Performance night celebrated the talents of the Indonesian diaspora

Performance night celebrated the talents of the Indonesian diaspora

The Indonesian Arts and Culture Club (IACC) Performance Night on December 3, 2022, at Kogarah High School was a great success – showcasing the diverse talents of the Indonesian diaspora in song, dance and instrumental performances.

Andi Dwipasatya and Theresia Tomahu, the founders and coordinators of the IACC at Advance Diversity Services, ensured people enjoyed a lively and engaging program. Dance facilitators  Tuti Soemino and Sita Sunaryo proudly watched on as their young dancers showcased their hard work during the year.  

Community members volunteered throughout the night, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Pelangi community language schools from Kogarah, Leumeah and Wollongong kicked off the night with their presentations and certificates, applauding the children’s achievements in learning Bahasa Indonesian.

The IACC performances followed with community member Virginia Hilliard and the children of the IACC and Pelangileading as MCs for the night.

The photos (below) show what a wonderful night everyone had.

Colourful costumes and camaraderie!
Caption for the pic above: Children playing angklung.
Performers from a variety of vocal groups (including three Bahasa community language schools), dancing groups, instrumentalists and others showcased Indonesian cultural heritage and belonging.
Line-dancing fun for everyone topped off the evening.

Andi Dwipasatya said the evening had been a great celebration of creativity and heritage. It also showed how important the IACC had become to its intergenerational members aged 4 to 70.

‘From its humble roots four years ago, the IACC is now a self-sustaining group that ensures the Indonesian diaspora and its children can celebrate and share the diverse cultural assets and colourful talents of the numerous islands that make up Australia’s beloved neighbour.’

Ms Dwipasatya said ADS and the IACC were very grateful to Kogarah High School, which provided the hall for the event, and for weekly Sunday practise sessions, and also to The Kogarah Storehouse for all its generous gifts.

‘Stay tuned for the IACC performance night in 2023,’ she added, ‘as it promises to be even bigger and better.’ To get involved with the IACC email Andi Dwipasatya at andid@advancediversity.org.au

Don’t miss our Building LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Speakers’ Panel

Don’t miss our Building LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Speakers’ Panel

Advance Diversity Services (ADS) has lined up some great speakers for our Building LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Speakers’ Panel, a FREE forum at Hurstville Library on Thursday 8 June.

They bring a range of expertise and lived experience and will provide insights into:

  • The work they do with LGBTIQA+ people.
  • How you can better support LGBTIQA+ people in your own services.
  • What support and resources are available.
  • What meaningful inclusion looks and feels like to members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can also ask them questions during our Q&A and networking lunch.

Panel Speakers:

Daniel Comensoli (He/Him) – Relationship Manager, Pride in Health + Wellbeing

Daniel joined Pride in Health + Wellbeing in September 2022.

Daniel has a strong background in LGBTIQ+ health policy and advocacy, most recently working as a Policy and Research Coordinator at LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA). During his tenure at LHA, Daniel was instrumental to LHA’s responses to the Disability and Aged Care Royal Commissions, the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into mental health, the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into intersex human rights, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s inquiry into the Family Law System, and proposed federal religious freedom legislation. As a proud gay man, Daniel is passionate about promoting culturally safe health and wellbeing services to LGBTQ communities, as well as reducing discrimination, stigma and violence in an effort to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Antoinette Chow (She/Her) – Chief Executive Officer, ADS

Antoinette is highly experienced in the community services sector with more than 30 years’ involvement in a number of organisations, designing and delivering programs that have positively impacted a wide range of community groups. Since 1991, Antoinette has been actively engaged with organisations that deliver multicultural services. Before joining ADS, Antoinette worked as Settlement Service Coordinator with Gymea Community Aid, as youth worker with Cabramatta Community Centre and other roles with University of Technology and University of NSW. Antoinette is passionate about enhancing the wellbeing of CALD people from the LGBTIQ+ community and strongly supports building LGBTIQ+-inclusive workplaces, particularly in multicultural settings.

