3. 3
ABOUT WYPIN 4
A YEAR IN REVIEW 5
WYPIN CREW 6
WYPIN’S WORK 2015 10
CULTURAL CONSULTING 18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND AWARDS 20
WYPIN’S FINANCIAL STATEMENT 21
CONTENTS
4. 4
ABOUT WYPIN
Who We Are
Western Young People’s Independent Network is a
youth-led independent organisation comprised of young
people of diverse backgrounds based in the western
region of Melbourne. WYPIN’s Committee of
Management is comprised of young people aged 12-
25 years. At its core, WYPIN is a youth empowerment,
youth advocacy group.
Our Vision
WYPIN wants a multicultural Australian society with
understanding between people of different cultures and
ethnic backgrounds.
Our History
WYPIN began in 1989 by a group of 7 young refugees
who were passionate about challenging racism and
social issues in the community. This group was keen to
generate positive change for diverse young people.
WYPIN Today
Today WYPIN is comprised of over 40 young people, 16
of which form a Committee of Management. WYPIN is a
leading youth voice in the west – regularly campaigning
against racism and on issues that affect diverse young
people.
Why We Exist
WYPIN exists to achieve its vision of an inclusive
multicultural society. Furthermore WYPIN is
demonstrative of a wider, more fundamental civic
principle: youth participation.
The Importance of Youth Participation
Youth participation aims to actively involve young
people in decision making processes about issues that
affect or interest them. It’s about ensuring young
people are supported to engage in all areas of life at
an individual, organisational and community level.
Youth participation is essential to better policy
formulation, implementation and evaluation. It not
only has demonstrated value, but it is a political right.
Youth participation has been recognised in the United
Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
Youth initiated organisations - where young
people are the creators, participators and decision
makers with adults – is the most authentic form of
youth participation. WYPIN is one of the longest
standing youth initiated organisations in Australia.
5. 5
AYEAR IN REVIEW
"2015 has been a big year for us. Firstly with the
arrival of our facilitator, Amanda Amato, who
integrated well and has supported us to achieve all
that we had planned for 2015. We are truly grateful
for her hard work.
This year we have also welcomed new recruits to the
WYPIN family and have continued to strengthen our
partnerships with the following services; New Hope
Foundation, Maribyrnong Youth Services, Brimbank
Youth Services, Western Bulldogs and Women’s
Health West.
This year, WYPIN has proudly supported a number
of young people through a variety of ways including;
peer education, preparing for employment, school
holiday programs, leadership training whilst also
challenging racism.
2015 has definitely prepared WYPIN for an exciting
year ahead in 2016. We look forward to facilitating
and participating in future projects that can
continue to empower young people to build the
future leaders of tomorrow."
- Najib Warsame, Chair
6. 6
WYPIN CREWWe appreciate the hard work shown by our committed young volunteers.
ExecutiveTeam 2015
CHAIRPERSON
Najib Warsame (23 years)
Cultural Background: Somali
Length of Time with WYPIN: 4 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I joined WYPIN
because I was inspired and still inspired by
everything that the young people we work alongside
have to offer. They made me believe with an idea, a
little hard work, funding and a great team, our ideas
can be turned into a reality.
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Elesha Williams (19 years)
Cultural Background: Sierra Leonean
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most about WYPIN: I like that we have
a voice that represents CALD young people in the
Western Region of Melbourne.
SECRETARY
Vy Dang (21 years)
Cultural Background: Vietnamese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 4 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I enjoy being involved
in the community, learning new skills, meeting new
people and helping others.
VICE SECRETARY
Anthony Sanzar (18 years)
Cultural Background: Ghanaian
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I enjoy sitting
together with other members and participating in
different activities and programs.
TREASURER
Tamwepaw Noe (Micki) (19 years)
Cultural Background: Karen
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I really enjoy having
the opportunity to participate in the different activities
that WYPIN have to offer. Also, I like that WYPIN support
refugee young people. I feel I can use my own personal
refuge experiences to support and understand the young
people WYPIN support.
EVENTS
Dani Farugia (19 years)
Cultural Background: Australian & Maltese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 2 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: My favourite aspect
about WYPIN is being able to learn about and explore
other cultures and the personalities of the many young
people that we get the opportunity to work with.
ADVERTISING / MARKETING
Joyceline Sunday (21 years)
Cultural Background: Ugandan
Length of Time with WYPIN: 3 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I joined WYPIN to
experience something new and develop new skills. I have
enjoyed being able to work in a group.
