SPRINGING INTO SEPTEMBER!

What an amazing celebration of football in Australia and New Zealand, congratulations to champions Spain! So proud of all nations espcially our very own Matildas! World Cups for Basketball and Rugby continues the celebration of sports, all the best to participating countries. As we move into the warmer months and nearing the end of 2023 we would like to invite you to come to our next community event, Gold Coast Multicultural Festival on Saturday September 16th truly highlights the diversity of our home, the beautiful Gold Coast.

As a local non-profit, we at Multicultural Families Organisation work hard every year to provide connection and belonging to our multicultural community, those seeking refuge, newly arrived migrants, and families affected by domestic violence. Multicultural Families Organisation is proud to host once again the iconic Gold Coast Multicultural Festival with our local partners, services and performers. MFO warmly invites you to enjoy a fun filled day out on the beautiful Broadwater Parklands Great Lawn with wonderful performances from around the globe.

Don't forget it's GOLD COAST SHOW 2023 - FREE ENTRY!

Gold Coast Show is a community event held over 3 days, September 1-3, 2023. MFO is proud to promote this great day out for the whole family, see you there!

Gold Coast Multicultural Women’s Health & Wellbeing Expo

MFO is partnering with our friends at TAFE Queensland again this year Gold Coast Multicultural Women’s Health & Wellbeing Expo that will be held at TAFE Queensland Southport Campus on Thursday 7 September during the Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2023 celebrated 4-8 September 2023. www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week

This year's Women's Health Week theme is “Grow your knowledge”. It's all about supporting women to make informed decisions about their health with information that's easy to understand.

Come along and meet more than 20 local health and wellbeing providers and learn about their services including, breast and bowel screening, mental health, carer support, disability and aged care services, multicultural programs, employment and training, tenants rights and so much more.

Happy Father's Day

Take Dad to Gold Coast Show and to Gold Coast Titans final game for 2023 this Sunday Sept 3, wishing all the Dad's everywhere "Happy Father's Day" from L - R Kevin D, first time daddy Mohamed, Steve, Sebastian and Rick.

Women’s Programs at MFO

Our women’s groups have had a fabulous month celebrating Multicultural Queensland month by learning about each other’s cultures, setting our goals by creating vision boards,  getting creative with sewing and arts and crafts and during our monthly women’s cooking classes at the Women’s Space. In September we are looking forward to celebrating Women’s Health Week by hosting the Gold Coast Multicultural Women’s Health and Wellbeing Expo at TAFE QLD Southport campus. Join us and more than 20 local service providers and learn about the services and supports that are available to keep us healthy and well.

MFO would like to extend a very Happy 50th Anniversary to Keebra Park State High School, to all past and present staff, students congratulations!

Appreciation post:

Happy belated birthday wishes to Ilaria from everyone at MFO, we thank you for your continued support and guidance for our CALD Community on the Gold Coast in your important role as Multicultural Service Officer for Department of Human Services. You are a good friend to many going through difficult times. Have a great holiday, well deserved and we look forward to having you back soon, safe travels.

MFO - TIRELESS WORK ON KEEPING OUR WOMEN AND CHILDREN SAFE FROM DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

Recently, Rana and Marica contributed their skills and knowledge to a workshop organised by the Queensland Government, Department of Justice and Attorney-General to discuss the implementation of the domestic and family violence Common Risk and Safety Framework (CRASF). The  Queensland Government has invited key service providers to share their ideas on how to ensure that our communities are free from domestic and family violence (DFV).

Alongside the workers from Settlement Services International Limited,  Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General we were able to share some challenges faced by the migrant and refugee families, especially women and children who experience domestic and family violence.  We discussed the importance of tailoring culturally sensitive interventions and resources for working with victim-survivors from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds ). We shared the messages from our clients about what support they need to feel safe in their homes and where their children can grow and develop in safe, secure environments.

It was an invigorating experience to engage in this worthy process focused on the lived experience, dignity, and safety needs and strengths of the newly arrived families.

