9739 3A/9 4-98 Beamish St Campsie. 2194

EDUCATION:

Kalo Sikimeti (PISSA CEO/Principal Researcher) representing the Catholic University and Schools for Pacific Islanders Communities  24hrs

Vana (Drama teacher Holy Spirit) (Lakemba)

Elisapeta Lolesio (PISSAM dietitian and teacher)

ATL Translators and Associates (Santina)

John Valu Sikimeti (Treasurer) for Australian Catholic Community/Auditor for Pacific Islanders Community/Treasurer for Tongan Community Support Services TCSS

CO-COORDINATOR LIASON OFFICER: (CANTERBURY HARMONY GROUP INC.

Anne Latu (Grief Counsellor, interpreter, Family consultant, Community Contact officer on any of our services with Government non Government Services, Catholic and Private School, Children, parents, Senior Citizens and Multicultural and General Communities across Canterbury 24hrs

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES

Walker Party Hires  (24 hrs)

Polikati Foketi (Pacific Connect)

Palms Deli (Norm Saad)

Hina Funerals and Midnight Venue Security

John and Fred Ducan (Eternity Funerals) (24hrs)

Mailangi (Jumping Castle) 24hrs

Special appreciation goes to the 7 University Students for their
support of the Canterbury-based researchers PISSAME Network during the data 
collection phase, homework support, language classe, music class, art and cultures

Research Team
Principal Researcher Kalo Sikimeti
Service Providers
Anne Sikimeti Latu
Regan Buckland
Alana Ha'angana
Director of Nursing Ramona Johansson
Loreta Mahe

Many thanks for all the hard work in identifying, following-up participants and carrying out
the data collection and for sharing your knowledge, skills and expertise in research, and in
working effectively with our Pacific participants and communities.

Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank the Team at PISSAME NETWORK, Anne
Sikimeti Latu, Ofa Heffernon, Sela Mahe for the management and administration of the 
project, and ongoing support of the research team during the data collection phase and
 the production of the current and Final Report will be finalised in 2012.
Thank you all for your contribution to this study.

Kia Manuia, Vinaka Vaka Levu, Fakaue Lahi, Fa’afetai Tele Lava, Fakafetai Lasi, Malo ‘Aupito
Kalo Sikimeti (Program Director PISSAME Network)
Principal Researcher

We encourage healthy lifestyle 

and have a program of activities to encourage health and well being at work.

Information on the all Pacifc Islanders Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program

The Advocacy was formally established in 2007 with little funding from local clubs. The aim of the program is to assist parents, youths and families experiencing petty, harsh crimes, domestic violence, drugs offenders, driving offences and other criminal activities to obtain legal aid, protection through an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).

Prior to 2007 a number of youths, adult crimes and Domestic Violence Court Assistance with lawyers and other professional help. It has been operating through a

number of lawyers, like David Cohen, Michael Vaughan experienced communication breakdown with PI clients.  Some courts who needed support by parents and the youth themselves in the metropolitan region NSW. In most cases, we operated without specific funding.

To most of our Pacific Islanders with direct support with lawyers and court support. In 2007 we established under the Program to provide various services.

As services are in demand we have developed and evolved, a huge change in coordinating with working with the schools, homework support, counselling, grief counselling,  24 hrs line for funerals consultant and arrangement, filling forms for various needs and finally it has been adopted and in 2009 we are in full Swing and we became known as the Canterbury Harmony Group Inc. with the PISSAM Network/our project under the umbrella in 2007. In early 2009 we decided to ask for some fund to expand the Program bringing our working partners to make sure that our resources are there to meet our demand. As a result, all our projects are running with all the skills and experiences from the different profession to take our projects to the next level. With the funding from Canterbury Council and providing the Venues for Senior Citizens at Earlwood and Lakemba. And now we needed funding due to the significantly expanded needs, now and towards the end of 2009 and the next five years..

