RGAW Event – Postive Role Modelling
Sunday, 21st of May 2017 and the team are back at Hindmarsh to host an event for Pakistani men. The focus on today is to provide presentations that outline the practical ways that CALD men can model good behaviour for their children and families, even in the face of challenges inherent in setting up a new life in a different country.
The days emcee is Amir Salim, successful Pakistani businessman, community leader and Secretary of the Pakastani Australian Association of South Australia (PAASA)
Once the room is filled he starts proceedings by introducing Memoona from the PEACE team who gives a welcome to country and a brief rundown of the days schedule. Memoona then hands over to Kaleen Ullah, also a member of PAASA and an accountant who is here to talk about issues relating to tax and how the attendees can go about maximising the Australian tax system to get ahead.
Following Kaleem is Irfan Hashmi. A sharply dressed Pakistani businessman and founder of the Risdon group of Pharmacies. Irfan is here to share his story of coming to Australia and building a good life. He passes around a news article that was published about his wife and his efforts in building pharmacies in regional areas such as Pt. Pirie, Quorn and Coober Pedy. Irfan talks about being a ‘proud South Australian’ and discusses the challenges faced in living as a migrant in some regional areas, such as racism and what he did to rise above it and be successful.
Memoona takes the stage again and presents to the crowd a presentation that discusses the risks inherent in gambling and what men can do to make sure that they are making informed choices about their gambling behaviour given that there is such a distinct cultural focus on it here in Australia. Her presentation aligns gambling with the theme of this year, ‘the effect of gambling on family and friends’ and she discusses how being a good role model means being in control of your choices but also, knowing when to seek help.
After Memoonas presentation, Sidran Fahad, who is the director of the Australian expert migration services, discusses different types of visa issues in detail for the attendees. She elaborates on common issues faced with migration/citizenship and parent visa issues, breaking down common misconceptions and giving the group a clear understanding of what is required by them.
Sariki Sharmas is next to speak and follows on from Sirdans presentation by briefly outlining the importance of volunteer work in gaining employment and suggests different ways that people can present themselves to ensure that they find employment. Included in this is how to dress, how to speak, what to include in a CV and most importantly, the value of persistence even when repeated efforts bear no fruition.
Speaking last is Detective Brevet Sargeant Shaun Osbourne, who is here to break down common misconceptions about the Australian policing community. As he has said at previous events, the sensationalising of police function in American television creates a perception among migrants, and indeed even local residents about how the police exist and what it is they do. He talk about a barrier that needs to be broken down so that people are less reluctant to seek help and cooperate with the police, who are there for the best interest of the people but also explains that sometimes the expectation that all crimes could/would be solved is unfortunately, unreasonable. Detective Osbourne outlines several different ways in which the police can assist migrant communities and how older, perhaps less healthy attitudes toward migrant communities are dying out in the police force as time goes on. A win for the progression of healthy multiculturalism in Australia.
The whole group then poses for a photo and is invited to share in a lovely meal of fragrant curries with plenty of robust chatter as an accompaniment.
