As the peak body representing the needs and aspirations of the majority of CALD communities in Geelong and the Barwon South West region, Diversitat received funding from the Department of Human Services in 2003 that has enabled the establishment of the CALD Equity and Access Program.

This initiative was in response to trends observed in the provision of HACC services across the region, which indicate an under-representation in the accessing of these services by residents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The principle objective of this position has been to encourage and enable HACC service providers in the Barwon South West region to provide high quality, culturally sensitive services to residents of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This has been achieved by becoming a key facilitative and continuous resource to service providers, ethnic groups and established networks in the region. Another significant component of this work has been the development and provision of a Cross Cultural Training package.

Developed for Home and Community Care (HACC) service providers, this training provides participants with awareness, knowledge and strategies to work effectively with diverse clients and co-workers.

Topics covered include:

• Migration and refugee experiences.

• Diversity and Culture.

• Effective Communication / Working with Interpreters.

• Working with Diversity.

Cross Cultural Training is provided to a wide range of HACC agencies including local government and regional health services.

Cultural Diversity Guide (pdf 631kb)

For more information please contact: Community Centre
9 -15 Clarence St, Geelong West, 3218 Ph: (03) 5222 7275 Fax: (03) 5222 5814