Anthony Scerri, (He/Him/His) – Manager, Settlement and Community Programs, ADS

Born and raised in Wollongong, Anthony Scerri has over ten years of experience working in the Illawarra and Sydney regions. Anthony’s Maltese background has played a significant role in shaping his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. His passion for this field stems from his multicultural upbringing in the southern suburbs of Wollongong and his close relationship with his Maltese grandparents. He is deeply inspired by the sacrifices they made to migrate to Australia post-WWII and their ongoing settlement journey. Anthony’s unwavering motivation to assist others in their settlement journey is a testament to his dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Before joining Advance Diversity Services, Anthony worked on youth development projects with the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra. He also served as a Visual Arts Teacher with the NSW Department of Education and the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. In recent years, Anthony has been instrumental in driving LGBTIQA+ inclusion work at Advance Diversity Services (ADS). His efforts have contributed to ADS being recognised as the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI) Service Provider of the Year in 2019 and attaining gold tier status in both 2019 and 2020.


(Lived experience speaker)

Epipola Taulafo (Pola) (She/Her) Facilitator and co-trainer at STARTTS

Ms Taulafo is a facilitator and co-trainer in the STARTTS LGBTIQA+ project. She was a founding member of this project and has been instrumental in developing training and outreach. Her background is in teaching in her home country of the Kingdom of Tonga. Since being in Australia she has worked in a variety of positions including administration and as a support worker for aged care, disability and overseas aid agencies. She is a skilled communicator and an advocate for Trans people of colour and for all people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Ms Taulafo is committed to justice, human rights and equality. She is currently studying a Diploma in Community Services and Mental Health and works as a casual interpreter. She also designs and creates traditional Tongan attire and teaches traditional dance to nurture access to Tongan culture.

(Lived experience speaker)
Cedric Yin-Cheng, (He/Him) –
President at Australia & New Zealand Tongzhi Rainbow Alliance Inc (ANTRA)
Cedric was born in Shanghai, China, and grew up in Hong Kong. He works professionally as a Lawyer in Western Sydney. Cedric founded the grassroots not-for-profit ANTRA in 2018 and currently serves as its President. ANTRA was founded as a ‘home away from home’ for the Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking LGBTQI+ people in Australia. ANTRA connects, represents, educates, supports and advocates for Chinese-speaking LGBTQI+ people and seeks to create a safe and proud environment for the community. ANTRA now has six executive committee members, 50 volunteers and more than 3,000 members nationwide, with officers present in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth. Some of ANTRA’s key work includes monthly social and educational workshops, Tong Xing (Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking LGBTQI peer support program) and involvement in several key events such as the WorldPride Coming Out Coming Home Queer Chinese in Australia Creative Portrait and the Mardi Gras-USYD-UniMelb Global Tongzhi Forum. Cedric was a winner of the DFAT National Foundation for Australia China Relations Community Service Award by the ACAA, and 30 under 30 Community Hero by Out for Australia. Cedric has recently been appointed as the Vice President of AGMC – the Australian GLTBQI Multicultural/faith Council.

Kimberley Mignacca – Client Services Supervisor, 2Connect Youth and Community

Kim has practised as a Social Worker supporting vulnerable young people in a variety of settings for 15 years. She facilitates the Glisten project, a monthly social group facilitated by 2Connect and Kogarah Community Services for young people identifying as LGBTIQA+. The Glisten project also supports young people through school advocacy and community capacity building. Glisten celebrates its 20th year in 2023!

Shefali Shah – Community Engagement Coordinator, Kogarah Community Services

Shefali Shah has completed her masters in social work and worked with young people and multicultural groups in community development. She is extremely passionate about creating an inclusive world for all and empowering the local community with programs to build social connection. She supports Glisten with facilitation and program planning and implementation.  Kogarah Community Services funds the Glisten program and runs it in partnership with 2Connect and 3 bridges youth centre. Shefali says: ‘We have been extremely happy with the positive impact of the Glisten program on young people and the community and we hope to continue to make a difference together!’

