Latest News
Fundraising Event for Char Horish, a needy school in Bangladesh 06-Oct-2011
Foundation House hosts a FILM NIGHT at Cinema Nova in Carlton
to raise funds for Char Horish, a needy school in Bangladesh. Since 2006, Foundation House has been sponsoring Char Horish, a school in Bangladesh. Char Horish was built with the aid of funds raised by Foundation House and we continue to hold annual events to support it’s ongoing costs, including teachers' salaries, ..
Foundation House statement to the Australian Government and Opposition03-Aug-2010
The upcoming Federal election has prompted Foundation House to release a statement urging the Australian Government and the Opposition to maintain a program of resettling refugees.
Foundation House has voiced its concern about elements of the policies that the Government and the Opposition have announced in relation to the treatment of asylum seekers, particularly the stated intent..
Petro Georgiou delivers annual oration27-Jul-2010
Retiring MP, Mr Petro Georgiou, delivered the Foundation’s annual oration on June 29th.
Entitled “Exploring the dynamics of Australian policies towards asylum seekers and refugees: Reflections of an insider” Mr Georgiou delivered a passionate and insightful speech on the political and moral dynamics that have governed refugee and asylum seeker policies since the m..
Article reports findings on mental health impact of immigration detention26-Jul-2010
“The meaning and mental health consequences of long-term immigration detention for people seeking asylum” is a recently published article in Social Science and Medicine by Guy Coffey, Ida Kaplan, Robyn Sampson and Maria Tucci.
The article reports the findings of a Foundation House research project examining the experience, and identifying the consequences of, extended p..
Attorney General responds to call for elimination of torture22-Jul-2010
Attorney General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, has responded to a letter drafted by Foundation House and two other Forum of Australian Services for Survivors for Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) agencies, asking the Attorney General’s office to reiterate the Australian Government’s commitment to the elimination of torture both domestically and internationally.
Foundation Ho..
Foundation House joins calls for Government to re-think asylum seeker policy28-Apr-2010
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) has urged the Australian Government to reverse its decision to suspend the processing of new applications from asylum seekers originating from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
FASSTT is a network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies (including Foundation House) that work with survivors ..
Foundation House wins police training award27-Apr-2010
Foundation House was presented with the Victoria Police Multicultural Community Exemplary Award at Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence at Government House in November 2009.
Presented to Health Sector Training and Professional Development Worker, Arna Stewart, by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Simon Overland, the award was in recognition of the training Foundation..
Settlement services up for tender25-Apr-2010
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that it will be seeking tenders to provide initial settlement services to humanitarian clients through the new Humanitarian Settlement Services program (HSS) formerly known as the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Services program (IHSS).
The HSS, which will be delivered in 24 contract regions across Australia, wil..
Report investigates settlement experiences of young refugees02-Feb-2010
A report looking at the settlement experiences of young people with refugee backgrounds has recently been released.
The report is the result of the Good Starts Study, a five year collaborative project between Foundation House, the La Trobe Refugee Research Centre (LaRRC) and VicHealth.
The study presents the key findings of the settlement experiences of 120 young people with ..
Annual report in print and online19-Dec-2009
Foundation House’s 2008–09 annual report has been published and is now available for download online.
The report includes an interview with the organisation’s Director, Paris Aristotle, and Chairperson of the Board of Management, Lynne Haultain, in which they discuss the impact of major shifts in refugee and human rights policy, the importance of partnerships and collaboration, and..
Paris Aristotle chairs new advisory council18-Dec-2009
Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle, has been appointed Chair of a new immigration advisory council.
The establishment of the Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution (CISSR), which succeeds the Immigration Detention Advisory Group (IDAG), was announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, on October 9th.
“The Gove..
Foundation House 2009 oration now online18-Jul-2009
The annual Foundation House oration, which was delivered by special guest speaker Professor James C. Hathaway, is now available for viewing online.
The oration took place on June 18th, during Refugee Week, and leading up to the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and Refugee Week on June 24th.
Professor Hathaway is a leading authority on interna..
