DV Prevention Award for 2023 Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Inc, (DVPC) awarded Marica Ristic, our SARA Program manager with the 2023 DV Prevention Award |
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Lucy Gregory CEO at DVPC (pictured with Marica) in her moving speech recognised Marica’s contribution to the safety of women and children in our community saying that. “Marica, you have always come to the work with love, care, and attention. You appear to have an endless well of compassion and a way of making every single person you meet feel important and valued. You bring a strong sense of hope for our future and I know you do that for the women and communities we work with too. Thank you for your contribution to the women and children of the Gold Coast to live safer lives free from violence and abuse” |
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More from SARA team: Our participation in the Multicultural Services Network and Power Nadeshiko Japanese Women’s Empowerment Project, where we had an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic and family violence in the migrant and refugee communities was well received and welcomed. SARA team enjoyed networking at “Meet Eat Greet event organised by MCCGC. |
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SARA team were honoured to attend Frontline Workers event hosted by Yvette D'Ath Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence to thank and acknowledge frontline workers of the domestic, family, and sexual violence sectors. We also shared our knowledge and skills with the social worker students at the Griffith University. Feedback from the session was loud and clear: “Dear Camila and Farhana, What a wonderful lecture! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with our students. I am sure they will benefit enormously from this moving forward with their studies and future employment” |
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An email SARA received on the last day of DV Prevention Month 2023 reminded us that, when we walk beside the women, listen to their voices and passionately advocate on their behalf, a little miracle could happen: ”After 2 years I am happy to inform you that my visa has been approved by immigration. First of all, I want to thank the whole team of Sara who, since my first day of visit, my greatest feeling of fragility and vulnerability, I received Camila's affection in particular, I was welcomed with great affection by her, I felt protected and especially safe with her support. It is important for me to emphasize the importance of the group meetings on Fridays that made me meet other women in the same situation as me, made me stronger women who at one point was harmed and hurt. Was an amazing experience to know the women each in all these 2 years. I want to thank every word of support, every call, every text message and for all the love I received. Thank you all team Sara ❤️ With all my love" |
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A huge thank you from facilitators Rana, Atefeh and Kevin to all who attended May 31st MFO 3 hour workshop on Domestic and Family Violence awareness, attendees from diverse backgrounds and professions. Appreciate all your community passion and input. |
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MFO was honoured to be part of Japan Community of Queensland Inc Power Nadeshiko Japanese Women’s Empowerment Project in collaboration with ECCQ, premiered 10 short videos at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus and Griffith University Nathan Campus. |
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Interviews with various services/organisations were filmed locally, then screened for the first time to public in Japanese/English language/subtitles covering: *Australian health care *Mental health *Sexual health *Sexual Assault *Workplace Harassment *Cyber Safety *Domestic violence *Support services *Escaping DV MFO acknowledges the brave women who spoke of their lived experience in these important videos.
This project is funded by @Queensland Women
#womeninqld #IQWgrants |
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As June brings the start of winter, MFO says THANK YOU SO MUCH to Good 360, Big W Burleigh and Runaway Bay, Multicultural Social Network, Street Smart Australia and Sheridan Australia for your kind donations to assist our clients, families and communities. Please click on their links and find out more information. THANK YOU & BLESS YOU! |
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Sunday 18 June – Saturday 24 June 2023 is Refugee Week MFO is looking forward to engaging with local schools this month. Order your copy of "FINDING HOME - Journeys of Hope"
For the past 23 years Multicultural Families Organisation has had the privilege of supporting thousands of refugee families settling on the Gold Coast. We have comforted them through their tragedies and rejoiced with them through their celebrations. We have assisted them to adapt and thrive in their new country and have seen the incredibly valuable contribution that their vibrant cultures have brought to our beautiful city. These are some of their inspirational stories of strength, resilience and survival and their long journey to their new home on the Gold Coast. 100% of all proceeds of this book go back into supporting newly arrived refugees on the Gold Coast. Click link below for more info. |
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About - Refugee WeekRefugee Week is Australia's peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. The first Refugee Week events were organised in Sydney in 1986 by Austcare. In 1987, Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) became a co-organiser of the week, which became a national event from [...] |
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Happy happy Birthday! On behalf of everyone at MFO and the wider community we want to wish our very own Cornelia Queenie Babbage OAM the happiest birthday celebrations (July 2) You have so many photos with so many people so this one was chosen of YOU, in your element, colourful, vibrant and welcoming. Thank you for being you, unique and one of a kind. FOR SHE’S A JOLLY GOOD COMMUNITY CHAMPION AND SO SAY ALL OF US! |
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Thank you “Tash” from all your MFO family Missing you already! Wishing our wonderful Natasha all the best in her next adventure, we are all so excited but sad at the same time. From volunteering, to front reception and admin to MFO events and so much more, always smiling and ready to go attitude. See you Sept 16. |
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Thank you Leanne Webster Griffith University Gold Coast for invite, honoured to attend and commemorate National Sorry Day (May 26) and connecting amongst our communities and services on the Gold Coast. The warm sun shone through for Welcome to Country by Uncle John Graham with Indigenous presentations through cultural song and dance from Anthony Cora and dancers, Dr Candace Kruger and Keebra Park State High's Chungarra Dancers in front of Elders and guests at lunch. National Reconciliation Week 2023 theme: Be a Voice for Generations https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au https://www.jellurgal.com.au |
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Walking Together Training happening in Queensland. Click on location below to register interest: Brisbane - 12-3pm Monday 3 July, Wesley House, 140 Ann St, Brisbane CBD Brisbane - 5:30-8:30pm, Monday 3 July, Wesley House, 140 Ann St, Brisbane CBD Gold Coast - 5:30-8:30pm, Tuesday 4 July, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, 1 Dominions Rd, Ashmore.
