Support for CALD communities

The program, piloted in 2017 and now in its third year, brings together emergency services personnel and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to give them an insight into what emergency and other community-based services do.

The program aims to support communities that are potentially vulnerable in an emergency, encourage positive participation, and as a result, enable them to have a better understanding of possible dangers and what to do to reduce or mitigate risk.

CFA’s Cultural and Diversity Engagement Officer Nada El-Masri coordinates the event on behalf of the partner agencies.

“Involving young people, particularly from multicultural families, in emergency services activities increases the ability of these communities to respond during times of emergency. It also helps to break down misconceptions about uniformed personnel and foster positive relationships and understanding,” Nada said.

“The excursion day typically consists of setting up an emergency situation with a car accident and smoke in a building. The students play the part of the responding units and help with the evacuation of someone from the building. The virtual reality gear also got a run and was very popular. Catering was provided by Dandenong Neighbourhood House using the Narre Warren Catering Unit and Rapid Relief Team.

“The excursion is followed by visits to the schools by all agencies where they discuss topics such as Triple Zero, home fire safety, drink driving, the role of agencies, cyber bullying and what to do in emergencies in more detail.

“The students who have participated in the program are quick to emphasise that they had a great time and feedback from the agencies and teaching staff has been positive.” Nada said.

Dandenong Fire Brigade Senior Station Officer and Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Practitioner Paul Caligari agreed saying, “It’s an excellent program where CALD students are given the opportunity to interact with members of various emergency service organisations.

“Interacting in this environment allows the students to not only ask questions about the various occupations, but provides the ideal opportunity for each of those organisations to pass on any key safety messages that the students can then share with their friends and family.”

Partner agency representatives also believe that engaging with young people through the program is an opportunity to encourage them to consider a career in the emergency and community-based services fields.

“It is great that this program has taken off, as it can be difficult to engage younger audiences and the program offers great opportunities for SES to speak with youth about our service for their own benefit, be that for awareness of what we can do for them or for the potential of becoming a member themselves,” SES Section Leader Daniel Pasten said.

Victoria Police Senior Constable James Waterson said, “The Next Generation Program is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain an understanding of the various roles performed by our emergency services agencies. Victoria Police continues to support and attend the program, hopefully generating an interest in a career with Victoria Police.”

“It’s a unique opportunity for the AFP to interact with multicultural young people face-to-face,” AFP Federal Agent Gerald Del Bono added. “We have to remember that many of the people we engage with from CALD communities have come from countries that have negative interactions with police. This program allows the AFP to not only show them what we do on a daily basis, but also break down any barriers and misconceptions that may be present.”

The program has been a huge success. It expanded in 2018 to be included in the school curriculum at three secondary colleges in District 8, and in 2019 the program will engage more school-aged youth.