Study grant honours lifelong commitment to human rights17-Jul-2009
The Quentin Buckle Study Grant honours a lifelong commitment to human rights, community, social justice and advocacy. The Study Grant will support its recipient/s from a refugee background to undertake or continue education or training in their chosen field.
The Quentin Buckle Study Grant has among its generous supporters:
Portland House Foundation
The Victori..
Government moves to strengthen anti-torture mechanisms26-May-2009
On 19 May the Australian Government signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, a treaty which obliges countries to permit periodic international inspections of its places of detention (e.g. prisons, immigration detention centres) and to establish domestic mechanisms to monitor the treatment of persons in places of detention.
"Signing" is an action which indic..
Video of speech by UNHCR High Commissioner Antonio Guterres at Foundation House available online26-May-2009
On February 24, 2009, Foundation House was honoured to receive a visit from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Antonio Guterres. A video of the speech made by Mr Guterres at the celebration held for the occasion is available for online viewing. Click here (/_literature_45533/UNHCR_HC_Antonio_Guterres_Speech_24_Feb_2009)..
Audio from forum - "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here? available19-May-2009
The question of "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here?" was addressed at a free public forum held in Melbourne on May 13. Panel members at the forum included:
David Manne
Co-ordinator, Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre
Paris Aristotle
Director, Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture
John Gibson
President, Refugee Council of Australia
Caz Coleman
Direc..
Free Public Forum - Asylum Seekers, Where to from here?04-May-2009
A free public forum entitled "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here?" will be held on Wednesday May 13 at BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square from 6 - 7pm. Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle will be a panel member along with other experts in the field. For more details, click here (/_literature_43418/Monash_Asylum_Seeker_Public_Forum_May_09)..
"No Way Back Now" Opinion Piece by Paris Aristotle in The Age01-May-2009
An opinion piece on asylum seeker issues entitled "No way back now" written by Paris Aristotle and Jo Szwarc appeared in The Age on April 18 2009. To read the full article click here (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=43287)..
Statement on the Treatment of Rohingya and Bangladeshi 'Boat People' in Asia23-Apr-2009
We, the undersigned organizations, are extremely concerned about the treatment of over a thousand Rohingyas from Burma and migrants from Bangladesh who have been forcibly expelled and abandoned in international waters by the Thai security forces since December 2008.
Over the past few weeks, several boats have been rescued off the coasts of Indonesia and the Andaman Islands of India...
UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits Foundation House26-Mar-2009
On February 24, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Antonio Guterres visited Foundation House as part of a whirlwind visit to Australia to view refugee resettlement services and meet refugee communities.
Foundation House hosted a celebration event at our Brunswick premises for almost 500 people to welcome Mr Guterres. During his visit the High Commissioner met with many..
New address for Dandenong office24-Mar-2009
The Foundation House Dandenong office is moving to new and larger premises.
From April 6 2009, the new contact details for the Dandenong office will be as follows:
Address: 155 Foster Street, Dandenong, 3175.
Telephone: 03 8788 3333
Fax: 03 8788 3399..
New school training workshops available09-Jan-2009
New workshops to assist school teachers, administrators and support personnel to work with students from refugee backgrounds are now available for registration. Comprising 3 different workshops the current program includes training dates from February through to June this year. For more details click here (/_literature_33958/Schools_-_Training_Calendar_-_2009)...
2008 Annual Report available online16-Dec-2008
The Foundation House 2007/08 Annual Report is now available for download. Marking the end of another highly successful year, the report highlights newer areas of work including the UCan2 project, the Family Strengthening Program and Community Liaison work. Members received copies of the newly printed report at the Foundation House AGM and end of year celebration held on December 11 and a..
Indigenous acknowledgment by Foundation House16-Dec-2008
Working with the generous expertise of Yorta Yorta woman, Sue Lopez Atkinson, Foundation House has developed an Indigenous Acknowledgment statement to use at formal occasions, on this website and in our publications. The form of words had its first audience at the Foundation House AGM on December 11 with Chairperson Lynne Haultain able to share the statement and acknowledge that our even..
