Media Releases

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has launched a new toolkit designed to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older Australians and their families and carers tell their stories to the Aged Care Royal Commission in their own language – in writing, by phone, or by sending in a recording.

The toolkit provides talking points for organisations and families to have conversations with older CALD people explaining:

• what the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety is and how it works
• why it is important that the Royal Commission hears from CALD Australians
• how to tell the Royal Commission about their experience in their own language.

FECCA Chairperson, Ms Mary Patetsos, said it was crucial that ageing CALD Australians have their voices heard at the Royal Commission.

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care is about identifying what is working well in the provision of aged care and what needs to change and improve.

“We know from our members that the need for culturally appropriate aged care for older people from ethnically diverse backgrounds is really important.

“We also need to make sure that those in aged care who may no longer have strong English language skills can share their stories in their own languages. FECCA is grateful that the Royal Commission is accepting submissions in languages other than English.

“We encourage all people from CALD backgrounds with an experience of the aged care system to make a submission, to give voice to their experiences and inform the recommendations of the Royal Commission.”

FECCA acknowledges the Commonwealth Department of Health for providing funding support for this project.

To download the toolkit, conversation cards and submission forms visit www.fecca.org.au/acrc

To order a free hard copy phone 02 682 5755 or email admin@fecca.org.au

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is the peak national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

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

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has welcomed the Senate’s categorical rejection of Pauline Hanson’s proposed plebiscite on immigration, after the Bill was voted down 54 to 2.

FECCA Chairperson Ms Mary Patetsos said the last thing Australia needed was a divisive public debate on immigration.

“The only thing Pauline Hanson’s plebiscite would achieve would be to divide Australia at a time when we should be looking for ways to bring our communities closer together,” she said.

“Ms Hanson’s Bill is also based on a number of assumptions that are completely untrue.

“Far from having a negative impact on the lifestyle we enjoy as Australians, a structured immigration program grows our economy and our taxation base, making Australia stronger and improving standards of living.

“The 2016 Productivity Commission report on migrant intake found that maintaining Net Overseas Migration at historical average levels would increase GDP per person by about 7 per cent by 2060.

“That means more funding for our hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure.

“Importantly, migrants also make our society richer, bringing with them their histories, food, events and customs, and sharing them with our communities.

“Migrants make our cities and towns more vibrant and more inviting, contributing to what makes Australia one of the most desirable places in the world to live.”

FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

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

The contribution of migrants to Australian society and culture will be celebrated tonight at a special event in Hobart to mark 40 years of advocacy by two peak bodies representing the nation’s ethnic communities.

The event, to be held at Government House in Hobart, will celebrate 40 years of advocacy by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT), who, along with affiliate organisations in other states, have been consistent voices for equity for all people from culturally and ethnically diverse background.

The event will be hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC and will be attended by approximately 200 people, including Members of Parliament and key community leaders.

Officials from both organisations will also take the opportunity to ‘prelaunch’ the 2019 FECCA biennial conference, titled PURPOSE. LEADERSHIP. PROGRESS: 40 years and beyond, to be hosted by the Multicultural Council of Tasmania in Hobart on 9-11 Oct 2019.

The Tasmanian Government has provided $50,000 in funding to co-host the event.

MCOT Chairperson Waqas Durrani said it is important to recognise the achievements of both organisations over 40 years.

“FECCA and MCOT have provided crucial advocacy to State and Federal Governments, ensuring the perspectives of Australia’s migrant communities have been considered in the formulation of public policy.

“There is still so much to do to bring Australia’s diverse communities closer together, evidenced by what appears to be an increase in racism and hate speech in public discourse.

“The FECCA biennial conference in October is an opportunity to discuss these and other challenges, and to set a course for the years ahead.

“The conference is expected to bring up to 500 people to Tasmania across three days, including leading academics, Federal and State Government representatives and community leaders from across the country, which will showcase Hobart and contribute almost $1 million to the local economy.”

Anyone interested in registering to attend the conference is encouraged to do so online at https://fecca2019.com.au/

Contact: media@fecca.org.au