Multicultural Families Organisation welcomed in the new year with performers from many cultures from across the globe, gathering at overcast, wet Labrador, Gold Coast for "Celebrating in Harmony Australia Day" Opening with Welcome To Country, Indigenous dance and Smoking Ceremony, it was an emotional but educative start to the afternoon, acknowledging the long history of our First Nations Peoples. It was an opportunity for MFO to give thanks for all the support so far and promote the ongoing issues for the nation of Tonga, devastated by volcanic eruption and tsunami, your support it is so appreciated. Go to Pasifika TV & Radio via Facebook for more info. We are all so proud to live and work in this beautiful country, promoting harmony, equality and acceptance in our beautiful Gold Coast community. Thanks to National Australia Day Council for grant to support event. Thank you to all the amazingly talented performers and MFO team to plan and make this event happen. Thanks to Kevin & Ree to our MC, food stalls, giveaways provided by Gold Coast Titans and Blue Shadow Group for providing sound, stage, liaising with the fireworks team & Queensland Police for the finale. #ReflectRespectCelebrate We're all part of the story. See MFO Facebook for videos and photos. See you for Harmony Week 2022 in March www.harmony.gov.au |
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CELEBRATING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SARA PROGRAM Exactly five years ago, under a very nurturing and supportive umbrella of the MFO family, our SARA (Support Assessment Referral Advocacy) Program opened its door to the women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities (CALD) experiencing domestic and family violence. While we were aware that there is a need for specialised domestic and family violence support service for women from CALD communities, the number of referrals we received was beyond all our expectations and predictions. Only in 2021, we have supported approximately 500 women from 79 cultures. Behind each number there is a story of women’s lived experiences of grief and loss, love, strengths, and survival. Women walking through the SARA Program doors are dealing with the complex issues of keeping themselves and their children safe, navigating through the legal systems, overcoming the visa, cultural, religious and language barriers. Although the last five years contained specific challenges, including these caused by COVID, the SARA team demonstrated the same passion and commitment, dedication, and the tireless commitment to our vision. We step into the new five years funding cycle with great confidence that SARA program is indeed well placed to grow and to pursue the new opportunities. |
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Multicultural Families Organisation office in Southport is OPEN. *Ring 5571-0381 for appointment. *Can be in person or on phone. *Please do not attend office if unwell, close contact or Covid positive. *Sign in with Qld Check in app and wear your face mask while attending MFO office please. *MFO management and staff are here to support you at this difficult time. *Global Village Op shop open Feb 7. | | |
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MFO is excited to share with our Community these fantastic opportunities. |
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MFO will be delivering 3 skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) course this year in 3 different areas – Hospitality, Logistic and Construction Courses are open to everyone, even people on temporary or bridging visa. (International students on Sub Class 500 visas or NOT eligible). All courses are fully funded by the State Government and are an approved activity if you are on Centrelink. Course Start dates: - Cert II Hospitality courses (12 weeks, 2 days a week)15 March to Mid-Aug
- Cert II Supply Chain Management (8 weeks, 3 days a week) 16 March to Aug
- Cert I Construction Traineeship – 18th April (18 weeks, full time and PAID)
If you are interested and want to join one of our courses, please call MFO or (07) 5571 0381 or email kevin.melo@mfo.org.au or sebastian@mfo.org.au with your contact details and we will send you an expression of interest form to complete and check your eligibility. This is a great opportunity to expand your skills in industries that are desperately looking. Spaces are limited so please contact us soon to secure your spot. |
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MFO is offering Cert II Course in Supply Chain Operations (warehousing and logistics). This is a 7-week supported course which will give you all the foundation skills required to work in warehousing environments and understand the logistics of receiving and dispatching products. In addition, you will receive a free forklift license along with a first aid certificate to get you truly work ready! The Course starts on 16th March 2022. |
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If you are more interested in the Tradie experience but not sure where to start? No worries, MFO have you fully covered with the Cert I in Construction with paid traineeship. This is a 18-week supported course and is the perfect introduction to the construction industry, occupations, job roles and workplace expectations. But the best part, is this a paid traineeship, so you earn money while you learn. Don’t miss this great opportunity! The next Cert I Construction course starts on 24th April 2022. |