ADVERTISING / MARKETING
Sarah Akujo
Cultural Background: Ugandan
Length of Time with WYPIN: 2 years
7. 7
Committee Members
2015
Abdel Mahmoud (22 years)
Cultural Background: Eritrean
Length of Time with WYPIN: 3 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I enjoy being a
member of WYPIN as WYPIN is like a family of its
own. It's very supportive and non-judgmental. I also
really like how we have the opportunity to support
refugee young people from the local community.
Jamaal Osman (21 years)
Cultural Background: Tanzanian
Length of Time with WYPIN: 3 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: Firstly, WYPIN
provides a number of different opportunities that
WYPIN members can chose to be a part of to support
the local community. Secondly, I enjoy working
alongside people my own age in a supportive team
environment, being provided the opportunities to
showcase my personal skills and promoting WYPIN as
an organisation. Lastly being a part of WYPIN provides
me with a sense of pride, as I know the work WYPIN
achieves has a positive effect on others.
JieJing Xiao (23 years)
Cultural Background: Chinese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I enjoy helping young
people during activities, learning various leadership
skills and having the opportunity to support different
organisations.
Noel Mundele (19 years)
Cultural Background: Ugandan
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I joined WYPIN as it
gives young people a voice. I have enjoyed attending
meetings where I have been able to meet new people,
discuss what is affecting young people and what we can
do to address these issues.
Kevin Le (22 years)
Cultural Background: Vietnamese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 2 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: Being a member of
WYPIN has really opened my eyes as to what I am
capable of, and what I can do for the community. I
have met a lot of great people who I now call friends.
I have also learnt knew skills and developed an
understanding of what it means to be apart of a non
for profit organisation. I am proud to be a member of
WYPIN due to its lengthy history and influence it has
on the community. I am looking forward to seeing the
achievements and milestones WYPIN will continue to
accomplish in the near future.
Marilyn Ngo (22 years)
Cultural Background: Chinese / Vietnamese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 5 years
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: Working with WYPIN
has been an awesome journey throughout the years.
Not only have I improved in my leadership and public
speaking skills but WYPIN has helped me improve
as a person by helping me build my self esteem and
confidence. In addition to this, WYPIN has made me
aware of issues within society that I never knew where
there. Besides self improvement, all the kind people
and friends I have met during my time at WYPIN has
definitely been a major highlight.
Nyakeer Ashwil (17 years)
Cultural Background: South Sudanese
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: What I enjoy about
being a member of WYPIN is by doing something small
we all get to support the community. Also everyone
in the committee welcomes you with open arms and
listens to what you have to say.
Zlanyi Koayen (Priase) (18 years)
Cultural Background: Liberian
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
8. 8
General Members 2015
These additional young people have been involved in WYPIN projects throughout the year.
Whitney Appiagyei (19 years)
Cultural Background: Ghanaian
Length of Time with WYPIN: 1 year
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I joined WYPIN as
it correlates with the course I am studying which is
Bachelor or International Studies. I have enjoyed
meeting people and establishing friendships.
Abdi (19 years)
Cultural Background: Somali
Length of Time with WYPIN: recently joined
What I Enjoy Most About WYPIN: I joined WYPIN
because of its members. It is lovely to be around them
and make friendships. I enjoy learning as English is
very important to me and when I am around others
who only speak English it helps me improve. I see
WYPIN as a window and way to improve my English for
a career in the near future
10. 10
WYPIN’S WORK 2015
1.ADVOCACY
Refugee Week
Anthony Sanzar
On the 20th of June we supported New Hope
Foundation with the Refugee Week event launching
the Brimbank Thunder soccer team. The event also
included a soccer training hub.
WYPIN were responsible for supporting New Hope
Foundation with the barbecue. I really enjoyed cooking
the barbeque and hanging out with other WYPINer’s
and meeting new people.
Peer Education
Najib Warsame
Amy Vy and myself went to AMES St Albans and
Footscray campus in September and spoke to both
youth classes about the topic youth participation. The
session focused on the importance and benefits youth
participation can have on individuals and the
community.
We both spoke about our volunteering experiences
with WYPIN and Amy shared her personal story which
involved; progressing from being a student at AMES to
taking up volunteering options and now being employed
with the Western Bulldogs.
We are pleased to report we recruited a new WYPIN
member from one of these sessions.
11. 11
“Words mean more than what is
set down on paper. It takes the
human voice to infuse them with
deeper meaning”Maya Angelou
12. 12
2. CAPACITY BUILDING
Lead on Again
JieJing Xiao
Lead on Again is a leadership program for young women (Aged 16-24) from diverse cultural background who
live, work and study in the Western region. The program runs for a week in late January and it consists of
workshops including; leadership, public speaking, planning an event, conflict resolution, mental health and
healthy relationships.
