Media Releases

FECCA has thanked outgoing SBS Chairman Dr Hass Dellal AO for his contribution to multicultural Australia during his decade-long tenure on the SBS board.

FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos said multicultural Australia owed Dr Dellal a debt of gratitude.

“Dr Dellal’s stewardship of the organisation, especially over the past three years as Chairman, has solidified and strengthened SBS during challenging times for public broadcasting in Australia,” she said.

“Under Dr Dellal’s leadership SBS has ensured that the voices of many migrant communities, newly arrived refugees, and new and emerging communities have been effectively heard and represented on TV, radio and online.

“Dr Dellal understands the importance to culturally and linguistically diverse communities of seeing themselves represented in programming, and the positive affect that can have in terms of making people feel valued, safe and welcome in their chosen home.

“Over the years FECCA and SBS have partnered on many initiatives and Dr Dellal has been instrumental in helping strengthen the bond between our organisations so that together we can better serve multicultural Australia.

“I know that that strong partnership will continue for many, many years to come.

“On behalf of FECCA I warmly wish Dr Dellal all the very best for the next chapter of his personal and professional life.”

Contact: 0434 307 012 / media@fecca.org.au

FECCA has today welcomed the launch of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Dementia Research Action Plan, describing it as an important step towards equitable care for CALD Australians living with dementia.

The Action Plan was developed by The NHMRC National Institute of Dementia Research (NNIDR), in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and incorporated extensive consultation with community and advocacy groups, including FECCA.

The Action Plan identifies five research and translation needs for immediate action to:

• Identify effective ways to promote dementia risk reduction behaviours in CALD communities

• Increase the development and uptake of evidence-based, culture-fair tools for dementia screening and diagnosis in primary and acute care settings

• Inform ways to improve timely help-seeking for dementia in CALD communities

• Develop, test, and implement culturally-specific models of dementia care that improve access to care and quality of life for CALD persons with dementia and their carers

• Inform effective ways to train frontline health and care staff on how culture influences dementia, including through continuous professional development.

FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos said improved CALD inclusion in dementia research was critical in improving care outcomes.

“CALD Australians don’t have equitable access to aged care or dementia services for a whole range of reasons, including that many people who may have had good English language proficiency, lose this with dementia and revert to their original language,” She said.

“This leads to increased isolation and compounds some of the challenges associated with dementia, which is deeply concerning, especially given that one in three older Australians are from a CALD background.

“There is also a lower awareness of dementia among some CALD communities, which can lead to late diagnoses in many circumstances.

“Ensuring culturally and linguistically diverse Australians are included in a meaningful way in research is crucial if we are going to understand how to successfully deliver equitable care for CALD Australians living with dementia.

“This is why FECCA has been calling for better research and funding into dementia care for CALD Australians and why we were pleased to advise on the community consultations during the development of this Action Plan.”

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Dementia Research Action Plan launch video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO9KqGKg0lE

Translated Action Plans and more information is available here: https://www.nnidr.gov.au/research-and-funding/culturally-and-linguistically-diverse-dementia-research-action-plan

Contact: 0434 307 012 / media@fecca.org.au