Relief For Workers

Jun 6 2018

ANZA ACTION: Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) promotes fair treatment for migrant workers. Debbie Fordyce tells their story.

The Issues
Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) sees about 2,000 cases a year. The most common issues workers bring are: work injuries, salary non-payment, and premature termination.

Work Injuries
More than half of the caseload relates to work injuries. Workers seek TWC2’s help when they face:

Difficulties obtaining medical treatment even though it is the employer’s responsibility to provide;
Employers denying that the accident ever happened, and covering up;
Delays and hurdles in the disability assessment and compensation process;
Unpaid medical leave wages.
Moreover, the assessment and compensation process often stretches a year or more, far longer than the medical leave given by doctors. In the post-medical leave months, workers have neither job nor entitlement to medical leave wages, leaving them financially desperate.

Direct Services
TWC2’s direct services can be grouped under the following headings:

‘SOCIAL WORKER ALWAYS THERE’ (SWAT): Our social workers, supported by interns and volunteer case assistants, provide advice to workers and help them navigate the bureaucracy in seeking case resolution. We liaise with employers, doctors, the police, and the Ministry of Manpower on their behalf.

OUTREACH: Led by social workers, volunteers fan out to various parts of Singapore monthly to distribute flyers (in 11 languages) to migrant workers.

THE CUFF ROAD PROJECT: TWC2 operates a free meal programme for workers who are out of work because of injury, salary dispute or other reasons. We serve breakfast and dinner each weekday, and lunch on Saturday. An average of 500-600 workers eat with us daily.
The meal station also serves as a contact point between our social workers, volunteers and our beneficiaries, to share a friendly word, see how their cases are progressing and offer advice about how to manage the claim or complaint.

ROAD TO RECOVERY: Volunteers are on hand to visit patients in hospital, or chaperone workers when they go for follow-up appointments, particularly those with mobility difficulties or are anxious over surgery. We ensure that they get proper medical attention and help explain to them their prescriptions, diagnosis and prognosis.

PROJECT ROOF & DAYSPACE: Male workers who are badly injured or destitute receive subsidies from TWC2, enabling them to rent a hostel bunk. We also have a drop-in centre called DaySpace which doubles as an emergency shelter for men.

WEDNESDAY CLINIC: Volunteers with a background in law are on hand to assist workers whose cases are headed to administrative tribunals for adjudication. They help clients get their evidence and documentation in order and prepare them for presenting their arguments. Volunteers also scout for pro-bono lawyers when legal representation is needed.

How Can You Help?
You can help out at the Cuff Road Project, or help with attending appointments, if you have legal training you could help at the Wednesday clinics, or get together with your work mates, a club, or your friends and have a cricket day in the park or provide an outing for the workers.

Want to get involved with ANZA Action? Click on over to the web page for details on how you can get involved.
ANZA Action TWC2 helping migrant workers in Singapore

New Infant Care Program launched at the Early Learning Village

Jun 5 2018

Sponsored Content

2018 sees the launch of the Infant Care Program at the Early Learning Village; a brand new program designed especially for young babies from 2 months to 18 months old.

With innovative learning spaces expertly designed for young children under 6 years old, the Early Learning Village is widely regarded as one of the leading preschools in Singapore, and has received global recognition for its unique Reggio-Emilia inspired environment. The state-of-the-art campus is a joint venture between two of Singapore’s most prominent international schools – The Australian International School and Stamford American International School. Both schools already run successful Early Years programs at the Village, starting from 18 months old. These will now be complemented by the launch of Infant Care, which extends the care offering down to children as young as 2 months old.

Housed in a safe and intimate space on the seventh floor, the dedicated Infant Care Pod offers a wealth of opportunities for autonomous, uninterrupted play. The environment has been adapted to suit the needs of children in the earliest stages of their development, and includes features such as a sensory room, outdoor sand play, child-sized furniture and a dedicated sleeping room for nap time.

The program is tailored according to each infant’s individual needs, and aims to mirror the routines that have already been established in the home environment. Adam Patterson, Head of Early Years at the Australian International School and the brains behind the new program, explains how this works in practice:

“Each baby and infant in our care is unique, with their own developing and changing needs, preferences and routines. We adapt to you and your child’s needs, through the creation of Individual Care Programs. These are developed in partnership with each family, ensuring the care we give is as similar as possible to the care they receive at home.”

