MFO October Newsletter 2022 |
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Multicultural Families Organisation was so proud to host the iconic Gold Coast Multicultural Festival GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL 2022 at the beautiful Broadwater Parklands on the Great & Little Lawn. On behalf of our CEO Cornelia Babbage OAM, thank you to everyone in front and behind the scenes. |
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Featuring Indigenous, South America, Pasifika, European, Asian, Middle Eastern and African performances alongside community services, cultural marquees, food stalls and fun family activities in 5 areas, it was a colourful global celebration right here on the Gold Coast. |
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A moment was shared in respectful remembrance of the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, Head of the Commonwealth. We were blessed with the sun shining the whole day, after a few days of rain. A huge thank you to our MC's, all the performers, stall holders, staff, volunteers, the MFO "GLOBAL VILLAGE" artists, Hot Tomato 102.9, City of Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands team and especially our Gold Coast community. Thank you for coming along and making it such an amazing day. |
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Always a well put together offering for community; thank you for including us. Nyanyahbu. Lann Levinge Well done to an amazing day! We all know how much effort goes into successfully delivering such an event! We really look forward to performing at your next event! Morava Brisbane Serbian Folkloric Ensemble |
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Thank you so much for another truely wonderful event! We were thrilled to be there and cannot wait to hopefully be at the next! Congratulations all on a fantastic day! L. E. Academy Simply Amazing! LatinMania Congratulations TEAM and it was magic weather... Kusuma Indonesia Community Australia. |
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October is Sexual Violence Prevention Month: Speak with others in your community about this important topic. Last year MFO was honoured to collaborate with the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence Inc to produce the My Body = My consent booklet and videos that were translated into 10 different languages. Please share these resources with your community and let’s all work together to end sexual violence. To view the brochure please visit https://www.mfo.org.au/_files/ugd/90f6d3_fbbe4dcf148445e29916594a89835558.pdf?index=true For the videos please go to our YouTube page https://youtu.be/HVIfo225obQ |
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Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing. Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, QMHW is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered by a strong cross-sector collaboration. The initiative is linked to National Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year. QMHW encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviours, when needed. The week also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. |
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On Thursday, 1st of September 2022, our team members Sharee, Cassie, Teddy and T attended the Teddy Bears Picnic held at Musgrave Hill State School, Southport. The morning was spent engaging with local schools, early childhood centres support services. “A fun day for our little learners” |
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MFO attended the recent World Suicide Prevention Day Forum at Burleigh Waters Community Centre. It was great to mix with our community and with other services working to support people impacted by suicide. There are a wide range of services and campaigns (like Stand By & RUOK Day) that aim to increase awareness of the ways to check in and support each other around our mental health and wellbeing. MFO strongly encourages our community to reach out for support when life gets a bit tough. Follow the links above or call us at MFO on 07 5571 0381 or our website at www.mfo.org.au Thank you to Asmir Kosmic and Hanan Al-Alawneh from Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Services for visiting MFO, TMC and MCCGC and sharing about their role at QTCMHS. |
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Women’s Health Week: MFO hosted the Gold Coast Multicultural Women’s Health Expo at TAFE Queensland Southport campus from on Tuesday 6 September. This was a fabulous event that brought together around 25 local Gold Coast health and wellbeing services. This event was held during the nationally recognised Women's Health Week initiated by the Jean Hailes Foundation for women’s health and is celebrated every year from 5-11 September. Thank you to all the service providers who joined us sharing important information with the newly arrived community including: True Clinic, Studio Village Community Centre, Women’s Cancer Support GC, Queensland, Police Service, Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Brahma Kumaris - Gold Coast, BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast service, Bowel Cancer Screening QLD, Child Development Services, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, ECCQ - Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, City of Gold Coast, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, Tenants