Caitlin So completed her student placement with ADS from February to July 2024. Her time at ADS was a great opportunity to develop her skills and make meaningful connections with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
What drew you to volunteer and/or to do your student placement with ADS?
When asked what my areas of interest were for my first social work placement, I said that I was interested in working within the community. I was then assigned to Advance Diversity Services and realised that the diversity and values of the organisation was going to be a good place for me to learn and develop my skills as a social worker.
What are you studying and where?
I am in my third year of Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at University of New South Wales.
After a professional styling session at ‘Dress for Success,’ Caitlin is ready to make a great first impression.
How has your personal history and/or your cultural background informed your work with ADS?
I was born and raised in Australia; however, my mother is a refugee from Cambodia and my father migrated from Macau when he was 8 years old. Growing up, I had the privilege of being part of different communities, however I always felt a little displaced. Being able to work at ADS has allowed me to further grow my identity and connect with CALD communities. My own experiences and the theoretical knowledge I have gained from university has informed my practice at ADS by being empathetic and culturally receptive.
What ADS programs have you assisted with and how have you been encouraged to apply your studies and/or expand your skills in your role?
I have had the privilege of working with a number of individuals on the Settlement team. I mainly supported the Specialised Intensive Services program (SIS) in case management. The SIS program allowed me to expand my knowledge of settlement and services in Australia. I also supported the Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) program. These programs showed me how ADS values the strengths of their clients and communities and works hard towards supporting and empowering them. I also helped organise the Refugee Week event where we held a Multicultural Poetry Slam at Hurstville Library.
Caitlin addressing the audience with insight and passion at the recent Refugee Week poetry event, which she co-organised.
What has been the most challenging work you have done with ADS during your time as a volunteer / student?
Being part of the SIS program opened my eyes to the systemic issues within our society. It was challenging to clearly see the barriers that newly arrived migrants and vulnerable communities have to face. It was also challenging to see the lack of support, funding and empathy from other services and programs.
What strengths have you brought to your role / placement?
My main strength has been my empathy, being able to listen and strengthen my interpersonal communication skills. Having these skills allowed me to exercise my patience and build a trusting connection with clients.
What has been your proudest moment, greatest achievement, deepest connection in your time at ADS?
My proudest moment at ADS was being able to be part of the ADS Refugee Week Multicultural Poetry Slam. Working closely with the Community Capacity Building Coordinator and Georges River Council allowed me to strengthen my skills in community organising and event planning. The event was truly inspiring with multiple poets speaking their stories in language. Being able to create a safe and welcoming space for the poets and attendees made me feel especially proud to be working at ADS with like-minded people.
“Be You With Us” is ADS’ tagline, and it reflects the organisation’s commitment to welcoming and accepting everyone of all ages, gender, culture, sexuality, and religious beliefs. How have you been encouraged to “Be You With Us” during your time with ADS?
Throughout my time at ADS, I have been encouraged to speak up, take lead and be myself. From organising Refugee Week to our lunchroom chats, being at ADS made me feel safe and comfortable to express myself.
Caitlin attended the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Anti-Racism Forum in Bayside, April 2024
What more should the Australian Government be doing to welcome migrants and refugees and to ensure they find the support they need to adjust quickly and well to life in Australia?
It is easy to make judgments on the Government and the policies they implement. While I do believe they should be doing more in terms of funding programs and support, I believe it is up to all of us as a society in Australia to be more welcoming, empathetic and supportive to newly arrived migrants and refugees.
What is your ultimate goal and how has the work you’ve done with ADS equipped you for what you would like to do next?
My goal as a social worker is to be an advocate for vulnerable communities and support individuals through the complex systems and policies of society. I hope that my skills and knowledge can be utilised to support and empower individuals and make a systemic change together.
Please finish this sentence: I love ADS because …
…of the dedication and support provided to the communities and clients.
Sharing stories and a meal with the ADS settlement team at lunchtime is always a delight.