Emily Kain · emily@qldcommunityalliance.org · 0476 249 366 www.qldcommunityalliance.org The Voice referendum transcends political and cultural divides. That is why our communities are uniting to support the referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition. Multicultural community organisations must take a leadership position in raising awareness on the importance of enshrining a First Nations Voice into the Australian Constitution. https://www.multiculturalforvoice.org/ was developed to encourage our Multicultural communities to be a part of this important and historical referendum. |
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MFO "Sonshine" Men’s network First Wednesday of the month at MFO office in Southport 5pm, share talk and listen, pls contact kevin@mfo.org.au 6 June guest speaker Michael Solway from Dads n Lads and Soul Way Hub at Arundel. PHOTO: Michael, Karla City of Gold Coast and very happy Maroons fan. |
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Congratulations from MFO to the GOPIO and Indian community Gold Coast for a beautiful evening and brilliant guest speakers Manish Khanna and Maninderjit Kala. See upcoming event. |
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2023 National Volunteers Week - May 15-21 “The Change Makers” Thanks to Marie from City of Gold Coast for morning tea and private tour of Pop Masters collection with over 120 attendees. Great opportunity to meet other volunteers and services on the Gold Coast. MFO would like to thank all volunteers for your passion and support in community What is a Change Maker? Someone who takes action to make the world a better place. Driven to contribute to the greater good Passionate about causes they care about Turn their passions into purpose The force behind social change Give their time and energy to make a difference https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/ |
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2023 National Volunteers Week Thank you Ziya, Alex, Jay volunteering with We Connect Youth |
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TAFE AMEP 75th Anniversary MFO would like to wish a huge happy birthday to the Adult Migrant English Program at TAFE Queensland on their 75th birthday celebration. Our CEO Cornelia Babbage shared an emotional story about how she attended AMEP when she arrived as a refugee many years ago and how this was the foundation of all her achievements after that. MFO greatly values our strong relationship with TAFE QLD working very closely together every year in order to support their students and celebrate their achievements. |
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IWAA Southport Office Launch Congratulations Galila Abdelsalam Hara Gojcinovic Alibasic Ami Taht for a beautiful launch of IWAA services in the new office in Southport - with John Paul Langbroek MP and Habib Jamal. Looking forward to working alongside you all with our communities. |
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Hola Networking Business Expo 2023 MFO was proud to be part of the Hola Networking Business Expo 2023. The event was hosted at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane with different organisations that work with the Latin American Community. The Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Latin America had both sides of Parliament in attendance supporting. The Co-Chairs are Joe Kelly MP, Member for Greenslopes, and the Hon Tim Nicholls MP, Member for Clayfield. Special thanks to Sebastian Toro who invited his fellow-countryman Kevin Melo from Colombia representing MFO. |
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Saint Stephens College fundraising efforts A huge thank you to Saint Stephens College Senior students for your fundraiser of $356.50. This is the second time Saint Stephen College have raised funds to support and assist MFO youth development programs. MFO is very appreciative of your continued support and collaborative relationship over the years, THANK YOU SSC. |
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Art and Self Care English Social Conversation Hub at Southport on Wednesday morning during school terms continues to be busy but fun for the participants. Recently painting by numbers was the activity used to open the conversation about Self Care. |
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How is Term 2 going at We Connect Youth? Simply having FUN! The young people showed their culinary skills by learning how to make Sushi with the help of Sushi Train’s friendly staff member. They also had the opportunity to practice some self defense Jujitsu moves with a world champion coach, Isabelle from Brazil now residing here on the Gold Coast! We still have some great activities to go before the next school holidays! Are you interested in being part of We Connect Youth? Send us an email at homework@mfo.org.au |
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Local Level Alliance (LLA) Child and Family Support Services Expo Steve & Kevin M from the Youth At Promise team represented MFO at the Local Level Alliance (LLA) Child and Family Support Services Expos that took place in Burleigh Heads and Helensvale during May. These events bring together key professionals who support vulnerable families, children and young people on the Gold Coast to create stronger links and build seamless referral pathways. The theme was Right People – Right Time – Right Place. |
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MFO was happy to attend the GCCC’s Junior Council Expo this month. All 130 Junior Councilors representing 26 local high schools got to meet with elected Councilors and to share their concerns and wishes for the City of Gold Coast. Steve from MFO’s Youth At Promise joined Belinda from GCYS & Kerry Kable from GCCC to assist all Junior Councillors to upload the GC Young People Help & Wellbeing taplink contact list to their mobile phones to share with fellow students, friends and families. Gold Coast Youth Network meeting held at Helensvale Cultural centre chaired by Kerry brought together services, Kevin D met Youth Pastor Joel at GLOW Church Robina and shared GC Young People Help & Wellbeing taplink flyer and cards. |