Queensland, Relationships Australia Qld, School Based, Wellways Gateway, Relationships Australia, Headspace Southport, and Services Australia. Thank you to Dendy Cinemas Southport for providing the lucky door prizes. Thank you to the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health for the beautiful Women’s Health Week bags. Also huge thank you also to the MFO team and volunteers for all their hard work putting this event together. JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - https://www.dendy.com.au/events/2022-jewish-international-film-festival-1663 November 2022 Jewish International Launch Preview – ARMAGEDDON TIME with Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong https://www.dendy.com.au/events/armageddon-time-jiff-launch-night Thurs 27 October at 7pm |
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Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group: This month we commemorated RU OK day with special guest speaker, social worker Leila Farahani of Phoenix Empirical Support. We had a very honest yet sensitive conversation about mental health and suicide prevention. The women learned how they can support others in the community who may be at risk. We also had a fabulous yoga session with Sanying who has recently received her yoga teaching qualifications. The rest of the month we spent doing various arts and crafts fun projects that we all love. Our group meets every Wednesday from 10.30 – 12.30. All women welcome. |
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MFO Sewing Group: You may have seen our talented sewing group women at the Global Village Festival selling their beautiful hand-made items. It was a fantastic day where our women got to share their creations with the community. Did you know that our sewing group is passionate about the environment using sustainable practices to do our small part for our planet? Thank you to our friends at the recycling education start-up – Behive – be 1% better - who regularly provide us with fabrics that they source from furniture manufacturers, saving them from going to landfill. Watch this space for more information about how you can support our women by purchasing their handmade items. |
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GREETINGS FROM THE SARA TEAM On behalf of those who attended the Multicultural Women’s Group, we would like to acknowledge the great presentation by Darwin, who is one of the Multicultural Police Liaison officers at QPS. Darwin shared some practical strategies that we all can use to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of personal violence. She also gave us the useful tips on how to respond effectively if you face a safety threat. Women present loved Darwin’s personal safety tips to be safer in the community. Here are some tips: - Lock doors and windows when you are not going to be at home. - Lock car doors and do not leave any property in plain view. - When walking on the street or to your car from a business, make eye contact with others and be aware of your surroundings. - When walking by yourself and see a suspicious person, it is OK to cross the street. Try to maintain some distance just in case you need to run away. - If you are home alone, keep the lights on, turn the radio on, so there is noise, make sure your house is locked. When driving: - Wear a seatbelt at all times. - Get enough rest before a long journey. - Use hands-free technological devices. - Avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness. - Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As well as responding to crime when it happens, Queensland Police Service (QPS) work with communities to prevent crime and make Queensland a safer place to live, work and play. For more information please go to the Police website: Safety and preventing crime | QPS (police.qld.gov.au) |
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Chat and Coffee at Pacific Pines: MFO and Pacific Pines High School are working together towards a new project regarding well-being with the students and the community. We are looking forward to engaging with the student’s parents and families to have an open conversation while offering services from MFO. For more information, you can reach Ness, Guidance Officer at Pacific Pines. For more information about the Youth Team at MFO, email Wai Yin Naidoo, Manager, Youth & Community Development at homework@mfo.org.au |
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Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival: The Australian National Chinese Women's Federation hosted their Mid-Autumn Festival in Labrador. The performers made this day magical; some of the artists were the Rainbow Art Group with the Dragon Dance in the East, the Huawu Tai Chi Association showed their talent with Buddha boxing and the end of the day Sound of Music Choir interpreted the old Days song. Thank you to the Australian National Chinese Women's Federation to invited MFO. If you want to know more information, please visit ancwf.org.au. |
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MFO present with the CCCPCC: MFO is proud to be present in the Chinese Community Crime Prevention Consultative Committee meeting at Labrador. The CCCPCC provides an opportunity for police and Chinese speaking community members to address crime prevention issue and concerns in a collaborative way. Queensland Police Service play a big role in the Chinese community and provide support to vulnerable groups including new arrivals and students; provide referral services and promote crime prevention. If you know someone who might need any help do not to hesitate to contact us. |