The SARA team can be contacted at:

Mobile: 0405 065 544

Email: intake@saraprogram.org.au

TIS Interpreting Service: 131 450

MFO out and about

*BLEACH FESTIVAL 2023

This year MFO was involved in two projects for the annual *Bleach Festival including first time Qahwa Lebanese Café at Broadwater precinct and Heartbeats that featured three amazing drumming groups including Baala Baajo, Kizuna Taiko and Orana Dance Group bringing vibrance and festive colour to the festival. Heartbeats featured in the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival and facilitated drumming workshops, we even made Channel 7 SUNRISE live to air broadcast with Sam Mac and the 7 news weather team .

Qahwa was a collaboration between MFO and the Bleach Festival to bring a little bit of Middle East to the Gold Coast through a traditional style cafe. Featuring beautiful entertainment by Mohammed Lelo and James Tawadros over 3 unforgettable nights. MFO staff met so many people from the community who loved the vibe and beautiful delights that we shared together.

It was a great way for MFO to celebrate 2023 theme 'Inclusion in Action' for Queensland Multicultural Month. Thank you to all who attended over the ten days and congratulations to everyone involved in front and behind the scenes. Bring on 2024!

In the lead up to *BLEACH Festival, Kevin D was interviewed by Losi Vara from Cook Islands News who was attending the Mobile and Commentary Journalism training with ABC International Development at the 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP along with Nicola Mateariki from Cook Islands Television see article below.

L - R: Rana, Losi, Kevin D, Nicola, Monica

Thank you to Hannah Story for this great article on *BLEACH Festival www.smh.com.au/culture/live-reviews/the-gold-coast-s-answer-to-vivid-is-a-truly-unique-australian-festival-20230803-p5dtgl.html

HISTORY WITH HUNGARY

While the 20th of August is the oldest national holiday in Hungary, this day had several meanings throughout history. Nowadays, it is generally considered to be the State Foundation Day of Hungary. Its origin roots back to the first king and state founder of Hungary, St. Stephens, who transformed the country into a European Christian country.

I had the great privilege to attend the Hungarian Gold Coast Senior Citizen Club’s celebration and to remember some old song and dance, and of course to have some fresh bread with Goulash.

Renata.

Dancing at "We Connect Youth"

We Connect Youth had a special guest all the way from Ukraine. 

Julia developed an interesting and fun workshop about one of her passions: Ballet and Dance. Julia taught us some basic movements and we had a dance battle at the end of the session. Our students were fascinated by the complexity involved in ballet.

Would you like to be part of We Connect Youth?

Send us an email to homework@mfo.org.au

Coombabah SHS Health and Wellbeing Expo 2023

MFO was proud to be part of the first edition of Coombabah SHS Health and Wellbeing Expo. The senior students had the opportunity to interact with some great local services.

Kevin M and Rachael from MFO Youth At Promise were proud to represent Multicultural Families Organisation.

CONTRIBUTING, TOGETHER

Statewide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Surrounds 2023 Refugee Health and Wellbeing Roundtable held in Inala. Thank you to Refugee Health Network Queensland and Queensland Health for hosting this session for community and services to gather information, feedback and lived experience to add to the 2022-2027 Refugee Health and Well-being policy and action plan.

MFO Director Cornelia Babbage OAM was invited to the opening of the ICGC Gold Coast Kites Day 2023, celebrating India's 76th Independence Day on a beautiful sunny Saturday with communities and services attending. Congratulations to all involved!

QUEENSLAND MULTICULTURAL MONTH PARTNERSHIP

Thank you City Libraries - City of Gold Coast and Gold Coast Health (Diversity and Inclusion) for the opportunity to share our MFO multicultural displays at Upper Coomera, Broadbeach Library, GCUH and Robina Hospital promoting our "FINDING HOME - Journeys of Hope" booklet, *BLEACH Festival in early August and GC Multicultural Festival this Sept 16th at Broadwater Parklands.