Michael Day, Head of Early Years at Stamford American International School adds “Our family care approach groups children of similar ages together, while replicating their individual home routines (sleep and feeding) throughout their day in the Infant Care Pod. Children will sleep in a dedicated quiet rest room in cots or beds depending on their age.”

The program runs for 47 weeks of the year and offers flexible full-time and part-time options. Parents can choose between the standard 5 day and 3 day programs, with a 2-day option also available upon request. Care is offered between the hours of 8am and 6pm to support busy working parents, and parents are welcome to spend time in the Infant Care Pod with their babies throughout the day to help them settle in.

Rebecca and Pete were one of the first families to enroll their son, Darcy into the Infant Care Program, and they have had a very positive experience. Rebecca shares ‘We were thrilled that Darcy was able to start at the Early Learning Village as the first student enrolled in the new Infant Care program. Having only been there a few weeks, it’s already clear that he absolutely loves exploring the new space and making new buddies. His first week at Infant Care was also the week of his first birthday and we were so touched by the effort everyone made for him.”

Following on from Infant Care, at the age of 18 months children can smoothly transition into the Early Years program at either the Australian International School or Stamford American International School, with no additional enrolment fees. Both programs are run at the Early Learning Village, so children who are coming through from Infant Care will already be familiar with the environment and will find it easy to settle in to the school routine.

More information on the Infant Care program can be found on the schools websites www.ais.com.sg/infant-care and http://www.sais.edu.sg/infant-care

Support Biggest Morning Tea

Jun 5 2018

ANZA Action and Casual Coffee are delighted to be supporting the Singapore Cancer Charity with their annual Biggest Morning Tea! Read how this charity helps those in need.

Mdm Irmawati, 40, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2013. And she was 32 weeks pregnant.

Mdm Irmawati first discovered a lump in her left breast at the age of 20 which was non-cancerous. In 2011, she found a lump in the right breast. Thinking that the lump would also be non-cancerous, she ignored it. Two years later she felt multiple lumps and went to consult a doctor. She was advised to go for a biopsy. But just before her biopsy, she found out that she was pregnant with her second child.

She was afraid that the situation would get complicated if she went for biopsy. The mother was under tremendous stress due to concern for the safety of the unborn child. She decided not to go for the biopsy as she did not want anything to affect the foetus. But as the months went by, her back pain became unbearable and she was strongly advised by her doctor to do the biopsy test. Mdm was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer (metastatic to the bone).

She was given morphine daily to manage the pain and she underwent a C-Section at 34 weeks. After giving birth, she underwent six cycles of chemotherapy (once every three weeks) and hormone therapy for six months. But she suffered a relapse. She was treated with a higher dosage of chemotherapy again weekly. Her family supported her very closely throughout her ordeal. Her young children gave her the motivation and will power to overcome struggles.

The struggles included financial difficulties. Mdm Irmawati had minimal financial support and lives in a rental flat. She works when there are ad hoc jobs.

Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) has been supporting Mdm Irmawati with SCS Cancer Treatment Fund (CTF) for her CT scans, blood tests and chemotherapy since April 2015. Her daughter, who is in Secondary School, receives aid from our SCS Education Financial Assistance Scheme and tuition (under the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme).

Patients are referred by their doctors or medical social workers for SCS CTF. Since the inception of CTF in 2005, more than $15.4 million has been disbursed to more than 4,635 cancer patients. In 2016, a total of 268 patients were assisted.

Cancer diagnosis can impose a tremendous financial burden on the patient and family especially for needy families. SCS provides a range of assistance schemes to alleviate the financial burden for needy Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. We provide cancer patients with avenues for assistance at every stage of treatment: from pre-treatment, when they are first diagnosed with cancer, during treatment and beyond.

You can help with the great work of the SCS by supporting ANZA Action and Casual Coffee’s Biggest Morning Tea. Come along to the event at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence on Friday 29 June. Mark it in your diaries and support Singapore Cancer Society.

Each year, ANZA Action and Casual Coffee host the Biggest Morning Tea.

