IWRC ( Indian Welfare Resource Centre ) – 2004
The FIAV established the Indian Welfare & Resource Centre (IWRC), at its then Prahran office, with funding support from the Victorian State Government through the Victorian Multicultural Commission. The concept of the IWRC was developed to enable the FIAV to deliver social and information services reflecting the needs of the community arising from a rapid growth in the Indian ethnic population of Victoria, (particularly through migration).
Services offered by IWRC (Until 2009)
- COUNSELLING for new migrants, Victims of domestic violence and any other category of Victims.
- REFERRALS – Outward referral to appropriate specialised services as well as inward referrals from other agencies and organisations
- SERVICE DEVELOPMENT – Assistance to groups within the Indian community and to non-Indian organisations to identify and improve relevant services to the Indian community
- VOLUNTEERING – To develop opportunities for volunteers to serve the needy in the community and participate in IWRC support groups.
Change of Guard – New FIAV Committee 2009
FIAV elected the new committee early 2009 and the incoming president Mr Vasan Srinivasan pledged to continue the good work & expand the areas of operation to cater to the phenomenal increase of the Indian community in Victoria
The Committee identified 5 key objectives to be achieved within the next few years.
- Vision to establish Indian Community Centre
- Community Newsletter for FIAV to reach out to the community
- The possibility of relocating FIAV office to benefit the community
- Explore avenues to fund fulltime Social worker for managing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Cases & improve Community Support Services in areas of Emergency contact & assistance.
- Explore the possibility of Little India Project
The key focus areas were identified to include wider Indian Community
- Represent the cause of Indian origin Victorians within the local, state & federal governments.
- Act as a lobby group for the Indian community in Victoria for various community initiatives.
- Domestic Violence victims assistance service and Community Support Service.
- Facilitate & assist organisations/ groups in various community initiatives.
- Facilitate trade and businesses locally to benefit from community initiatives.
- Facilitate promotion of overseas business to be set up in Victoria.
International Students Issue (2009 – 2011)
During the peak of the student issue in Victoria, the committee met with a number of key policymakers, Victorian police and a number of government officials to make a substantial contribution in streamlining International Students Education Industry.
Key Achievements
- FIAV was asked to represent in the Police Indian Western Reference Groups.
- Established 1800 3428 00 – Helpline number to facilitate students seeking help the proper guidance with help of volunteers
- Linked FIAV 1800 Helpline with Victorian Government’s Student helpline 24 x 7 number after hours.
- Victoria Police offered free training to our Volunteers as to how Helpline needs to be manned.
- Victoria Police conducted a workshop & information session to International Students on things to watch out & a safe living in Victoria.
- FIAV contributed a number of safety measures for Victoria Police in producing an information booklet and DVD on Students Safety for Indian Students before leaving India for Australia.
- Victorian International Education Industry Group formed with many educational, migration community and industry leaders charting the recommendations to the government to revamp the industry
FIAV Office opening Feb 2010
FIAV persuaded the Victorian State government to allocate a home within Little India in Dandenong. Unit 3, No: 85, Foster-street was allocated by VicUrban (Now Places Victoria) . On 19 Feb 2010, the premises was officially open & this saw a big change in the focus of services being offered by FIAV
Premier Brumby announces $ 70,000 for a feasibility study on a Community Centre.
Hon John Brumby, while addressing the Multi-cultural gathering at Manningham Function centre on 14 Aug 2010, allocated $ 70,000 for a feasibility study on establishing a Community Centre.
Federation of Indian Music & Dance established. (15 Aug 2010)
For the first time in Victoria, FIAV assisted a number of music & dance schools teaching Indian form of art, dance & music to unite under the banner of FIMDV (Fed. of Indian Music & Dance Victoria)
Reaching out to the Community
FIAV started a quarterly print edition of VOICE OF FIAV to enable Indian community to freely express their opinion and communicate with the larger audience in Victoria.
Due to the complexities encountered in the print edition, this was converted to a monthly e-Newsletter.
Language Classes – 2010
As part of the effort to preserve culture & heritage, Language is one of the most important tools in connecting with our background. FIAV encouraged member associations to conduct Language classes by utilising existing infrastructure at the Dandenong office.
With the support of VMC, FIAV acquired OH-Projector, 52 Inch screen, Desktop Computers, Printer & stationery for students who attend classes. Initially, Malayalam & Telegu classes commenced, followed by Sanskrit & Tamil over the next few months.
Australia India Community Charitable Trust
In an effort to secure the first ever Ethno specific Aged care for the Indian Community, The AICCT was formed to liaise with appropriate stakeholders in facilitating the required processes to set up the Aged Care.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Australian Unity Retirement Living, who shall be the Operational partner for such an aged care.
Major Events
As FIAV is an umbrella organisation, the objective is to support the individual members in organising their own events. FIAV only organises the following major events annually
- Australia Day / Indian Republic Day – People march in Melbourne CBD – January
- Represent Indian Community at Mumba Parade – March
- Multi-Cultural Dinner – Coinciding with Indian Independence Day – August
- Music & Dance festival – August
- Indian Seniors Lunch – August / October
- Media dinner – December