Refugee Week 2010 Turns Rosy
25 June 2010
It was a snapshot of diversity at the State Rose Garden and Werribee Mansion...
It was a snapshot of diversity at the State Rose Garden and Werribee Mansion with more than 90 recently arrived community members treated to a water wise day out to celebrate Refugee Week 2010 courtesy of City West Water.
The group, made up of students from the Yarraville Community Centre and Victoria University Adult Multicultural Education Program, sat to enjoy lunch in the picturesque gardens as well as getting to know each other.
City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker said the water retailer was a big supporter of initiatives that help support recently arrived members of the community.
“Our service area covers some of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, and it is important that we engage with all the communities to talk about water conservation, the safety of our water and the other services we can offer,” Ms Barker said.
“Many newly arrived community members here on humanitarian needs have a completely different perception of water, and group excursions like this are a great way for us to introduce ourselves.”
“Not only does the excursion broaden understanding when it comes to our water supply, it helps to break down any cultural barriers between us and our new customers.”
The students are here as humanitarian entrants or come from a non English speaking background and are completing their compulsory 510 hours of English language classes.
The Refugee Week 2010 excursion began at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee, where the group are taught the basics of Melbourne’s water supply system, and importantly, how the sewerage system works and tips on what can and cannot go down the drain at home.
Ms Barker said that the tour also features an interactive display of water conservation in the home that provides practical examples of water saving tips, as well has how our billing system operates.
“While living through our longest ever drought has made water conservation in the home commonplace for the broader community, those who are newly arrived sometimes don’t understand the need to minimise water use in the home.”
“Similarly, the process of customer billing that we all consider commonplace can be a completely foreign concept – so we explain how the billing procedure works and their obligations as a customer.”
Ms Barker said City West Water’s Refugee Week 2010 activities are just some of hundreds of activities and presentations that the water retailer undertakes for community groups each year.
“We’re more than just an active member of newly arrived communities – we’re out among community groups, schools, and local events almost every week of the year helping to educate and increase awareness about water related issues that affect everyone.”