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Charity Appeal Dinner
With recent developments in the East African Region. Governments, oganisations and people need to respond to this disturbing humanitarian crisis. The African Professionals of Australia finds itself as an organisation that is well placed to raise funds in support of those in need.
*All proceeds less cost will be given to the Red Cross.
African Professionals & Mining Opportunities
* Kindly be informed that we have reached the maximum seating capacity for the event and can no longer accept more payments for this event.
We hope to hold more of these events to include other specialised areas and careers.
Thank you for your support
Succeeding Beyond Borders
AFRICA SEMINAR SERIES
SUCCEEDING BEYOND BORDERS | WITH AARON MASHANO
In conjunction with Sydney University, African-born Aaron Mashano NSW Business Development Manager for Navitas Ltd also African Professionals of Australia NSW Vice Chairman discusses challenges facing Africans in Australia at university on entering the workforce. He also looks at wider issues of cultural integration.
THURSDAY 18 AUGUST
4PM TO 5PM
LECTURE THEATRE 106
NEW LAW BUILDING
INTRODUCTION BY MELVIN HACHUMA
CHAIRMAN OF AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS OF AUSTRALIA – NSW
For more information contact Dr Nesrin Varol
International Development Manager (Africa)
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor International
sydney.edu.au/international
OMI CaLD Community Service Award 2011
Multicultural Community Service Awards – Individual Category
2011 Tommy Adebayo
African Profesionals of Australia Chairman: Tommy Adebayo was presented with a Multicultural Community Service Award in recognition of his extensive commitment to Perth African communities. As the founder of African Professionals of Australia (APA) Tommy has worked extensively to unite Africans of different nationalities.
Through the APA Tommy brings together community-based associations to work in partnership to empower, educate and support people from the African community.
Owing to his belief in the power of information, Tommy specialises in simplifying and adapting it to ensure members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities have access to service information that is essential to personal growth and goal achievement.
Engineered for Success
You can pre order a copy of Davies Chibale’s, Engineered for Success. $39.95 including postage and handling
* BOOK LAUNCH
30th September, 2011 | Macquarie Boardroom, KPMG Building, 235 St. Georges Tce, Perth. WA 6000.
To RSVP for the Book Launch, Please fill out my form.
Chapter One
The dominant thought principle “Whatever you believe in, with conviction, becomes your reality” – Says the law of belief, according to Brain Tracy in his book “Million Dollar Habits”. I had never heard of this law when by mere coincidence, I tapped on this law, harnessed the power of my mind and made some decisions that changed my life as I flew from Zambia to Australia.
It was 8th February 2002, and the plane was about to touch-down at Perth International airport. Filled with excitement, I looked through the window as the plane descended. Despite travelling almost eight hours across the Indian Ocean, my mind was very much awake, thinking about the endless possibilities that lay ahead. For many years, I had dreamed of living overseas, in developed nation, and couldn’t believe my ears when the pilot announced, ‘…passengers please remain seated, we are now approaching Perth.
“At last I am about to touch-down!” I bemused. “If this plane touches down”, I thought, “ ..then Australia has made a ‘mistake’..”..Yes, if only it touches down, then I, Davies Chibale, son of Mother Africa, have been blessed! I will successfully finish my studies, after I finish my university studies, I will find full-time employment in Australia, acquire permanent residence, build a house, buy myself a car and bring my family and live happily there after. Period!”
I was a typical International student. I had never been to Australia before, and despite having heard of the Australia’s strict migrant laws, I was determined. Somehow I knew that I was the master of my destiny and of my mind. Nothing could stop me from achieving my dreams. I had always believed that I was ‘engineered for success’. I believe in ‘whatever-it-takes approach’ in achieving my goals, as long as it was legal, overt, morally and ethnically right. I vowed and committed myself to achieving all my five goals, as the planed descended.
I had resigned my job as Front office Manager for a 5-Star hotel to study overseas. At 36 years old, my savings in my former job wasn’t much, so I sold my car and my house in Zambia to pay for the first semester’s studies and bought myself air-ticket, the balance of the money I gave my wife to support the family whilst I was gone to a far-away country to pursue my dreams. I had only US$500 on me, and my three year student visa was a blessing I was determined to make the most out of.
The plane touched-down, and I was filled with emotion and joy. To me, the touching down was a sign that ‘yes, I was engineered for success,’ but I had no clue as how I was going to achieve my dreams.
