Western Sydney Community Forum

In Western Sydney, we find ourselves at the heart of one of Australia's most culturally diverse regions.



However, structural and systemic racism continues to act as a formidable barrier, obstructing the region from harnessing its full potential.



Our latest issues paper underscores the need for a whole-of-region anti-racism framework for Western Sydney which fosters collaboration among businesses, communities, and government.



By leveraging diversity and sharing best practices, we can pave the way for a socially just and equitable society.

Download the issues paper>>https://wscf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Anti-Racism-issues-paper-FINAL_240724-2.pdf

Western Sydney Community Forum welcomes the recent news that the NSW Government will soon be banning no-grounds eviction. This move will prevent landlords from evicting renters without a valid reason. Currently, a no-grounds eviction occurs every 18 minutes.

Yesterday, our CEO Billie Sankovic, spoke at the public hearing for the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Prohibiting No Grounds Evictions) Bill 2024. This was an important opportunity to discuss the impact of the proposed changes and rental stress in the context of Western Sydney.

Western Sydney continues to experience particularly high rental stress, with both low vacancy rates and rapidly rising rents. Power imbalances between tenants and landlords in Western Sydney are further heightened due to socioeconomic demographics and discrimination. The move to ban no-grounds evictions therefore represents a significant step towards preventing the exploitation and mistreatment of renters.

Click here to view the NSW Government's announcement: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/making-renting-fairer-nsw

Western Sydney Community Forum has worked with the Centre for Western Sydney and Western Sydney University’s Challenging Racism Project to advocate for an anti-racism framework for Western Sydney.

Download our latest issues paper, ‘Advancing anti-racism in Western Sydney: Towards a regional anti-racism framework,’ written by Gina Hawkes, Rhonda Itaoui, Alanna Kamp, Angela Smith, Anita Hanna, Rachel Sharples, Zarlasht Sarwari and Vera Xia.
The issues paper is based on insights from the Forum’s anti-racism week activities and proposes key recommendations for an anti-racism framework that leverages Western Sydney’s strengths; addresses structural and systemic racism; and prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.

With thanks to our contributors and colleagues, including Billie Sankovic, Andy Marks, Susan Page, Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews, Kevin Dunn, Oznur Sahin, Danielle McInness, Uncle Greg Simms OAM, Gabriella Gerace, Ali Sardyga, Emily Neville, Lauren Coskerie.

Copyediting by Dr Abigail Taylor at LOVE WORDS editing, and photography by Sally Tsoutas and Kyisoe Han.

Download the issues paper>>https://wscf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Anti-Racism-issues-paper-FINAL_240724-2.pdf

Today marks a month since Western Sydney Community Forum proudly hosted the 14th Annual ZEST Awards ceremony on May 30th, 2024. The event, held in the millennium room of Accor Stadium, celebrated the unsung heroes and ground-breaking initiatives of greater Western Sydney.

For 14 years, the ZEST Awards have recognised hundreds of amazing projects across the region. Each year, we see more innovative and exceptional work, and this year we had a record number of nominations. More than 530 people attended the ceremony, including representatives from the community, government, and business sectors.

A sincere thank you to all of our ZEST partners for their commitment to the communities of Western Sydney. This year we were also proud to sponsor the ZEST Community Impact Grant, which awarded $10k to amplify and support local grassroots projects from the community.

Read the full report for a snapshot of this year’s event here: https://wscf.org.au/insights-categories/publications/



Partners:
SSI - Settlement Services International , NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS , Link Wentworth Housing , Business NSW , Business Western Sydney , City of Parramatta , Western Sydney International Airport , John Holland, Multicultural NSW , NAB, NSW Government , Parra News , The Western Weekender , Liverpool City Council Australia , Sydney Leadership Dialogue Western Sydney University

Western Sydney Community Forum would like to welcome the newest additions to our team. Kate Mitchell and Ashby Bento will be completing their placements at the Forum over the next few months. Here's a little bit about them:

Kate is a Master of Social Work (qualifying) student at Western Sydney University. Holding a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), she is particularly interested in the areas of mental health, disability, and homelessness. Kate is passionate about working with people and communities to reduce barriers and promote community participation, while embodying social justice and human rights as core principles.

Ashby is a fourth-year student at Western Sydney University, pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. She views social work as a noble profession that fights for social justice and strives to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. She hope to gain new experiences and skills, especially to build on the core social work competencies. She enjoys painting, knitting, embroidery, stitching, and designing. She is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and an avid reader, with a preference for dystopian novels.

