Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Discusses Priorities for WA African Communities with OAC and AfREC

On 11 December 2019, AfREC Director Dr David Mickler joined the Organisation of African Communities in WA and WA African community leaders for a meeting with Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Senator the Hon Anne Ruston. The roundtable dinner meeting was convened at the Perth electorate office of Senator Dean Smith, following up on an earlier meeting between OAC and Sen. Smith in May 2019.

The productive meeting provided an opportunity to outline the extensive community work being done by OAC and respective African community leaders in WA and to discuss with Minister Ruston and Senator Smith several top priorities for those African communities, including the creation of an African Community Centre and support for OAC’s operations and social programs, particularly for youth. The participants agreed that community needs analyses should be underpinned by ongoing research, data and engagement to enhance effectiveness and relevance of support and interventions. AfREC stands ready to support this work through its Community Partnership Program with OAC. A follow up meeting is being planned for mid-2020.

Contents: Courtesy UWA