MFO was again happy to attend the Graduation of 14 young people from ESuarve during August. This group was the first class to commence & fully complete construction of a tiny home in the space of their course.

The love, care & leadership offered to these young people by the team at ESuarve & the growth of these young people is inspiring!

Click link below for a powerful video about ESuarve, staff/mentors and young people. Thank you for sharing.

SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTVITIES

All activities are strictly for young people 12-17 years and all activities are free! For info: email tadams@wmq.org.au or phone 0408 734 061

Gold Coast Youth Hubs - Youth and Family Support Services

Thanks to Wesley Mission Queensland and City of Gold Coast

More Fantastic Opportunities

MFO Update: Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW)

So much happening in the SQW space:

We had students complete their Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations and successfully pass their Forklift Licence. Our Certificate III in Individual Support is 3 weeks in and the students are already showing great commitment and excitement for the weeks of learning ahead.

We are also excited to be running a Certificate II in Business which opens up entry-level and experienced job opportunities. 

For more information on any of our courses please contact Nicole on 0426 636 904 or nicole@mfo.org.au

It’s been a very busy month with MFO welcoming new individuals who need support coordination and some of our existing clients switching to our plan management, services making it easier for them to manage their funds and services all in one place. MFO has also been busy this month assisting disadvantaged individuals apply for the NDIS. It is a confusing and stressing undertaking, especially from people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you or someone you know needs help to access the NDIS, please do not hesitate to contact us any time.

New NDIS Pricing Arrangements

The NDIS has recently updated the NDIS pricing guide which places limits on the prices providers can charge for specific services. Some providers would have already adjusted their fees to match the NDIS price limit, however depending on what type of contract you are on, it is advisable to check your provider services agreement and check you are being charged the correct rate. If you are not, please contact the service provider for an explanation or request your plan manager to follow up.

Plan Managers Scams

Plan manages need to be aware that scammers are currently sending fake emails to request plan managers update providers banking details to the scammers account details. Once monies are paid, it is almost impossible to retrieve them. Please double check any account changes and email address for potentially fraudulent activities.

Have a great month ahead from all of us here at the MFO NDIS Team 😊

If you or someone you know needs help accessing the NDIS or are struggling to understand or utilise their NDIS plan and need someone to assist, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will happily help you in any way we can. Phone (07) 5571 0381 or email reception@mfo.org.au

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is currently promoting a national education campaign to encourage people to become informed and savvy consumers by providing useful and timely information and tips on:

• shopping and consumer guarantees

• using unit pricing when grocery shopping

• reviewing memberships and subscription services

• using gift vouchers

• getting the best deal on fuel

• shopping around for common household services, utilities and insurance

• everyday money tips to help you manage your finances

• learning the signs of scams

• concessions, rebates and other supports

   

(www.facebook.com/fairtradingqld)

Community Language School Grant Program

• The Australian Government has announced the new Community Language Schools Grant Program, with $15 million over two years to support language education in Australia. The program will offer grants of up to $30,000 per community language school.

• Applications for funding under this program will open on Friday 1 September 2023.

• Funding will be available for all not-for-profit community language schools who meet the eligibility criteria.

• The new grant program is different from other funding opportunities previously available to community language schools:

• Established schools can apply for funding to expand classes to early childhood (preschool) aged children;

• Schools that have been operating for less than 2 years will receive a supplement to assist with the costs of building quality learning environments for their students.

• As the increased cost of living may affect some students, the program includes the ability for community language schools to use grant funding to provide fee-relief for disadvantaged students.

• This grant program will strengthen the cohesion and prosperity of Australia’s successful multicultural society by supporting more young Australians to acquire a second language, enabling increased participation in a broader range of jobs in an economy closely integrated into a global market.

• From Friday 1 September, further information about the program, and an easy to complete application form will go live on GrantConnect, the Government’s grant information system, www.grants.gov.au.

Voice to Parliament

In the referendum, Australians Citizens will be asked to vote Yes or No to the following question:

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?

Be informed, Be involved, your vote makes a difference.