Community consultation: the Horn of Africa Communities' contribution to Australian society

A community consultation examining the social, economic, political and documentation of the contribution made to Australian society by the Horn of Africa Communities is being held on Saturday 3 May 2008 in Sydney.

The Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency, HARDA, in partnership with the Center for Refugee Research, University of New South Wales, Refugee Council of Australia, Society for the Treatment and rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors "STARTTS" Edmond Rice Center "ERC" Sisters of Charity are undertaking a project regarding the Horn of Africa Communities residing in Australia.

The first phase of this project will focus on Sydney and its outskirts, while the second phase will focus on rural areas around NSW rural area. The final phase will be directed to the other states.

The organisers of this event say that refugee communities from Horn of Africa were dealt a significant blow in September 2007, when the then Minister for Immigration released a press release accusing the Horn of Africa communities of not integrating well into Australian Society.

Therefore this project aims to identify the various factors which contribute to these outcomes. It will explore ways in which to capitalise on resilience to ensure that refugee from Horn of Africa receive the optimum opportunity for successful settlement in Australia.

The specific aims of this project are to establish a framework to examine the social, economic, political and documentation of the contribution made to Australian society by the Horn of Africa Communities.

The research also aims to examine the settlement needs of refugees from protracted refugee situation, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable population.

In the 10 years since previous local research on Horn of Africa Communities: "Remake our World" by Andrew Bruce, much has changed in the social and political landscapes of Australia and world in general.

This survey will be the first detailed survey of Horn of Africa communities in Australia to be initiated and conducted by several organisations and organisation drawn from Horn of Africa Communities. It is large and complex project, and those behind this project are encouraging people from the Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, D'jabuti and Somalia to participate.

Community members and Horn of Africa Community organization are requested to attend this consultation

The organisers have tentatively booked the Auburn Town Hall & Exhibition Gallery for Community Consultation.

Saturday 3rd May 2008 from 9 am and 5pm.

For furtherinformation contact the Public Affairs Coordinator at STARTTS, Rebecca Hinchey - 02 9794 1966

or email directly: rebecca.hinchey@sswahs.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.startts.org.au