Community Services

The Eritrean Australian Community and Settlement Support Network (EACSSN) is a human rights organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the rights of Eritrean Australians. This document outlines the policies and procedures that govern the operations of the organization, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

The mission of the EACSSN is to promote and protect the human rights of Eritrean Australians through community engagement, education, advocacy, and support services. We strive to create an inclusive and harmonious society where every individual’s rights are respected and upheld.

The EACSSN has the following objectives:

• To provide support and assistance to Eritrean Australians in settling and integrating into Australian society.
• To promote awareness and understanding of the human rights situation in Australia.
• To advocate for the rights and well-being of Eritrean Australians at local, national, and international levels.
• To collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to address human rights issues affecting Eritrean Australians.

• Human Rights: The EACSSN is committed to upholding the principles of universal human rights as enshrined in international conventions and declarations.
• Non-Discrimination: The organization prohibits any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: The EACSSN respects the privacy and confidentiality of individuals accessing its services, ensuring the protection of personal information.
• Child Protection: The organization has a strict child protection policy in place to safeguard the welfare of children involved in its programs and activities.
• Ethical Conduct: All staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are expected to adhere to ethical standards, including integrity, respect, and professionalism.

• Service Delivery: The EACSSN provides a range of support services, including settlement assistance, language support, social integration programs, advocacy, and referrals to relevant community resources.
• Complaints and Grievances: The organization has a transparent and accessible complaints and grievances procedure to address any concerns raised by individuals accessing its services or stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The EACSSN actively engages with stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and the Eritrean Australian community, to ensure effective collaboration and coordination of efforts.
• Fundraising and Financial Management: The organization follows strict financial management procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The EACSSN conducts regular monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of its programs and services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the organization’s goals are being met.

The Eritrean Australian Community and Settlement Support Network in Support Human Rights Organization policy and procedure document serves as a guide for the organization’s operations, ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights for Eritrean Australians. By adhering to these policies and procedures, the organization strives to create a society where all individuals can fully exercise their rights and thrive.

We are the Eritrean Australian Community, located in Gold Coast in the suburbs of Southport and Labrador within the divisions of Division 6 and Division 4 in the City Council of Gold Coast, serves the state electorates of Southport and Labrador, as well as the federal electorates of Fadden and Moncrieff. Additionally, it operates within the state district of Bonney in the city of Gold Coast, Queensland.

Building Inclusive Communities: The community aims to create inclusive environments where all Eritreans feel welcome, respected, and valued, while also fostering connections with the broader Australian society.

Improving Outcomes: By providing support and resources, the community strives to improve the outcomes and quality of life for Eritreans living in the Gold Coast region.

Creating Sustainable Opportunities: The community is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for individuals and families, empowering them to thrive and succeed in their personal and professional endeavours.

Friendly Support in a Non-Judgmental Environment: The community offers a welcoming and non-judgmental space where new arrival individuals and families can access support and assistance tailored to their needs.

Addressing Cultural Impact: Services are designed to address the impact of cultural backgrounds, values, beliefs, and rights on individuals and families, promoting social justice understanding and respect for diversity.

Fostering Eritrean Culture: The community aims to preserve and promote Eritrean culture within Australian society, celebrating traditions events, customs, and heritage while encouraging integration and participation.

Promoting Understanding: Through its services, the community seeks to promote understanding and dialogue between different cultural groups, fostering harmony and cooperation within the broader community.

Respecting Privacy and Rights: Services are delivered with utmost respect for the privacy, dignity, and rights, beliefs of community members, ensuring confidentiality at all times.