Welcome Kate and Ashby!

Western Sydney Community Forum responds to the NSW Budget 2024

“Last year, Western Sydney Community Forum called on the NSW Government to take bolder steps to address the growing inequity that disproportionally impacts Western Sydney.

This year’s Budget represents such a bold step. The NSW Government has announced an investment of $5.1 billion towards achieving the target of 8,400 new and refurbished homes – half of which will specifically service women and children escaping domestic violence – to be complemented by a further $528 million for homelessness services.

This is overwhelmingly good news and will be warmly welcomed in Western Sydney, where current housing stock remains inadequate both in number and quality.

So, at the macro level, it could be said that Western Sydney has been well served by this Budget. However, at the level of families, individuals and communities it remains to be seen if these large-scale investments will translate to improvements in the lives of people in Western Sydney.”

Read the full article by Western Sydney Community Forum, Acting CEO Joshua Bird here: https://wscf.org.au/nsw-budget-2024-statement/

Today marks World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee.

Western Sydney continues to be the key area of settlement for refugees and humanitarian visa holders, and we celebrate their immense contribution to our communities and the cultural richness of our region.

Western Sydney Community Forum stands in solidarity with refugees in Western Sydney and beyond.

Learn more about World Refugee Day on the UNHCR website: https://www.unhcr.org/events/world-refugee-day-2024

Western Sydney Community Forum would like to congratulate Uncle Greg Simms OAM and Mrs. Harinder Kaur OAM on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia!

Uncle Greg Simms OAM, an esteemed Elder on Team at the Forum, is honoured for his incredible service to the Indigenous community of Western Sydney.

Mrs. Harinder Kaur OAM, CEO of Harman Foundation and ZEST Winner of the 2023 Outstanding Sector Leader and 2024 Outstanding Project Climate and Environmental Resilience, is honoured for her outstanding service to the community through social welfare organisations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to both Uncle Greg and Mrs. Harinder for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the communities of Western Sydney and beyond. Your work inspires us all!

We would like to thank the Australian Human Rights Commission for inviting Western Sydney Community Forum to their "Rights on Time" curtain-raiser show last night, as part of their "Free and Equal" human rights conference.

The panel featured some of Australia’s notable legal experts, rights advocates and media personalities who explored the future of human rights in Australia through engaging discussions and performances.

Dr Joshua Bird, our Acting Chief Executive Officer, and Kobra Sayyadi, Projects Assistant attended on behalf of the Forum, highlighting our commitment to human rights and advocacy.

This event is part of a significant national forum, bringing together diverse leaders, experts, and advocates from across Australia to discuss a much-needed overhaul of the country’s human rights framework, including the proposed introduction of an Australian Human Rights Act.

Thank you to the AHRC for this opportunity. We look forward to continued collaboration in advancing and upholding human rights.

Congratulations Kalvin Biag of the Southwest Sydney Rotaract – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding Youth Leader!

Kalvin has been the President of the Southwest Sydney Rotaract since February of 2022, running local initiatives and projects most notably petitioning to update Council Signage referring to the more appropriate “Cerebral Palsy Alliance”.

Kalvin has served with the local Fairfield Unit of the State Emergency Services and as a Justice of the Peace. Kalvin is also a member of the Fairfield City Council Mayor’s Crime Prevention Reference Group. He started an annual Christmas Toy Drive last year donating 275 toys to St Vincent De Paul in Mount Pritchard. In 2023 Kalvin has been recognised for his work in Politics by the Australian Junior Chamber International being awarded as a Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Award Honouree of Australia.

A hearty congratulations to the inspiring Kalvin Biag!

Proudly led by Western Sydney Community Forum

Event partners:

NAB
Western Sydney University
Link Wentworth
City of Parramatta

Congratulations to The Thrift Factory – Save Our Planet – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding Project Climate and Environmental Resilience!

Harinder Kaur, CEO and co-founder of Harman Foundation , embodies visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. Her innovative Thrift Factory project not only generated $8000 in income for charity but also fostered environmental consciousness, promoting sustainability. This initiative, coupled with providing employment opportunities and experience to victims of domestic and family violence, reflects her holistic approach to social change. Harinder's foresight extends to online expansion, acknowledging the growing demand. Through her initiatives, she not only transforms lives but also instills a culture of compassion and environmental responsibility.

A massive thank you to Harman Foundation and all that they do! Congratulations!