 

The Aims of the

Men, Women and children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic

Violence, re-offending, drugs, gambling, addictions face numerous and diverse legal, social and economic disadvantages.

In many cases they will have experienced some or all of the following: physical,

verbal and sexual violence, ongoing threats to their physical and/or emotional

safety, lack of access to the legal system, social and geographical isolation, lack

of family and community support, inadequate income support and credit/debt

issues, housing insecurity, health issues, threats to immigration status and

encounters with the family law and child protection systems.

The aim of the PISSAM is to provide a holistic service which:

• assists men, women and children who have experienced or who are

Experiencing domestic violence to obtain effective legal

Protection from New South Wales Local Courts through

Applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders

(ADVOs); and

• facilitates their access to a network of professional services that

can assist them with their other legal and social/welfare needs;

and,

• through partnerships established through the Service, assists in

building the capacity of local services to respond effectively to

domestic violence which has been established for some time.

Guiding principles for the

TheM WDVCAP is founded on a human rights approach to the provision of

services to people in domestic violence matters, which acknowledges:

• A commitment to the United Nations Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Men, Women, the United

Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against

Men, Women and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the

Child. The full text of these instruments can be found at

• The gendered nature of domestic violence and its

disproportionate impact on women;

• The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children and the

relevance of domestic violence as a child protection issue;

• The disproportionate impact of domestic violence on women who

are already disadvantaged, in particular Indigenous Pacific Islanders’ people similar to Aboriginal men and women,

Men, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,

men, women with disabilities, men, women in same-sex relationships and

older men, women and young children.

• The need to adopt a holistic, multi-pronged approach to the

provision of services to victims of domestic violence; and

• The need to continually improve responses to victims of domestic

violence at an individual and systemic level.

 

What is?

PISSAM Men's, Women’s and Children's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service is asking for the Attorney General department for some funding from the Legal Aid

NSW to provide information, assistance and court advocacy services to men, women

and children experiencing domestic violence.

Funding is provided to incorporated, not for profit non-government Service

Provider organisations through a triennial Service Agreement with Legal Aid NSW.

PISSAM is asking Funding to provided Services and to employ a full time Principal Solicitor, Co-ordinator, Assistant Co-ordinator, administrative assistance, incoporating with the women's advocacy program.

Administrative costs relating to the operation of the Pacific Islanders program.

PISSAM PROGRAM will operate in Lakemba Canterbury areas and whereever requested by areas with a high percentage of Pacific Islanders or CALD people. PISSAM'S STAFFS are employed with various Specialist, qualified professional Pacific Islanders in Education, health, legal, counselling, finance, with their working partners covering the whole spectrum to meet Pacific Islanders Needs.

PISSAM WILL deliver the following services, which are explained in more detail below.

• Information;

• Assistance and referral; and

• Court Advocacy

It is important that PISSAM staff and Professionals, Service Provider organisations have a shared understanding of what these services involve.

Information

This includes legal information. Legal information involves describing legal

procedures or processes and includes providing basic information about:

• Domestic violence legislation or other area of law;

• Making an application for an ADVO;

• Making a complaint to Police regarding a criminal offence;

• Court proceedings including ADVO applications and hearings;

• How to make an ADVO effective including reporting of “breaches”;

The role of the Police; and

• The role of legal representatives including individual solicitors,

representatives from Legal Aid NSW, police prosecutors and

community legal centres.

Legal information does not include telling women the most appropriate course if

legal action to take, interpreting the law or making an assessment of the

consequences of any legal course of action. This is called legal advice and MWDVCAS staff do not provide legal advice. If a man, woman or children need legal advice PISSAM PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR Ate Hifo Leva Manufekai will be giving legal advice and represented the client in courts.  We can also provide the interpreters through our staffs or with our working partner ATL TRANSLATORS. If the matter is urgent our working partners, David Cohen, Michael Vaughan, legal aid can also provide the legal service with us as mediator and court support and would be referred to a legal service.

Assistance and Referrals

PISSAMs will engage in ongoing casework or case management of clients, they are referred to our working partners and we can monitor cases to help get results.

