Purpose of the Focus GroupsThe focus groups were developed to involve the Australian South Sea Islander community in addressing issues affecting the whole community. Our organisation believes that it is important to not only involve the community in this process, but to seek the guidance of the community concerning how these issues should be addressed to ensure cultural sensitivity.
OverviewIn 2000, MADASSIA with the assistance of the Mackay City Council and the Mackay Regional Council for Social Development conducted a community wide survey to develop our Protocols Guide. The community members (from the various Australian South Sea Islander families) were visited and were asked to identify any issues impacting the community. All participants were asked to identify the issues according to six specific areas as identified by the Federal Government during Recognition. The results were collated and the Protocols Guide was produced.
The six specific areas are:
- Community Benefits
- Cultural/Heritage
- Education/Training
- Employment
- Health
; and- Housing
Some of the current work within these areas that MADASSIA is involved with include:
- Identifying Issues relevant to our Youth
- Cultural Awareness & Preservation through community workshops
- Lobbying Government for Australian South Sea Islander Traineeships in State Government Departments
- Community Jobs Plan & Community Employment Assistance Program projects
- Community awareness of the major health risks affecting Australian South Sea Islanders; and
- Assisting current Australian South Sea Islander Housing groups to identify cultural needs pertaining to housing
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