It is a chance for our members and their friends to come together to enjoy each other’s company over a cup of tea and biscuits to raise much needed funds for the Singapore Cancer Society. This year, the Biggest Morning Tea will be at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner and will be your chance to help raise awareness and minimise the impact of those diagnosed with cancer.

We hope you can join us.

Twenty Eight Cafe

Jun 5 2018

HOTSPOTS: Charley Larcombe sniffs out a great brunch spot pre official opening.

There’s nothing better than a surprise. Whether it’s bunch of flowers from The Beard (hint, hint) or being surprised by the generosity of a stranger, it’s the big and small surprises which are equally well received.

Like coming across a new, freshly-opened lunch-slash-coffee spot that springs up just around the corner from your place.

The other Saturday as we were blinking our way into the sunshine and trying to get on with the errands of the day, we decided rather rapidly that coffee needed to be ticked off the To Do List first and foremost. Fortunately, a short stroll down Mount Sophia and we found our oasis.

Twenty Eight Café has recently opened its doors (although still in soft-opening stage) in a gorgeous 1930s building on Wilkie Road. It’s a beautiful space full of natural light and polished concrete floors in that New York loft-industrial décor feel. It may be a tried and tested formula, but it works with the double height doors opening on to the street and a gentle breeze taking out the heat of the day.

The coffee is potent and a real winner. Apparently their beans are sourced from Indonesia and roasted by an Aussie company so the coffee certainly packs a punch. One mug here and we were definitely pepped-up to get on with checking off the List. But then the food looked so good, we thought we should hang around.

The menu offers standard breakfast fare with little twists: avocado toast is actually a smoked salmon ‘igloo’ with a huge mound of homemade guacamole and sour cream whilst eggs benedict is deconstructed over a crispy potato hash. There’s a snacks-esque menu called Itchy Fingers that lists Indian churros, prawn fritters and luncheon fries which all looked delicious and will definitely be worth a try on our next visit.

For those looking for a more substantial lunch there are mini pizzas and pasta dishes too, but the real king is the burger. A magnificent tower of brioche bun, rare beef patty, egg, bacon and avocado, it’s for those with a tremendous appetite and worth every undone button.

The place was full with a mix of punters when we visited; families on a pit stop with the stroller, students furiously typing on laptops, freelancers frowning at their Macs, food bloggers Instagram-ing and couples just catching up.

The staff were charming, cheerful and contributed to the great atmosphere. I hope it is a huge success – which wouldn’t be a surprise at all.

Twenty Eight Café
28 Wilkie Road
228051
facebook.com/TwentyEightCafe/

10 Mins With…Ewan Windebank

Jun 4 2018

Meet Ewan Windebank, the 15-year-old winner of the Across Asia Youth Film Festibal 2018, hosted by Tanglin Trust School.

Tell us the story behind your film, The Recital.
There was a girl in my school who seemed like a bad person; she treated everyone poorly, never smiled, and always snapped back, especially when she lost marks. She was extremely smart but she would fight teachers endlessly to try and get that one mark deduction removed. No one liked her really, I mean, how could you? But then one day, I saw her with her mother after school. The girl hesitantly handed a report card to her mother and immediately she started shouting. It was really harsh. I heard the mother say that one mark could mean life or death. But she genuinely got 97% on her average. I found that crazy but then I realised, it’s actually quite common in Hong Kong and it sort of goes unnoticed. I didn’t make the film to say tiger-parenting was ‘bad’ as such but to just highlight the fact that there are some pretty adverse effects to this way of parenting. This was a problem that needed to be brought to light, especially now as student suicide rates in Hong Kong have been on the rise and this could be one of the leading causes.

What is your favourite part of the process?
I consider myself the scriptwriter, director and editor of the film. I do each one out of passion and so I enjoy the whole process, really. It is incredible to go from the birth of an idea; to the moment I can actually watch it on a screen.

As the scriptwriter, I envisioned the idea as I typed. Yet at the shooting stage, some of my visions never made the cut but that’s because as the director, of course, I had the camera to hand to genuinely see what it would look like on screen. This led to additions and cutting from the original as some things just didn’t work, or a new idea popped into mind on set. It all added up to become the footage I had to work with as an editor. This bit was vital; it was just putting all the pieces together.