Lisa Osborn (MC)

Lisa Osborn is a trainer and facilitator who has worked in the community sector for over 30 years. In her early career she worked as a frontline worker with women from a refugee background and then moved into training and facilitation. Her work career has led her to specialise in complex trauma. In recent years she has worked as a training consultant providing workshops on domestic and family violence, child protection, culturally responsive practice, and trauma-informed service delivery. Lisa has been employed as a trainer with ACON, STARTTS, Community Services, and Settlement Services International. Lisa is a long-time member of the Sydney LGBTQI+ community.

Don’t miss this special event proudly funded by Georges River Council and the HIV and Related Programs Unit of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

We’d love to see you there!

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What: Building LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Speakers’ Panel

When: Thursday 8 June, 10.30am – 12pm (Speakers Panel) 

followed by a networking lunch 12pm – 12:45pm

Where: Hurstville Library, 12-22 Dora Street, Hurstville

Register: FREE registration via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/building-lgbtiqa-inclusion-speakers-panel-tickets-623422602787

ADS named Silver Service provider in Australian Pride awards

ADS named Silver Service provider in Australian Pride awards

Advance Diversity Services has been chosen as a Silver Service provider in the 2023 Australian Pride in Health + Wellbeing Awards announced in a live-streamed ceremony on April 5.

This is the second consecutive year that ADS has been awarded Silver, an achievement which Thanh Nguyen, ADS Manager for Business Development and Quality, says ‘is great recognition for ADS and its efforts to build inclusion’.

The awards celebrate exceptional efforts in improving LGBTQ inclusion within health, wellbeing and human services organisations across the country. They are run annually by Pride in Health + Wellbeing, the national not-for-profit inclusion program for the health, wellbeing, human services, and community care sector, spearheaded by Australia’s largest LGBTQ health organisation ACON.

Silver recognition means ADS has been highly active in its inclusion of sexuality and gender-diverse communities in comparison to the national benchmark as assessed through the Health + Wellbeing Equity Index (HWEI) for the year.

Typically, Silver recognition is limited to organisations that have obtained a score range between the top 10–20 per cent of submissions and ADS congratulates the Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies for also achieving Silver.

Professor Kerryn Phelps AM, Co-patron of Pride in Health + Wellbeing, said the awards ‘are a tribute to those who make a difference, who are change makers, and who stand tall to be seen as LGBTQ allies or out role models’.

Claire Allen, National Program Manager, Pride in Health + Wellbeing (PIHW), said there had been an increase in Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI) submissions in 2023 and that PIHW now have membership in almost every state and territory across Australia.

‘It is wonderful that services are not viewing LGBTQ inclusion as optional or something that can be dropped when priorities clash – but rather, we celebrate that services are now embedding inclusive care throughout service delivery, and their workforce, as an everyday part of everybody’s role.

‘LGBTQ communities are often listed as a priority population in many strategies, but tonight we are celebrating the movement from a strategy to inclusive care in action.’

Mr Nguyen said it was great that ADS had achieved a Silver award for the second year running and he congratulated the Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies for a similar achievement.

‘I’m really proud of the work staff and management at ADS have done together to achieve this significant award as it comes from measuring our practice across 10 significant areas, including Strategy Development, Service Planning and Provision, Visibility of LGBTQ Inclusion and LGBTQ Community Engagement.

‘Our partnership with Queer Screen to host a subsidised screening of the Sydney premiere of El Houb – the Love as part of the Mardi Gras Film Festival in 2023 and the free inclusive practice training we offered staff from community providers in the St George area are just two of the successful inclusion initiatives we’ve run in the past year.’

ADS was proud to be named as a Silver Service provider along with the Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA) in the live-streamed 2023 Australian Pride in Health + Wellbeing Awards.

