International Day for Human Rights

The Commissioner for Equal Opportunity together with the Youth Affairs Council of WA and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, invite you to celebrate the 2016 International Day for Human Rights with keynote speaker Tammy Solonec, Indigenous Rights Manager, Amnesty Australia.

Hear from a panel of young Australians who will share their experiences, followed by a Q&A session to discuss issues of discrimination, inequality and human rights issues affecting youth from a diversity of background and circumstances, including issues:

• Migrants and refugees
• Aboriginal Australians
• Living with an impairment and/or disability including mental illness
• LBGTI diversity

The Q&A session session will be followed by tea, coffee and light refreshments and an opportunity to speak with the panelists. This free event is ideal for anyone interested or involved in youth advocacy for human rights issues and equal opportunity.

When: Monday 12 December, 4pm to 6pm

Where: Level 1, 97 William Street, Perth

To book your place click here

For further information contact Equal Opportunity Commission Ph. 9216 3900 or email eoc@eoc.wa.gov.au

Human Trafficking Forum

The Australian Red Cross is partnering with Anti-Slavery Australia and ACRATH to deliver the Human Trafficking Forum on the 7th of December.

The forum aims to deliver an insight into human trafficking in Australia, give an overview of the Australian Federal Police work in this area, and provide an opportunity to learn about the issue of child sexual exploitation in Bali, Indonesia.

The presenters for this forum are:

• Jennifer Burn- Director of Anti Slavery Australia
• Carly Smith- Australian Federal Police
• Jen Ellis- Youth with a Mission

When: Wednesday 7th December, 9.30am to 11.30am

Where: Australian Red Cross, Council Room, 110 Goderich Street, East Perth

RSVP on or before Monday, the 5th of December (before noon).

YACWA's Pre-Budget Submission

On the 18th November, YACWA was proud to launch their inaugural Pre-Budget Submission in front of a crowd of members and friends. The development of this document has formed a large part of their policy work over the last few months, and has seen a large consultation undertaken with members, youth workers, young people and the youth sector. It has culminated in the document that was launched,  outlining the areas YACWA wants government to address as a priority, with evidence-based solutions presented on behalf of our members and those we consulted with.

MYAN WA was pleased to provide input into the development of this document which contains recommendations that relate to young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. We encourage you to read through this document and use it in your advocacy leading up to the State election next year.

The Global Refugee Youth Consultations in Australia Report

Young people from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds have enormous potential to be active participants in and contributors to Australian society but commonly face a range of barriers that results in their voices being marginalised in policy and practice.

As part of a global project that aims to amplify refugee youth voices in decisions that affect them, earlier this year more than 500 young people from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds (aged 15-24) participated in consultations across Australia.

Participants spoke about the challenges young people seeking asylum and who are recognised refugees face, both prior to and after arriving in Australia. They shared their issues of concern and identified a range of solutions and recommendations for addressing these.

Last week in Canberra UNHCR's Regional Representative, Thomas Albrecht, launched Speaking Up: The Global Refugee Youth Consultations in Australia Report. This report presents the voices and recommendations of those young people from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds who took part in these consultations and contributes to national and international advocacy on issues for refugee and asylum seeking young people.

Download the SPEAKING UP report here

Desmond Tutu reconciliation fellowship

Global Reconciliation is calling for nominations for candidates to be considered for the 2017 Desmond Tutu Reconciliation Fellowship.  This will be awarded to someone who demonstrates, effective on-the-ground achievements in reconciliation with displaced people and those seeking asylum.

Nominations should be made before the end of the 2016 calendar year. Click here to nominate or find out more. 

Australia-ASEAN emerging leaders program 2017

Applications are now open! 

The Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) brings together ten social entrepreneurs from South-East Asia and five from Australia to incubate new projects and professional connections across the region. Participation is fully funded, including travel and accommodation in Australia for an eight-day learning and development intensive in March 2017 delivered by Asialink and the Carlton Connect Initiative.

The program was announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the ASEAN-Australia Summit earlier this year. It was initiated by the Australia-ASEAN Council (AAC) and is supported by the AAC, the Australia Global Alumni (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and the University of Melbourne. 

To find out more click here

Coordinator Youth Services North

The Youth and Homelessness service area within MercyCare are seeking a dynamic, values based leader to join our leadership team in the full time role of Co-ordinator Youth Services North.

The Co-ordinator Youth Services North is responsible for day to day operations of the programs within Youth and Homelessness based from Mirrabooka office and for the region north of the river. These programs include Aboriginal Youth Services (AYS), Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS), Reconnect and Education and Training Participation Plan (ETPP).

The Co-ordinator Youth Services North will oversee case management for young people and adults, human resources, monitoring of financial resources, reporting, ongoing program development and continuous improvement processes.

Please visit the website to view the position description and to apply. Applications close 8 December.

Impact of migration on Chinese living in Australia

Researchers at Curtin University are conducting a survey to understand how people with Chinese background can achieve better well-being in the Western context. In appreciation of your time, you can enter a draw to win one of five Coles/Myer vouchers. The survey takes 20 minutes. 

To complete the survey, click here