During the week, I was able to meet 13 new people, hear about their stories and learn about their culture and
background. At first, I was nervous and felt awkward to talk with the other participants. I was uncomfortable to
sit in a circle as I felt exposed when we talked. However, the ice breakers we participated in each day helped us
get to know each other really quickly.
After two days, we felt comfortable talking to each other about anything. When we had to participate in activities,
we automatically placed chairs in a circle. This was really different to the way we all acted in the beginning.
I would encourage any young women to participate in this program. I learnt a lot from the other girls and the
experiences they have shared with me. I feel much more confident and positive from all the workshops and
activities completed during Lead on Again.
13. 13
Leadership Short Burst
Training JieJing Xiao
WYPIN members attended a workshop on the topic of
leadership, this workshop was delivered by Ms Tizita
Yohannes from the Centre of Multicultural Youth (CMY)
on the 30th of June, at the Phoenix Youth Centre.
At the start of the session, we reflected on skills a
leader needs. As a group we decided on the important
skills needed in a leader.
We also looked at a leadership qualities table which
had a list of skills on one side and a self assessment
scale on the other side. The leadership skills I was good
at included; being caring, a good listener and being
adaptable. I needed to work on being creative, organised
and prepared.
My favourite activity of the day was team building.
Working in groups of two, we were given a list of
leadership positions and a table with member profiles
containing; their age, occupation, background, previous
leadership roles held and their interests. Our role was
to match a positon to each profile. It was interesting
as each group compared their results they were quite
similar.
Lastly, we looked at how to resolve conflict in a
group setting which is also important information to
learn.
Thank you CMY for providing us with such an informative
and fun session about leadership.
Job Preparation Program
Vy Dang
During the month of September, WYPIN ran a
job preparation program for nine Western
English Language School students in Braybrook.
Twice every week we helped the students with different
aspects of looking for work. We addressed topics such
as resumes, cover letters, preparation for interviews
whilst also informing them about the laws and
regulations of work in Australia.
Overall it was a great experience for us WYPINer’s to
build on our communication and writing skills when
helping the students.
At the completion of the program we referred the
students to Job Club which is an ongoing program
being delivered by Maribyrnong Youth Services so these
students can seek support when needed.
“Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to
change the world” Nelson Mandela
14. 3. ENGAGEMENTs
Recreational Activity Day
(RAD)
Recreational Activity Day (RAD) is a school holiday
program for newly arrived young people. RAD is
facilitated by a number of organisations including;
WYPIN, New Hope Foundation, Maribyrnong Youth
Services, Brimbank Youth Services and Western Bulldogs.
BEACH DAY (JANUARY 2015)
Abdel Mohamoud
The day commenced by transporting all young people
to Williamstown beach. Despite being in the middle
of summer unfortunately it was a cold Melbourne’s
day. Once arriving at the beach we were greeted by
Williamstown Surf Lifesaving Club. Following introductions
and water safety discussions the fun began. We were
split into two groups and each group were provided
the opportunity to boogie board and practise lifesaving
techniques. For lunch we all enjoyed Fish and Chips.
WYPIN’s focus was to motivate the young people to
participate in the activities being offered. The young
people were more willing to participate when they saw
WYPIN members taking part. Overall, it was a fun day at
the beach which was enjoyed by all, despite being a cold
day.
CAMP (MARCH / APRIL 2015)
Dani Farugia
This year, I was one of the very lucky volunteers to
be selected to participate in the RAD Camp to Philip
Island. This camp was targeted towards young people
who have been in Australia for under five years.
My role as a Youth Leader was to integrate the
young people into different cultures by helping them
experience new and unusual things that most young
people their age and from their country of origin would
not have previously. Young people had the
opportunity to experience making damper, building a
campfire, learning to surf, and being so close to
Australian wildlife.
Personally the most exciting part of the camp was
being able to explore the personalities and cultural
differences between myself and everyone else involved.
Another highlight was definitely teaching the young
people a camp song and performing it in front of
everyone. The best part by far was definitely learning
with the young people about everything from what
lives in the oceans and rock pools to how to build
shelter in the Australian outback.
“We can’t help
everyone, but
everyone can
help someone”
Ronald Reagan
14
15. ARTS EXPRESS (JULY 2015)
Elesha Williams
The RAD ‘Arts Express Day’ took part at the Braybrook
community hub during the term 3 holidays in July.