"Where is the Justice?" book launched08-Dec-2008
"Where is the Justice? Stories from behind closed doors" a book by Rosa Vasseghi was officially launched at an event at Foundation House on December 6. The book which tells the stories of women's experiences of imprisonment, abuse and torture sends powerful messages about what can happen when power is abused.
Rosa says:
“From childhood I was attacked because of my family’s bel..
HouseNotes Newsletter October edition now available21-Oct-2008
HouseNotes, the newsletter of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture is produced three times each year. The third and final edition for 2008 is now available for download. Click here (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=28474)to read the October HouseNotes..
Director voices opinion on asylum approach13-Oct-2008
Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle recently received an important opportunity to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers when an opinion piece he wrote appeared in The Age on October 13. The article argues that recent changes to a more humane immigration detention policy and the demise of temporary protection visas will not cause a renewed flood of boat arrivals. Instead, Paris says..
"A Place to Call Home" - Schools honour Refugee Week24-Aug-2008
In schools across Australia, Refugee Week 2008 provided the impetus for both celebrating and honouring the journeys of refugees all over the world. Working with the Foundation House School Support Team, two schools in Melbourne's north developed the Refugee Week theme "A Place to Call Home" and encouraged both students and staff to join in the activities, reflection and learning.
..
"I saw the fire of a pain that would never be extinguished": Martin Flanagan speaks on torture24-Aug-2008
"I saw the fire of a pain that would never be extinguished": Martin Flanagan speaks on torture.
In the 2008 Foundation House Oration held in June, journalist and storyteller Martin Flanagan spoke powerfully against the use of torture in any circumstance, leaving a clear and moving message resonating in the hearts and minds of the 120 audience members.
In an eloquent oration t..
Government to ratify protocol against torture24-Aug-2008
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture is pleased that the Rudd Labor government has indicated its intention to ratify the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said "Labor is committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol on torture, and we will soon be consulting the states and territories as to how tha..
Fundraising Event for Char Horish, a needy school in Bangladesh 06-Oct-2011
Foundation House hosts a FILM NIGHT at Cinema Nova in Carlton to raise funds for Char Horish, a needy school in Bangladesh. Since 2006, Foundation House has been sponsoring Char Horish, a school in Bangladesh. Char Horish was built with the aid of funds raised by Foundation House and we continue to hold annual events to support it’s ongoing costs, including teachers' salaries, ..
Foundation House statement to the Australian Government and Opposition03-Aug-2010
The upcoming Federal election has prompted Foundation House to release a statement urging the Australian Government and the Opposition to maintain a program of resettling refugees. Foundation House has voiced its concern about elements of the policies that the Government and the Opposition have announced in relation to the treatment of asylum seekers, particularly the stated intent..
Petro Georgiou delivers annual oration27-Jul-2010
Retiring MP, Mr Petro Georgiou, delivered the Foundation’s annual oration on June 29th. Entitled “Exploring the dynamics of Australian policies towards asylum seekers and refugees: Reflections of an insider” Mr Georgiou delivered a passionate and insightful speech on the political and moral dynamics that have governed refugee and asylum seeker policies since the m..
Article reports findings on mental health impact of immigration detention26-Jul-2010
“The meaning and mental health consequences of long-term immigration detention for people seeking asylum” is a recently published article in Social Science and Medicine by Guy Coffey, Ida Kaplan, Robyn Sampson and Maria Tucci. The article reports the findings of a Foundation House research project examining the experience, and identifying the consequences of, extended p..
Attorney General responds to call for elimination of torture22-Jul-2010
Attorney General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, has responded to a letter drafted by Foundation House and two other Forum of Australian Services for Survivors for Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) agencies, asking the Attorney General’s office to reiterate the Australian Government’s commitment to the elimination of torture both domestically and internationally. Foundation Ho..
