Johnny Dastidar -

Supporting Fair Canberra Inc. Through a Bunnings Fundraiser Event

Fair Canberra Inc in partnership with the University of Canberra embarked on a project in late 2022 and early 2023 to hear from parents and grandparents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children about their concerns and suggestions about keeping children safe online.

Parenting in the digital age poses a new challenge for parents. It requires a new knowledge, shared experiences and appropriate strategies to get the best out of the digital world and to also safeguard against its negative effect and consequences for children. There is a need for effective parental interventions appropriate for Indigenous parents.The project is addressing this critical gap through the design and development of appropriate intervention for Indigenous communities. More about the project can be found at:

https://www.canberra.edu.au/abpout-uc/facilities/SciTech/research/rc-disc/CIRI-Project-Flyer_v4.pdf
A series of yarning circles involving parents and grandparents were organised in December 2022 and February 2023 to provide an opportunity to discuss concerns about protecting children online. The yarning circles were designed to be safe places for a frank discussion between parents about the concerns they may share about how to protect their children in cyber space. Dr Wayne Applebee (Kamilaroi man and a senior lecturer in Indigenous Specialisation at the University of Canberra) facilitated the yarning circles. He was supported by Daisy Matsika and Dr Ahmed Imran from Fair Canberra Inc.

Fostering Legal Aid Awareness Through an Appreciative Leadership Workshop

Fair Canberra Inc in partnership with the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services Australia Inc hosted the ‘Legal Aid and Appreciative Leadership Workshop; on 17 June 2023 at the Hellenic Club.

The Workshop provided an opportunity for newly arrived migrants and refugees to learn about their rights in relation to ‘visas’ and ‘tenancy’ and to ask questions about any specific issues they may have in these two subject areas.

Participants were also provided with information during the second part of the Workshop about productive patterns of interactions and how to identify the working and stakeholder relationships important to their success, including identifying roles, responsibilities and expectations.

Thank you to the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services for the provision of lunch to the participants at this event.

Empowering Students with a Back-to-School Supplies Program

Fair Canberra Inc was delighted to respond to a request from Dickson College to provide back packs with school supplies to 60 migrant students. The back packs with back-to-school supplies were handed over at an event at Dickson College on 9 February 2023.
Fair Canberra Inc gave an undertaking to provide much needed school supplies to migrant students as they enrol at Dickson College throughout 2023.
Dr Krishna Nadimpalli OAM, Nic Manikis and Daisy Matsika (Executive Committee members Fair Canberra Inc) and Cay Merritt (member Fair Canberra Inc) participated in the handing over event along with 60 students, the Principal and teachers of Dickson College. Thank you to Dr Nadimpalli who hosted the luncheon for the students and guests at this event.

Empowering Canberra's Homeless with Real-Time Support and Local Contributions through the HomelessAssist App

Fair Canberra Inc recognises that Canberra lacks a digital solution to provide critical and dynamically updated and real time resource information to the homeless population in our community. The HomelessAssist App is a mobile application with a primary purpose of assisting homeless people in Canberra with information about free resources and supports available around them. The App will provide a platform for local businesses and individuals with the opportunity to promote and manage the resources they wish to make time available direct to homes and other disadvantaged Canberrans. They will have the ability to broadcast the availability of these resources in real time.

Fair Canberra Inc thanks the University of Canberra for working collaboratively with our organisation to make this App a reality and, in doing so, improving the lives of hundreds of homeless people in Canberra. During the reporting period 2021-2022, Fair Canberra Inc continued its work with the University of Canberra to fine tune the technical aspects of the HomelessAssist App that will assist vulnerable individuals in our community, in particular, Canberrans who are homeless.

The main objectives of the HomelessApp are to have a technological system solution through which homeless and other disadvantaged Canberrans will be able to seek and receive services through a user-friendly system with dignity; local businesses in Canberra will be able to offer their services for free to homeless Canberrans through the App as part of their social responsibility; individual donors will be able to donate to support Fair Canberra Inc to help the homeless through this App; important identity documents of homeless Canberrans can be stored on this App so that they can be readily accessible at all times by the respective individual. This will avoid the lengthy time and challenging processes of recreating these important documents if hard copies are lost; and homeless Canberrans’ needs can be quickly linked to relevant service providers in the ACT.