Over the past year, the Chinese community in Sutherland Shire has made remarkable achievements and vibrant cultural contributions. Through Advance Diversity Services (ADS) and the Sutherland Shire Chinese Language Social Support Group, a dynamic group of active and spirited Chinese seniors has shared their exceptional talents, unwavering enthusiasm and rich cultural heritage with the diverse local community.
Supported by a 12-month grant from the Sutherland Shire Council, these seniors have thrived in a welcoming space where older people from Chinese-speaking backgrounds can connect, engage and flourish. Meeting fortnightly at the Jannali Community Centre, the group benefits from the guidance of our dedicated Chinese-speaking coordinator, Ronnie Wang, and is sustained by a team of enthusiastic volunteers from the group. This lively environment has led to the formation of various subgroups, including an orchestra, ensemble groups, singing groups, dancing groups and a Tai Chi group.
The Sutherland Shire Chinese Language Social Support Group has flourished over the past year.
Each session combined informative discussions with cultural activities and social interactions to enhance community participation and well-being. Topics covered in information sessions included palliative care, solar energy, mental health, domestic and family violence, fitness and cancer screening sessions. Cultural activities and well-being initiatives featured Tai Chi, a Harmony Day excursion in the Royal National Park, and celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Some of the many talented group members who performed at the 2024 Lunar New Year Festival.
One of the standout events of 2024 was the Lunar New Year Festival held on January 31. Over 60 attendees, including distinguished guests such as the Honourable Dr. Sarah Kaine (Member of the Legislative Council), Maryanne Stuart (State Member for Heathcote) and Jessica Wei from the Premier’s office, were treated to a showcase of extraordinary artistic talent highlighting the richness of Chinese culture and the exceptional talent within our community.
State member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, taking part in the 2024 Lunar New Year Festival.
Throughout the year, the Support Group has fostered meaningful relationships and nurtured a deep sense of belonging. Participants have connected with others who share similar backgrounds, experiences and interests, forming lasting friendships that have significantly contributed to their overall well-being. The group’s expanding reputation is attracting an increasing number of newcomers.
As the group moves into its second year, there is growing interest among members to continue providing this vital service to the Sutherland Chinese community, where members can gather to learn new skills while sharing and celebrating their traditional and cultural talents. This commitment reflects the strength, resilience and unity of these extraordinary Chinese seniors. ADS is dedicated to supporting the group, ensuring it remains a vibrant space where unique talents are showcased, culture is celebrated and every individual feels valued and connected.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Ronnie Wang at (02) 9597 5455 or email ronnie@advancediversity.org.au
In a world defined by rising geopolitical tension and challenges, the ADS Refugee Week Poetry Slam provided a moment of reflection through spoken word poetry performances. Poets from diverse cultural backgrounds pushed the boundaries of language to explore themes of loss, hope and resistance. This unique platform offered a safe space for an artistic, cultural and intergenerational exchange. As poet, Elizabeth Mora, reflected after the event, ‘I have never felt so at home in my local community’.
Rob Waters – Australian Poetry Slam Champion 2023
We were deeply honoured to have Rob Waters – a poet, storyteller, cultural educator and spoken word artist – open the night. As a Gomeroi man deeply connected to the north-west of New South Wales, Rob uses poetry as a captivating vehicle for storytelling. In a true masterclass in reclaiming power through spoken word, Rob Waters’s poem about the Stolen Generation served as a poignant reminder of the original dispossession experienced by Australia’s First Nations people when the first tall ships sailed into Botany in 1788.
It was a privilege to listen and bear witness to Rob’s story through his spellbinding spoken word performance. As one audience member reflected, ‘It was a unique opportunity to see how CALD and Aboriginal communities can come together and to meet and get together through poems.’
