February 2008

The ASHRAM network's strength lies in its association of housing specific agencies (such as TAAS) working with other agencies that assist migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, such as the Multicultural Development Association and the ECCQ. The ASHRAM mailing list contains 61 agencies that work with CALD groups.

The Ashram Network thanks Irene Opper of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) for her past stewardship and welcomes Wendy Herman of the Tenants Union Queensland (publications [at] tuq [dot] org [dot] au) and Mitra Khakbaz of the Multicultural Development Association (mitrak [at] mdabne [dot] org [dot] au) as the new network co-delegates.

Last year ECCQ successful completed stage one of the Community Partners in Tenancy Project (CPIT) which was funded by the Residential Tenancies Authority Community Education Grants Program. During stage one nine Community Partners from mainly African backgrounds completed initial training in the Residential Tenancies Act with the Tenants Union of Queensland. Community partners then completed work placements with participating TAAS services.

Following his successful completion of the Certificate 4 level accredited training Outer Southern TAAS, based at Acacia Ridge, has now employed one of the community partners in a full time position (congratulations Anzo!).

ECCQ has now received an additional RTA grant to conduct stage 2 of the Community Partners in Tenancy Project which involves additional professional development for 5 continuing community partners and follow-up placements with TAAS services.

Community Partners will be placed at the following services:

• Tenants Union Queensland and Inner North TAAS (shared placement)
• Bayside TAAS
• Outer Southern TAAS (currently employed full time)
• Logan TAAS
• Zillmere TAAS, and
• Stafford TAAS.

To support this project the ASHRAM branch successfully applied for a Queensland Shelter grant to subsidise students' participation in stage two of the ECCQ project.

The success of the initial Community Partners in Tenancy Project has highlighted the need for ongoing tenancy education and improved access to TUQ and TAAS services for CALD tenants.

ASHRAM is coordinating its activities to support the goals of the ECCQs Ethnic Community Partners in Tenancy project and advocate the need for ongoing tenancy education, awareness and access to support services for tenants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The ASHRAM forum is scheduled for April of 2008 and will focus on best practice in providing community education for CALD tenants, drawing together past and one off projects.

In 2007 the Tenants' Union and several TAAS services who are members of ASHRAM, applied to the Department of Housing TAAS program for community education funding to provide ongoing tenant education activities and accessible tenancy advice services for CALD tenants. DOH feedback is supportive of these projects and services are awaiting confirmation of funding.

Tenancy education and access to services is only part of the picture to improve conditions for CALD communities. ASHRAM members recognise that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, particularly those from refugee communities, experience disadvantage and discrimination in the housing market. Large families, language barriers and cultural differences can make it extremely difficult for these tenants to access rental accommodation. Rent increases and a lack of affordable appropriate housing also means that many households are being pushed into sub-standard housing, towards the edges of cities and away from support services and community networks which are necessary for successful settlement.

This year ASHRAM will review its Call to Action and will continue to raise housing issues that impact on CALD communities, including lack of access to rental housing and the declining supply of affordable housing.