A PISSAMs engagement with a client is short-term, focused on ensuring legal

protection and assessing the clients other legal and social welfare needs and

making appropriate referrals.

It is important that PISSAM workers understand the boundaries of their role and

act within those boundaries.

PISSAM provide a range of assistance within their role depending on their

resources. It may include assisting a client to make an ADVO application, making a complaint to police about a breach of an ADVO or other criminal offence or

Writing a letter of support for a housing provider and any other support that is requested.

1 Definitions taken from the Queensland Government Department of Families, Practice Standards for

Working with Men, Women and children affected by Domestic and Family Violence (2002).

Referrals are made when the PISSAM considers that a client can be more

appropriately serviced by another organisation and refers the person to the other

organisations for assistance, still we monitor the outcome.

Examples include:

• Legal services (e.g. family law, care and protection, victims compensation matters, credit and debt);

• Housing services (e.g. refuges, Department of Housing, Staying, Home Leaving Violence services);

• Counselling and emotional and practical support services (such as professional counsellors, family support services); which we can and as said previously PISSAM working partners will be working with us to reduce queing.

• Financial assistance services (e.g. Centrelink, financial counsellors). Wherever possible ‘warm referrals’ (referrals in which the referrer introduces the client to the referee) should be made.

Court Advocacy

An advocate builds relationships with other key partners (such as Police, Local

Courts, legal representatives) in order to gain specialist knowledge about the

systems and services available to assist men, women and children experiencing

domestic violence. Advocacy involves using this knowledge in a respectful and

collaborative way to assist men, women and children to negotiate these systems effectively.

This may also involve advocating on their behalf (with their consent) with other key

partners.

Examples of court advocacy include working with the DVLO or police prosecutor

to ensure ADVO conditions are appropriate to the client’s needs, ensuring

when they disclose offences against them and prevent secondary victimisation of men, men, women and children by the system. women, children.  Men, women and children receive the support and assistance they need to address breaches and:

Advocacy does not mean providing legal representation or advice.

Principles relating to MWDVCAS service delivery

The principles that underpin the services provided by PISSAMs include, but are

not limited to, the following:

1. The safety of men, women children and other persons with whom they are in some

domestic relationship (including their children) and of workers

has priority;

2. Men, Women, children are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity;

3.Men, Women, children are supported and assisted to receive services on an

equitable basis;

4. Men, women, children are able to identify and express their needs and make

decisions in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

This includes the right to refuse a service and not have this

decision prejudice their future access to services;

5. Men, Women, children have the right to have their confidentiality respected

and observed and are informed of situations where that

confidentiality may be limited;

6. Services will work co-operatively, collaboratively and in a coordinated

way to ensure the best possible services are

delivered to men, women, and children experiencing domestic

violence;

7. Men, Women and children experiencing domestic violence are provided with

appropriate advocacy;

8. A culture of intolerance about domestic violence is developed in

communities and individuals;

9. Men, Women, and children receive quality services from appropriately skilled

workers;

10. Men, Women and children are able to access a service environment that enables

effective service provision.

Who are the Priority Client Groups of the PISSAM?

Depending upon demand and resources, PISSAMs are required to provide

assistance to men, women,  and children who have experienced or are experiencing

domestic violence in the following matters in order of priority:

men, women and children who are considering ADVO proceedings and require

information, advice and referral;

• Women, in ADVO applications (police and privately initiated) which are being heard on a mention basis on AVO list days

(whether as an applicant or defendant);

 Men, Women and Children in ADVO applications (police and privately initiated)

which are being heard on a mention basis on other court days

(whether as an applicant or defendant);

• Men, Women and children in ADVO applications (police and privately initiated)

which are set down for a defended hearing (whether as an

applicant or defendant);