Watch Rob’s performance
Open Mic Performances
Seasoned performer and creative, as well as our very own ADS staff member, Shymaa Khalifa, took to the open mic component of the event with a brilliantly written and performed poem about her daughter’s feelings and experience as a migrant child in a new country. Shymaa also reflected on the need for more local spaces where women can write and express themselves creatively without judgement or scrutiny. ‘It is important to provide safe spaces for women to connect and empower one another through creative pursuits.’
One particularly moving performance from the night came from another open mic participant, Pema Lama. Pema, a recent first-time mother, took to the stage to express her creative voice through a melodic poem in her native Nepali. She prefaced her performance by explaining that the poem helped her process the challenges of moving to Australia and navigate her journey into motherhood. As a first-time performer, Pema commanded the stage with raw vulnerability and bravery – a true honour for the audience to witness.
Pema Lama used poetry to help her process the challenges of moving to Australia and navigate her journey into motherhood.
Feature Performances
The audience was treated to a selection of featured performances. Many were original pieces, while others were renowned poems from their performer’s home country. The poems were delivered in native languages and in English, or a hybrid of both.
Lujane Elwan, a 17 year old high school student of Palestinian heritage, invited the audience to travel with her as she performed ‘Palestinians’, a poem conveying the intense struggle of emotions between the beauty of Palestinian heritage and the ongoing fight for liberation.
Watch Lujane’s performance
Veronika Babchenko, an 18 year old Ukrainian and ADS client, beautifully encapsulated her Ukrainian culture and identity through a poem by Vasyl Symonenko, a renowned Ukrainian poet and activist. Veronika reflected on her creative journey and experiences by saying, ‘Life is like modelling clay; the more I sculpt, the more interesting and defined it turns out.’
Watch Veronika’s performance
Through the loving eyes of a daughter and granddaughter, Elizabeth Mora shared a poem and a vivid short story about her family’s migratory travels. Filled with humour and heart, Elizabeth explored the concepts of ancestral wisdom and displacement as seen through multiple generations.
Watch Elizabeth’s performanceElizabeth Mora drew from her heritage as the daughter of border crossers and community leaders in her piece, Generación.
Palestinian-Kiwi writer, Huda Shahira, powerfully performed her poem ‘My Arabic is Broken’, a biting commentary on the enduring impact of colonialism on the cultural and linguistic development of her Palestinian identity.
Watch Huda’s performanceHuda Shahira highlighted the resilience of Palestinians who continue to resist and excel.
Paris Rosemount then burst onto the stage with an animated and visceral performance of ‘Banana Girl’, a poem exploring issues of identity, displacement, generational trauma and the ultimate reclaiming of one’s power through literary expression.
Watch Paris’s performance
Najah Haider, a poet, artist and creative all-rounder, enchanted the audience with a haunting recital of a poem by renowned Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish.
Watch Najah’s performance
Rosie and Shaun Liang formed a dynamic husband and wife duo, with Rosie enthralling the audience with a poem exploring the intergenerational differences in the migration journey as experienced by their daughter.
Finally, an honoured member of our Ukrainian community and ADS client, Liudmyla, took to the stage to perform a poem written specifically for this special occasion. Through spoken verse, Liudmyla wielded strength and resilience as she processed feelings of homesickness and her fervent wish for peace in Ukraine.
Poetry on Canvas
Hana, another Ukrainian ADS client and artist, brought the magical night to life on canvas, offering a remarkable rendition of each poet’s contribution to the night. Hana came to art as part of her own healing journey and we were honoured to have her share her incredible skills as part of this amazing night.
Ukrainian artist Hana Koshelieva captures the essence of the poets’ performances.
Parting Words
As a surprise finale,Rob performed his most recent poem, written just minutes before. He was accompanied by his son Jayden Kitchener-Waters on guitar, singing in Gomeroi language. It was a perfect and impactful end to an extraordinary night.