Some award categories and their recipients in 2023 were:

  • Service Provider of the Year – Uniting Vic.Tas
  • Gold Service Providers – cohealth, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney and Uniting Vic.Tas
  • Silver Service Providers – Advance Diversity Services and Network of Alcohol & Other Drugs Agencies (NADA).
  • Most improved Service Provider of the Year – Jewish Care NSW and St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney
  • LGBTQ Inclusive Innovation – Swapna Chaudry, Chemist Warehouse
  • LGBTQ Out Role Model – Charles Broadfoot – Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network
  • LGBTQ Ally – Rebecca Roberts – St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney

See www.prideinclusionprograms.com.au for more information.

Advance Diversity Services partners with Queer Screen to bring unflinching coming-out drama to community

Advance Diversity Services partners with Queer Screen to bring unflinching coming-out drama to community

Advance Diversity Services (ADS) has partnered with Queer Screen to offer a subsidised community screening of El Houb – the Love – a heartbreaking and humorous coming-out drama at a local cinema next month.

The Sydney premiere of El Houb – the Love is screening (subsidised offering at $10) at Event Cinema Hurstville on February 16 at 7pm as part of Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival (MGFF23) February 15 to March 2, 2023.

The discounted $10 tickets for the Hurstville screening can be booked here.

El Houb – the Love shows how a Moroccan-Dutch man’s life is at a crossroads when his traditional Muslim family discovers he’s gay,’ says ADS Executive Officer Antoinette Chow.

‘Through a series of funny and unflinchingly frank conversations between Karim (Fahd Larhzaoui), his brother (Sabri Saddik), and their parents (Lubna Azabal and Slimane Dazi), we see Karim’s battle to break an ingrained culture of silence.

‘As the tale pans out, we’re shown Karim’s beautiful and poignant memories from his childhood and his faltering first steps with Ghanaian boyfriend Kofi (Emmanuel Ohene Boafo). Having (literally) barricaded himself in his parents’ closet, we also learn how important it is for him to be seen for who he really is.’

This is the third year ADS has partnered with Queer Screen to bring a relevant film to the local culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations it works with in St George.

‘ADS is proud to partner in bringing Queer Screen’s 30th edition of the MGFF to people in our region,’ Antoinette Chow, CEO said. ‘In doing so, we hope people who identify with a diverse gender and/or sexuality (LGBTIQA+) will see that ADS is an inclusive service – welcoming and supportive.’

ADS is able to make this year’s event possible, thanks to funding from Georges River Council and the HIV and Related Programs Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. As part of the funding, ADS will also be organising an LGBTIQA+ forum and offering inclusive practice training to service providers in the local area.

Ms Chow said ADS is committed to improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of LGBTIQA+ people.

‘For the last three years, we have holistically reviewed our services, entering the Health and Wellbeing Equality Index and achieving gold tier status for two of these three submissions. We are the first CALD-specific organisation in Australia to achieve this status.

‘We have become a lighthouse to services, sharing insight about our journey, for example, more recently presenting to the Diversity Health Committee between St George and Sutherland Hospitals. We welcome the NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Strategy and are excited to see much needed change in this area, particularly in the service provision of CALD LGBTIQA+ people.’

El Houb – the Love is written and directed by Shariff Nasr and will be screened in Dutch with English subtitles. It navigates themes of family dynamics, cultural taboos, and self-acceptance and is based loosely on the real-life experiences and theatre work of the actor playing Karim (Fahd Larhzaoui).

As the world comes to Sydney for WorldPride, MGFF23 is offering 166 films across 100+ sessions in cinema, outdoors and on-demand at home.

El Houb – the Love is one of many world-class offerings for people to view during MGFF23,’ says Ms Chow. ‘The festival also honours those who have come before, with seven retrospective screenings, and a day of community outdoor screenings to show how Queer Screen has survived, thrived and helped to shape the history of queer film in Australia.