• Build a Culturally and Socially Responsive Diverse Community: Creating a community that is inclusive and responsive to the diverse cultural and social needs of its members is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
• Promote the Heritage and History of Eritrea and Australia: By celebrating and sharing the rich heritage and history of both Eritrea and Australia, you contribute to cultural exchange and understanding between communities.
• Recognize and Address the Unique Needs of Members: Acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of community members, such as health and wellbeing concerns, ensures that support is tailored to individual circumstances.
• Foster Relations Between Eritrean and Australian Communities: Building relationships based on common values promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between communities, contributing to social cohesion.
• Empower Members to Share Their Experiences and Perspectives: Providing platforms for members to voice their experiences, concerns, and perspectives empowers them to actively participate in shaping the community and broader society.
• Create Opportunities for Cultural Exchange: Facilitating cultural exchange activities between the Eritrean community and the Australian public promotes mutual appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures.
• Inform the Public About Eritrea: Educating the broader Australian public about Eritrea’s background, culture, and history fosters cross-cultural awareness and appreciation.
• Raise Awareness About the Plight of Eritrean Refugees: By raising awareness about the challenges faced by Eritrean refugees, you advocate for their rights and support efforts for refugee protection and assistance.
• Preserve and Enhance Eritrean Languages and Cultural Awareness: Preserving language and cultural traditions contributes to the identity and cohesion of the Eritrean community while fostering cultural diversity in the broader society.
• Address Wellbeing Issues Within the Community: Identifying and addressing issues affecting community wellbeing, such as trauma due to tortured or disability, ensures that support services are accessible and responsive to community needs.
• Bridge Cultural Gaps: Bridging cultural gaps between community members and the broader Australian society promotes integration and social inclusion.
• Support New Arrivals: Providing support to new refugees and migrants facilitates their settlement and integration into the community and wider society.
• Enhance Settlement and Integration Processes: Supporting members through humanitarian program settlement processes, such proposal, sponsor, family reunion, as well as with citizenship testing and facilitates their successful integration into Australian society.
• Minimize Cultural Shock: Supporting members in navigating cultural differences minimizes the impact of cultural shock and promotes smoother integration into Australian society.
• Inspire Members to Contribute Positively: Motivating and inspiring members to pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to society fosters a sense of agency and responsibility.
• Foster Good Relations Between Communities: Acting as ambassadors for fostering good relations between Australian and Eritrean societies promotes harmony and cooperation between diverse communities.

The Eritrean-Australian Community values diversity and inclusion in the workplace as essential elements of a thriving and vibrant community.

principles and practices we uphold to promote diversity and inclusion:
• Embracing Diversity
• Equal Opportunity
• Creating Inclusive Spaces
• Cultural Competence
• Addressing Bias and Discrimination
• Supportive Policies and Practices
• Leadership Commitment
• Collaboration and Partnership

By upholding these principles and practices, the Eritrean-Australian Community strives to create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where all members can thrive and contribute to our shared goals and aspirations.

Advocates for migrant, refugees, and vulnerable members of the community, we are committed to addressing the social impact of their experiences and advocating for their rights and well-being.

• Access to Services
• Awareness and Education
• Empowerment and Capacity Building
• Community Engagement and Participation
• Legal Support and Advocacy

The Youth Leadership Programs are designed to empower young members of the Eritrean-Australian community to become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. These programs focus on developing leadership skills, fostering cultural pride and identity, and promoting civic engagement and social responsibility.

Objectives of the programs

• Leadership Development
• Cultural Awareness and Identity
• Community Engagement
• Mentorship and Networking
• Empowerment and Self-Confidence
• Future Leadership

The Eritrean-Australian Youth Leadership Programs provide young people with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become empowered leaders who can make a meaningful difference in their community and beyond. These programs are a testament to the generation of Eritrean Australians.

Supporting our community during times of crisis, such as housing insecurity, is a top priority for us. We provide comprehensive assistance with housing applications, including filling out forms and representing individuals with authorities.

• Application Assistance
• Form Filling
• Information and Referrals
• Crisis Intervention
• Empowerment and Education workshop
• Follow-Up Support

Supporting our community with employment pathways is a fundamental aspect of our commitment to empowering individuals and fostering economic resilience.

• Job Search Assistance
• Skills Development
• Resume writing
• Networking Opportunities
• Workshops
• Employment Rights and Advocacy
• Follow-Up Support

we empower our community members to achieve their career goals, gain financial stability, and contribute meaningfully to the workforce and economy.