If you asked me which bit was the most fun, it was this bit – but it was also the most frustrating. You have all your footage in front of you, and it is the most joyous thing to have the perfect shot exactly how you envisioned, but then it’s frustrating when the shot you need just isn’t there. Maybe the angle was a tad lower than you wanted, or the focus was out – it just makes you want to pull your own hair out sometimes. But in the end, when everything comes together, seeing the final product on screen is just like dreams coming true. Quite literally sometimes.

What do you feel are the major benefits when entering these competitions?
I’d say it’s important, not to win, but to meet people. The film industry is all about knowing the right people. But I go to experience, to meet and learn from others who are in the same sort of area. There’s a lot to absorb out there and I believe the best way is through people, learning from other fellow filmmakers, be it people my age or industry experts. The AAYFF is one of the best for people like me in my opinion. A whole industry day to get to learn from the pros but also being given time to talk to the other filmmakers too.

Rather than your age being a hindrance, what do you think being a young filmmaker actually contributes to new work?
Starting out this young gives you a lot of time to learn, and it’s also the best time to do so. I believe that young minds are some of the most creative – it’s just a little hard for some people at this age to express it. How this all contributes to new work? Well obviously the creativity helps out with the whole content creating bit, from coming up with script ideas, to new and interesting editing techniques and camerawork ideas. That all adds up to a pretty interesting and ‘next gen’ film. All of the filmmakers my age are in a sense, the next generation of filmmakers, so what they learn is what the film industry will be in the future.

Entertain Us

Jun 4 2018

Need ideas for the school holidays? We’ve come up with some camps, classes and even some things-to-do-for-free that the kids will love this summer.

FOR COST!

Kids Camp Asia
The emphasis here is on back-to-basics fun – even the website nostalgically reminds us of the innocent pleasures of a sack race and treasure hunts. Held at Fort Canning Park or Tanjong Beach on weekdays from 9am until 3pm, the camp offers so many outdoor activities (including obstacle runs, and a whole host of sports) for kids aged 3 ½ to 14. The coaches are also particularly focused on helping the kids grow in terms of instilling values and helping improve self-confidence. A real winner.
kidscampsingapore.com

iD Tech Camps
Coding is the language of the future and it is crucial for kids to start practicing their coding vocab ASAP! This camp held at the Singpaore University is a great place to start. Kids age 7 to 17 will learn to code, design video games, engineer robots, print 3D characters, work with AI, learn about cybersecurity… the list goes on. Get the boys and girls involved this summer.
idtech.com/tech-camps

Sports Camps Singapore
Interested in a camp that offers a discount for ANZA members? Thought so! The 2018 Summer Sports Camps Singapore is for boys and girls aged six to 12. The week-long camps held at Singapore Cricket Club, are a brilliant way for your child to try different sports and make tons of new friends. They get to experience a plethora of sports surrounded by Singapore’s landmarks and the location means its super easy for parents to drop off and pick up.
Camp price is $550 per child which includes the activities, lunch and a camp t-shirt. ANZA members receive 10% off by using discount code “ANZA” when booking online.
sccsport.com

TFL
Long-term supporters of ANZA, TFL hosts an assortment of summer holiday camps. What about a quick half-day tennis and swimming combo where kids are put through drills and techniques rounded off by a fun swim of water slides? Or what about a six-hour stint of numerous sports to engage the kids for an action-packed full-day? Or do you have a future swimming or tennis champion in the family? You can enrol them for intense advanced days to hone their skills.
tfl-training.com

UFIT
We were put onto this one by our new Marketing Manager, Deborah whose son really enjoyed the atmosphere and experience of this outdoors kid’s camp at Turf City. “The UFIT kids’ camp provides an interesting variety of activities engaging kids in athletic development– ideal timing for when ANZA Athletics takes a break for the summer – whilst keeping it fun,” says Deborah. “[It is] for kids of all abilities from mildly active to those who would like to rock a six pack like Ronaldo.”
ufit.com.sg/kids-camps

Inspired Arts Holiday Camps
We love the idea of this artistic camp so much that we would happily sign up right now! For your arty-crafty kids this would be pure heaven as they get to discover so many art forms from sculpture to animation, jewellery making, to weaving. No more macaroni necklaces for you; the art from your kids is going to be Monet-worthy! You can sign them up for different themes from the environmentally-focussed An Ocean Beyond, to learning about costume design at Super Hero Camp. Now who doesn’t want to go to that?!
inspiredartssg.com/holiday-camps

