'All of us, together' Theme for the Domestic Violence Prevention Month 2022 #endDFV #DFVPM2022 #notnownotevertogether In Queensland, during the month of May we can all do our part to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence, to send a clear message that violence of this sort will not be tolerated. Sadly, this year, 18 women were killed by their current or previous partner (Counting Dead Women Australia). Counting Dead Women Australia keeps a continually updated register of women killed by violence in Australia every year. The register begins in 2012. CDWA add the latest information to annual registers as soon as it is received and verified. |
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In her recent visit to the Multicultural Families Organisation, the Honourable Shannon Fentiman, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, highlighted the role of the Multicultural Families Organisation in leading the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic and family violence. In May 2021, Minister Fentiman reminded us that: "Now more than ever, it's so important that we continue to raise awareness and let victims know they are not alone, and that we support, and help is on hand. Together we can send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in our homes, workplaces, or communities". In 2022 the message remains the same. |
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Each year Multicultural Families Organisation and the SARA Program gather the multicultural communities together for open discussion about this vital issue and to inspire ways to prevent further acts of violence within the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities on the Gold Coast. A common question asked by so many individuals, groups and communities often is: "What can we do?" How can we help? Below are some strategies that might be helpful: - Approach the woman in a sensitive, respectful, and caring way.
- Let her know that you are there for her if she needs someone to talk with. You could say: "I am worried about you. I've noticed you seem worried lately. I am here to listen if you would like to talk."
- Be open and show you believe what they are telling you.
- Tell her that the abuse is never her fault.
- Focus on her safety and her children's safety. Ask a question: "How have they been keeping themselves safe?
- Listen to her without judgment.
- Respect her right to make her own decisions, even when you are convinced that she should do something else about her situation.
- Let her know there is help available and where to go. Encourage her to contact SARA Program or other specialised domestic violence support service.
- Respect her decision if she doesn't want to talk. She may be afraid, ashamed, or not ready to discuss her situation.
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In an emergency call Police on Triple Zero (000) DVConnect Womensline 1800 811 811 DVConnect Mensline 1800 600 636 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 |
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During May, MFO & the SARA Program will host two workshops to raise awareness about Domestic & Family Violence in CALD communities and Modern Day Slavery which continues to happen in the world even Australia. This workshop will be delivered in partnership with our friends at the The Freedom Hub. All projects or activities held during DFVP Month each year support the Queensland Government’s response to the NOT NOW, NOT EVER Report. Visit www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth #endDFV #DFVPM2022 #notnownotevertogether |
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Many communities are still feeling the devastating effects of the recent floods in Qld & NSW. VOLUNTEER: www.volunteeringqld.org.au DONATE: www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 City of Gold Coast Disaster/Emergency Dashboard https://dashboard.cityofgoldcoast.com.au |
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Australian Federal Election is on Saturday 21 May 2022. Your vote will help shape Australia |
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April has been another big month for MFO with school holidays, the Easter Break and ANZAC Day, lest we forget. Keep well and look out for each other. |
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WeConnectYouth - April School Holidays activities Have you heard Disc Golf?... well, it’s a great sport which is pretty similar to golf, but we use frisbees instead of sports balls! Our primary and high school students had a blast walking all around Broadwater Parklands throwing frisbees to the aims and competing each other. For the rainy day, we had a movie day in! The Bad Guys, the latest Pixar movie was great, perfect choice for our primary students, the movie had a lot of simple but effective learnings and most importantly was a fun movie that all ages can enjoy. |
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WeConnectYouth group is part of the Youth Team at MFO, for more information about us, email Wai Yin Naidoo, Manager, Youth & Community Development at homework@mfo.org.au |
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MFO along with reps from local, State and Federal governing bodies, community organisations, services and religions were honoured to attend IFTAR dinners held over April. Organised by Multicultural Social Network, Gold Coast Islamic community, volunteers and families we extend our appreciation to all involved with cooking, serving and providing welcoming spaces to share over wonderful meals. Thank you for the kind invites to join and celebrate Ramadan together. Thanks to Hussain Baba and Nao Hirano for photos. |