‘As Karim’s story shows there is still a long way to go to ensure LGBTIQA+ people from CALD backgrounds feel safe to be who they are and find full acceptance in their communities and families.

‘We want LGBTIQA+ people from CALD backgrounds in our area to know ADS is working behind the scenes and right beside them to build a better future in which CALD communities are more supportive and inclusive.’

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Book your $10 ticket at Hurstville cinema from Queer Screen here.

View the full MGFF23 program and book your other MGFF23 in-cinema and in-home tickets here.

View the El Houb – The Love trailer here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwaxizHnvSA 

Note: Content warning – contains suicide themes

Peer support and pavlova: how a group of newly arrived Ukrainians will celebrate their first Australian Christmas

Peer support and pavlova: how a group of newly arrived Ukrainians will celebrate their first Australian Christmas

Newly arrived Ukrainians can embellish their traditional Christmas fare with some classic Aussie sweets thanks to a cooking program delivered by Advance Diversity Services (ADS), The Kogarah Storehouse and TAFE St George.

‘We’ve been teaching the women some great Australian classics, including ANZAC biscuits, damper, pavlova and lamingtons,’ said course coordinator Inna Gimelberg, Community Services Officer with ADS. ‘They’ve been loving the immersion into Australian culture.’

The Bayside and Sutherland Shire LGAs make up the top settlement locations of the 937 Ukrainian nationals who have arrived in NSW since April.

Ms Gimelberg hoped the food, friendship and support to settle in the region would help make Christmas feel less alienating for the women.

The five-week program commenced in late October and classes have been facilitated by cooking teacher Johanne Champness from TAFE St George.

Lyudmila, a participant, said she was very happy to be a part of the class because people were so welcoming and kind.

‘Usually, at Christmas we roast a duck or a goose with apples, sour cabbage and cranberries,’ she said. ‘This year I might try to bake lamingtons!’ 

Olena wanted to ‘treat’ her family this Christmas by making a pavlova, which would round off the Olivier (potato) salad and the Pelmeni (Russian dumplings) that normally featured on her festive menu.

‘ADS has been very helpful with assistance since my arrival in Australia,’ she said, ‘from sorting out issues with Centrelink to helping me to find new, wonderful friends.

‘The community is incredibly warm and welcoming to us.’

Nataliia was excited to attend the class each week because Ms Champness explained things clearly and was very friendly and encouraging.

‘The recipes are quick, easy to follow and tasty,’ she said. ‘My favourites were the ANZAC biscuits.

‘Back in Ukraine we enjoy Kolach (sweet bread) and Kutia (a type of porridge) during Christmas. But I’d really like to learn the Australian version of Christmas turkey.’

Oleksandra said there was a great atmosphere in the class. ‘It’s not only cooking but works like therapy. I feel very comfortable. It’s a breeze of fresh air.’

Although she was still deciding which Australian dessert to cook for Christmas, one traditional Ukrainian course she would serve on the day was a ‘Seledka pod shooboy’ salad, which features layered vegetables and cured herring.

Ievgeniia wished she’d joined the classes earlier: ‘I like the company. And that we have to speak English.

‘I have a big family here now,’ she said. ‘We will cook many traditional dishes – salads, roasted lamb, “Holodets” (a jellied cold meat dish). And I will bake a layered cake.

‘I want to learn how to cook other things from different cultures – and would love to join more classes.’

Ms Gimelberg, course coordinator, made several memorable meals during the five-week program. One flavoursome lunch she cooked was for The Kogarah Storehouse volunteers who’d been hard at work that morning preparing food parcels for vulnerable people in the community.

‘We were blessed to have TAFE and The Kogarah Storehouse on board to help roll out the cooking course,’ Ms Gimelberg said. ‘Johanne is an excellent teacher and The Kogarah Storehouse has an industrial kitchen fit for purpose. It also generously bought all of the ingredients needed for each class.’