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Courtside Networking at Westfield during school holidays: What a great Friday afternoon we had with Gold Coast Youth Service (GCYS) along with many other services at Westfield Coomera courts engaging with young people in the northern corridor. Beautiful sunny day, great music, good vibes, tasty BBQ and amazing local basketball players! So grateful to be part of this fun networking event. |
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Thank you so much to our volunteers! We want to take this special opportunity to say to all our volunteers: Thank you so much! The Global Village Festival was a success, thanks to the support of our amazing, patient and energetic volunteers! Your valuable time and help during this festival and many other activities related to MFO are very much appreciated. Thanks again for making so many dreams come true and being great team players. |
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Gold Coast Volunteer Awards 2022 - Volunteering Gold CoastCelebrating volunteer achievements in Gold Coast The Gold Coast Volunteer Awards recognises and celebrates volunteer contributions across our community. The awards are a special recognition of organisations and community members who generously contribute their time and resources to create a social impact in the community. |
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Holiday Activities and welcome to 4th term! Movies, outdoors games and artwork were some of the fun activities we all enjoyed by the MFO Homework Club and We Connect Youth. We wish the best for all our students in the last part of this year! For more information about the Youth Team at MFO: Email Wai Yin Naidoo, Manager, Youth & Community Development homework@mfo.org.au |
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The Wall on Scarborough This an invitation to the great Mural Art Project for local young people by local young people. Be part of this exciting collaborative & creative project that will see young people (aged 12-24y/o) take part in a first in Southport. You don’t need to be creative or have any equipment, we will support you to get involved & turn a large wall into a local landmark! There are many ways to get involved! You can just scan the QR code for more info or email THEWALL2022@yahoo.com |
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AMAZING!!!! Vasa Gold Coast tutors, parents, students it was an unbelievable showcase at Gold Coast Convention Centre on the last Friday of September. Thank you from MFO for all your continued support with youth and families here on the GC. Looking forward to 2023! Watch Vasa's Fiafia night 2022: https://vimeo.com/event/2471029 Be first to be notified of 2023 registration here: https://bit.ly/VasaGCsignup |
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I come from a country with midnight sun, hundreds of lakes, large dense forests, and coastlines facing the Baltic Sea and the unpredictable North Sea. Language learning was a big part of my education, and I left school being able to speak 6 languages and understanding 2 more. Learning a language included studying the country’s history, geography, and arts, and it made me want to travel, and travel I came to do. As I have always enjoyed learning and understanding things a bit better, I have quite a wide knowledge base. My professional background is also wide-ranging, from accounting to management of hotels & restaurants, teaching and working within the arts, running my own training company, creating, and facilitating seminars about development and change. In my, all over the place, education I also have a North Sea Skipper’s Ticket, and astronavigation. I know how to sail and navigate using the sun, moon, and stars, as I have spent more than 8 years sailing around the world, together with my husband. This is how I came to New Zealand, lived there for 10 years, and became a citizen. New Zealand became special for me with its beautiful and diverse nature, friendly people, and amazing opportunity for advanced learning. Learning has been a constant in my life, and it became a passion after meeting a woman, who had a profound understanding of the human physiology, after years of intense research of consciousness and the mind. I found research about the brain and mind fascinating, and it totally change my way of thinking, as I realised that I was the one in charge of the quality of my life. Sharing all this new awareness and facilitate it, in a practical way to support change, became my focus. I am a big picture thinker and most often see how seemingly unconnected ‘things’ connect in different ways. This has served me well when running my training company, facilitating, and creating seminars for small and big cooperations, management institutes and schools in different countries. I am a person who thrives on challenges and change and greatly benefits from an environment where humour and laughter are part of the day. I am Lillan, a Swedish Kiwi living in Australia, and I feel honoured to be part of the diverse MFO team. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion Mohamed Ali |