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Domestic & Family Violence month MFO attended a number of important community awareness raising, support and training events. These included breakfast meetings, a lunch, 3 workshops on D&FV in Multicultural communities, a live theatre performance called ‘Fuel’ by Shock Therapy Arts exploring coercive control and a presentation on creating safer communities by Matt & Sarah Brown from NZ, authors of ‘She Is Not Your Rehab’. These last 2 events were hosted by Magnus Health, Griffith University’s MATE Bystander Program & Be There & each explored how each of us can take an active role in calling out Domestic & Family Violence in our communities. |
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English Conversation Classes MFO loves to host the weekly English Conversation sessions for our clients. We are so grateful for our fabulous volunteer Nic Fry who has been facilitating these sessions every Thursday for the past year at MFO. The groups are always fun, interactive and informative. Thank you Nic for your dedication and hard work. |
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Multicultural Women’s Programs May saw the Women’s group hold a wellness and relaxation day, attended the Women’s Space Open Day, held a DV discussion, had a wonderful time learning how to knit some winter woollies. June we will be attending the Women’s Space in Labrador for a cultural cooking session. Our sewing group has helped hundreds of women to learn the very practical skill of sewing. Sewing is on every Monday from 11 – 2pm. We have also supported many of our clients to prepare for the Australia workplace through our WE EARN (Women’s Economic Empowerment And Resilience Network). If women are interested in any of our activities, please contact rana@mfo.org.au. Congratulations to the Women's Space at Labrador on their 5 year anniversary. |
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BLEACH* 2023 Program | BLEACH* 2023 Program is live now! More than 300 artists, 218 performances, and 38 events across 5 Festival Hubs. Check the artists, pick your... | By Bleach Festival | Facebook292 views, 13 likes, 9 loves, 5 comments, 8 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Bleach Festival: BLEACH* 2023 Program is live now! More than 300 artists, 218 performances, and 38 events across 5... |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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This month we would like to introduce the MFO Office Based NDIS Team in Southport.
We have 11 culturally diverse support workers which cover the following languages: English, Arabic, Tigrinya, Brazilian Filipino, Hungarian, Spanish, French and Italian. If you or someone you know need disabilities support, then don’t hesitate to call MFO on 07 558710381/0402257118 for a friendly chat on how we can help you. |
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Sebastian Chadwick is our NDIS manager and supervises all disability services and Plan management. Sebastian has been with MFO for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience in supporting clients from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds. Sebastian is passionate about building capacity in individuals and believe everyone can achieve their dreams with the right supports. Sharee Hedges is MFO’s head Support Coordinator. Sharee has been with MFO for several years and goes above and beyond to make sure all our participants are getting the care they want and the support they need to achieve their personal goals. Sharee is a very hands on support coordinator and believes to help someone you need to walk with them through all areas of their life, only then can we fully understand their true goals and provide the care and support they need. Monica is new to the MFO team and provides NDIS clients with Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support Coordination. Monica has extensive experience with working with people with mental and physical disabilities, working as an LAC supporting individuals to access and better utilise their NDIS plan. Monica is extremely friendly and caring and will always go out of her way to make sure clients are heard and that they feel they are supported. |
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May was a busy month in the SQW space! We have Individual Support students preparing to start their placement with Oz Care, they have worked hard over the past 16 weeks and now have an exciting opportunity to apply all they have learnt in a supportive environment. We have also kicked off our Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations, our new tutor Imran has wasted no time getting the students straight into the modules for their 1st 2 assessments. They are both nervous and excited about sitting their Forklift Licence in week 9. Congrats everyone! Please contact Nicole on nicole@mfo.org.au |
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MFO staff meeting welcomed guest speaker Julia Kim, Mental Health Clinician from Supporting Minds Program - funded by Gold Coast PHN and delivered by Wesley Mission. A mental health program on the Gold Coast, Supporting Minds provides up to 3 months moderate-intensity mental health support for people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. They have programs for: Adults aged 16-65 Youth and adults who identify with the LGBTIQAP+ community and/or are questioning sexuality or gender identity (youth aged 12+ and adults aged 16 to 65) To access Supporting Minds, call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 For more info go to: www.wmq.org.au/mental-health/supporting-minds |
