President’s Report - 5th November 2003

A number of important achievements and activities had taken place during the year of 2002 & 2003.

The most significant was the receipt of a new grant from Department of Immigration and Indigenous Affairs to further fund our Information & Referral Service under the Community Settlement Services Scheme.

It should be noted that the RECC was one of very few successful applicants to receive funds for the maximum period of 21 months – most applicants had only qualified for 9 months of funding. This success, no doubt, is largely due to the excellent work carried out by our Community Worker and the Executive team, and their commitment to meet the targets and milestones over the last three years as per DIMIA requirements.

• In May 2003 the RECC took an active part in the organization of “Celebration of Russian Australian Culture” at Woollahra in conjunction with the Woollahra Council. This event had a great significance for the Russian community as it raised awareness amongst the Australian community about the richness and diversity of the Russian traditions and culture.

Once again, I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all Russian community organizations and individuals for donating their time and effort to make this Festival an overwhelming success.  

• Also in May 2003 the RECC assisted with the organization of the Russian Art & Culture Festival & Dinner at Macquarie University to mark the 300 Jubilee of St Petersburg.

• In June 2003 the RECC representatives attended a Conference in Melbourne, the main purpose of which was to share experience with our interstate colleagues as well as identify common problem areas and concerns and to determine a suitable action plan. As a result, a resolution was passed to establish a Volleyball Trophy, which is to be awarded at annual Volleyball Competitions.

• The RECC continues to present Achievement Awards to students of community Russian School and the to students of Russian language at the Macquarie University.

• In May 2003 the Russian Language Committee had met with the Board of Studies to further discuss the HSC Russian language curriculum. While no definite solution was reached at the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was made on future developments. The Board of Studies assured that they will continue to monitor the problem until an amicable solution can be found.

• In December 2002, the RECC, together with other representatives of the Russian community was successful in lobbying against offensive advertising material used by the Sydney Opera House. The advertisement, which insulted the Russian Orthodox community, was removed from circulation. 

• During the year, the Committee welcomed (co-opted) four new members to the Executive team. This brought in much needed help, experience and fresh ideas.

The RECC’s effectiveness is due largely to the ability of its members and the Executive to establish close contacts and sound working relationship with other Russian community organizations, church leaders and various government departments and their representatives.

The other strength of the RECC is the competence and commitment of its Executive and staff, which has resulted in successful application for DIMIA grant for the maximum period.

In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues, for their untiring support, professionalism, dedication, and significant contribution they have made to this organization through a very busy and demanding period.

Zoya Kojevnikoff - President