Proudly led by Western Sydney Community Forum

Event partners:

NAB
Western Sydney University
Link Wentworth
City of Parramatta

Congratulations to Dr Jamal Rifi– Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding Community Sector Leader!

Jamal is a General Practitioner and prominent figure in the Lebanese Muslim community in Sydney, Australia. He is recognised for his work to supporting young people, utilising sport and other means to keep them connected to community and prevent isolation which could lead to radicalisation. Dr Rifi played an active role during the Covid-19 crisis - he built a clinic in his front yard in February 2020, which later became a hub for a community that felt forgotten during Sydney's Delta lockdown. As a prominent member of the Lebanese Muslim community, Dr Rifi felt that he needed to combat more than the virus, as misinformation and conspiracy theories spread. He played an important role in driving culturally appropriate communication to combat Covid-19 spread in Western Sydney.

Thank you, Dr Rifi, for your awe-inspiring work in the community!

Proudly led by

Event partners:

NAB
Western Sydney University
City of Parramatta
Link Wentworth Housing

Congratulations to Kathryn Smith – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Western Sydney University Unsung Hero Award!

Kathryn is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and is a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual violence, making significant contributions through her volunteer work with What Were You Wearing, Australia (WWYW). As an administrative and events assistant, Kathryn provides vital support and resources to survivors, creating safe spaces where they feel validated, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Her efforts have fostered empowerment, awareness, and real change in the community, inspired by her personal experience with sexual violence.

Beyond direct support services, Kathryn is actively involved in advocacy, playing a pivotal role in breaking down stigma and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. She has been instrumental in enacting new guidelines for RSA training to include drink spiking, increasing awareness of sexual violence and violence against women. Additionally, Kathryn's commitment extends to promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation, particularly through WWYW's focus on highlighting the experiences of marginalised individuals. She also serves on the Headspace Family and Friends advisory committee, providing advice on supporting clients with mental illnesses.

Bravo Kathryn! Amazing to hear all the special things you have accomplished!

Make sure to like this post and feel free to share this around. Keep tuning in for more updates throughout the night

Proudly led by

Event partners:
NAB
Western Sydney University
City of Parramatta
Link Wentworth Housing

SSI - Settlement Services International , NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS (NCOSS), Link Wentworth Housing , Business NSW , Business Western Sydney , City of Parramatta , Western Sydney International Airport , John Holland, Multicultural NSW , NAB, NSW Government , Parra News , The Western Weekender , Liverpool City Council Australia , Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Western Sydney University.

Congratulations to the Inclusive Justice Project – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding Project - CALD Communities and 2024 ZEST Community Impact Grant!

The Inclusive Justice Project, spearheaded by Number 8 Prison Project Incorporated (N8PP), is tackling the disproportionate representation of Pasifika individuals in the NSW prison system by offering customised resources tailored to their linguistic and cultural needs within Greater Western Sydney. This initiative, which includes written booklets and video content in the three most prevalent Pasifika languages; Tongan, Samoan and Fijian according to the 2022 ABS Data Collection. It aims to bridge the informational gap that has long existed, thereby empowering these communities to navigate the realms of police, courts, and prison with greater understanding and agency.

Kudos to the Inclusive Justice Project for advocating for the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Western Sydney and congratulations all around!

Proudly led by

Event partners:
NAB
Western Sydney University
Link Wentworth Housing
City of Parramatta

Congratulations to the Fairfield City Health Alliance – Gambling Working Group – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding Community Partnership!

The Fairfield City Health Alliance Gambling Working Group (GWG) works collaboratively to address gambling harm. Action undertaken by the GWG has created an awareness of gambling harm as a pressing, complex community issue that can only be addressed through collective action from a range of stakeholders such as placed based neighbourhood centres, community health agencies, clinical services, local and state government. There are currently 16 active organisations within the partnership, contributing a variety of skills, knowledge and time to deliver a range of GWG activities that include community capacity building, resource development, community outreach and research.

Well done to the team at the Fairfield City Health Alliance – Gambling Working Group!

Make sure to like this post and feel free to share this around. Keep tuning in for more updates throughout the night.

Proudly led by

Event partners:

SSI - Settlement Services International NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS , Link Wentworth Housing Business NSW Business Western Sydney , City of Parramatta Sydney International Airport , Multicultural NSW NAB NSW Government Parra News The Western Weekender Liverpool City Council Australia Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Western Sydney University

Congratulations to Creativity Through Connection – Intergenerational Art Program for Outstanding Project – Community Arts & Culture!

