CEO ’ s Report
It is with great pleasure that I provide you with my first CEO ’ s report for Fitzroy Learning Network ’ s Annual report . Having not joined the organisation until April 2016 , I am afraid I have missed much of the amazing achievements of our dedicated staff and volunteers during this reporting period . However , in reviewing the work undertaken , I am filled with a sense of optimism and excitement for our potential for the coming and future years .
Our relatively new Board has strived to ensure a solid framework to support the consolidation of programs and services . Programs and services designed to help build a stronger and more inclusive community . I am encouraged , as a newcomer , on the focus given by FLN to creating programs that respond to the needs of our multi-cultural , multi-lingual community .
The funding challenges during 2015-16 has not deterred the commitment of FLN to deliver a full suite of programs ranging from preaccredited foundation skills to nationally recognized certificated courses in spoken and written English . Our talented and skilled education team delivered basic and intermediate level computer courses , English reading groups , a ‘ Step into Work ’ job search program and even a Men ’ s Shed program for local men with English as an additional language . We also attracted philanthropic funding to deliver an English for All program to support asylum seekers who may not have been eligible for government funded courses .
We were also very proud of the achievements of Rieth , Steven and Maluath from our Clubhouse who were presented with the Judges Award for Best Music Video ' Wild Beast ' at the Global RE @ CH Media Festival , an international showcase of work created by members from 100 different Clubhouses across the world . We wait in anticipation of more success with our new entry of a song called ‘ Skating 4 Eva ,’ created by the very talented rap group Girl Zone ( featuring Achol , Nyawech , Zoe , Akuech and Atong ). We are confident the girls will do well and look forward to more images of Fitzroy flying around the world .
Our volunteer program is one of our chief assets and contributes significantly to enabling us to meet the needs of individuals and the broader community . Volunteer contribution throughout the year has included one -to-one mentoring , classroom support , fund-raising , corporate volunteering and much , much more .
Our world is changing rapidly around us . As a result , our attitudes to our neighbours and our community are themselves being increasingly challenged . It is in times such as these that it is vital for organisations such as this one to play their role in building bridges , promoting respect and facilitating harmony .
I feel privileged to be in position to influence the future direction of Fitzroy Learning Network and to be able to help build on its history of responsiveness and innovation .
Our support for refugees and migrants experiencing additional barriers and disadvantage also continued throughout the year . FLN ’ s Refugee Support Worker provided invaluable assistance and referral to those struggling with the process of settlement assisting with housing , legal , financial and family violence matters . We ran a weekly sewing group and delivered a very successful Jewelry-making course . These programs are important ways in which we can showcase and tap into the local refugee and migrant community ’ s deep and rich reservoir of talent .
Our programs for young people have also expanded and achieved some impressive outcomes . Programs delivered included Djíng for young unemployed women , music and cooking . It was exciting to see our young people publish their original songs on Soundcloud and Bandcamp .
9