Multilink-Logan

Ofa Fukofuka

CAMS Pacific Island Advocacy Program Leader
(07) 3214 7115 or 0406 992 491
ofa@multilink.org.au

Multilink Community Services
www.multilink.org.au

Full time, Monday-Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm

Key priorities

Utilizing the result of the University of Queensland research to investigate the impact of the changes in 2001 of the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement on the Pacific Island communities in Queensland with the CAMS network case studies to develop an advocacy strategy in response to the needs of the Pacific Island Communities
Work with the Pacific Island Community to develop a project on Community Fire Safety
Strengthen the linkage of the various Pacific Island community organisations to facilitate their development towards a more collaborative approach and a united front in dealing with issues that are faced by their various communities

Key priority areas for the next six months

1. Set up an overarching Pacific Island Community Organisation for Queensland

2. Prepare the advocacy submission on the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement

3 Put a framework in place to prepare for Talanoa Pisifika Conference 2013

CAMS showcase

Talanoa Pasifika Conference 2012

The Conference was held last Thursday 7^th and Friday 8^th June at Griffith University Logan Campus. The Conference was a great success with attendance from Government and Non-government service providers, Academic Institution of Queensland including speakers from the Australian National University and Victoria University Melbourne and the Pacific Island communities of South East Queensland, Northern Queensland including Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg and also New South Wales.

Well done to the organising team which was made up of CAMS workers, service providers and community representatives. We hope we can build on the success of this year, and ensure it is going to be a regular event.

The Conference was the CAMS State-wide Pacific Island Advocacy Program Leader initiated project.

Community development

A member of the advisory committee for the Good Start Program for Pacific Islander and Maori Children to work with a number of different communities in Metropolitan Brisbane to develop, deliver and evaluate culturally tailored healthy eating, physical activities and healthy lifestyle education sessions to the parents and carers.
Continue working with Brisbane City Council community development officers to facilitate the development of the Pacific Island Reference Group as one of the umbrella organization for the Pacific Island communities
Work with the Metropolitan South Police Reference Group to run information sessions with the various Pacific Island Communities in an effort to reduce Pacific Island youg people susceptibility to engage in risk behaviour including substance abuse and crime
Work with Pacific Island community and service providers on the outcome of the “Talanoa Pasifika” Community Conference which was at Griffith University, Logan Campus on 7th and 8th June 2012 to develop effective strategies to address areas of need in the Pacific Island communities throughout Queensland

Current Advocacy

Utilise the result of the University of Queensland research to investigate the impact of the changes in 2001 of the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement on the Pacific Island communities in Queensland with the CAMS network case studies to develop an advocacy response to the needs of the Pacific Island Communities

New and emerging issues

The Pacific Island Advocacy coordinator is managing a Diversity and Social Cohesion project ‘Logan Alive’ aims at promoting inter-community harmony and understanding. The project stem from events involving Pacific Island and African young people. The project works with combine community leaders, and combines music and food as a mechanism to achieve its aims.

Updates from networks and working groups

Convene the Queensland Pacific Island Workers Network (QPIWN) which meets monthly to share information and to work cooporately on member’s project. Quarterly combine meeting with Pacific Indigenous Nations Network (PINN) which is base in the Gold Coast to do the same.

Photos of the Talanoa Pasifika Conference

Opening Ceremony Flags of the Pacific by Youth

Opening Ceremony Keynote Speaker Dr Tracie Mafile’o

Workshop with Elaine Seeto

Previous updates

January 2012
July 2011
January 2011
July 2010
Profile updated June 2012.