MFO April Newsletter 2022 |
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Multicultural Families Organisation would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to EVERYONE that made Harmony Week 2022 such a special one. New collaborations were formed and partnerships were strengthened such as: - LIVING BOOKS project with Gold Coast Libraries
- Harmony Week Arts Display Gold Coast University Hospital
- TAFE Qld Southport Harmony Day
As we enter into the Easter break period, enjoy your school holidays, family time and please keep safe and to the speed limit when travelling on our roads. |
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Ramadan Mubarak from all our MFO staff and volunteers. May this holy and blessed month bring peace and prosperity to all. Let us all continue to share compassion, sacrifice and resilience for each other. |
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MFO - Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day 2022. We started our celebration with the touching ceremony of the Grandmother's Prayer for Peace. This prayer was led by the lovely Maya from Russia, Mary Ellen from Papua New Guinea, Achati from Ethiopia, Mensura from Bosnia, Faiza from Egypt and Namrata from India. Our amazing speakers included Ms Farida from Lebanon who inspired us with her story and her words about strength and resilience, and the incredible Bania Thomas from Fiji, who is currently training to represent Australia in the Olympics for power lifting. We were mesmerised by the beautiful voice of Samira from Lebanon and Jojo from Mojo Fit Studios for a very fun dance. As our director Cornelia Queenie Babbage said, "....at MFO every day we celebrate women and help them to build their confidence and skills so they can blossom and thrive." #BreakTheBias #InternationalWomensDay2022 #QWW22 |
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Amnesty International Gold Coast held an intimate gathering for International Women's Day 2022 at MFO. Three special guest speakers shared about amplifying women's voices in the local community through arts, activism and understanding indigenous rights. They were followed by two inspirational short movies, "Women's Rights in Three Minutes" and "Women Rising". Congrats to Ezzat for facilitating such a great event with over 45 people attending. International Women's Day in March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom's Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women's equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. |
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MFO was extremely proud to have presented three “Living Books” sessions, Helensvale, Southport, Nerang libraries in celebration of #harmonyweek. We sincerely thank our incredible story tellers Jo, Theresa, Mohamed, Mensura, Wisam, Nao, Agness, Roop and Salma. You are all truly inspirational and we were so humbled to hear about your journeys to finding your home on the Gold Coast. Thank you so much to all who attended our events along with MFO staff that captured the three sessions on camera. We had fabulous audience participation and touching conversations that promoted harmony and celebrated our diverse community. Thank you so much to Craig Crigg and all the wonderful staff at Gold Coast Libraries for all your hard work in preparation for these events and for having the booklet "FINDING HOME" available in Gold Coast Libraries. #goldcoast #diversity #art #culture #multicultural #families #communities |
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"Cry?.. nooo.. that’s for girls….or not?" Importance of emotional Intelligence. One of the goals of WeConnectYouth is to help our young people to develop their personalities and strengths with some workshops and activities in a safe environment. In these challenging times where Covid and social media are directly affecting our young people, it is important to develop new skills and get more information to face the daily obstacles. This month we talked about Mental Health Awareness. What an emotional but rewarding outcome we had after talking with our students about the importance of expressing emotions and feelings. It was a bit confronting for some of our boys (all from CALD background) to accept that crying is a normal human behaviour which does not belong only to the “girls”. If our young people have more emotional intelligence they can manage their own emotions in a positive way, they can learn how to relieve stress and communicate better. This will help them to build stronger relationships, have more focus and success at school and achieve their personal goals. Just to hear some of the students say that “men should not be brave all the time” or “men and women deserve the same amount of money if they do the same work”, we felt hope in the room. WeConnectYouth group is a 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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The Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley attended a Harmony week engagement with multicultural representatives from Brisbane and Gold Coast region organised by the Department of Home Affairs at the Multicultural Community Centre in Newmarket, recently affected by floods but open for business due to the passion and leadership from MCC Director Jeannie Mok and staff. Ukrainian representatives were also present and acknowledged by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley who also spoke today, addressing the current OAM Order of Australia system. Cornelia Babbage OAM was presented “Finding Home” booklets to His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, Geoff Jones Regional Director QLD/NT Social Cohesion Division Department of Home Affairs and Suli Layt CLO & Brisbane Tongan Community and to our host from MCC - Jeannie Mok. |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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Apply now for one of our few remaining spaces available in the Certificate I in Construction (Paid Traineeship) This is a full-time course (Monday – Friday) from 26th of April till 22th August. 2 days will be class-based theory and 3 days practical hand on learning at Musgrave Mustangs Soccer Club. You will receive $690 per week. If you are interested, please feel free to contact MFO on 0402257118 or email kevin.melo@mfo.org.au or sebastian@mfo.org.au for more information and to check your eligibility. |
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WE EARN (Women’s Economic Empowerment And Resilience Network) MFO is proud to launch our new WE EARN Program supporting women from a Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background to build their leadership skills, improve confidence and prepare for the Australian workplace. This program is targeted at women who may be struggling to navigate the Australian workforce and require mentoring and assistance to guide them through the process. In addition women will also be provided with English literacy and computer skills support if required. We will also support women by providing them with ongoing job coaching and support as well as a series of employment workshops that will be held on Tuesdays, the first of which will start from 19 April for 6 weeks from 10am – 2pm. The program is targeted at women who have experienced DFV however we are happy to consider women in other situations on a case by case basis. We are grateful to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for funding this program. For further information please contact rana@mfo.org.au by email or on my mobile 0402 261 258. |
