Happy Queensland Day 2022 As May ended with a new Federal Government and Opposition, June is all maroon for Queensland Day, a celebration of Queensland’s birthday marking the state's official separation from New South Wales as an independent colony on 6 June 1859. Commemorated annually on 6 June, Queensland Day is an important celebration of our state’s culture and heritage, and an opportunity to reflect on what Queensland means to you and what makes you proud to be a Queenslander, whether it be our people, places, opportunities or lifestyle. We each have something to celebrate. This past Saturday MFO celebrated Queensland Day on the Gold Coast, 163 years since the momentous separation took place, and with more than five million people calling Queensland home. MFO encourages all Queenslanders—businesses, community groups, organisations, schools, families and sporting teams—to come together and celebrate our state's unique culture and heritage. #qldday We all have a story to share |
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Wonderful to have as guest MC at MFO QLD DAY 2022 former MFO staff member Rhoda, born in South Sudan, raised in Australia. Her education background is in the community services sector and Justice Department and she continues to follow her passion, working as a family support worker supporting families with young people. The sun was shining making it a beautiful day out for all cultures to express their stories, gratitude and love for our state of Queensland. On behalf of Cornelia Babbage OAM and all the staff/volunteers from MFO: Welcome to Country by Mr Lann Levinge and Mr Glenn Barry Gold Coast Police Inspector Munckton Councilor Brooke Patterson Broadwater Parklands staff Wonderful Performers Activity sites and food/info stalls Giveaways from Gold Coast Titans and GC SUNS THANK YOU to everyone who was an integral part in organising, supporting and attending. Looking forward Sept 24th, Broadwater Parklands MFO Fiesta (watch this space) Please follow MFO on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. |
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REFUGEE WEEK: Sunday 19 June – Saturday 25 June, 2022 2022 Theme – Healing The importance of human connections has been underscored by the pandemic and such lessons can help us in so many ways. Mainstream and refugee communities alike can draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, to learn from each other and to move forward. Healing can occur through storytelling, through community and also through our interconnectedness as individuals. In 2022, check the website for Refugee Week resources and events that will facilitate this healing and subsequent rejuvenation. Let us make 2022 much more than just a footnote in the pandemic years, let us heal together and emerge a more fulfilled and connected society. MFO is proud to stand with our refugee families here on the Gold Coast and all over Australia....together. |
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Queensland Police Service (QPS), Organised Crime Gangs Group, with support from the Tara Brown Foundation have launched an online video to shine a light on domestic violence within outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and raise awareness of support and reporting pathways. The launch occurred on the Gold Coast at Event Cinemas, Pacific Fair and was attended by sixty invitees from QPS, AFP, Qld Corrective Services, various Domestic Violence agencies, and the family and friends of Tara Brown. The film was made as part of Project Kairos, a national anti-gang prevention initiative that aims to pull back the social media curtain and reveal through first-hand accounts the violent and criminal reality of outlaw motorcycle gang membership and the enduring impact it can have on family and friends who are non-gang members. The Tara Brown Story is challenging to watch – as it was difficult to re-visit for police and Tara’s family and friends – but the reasons this is confronting are the very reasons we want to talk about the links between OMCGs and domestic violence. Together with the Tara Brown Foundation, police want to expose the misogyny and extreme levels of violence against women that are prevalent within these gangs so that we can prevent future tragedies. |
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Gold Coast Cultural Celebrations & Multicultural events guide June - Sept. 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. www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Doing-business/Community-group-hub | | |
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What is elder abuse? Elder abuse is a single or repeated act—or lack of appropriate action—occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. The five abuse subtypes are commonly recognised as financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse (otherwise known as emotional abuse), and neglect. |
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Signs of elder abuse. If you suspect an older person is being subjected to elder abuse, pay close attention and see if you can identify any of the signs or behaviour changes. If you suspect elder abuse is happening, don’t wait for proof. Call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referral. |
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QLD DAY AWARDS 2022: Thank you to MP Meaghan Scanlon and staff who hosted some well deserving recipients from the Gold Coast community to her annual QLD DAY Awards. Certificates of Appreciation with light refreshments, networking and photo ops ended the week along with sunny weather. CONGRATS TO ALL. Happy birthday to Queen Cornelia Babbage OAM hope you enjoyed the once a year cleaned washed detail car service provided by (most) MFO team. |