FOR FREE!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Grab your binoculars and make like David Attenborough or the late Steve Irwin at this park in the north of the island. The ASEAN Heritage site is big on migratory birds as well as majestic herons, kingfishers and sunbirds but there are also water snakes, monitor lizards and otters to keep your eyes peeled for. The park also hosts free guided walks on the weekends for any aspiring ecologists and biologists.
nparks.gov.sg

Changi Airport
Undoubtedly you’re travelling these school holidays, in which case let Changi Airport tire out your terrors before those long flights. From indoor gardens to explore, multi-media areas to entertain and spaces to have a good run around in get to the terminals early to exhaust them pre-plane. Plan ahead by checking out the website and you should have an easy-to-cope-with flight.
changiairport.com

Royal Singapore Air Force Museum
Sticking on the aviation theme, this is a great little afternoon trip for any of those kids who dream of being pilots. You can read all about the history and current status of the RSAF, but the really exciting bit is the outdoor gallery where you can get up close to the fighter jets, missiles and anti-aircraft systems. You can also play out your Maverick-Viper fantasies too.
mindef.gov.sg

Museums & Galleries
For Singaporeans and PRs entry is free to many of the islands greatest galleries and museums, plus under-sixes get passes too. The National Gallery has so many exhibitions to inspire creativity in all age groups, whilst the National Museum has plenty of timely events going on. Give the sites a Google to plan your day of culture.
nationalgallery.sg

Coney Island
Grab the bikes and scooters, pack a rucksack and go to explore the Punggol waterways and Coney Island. There are beaches to stake your claim of, an all-natural playground to race
about and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the day with your brood. Remember to bulk-pack the sunscreen and insect repellent.
nparks.gov.sg

Publico Deli

Jun 4 2018

HOTSPOTS: Charley Larcombe samples a pup-friendly cafe on Robertson Quay.

Much was written about the Publico trio concept when its home, the Intercontinental hotel on Robertson Quay opened late last year. A river-side evening restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a day-time deli haunt of choice for those in the neighbourhood.

I popped in for a quick brunch meeting mid-week to test it out – not for the food, not for the coffee, but to see if it was a puppy-friendly spot.

In light of this being the animal-centric issue, I wanted to find a decent weekend café spot where Fido didn’t have to stay at home and you didn’t have to drink coffee out of a water bowl.

Publico Deli isn’t obviously dog-friendly, as you can’t walk through the restaurant, but you will be shown a route through to the garden terrace. Far from being an after-thought spot converted from a smoker’s corner, this is a lounge area where you can sit and enjoy whilst Fido relaxes in the shade. And slobber over the menu, as you will too.

For an early morning, post-power walk why not duck in for a quick coffee and a buttery, flake-y pastry – with the dog under your feet to catch all of those crumbs? But if you have more time, grab the papers, settle into the sofa (the dog has to sit on the floor sadly) and enjoy a more leisurely brunch.

Is a brunch menu even a brunch menu any more if it doesn’t have smashed avocado? Fortunately, this one does; it’s paired with a sort of zingy beetroot tapenade and heirloom tomatoes ($16). Give the Tostada Catalana ($17) a try – Parma ham over toasted sour dough and a good slug of olive oil – or the Mediterranean Scramble ($21) which boasts chicken breast marinated in yogurt and spices with scrambled egg whites. For the super hungry there’s the Buon Appetito ($23), where you can choose from a selection of homemade sausages (like spicy Italian and veal chipolata with fennel) to join the eggs, baked baby potatoes and sautéed mushrooms on the plate. There’s also Bettina’s Granola ($16) for those trying to have a healthier morning. Although it’s not like a wayward grain and mixed berry will get Fido begging.

The baristas are on point so you get a decent cup of Joe (an espresso is $4) and there’s a selection of teas like Earl Grey Neroli, which according to the menu expresses “crisp notes of Italian bergamot and powdery orange flowers”. Once you’ve indulged in brekkie and Fido has benefited from a pat and a love from the staff; you can be on route to the rest of your day, with tails wagging.