Connection through Creativity brings together young adults and older members of multicultural communities to create artwork as they build intergenerational relationships. Designed by Good Neighbours Australia, the project aims to address loneliness and social isolation among seniors, help develop new skills and confidence among all participants, and bridge the generational divide.

All credit to Connection Through Creativity, unleashing creativity at its finest!

Make sure to like this post and feel free to share this around. Keep tuning in for more updates throughout the night

Proudly led by Western Sydney Community Forum

Event partners:
NAB
Western Sydney University
City of Parramatta
Link Wentworth Housing

Congratulations to Margaret Tipper – 2024 ZEST Inductee to the ZEST Hall of Fame!

Margaret has worked in the Western Sydney Community Sector for over 35 years. In her current role as the Executive Officer of WESTIR Limited, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing enhanced and equitable access to social research and data, Margaret continues to make significant contributions to Western Sydney. Her passion for the role is evident in her advocacy in using both data and her voice, to provide information on the developments and social reality affecting communities across this region. Margaret's extensive and impactful contributions to the community sector, coupled with her ongoing commitment to excellence, make her a true champion.

Kudos for the amazing work you do Margaret!

Event partners:

NAB
Western Sydney University
City of Parramatta
Link Wentworth Housing

SSI - Settlement Services International , NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS (NCOSS), Link Wentworth Housing , Business NSW , Business Western Sydney , City of Parramatta , Western Sydney International Airport , John Holland, Multicultural NSW , NAB, NSW Government , Parra News , The Western Weekender , Liverpool City Council Australia , Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Western Sydney University .

Congratulations to The Shed, Aboriginal Men’s Su***de Prevention Drop-In Centre – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Award for Outstanding First Nations Community Initiative!

Located in Emerton, within the LGA of Blacktown, The Shed is a community drop-in centre that provides practical help and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men at risk of su***de. The Shed is a valuable resource for locals in need of support and was recently shortlisted as a finalist for the WayAhead Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Matters Award.

Thank you for the profound work you do, a big congratulations to The Shed.

Make sure to like this post and feel free to share this around. Keep tuning in for more updates throughout the night.

Event Partners:

NAB
Western Sydney University
Link Wentworth Housing
City of Parramatta

://www.facebook.com/centremalehealthwsu

Congratulations to Community Care Kitchen – Winner of the 2024 ZEST Community Impact Grant!

In recognition of the remarkable impact they are making in our community, Community Care Kitchen will receive a $5,000 grant from Western Sydney Community Forum.

Community Care Kitchen is a local, grassroots non-for-profit comprised of volunteers dedicated to serving the community and eradicating food insecurity in a manner which is highly culturally sensitive. Community Care Kitchen also creates a culturally appropriate volunteering platform where members of the community volunteer their time and energy back into the community, facilitating their zero food insecurity goal.

Thank you for the valuable work you do, a big congratulations to Community Care Kitchen.

Proudly led by Western Sydney Community Forum

Event partners:

SSI - Settlement Services International NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS Link Wentworth Housing , Business NSW , Business Western Sydney City of Parramatta , Western Sydney International Airport , Multicultural NSW , NAB , NSW Government , Parra News , The Western Weekender , Liverpool City Council Australia , , Western Sydney University .

We are excited to welcome everyone to ZEST 2024 tomorrow at Accor Stadium! Join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of the unsung heroes in the community sector of Western Sydney.

In partnership with SSI - Settlement Services International , NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS (NCOSS), Link Wentworth Housing , Business NSW , Business Western Sydney , City of Parramatta , Western Sydney International Airport , John Holland, Multicultural NSW , NAB, NSW Government , Parra News , The Western Weekender , Liverpool City Council Australia , Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Western Sydney University .

This year for National Reconciliation Week, the theme is Now More Than Ever.
Now More Than Ever, we have seen people stand up for what is right, and speak out about what is needed in order to build a safer and more inclusive Australia. And we have seen people respond to this in less than favourable ways.
Now More Than Ever, we have the momentum to set actions in motion, to be able to make great change for all Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Now More Than Ever, we need to look inwards, to see what we can do to contribute to this goal.
Let’s all continue to play our part in building a strengthened, collective Australia.

Western Sydney Community Forum is celebrating a historic IDAHOBIT event hosted by our member organisation Blacktown Area Community Centres Inc. - BACC ! 🌈✨

Today marks a special day with the newly elected Mayor of Blacktown City Council , Brad Bunting, joining us to show his support and allyship. May 17th is a significant date, commemorating the removal of homosexuality from the WHO Classification of Diseases in 1990. IDAHOBIT, first held in 2005, is now recognised worldwide, highlighting both the progress and ongoing fight against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

This year's theme, ‘No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all,’ resonates deeply.