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MFO staff were privileged to have Mishayla and Brooke from standbysupport.com.au deliver Support after Suicide Training. Almost all people have the same questions when tragedies occurs. What do I say? What do I do? Is it okay be in silent? Is it a good idea talk about the person who dies? They explained the importance of offering a safe space and positive support without judgement to any individual or group like families, friends, witnesses, first responders, schools, workplaces, community groups and bereaved impacted by suicide. MFO thanks StandBy Support in this training on how to support our clients and community better. For more information on training and resources go to: standby.goldcoast@socialfutures.org.au www.standbysupport.com.au 1300 727 247 |
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Guest speaker at MFO Staff weekly meeting: Amber Ali from Act for Kids www.actforkids.com.au attended the meeting to speak about the Safe Care In-home Parenting Education program that teaches parents the tools to develop a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for their children. The goal of this program is to improve parents’ skills in three key areas as listed: • Parent child interaction • Health • Safety |
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What is SafeCare?SafeCare is an in-home parent education curriculum designed for families with children aged 0 to 5 years. The evidence-based curriculum focuses on three key ... |
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SONSHINE in April. SONSHINE Men's group is all about building a safe space between multicultural men on the Gold Coast to share life stories and how we can be positive changers for ourselves, our families and our community. Email kevin@mfo.org.au for interest. Thank you to our host Sgt Craig Green from Ashmore PCYC for the tour of their premises including cafe, gym area and up close look at the community boxing classes. PCYC Ashmore was established in 1983 and is a multipurpose facility. Our club provides the community of Ashmore and surrounding suburbs, the opportunity to actively participate in affordable sports and recreation activities. They also offer a range of youth and community activities, providing important connections, and support to all ages, individuals and families. MFO recognises the great work all the passionate staff do in our community. Find out more at: www.pcyc.org.au/clubs/pcyc-ashmore/ Like and follow on Facebook & Instagram. SONSHINE next outing will be at a screening of Araatika: Rise Up! and live in conversation talk with Dean Widders hosted by ABC Gold Coast's Bern Young. Join us as we recognise National Reconciliation Week and celebrate Indigenous culture on June 1st. The documentary follows former National Rugby League player and First Nations Australian Dean Widders on his journey to create a new pre-game dance, that celebrates and connects Aboriginal cultures and builds First Nations pride. REGISTER www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries/Whats-on?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D159352433 CLICK ARAATIKA FLYER BELOW FOR TRAILER |
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Kevin attended on behalf of MFO and Titans Cultural Collective, 2022 Pacific Sports Talanoa at Nissan Arena, attendees included representatives from local schools, sports clubs, community organisations and youth networks. Thank you to Gold Coast Titans for invite and support towards community with match tickets. Keynote speakers / points: Mr Hanan Laban: CEO Wynnum Manly Seagulls - Prioritise education
- Act with integrity
- Be accountable
- Value community and service
Dr Sierra Keung: - Designed and creating High Trust environments
- High performing vs high performance
- Mana-enhancing vs mana-diminishing
Dr David Lakisa: - Pacific leadership wayfinding is not new
- Lean into your curiosity
- Find success is succession
- Be steady in the storm
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MFO extends thanks to Victoria, Kelen, Tryll and Jonathan for the invitation to Gold Coast Community Legal Centre, brainstorm session about proposed community garden, behind CSi Club Southport & Transit Centre. The Gold Coast Community Legal Centre is a not-for-profit, nationally accredited Community Legal Centre that provides free legal advice, assistance, information and referral to residents of the Gold Coast community. Since opening in 1984, their team of fully qualified lawyers has provided front line services to the entire Gold Coast region free of charge. Main priority is to assist the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents in a range of legal areas including family law, domestic violence, consumer issues, minor civil claims, motor vehicle accidents, neighbour disputes and minor criminal matters. They also provide legal services at offices located in the Southern: Kirra Hill Community Centre, Ground Floor, Room L1.02, 1 Garrick Street, Coolangatta. Northern end of the Gold Coast: The Ormeau Centre, 3 Cuthbert Drive, Ormeau. Legal advice and assistance is available Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4pm by appointment and at our Night Clinic on Tuesday evenings from 5pm. To book an appointment, please call 07 5532 9611 or request a call back online. www.gcclc.org.au |
