The club held a very informative meeting and enjoyable dinner at Diversitat's Northern hub
 
We were welcomed to “The Hub” Diversitat’s site in Norlane where CEO Michael Martinez gave us a tour. We were able to see the “the Hub”, the center of operations, the Karenni posts for energy, the community garden with 80 plots, the “Stitch Centre” (sewing cultures together) with the attached Men’s Shed and the site of the proposed Healthy Living Centre.
 
After a meal supplied by Wholefoods Michael told us more about Diversitat.
 
Diversitat is governed by representatives from 50 cultural communities in Geelong who each contribute two delegates who the select a board,. The Board and its executive control 10 sites around Geelong and Colac with outreach services to Ballarat.
 
Diversitat now employs over 300 staff with 80 full time, 111 part time and 78 casual. They provide a heap of programs including
  • Settlement services
  • Training services
  • Aged support
  • Youth services
  • Arts and events
     
    Currently Diversitat is supporting:
  • 240 Sudanese
  • 500 Karenni
  • 120 Liberian
  • 400 Afghans
  • 150 Iranian
     
    But as with all services, help is required. Coming up is its Christmas appeal and it always needs help for its “Stitch Program” and especially needs a new and extended building for this program and its Community Garden.
     
    Thanks to Michael and Sarah for showing us around and introducing us to Diversitat.