The members of the Somalian Cultural Association in Australia gathered at Melbourne on this 30th day of April, 1995. Noting the modest but steady increase in the migration of Somalians and peoples of Somalian ethnic origin into Australia.

Recognising that Australia respects cultural diversity and encourage the formation of associations and bodies promoting cultural values, national identities and ethnic diversity, provided such bodies respect Australia’s law institutions and the like rights of other cultures and communities within the commonwealth of Australia. One of the major objectives of this association is to promote the Somali Culture here in Australia.

The Somali Cultural Association is a source of information for those who are interested in Somali history and Culture. If you would like to receive our newsletter, or would like to know more about our collection of Somali literature, Children books, poems, etc. please drop us a line.

Best Opportunity for Cultural and Values preservations.

Vision

The vision of Somali Cultural Association is to provide and facilitate an inclusive, comprehensive and effective settlement program for Somali people in Victoria.

Mission

Somali Cultural Association mission is to use a holistic approach in facilitating provision of high quality welfare services to the Somali community in Victoria through the delivery of professional activities and community services

Core Values

• We acknowledge the diversity of the Australian communities in Victoria;
• We are faithful to the purpose for which resources are entrusted to us and manage them in a manner that brings maximum benefit to the Somali individuals and communities in Victoria;
• We are responsive to the felt needs of Somali individuals and communities in Victoria;
• We encourage others to treat Somali settlers as equal members of the larger Australian communities.

Objectives

1. Facilitating equal access to settlement services to refugees and humanitarian arrivals from Somalia
2. Giving particular attention to Somali youth and women’s special needs
3. Promoting Somali-Australian cross cultural exchange while preserving the Somali heritage, identity, pride and dignity
4. Creating awareness to the Australian society on the contribution of Somali cultures, values, traditions, and art in enriching Australia’s multicultural character
5. Fostering unity within Somali communities in Victoria and working in partnership with other service providers to meet the needs of the Somali communities
6. Networking, encouraging and strengthening other African Australian communities, groups, organizations, associations and agencies in Victoria
7. Empowering Somali settlers to develop and use skills and experience which enable them achieve greater control over their lives
8. Providing a leadership role and advocating on welfare issues on behalf of the Somali communities
9. Promoting the empowerment of Somali settlers to secure employment or to establish their own business
10. Lobbying for appropriate policies with Australian Government and Non Governmental agencies on behalf of Somali communities in Victoria
11. Researching and monitoring issues affecting African communities in Australia and providing cross cultural information and advise on issues related to Somali communities

Priority Areas

The S.C.A primary focus is to address the issues faced by newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants and their families in their settlement process with regard to access and equity. Our priority targets are family, women and youth and we will provide the following services:

1. Support in securing housing
2. Immigration information
3. Access to education and training
4. Employment assistance
5. Access to health services
6. Access to income support
7. Support with civic and legal issues
8. Access to sporting and recreational activities
9. Support elderly people in our community