MEMBERS STATEMENT: JUNUBI WYNDHAM

Mr PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:42:31): I rise to report on the wonderful progress of Junubi Wyndham community support group, which is helping young South Sudanese people and families in my electorate of Werribee and throughout Wyndham. This program is being delivered as part of the Andrews government’s investment in community support groups across Victoria for the South Sudanese community, delivered by and for African communities. On 23 August I joined with the Minister for Crime Prevention and the members for Altona and Tarneit at the·Wyndham Community and Education Centre to meet with the local staff from Junubi Wyndham. We heard about the employment opportunities being created through the program, with special mention of the close connection with the African centre at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. We also heard about the different ways that the program is engaging with young South Sudanese Australians in Melbourne’s west. This program holds activities such as a dance club, which teaches traditional culture through dance. There is also the homework club, best described by one of its students as a place to go to get help with reading and meet new friends. In Sudanese Arabic, Junubi Wyndham represents the idea of one person and one community, and was so named to represent the shared identity of all South Sudanese people. The program is an example of what happens when governments empower communities to address complex issues. It strengthens our greater local communities while preserving cultural traditions and knowledge. I would like to thank the staff at the Wyndham Community and Education Centre and all those involved in developing and delivering the Junubi program.