Men, Women, Children in APVO proceedings who have been subjected to

stalking and intimidation, where there is no previous intimate

relationship, subject to the discretion of the MWDVCAS Coordinator,

for example, by someone whose apparent intention is

for the purpose of forming a relationship; or by a new partner of

the client’s ex-partner;

Men, Women, children in criminal charge matters involving domestic violence

which are being heard on a mention basis with or without an

associated ADVO application (whether as a victim witness in the

matter or as a defendant);

• Mem. Women, children, in criminal charge matters involving domestic violence

which are set down for a defended hearing with or without an

associated ADVO application (whether as a victim in the matter

or defendant);

• Men, Women,  and children in ADVO applications (police and privately initiated)

which are the subject of an appeal to the District Court (whether

as an applicant or defendant);

• Intervention programs under the Criminal Procedure Act 1986,

such as Circle Sentencing, subject to the choice of the victim in

the proceedings to have a support person present, in accordance

with the Criminal Procedure Regulation 2005 and the procedures

of the circle sentencing group.

 

COURT ADVOCACY WORKER

.

Pacific Islanders Strengthening, advocating, supporting and Mentoring men, women’s and children Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

PISSAM is a community organisation (auspice by Riverwood Community Centre under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony group inc.) providing services to women, and children experiencing domestic violence, addiction, reoffenders  to obtain legal protection through Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) and access support services to assist with their other needs.

We are confident, motivated and with our principal solicitor's and working partners dynamic skills to deliver effective and timely services to men, women, and children affected by domestic violence, crimes and other court support.

 

The work of the PISSAM Court Advocacy Worker includes, but is not limited to,

the following duties:

• Assist the PISSAM Co-ordinator/Assistant Co-ordinator with all enquiries from  men, women, children and papers re appearances in court, to provide

information, assistance and referrals and court advocacy to PISSAM clients;

• Assist the PISSAM Co-ordinator/Assistant Co-ordinator to work in

agencies;partnership with the Principal Solicitor, NSW Police, Local Courts, legal representatives and referral

• Ensure the safety of PISSASM clients at court by accompanying them into

and out of court and obtaining copies of orders and other notices from the

court staff on behalf of PISSAM clients, as required;

• Adhere to PISSAM Principles, Policies and Standards in undertaking their

work in particular those relating to client confidentiality and privacy, referrals

to and from the PISSAM, client and worker safety, staff professionalism,

child protection notifications and follow-up assistance;

• Ability to deliver services in accordance with the PISSAM Service

Agreement, PISSAM Principles, Policies and Standards and operational

documents

• Collect data for the PISSAM database and any other information, as

directed by the PISSAM Co-ordinator/Assistant Co-ordinator;

• Attend court on AVO list days and other days as required, in particular,

mentions on other court days, hearings, criminal charge matters to provide

information, assistance and support for PISSAM clients, as directed by the

Coordinator;

• Develop working relationships and referral networks with local services that

respond to the particular needs of PI women and others whom access the service;

PISSAM CO-ORDINATORS AND ASSISTANT have essential skills and knowledge

• Understanding of domestic violence and its complexities

• Knowledge and understanding of and ability to implement Legal Aid NSW

PISSAM principles, policies and procedures

• Knowledge of the criminal justice response to domestic violence, legislation in

relation to ADVOs and criminal charges and processes for their

implementation; basic understanding of the family law system, its impact on

the administration of ADVO legislation and its implications for PISSAM

clients; some knowledge of Victims Compensation law

• Knowledge of Legal Aid NSW policies in respect of grants of legal aid for

representation for persons in need of protection and defendants in domestic

violence matters

• Ability to deliver services in accordance with the PISSAM polices and

procedures

• Recognition of the special needs of men, women,  and children who are disadvantaged,

particularly Pacific Islanders men, women, children and men, women, children with disabilities and men, women, children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds like the Pacific Islanders.  Majority of Pacific Islanders cannot converse in English and vice versa.

• Good communication, negotiation and networking skills

• Ability to work effectively with interpreters. And will be more ongoing training

 The Co-ordinator of the PISSAM and 1 assistant co-ordinator will work closely with the above people to reach a satisfactory outcome for the client.