Advocacy that makes a difference- Our Commitment to Bettering Lives

Fair Canberra Inc is a thriving advocate dedicated to building an inclusive and fair environment in the Australian Capital Territory. We ensure the views of different community members are heard and promote for inclusive policies and programmes in Canberra, striving for fair treatment for all members of the community, with a special emphasis on representing individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

We collaborate to achieve the organization’s objective by drawing on our different backgrounds and talents. Supporters and sponsors, such as The Hellenic Club of Canberra, DR Print and others, help the programmes succeed by encouraging people to become members, volunteers, donors or corporate partners. In addition, through projects like the Parents and Children Cyber Safety Yarning Circles in collaboration with the University of Canberra, we strive to fill key gaps in the digital era, such as the need for effective interventions for Indigenous communities.

Voices heard, lives improved- Our Engagement with Communities

Fair Canberra Inc. supports multicultural communities through activities such as the Mental Wellness Workshop and the Parents and Children Cyber Safety Yarning Circles, which address critical challenges in the digital era. Our involvement extends to educational help like Back-to-School Supplies Programme, which provided migrant pupils with backpacks and supplies.
We demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and community welfare by supporting Commonwealth Day Celebrations and Africa in the Park, both of which emphasise diversity and unity. The Hellenic Club of Canberra, the University of Canberra, DR Print, Iconic Mortgage Solutions, Region Media (RiotACT) and Nim Osborne Real Estate have all contributed financially to the success of our programmes and events. Our participation, whether through membership, volunteering, donations, or corporate collaborations, indicates our desire for ongoing community,
support and collaboration in the coming years.

Empowering CALD- Our Inclusive Community Initiatives

Fair Canberra Inc. organised and supported a number of events, including a major Photographic Cultural Exhibition commemorating Australia-China diplomatic relations 50th anniversary. We support multicultural events such as the Africa in the Park Festival and the Commonwealth Day Celebrations. We work on addressing the current issues by hosting events such as the Parents and Children Cyber Safety – Yarning Circles initiative, participating in mental health workshops, and facilitating a Legal Aid and Appreciative Leadership Workshop to promote an open and supportive community in Canberra. We have also distributed back-to-school supplies, supported cultural events and actively participated in fundraising efforts.

Together We can Make a Difference, Donate to Fair Canberra

Fair Canberra Inc is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all Canberrans, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Your donation to Fair Canberra Inc supports their advocacy, policy development, and community programs that make a positive impact. Together, we can foster diversity, eliminate discrimination, and help every member of our community reach their full potential. Join us in building a fairer future – one donation at a time.

To make a donation, contact the Treasurer ([email protected])

Fostering Diversity and Unity: Fair Canberra Inc's Financial Support for Commonwealth Day Celebration

Fair Canberra Inc was delighted to financially support the celebrations for the Commonwealth Day on 13 March 2023. The event included choirs and participation of faith organisations including, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Jian, Buddhist, Sikh and Bahai’.

The celebration took place in the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture chapel in Barton ACT and was attended by Nic Manikis and Toa Takiari (Executive Committee Members of Fair Canberra Inc).

Fair Canberra Inc supports the celebration as it aligns with the values of Fair Canberra Inc – that is, the objective of the Commonwealth Day celebration is to demonstrate that the Commonwealth is an inherently diverse and inclusive institution, both multicultural/multi- ethnic and multi-religious.

Fostering Mental Well-Being and Knowledge Exchange

A Multicultural Workshop Fostering Mental Well-Being and Knowledge Exchange

Fair Canberra Inc, in collaboration with The Art of Living and Born to Shine – Cay Merritt, organized the Mental Wellness Workshop on February 25, 2023, bringing together around 80 members from diverse multicultural community groups.

The workshop delved into the various ways different cultures prioritize and maintain mental well-being within their respective communities. Attendees actively engaged in presentations highlighting the numerous benefits of practices such as Tai Chi (Chinese), yoga (Indian), meditation, and kava (Pacific Islands). Furthermore, the event featured insights from individuals with personal experiences of mental health challenges and experts in the field. Nim Osborne, an Executive Committee member, also delivered a presentation on the causes and treatment of Lymphoedema, which was well-received. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants has led to requests for the workshop to be conducted again later in 2023, emphasizing its importance and impact on the community.