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DV Prevention Month: Thank you to all those who attended our two workshops during DV prevention month. We would like to say a huge thank you to The Freedom Hub for facilitating the fascinating session about moderns slavery that continues to exist in our community today. Farhana and Rana facilitated the Domestic and Family violence session this week discussing ways that we can all be true “Leaders of Positive Change” in preventing violence in our community. Checkout the fabulous artwork by our Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group who created a powerful piece calling for a Stop to Violence against women. If you would like to register for our future training or women’s programs please email rana@mfo.org.au. |
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Sewing Group Update: Our fabulous sewing group has partnered with Francine of BeHive – a local environmental group encouraging recycling. We have been busy creating these amazing tote bags and saving these plastics and fabrics from going into landfill. Watch this space to see how you can be involved in this initiative. |
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MFO supporting Mudgeeraba Special School post school and community expo "Happiness through achievement" Once upon a time in a land far away, there were two gorgeous princesses doing promotions for the day. With howling winds, and an ice cold breeze, the two princesses kept networking so they wouldn't freeze. KEEP WARM, GOLD COAST! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 |
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Greetings from the SARA-Land Our SARA team was busy advocating against domestic, family, and sexual violence during May, Domestic Violence Prevention Month. We talked to the Queensland police officers undertaking the First-year Constable training about the challenges and barriers that migrant and refugee women face when seeking police protection. Our team also attended the launch of the new resources for young people and the mothers developed by Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast.
We hear about women's experiences of domestic, family, and sexual abuse in our daily work and their incredible survivors' strengths. Our SARA Advocates work tirelessly every single day to help women and their children to safety. However, our work wouldn't be possible without the strong partnerships with the other support services and charitable organisations on the Gold Coast. One of them, Friends with Dignity, has helped us to mark the last days of the Domestic Violence Prevention month activities by donating more than 50 women's body and personal care and cosmetic products and school supplies and stationeries for children and young people. Their donations have brightened the lives of many migrants and refugee women experiencing DFV supported by the SARA Program. The donation received from Friends with Dignity reminded us of all the individuals, groups, and communities who support our work to restore the sense of safety, dignity, and belief in humanity. We might never meet them in person, but we are forever grateful for their contribution to the safety and dignity of the women supported by the SARA services. The meaning of receiving a care pack is much more profound for these women than just a toothpaste, a toothbrush, a shampoo, and body wash. It means recognising them as human beings and showing care and validation of their courage. They are too often focused on taking care of their families and communities that they completely forget what it feels like to feel appreciated and cared for. |
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LOVE BITES on the Gold Coast: Thanks to the staff and students of St Andrews Lutheran College that hosted members of the Gold Coast LOVE BITES Reference Group. After months of meetings and planning along delays due to COVID, it was an honour for MFO staff Kevin and Mirvat to support as facilitator and observer along with other services like Queensland Police Service, Mission Australia, Youth Justice, GCYS, Headspace, Kirrawe Indigenous Corporation, Wesley Mission to deliver the LOVE BITES program in Gold Coast schools. Email coutlisc@missionaustralia.com.au or kevin@mfo.org for more information Love Bites is a Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people aged 15-17 years. It consists of two interactive workshops: one on Relationship Violence, and one on Sex and Relationships, followed by creative workshops and community campaigns. Love Bites is a flexible model with options to use a full day or multi session delivery approach. The program emphasises the importance of a whole-of-school commitment to respectful relationship education. Love Bites aims to provide young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships. All Love Bites programming takes a strength-based approach and views young people as active participants who are able to make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunity forskill development. Love Bites education is focused on three critical areas for learning: - Knowledge: youth-led collaborative learning
- Attitudes: critical thinking and decision-making
- Behaviours: problem solving and communication skills
