CEH was hired by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to assist in the convening of a HACC and Aged Care CALD Network, conduct forums for practitioners and develop web-based resources.
The network has been convened and, at the end of September 2010, includes representatives from 63 councils.
Three forums have been conducted. The first, on 22 June, focused on expectations and desires for the network and on determining the content for future forums. Twenty staff representing 16 councils attended.
The second forum on 27 July focussed on the Supported Access Pilot Project and promoted good practice in partnerships between councils and ethno-specific, multicultural and community organizations. Six speakers presented on various models to develop relationships. Thirty one staff representing 17 councils attended.
The third forum was held on 29 September and focussed on language service provision across local government HACC services, with specific attention paid to policy and procedures around bilingual staff and language aide schemes. Thirty three staff attended representing 19 councils.
The fourth and final forum will be held on 23 November. For more information visit www.mav.asn.au.