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May is DV Prevention Month Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month) to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and to send a clear message that DFV in families and homes will not be tolerated. During this month 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 in Australia. This workshop will be delivered in partnership with our friends at 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. |
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Every Monday at 11am the MFO office is abuzz with excitement as our fabulous volunteers support our clients to learn the fun and very practical skill of sewing. If you would like to join us please email rana@mfo.org.au or call our office on 5571 0381 to register. | | |
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Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group. Our group has had a fabulous month in March where we celebrated International Women’s Day, Harmony Day, attending the PCYC for a fun fitness session and explored our creativity through jewellery making. Our group meets every Wednesday from 10.30 – 12.30 at our office, or externally exploring the Gold Coast. For more information or registrations please contact rana@mfo.org.au or call us on 5571 0381 |
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SONSHINE Group KICKED off for 2022 with Kevin M & Rick. It was an awesome night on the Gold Coast to watch some footy. Surrounded by the great vibes at the stadium, 10 men accepted the invitation from MFO to be part of this first session for 2022. The Titans gave us a breathtaking last minute victory! Thank you GC Titans Community team for the tickets. Three attended their first ever live rugby league match. All keen to catch up next month for the second session, lots of ideas shared, BBQ, boxing, coffee, go for a run/walk. But for now, so excited to keep building a space to share life stories with other multicultural men, break that routine, meet new people, and create and be positive changers for our community. Email kevin@mfo.org.au for interest. |
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NDIS and Disability Services. MFO provides personal and caring support to all people with disabilities and are always welcoming new people to the MFO family. If you or someone you know needs disability support, please contact MFO and we can come out and have a personal chat to you about what services we provide and how we can help you get the most out of life. Our disabilities support team are constantly on the lookout for qualified carers with disabilities/aged care experience. If you or someone you know has a cert III in individual support or similar and have experience in disabilities or aged care, please send your CV through with a brief email with information about yourself and with the days you are available to work. Remember all disabilities workers must be fully vaccinated and use PPE at all times when in close contact with clients. |
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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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Thank you Madeline, Creative Health Project Officer Gold Coast Health for your invitation to MFO to share 8 diverse traditional costumes at Robina Hospital for International Women's Day and Queensland Women's Week. Thanks to Thia Taylor, Kiri Wells and many others who kindly donated their costumes for the display. Madeline also organised at Gold Coast University Hospital the Harmony Week arts display by students from MFO homework club and past art competition entries and winners. Bring on 2023. Thank you to all our brave inspirational frontline workers everywhere. |
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Very colourful and fun 2022 HOLI Festival by Indian Community of Gold Coast ICGC at Broadwater Parklands supported by MFO |
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Cassie from MFO Disabilities Social and Life Skills Program accepted Qld Womens Week award on behalf of Cornelia Babbage OAM from Hon. Meaghan Scanlon MP |
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MFO Director and CEO Cornelia Babbage OAM under the Leaders of Positive Change initiative was honoured to host a small gathering with GC multicultural community representatives in recognition of Mr Brian Wilkins APM Assistant Commissioner South Eastern Region Queensland Police Service for his dedication and outstanding support to the Gold Coast multicultural community since 2018 -2022. |
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2022 GLOBAL BEATS Byron Bay Floods fundraiser concert held end of March raised funds and awareness for affected communities while promoting Harmony Week to the wonderful audience of all cultures and ages. Thank you Byron Multicultural Inc for invite to MFO. |
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Another great Harmony Festival organised by Kusuma - KICA and supported by MFO. |
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#HarmonyDay at TAFE Queensland Southport campus in collaboration with MFO. Harmony Day and #HarmonyWeek is a celebration of cultural diversity and belonging in such a multicultural nation as Australia. It is a reminder that all cultures, religions and races should be valued, respected and celebrated every day, not just on this day. Thank you AFL Queensland and GC SUNS for attending providing giveaways and tickets. |
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Westpac Helensvale HARMONY WEEK supporting MFO Global Op Shop & Homework Club. Thank you Michelle and your staff. |
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"MEET GREET EAT" MCCGC thank you for the invite. Click pictures above for links: Australian Electoral Commission AEC, available for info sessions Sneak peek “Code Noir” movie by Annick Sadhoo involving 36 different nationalities working together on the local production. Local Gold Coast multicultural communities share about current/ future projects/events and network over lovely dinner. cams@mccgc.com.au |
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Thank you for having Kevin D as guest speaker for Harmony Week 2022 Keebra Park State Assembly. It was wonderful to see the whole school involved over the entire week. Congrats! |
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The Young Leaders Evening: Future Of Work panel discussion and networking event is for young Gold Coasters aged 16+. The future of work is rapidly changing. Join BOP Industries CEO Scott Millar and our panel of local business innovators to explore how they’re blazing a trail in their industries while embracing the future of work, and how you can stand out in the workforce of tomorrow. Join a free, enlightening evening and networking event, with catering provided for attendees, at the Helensvale Cultural Centre. | | |
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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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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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- 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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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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