Past Programs
Community Organisations - 2008
The Hard Road
09/11/2008
Since early this year homeless people across Australia have been going to soccer training each week in the build-up to the International Homeless World Cup. For many of them, playing soccer is the highlight of their week; a time to socialise, get some exercise, eat some of the free food and forget about the stresses of surviving on the streets.
The training program is run by the Big Issue, with support from local volunteer agencies and support services. They train and regularly play matches against local corporate teams.
This December Melbourne will play host to teams of homeless players from over 50 nations at the 6th annual Homeless World Cup.
The build-up to the inaugural National Championships took place in July, with teams from across the country heading to Melbourne for the games and a two-day training camp.
Street Stories followed the Sydney team, including Chad, Alex, Elmo, Garry and Mahad. These are their stories.
A Common Thread of Uncommon Courage
26/10/2008
The former gold mining town of Castlemaine, just over one hour's drive from Melbourne, hasn't seen an influx of immigrants since the Chinese 150 years ago. This industrial and historically attractive arts-based town is now the home of around 80 Sudanese and Burundi refugees.
On the outskirts of town is KR Castlemaine, one of the major industries in the Mount Alexander Shire. The East African newcomers were encouraged to move to Castlemaine because of employment with the smallgoods meat company.
They've been gradually settling here since September 2006 with the assistance of the New Hope Foundation and the Bendigo Regional Ethnic Communities Council.
The Sudanese and Burundi elders have formed the East Africa Community of Castlemaine. This group deals with problems within its community. It's also a mechanism for the long-term residents of Castlemaine to have formal access to this new community and vice versa.
The program gives an insight into developing relationships between a broad range of people who are determined to make this resettlement a success. We also hear some extraordinary stories of courage and survival.
