African Association achieving goals

IN their work to rebrand the identity of Africans in regional Victoria, and strengthen the skills, passions, talents and offerings of their community, the Ballarat African Association are hitting milestones.

BAA is hosting a COVID-safe gathering at the Ballarat South Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday, 26 June from 10am to 4pm to celebrate this growth, the African community’s societal contributions, and the support of their allies throughout the district.

With live music, dancing, food and speeches, BAA president Dr Michael Akindeju said the party is all about recognising the re-brand’s progress, the “goodwill” the Association has received, and individuals’ achievements thus far.

“There are a number of people who have gained employment that were previously not working, so we have seen a lot of people return to the workforce and live a life of purpose,” he said.

“Within our series of workshops within the Re-Branding African Australian Identity Project, we want people to understand that if they choose to live a life of purpose, they’re more likely to achieve milestones in their public lives.

“People have embraced that paradigm of living with purpose, and are developing personal blueprints; they’re setting goals for themselves, and looking five to 10 years down the line.”

With the support of BAA, seven African-Australian businesses have recently lunched locally in sectors including retail, the arts, crafts, African culture, design, clothing, cleaning, counselling and cultural competency.

One is in its very early stages, while six are “thriving.”

Alongside the Ballarat African community and their supporters, local, State and Federal Government representatives and members of the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council will be at the Ballarat South Neighbourhood Centre gathering.

“We want to thank Ballarat for accepting our hand of friendship, and creating opportunities for us to demonstrate our abilities,” Dr Akindeju said.