The Indian Link, Jan 2006, Melbourne
Melbourne, Feb 5: The Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) held an informative Presidents' Conference at Tandoori Junction restaurant recently. Critical issues related to the community were discussed and opinions sought from various associations giving them the opportunity to have their say in matters pertaining to FIAV. Over 80 people attended the Conference. Official guests were Dr Rao (Hon Indian Consul), George Lekakis (Chairman, Victorian Multicultural Commission), and Wilson Johnson (Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs). The four focus areas were Youth, Mental Health, Family Violence, and the Aged Policy.
The four speakers invited by the FIAV to speak on the focus areas were Cheryl Naik (Youth), Jaya Manchikanti (Aged Policy), Dr Ahmed Munib (Mental Health) and Mukhtesh Chiber (Family Violence).
Jaya Manchikanti (Officer, Aged Policy, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria) gave a comprehensive outline of services available to people of Indian origin and posed a number of questions regarding the most appropriate utilisation of these. She also drew attention to the success of the FIAV in establishing a partnership with the South East Region Migrant Resource Centre, to employ a Project Worker to facilitate better access to home and community care services by the Indian community.
Cheryl Naik (Member of the State Government Youth Advisory Council) strongly advocated for more resources to help young people to be able to articulate and advance their needs. She proposed that the FIAV set up a Youth Advisory Committee to assist youth - essentially those that have completed their studies and are looking to join the workforce. Besides school leavers she also spoke about other youth that finish their studies and have no interview skills or social skills to make their entry into a competitive workforce.
Dr Ahmed Munib (PhD Researcher on Mental Health issues affecting the South Asian community in Australia) spoke on his recent findings. These indicated a lower use of mental health services by people of Indian origin, compared to most community groups. His perception was that this was due to a reluctance to seek help (e.g. due to social stigma), rather than a lower incidence of mental health problems.
According to Mukhtesh Chiber (family therapist at the Ecumenical Migration Centre), current statistics prove that the Indian community enjoys highest level of qualifications and highest level of contribution at professional level. However there are emerging issues like family violence, family breakdown, mental health, inter-generational conflict, and anger management. Unfortunately at this stage there is lack of evidence-based data that makes funding essential for research.
The Honorary Consul General of India in Melbourne Dr J Rao and George Lekakis congratulated me FIAV committee on their achievements through the year 2005. Dr Rao also mentioned the Rajbinder Singh Shahi case that has created great concern in the community. A young Indian taxi-driver allegedly ran over a teenaged passenger and is being charged with murder. According to Dr Rao he has been in conversation with the accused and his story differs dramatically from that portrayed in the media.
Just after the congratulatory flowers and felicitations invitees settled down to a meal and continued debate on topics raised by the four speakers. The butcher’s paper used to jot down comments filled to the brim with suggestions for the FIAV team. Shabbir Wahid, President of FIAV, ended the formal part of the evening with a solemn promise to utilise the feedback in mapping FIAV’s future projects. As a result of the submissions a full day Conference is scheduled early 2006 to discuss issues affecting die Indian community.
Also read :