Kogarah Storehouse manager Lala Noronha also praised the collaborative effort, ‘We are delighted to host the Ukrainian cooking classes here, it is a wonderful initiative and a great collaboration between ADS, the Kogarah Storehouse and TAFE.’

Ms Gimelberg said the classes have been pivotal in helping the women settle well, ‘We’re committed to ensuring these people who have fled the war and left their homeland are welcomed warmly, their settlement journey is positive and they can find a little touch of joy during their first festive season in Australia.’

Pavlova was a firm favourite with the Ukrainian women who will celebrate their first Christmas in Australia in 2022.

Erica Pettener: ‘I gained greater insight into the realities of migrant settlement’

Erica Pettener: ‘I gained greater insight into the realities of migrant settlement’

Erica Pettener started her student placement with Advance Diversity Services (ADS) in August 2022. Working with ADS’s Settlement and Community Services team has shown her how the theory she’s been learning at university can be applied in practice. It has also sharpened her skills and broadened her worldview.

What drew you to do your student placement with ADS?

I wanted to do my student placement at ADS to learn about the refugee and migrant experience from the perspective of people undergoing a settlement journey in Australia. Prior to this placement I had limited knowledge of the services and agencies available to support these communities, and was previously reliant upon the media perspective.

What are you studying and where? And how has your personal history and/or your cultural background informed your work with ADS?

I am studying a Master of Social Work at Wollongong University. I am a second-generation Australian and I feel there has been a form of ‘give and receive’ in my placement experience. This placement has provided me with a greater insight into migrant settlement realities that my own family would have experienced. In turn, I feel my background has provided me with a level of cultural sensitivity that has enabled me to be mindful and respectful throughout my placement.

What ADS programs have you assisted with and how have you been encouraged to apply your studies and/or expand your skills in your role?

During my time at ADS, I have worked within the Settlement and Community Services team. I have been fortunate to have gained experience in community development – both in the form of assisting with community information sessions and the Migrant Information Day, and also with individual client casework. Working alongside ADS staff with clients has been particularly useful in seeing how theory is applied in practice.

What has been the most challenging work you have done with ADS during your time as a student?

The most challenging work was being privileged to hear the lived experiences of clients interacting with ADS. At times, it was difficult to hear the individual and systemic challenges that clients have experienced in their past but then equally hopeful in how ADS focuses on the strengths of clients to address future challenges.

What strengths have you brought to your placement?

The core strengths I have brought to my placement include active listening, patience and calm. This has helped me to be open to new experiences – creating more learning opportunities.

What has been your proudest moment, greatest achievement, deepest connection in your time at ADS?

I feel that my greatest achievement was assisting a client to improve their knowledge of the public transport system in Sydney and around their local area. It was wonderful knowing that I was able to assist in a small way to increase the confidence of a client regardless of our language barrier.

“Be You With Us” is ADS’ tagline, and it reflects the organisation’s commitment to welcoming and accepting everyone of all ages, gender, culture, sexuality, and religious beliefs. How have you been encouraged to “Be You With Us” during your time with ADS?

I have been encouraged to be myself in the way that I was involved in discussion; I felt that my opinion and perspective was valued by the organisation.

What more should the Australian Government be doing to welcome migrants and refugees and to ensure they find the support they need to adjust quickly and well to life in Australia?

The Australian Government can provide clearer information on government websites to support programs that are available. On a broader systemic level, the visa process and the information of rights under various visa types could be provided in a more simplified manner.

What is your ultimate goal and how has the work you’ve done with ADS equipped you for what you would like to do next?

I am uncertain of my ultimate goal, but this placement experience has made me more confident that my future career is in social work. ADS has provided me with improved interpersonal skills and broadened my own worldview, which I know will be beneficial to me in the future.

Please finish this sentence: I love ADS because … of the warm and collaborative spirit of all team members. The feeling of an attitude that it can be achieved we just need to find a way.

Erica Pettener felt there was a form of ‘give and receive’ in her student placement with ADS due to her background as a second-generation Australian.