Creating programs that incorporate workshops, critical thinking activities, sports, events, and general knowledge information about both Australian and Eritrean cultures is an excellent way to foster community engagement, cultural exchange, and personal development.

• Sports and Recreation
• Cultural Events
• General Knowledge Information

Assisting our community to access and connect to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services can greatly benefit individuals with disabilities and their families. can support them living independently.

• Workshop Information Sessions
• NDIS Application Support
• Advocacy and Representation
• Service Provider Referrals
• Cultural Competence Training
• Follow-Up and Monitoring
• NDIS Support coordination

These strategies can effectively assist our community in accessing and connecting to NDIS services, thereby improving the quality of life and outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families choice and control.

Promoting women’s leadership and equal opportunities in the workplace is essential for fostering diversity, inclusion, and organizational success.

Our strategies to encourage and support women in leadership roles:
• Equal Opportunity Policies
• Leadership Development Programs
• Mentorship and workshop
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
• Empowerment and Advocacy
• Support employment programs

Supporting settlement services for members of the community through programs such as the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP), Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Program, Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) program, and other services is crucial for facilitating successful integration and adaptation to life in Australia.

These programs can support community members:
• Orientation and Pre-departure Support
• Initial Settlement Assistance
• Case Management and Support
• Integration Support
• Community Connections
• Capacity Building
• Advocacy and Empowerment
• Legal Assistance and referal
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
• Employment Support

Supporting the community with legal issues is vital for ensuring access to justice, protecting rights, and promoting empowerment.

• Legal Information and Education
• Legal Advice and Consultation
• Referrals and Advocacy
• Know Your Rights Campaigns
• Legal Assistance for Vulnerable Groups
• Community Legal Education

• Supporting new arrivals in enrolling them in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is crucial for their successful integration and participation in Australian society.
• Information and Orientation
• Referral and Enrollment Assistance
• Language Assessment
• Supportive Services
• Follow-Up and Monitoring
• Community Engagement
• Advocacy and Empowerment

Providing free interpreter services in Tigrinya and Arabic for community members, especially new arrivals, is essential for ensuring effective communication and access to services.

• On-Site Interpreters
• Culturally Competent Interpreting
• Telephone interpreting
• Referral services

Supporting vulnerable older people in our community with booking appointments for visiting clinics and accessing hospitals is crucial for ensuring their health and well-being.

• Appointment Scheduling Assistance
• Appointment Reminders
• Accompaniment and Support
• Transportation Coordination
• Advocacy and Navigation
• Information and Resources in their language

Supporting community members with filling out forms is an important service that can help individuals navigate the processes, access essential services, and advocate for their rights.

• Information and Guidance
• Assistance with Completion
• Language Support
• Review and Verification
• Empowerment and Education
• Follow-Up and Advocacy

Conducting domestic violence awareness workshops and events is essential for raising awareness, educating the community, and promoting prevention and intervention strategies.

• Workshop Topics
• Expert Presentations
• Survivor Stories
• Interactive Activities
• Community Events
• Resource language support
• Evaluation and Follow-Up

fostering a sense of unity and connectedness within community members are essential for promoting better well-being and support among its members.

• Build Strong Relationships
• Establish Support Networks
• Promote Acts of Kindness
• Provide Resources and Information language support
• Foster Open Communication
• Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
• Lead by Example

Improving basic computer skills among our community members are crucial for enhancing their ability to access information, communicate effectively, and participate in various online activities and services.

• Computer Literacy Workshops
• One-on-One Tutoring
• Online Learning Resources
• Community Computer Labs
• Mobile Learning Units
• Tailored Training Programs
• Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Improving social media connections and advocating for the community voice to be heard is a powerful way to raise awareness, mobilize support, and amplify the voices of community members.

• Establish a Strong Online Presence
• Engage with Your Audience
• Leverage Hashtags and Trends
• Collaborate with Influencers and Partners
• Monitor Analytics and Adapt Strategies
• Workshop Social media safety

Teamwork is essential for building a strong and resilient community that can work together towards a better and brighter future.