• A well developed understanding and commitment to feminist principles.

• Understanding of Domestic Violence and its complexities

• Understanding of ADVOs and Court procedures.

• Proven Ability to work with non-government & government agencies,

• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to access and equity principles.

• Proven ability in advocacy and case management of clients

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment

• Well developed understanding of effective communication skills.

• Well developed computer skills.

• Core training in the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

• Experience working in the legal system and Courts.

• Experience in working with Police Local Area Commands

• Tertiary qualifications in related areas of community development and counselling.

ADVOCACY WORKER POSITION – CO-ORDINATOR/ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT ADVOCACY SERVICE (Anne Latu) one assistant to help the community service worker and advocacy worker

The Advocacy worker position with the

Parramatta, Burwood, Bankstown, Downing centre, Liverpool/Fairfield Youth’s, Women’s and Men’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

The above services Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service was established in a working partnership with David Cohen Solicitors and others  in 1995 and has been operating since and now we have elevated to start a full time program. We ask the Attorney General Department and legal Aid to fund this special program.

This program is highly needed especially with Pacific Islanders men, women and children has been in domestic violence and committed crimes and continues to be a program of its special needs progtram. The service is being auspice and managed by PISSAM  staffs drafting the PROGRAM. It currently provides services at ANY COURT.  As of 1^st August 2009 our services will expand to any court where we are requested.

We will provide the following services –

Information on Men's, Women’s, Children’s and Men’s Women's, children Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program and Services from required sources

The funding from the NSW Government Attorney General Department with our aim of the PISSAM PROGRAM is to assist men, women,and children the whole spectrum who may needed support and are looking for legal help.

Experiencing domestic violence to obtain legal protection through an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).Prior to our program a number of general Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes, as they were then known (MWDVCASs), had been operating through number of private solicitors, some paid for it themselves and some were approved Legal Aid throughout the Sydney Metropolitan region and in Parts of regional NSW. In most cases, Schemes operated without specific

Funding but in some cases received grants from other sources.

In July 2009 PISSAM PROGRAM were established under the Program to provide services

To all Local Courts where there are Pacific Islanders, multicultural and others  who have seek support with us and will be represented. In 2009 we ask the WDVCAP to fund our service to provide services in the Local Courts. Where Pacific Islanders will be represented. As services offered through the WDVCASs have developed and evolved, change in the name for the Schemes has been adopted and in 2008 they became known as Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services. On 8March 2007, the NSW Government announced an increase in funding of $2.6million in 2009/2010 to expand the Program bringing the total Program funding to around $6 million. As a result, the WDVCAP will be significantly expanded in 2009/10.

Coordinator;

• Develop working relationships and referral networks with local services that respond to the particular needs of women whom access the service;

Essential skills and knowledge

• Understanding of domestic violence and its complexities

• Knowledge and understanding of and ability to implement Legal Aid NSW WDVCAP principles, policies and procedures

• Knowledge of the criminal justice response to domestic violence, legislation in relation to ADVOs and criminal charges and processes for their implementation; basic understanding of the family law system, its impact on the administration of ADVO legislation and its implications for WDVCAS clients; some knowledge of Victims Compensation law

• Knowledge of Legal Aid NSW policies in respect of grants of legal aid for representation for persons in need of protection and defendants in domestic violence matters

• Ability to deliver services in accordance with the WDVCAP polices and

procedures

• Recognition of the special needs of women who are disadvantaged, particularly Aboriginal women, women with disabilities and women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

• Good communication, negotiation and networking skills

• Ability to work effectively with interpreters.

Accountability

To the Co-ordinator of the WDVCAS.

• A well developed understanding and commitment to feminist principles.

• Understanding of Domestic Violence and its complexities

• Understanding of ADVOs and Court procedures.

• Proven Ability to work with non-government & government agencies,

• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to access and equity principles.

