BY JARROD McALEESE
ASSISTING with pressing issues impacting the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community was the focus of the Women’s and Children’s Health and Wellbeing Expo on 4 March.
The event run at the Balla Balla Community Centre sought to provide information and consultation on health, wellbeing, literacy and safety.
And event co-ordinator Ann Proud said that meetings with the public to identify their concerns helped organisers tailor the event to address the most significant dilemmas.
“We spoke with several people prior to Christmas to understand their concerns, mainly with education and health for women where their English is not up to par, but also schooling and sport for children to ensure they socialise, make friends and excel living here.
“We tried to meet these needs with as many services as possible,” Ms Proud said.
The diversity of resources enabled the expo to cater for as many circumstances as possible.
“I would say 75-80 per cent of issues were covered as we had such a good mixture. As a client, you had to walk away with information,” Ms Proud said.
In addition to the 28 facilities available on the day including Centrelink, Monash Health and ChildFirst, interpreters were present, which Ms Proud felt ensured positive outcomes for attendees.
“As the interpreters were there, it made it easier for people to ask more involved questions,” Ms Proud said.