Promoting Kava Culture and Community Engagement

Fair Canberra Inc’s Remarkable Initiatives and Achievementsin Promoting Kava Culture and Community Engagement.

A significant number of Fair Canberra Inc’s members hail from Pacific Island communities and have a profound cultural connection to the subject of kava. Fair Canberra Inc takes pride in successfully organizing the National Kava Forum on June 18, 2021, held at the Hellenic Club in Woden. The resulting report comprises 18 recommendations and valuable insights designed to assist decision-makers responsible for shaping kava-related policies. This comprehensive report was disseminated to relevant community organizations and government agencies and was made accessible on the Fair Canberra Inc website by September 2021. In February 2022, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, acting on behalf of the Australian Government, responded to the 18 recommendations (attached in
Annual Report 2021-2022).

The recent decision by the Federal Government to lift restrictions on the commercial
importation of kava into Australia on a two-year trial basis made it possible to establish a kava lounge in 2022. Fair Canberra Inc lent its support to one of its members, Mr Faonetapu Takiari, to launch Canberra's (and possibly Australia's) first kava lounge at the RUC Club in Turner ACT in April 2022. Mr Takiari is also the Managing Director Kava and Co Australia.

The kava lounge serves as a pivotal cultural and social hub for the local community. It caters to both Pacific Islanders and the broader community, fostering cultural connections and social interactions. Fair Canberra Inc takes great pleasure in having played a role in facilitating the launch of the kava lounge at the RUC Club. This initiative marked a significant step in concluding the kava community engagement process commenced in 2021 with the National Kava Forum.

Africa in the Park

Africa in the Park is a special activity on Canberra’s calendar of events. Fair Canberra Inc once again financially supported the African members of Fair Canberra Inc to participate in the event in early 2023. Several Executive Committee members (Toa Takiari and Daisy Matsika) also attended the event.

Fair Canberra Inc Annual General Meeting (2022)

The fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) (2022) for Fair Canberra Inc was held on 19 November 2022 in the Hall Room of the Gungahlin Uniting Church and Community Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre.
According to the Fair Canberra Inc Constitution, office bearers and executive committee members are elected every two years (the 2020 AGM was the last election meeting) – new executive committee members and office bearers were elected at this AGM (19 November 2022).

The 2022 AGM provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the limited number of activities and programs undertaken by Fair Canberra Inc during the 2021-22 reporting year.

At the AGM the departing President (Mr Nic Manikis) highlighted the following activities undertaken by Fair Canberra Inc in 2021-22:
a. conducted the fourth Annual General Meeting on 19 February 2022 (deferred from November 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions) and held elections for office bearers and other executive committee members;

b. the successful staging of the ‘Cyber Safety Seminar’ for parents from multicultural and Indigenous communities. The seminar was conducted on 26 June 2022 at the Lake Ginninderra College Auditorium Belconnen.
Approximately 75 registered parents attended the seminar which was jointly organised by Fair Canberra Inc and the Research Cluster of Digital Inequality and Social Change (RCDISC) from the University of Canberra, supported by the ACT Government and the ACT Language Schools Association.

c. Sabrina Melo and Daisy Matsika (Executive Committee members Fair Canberra Inc) delivered an excellent presentation to the First International Symposium on Digital Inequality and Social Change held at the University of Canberra on 28-29 March 2022. The presentation provided the audience with a brief contextual talk about the
work undertaken by Fair Canberra Inc before outlining a more detailed account on four technology based initiatives that have an impact on the well-being of three cohorts in our community – people living on the streets, senior Canberrans who wish to learn to navigate access to online access to services, and parents of children with
access to internet wanting to know how to protect them from online abuse and other undesirable actions over the internet.

d. At the AGM, the President outlined the range of members’ cultural activities supported by Fair Canberra Inc through the provision of promotion and funds:

 Africa in the Park on 23 April 2022
 60 th Anniversary celebrations of the local Samoan community
 Tongan Tsunami Relief Effort

The President also outlined some activities for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023.
At the conclusion of the AGM the meeting was handed over to Mr Kanti Jinna OAM, Chair of the election committee, who described the process that was put in place to ensure that every member had an opportunity to nominate or be nominated for the vacant Executive Committee positions, including for Office Bearers.