Inspiration and Thanks
This year’s Refugee Week Multilingual Poetry Slam was inspired by Ukrainian refugee Liudmylla Dzyba, an honoured member of our Ukrainian community and ADS client. Liudmylla’s moving recitation of Ukrainian poems at ADS’ International Day of Mother Languages in February captivated and transported her audience, transcending language and borders. Her performance showcased strength and resilience in the face of the most harrowing circumstances. This poetry event (hopefully the first of many) recognises the need for a formal platform for Liudmylla and other poets like her to express their artistry, language and culture through poetry and space for many diverse voices and native languages to be heard.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Marguarite Elson, from Georges River Council, and Shyama Sri from ADS. A special shoutout goes to Caitlin So, a UNSW Social Work student whose creative vision and energy were pivotal in making this event a success. Caitlin ensured the space was warm, welcoming and safe for all the poets, including newcomers and first-time performers.
We extend our gratitude to all the amazing poets and artists who participated, shedding light on the transformative power of familial bonds to face adversity and provide solace, support and belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.
Extensive Reach
This event has impacted beyond our local community with national exposure on SBS News. Rob Waters, Lyudmila Dzyba, Lujane Elwan and Shyama Sri were recently featured on the SBS News podcast showcasing this special multilingual poetry gathering. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
Stunning Visual Poetry
Each featured performer had their poetry visually depicted in a booklet given to every audience member. Written in the native language of each poem, this booklet served as a beautiful keepsake, allowing audience members to continue their own reflections on the theme of ‘Finding Freedom’.
View the ‘Refugee Week 2024 Poetry Slam: Finding Freedom through Verse’ booklet and the poets HERE
Andi Diwapasatya, one of Advance Diversity Services’ (ADS) long-term volunteers, has been recognised for her incredible 20-year commitment to serving her local community.
The Indonesian Welfare Association honoured her with an appreciation award for her service at a ceremony in late June. On June 27, Andi shared her volunteering journey, alongside two fellow volunteers, at the Georges River Council Volunteer Expo held at the Marana Hall as part of National Volunteer Week.
Andi receiving a recognition award from Ms Dewi Putru, founder of the Indonesian Welfare Association’s Punchbowl Women’s Support Group, where Andi has been volunteering for 20 years.
Young-at-heart Andi, who arrived in Australia in June 2002 from Jakarta, Indonesia, faced challenges in finding work despite her extensive experience as an Indonesian government worker. In 2005, Andi saw an advertisement for an Indonesian women’s support group for new migrants at a local school. Taking on an assistant role, she began her journey as a volunteer.
Andi commenced her studies at TAFE, earning a Certificate I, III, and IV and in 2007, she completed a student placement at Riverwood Neighbourhood Centre, assisting the frail and elderly with their shopping. She continued her studies and went on to complete her Diploma of Community Services in 2008, with a student placement with the Indonesian Community Consul at St George MRC and Metro MRC.
Andi was then offered roles assisting the Indonesian Community Group at Campsie, helping students with literacy difficulties at Clemton Park Public School. In 2009, Andi completed a course with Good Beginnings Australia, which led to a volunteer role conducting family home visits.
Andi shared her volunteering journey as part of National Volunteer Week.
In 2011, Andi attended a course at Metro MRC for multicultural, bilingual educators. This resulted in her first paid position, providing playgroup services for families with children aged 0-8 as part of a pilot project. Whilst continuing her other volunteer roles at the same time, Andi relished her playgroup facilitator role and when the project was completed in 2012, Andi continued to run the playgroup as a volunteer until 2016.
2014 saw Andi move into the health sector, serving as a casual bilingual community educator for female genital mutilation/cutting at Western Sydney Local Health District and as a community educator for Hepatitis and HIV at Sydney Local Health District.
In October of 2014, Andi was approached by the principal of Pelangi Indonesian Community Language School in Leumeah to teach Bahasa Indonesian every Saturday. Although this was a volunteer position, the principal offered to cover the costs of a Diploma of Community Languages from Sydney University, and if she wished, a Master of Teaching as well. This was an offer Andi could not refuse. It also meant that Andi was now a full-time volunteer, dedicating her time and talents from Monday to Saturday.
