Australian-Polish Community Services (Victoria)
Australian-Polish Community Services (APCS) was established in 1983 with the main aim of providing professional welfare and community services to the Polish community. Initially, a significant part of APCS' work focused on the western suburbs of Melbourne, an area of high socio-economic disadvantage, now, however, almost all APCS programs have either state-wide or Melbourne-metropolitan coverage.
During the years of operation the organisation has developed extensive knowledge and experience about the needs of the Polish community. This knowledge is greatly valued by mainstream service providers who consider the organisation an expert in culturally sensitive issues and a competent trainer in culturally appropriate service provision to the Polish community. APCS' services include assistance to Polish background residents in rural Victoria. APCS played an important role in establishing several residential clusters for residents of Polish background and has conducted two surveys of all aged-care facilities in Victoria. Further, regular training sessions are conducted at hostels, nursing homes and other HACC providers, e.g. local government.
APCS continues to play an active role in working parties and steering committees for various planning and policy bodies. Our input and views are frequently sought by State and Federal departments and other service providers. APCS works closely with health care providers to educate the Polish community about services and promote health care issues. This includes: Carers Victoria, Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, RDNS and others.
At present, APCS provides 10 different programs, employs 70 staff (8 full-time) and our services are supported by 130 volunteers. Since 2001, the organisation has a formal partnership with the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Polish Migrants abroad and two nuns are part of APCS' staff.
Lastly, APCS has a proud record in conducting and publishing research studies and strategic plans.
Further details can be obtained by perusing APCS website at www.apcs.org.au