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Snapchat and their risks! Snapchat is one of the most popular apps for the young people. However, if is not use in a smart way could be so dangerous! A lot of fake profiles or “catfishing” are around waiting for their next victim. Be cyber-smart and don’t share private photos or information to strangers. 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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MFO present at the International Day at Molendinar Community Centre The Youth and Community Development team had the opportunity to celebrate the International Day at Molendinar Community Centre the last 28th of May. Music, jumping Castle, face painting, popcorn, balloons and great presentations were part of the activities with the participation of the Indonesian dancers. MFO wanted to say thanks to Siska and Debora for their invitation. If you want more information about the programs at Molendinar Community Centre please click the link. https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Venues-facilities/Community-centres/Lynne-Richardson-Community-Centre 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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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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Applications are now open for Queensland-based organisations keen to deliver multicultural festivals and events in 2023. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard encouraged organisations to apply for a share of $800,000 for events through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program. “Multicultural festivals and events are well known for bringing communities together to celebrate our state’s multicultural diversity,” she said. "In 2022, the program funded more than 100 multicultural events and festivals across the state, from Cairns to the Gold Coast. Our state is one of the most culturally diverse places - events help us celebrate this diversity and promote equality, fairness and belonging in all communities,” she said. “The grants are part of our strategy to promote Queensland as a place of welcome and opportunity for everyone. This includes people from migrant, refugee, or asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as from distinct cultural groups such as Australian South Sea Islanders. “Cultural festivals provide an opportunity to learn about other cultures and demonstrate that everyone can play a role in helping people in their local community find a way to get involved.” Multicultural events that promote intercultural connections and inclusion of Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can apply for up to $20,000. The grants, which form part of the government’s Multicultural Queensland Charter, are open until midnight, 13 July 2022. Applications can be submitted online through SmartyGrants at https://maq.smartygrants.com.au/. For further information visit www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/cmq-program |
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City of Gold Coast Physical Activity Plan Survey: The City of Gold Coast are developing a plan for Sport and Physical Activity on the Gold Coast 2023 – 2033. This plan aims to be an industry and community wide plan, that will help drive the City forward as we head into the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. Your responses to this survey will assist in framing the plan. Closing Date: 15 June 2022 www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoldCoastSportandPhysicalActivitySurvey |
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WE EARN (Women’s Economic Empowerment And Resilience Network) MFO’s WE EARN Program next roll out is in July. 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 07 5571 0381 and we will do our best to assist. |
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Check in with MFO on courses: - Cert II Hospitality (12 weeks and work placement) and
- Cert II Supply Chain Operations – Logistics (8 weeks course including free forklift licence
If you are or you know someone looking for a career in either hospitality or Logistics/warehousing please contact nicole@mfo.org.au |
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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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All Queenslanders over six months of age are now eligible for a free flu shot until 30 June 2022. You can make an appointment at your local pharmacy or GP.
If you were already eligible for a free flu vaccine, it's recommended you see your regular vaccination provider, such as your GP or community health centre. This includes:
- children aged six months to five years
- adults aged 65 and over
- pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- those with certain medical risk factors.
The flu vaccine in the best way to protect yourself and your community from influenza. Vaccination makes it less likely you'll suffer serious illness and need to be hospitalised. Sign up today for this important newsletter or email goldcoasthealth@health.qld.gov.au |
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Exciting news! Register for this free event for all Gold Coast students to get together with friends, meet new ones and enjoy free food, ice cream and so much more! Secure your free food truck vouchers & to enter the awesome competition. https://bit.ly/3tcQxtD Gold Coast Student Fair Saturday 18 June Broadwater Parklands 2pm-5pm - Cultural dances, workshops and activities 5pm-8pm - Sundown concert by Funk n' Stuff #STUdYGOLDCOAST |
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Thanks to Tina Adams WMQ Coordinator - Gold Coast Youth Hubs for sharing more options with GC community this July school holidays. Click on links for info. |
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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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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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