The main purpose of this day was to promote youth
participation through the arts (dance, creative writing
and drawing).
WYPIN were given two key responsibilities for the
day. One was to prepare lunch for the participants of
the program and the other was act as peer educators
during each of the sessions. Each WYPIN member was
allocated to a different session. I was allocated to the
dance session and my role was to encourage young
people to participate by being active in the session.
I found the RAD day very exciting as I was able to
demonstrate my leadership skills through my role as a
peer educator. I also enjoyed meeting all the young
people that attended the RAD day and it was very
interesting gaining an insight into their identified needs
during a brainstorming activity facilitated by WYPIN.
SPORTS CARNIVAL (SEPTEMBER 2015)
Jammal Osman
The Sports Day focused on young people practising
team work, leadership skills and communication skills
whilst also providing the opportunity for everyone to
get to know one another.
The day started with introductions and the purpose
of the day being explained. The young people were
broken into their teams. WYPIN then took the lead
and completed a number of ice breaker activities.
We always demonstrated the ice breaker activities
before the young people completed them.
Following the icebreakers the young people all had
the opportunity to play netball, volleyball and
basketball. In addition Abdel and I also introduced
the young people to soccer by running the number
soccer game.
The whole day was a good experience. All of the young
people showed great team work by listening to one
another. Overall everyone involved in the day seemed
to really enjoy themselves.
15
16. 4. CHALLENGING RACISM &
DISCRIMINATION
Talking Differences – Racism Workshop Tamwepaw Noe (Micki)
WYPIN were invited to support Maribyrnong Youth Services with the Immigration Museums - Talking Difference
Program. WYPIN participated in a workshop facilitated by the Immigration Museum on the 30/10/2015 with the
overall goal being to develop five questions around racism that the local community will have the opportunity to
respond to via the portable studio which will be located at Braybrook Library.
I enjoyed being a part of this workshop and having the opportunity to develop questions that will be asked to local
community. This workshop made me reflect on my own experiences relating to racism whilst growing up. I really
enjoyed sharing my experiences throughout the workshop and listening to other people’s personal experiences
relating to racism. It is through our shared experiences we were able to work together and come up with the five
questions that the local community will have the opportunity to answer. I look forward to hearing the responses.
Print Side Up Workshops
WYPIN worked alongside Amanda Neville from Print Side Up in May 2015 and created a number of designs that we
felt represented WYPIN’s mission and values.
These designs were taken to the committee, who voted on which of the designs they felt best represented WYPIN.
The most popular design has ‘cutting out racism’ in the art work. The committee continue to see challenging
racism as a large aspect of WYPIN’s role.
16
17. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that. Hate cannot
drive out hate; only love can do that”
Martin Luther King Jr
Peer Education - Racism Workshop Marilyn Ngo
In the month of November, we were lucky to have the opportunity to host a peer education workshop at Braybrook
College on the topic of racism for their Year 9 ESL class. Najib, Vy and I with the help of Amanda and Kevin, put
together a presentation along with some activities to engage the students.
Beginning the session with an icebreaker called ‘2 Truths and 1 Lie’, we had the opportunity to get to know one
another which made the students feel more comfortable. Following the icebreaker, we discussed what racism
is and how you can experience racism anywhere and in a variety of forms. This was highlighted by a video we
showed which was created by young people from the City of Yarra.
We wanted the students to understand how people see things differently therefore we showed two illusion
images; one of an old and young lady and the other included a vase and 2 faces. This activity demonstrated to the
students that some of their fellow students view things from a different viewpoint.
As part of the racism topic, we also discussed stereotypes through another activity where we gave small groups
a photograph of a face. Based on this photograph we asked the students to determine what they think that
individual’s job, hobby, favorite food or movie were. For this activity we encouraged the students to just say
whatever they wished and the results was definitely interesting. It became evident that we as a society classify
people based on how people look.
This workshop was a great experience as we got to engage with these students and educate them on a topic that
is rarely covered in schools. We were all very happy that the students were willing to listen to our presentation and
participate in the activities we had for them. Overall it was a very successfully and enjoyable workshop.
17
18. 18
ABOUT US
CQ Cultural Consulting is a social enterprise of
Melbourne City Mission.
CQ provides intercultural training and consulting
services to support organisations achieve the benefits of
diversity. We work with government, corporate and not
for profit organisations to support them to develop their
individual and organisational cultural intelligence (CQ).