• Proven ability in advocacy and case management of clients

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment

• Well developed understanding of effective communication skills.

• Well developed computer skills.

• Core training in the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

• Experience working in the legal system and Courts.

• Experience in working with Police Local Area Commands

• Tertiary qualifications in related areas of community development and counselling.

• Local knowledge of the Pacific Islanders Community in South West Sydney, Inner West Sydney, Eastern Sydney and its community service’s network

What is a good Pacific Islanders legal referral system?

Pacific Islanders Customers with legal problems will approach a variety of agencies, both legal and non legal, to seek assistance. Agencies may include community legal centres, courts, Legal Aid, libraries, private solicitors and barristers, the Law Society of NSW, dispute resolution agencies, government departments, community agencies, health professionals and private organisations. The legal referral system potentially includes any of these agencies that need to refer their client to another agency for additional assistance.

What is PACIFIC ISLANDERS effective legal referral?

In the context of community work referral is the handing over or passing on of a client to another organisations. Effective legal referral practice has the following components:

• Assists the customer to reach a suitable service provider with the least number of referrals
• Assists the customer to take appropriate action by providing tools
• Carries out the referral in a way that is appropriate to customer needs.
• Assist the customer to understand exactly what they are entering and how important that a good outcome to say exactly what happened.

Effective legal referral depends upon having an effective legal referral system, effective agencies within the system, staff that has the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to carry out the referral (referral competencies) and appropriate tools to assist staff.

What makes an effective legal referral system?

An effective legal referral system…

Meets the needs of clients

• helps people to recognise when they have a legal problem
• assists the customer to take appropriate action
• empowers and informs the customer
• ensures that the customer is referred to a suitable service provider with the least number of referrals
• has strategies for when agencies have reached capacity
• is flexible and can respond to changing circumstances
• advocates for the customer when necessary and appropriate
• is accessible to all clients e.g. clients with limited English, with disabilities, who don't use the phone
• treats customers in a culturally appropriate way
• has multiple entry points which provide consistent information e.g. internet, agencies, libraries, publications, face to face, phone, email.

Has skilled staff and is adequately resourced

• has staff who have appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes
• provides appropriate training for staff
• provides staff time to participate in networks
• does not put unrealistic demands on staff
• acknowledges the different levels of referral both within and between agencies
• has appropriate tools to support services and staff e.g. training packages, procedures, competencies, databases, up to date and comprehensive information.

Works together

• has a shared aim or mission
• has clearly defined roles and responsibilities for different types of agencies in the system e.g. courts, community legal centres
• shares a common language
• ensures that each agency knows what others do
• works across all relevant sectors
• builds relationships between service providers through strategies such as referral protocols
• shares expertise among service providers i.e. able to access an expert with specific legal expertise
• Has shared tools e.g. databases.

Knows about current service delivery

• feeds information about gaps in service provision into policy
• gathers and shares information and research into client needs and pathways to assist with planning and evaluation
• Monitors how well it is doing and acknowledges and learns from incorrect referrals.

Barriers to an effective referral system

• lacks availability of services
• lacks understanding of the legal system
• lacks coordination or shared information
• lacks adequate maintenance of the system
• lacks ability to deal with the various needs of clients enabling access to services e.g. clients with limited English, clients with low level literacy
• agencies which are inward looking
• Agencies which are under resourced.

What makes an effective legal referral agency?

For the legal referral system to be effective as a whole, each agency needs to be internally effective. Agencies have responsibility for the operation of their service in order that legal referral staffs are able to function effectively and competently. An effective agency within the legal referral system...

• provides access to training and professional development for all staff
• disseminates information to ensure staff are informed
• provides access to appropriate tools and resources
• provides supervision and support for staff
• maintains and implements policies and procedures for the operation of the service
• clearly defines roles within the agency including the responsibilities and accountabilities of each role
• Implements evaluation and feedback mechanisms to ensure continual improvement of service.
  

Anne Latu Court Coordinator PISSAM PROGRAM.

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