“Currently, we do not have the information we need to effectively serve the African communities who reside in Greater Shepparton,” St Paul's partnerships and programs manager Kate Radevski said.
“We do not know enough about their preferred methods of communication and engagement and we do not have a real understanding of people’s needs and experiences.
“This survey is the first of its kind in the region . . . you get Australian Bureau of Statistic stats every four years but it doesn't give you an accurate picture of what's in the community.”
The survey will gather demographic information about African community members and seek feedback on access to services, financial security, literacy and experience of racism or discrimination.
It will also analyse the impacts of COVID-19 and offer a platform for the African community to share thoughts on what participation and engagement looks like.
Led by seven members of African communities in Shepparton, the information gathered will be collated into a report and ultimately shared with the wider regional community.
“To begin with, the African Focus team consulted with key stakeholders and asked what are your experiences?" Ms Radevski said.
“What do you want to change? And what do you want to know?”
Staff will also assist African community members in interpreting the survey in their native language if needed.
Ms Radevski said the findings would allow African House to advocate on behalf of African communities and support future grant submissions and programs.
“This information will be owned by the Greater Shepparton African communities and will be used to support future community development and capacity building,” Ms Radevski said.
“It will be a unique and invaluable tool that will provide insight into a number of areas in the lives of members of the African communities in Greater Shepparton.”
The University of Melbourne and Harris Park Consulting assisted with the design of the survey, with results of the six-month project expected by the end of June.
African House hopes to repeat the survey in five years’ time.
