Publications
"PEOPLE'S VOICES" - FAIRFIELD LGA
Around 1,000 people of Fairfield, Smithfield and Cabramatta have spoken out.
Acknowledging the value of an engaged civil society people of the LGA of Fairfield have spoken with great clarity. They have been strong about the value of informal networks as a means of having citizens become engaged in their communities.
Ordinary men and women showed themselves "linked to a higher ethical order than many of the large voluntary organisations, government departments and statutory bodies.
They were most articulate about what they dreamed about as a good society and what they wanted government to do.
THE PEOPLE DEMAND:
- That our young people obtain better opportunities for employment through training and other associated services.
- Safe and low cost recreational opportunities for young people and families.
- Stronger support for new waves of migrants and refugees to help them become part of our community more quickly.
- Revitalisation of town centres to give pride of place and smoother access.
- Stronger public education regarding substance abuse and continuing improvement of drug prevention strategies.
"Fairfield welcomed us. As refugees we were bewildered by many things but somehow felt accepted - this is the multicultural experience of Fairfield".
Refugee Mother
"We now have so many events all the kids want to be in the Lion Dances, now they have to earn their places in the dance, it creates a kind of extended family".
Festival Volunteer
"I like the enormous changes, we have adapted and taken it in our stride".
Italian Community Leader
To obtain a copy of the full report contact Chain Reaction Foundation
Email: info@chainreaction.org.au
"PEOPLE'S VOICES" - KEMPSEY, MT DRUITT, ILLAWARRA
"People's Voices" told by the people and recorded just as spoken. The narrative forms the basis of a series of community debates, discussions, revelations and actions focused on building citizen engagement, harmony, and new leadership in the communities in which the people live.
In the context of the growing discourse about the broader fabric of civil society, the existence of social capital and the necessity to understand its make-up we look to know more about a participatory democracy especially if we are to value democracy in Australia in present times and for the future. "People's Voices" tells it like it is, describing how communities feel about their ability or inability to participate in public life.
PEOPLE'S VOICES DEMAND TO BE HEARD
In one community they demand:
- New diverse leadership in public life
- A sustainable mentoring scheme for young people
- The creation of a ‘heroes walk' to celebrate the life of its heroes.
In another:
- Immediate assistance to achieve self-determination
- An aboriginal meeting place
- A community leadership development program
And in the final community:
- That the local university will take a stronger regional leadership role in innovative education
- People's safety concerns to be taken seriously by the provision of improved mental health and substance abuse prevention care.
"People's Voices" is a compelling but easy read, designed for those who wish they had a voice and those who know they have. It is particularly useful for anyone in public office or aspiring towards a leadership role of any kind.
It is hard to forget the voice of the young girl who said:
"We will never have harmony in our town until the Pizza man can deliver the Pizza on the South side".
or a boy who said:
"I used to play cricket and football but now I am just a black kid".
"People's Voices" can be purchased directly from Chain Reaction Foundation.
Email: info@chainreaction.org.au A copy will be sent to you on application together with an invoice for $24.95 which includes postage.
CHAIN REACTION "ENABLERS PROGRAM" EVALUATION - MAY 2006
The following independent report/evaluation was commissioned by Chain Reaction Foundation, sponsored by Ian Potter Foundation and conducted by University of Western Sydney.
Click here to download/view UWS Enablers Program Evaluation (pdf format)