Our team is comprised of dynamic and culturally
diverse aspiring leaders. We bring an innovative and
new approach to intercultural understanding.
HOW FAR WE HAVE COME
In 2013, CQ was just an idea. It was an idea of WYPIN,
who were looking for innovative ways to make the
organisation financially sustainable into the future.
We took that idea, developed a sound business plan and
secured start-up capital. In 2014, CQ engaged one of
Australia’s leading intercultural trainers, Robert Bean and
recruited four aspiring diverse leaders to be trained as
intercultural consultants.
CQ was launched in April 2015 by the Minister for
Multicultural Affairs. The launch event brought together
over 200 people from different sectors
Since we launched, CQ has had some significant
achievements including:
• delivered training programs to over 350 participants,
• undertaken over 500 hours of work for our clients,
• maintained a satisfaction rating 11% higher than the
national average
• secured major contracts with key clients
including Hobsons Bay Council, City of Casey, City of
Hume, Teach for Australia, Office for Multicultural Affairs
and Citizenship and Women’s Legal Service Victoria, and
• we have almost achieved 200% of our first year
financial projections.
The 2016 year looks bright, and we are excited by the
opportunity to have increased integration with WYPIN in
the year ahead.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Our social impact is measured in three distinct ways:
• CQ comprehensively trains and meaningfully employs
young people from culturally diverse backgrounds
• CQ develops diverse leaders
• CQ supports broader capacity building in diverse
young people
100% of all profits from CQ are directed to the Western
Young People’s Independent Network (WYPIN), a
youth-led advocacy organisation that builds capacity
and leadership in diverse young people.
CULTURAL
CONSULTING
20. 20
WYPIN would like to acknowledge the following
outstanding achievements of our members this
year:
Anthony Sanzar who successfully completed
Certificate III in Film and Television Production.
Congratulations to Dani Farugia, she is now a
qualified Security Guard.
Jamaal Osman who successfully completed
Certificate III in Early Childhood Eduction and Care.
Congratulations to JieJing Xiao who has
commenced working as a Casual Relief Teacher
(CRT) in both primary and secondary schools.
Congratulations to Kevin Le and Marilyn Ngo on
their recent employment with Crown Entertainment
Complex. We wish you the best in your knew roles.
Najib Warsame was successfully awarded a
Western Chance Scholarship to support his studies
towards Bachelor of Communication.
Tamwepaw Noe who successfully completed
Certificate IV in Community Development mid 2015.
She has now successfully completed her first semester
in Bachelor of Community Development.
Congratulations to our VCE / VCAL finishers including;
Naykeer Ashwil and Zlanyi Koayen (Praise). Good
Luck for your 2016 goals.
Recognition to Nyakeer Ashwil who volunteered
overseas. Her story is below.
Between the 28th of June 2015 and the 4th of July 2015
fourteen students, five teachers and I from Catholic
Regional College - Sydenham volunteered our
time in East Timor which was the best decision I have
ever made.
During our stay in Mutinaro we built a fence around the
“Scouts Activity Centre” which was a great process. We
all worked hard together to ensure we completed the
job. However, we did not only build this fence we also
built strong friendships while working together.
Timor was just beautiful with a welcoming and a warm
atmosphere. We had the opportunity to learn more about
the Timorese and their history. I also got to learn and
bond with many of the people and scouts in Timor.
Being in Timor really opened up my eyes as I saw how
happy people can be with barely anything, whereas we
have everything and take it for granted.
The drive from Dilli to Metinaro and everywhere we went
we would see smiles on the faces of children which were
the biggest and happiest smiles I have ever seen.
It was such a great experience, one that I will never
forget. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and I'm
proud to have created a wonderful Timor family.
Traveling to Timore has changed my life for ever and has
inspired me to be a better person. This is an experience I
will hold in my heart forever.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ANDAWARDS
WYPIN acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
21. 21
WYPIN’S FINANCIAL
STATEMENT
WYPIN 2014 - 2015 Financial Statement
INCOME
Government Income $42, 367
Non Government Income $13,067
NET INCOME $55,434
EXPENDITURE
Total Salaries and On-Costs $51,610
Operating Expenditures $17,199
Total Internal Expenditure $9,743
TOTAL EXPENDITURE $78,552
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)
Deficit covered by Melbourne City Mission -$23,118
22. VISIT US
WYPIN is located in the office of Melbourne
City Mission:
3/6-12 South Road, Braybrook VIC 3019
CONTACT US
Phone: 8311 5421
Mobile: 0400 687 298
Email: wypin@mcm.org.au