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Happy to be back after my holidays! 5 years I had to wait to travel back to my homeland (Colombia), so happy to see family and friends! This picture was taken in Cartagena, with the Colombian flag, the yellow represents the gold abundant in Colombia, the blue the country's seas and the red, the blood spilled fighting for Colombian independence. Now, I’m back to MFO to develop programs at Pacific Pines High School, continuing working with "We Connect" Youth group and now part of "Youth at Promise" teamwork. "SONSHINE" Multicultural Men's Group Oct 19 at MFO office 5pm. Email kevin@mfo.org.au |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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The 2022-23 Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program funding round for multicultural projects is now open. There are two project categories available: o For innovative projects that create pathways to participation for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including people who arrived in Australia as migrants or refugees, and people seeking asylum, in the economic, social and cultural life of Queensland. o One-off funding of up to $40,000 is available for one-year projects to be delivered in 2023-2024. o For innovative projects that can assist with breaking down the barriers facing young people from culturally diverse backgrounds that can result in feelings of disengagement or disconnection with the community, and to increase their access to, and inclusion within the community. o Projects receiving funding under this category are to ensure young people from culturally diverse backgrounds are leading in identifying the barrier/need to be addressed, and the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of the project. o One-off funding of between $5,000 to $120,000 is available. Project implementation timeframe can be up to two years. Projects are to be delivered between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2025. For more information, please visit the website: www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/cmq-program The round is scheduled to close at 11.59pm, Saturday, 12 November 2022. www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/programs-initiatives/celebrating-multicultural-queensland-program |
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Our WE EARN Program will be offering employment workshops in October/November for women seeking work. We have developed these workshops in a way where women can attend just one or all of them based on their needs. |
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September has been a month of celebrations and new courses for SQW Firstly, we celebrated the graduation of our Cert I Construction traineeship students, we have seen massive growth from these young men and are so proud of everything they have achieved. The students have moved into apprenticeships and full time employment, we wish them all the best of luck for the next part of their journey. Thank you to HAYMES paint for donating paint and Musgrave Football Club for allowing us to complete the traineeship within their club rooms. |
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We also celebrated the graduation of our Cert II in Supply Chain Operations & in Hospitality. These students have worked hard to complete their certificates and have moved into employment and further education. We couldn’t be more proud of them and their dedication. September also marked the beginning of our Cert III in Individual Support and next intake of our Cert II in Supply Chain Operations. An extended warm welcome to all our participants. This will our last intake for 2022, but we have more exciting courses and opportunities for 2023. |
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The NDIS has seen a few significant changes in the last few months and MFO has been able to build on these changes and ensure all NDIS clients continue to receive the essential services and support they need and deserve. MFO’s Plan Manager has been familiarising on all new updates and is available to answer any NDIS questions you may have regarding the changes as of the 1st July 2022. MFO’s Support Coordinator Sharee Hedges continues to be instrumental in supporting clients to be linked and receive the vital support they need to achieve their NDIS and personal goals. This is often a difficult balance as NDIS funding is not always sufficient, however, Sharee works tirelessly to secure required services for clients as affordable rates while advocating with the NDIS for additional funding to meet all the needs of our clients. If you or someone you know needs NDIS Supports, then please don’t hesitate to contact MFO on 07 5571 0381 or 0402257118 any time. |
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MFO welcomes 3 new clients this month to the MFO family and as we continue to grow we are always looking out for skilled and dynamic support workers to support our clients. To manage this, MFO partnered with Major Training to deliver a Cert III in Aged Care/Disabilities to train up new workers from a variety of cultural backgrounds and aims to provide employment to all. If you or any one you know is interested in entering this industry, please contact Nicole on 0426 636 904 and check the availability in our next Cert III Individual Support Class. |
