Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services

Volunteers and Friends

The MARSS Board of Management and staff would like to acknowledge the contributions made by volunteers in a variety of fields ranging from teaching, mentoring, computer technology, and other services provided by MARSS.

Venue: Theo Notarus Multicultural Centre

Opened: 6.40pm

1. 
   Welcome by Deputy Chair Vic Rebikoff
   

Acknowledge special guests from the ACT Government, and welcome all members of the various communities here.

Always a pleasure to be here. A lot of good works are done here. Know how hard you have all worked, along with the strong support of Dewani. I congratulate you all on the great work you have done and thank you for your dedication.

Thank you and I acknowledge the fabulous work done in the community by MARSS. MARSS makes a difference to our society, for people who come to a new place, how they are welcomed, embraced. MARSS plays a strong role, by giving you sustenance, safety and security. Canberra is a global community and stands firmly for all to respect their heritage and background.

2. 
   Minutes of the Special General Meeting held 19 June 2012
   

Moved: David Ng Seconded: Mohammad Suhail Khan CARRIED

3. 
   Minutes of the 30^th AGM held 19 September 2011
   

Moved: Khawar Saleem Seconded: Raj Satija CARRIED

4. 
   Business Arising from the Minutes
   

5. 
   Annual Report by the Chair
   

Moved: Khawar Saleem Seconded: Elena Stone CARRIED

6. 
   Audited Report of Accounts presented by the Treasurer
   

Moved: Simon Ng Seconded: Elena Stone CARRIED

7. 
   Appointment of Auditor for 2012/2013
   

Moved: Nim Osborne Seconded: Khawar Saleem CARRIED

8. 
   Other Business
   

1. 
   Migration Bridge. Vic Rebikoff advised that the money that has been collected for this original idea, has gone towards a new “Immigration Place” which the National Capital Authority has designated to be in an area within the parliamentary triangle. This is going through a design stage as a valuable monument to migrants. There are ideas to have names of families engraved on plaques etc.
   

2. 
   MARSS refugee services. Vic Rebikoff advised that the workload has increased immeasurably due to the numbers now coming into the ACT, and the organisation is being very stretched. Support is appreciated from the Federal Government especially Senator Kate Lunch and her personal commitment, and thanks to Joy Burch for her support of the english program and other programs that have been implemented.
   

3. 
   Settlement services. Discussion on how best to approach new migrants and disseminate information. Suggested that if information was provided to organisations, they can then distribute information. Dewani is more than happy to talk to community AGMs and functions to provide information. There are also community radio programs that are multilingual, these are important avenues for MARSS to get our message across.
   

4. 
   CEO Dewani Bakkum described some of the programs that MARSS runs. A full report of these programs can be found in the Annual Report.
   

5. 
   Suggestion that community organisations can put links on the MARSS website.
   

6. 
   MARSS have been asked for help in dealing with migrants with culturally sensitive issues, and implement programs to assist. This will be looked into.
   

9. 
   Speech on behalf of Senator Kate Lundy
   

Acknowledge and paying respects to the Ngunnawal people.

Commendations to MARSS on the great work they do in assisting migrants and communities in Canberra and the surrounding region. MARSS works closely with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to provide ongoing support to migrants. The continuation of the services that MARSS provides is essential in maintaining the vibrant, multicultural spirit of Canberra.

Thank you to all board members, employees and volunteers at MARSS for their hard work.

You are a bridge between cultures, and provide an invaluable service both for the individuals you work with and for the broader Australian community.

10. 
    Close of Meeting 7.35pm
    

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and every member of staff and also to the many volunteers who help MARSS achieve its objectives – without them MARSS would simply not be able to function.

Chairman