The Bhutanese Association in South Australia (BASA) organized its Strategy Planning Day, the first of its kind in Bhutanese Diaspora.
The planning day took place at the scenic Adelaide Hills, an hour drive from Adelaide city, at the Youth With A Mission(YWAM) Centre. Members of the constitutional bodies of BASA including Apex Councilors, Executive members, Advisors and Ombudspersons with volunteers gathered at the YWAM centre on April 15, Friday, to develop strategy for the delivery of services to the community for next five years.
Australian Refugee Association (ARA), which runs the Settlement Grant Programme(SGP) in partnership with BASA sponsored and facilitated the planning day.
The formal planning began after Celian Khedega, a trainer at ARA presented on the need and different models of the strategic planning for the community.
The volunteers having special influence in the community who arrived in Australia lately joined the BASA constitutional body members and provided useful inputs to plan effectively for the community. The strategic planning on the various aspects of education, employment, health and accommodation among others were worked out in groups and compiled to form the final draft. When endorsed by the Apex councilors, the Strategic Plan will come into effect.
A short meeting of BASA constitutional bodies also resolved to call Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 2011 for restructuring the constitutional bodies and amending constitution. The major focus was laid on the self reliance of the community and integration into the mainstream Australian Society.
Kevin Liston, a former CEO of ARA and Community Liaison Officer at the Family SA inspired the participants reflecting the strength of the Bhutanese Australians, especially on education, culture and the steps taken towards self reliance.
