Australia Samoa Newspaper May 2016 | Page 4

4 Australia Samoa Newspaper 02 May 2016 Media Release April 2016 T Samoan Community Services Awareness Day he aim of the Services Awareness Day is to inform the Samoan Community about the services available in government and non-government organisations. The expectation is that after the forum, the participants will be more aware of the services available and how to access them. Often families of Samoan background have difficulty coping with different social values in Australia. The significant support of extended family and community that exist back home in Samoa is not often available in Sydney. The Samoan people brings with them many strengths, but as one of an emerging and minority communities, families face significant challenges that especially affects children and young people. The Samoan Council Sydney Inc. recognised the importance of strengthening the capacity of the Samoan community; church and community leaders, parents, young people and community based organisations to con- nect families of Samoan background to the appropriate services. KEY MESSAGE Change only happens when a person is properly referred to the appropriate services. The Samoan Community Services Awareness Day is organised by the Samoan Council Sydney Incorporated (SCSI) The event will be held on Tuesday 10th May 2016 at the Samoan Presbyterian Church, 1003 Canterbury Road, Lakemba, 10am to 1pm. Targeted services are the Immigration and vited to attend. Settlement Services, Centrelink, Police, Education and Training, Early Childhood Education, NSW Ability Link - Lifestart, Family Referral Services. Pacific Islands community based organisations are also in- Event: Samoan Community Services Awareness Day Date: Tuesday 10th May 2016 Time: 10am-1pm Venue: Lakemba, Presbyterian Hall, 1003 Canterbury Rd, Lakemba NSW 2195 Message of Tupua Ban Ki-moon for International Mother Earth Day The Secretary-General Message on international mother earth day I nternational Mother Earth Day is an opportunity to highlight the interdependence between people and the astonishing variety of species with which we share this planet. This year’s observance brings hope of a better future for all. On this day, representatives of more than 170 countries are gathering at UN Headquarters in New York to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This landmark pact, in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds the power to transform our world. The momentum achieved by so many signatures on one day sends a clear signal of solidarity and resolve. Now we must unleash the full force of human ingenuity and ensure low-emission growth and improved climate resilience. Leadership from the top is crucial. But each of us has a role to play. We can make energy-efficient choices, stop wasting food, reduce our carbon footprints and increase our sustainable investments. Small actions, multiplied by billions, will bring about dramatic change, bolstering the Paris Agreement and setting us on a trajectory to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The theme of Earth Day 2016 — Trees for the Earth — highlights this perfectly. One tree on its own may not seem much, but the Earth Day Network plans to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years—each one absorbing harmful CO2 from the atmosphere, storing water and filtering pollutants for the benefit of all humanity. As each tree plays its part in the biosphere, so should we as individuals who care about our planet and every living creature on it. A new future can be ours if we respect and invest in Mother Earth. About the Samoan Council Sydney Inc. (SCSI) The SCSI is a non-profitable organisation was established in 1986 by the Samoan church leaders and members of the Samoan community in Sydney to serve all members of the Samoan community settling in metropolitan areas in the State of New South Wales Australia. The main objects of the SCSI are to serve the people of Samoa living in the metropolitan areas. To promote the well-being and advocate on behalf of members of the Samoan community with any organisation both in Australia and internationally, government and non-government for their support in any legitimate form. To provide welfare, counselling and referral services to members of the Samoan community to organisations which will provide services that would improve the quality of life and well-being of the Samoan community who have migrated to Australia.