Foundation House joins calls for Government to re-think asylum seeker policy28-Apr-2010
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) has urged the Australian Government to reverse its decision to suspend the processing of new applications from asylum seekers originating from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. FASSTT is a network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies (including Foundation House) that work with survivors ..
Foundation House wins police training award27-Apr-2010
Foundation House was presented with the Victoria Police Multicultural Community Exemplary Award at Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence at Government House in November 2009. Presented to Health Sector Training and Professional Development Worker, Arna Stewart, by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Simon Overland, the award was in recognition of the training Foundation..
Settlement services up for tender25-Apr-2010
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that it will be seeking tenders to provide initial settlement services to humanitarian clients through the new Humanitarian Settlement Services program (HSS) formerly known as the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Services program (IHSS). The HSS, which will be delivered in 24 contract regions across Australia, wil..
Report investigates settlement experiences of young refugees02-Feb-2010
A report looking at the settlement experiences of young people with refugee backgrounds has recently been released. The report is the result of the Good Starts Study, a five year collaborative project between Foundation House, the La Trobe Refugee Research Centre (LaRRC) and VicHealth. The study presents the key findings of the settlement experiences of 120 young people with ..
Annual report in print and online19-Dec-2009
Foundation House’s 2008–09 annual report has been published and is now available for download online. The report includes an interview with the organisation’s Director, Paris Aristotle, and Chairperson of the Board of Management, Lynne Haultain, in which they discuss the impact of major shifts in refugee and human rights policy, the importance of partnerships and collaboration, and..
Paris Aristotle chairs new advisory council18-Dec-2009
Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle, has been appointed Chair of a new immigration advisory council. The establishment of the Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution (CISSR), which succeeds the Immigration Detention Advisory Group (IDAG), was announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, on October 9th. “The Gove..
Foundation House 2009 oration now online18-Jul-2009
The annual Foundation House oration, which was delivered by special guest speaker Professor James C. Hathaway, is now available for viewing online. The oration took place on June 18th, during Refugee Week, and leading up to the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and Refugee Week on June 24th. Professor Hathaway is a leading authority on interna..
Study grant honours lifelong commitment to human rights17-Jul-2009
The Quentin Buckle Study Grant honours a lifelong commitment to human rights, community, social justice and advocacy. The Study Grant will support its recipient/s from a refugee background to undertake or continue education or training in their chosen field. The Quentin Buckle Study Grant has among its generous supporters: Portland House Foundation The Victori..
Government moves to strengthen anti-torture mechanisms26-May-2009
On 19 May the Australian Government signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, a treaty which obliges countries to permit periodic international inspections of its places of detention (e.g. prisons, immigration detention centres) and to establish domestic mechanisms to monitor the treatment of persons in places of detention. "Signing" is an action which indic..
Video of speech by UNHCR High Commissioner Antonio Guterres at Foundation House available online26-May-2009
On February 24, 2009, Foundation House was honoured to receive a visit from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Antonio Guterres. A video of the speech made by Mr Guterres at the celebration held for the occasion is available for online viewing. Click here (/_literature_45533/UNHCR_HC_Antonio_Guterres_Speech_24_Feb_2009)..
Audio from forum - "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here? available19-May-2009
The question of "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here?" was addressed at a free public forum held in Melbourne on May 13. Panel members at the forum included: David Manne Co-ordinator, Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre Paris Aristotle Director, Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture John Gibson President, Refugee Council of Australia Caz Coleman Direc..
Free Public Forum - Asylum Seekers, Where to from here?04-May-2009
A free public forum entitled "Asylum Seekers - Where to from here?" will be held on Wednesday May 13 at BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square from 6 - 7pm. Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle will be a panel member along with other experts in the field. For more details, click here (/_literature_43418/Monash_Asylum_Seeker_Public_Forum_May_09)..
"No Way Back Now" Opinion Piece by Paris Aristotle in The Age01-May-2009
An opinion piece on asylum seeker issues entitled "No way back now" written by Paris Aristotle and Jo Szwarc appeared in The Age on April 18 2009. To read the full article click here (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=43287)..