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MFO provides NDIS Disabilities Support Services inclusive of Plan Mangagement, Support Coordination and Support Services for community members from CALD backgrounds that require assitance to navigate and utilise the NDIS to ensure our participants are able to achieve their NDIS goals. Our experienced bilingual disability support workers provide personal care in a professional, respectful and friendly manner that will always try to connect our participants with carers from their own language and background. |
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MFO has taken on a number of new clients and are on the lookout for Skilled 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 to sc1@mfo.org.au or sebastian@mfo.org.au. Remember all disabilities workers must be fully vaccinated and use PPE at all times when in close contact with clients. |
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MFO’s Multicultural Swimming Nights is on every Tuesday night at the Southport Aquatic Centre from 5:30pm-7:30pm in the public pool. The women’s swimming lesson is on from 6:30pm-7:30pm in the closed of indoor pool and is a private women’s only space with two female swimming instructors on hand. Entrance is free for MFO clients and if you wish to join the activity, please email sebastina@mfo.org.au your and your dependent’s details and we will put you on the list for free entry. Swimming will run until the end of February. |
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MFO will be holding a 90 minute multicultural focus group on the 10th February for people from culturally diverse backgrounds to talk about their experience around Covid and how it has affected their lives. The workshop will hold a maximum of 12 people and we still have some spaces available if you wish to participate. Every person who participates will receives a $100 gift voucher from the Settlement Council of Australia who will be facilitating the focus groups. If you want to participate, contact Sebastian on 0402257118 and we will save you a spot in the focus group. |
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MFO would like to say a HUGE congratulations to our colleague Mohamed and his beautiful wife Nura on their long awaited marriage day. It was an amazing celebration! We all wish you both a beautiful forever together, congratulations! |
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MFO IN THE YEAR 2021 Watch this video below about MFO highlighting 2021, supporting our Gold Coast families, empowering our community and promoting a strong message of equality, compassion and friendship. Through all our programs in 2021 we have really tried to promote the message that “Change Starts with ME”. It is our strong belief that if we want to see real and lasting positive change in the world we must start with identifying our own biases and beliefs and being more aware of our own behaviours and actions. This past year, as well as our usual programs and services we were honoured to deliver the Youth Anti Discrimination Program across 9 Gold Coast schools to over 1000 students. We also celebrated with the Gold Coast community at our various festivals including Queensland Day, Coming Together as One and the Global Village Festival as well as participate in the many local events and festivals. We also continue to deliver innovative and thought provoking projects that promote the positive impact of diversity in our community and spread the strong message of personal leadership and responsibility. We have some great initiatives planned for 2022 and we look forward to supporting you and your families and working collaboratively with our communities so everyone can feel safe, respected and welcomed. #diversity #community #multicultural #families #goldcoast #harmony #crosscultural #safety #CommunityDevelopment #communityservices |
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Highlights of 2021 At MFO2021 HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO It has been another amazing year at MFO supporting our Gold Coast families, empowering our community and promoting a strong... |
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Click below for a great highlights video with interviews from last December 2021 GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL at Broadwater Parklands, Southport. Thanks to Gary from SUVI’S JOURNALISM for video. Thank you to Queensland Government for funding this event. Check out MFO social media for photos. |
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| | MFO Tuesday Primary & High School Homework Program on 15th February, and our WeConnectYouth Group on Thursday 17th, both with limited numbers to proceed. Email homework@mfo.org.au for more info. | | |
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| | MFO would like to wish all teachers and students all over Queensland all the best for 2022 despite a later start to the school year due to Covid. | | |
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MFO is looking forward to... |
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Check out the City of Gold Coast website. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter on what's happening on our beautiful Gold Coast. | | |
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You can support our work at MFO - Do some shopping at our Global Village Store Op Shop (Feb 7)
- Make a tax deductable donation to our charity.
- Purchase our book “Finding Home – Journey’s of Hope” for $20.
- 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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