Our Journey
We are Australia’s first NGO, dedicated to the needs of vulnerable South Asian communities
Our Journey
Launch of Anti-Dowry Campaign, heralding ICSA’s very first social justice advocacy initiative, with the aim of raising awareness of this cultural abuse and bring about changes in systems to address the inequities.
ICSA supported over 200 students after two Colleges were closed and put under investigation. Support for re-enrollments, refund of fees and visas secured.
First workshops on Cultural Awareness and Domestic & Family Violence launched with NSW Police and Department of Justice.
Advocating to end the 20 hour limit on International Student working hours.
Launch of Chat n Chai series of support groups for women, and Chess n Chai for men.
Participated in Dowry Research with the Australian Catholic University.
Accredited by the Indian Government for the Support Program for abandoned spouses (women).
Presentation on Dowry Awareness at Ant-Slavery Australia and Forced Marriage Network; Parramatta Family Law Interagency forums.
Core Cultural Consultancy series developed for capacity building in the sector.
Dowry Abuse formally acknowledged as a form of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) across NSW. ICSA headed the round table to discuss implementation into NSW legislation.
Covid-19 awareness and prevention campaign to CALD communities.
ICSA and the WASH House lobby the NSW Police on first responses and lack of support for DFV during Covid.
DFV Leadership Group developed to create a DFV Strategy for Blacktown.
Working hours for international students extended due to ICSA advocacy.
Partnership in a formal Research project on Dowry Abuse with Western Sydney University and Parramatta Council.
Showcasing of matters affecting CALD communities and increase in client referrals and service delivery.
Record number of training sessions delivered in the Cultural Mindfulness series.
Launch of the first CALD-focussed program supporting men.
Behind Closed Doors – immersive performing arts event showcasing DV in South Asian families.
Cultural awareness training workshops at IARC, Parramatta and Cumberland Councils.
First Responder training for DFV provided to women’s support groups.
Dowry Abuse research paper launched with recommendations.