The first NGO for South Asian community in Australia
ICSA (Indian (sub-cont) Crisis & Support Agency) ICSA the first NGO for the people of the Indian Sub-Continent, a dedicated agency owned by the community, to be run by the community and working together for the community interest was launched on Wednesday 30 July 2014 at the Deloitte Australia Offices in Parramatta by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr. John Chedid. ICSA is the brainchild of community volunteer, Kittu Randhawa and her dedicated team of volunteers.
“The needs and issues of the growing community members belonging to Indian and South Asian community members are alarmingly complex, sensitive and increasing in nature. ICSA would be facilitating and directing the affected community members to seek culturally appropriate services from both Government and non-government agencies dealing with complex community issues such as domestic violence, trauma, relationship breakdowns, settlement etc”, stated Kittu Randhawa at the launch.
“It is a highly commendable initiative by Kittu Randhawa and her team” stated Danny Rezek, Deloitte senior executive and lead managing partner for Deloitte Parramatta. Mr Rezek acknowledged that not every migration journey is an easy one and recognized that ICSA will provide a sound platform to assist people in that process.
“The Indian subcontinent community is growing day by day in Western Sydney particularly in the Parramatta area and ICSA is a great project with lot of vision” stated the Parramatta Mayor Cr. John Chedid. ICSA will be dealing with Government, non-government agencies, business groups and community organizations to reach to the community members from the Indian Subcontinent in Sydney. ICSA will facilitate the adaptation of different services being provided by various agencies to meet the complex & culturally sensitive issues of the target community.
A unique service proposed to be provided will be catering to the needs of temporary residents “who tend to keep to themselves and avoid exposure which renders them vulnerable” said Kittu Randhawa in her presentation to community members and invited guests including the Vice Consul General of India Mr Arindam Banerjee attending the launch.