Today, Davies owns his won car and completed building himself a house. His family migrated to Australia in 2007 after living 5 years apart. He obtained his citizenship in 2008 and completed another degree, Master in Business Administration (Executive) which was sponsored by his company. In 2009 he started his own company.
Recently I was asked by a friend, “..What made you succeed in a foreign land with only US$500 to start with?” My response, “..I discovered that my mind like all human minds are by design engineered for success, what matters is knowing how it works and making the most of it..
APA launches NSW Branch
The NSW chapter of the African Professionals of Australia (APA) Inc was launched on a rather historic day – June 16 2011, World Youth Day instituted in memory of the Soweto Massacres of 1976.
The launch attracted a diverse group of African Australians who share a common goal for self-development to effect positive change in the society in which they live.
The evening kicked off with a drumming performance and at once the room, filled to capacity, was transfixed. The Interim NSW Chairman, Melvin Hachuma welcomed the distinguished guests and audience. As a co-founder of the association incorporated in 2007, he talked about the roots and vision of the association and highlighted the successes and future goals.
The theme of empowerment was carried throughout the night in the speeches from the Keynote speaker, Councilor Julia Finn of the Parramatta City Council and Her Excellency Ms Koleka Mqulwana, South African High Commissioner. Ms Mqulwana challenged the African Australian community to strive for success and invest their acquired professional skills and experiences back into Africa.
In true African culture, the guests were also treated to a vibrant and traditional dance performance from Aicha Keita, originally from Ivory Coast.
Outstanding Service Award 2010-2011
The 2010/2011 Outstanding Service Award goes to Prison Fellowship Western Australia. In recognition of their outstanding public service. Prison Fellowship WA has been their to support the many men and women that are currently in prison and those that decide to live normal lives after serving a prison sentence.
They will receive a trophy and the APA chairman’s gift of $1, 000
*selection criteria for this prize is done via nominations sent in by members of the African professionals of Australia and it’s partners.
African Professional of the Year 2010-2011
The 2010/2011 African Professional of the year Award was presented to Dr. Ahmed Berhan. In recognition of his contribution to the business industry in Australia. Dr. Berhan is President of the African think tank in Victoria.
Dr. Ahmed received a trophy in recognition of this award.
*selection criteria for this prize is done via nominations sent in by members of the African professionals of Australia and it’s partners.
Entreprenuer of the year 2010-2011
The 2010/2011 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award was presented to Dr. Sholarin Ebenezer, In recognition of his outstanding achievement both as a lecturer and businessman of African origin living in western Australia.
Dr. Ebenezer is an engineering lecturer at Curtin university and also stands as proprietor of solarben international foods, which is one of wa’ s leading suppliers of African brand foods and products.
There are so many Africans all around Australia doing truly wonderful things, so I’m quite touched and moved to be included in their ranks,” says Dr. Sholarin, who, less than 5 years, has transformed Solarben Foods from a humble beginning into a leading international importer and marketer of authentic Afro-Caribbean food in the Asia pacific. – said Dr. Ebenezer.
*selection criteria for this prize is done via nominations sent in by members of the African professionals of Australia and it’s partners.
1st Gala Dinner & Ball
African Professionals of Australia is proud to host its first Gala Dinner & Ball at the Sheraton Hotel in Western Australia, themed: “Building Stronger Communities of Africans Living in WA”
Guest Speaker: Dr Mike Nahan MLA, Member of Riverton
New South Wales Launch
The African Professionals of Australia Inc. APA, is proud to announce the launch of its New South Wales branch, on Thursday, 16th June, 2011. Come and be part of this special occasion to celebrate the success and value that Africans have added to the Australian Community.
GUEST OF HONOUR: Councilor John Chedid, Lord Mayor of Parramatta
DRESS CODE: Formal
RSVP: T. (02) 8098 7889 or M. 0408 215 844 or 0429 206 304
Multicultural Community Service Awards
Individual Category – 2011 Tommy Adebayo
Tommy Adebayo was presented with a Multicultural Community Service Award in recognition of his extensive commitment to Perth African communities. As the founder of African Professionals of Australia (APA) Tommy has worked extensively to unite Africans of different nationalities.
Through the APA Tommy brings together community-based associations to work in partnership to empower, educate and support people from the African community.
Owing to his belief in the power of information, Tommy specialises in simplifying and adapting it to ensure members of culturally and linguistically diverse communities have access to service information that is essential to personal growth and goal achievement.
State honours leadership in multiculturalism
The Shire of Katanning was among a record field of outstanding nominees commended at the 2011 Multicultural Community Service Awards in Perth last night.