Statement on the Treatment of Rohingya and Bangladeshi 'Boat People' in Asia23-Apr-2009
We, the undersigned organizations, are extremely concerned about the treatment of over a thousand Rohingyas from Burma and migrants from Bangladesh who have been forcibly expelled and abandoned in international waters by the Thai security forces since December 2008. Over the past few weeks, several boats have been rescued off the coasts of Indonesia and the Andaman Islands of India...
UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits Foundation House26-Mar-2009
On February 24, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Antonio Guterres visited Foundation House as part of a whirlwind visit to Australia to view refugee resettlement services and meet refugee communities. Foundation House hosted a celebration event at our Brunswick premises for almost 500 people to welcome Mr Guterres. During his visit the High Commissioner met with many..
New address for Dandenong office24-Mar-2009
The Foundation House Dandenong office is moving to new and larger premises. From April 6 2009, the new contact details for the Dandenong office will be as follows: Address: 155 Foster Street, Dandenong, 3175. Telephone: 03 8788 3333 Fax: 03 8788 3399..
New school training workshops available09-Jan-2009
New workshops to assist school teachers, administrators and support personnel to work with students from refugee backgrounds are now available for registration. Comprising 3 different workshops the current program includes training dates from February through to June this year. For more details click here (/_literature_33958/Schools_-_Training_Calendar_-_2009)...
2008 Annual Report available online16-Dec-2008
The Foundation House 2007/08 Annual Report is now available for download. Marking the end of another highly successful year, the report highlights newer areas of work including the UCan2 project, the Family Strengthening Program and Community Liaison work. Members received copies of the newly printed report at the Foundation House AGM and end of year celebration held on December 11 and a..
Indigenous acknowledgment by Foundation House16-Dec-2008
Working with the generous expertise of Yorta Yorta woman, Sue Lopez Atkinson, Foundation House has developed an Indigenous Acknowledgment statement to use at formal occasions, on this website and in our publications. The form of words had its first audience at the Foundation House AGM on December 11 with Chairperson Lynne Haultain able to share the statement and acknowledge that our even..
"Where is the Justice?" book launched08-Dec-2008
"Where is the Justice? Stories from behind closed doors" a book by Rosa Vasseghi was officially launched at an event at Foundation House on December 6. The book which tells the stories of women's experiences of imprisonment, abuse and torture sends powerful messages about what can happen when power is abused. Rosa says: “From childhood I was attacked because of my family’s bel..
HouseNotes Newsletter October edition now available21-Oct-2008
HouseNotes, the newsletter of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture is produced three times each year. The third and final edition for 2008 is now available for download. Click here (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=28474)to read the October HouseNotes..
Director voices opinion on asylum approach13-Oct-2008
Foundation House director, Paris Aristotle recently received an important opportunity to advocate on behalf of asylum seekers when an opinion piece he wrote appeared in The Age on October 13. The article argues that recent changes to a more humane immigration detention policy and the demise of temporary protection visas will not cause a renewed flood of boat arrivals. Instead, Paris says..
"A Place to Call Home" - Schools honour Refugee Week24-Aug-2008
In schools across Australia, Refugee Week 2008 provided the impetus for both celebrating and honouring the journeys of refugees all over the world. Working with the Foundation House School Support Team, two schools in Melbourne's north developed the Refugee Week theme "A Place to Call Home" and encouraged both students and staff to join in the activities, reflection and learning. ..
"I saw the fire of a pain that would never be extinguished": Martin Flanagan speaks on torture24-Aug-2008
"I saw the fire of a pain that would never be extinguished": Martin Flanagan speaks on torture. In the 2008 Foundation House Oration held in June, journalist and storyteller Martin Flanagan spoke powerfully against the use of torture in any circumstance, leaving a clear and moving message resonating in the hearts and minds of the 120 audience members. In an eloquent oration t..
Government to ratify protocol against torture24-Aug-2008
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture is pleased that the Rudd Labor government has indicated its intention to ratify the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said "Labor is committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol on torture, and we will soon be consulting the states and territories as to how tha..