Focus Group - Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

The Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group has kicked off 2012 in style, putting together a treasure trove of learnings for us to reminisce on and for others
to join in on our learning journey. 

In March, we wandered through Fitzroy on a self guided tour, learning snippets about the importance of this suburb in the modern Melbourne Aboriginal culture and followed by dinner at the Napier Hotel and a bit of reflection on what we'd seen and learned. We started our treasure trove with scribbles on coasters which have been safely tucked away...  

In April we watched the first episode of The First Australians, a documentary produced by SBS covering the interactions between European and Aboriginal Australians. We did this over dinner and have now put together a series of notes on some of the characters in that film to bolster the treasure trove.

If you're interested in joining in on our learning journey, click here to find out more! 

The treasure trove - a work in progress

This Month

Welcome to EWB Victoria’s February Blog, here's a snapshot of what we’re covering in this update:

• President’s Spiel – James Fitzgerald
• Reflection – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group
• Upcoming Event – Year 9 Humanitarian Engineering Conference
• Intern Position at EWB – Corporate Relations and Communications
• Join EWB in 2012 – Becoming a Member

President's Spiel

EWB is wholeheartedly aware that many sectors play an important role in community development. It is with this concept in mind, that we have increased our focus on cross sector collaboration, and have surrounded ourselves with a diversity of people in EWB. For example, we have numerous members and active volunteers with backgrounds in finance, media, education, politics, development, law and health.

During the month of February, several exciting opportunities have emerged and we need all hands on deck. Our team is in the final stages of finalising partnership agreements with North Melbourne Language and Learning (NMLL), Menzies and Sages Cottage Farm, and the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL). Once these partnerships are in place, projects will start to flow from these relationships. Also, we are revamping the way we operate our partnership with Sudanese Australia Integrated Learning (SAIL) in Footscray and Dandenong, and the Sustainability Assessments Program (SAP). This is an exciting time to get involved with our local partnerships, so if you are interested in volunteering directly with communities, learning about community development, or running a project team please send us an email at vic.chapter@ewb.org.au.

James Fitzgerald

President of EWB Victorian Region

Reflection – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group

Big things are happening in 2012 for the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group!  At the end of February, we spent a hot weekend in Warburton developing a plan for the year, swimming in the river and meeting some Wurundjeri Elders. This is a theme that is going to continue over the year, with a focus on direct engagement with communities, educational and cultural activities and a bit of fun along the way. 


Interested in getting involved? Click here for more information on this Fous Group  for or contact Dan A'Vard  davard.ewb@gmail.com.

EWB and the Yorta Yorta community during 2011's NAIDOC Week
(National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee)

Event – Year 9 Humanitarian Engineering Conference

The first Year 9 Humanitarian Engineering Conferences for 2012 will be held on the 13th March, 9:15 am - 2:45 pm, at Strathmore Secondary (400 Pascoe Vale Rd, Strathmore).

This is a fantastic opportunity for Year 9 students to learn more about engineering as a profession and to work in teams to problem solve within a humanitarian context, based on a case study from EWB's presence in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap region.

We are searching for volunteers (approximately 6-10 but there is no limit), employed professionally or studying, to help facilitate and mentor a group of students throughout the day.

Contact Andrew Weekes (aweekes.ewb@gmail.com) or Joli Price (jprice.ewb@gmail.com) for further information and to get involved.

EWB's High School workshops in 2011

Intern Position – Corporate Relations and Communications Internship

EWB Australia is seeking a talented media, development or communications student for a 1-2 days a week internship in Corporate Relations and Communications, over the course of 12 months. This role is assisting to coordinate EWB's Corporate Partnership program.

You will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about partnership management and corporate social responsibility, as well as work in a fun and dynamic not-for-profit organisation with an incredibly positive social outcome.

Click here for the position description.