The Georges River Council Volunteer Expo was held at the Marana Hall on June 27, 2024.
Andi’s journey with ADS began in 2016, when she joined our Rockdale office as a settlement officer working with the Indonesian Community. In 2018, ADS received a grant to showcase Indonesian culture, leading Andi to help establish the Indonesian Art and Culture Club (IACC), an intergenerational group that meets every Sunday. She has continued in this coordinator role ever since and is committed to promote traditional Indonesian language, arts and talents in the diaspora community.
Andi continues to volunteer with ADS and we were thrilled when NSW Premier, Chris Minns, presented her with a Volunteer Recognition Award last year. Her recent Appreciation Award from the Indonesian Welfare Association for 20 years of service is a testament to her unwavering commitment to others.
Andi proudly says of herself, ‘I am a pensioner, but I am not retired’. Her boundless energy, generosity and compassion for others shines through as she volunteers six days a week. Andi attributes her success to the support of others, particularly her husband, but it is clear she has touched countless lives through her service and means the world to many.
Thank you, Andi, for your hard work, dedication and incredible service to our local community.
To listen to Andi’s full speech, please click here.
Voices of courage and resilience play an important role in addressing racism. On Friday 19th of April 2024, Advanced Diversity Services (ADS) partnered with City of Sydney Council to facilitate a conversation recognising the actions of individuals and community organisations in standing up against racial discrimination. This powerful event was one of six events in the City of Sydney Council’s Social Cohesion Program titled ‘Voices Against Racism’ and took place in the St Helen’s Community Centre in Glebe.
The conversation centred on the voices of Salvin Kumar and Rubina Huq, former ADS workers, who shared their own personal and workplace experiences of racism and the actions they took for racial justice.
Salvin shared his experience of encountering blatant racism whilst enjoying a leisurely evening in Darling Harbour with his partner and their friend. Despite his usual confidence, Salvin was left feeling shocked by the derogatory remarks and implicit biases. He froze and found he was unable to assert himself in the moment – a common response to trauma that highlights the immediate impact of racism on mental health and wellbeing. Salvin also expanded on the complex intersectionality of different forms of discrimination and the validation and comfort he received from friends and colleagues standing in solidarity with him. His decision to report the incident and file a complaint exemplified the importance of taking action for systemic change.
Salvin Kumar bravely sharing his personal experience of racism and the actions they took for racial justice.
Rubina recounted a disturbing incident where abusive, hateful and hurtful slurs were directed at a group of Bangladeshi families attending a parenting session she was facilitating. Despite the distressing encounter, Rubina and her group remained calm. She immediately reported the incident to both ADS and the event hosts. The debrief process, with both those involved and with the ADS leadership team, was also an important part of the process of standing against racism and supporting one another.
‘We educated ourselves about the impact of racism. And how silence only serves to continue it.’
These personal narratives served as powerful reminders of the pervasive nature of racism and its detrimental effects on individuals and communities, as well as its impact on social cohesion. Unfortunately, they have not been the only incidents reported to ADS.
Magdaline Shenton-Kaleido, Settlement and Community Services Manager for ADS, shared the critical role of ADS in initiating organisational responses to disrupt racism, including the importance of locally focused anti-racism interventions targeting hotspots. Supported by Western Sydney University’s Challenging Racism Project (CRP), ADS delivered four bystander training workshops to its networks and communities.
Magdaline Shenton-Kaleido, Settlement and Community Services Manager for ADS, speaking about the critical role of ADS in initiating organisational responses to disrupt racism.
Recognising the urgent need for further action, ADS once again stepped up in late 2023 and organised a community forum in response to escalating reports of racism and harassment, particularly targeting women wearing hijab and their children, following the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The forum provided a safe space for affected communities to share experiences and raise awareness, address knowledge gaps and together explore strategies for responding to harassment.
In the face of rising instances of racism and discrimination, events like ‘Voices Against Racism’ play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and empowering individuals and communities to take action. Key messaging included:
It is everyone’s responsibility to call out racism when we see or experience it.
