IWRC
The FIAV established the Indian Welfare & Resource Centre (IWRC), at its Prahran office, and runs with funding support from the Victorian State Government through the Victorian Multicultural Commission. The concept of the IWRC was developed to enable the FIAV deliver social and information services reflecting the needs of the community arising from a rapid growth in the Indian ethnic population of Victoria, (particularly through migration).
The 2006 census has identified 52,852 persons born in India and residing in Victoria. The same census reports 70,685 Victorian responses to people of Indian ancestry. In addition there are a significant number of Victorians of Indian origin, who have come from countries other than India. There is a tendency for community members experiencing personal or family problems, not to seek outside or professional help. This can have serious negative consequences and the establishment by the Indian community of the IWRC seeks to bridge this gap.
Services offered by the IWRC include
COUNSELLING: Short or long term individual or group counselling as required my mutual agreement. REFERRALS: Outward referral to appropriate specialised services as well as inward referrals from other agencies and organisations. INFORMATION: Providing information on available welfare and community services.
SERVICE DEVELOPMENT: Assistance to groups within the Indian community and to non Indian organisations to identify and improve relevant services to the Indian community VOLUNTEERING: To develop opportunities for volunteers to serve the needy in the community and participate in IWRC support groups. SUPPORT GROUPS: To provide mutual support, self help and social stimulation by bringing together people with shared concerns. The IWRC is staffed by an experienced Social Worker, Mr. John Russell, who has Social Work qualifications from Universities in both Australia and India. Most recently John worked for Centrelink, doing mainly casework at various offices in the Western Region of Melbourne. Prior to this he held a variety of positions in the community and local government sectors, involving casework and community work.
IWRC services are available to all people of Indian origin living in Victoria, irrespective of their age, residential status and country of birth. Confidentiality is assured and all services provided directly by the IWRC are free, unless otherwise specified. The IWRC is also interested in identifying and solving specific problems affecting the Indian community and would like to co-operate with other agencies and organisations in this regard.
The IWRC is located at the office of:
Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria
3/85, Foster Street,Dandenong, Vic 3175
Email address:operations@fiav.asn.au
HELPLINE: 1800 3428 00 (1800 FIAV 00)