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All kinds of weather was on show as the BBQ sizzled at 2022 Youth and Family Connect organised by Gold Coast Youth Service and Westfield Coomera. Thanks to all who attended to make it happen! Multicultural Families Organisation Inc. Headspace Upper Coomera Lives Lived Well City of Gold Coast Strategix Mission Australia YHES House PCYC Nerang Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand Queensland Police Service Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Wesley Mission Queensland "ENJOY LIFE" "SAY HELLO, IT WILL MAKE SOMEONES DAY" "THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE YOU CAN TALK TOO" |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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WE EARN (Women’s Economic Empowerment And Resilience Network) MFO’s WE EARN Program has had a fabulous start. Women have attended weekly self-development and employment workshops to build their confidence and knowledge and support them to find work. The next program will roll out in July and we only have a few spaces left. For registrations please contact rana@mfo.org.au. |
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NDIS and Disability Services. MFO’s disability services continue to grow with new people joining the MFO family and new workers beginning with us to support these families. If you or someone you know needs any disabilities support or assistance to apply for the NDIS, then please do not hesitate to contact Sharee on 057 5571 0381 and we will do our best to assist. We would also like to welcome to MFO Giovanna who is one of our new support workers, she is from South America and very experienced and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. |
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MFO has started three Certificate course in the last month – Cert II Hospitality, Cert II Supply Chain Operations (Logistics) and also a paid Cert I Construction and Traineeship. If you are or you know someone looking for a career in either hospitality or Logistics/warehousing please contact sebastian@mfo.org,au and we will send you out an expression of interest form. Our next courses both start in August - Cert II Hospitality (12 weeks and work placement) and
- Cert II Supply Chain Operations – Logistics (8 weeks course including free forklift licence)
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Disabilities Social and Life Skills Program. MFO delivers a FREE Capacity Building program to people with a disability to assist them in developing their capacity to be more independent through engaging in fun and interesting activities. This program runs in a number of locations on the Gold Coast and are always welcoming new participants. For more information on locations, times and activities, please call Cassie on 0416 864 739/(07) 5571 0381 or on email cassie@mfo.org.au |
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The Gold Coast Careers Festival is your chance to meet local employers, educators and training providers under one roof. #CAREERSFEST #STUdYGOLDCOAST |
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Gold Coast's very own Mr Lann Levinge is part of QPAC’s Clancestry – A Celebration of Country | 13 to 28 May 2022 annual First Nations festival proudly programmed and curated by Australian First Nations People. In 2022 QPAC’s Clancestry – A Celebration of Country returns to celebrate everything that is beautiful, black and deadly about First Nations Peoples, across more than two weeks of activities, concerts, workshops, drag, music circus and much more! Clancestry is proudly run by Australian First Nations Peoples and supports over a hundred First Nations artists every year. www.qpac.com.au/first-nations Lann along with Mr Glenn Barry will be open MFO Qld Day June 4th. |
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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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Gold Coast Cultural Celebrations & Multicultural events guide - March to June. This event guide aims to promote our multicultural groups and showcase our diversity. It is a great tool for members of the Gold Coast Multicultural Network and community organisations to plan for upcoming events in the future. | | |
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- Purchase our book “Finding Home: Journey’s of Hope” $20.
- Make a tax deductable donation to our charity.
- Donate food vouchers for vulnerable people in need.
- Follow us and share our information on social media YouTube, Facebook & Instagram.
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The SARA program was established in 2017 and is the first specialised Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) service for women from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background on the Gold Coast. The program is funded by the Queensland Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services. Our highly qualified bilingual workers provide DFV crisis response as well as support and assistance. Contact the SARA program on Mobile 04 05 06 55 44 Email intake@saraprogram.org.au | | |
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We 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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