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2022 Seniors Month on the Gold Coast from 1 to 31 October! This year over 50 free of charge or low-cost events will be delivered by local community groups across the city – including art and craft displays and classes, a range of sporting activities, bus outings, open days and information expos hosted by community groups. The Seniors Month 2022 Gold Coast Event Guide is now available on the City’s website and in hard copy from City of Gold Coast Customer Contact Centres and Councillor Offices. To request a hard copy of the 2022 Gold Coast Event Guide, email seniors@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. You can also discover 2022 Seniors Month events on the City’s online Gold Coast Event Calendar. Safe and Liveable Communities Branch are hosting the following events. All events are free. Places are limited – so book today! Seniors Garden Party Wednesday 12 October 9am – 11am at the Seniors Garden located in Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach. Register here. Seniors Safety Session Tuesday 18 October 1pm – 3pm, Burleigh Waters Community Centre. Register here. Come n try Active Ageing classes: sample our classes at your own pace. To book call 0403 163 201
Tuesday 4 October 12pm – 1pm, Pimpama Community Centre Friday 21 October 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Elanora Community Centre Thursday 27 October 1pm – 2pm, Labrador Community Centre For more information about Seniors Month, contact the City’s Seniors Officer on 07 5581 6208 or email seniors@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. |
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This year for Radiothon we just want to have some fun! Join us for a week of fun activities; both on and off air and a whole bunch of laughs while we raise money for the station we all love to call home! Radio 4EB wants to keep bringing you your music, your news, in your language! So that the fun & laughter can stay on the airwaves, we are asking you to give generously to keep the good times rolling! For the week of Radiothon, the theme of discussion aims to be focused around…F U N! F U N! F U N! www.4eb.org.au |
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Gold Coast Cultural Celebrations & Multicultural Events Guide-Oct Grand Diwali at Dreamworld Saturday 1/ Facebook / Dreamworld Platinum Events Services Gold Coast Navratri Festival 2022 Saturday 1/ Eventbrite / Nerang Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Nobby Street Fiesta Sunday 2 / Facebook / Nobby Beach Nobby Street Fiesta Hungaro Spring Festival Sunday 2 / Facebook / Country Paradise Parklands Gold Coast Hungarian Association Inc. 2022 Chinese Moon Festival Friday 7 / Facebook /Coomera Anglican Coomera Anglican College Gold Coast Diwali Festival 2022 Saturday 8/ Facebook / Broadwater Parklands Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin Austrian National Day Sunday 16/ Website / Gold Coast Stock Sport Club Home of the Austrian Australian Club Gold Coast Inc. World Street Food and Entertainment Saturday 22 / Website / Varsity Lake Varsity World Festival Are you a community group organising a cultural celebration or multicultural event? Contact City of Gold Coast Council Multicultural Officer P: (07) 5581 6457 E:Multicultural@goldcaost.qld.gov.au This calendar has been prepared as a guide from information provided by third parties. Please contact the event organiser to confirm details. |
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Mudgeeraba Community Centre OPEN DAY on Saturday 5th November from 2pm to 5pm. You can have an information stall, conducting activities etc. This is a great opportunity to promote your service, engage with the community and know the great venue. If you are interested to involve, please send in your expression of interest no later than Friday 15th October by emailing robinacc@goldcoast.qld.gov.au If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Mudgeeraba Community centre team on 5581 1815. |
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www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/health-advice/support-and-resources/translated-resources#videos |
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It is that time of the year for potentially dangerous situations like flooding and bushfires in our local area. Subscribe to Gold Coast Alerts - new emergency notification messaging service. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Visit https://dashboard.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ Click the 'Subscribe to Gold Coast Alerts' button |
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Multicultural Families Organisation office in Southport is OPEN. - Ring 5571-0381 for in person or phone appointment.
- Please do not attend office if unwell, close contact or COVID positive.
- Global Village Op shop open Monday to Thursday 10am - 3pm.
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MFO acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Kombumerri People of the Yugambeh Language Region, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging on this land we work and provide services. We extend respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture, community and country. | | |
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Crisis support In case of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire or Ambulance. |
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