On 1 May 2024, Western Sydney Community Forum hosted a Leaders Mixer with CHSP providers, government and community service representatives from Western Sydney’s community care sector focused on aged care delivery and policy, and CHSP transition and reform.

The event provided an opportunity to engage with key aspects of aged care policy and delivery, hear from the Department of Health and Aged Care's Engagement and First Nations Aged Care Policy team on reform updates, identify delivery gaps, and discuss concerns about the transition. As well as meeting with Funding Arrangement Managers to discuss financial support and resource allocation within the community care sector.

Attendee input and support needs were captured during the event via menti.com. We have now produced a report which summarises the key themes that emerged.

The report is available for download via the following link:

https://wscf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Summary-Report-Leaders-Mixer-May-2024.pdf?mc_cid=ebc0ee507e&mc_eid=cac730d494

Western Sydney Community Forum is pleased to report that our advocacy for improved public transport for the people of Western Sydney is having an impact.

On 4 December 2023, we were invited to give evidence to the NSW Inquiry into the Current and Future Public Transport Needs in Western Sydney. This provided an opportunity for us to voice the needs of Western Sydney’s communities, for whom access to reliable and affordable public transport remains the key to unlocking employment and education opportunities.

As we raised in our submission to the Inquiry, issues of inclusion, accessibility and connectivity continue to be obstacles that undermine the utility of public transport for many in Western Sydney. We were happy to see that these issues were reflected in the Inquiry’s final report. Our submission has also prompted new discussions with Transport for NSW’s Active Transport team about ways to improve connections to transport hubs for isolated areas of Western Sydney.

It has recently been reported that the Australian Government has committed over $1.5 billion in the Budget to new public transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. While we welcome this investment, it is important to always remember that effective public transport that serves the people of Western Sydney requires more than just roads and railways. The people of Western Sydney require the transport access and connectivity enjoyed by the rest of the city.

With the region’s population continuing to grow exponentially, the ongoing liveability of the region is dependent upon an effective public transport network.

We welcome the recommendations of the Inquiry and look forward to continuing to partner with government and the community to work towards a more inclusive, connected public transport network for Western Sydney.

To read our submission to the Inquiry follow the link below:
https://wscf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WSCF-Response-Current-and-future-public-transport-needs-in-Western-Sydney.pdf

Yesterday, Western Sydney Community Forum held its Community Care Leaders Mixer.

This event is an opportunity for strategic and organisational leaders to come together to discuss key priorities and solutions in the aged care sector and shaping social policy to better support older adults.

Thank you to Christian Hall, Director of the First Nations Policy Team, and Jennifer Morser, Regional Director of NSW/ACT Aged Care and Health Engagement Team for their insightful presentations.

The discussions stressed the need for support and maintaining service levels, ongoing regional planning with Family and Community Services, innovative funding for dementia care and aged services, strategic preparedness for future demand, and improved communication methods amidst policy and funding challenges.

A big thank you to everyone who attended. Please get in touch to learn more and follow our work in this space.

Join us for the IDAHOBIT 2024 Pride Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by Blacktown Area Community Centres Inc. - BACC . This event is an opportunity to show support for LGBTQIA+ communities and engage in meaningful dialogue.

🗓️ Date: Friday, 17 May 2024
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Village Green, Blacktown

Refreshments will be available. For registration and further information, contact BACC at 9626 5312 or scan the QR Code provided.

Supported by Blacktown City Council , let's celebrate diversity and inclusivity in Western Sydney!

Yesterday, Western Sydney Community Forum held its Roundtable on The Future of TEI & FCS Funding.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice recently announced a recommissioning of the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) and Family Connect and Support (FCS) programs. As the regional peak, we are keenly aware of the important work that these programs fund in Western Sydney.

The session was an early opportunity for Western Sydney's community sector to hear what the recommissioning process means, and share their own experiences of delivery gaps for children, young people, families and communities. The sector continues to see an effective reduction in funding to deliver these services despite increasing population growth and community need. With the region’s population predicted to grow by another million in coming decades, this demand is only likely to grow.

Yesterday's session was the beginning of a conversation regarding how the sector will respond to these challenges while continuing to provide the essential services that make such a difference to the communities of Western Sydney.

A big thank you to everyone who attended. A report to inform the ongoing discussions will be available shortly. Please get in touch to learn more and follow our work in this space.