If you witness someone being racially targeted in public, stand in solidarity with them and check if they’re feeling safe.
Recognise, Respond, Record and Report racism and hate crimes.
Attendees empathised with Rubina and Salvin, shared their own experiences of racism and discrimination, acknowledged the damaging impacts of structural racism and its relation to inequity, and requested further information and resources, particularly regarding bystander intervention training.
The conversation highlighted the importance of critical thinking when using social media, especially because when abused, it can ignite racism and spread false news and fear. It also emphasised the need to call out explicit and implicit forms of bias and discrimination, even in awkward situations when we witness it within our families and friend circles.
Attendees shared their own experiences of racism and discrimination, encouraged by the bravery of speakers Salvin Kumar and Rubina Huq (seated front left).
Inspired by Rubina’s call to action, ‘We must all work together to create a world where everyone feels welcomed and valued, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Let’s continue to spread love, understanding, and acceptance, and kick out racism for good.’
ADS extends sincere thanks to the City of Sydney for the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to combating hotspots of racism and for providing a space for two amazing speakers to share their lived experiences.
By amplifying voices of courage and resilience, we can work towards building a safer, more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Advance Diversity Services (ADS) has been making waves with this year’s swimming program, offered in partnership with Royal Life Saving Society NSW (RLSS) and Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre. Australia is a country surrounded by water, with beautiful beaches and waterways. Being able to swim is an important life skill that reduces the risk of drowning.
Tragically the Royal Life Saving Society summer drowning toll recorded 99 drowning deaths across Australia between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024.
Many newcomers to Australia do not know how to swim and swimming lessons are not always easily accessible. Recognising this need, Ms Ronnie Wang, Community Services Officer with ADS’s Settlement and Community Service Program, helped organise two free 10-week learn-to-swim programs for 20 beginners from ADS’ multicultural communities.
Each week, two groups of participants, many of whom had never swum before, grew to overcome their fear of the water through learning basic skills such as floating, kicking and breathing techniques. They also gained confidence in the water, learning about water safety and survival skills.
“I was scared of water before, even walking in the water. I could only go into water that was no deeper than my knees. But now I can even swim with a swim ring. At least I learnt not to drown in the water. The swimming class is so good and I hope I can continue to join it.”
– Mei
The swimming program proved that despite varying levels of English proficiency, language is no barrier to learning new skills. The swimming instructors used simple communication, clear gestures and body language to demonstrate moves and ensure that everyone felt supported and was able to learn.
“The instructor is very patient and experienced. Our English is not good, but we still could understand the instructors through their body language.”
– Lily
Participants diving in and enjoying ADS’s learn-to-swim program.
Building a sense of community and friendship amongst participants was another inspiring aspect of the program. Diverse individuals came together to celebrate their achievements and encourage one another. One participant, Jenny, had lived in Hurstville for nearly two decades before discovering the learn-to-swim program. Joining not only gave her the opportunity to learn a new life skill, but also a sense of belonging to a new community.
Positive feedback from the Hurstville cohort highlighted the transformative impact of the program. Many participants were thrilled to have learnt new skills and feel confidence in and around water.
“I only know doggy paddling before and never had any instructor to teach me how to swim. With the class, the instructor taught us the right skills of swimming and I can do freestyle and backstroke. My friends are so jealous that I could attend the program and they want to join in future.”
– Chen
Ms Wang stated, “The learn-to-swim program goes beyond learning to float and swim. It’s about empowering individuals to overcome fear as well as building community connections.”
Ms Wang with the certificates and goggles presented to all participants by Royal Life Saving Society NSW, encouraging our budding swimmers in their future swimming pursuits.
The Royal Life Saving Society NSW’s Multicultural Swimming Program continues to make a splash in communities across New South Wales and proves that with support and the right opportunities, anyone can learn to thrive in and around the beautiful waters of Australia.