The ‘Implementing Multiculturalism Locally Award’ was presented to the shire for conducting programs that advanced multicultural principles and ensured its services met the needs of all community members.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli said it was the first time the category had been included in the awards, which this year attracted more than 50 nominations.
The winner of the ‘Business Migrant Award’ was Lijun Gu, a restaurant owner who assisted business migrants settle into their new environment.
The Chung Wah Association received the award in the Organisational Category in recognition of its provision of services to Asian communities of Western Australia.
The Public Transport Authority (Transperth) was the winner of another new category, the ‘Engaging the Community Innovation Award’, for efforts in reducing language barriers for culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.
Individual category winners included Dr Anne Aly for efforts in combating racism and discrimination and Cathy Bickell for outstanding work establishing the Mandurah Migrant Centre.
Other individual award winners were:
- Christine l’Anson in recognition for work in early childhood and community services
- Tommy Adebayo for extensive commitment to Perth African communities
- The late Sushma Paul was recognised posthumously for her contributions to the Indian community of Western Australia and the key role she played in developing cultural and trade relations between WA and India.
The Minister said this year’s quality of nominees clearly demonstrated the breadth of work being undertaken in multicultural services and business sectors in this State.
‘The awards promote cultural diversity as an international, economic and social asset for WA and I congratulate those who have made a positive difference in the lives of so many West Australians from CaLD backgrounds’, he said.
…click here to find out more about the recipients
*SOURCE: http://www.omi.wa.gov.au/ [Office for Multicultural Interests official website]
3rd Gala Night
The African Professionals of Australia Incorporated [APA] proudly presents the 3rd Gala Night and dinner Celebrating Perth’s African Professionals
Theme: INSPIRED TO INSPIRE
Guest of Honour: Hon Peter Charles Collier MLC ( Minister for Energy; Training and Workforce Development; Indigenous Affairs)
VIP Guests Include:
- Eve Howell- Woodside Energy Health Safety and Security Vice President
- Mr. John Coles- CEO Keystart Home loans
- Mr. Ian Andrews- Commonwealth Bank Australia Regional Manager, Service & Sales WA.
- Mr. Peter Taliangis- Property Consultant with Realtyone
- Her Excellency Jacqueline Zwambila- Zimbabwe Ambassador in Australia
- Janine Freeman- MLA Nollamar
Dr. Ahmed Berhan- Chairman of African Think Tank association in Victoria
Venue: Pan Pacific Hotel, Adelaide Terrace, Perth
Date: 28th May 2011
Time: 7.00pm-12.00pm (doors open at 6.00pm)
Cost: $110 Non-members , $100 members.
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34th AFSAAP conference 2011 “Africa 2011″ – Call for papers
Flinders University, City Campus, Adelaide | November 30 – December 2 2011
CALL FOR PAPERS
From the African continent to the African diaspora in Australasia, understanding Africa is of increasing significance. “Africa 2011” is the theme of the 34th Annual Conference of the African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific, with the conference to provide a forum in which to bring together academics, scholars, the African Community and service providers working with the African community, NGOs, government agencies, foreign embassies and high commissions, to debate and discuss where Africa is situated politically, economically, socially, environmentally and historically. 2011 has seen dramatic protests in North Africa and will see the formation of Africa’s newest state – “South Sudan”, suggesting that our knowledge of Africa must encompass those countries North of the Sahara – more often included in Middle Eastern area studies. Australia is currently expanding its interests in Africa – in trade, aid and defence. A new Australian embassy in Addis Ababa highlights the importance of diplomacy with the African Union, and comes at a time when domestic budgetary pressures have sparked debate about increasing aid to Africa. 2011 will also see the introduction of scholarships under the Australia Awards for Africa Program, and the report from the Parliamentary Inquiry into “Australia’s Relations with the Countries of Africa” will be presented. The United Nations has proclaimed 2011 as the International Year for People of African descent, “with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture”. It is from this theme that the “Africa 2011”conference will draw inspiration.
You are invited to submit an abstract of 200 words by the deadline of July 12011 for either a paper presentation or a proposal for a panel forum. Paper presentations will be for 20 minutes, with question time to follow. All abstracts and papers will be peer reviewed by AFSAAP and, if accepted, published in the Conference Proceedings. The Postgraduate workshop will be held on November 30th, details forthcoming.
The contact person for the Conference is David Jolley. Please email africa2011@afsaap.org.au with your abstracts before July 1 2011, and with any other queries.
The Conference Convener is Dr. Tanya Lyons – tanya.lyons@flinders.edu.au