Mr Jinna informed members that the election committee had received nominations for one person for each of the vacant Office Bearer positions and five additional nominations for the vacant positions by the due date.

Mr Jinna read out the names of those nominated as follows:

Office Bearers:

President: Dr Krishna Nadimpalli OAM
Vice President: Toa Takiari
Treasurer: Nim Osborne
Secretary: Kofi Osei Bonsu

Executive Committee Members:
Sabrina Melo
Daisy Matsika
Prasonjit Dastidar
Sohail Khan
Emie Jiang

In addition, as per the Constitution, Mr Jinna acknowledged Mr Nic Manikis (Founder &; Inaugural President Fair Canberra Inc) as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.

Borhan Ahmed (founding Member & former Treasurer) was appointed as the Public Officer for Fair Canberra Inc for the period 2022-2024. Dr Ahmed Imran was appointed as Chair, Advocacy, Strategic Policy and Program Sub Committee.

Photographic & Cultural Exhibition

The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China, spanning from 1972 -2022.

Fair Canberra Inc together with the Australia-China Economic and Cultural Promotions Inc and Australian Guangxi Friendship Association Inc organised the ‘Photographic & Cultural Exhibition’ to mark the 50 th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China (1972-2022).

Emie Jiang (Executive Committee member of Fair Canberra Inc) was instrumental in the planning and ultimate success of the event.

The Exhibition was held from 28 to 30 October 2022 at the Ainslie Football Club (52 Wakefield Avenue Ainslie ACT). The photographic and cultural exhibition reflected the significant achievements and friendships forged over the past 50 years in trade, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.

Over 250 people participated in the opening ceremony which was officiated by Ms Joy Burch MLA (Speaker ACT Legislative Assembly) and the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Mr Xiao Qian. Also in attendance at the event were Ms Emma Davidson MLA and Mr Andrew Braddock MLA as well as many other community leaders.

Engaging in Yarning Circles to Promote Cyber Safety Among Parents and Children

Fair Canberra Inc in partnership with the University of Canberra embarked on a project in late 2022 and early 2023 to hear from parents and grandparents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children about their concerns and suggestions about keeping children safe online.
Parenting in the digital age poses a new challenge for parents.
It requires a new knowledge, shared experiences and appropriate strategies to get the best out of the digital world and to also safeguard against its negative effect and consequences for children.
There is a need for effective parental interventions appropriate for Indigenous parents.
The project is addressing this critical gap through the design and development of appropriate intervention for Indigenous communities. More about the project can be found at:
https://www.canberra.edu.au/abpout-uc/facilities/SciTech/research/rc-disc/CIRI-Project-
Flyer_v4.pdf
A series of yarning circles involving parents and grandparents were organised in December 2022 and February 2023 to provide an opportunity to discuss concerns about protecting children online. The yarning circles were designed to be safe places for a frank discussion between parents about the concerns they may share about how to protect their children in cyber space.
Dr Wayne Applebee (Kamilaroi man and a senior lecturer in Indigenous Specialisation at the University of Canberra) facilitated the yarning circles. He was supported by Daisy Matsika and Dr Ahmed Imran from Fair Canberra Inc.

Mental Wellness Workshop

Fair Canberra Inc (in partnership with The Art of Living and Born to Shine – Cay Merritt) hosted the ‘Mental Wellness Workshop’ on 25 February 2023 for some 80 members of various multicultural community Groups.
The Workshop explored ways different cultures maintain mental well-being in their respective populations. Participants enjoyed interactive presentations on the positive benefits of Tai Chi (Chinese), yoga (Indian), meditation and kava (Pacific Islands).
The Workshop also heard from people with lived experience of mental illness and from mental health experts. Participants also appreciated a brief presentation by Nim Osborne (Executive Committee member) on the causes and
treatment of Lymphoedema.
Participants provided positive feedback about the Workshop and asked for it to be held again later in 2023.