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Community contacts to connect with relating to Housing: Community Housing (Qld) Limited – CHL is a not for profit housing organisation that delivers affordable housing to those in need. CHL provides rental housing at subsidised market rent to the most vulnerable in the community. Horizon Housing Realty (HHR) – HHR is an established provider of services to the private rental market. RentConnect, Department of Communities, Housing and the Digital Economy (DCHDE), Qld Government - RentConnect is a service that helps Queenslanders find and apply for a place to rent. This service may help you if you’re struggling to access the private rental market due to non-financial barriers, such as: a limited rental history; a lack of skills, knowledge or understanding of how the private rental market works; or, a lack of documents required for private rental applications. RentConnect provides a range of information and practical assistance to help you overcome these barriers. Moneycare, Salvation Army – The Salvation Army’s free Moneycare financial counselling service offers professional counsellors providing personalised advice on how to get through money problems and avoid trouble in the future. The service is free and confidential. QSTARS (Tenants Qld) - QSTARS is a free independent advice and referral service for all Queensland renters. QSTARS offers advice and assistance on tenancy rights and responsibilities, support to resolve tenancy issues and advocacy support to talk to a lessor or agent. Standing Strong (Social Futures) – Standing Strong provides tailored coaching, mentoring and one-on-one case management support for women affected by the impact of Domestic Family Violence to enter the workforce. Standing Strong can help you reclaim your independence by supporting you to find employment, to become financially secure, and to be safe. Standing Strong offers support with resume writing, developing interview skills and accessing workshops, work experience placements and volunteering opportunities. Tenancy Skills Institute – Introduction to Renting is a short, free course offered by the Tenancy Skills Institute designed to help tenants secure and keep a rental property by developing key knowledge and critical skills needed to rent successfully. [Note - A two hour ‘introduction’ to the full course is on offer as part of the event where details of the full course will be provided]. Thread Together - Thread Together collects brand new unsold clothing from all around the country, saving it from landfill. Thread Together partner’s with charities and social service agencies to distribute it to people doing it tough. They believe that people in need deserve the dignity and choice of new clothing, without judgement.
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Tax Resources Tax time resources in up to 18 languages We have translated printable infographics. They include helpful information on how to lodge a tax return and the different ways to lodge your tax return. You can view and download all of these through the links below. How to get ready to do your tax return in Arabic, English, Chinese (Simplified), Farsi, Korean, Nepali, Vietnamese How you can lodge your tax return in Arabic, English, Chinese (Simplified), Farsi, Korean, Nepali, Vietnamese
Foreign income and residency fact sheets – Arabic, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese
Audio guides/videos: Help for your first tax time audio guide – in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Cantonese, Mandarin and Nepali Listen to all audio guides here (available in 12 languages covering foundational tax and super topics, including what to do when you get your first job) Arabic audio guides linked here How to create a myGov account and link to the ATO video – in English, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Urdu, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean
Additional tax time support: Free Tax Help program for people earning $60,000 or less lodge their tax return online. Depending on availability of volunteers, they can provide the service in-language. National Tax Clinic program to help people who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs.
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MFO Review ‘John Farham – You’re the Voice’ Australian singer John Farnham is a household name for most people who grew up in Australia from the 1980s to the present. He has been given the title of Australia’s Voice and has sung with some of the biggest artists in the world. In this film, documentary filmmaker Poppy Stockell showcases his illustrious career through the highs and lows of his decades of singing. Farnham was actually born in England and only moved to Australia with his family when he was just 10 years old. The documentary captures the alluring mystique of this Aussie battler as he attempts to overcome his teen pop status of the 60’s and record the most successful album in Australian history, Whispering Jack. Told through the voices of his closest friends and some of the most recognisable musical stars like Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes & Tommy Emmanuel, Farnham’s story proves to be as Australian as the man himself. Stockell shows the humanity behind the legend while inspiring other artists to keep fighting for the sake of their art. Each interview opens the door to a personal side of Farnham’s life that exposes the beauty and viciousness of this industry. All the while showing how this legendary musician continued on with the aid of close friends who believed in him even when he had given up on his career. This hero’s journey gives the audience a glimpse into the reality of John Farnham’s life without diminishing the quality of his spirit. John Farnham: Finding the Voice is not merely for fans of the artist; instead it gives his faithful followers the personal side they may not have known. And it pulls back the curtain on this man and his career for those of us who may not have known who he was going into the theatre. This journey will solidify his place in the hearts of those who love him while motivating new listeners to listen in to the Voice. Steve H |
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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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