• Shared Vision and Goals
• Collaboration and Communication
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Support and Empowerment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
• Celebration and Recognition
• Continuous Learning and Improvement

Volunteering for a community can indeed make a significant difference by contributing time, skills, and resources to support various initiatives and address community needs can have a positive impact.

• Meeting Community Needs
• Building Social Connections
• Enhancing Well-Being
• Developing Skills and Experience
• Promoting Civic Engagement
• Creating Positive Change

Developing diplomatic connections with local government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), agencies, city councils, Members of Parliament (MPs), and communities is crucial for enhancing understanding and support for the services delivered by the Eritrean-Australian Community & Settlement Support Network.

• Establishing Relationships
• Engaging in Collaborative Initiatives
• Providing Information and Resources
• Seeking Advocacy and Support
• Building Trust and Collaboration
• Participating in Consultative Processes
• Narrate and correct the misinformed about the community and Eritrea.

Community Supports available

If someone is in immediate danger, in a life-threatening situation or a crime is happening.
Call triple Zero 000

Covid-19 Enquires
For information about COVID-19 hotspots, restrictions, and testing
Ph 13 42 68
www.covid-19.qld.gov.au

Community Recovery Hotline
For vulnerable Queenslanders with no other means of support
Ph 1800 173 349

Lifeline
Personal Crisis Support
Ph 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au

Homeless Hotline
Information and referral service for those experiencing homelessness.
Ph: 1800 474 753

DV Connect
Domestic family and sexual violence support
Ph: 1800 811 811
www.dvconnect.org

ADIS 24/7
Alcohol and drug support
Ph: 1800 177 833
www.adis.health.qld.gov.au

police link
Non urgent incidents, crime, or police enquiries.
Ph: 13 14 44
www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting

City of gold coast
general Enquires
Ph: 1300 465 326

www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au

Community Support
www.ityofgoldcoast.com.au/communitysupport

Notice:-
• The Eritrean Australian Community and Settlement Support Network Inc. (EACSSN) has developed a comprehensive range of resources, content services, policies, and procedures to support the Eritrean community in Australia. These resources have been carefully created to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Eritrean individuals and families during the settlement process.
• The EACSSN understands the importance of providing culturally sensitive and relevant information to facilitate successful integration and community engagement. As such, all the resources and content services have been tailored to meet the unique requirements of the Eritrean community.
• The resources cover a wide range of topics, including language and cultural orientation, employment and education opportunities, health and well-being, housing and accommodation, legal and immigration matters, and social and community support networks. These resources have been developed in collaboration with experts in the relevant fields to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• In addition to the resources, the EACSSN has also established policies and procedures to guide its operations and ensure the highest standard of service delivery. These policies and procedures cover areas such as client confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, complaint resolution, and service evaluation.
• The EACSSN is committed to empowering the Eritrean community and promoting social inclusion and cohesion. Through its resources, content services, policies, and procedures, it aims to facilitate a smooth settlement process and enhance the overall well-being and success of the Eritrean community in Australia.
• Please note that the EACSSN is a non-profit organization and relies on the support of volunteers, community members, and funding grants to continue its valuable work.

Erirean Australian Community and Settlement Support Network Inc.
Director@eacssn.org.au – info@eacssn.org.au
0470523364 – 0435901690
Southport Queensland, Australia, 4215
www.eacssn.org.au

EACSSN acknowledgement pay our deepest respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture and We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Reference
Useful resources and links: –
• shabait.com
https://shabait.com/category/about-eritrea/history-a-culture/
• Eritrean Australian Community and Settlement Support Network Inc.
• https://www.facebook.com/EAGCA.org/
• www.eacssn.org.au
• Ecss-online.com
https://www.ecss-online.com/?s=community
• Eritrea.be
http://www.eritrea.be/

• Australian Department of Home Affairs
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/sets-program