On Wednesday 21st March Diversitat celebrated Harmony Day. Harmony Day is a day when all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity. The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The continuing message for Harmony Day in 2012 is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.

IMPETUS 2012 GEELONG YOUTH AWARDS

INSPIRATION AWARD NOMINATION

Jayde has been a client of Diversitats Youth at Risk - Job Services Australia program since May 2011. When Jayde first commenced with our service she had many personal struggles and challenges to overcome: she was an early school leaver dealing with substance abuse issues, loss of custody of her 2 year old son and a breakdown in family relationships.

Jayde's main focus was to regain care of her son who was in the care of her mother and to become a role model for her siblings.

In July Jayde found herself homeless and was sleeping rough for the next few months until her Grandmother allowed her to move in with her. In October Jayde decided she needed to get her life back on track and completed a 6 week rehabilitation program to address her substance abuse issues.The next month Jayde commenced in the National Green Job Corps Program, as she has an interest in the field of horticulture and this would be an excellent opportunity to help her prepare for the workforce.

Variety the Children's Charity (Vic) organise a "Bash" (rally) each year to raise money for underprivileged or disadvantaged children, last year the Bash raised over $1.5 million. This year the Bash will start at Shepparton go through Deniliquin, Broken Hill, Maree, up the Birdsville track to Birdsville, Mt Isa, Richmond, Charters Towers and onto Hamilton Island, the trip, about 3700 km, will take 11 days, over 90 vehicles and 25 support vehicles to take part.

Greg Mather the Co-Ordinator of You Turn was given an Ambulance and has decided along with 2 friends to enter the Bash again this year. The Ambulance is a 1982 F100 in fair running order but the body was very tired. The students at You Turn have done an outstanding job in repairing the body and coming up with a design and spraying the vehicle. Some of the tasks undertaken were Fibreglass repairs, bonnet repairs, bumper repairs, removal and replacement of the bull bar and then the total respray.

Diversitat Youth is looking for the donation of a chest freezer for their programs. A Diversitat staff member has already donated 1, and they just need 1 more. What is the reason for needing two chest freezers? Both YouTurn and Youth Education at the Old Post Office have secured food donations through 2nd bite www.secondbite.com.au enabling the youth team to feed the students some healthy food that they often do not receive from home.

If you can help out please contact Stephanie at Diversitat Youth Education on 5223 3222.

Diversitat Youth Education is again seeking empty glass and plastic containers with screw lids for keeping paint in. If you have jars that you no longer need please drop them into the Old Post Office building 83 Ryrie Street, Geelong or contact Mike McLean, Youth Training Officer on 5223 3222. Thanks again to those who donated last time!

During the month of January the Green Corps worked on some very different projects including the South Channel Fort. They braved some extreme weather and trying conditions, but overall had a great experience.

The South Channel Fort is a reminder of Port Phillip Bay's early history as part of the defence lines for Melbourne. The artificial island was constructed in the 1880s to illuminate the channel at night and electronically explode mines under attacking ships coming through the Heads.

A system of antiquated gun emplacements and tunnels are a feature of the island which is now a significant refuge for seabirds.