GVAA Committees
Business and Resources
True economic integration will be achieved when communities have full participation in the Goulburn Valley’s business sector as in other sectors. Partnerships with the business organisations will ensure that optimal economic conditions are created for communities to participate.
Several black owned businesses are becoming a reality and there is urgent need for local cooperation and advocacy to improve our socio-economic conditions. We ask volunteers to join this committee if you believe in equity in economic integration and assist by;
• Establishing a robust network that will support the creation of wealth for the community
• Establish a robust relationship with the Chamber of commerce and industry
• Establishing strategic business and trade relationships with companies, and other associations
• Organizing economic, finance and business forums to educate the community on such topics as savings and investments, financial management, etc.
Settlement and Community Integration Committee
The Goulburn Valley is the destination of migrant communities since post Word War 2. Every year there are people of African descent settling in this region. The African community will help newly arrived migrants to navigate the complex settlement system which they are now accustomed to.
This committee will work with partner organizations to ensure new immigrants from our community are smoothly settled and integrated. This committee will undertake among other things:
• Providing immigration, settlement support and guidance to members
• Seniors & Elder Support
• Emergency Relief Support i.e. such as from natural disasters, death in family etc.
Health and Well-being Committee
Factors contributing to health disparities of migrant communities are multi-faceted, challenges accessing care include socioeconomic factors, such as visa class, finance, and transport and language barrier. Resettlement is an overwhelming process involving issues that lead to many migrant failing to prioritise their own health. Difficulty adapting to a new culture and language barriers often result in social isolation and exclusion, all of which exacerbate psychosocial risk and vulnerability.
The committee will be working with key health service and social service providers within and outside the community to address the following:
• Supporting organisation in focusing on culturally responsive practice that is embedded in their organisation policy.
• Promoting platforms and ways to share education, training and resources for all health and social services providers.
• Providing or facilitating health and wellbeing education and resources for the community.
• Participating in government policies that can influence the health and wellbeing outcome of our community.