Passport Control

Jun 3 2018

The Australian High Commission Passport team offer advice to keep travellers up-to-date on visa and passport news.

The Australian community in Singapore continues to grow, with Australians both living in and travelling to Singapore. Our friendly Consular and Passports Team are here to help you! We provide passport services to allow you to travel, consular services when help is needed and some limited notarial services.

WHAT WE DO
PASSPORTS
Most countries, including Singapore, require six months validity on your passport for both stays and transits. Don’t forget to check your children’s passport validity if children are travelling with you.
All passport applications made in Singapore require an appointment and must be lodged in person at the Australian High Commission. Please allow around one month for an appointment and then a minimum of 15 business days for your passport to be ready and arrive in time for your travel.
For more information on passport applications and document requirements please visit passports.gov.au. To make an appointment please visit our online booking system ahcsing.setmore.com.

NOTARIAL SERVICES
The Australian High Commission also provides some notarial services through the same online booking system. It is best for you to check with the document originators as many notarial services can be provided by a Public Notary in Singapore, saving you time and money. Further information on notarial services is available on our website and smartraveller.gov.au.

CONSULAR
Our team also provides certain assistance in line with the Australian Government’s Consular Services Charter. If you find yourself needing consular assistance, contact number is +65 6836 4100. There will be circumstances in which our ability to provide consular support may be limited. Information on what services can be provided are outlined on the smartraveller website.

OUR TOP TRAVEL TIPS:

Check your (and your family’s) passport validity well ahead of your travel plans – getting a new passport can take some time so don’t let passport validity issues hold up
your travel.
Check your travel insurance covers you for all aspects of your holiday – some companies require extra coverage for activities such as motorbike riding, skiing and scuba diving.
Check the Smartraveller Travel Advice for where you’re travelling to – all countries differ with unique laws and customs.

Why We Love ANZA Soccer

Jun 2 2018

ANZA SOCCER: Players Lucas Furlong and Brandon Wheeler tell us what makes the ANZA Soccer academy one of the best on the island.

“We love ANZA Soccer because of the atmosphere. We also love the support of the parents and coaches who come to all of our matches and training and help us improve in the sport we love.

We also like ANZA Soccer because of the opportunities that we get. Lots of us get to travel overseas and play against hundreds of teams across the globe. Sometimes we don’t travel overseas but we have people come to Singapore to play us which is still an amazing opportunity because we get to make friends and have fun.

We enjoy playing soccer because we can meet people and make friends outside of our schools and we all have a good time. ANZA Soccer is great because we can play with people with a range of abilities and different skill levels. This way, we can learn from the more experienced ones and teach new soccer skills and tricks to the new kids.

ANZA Soccer’s finals day is an amazing experience for all players to have fun and enjoy the last game of the season. ANZA have a trophy ceremony to cheer on the champions of the season and to congratulate the players and teams that put in a lot of effort. All of us are welcomed with medals and trophies no matter what place we’ve come – every child deserves it.

We have agreed that ANZA is the best soccer academy we have ever been to. The coaches are always focusing on how you can improve to become a better team player and always have a positive mind-set. Even if we win, lose or draw, the coaches are always positive and have constructive feedback on how we can improve for the next match.

We would like to say a big thank you to all of the ANZA coaches, staff and parents for helping ANZA children get to all their matches and training as well as all the time they give in helping us become better players physically and mentally. Aslo a big thank you to our coach, Yakob for an amazing JSSL 7’s tournament.

Thanks for everything ANZA!”

Lucas Furlong (age 11, U12 Warriors & Group 11 Super League) & Brandon Wheeler (age 11, U12 Snipers & Group 11 Super League).

ANZA Soccer runs programs for kids aged 3 to 18-years-old. Register your interest here.

ANZA Magazine June 2018

Jun 1 2018

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ANZAAustralian and New Zealand Association

ANZAAustralian and New Zealand Association

Relief For Workers

New Infant Care Program launched at the Early Learning Village

Support Biggest Morning Tea

Twenty Eight Cafe

10 Mins With…Ewan Windebank

Entertain Us

FOR COST!

FOR FREE!

Publico Deli

Passport Control

Why We Love ANZA Soccer

ANZA Magazine June 2018