The “Working Together” Forum brought together over 70 delegates from migrant, refugee, ethno-specific, mainstream and government agencies to explore challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
The program of panel speakers, Q &A session, and roundtable discussions addressed the challenges and strategies for collaboration between organisations, particularly, between smaller and larger ones. The panel speakers include Lisa Woodland, Acting Manager Multicultural Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District; Jenny Grey, Migrant Service Manager of Gymea Community Aid; Amanda Smithers, Senior Policy Officer, Council of Social Service of NSW; Rosemary Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, 3 Bridges Community; and Violet Roumeliotis, Chief Executive Officer, Settlement Service International.
The forum was held on Tuesday, 26 May 2015 at St George TAFE. Jointly organised by St George Multicultural Network and Sutherland Shire Multicultural Network, and funded by Kogarah City Council and Sydney TAFE, the forum highlighted the importance of relationship, partnership and collaboration in delivering sustainable outcomes for the multicultural community.
The forum was a resounding success with the overwhelming majority of participants describing it as both a great networking event and a professional development exercise. They expressed a desire to see more of this kind in the future.