A series of forums aimed at bringing the community together to discuss pressing issues affecting Ballarat’s African community has been hailed a success.
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The Ballarat African Association worked with a number of organisations, including Ballarat’s proactive policing unit, to run four community forums throughout March, April and May.
Agencies, experts and community members worked towards solutions to problems around employment, child protection, drugs, alcohol, gambling and communication barriers.
The forums followed a festival in Febraury which helped to shine a more positive light on the African community and celebrate its many contributions.
BAA president Isaac Moses said the forums were a success, with up to 36 participants attending one workshop.
“The topic that never goes away is employment. It’s something (the African community) find difficult. If someone has the option to have a job, they can then provide for their children’s needs,” Mr Moses said.
“For Ballarat it’s improving a little bit. This is what is happening all the time. We will keep working on it.”
Another important issue raised in the workshops that needed to be addressed was a lack of communication between schools and families in relation to students, Mr Moses said.
“A few people are falling off school in Ballarat. We hope to have someone between family and school – to build that bridge,” he said.
“We need someone between the school and family who understands the culture, the culture of the community and the culture of the school.
“This will give families a bit of hope that there is someone there for them.”
Mr Moses said Australian-African violence in Melbourne reported earlier this year remained an issue outside Ballarat.
“That’s the understanding in the community, with social circles. We are Ballarat people, all of us.”
Organisations involved in the forum included Ballarat Community Health, Women’s Health Grampians, WRISC Family Violence Support, Berry Street Child and Family Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Mr Moses said the community forums would not have happened without the organisations’ support.
“We are thankful for the support of the organisations and the people who came to present. It helped out community members to have a more understanding about the issues,” he said.
To formally thank those who contributed to the forums, the BAA will host a dinner in July.
It will be held at the Sebastopol Bowling Club on Saturday, July 7, at no cost to guests.
