The 2024 Iconic Gold Coast Multicultural Festival this past school holidays at the popular Broadwater Parklands was a great success. MFO thanks every single person who attended. Ever present with us all, our dear late great Cornelia Babbage OAM, the Queen of Multiculturalism on the Gold Coast, rest in love. We miss you. THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE! Pictured L-R: *MFO Director Renata Jones. *The Hon Charis Mullen MP - Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. *Angie Bell MP - Federal Member for Moncrieff Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Shadow Minister for Youth. *MFO Director Sebastian Hardwick. |
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An amazing Welcome to Country by Lann Levinge and crew opened the day, the weather was so perfect as we celebrated with the wider community the long lasting legacy of the late Cornelia Babbage OAM and wonderful words spoken about her by our guest speakers. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, gave relevant information via the stalls, all types of tasty food and drink refreshments that kept us all happy and entertained to late afternoon. Cultures were celebrated and highlighted through the beautiful photos captured by the very talented photographer Mr Peyman. Follow and like MFO on social media platforms for more coverage from the 2024 GCMFestival. Amazing costumes and passion were on full display, with our fantastic DJ Camila kicking off the day. Thanks to SoundRight Productions for another successful event with MFO. Enjoy the long weekend coming up! MFO thanks Queensland Government for the continued support, see you in 2025! |
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The 2024-25 Strengthening Multicultural Queensland (SMQ) program funding round for multicultural projects is now open. Funding for multicultural projects was previously available under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program. As indicated below in the email, there are two project categories – Empowering Multicultural Community and Youth and Community Connection. Funding of up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) is available under both categories for projects to be delivered from 1 July 2025 and can be delivered over a two-year period to 30 June 2027. For more information, including access to the 2024-25 Funding Guidelines for Multicultural Projects and applying, please visit the website at www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/smq-program. The round is scheduled to close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. |
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"The multicultural festival was a wonderful opportunity for me to be a part of and participate in volunteer activities on behalf of MFO organisation. Upon reflection the experience of participating in this project and liaising with performers to create a video. The experience has further assisted me in developing my communication, active listening skills and professional development. I gained more insight into different cultures and their diversities which assists me in greater understanding of specific cultures.
My mothers background is Italian. My father is English/Malaysian background. My goal of completing this course is to gain knowledge and practices in administration to add to my resume to be a successful candidate in administration job roles that I apply for. As I would like to work in the administration field this certificate helps me gain job opportunities.
My vision of a multicultural Australia is One country where people are accepted and treat each other and everyone with kindness and dignity regardless of colour, race, religion, gender or identity." Certificate II in Workplace Skills SQW student with MFO |
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NEWS FROM SQW This month, we proudly congratulate our trainees for completing their Certificate I in Construction. They’ve done incredible work, contributing to the renovation of the Crosslife Baptist Church in Southport. This amazing group of students has shown tremendous commitment, and it's been truly inspiring to witness their growth over the past 18 weeks. We’re all so proud of their achievements and know that the construction industry will be fortunate to have them |
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SARA TEAM PARTICIPATING IN THE COMMUNITY EVENTS Honouring IWAA On the 26th of September 2024, representatives from our SARA team we were privileged to attend 34th anniversary celebration of the Islamic Women’s Association IWA Australia Ltd, held at the Queensland Parliament House. The IWA CEO and founder Galila Abdelsalam OAM was acknowledged for her vision and recognition of the need to establish support services for Islamic women and her tireless work to build networks and relationships for the benefits of our communities. |
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SARA presenting at Meet, Greet & Eat event On the 10th of September, SARA team members attended Meet, Greet and Eat Event, organised by the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast. The event, attended by the community leaders from various migrant and refugee communities and the service providers focused on the discussing impact of domestic and family violence. It was great honour to be invited to talk about the services provided by the SARA Program. We shared our expertise n the complexity of needs that women and their children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities subjected to domestic and family violence might face when seeking support. Thank you MCCGC for hosting this event. |
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Empowering local communities Community leaders and groups play an important role in preventing people from being drawn into violent extremism. Here are some steps that community groups and organisations can take: promote social cohesion and participation through local community services and events identify and support vulnerable people through referral and counselling programs provide support programs for young people that build their resilience to harmful influences, such as mentoring, training and education programs encourage positive and constructive participation in Australia's political processes; and support those affected by violence.
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MFO was proud to host the GC Multicultural Women's Health and Wellbeing Expo again, in partnership with TAFE Queensland Southport campus during the annual Jean Hailes for Women's Health Week. 18 local service providers participated in this event that aimed to educate and empower the newly arrived multicultural community through engagement and learning. |
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Thanks to our host venue TAFE QLD Southport campus staff, teachers, students and Rana MFO for organising and support from the great local services: Bowel Cancer Screening GC MFO, SARA program, NDIS team Gold Coast Health-Mental Health Services Australia Queensland Police Service ADA Australia City of Gold Coast Tenants QLD QSTARS Basic Rights QLD Relationships Australia Yoga BB BreastScreen QLD GC Community Legal Service MCCGC Women’s Space Labrador Thriving Multicultural Communities Gold Coast Public Health |
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On behalf of Multicultural Families Organisation Inc. and all the attendees, thank you Dr Nada, Settlement Council of Australia and everyone involved with this very important health info session relating to preventative cancer screening here in Australia hosted by Hannah and Ezzat held at MFO. Delivery of in-language Cancer Prevention Screening Programs is funded by SCOA (Settlement Council of Australia). VIDEO https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1fPRH36CB4s2RVgr/ |
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Thank you Cr Doran for the $5,000 Community Grant application from the Gold Coast Titans for Titans Community Fund supporting 2025 Cultural Evening. This event is pulled together by the Titans Cultural Collective to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the Gold Coast Titans. With over 55% of the Titans’ elite squads being Pasifika and/or First Nations heritage this cultural evening supports faith, family, food and footy and strengthens positive cultural connections. This is an initiative fully supported by Multicultural Families Organisation Inc. and continues to be a highlight on the calendar. It is a special time in the year set aside for players, staff, multicultural ambassadors and their families to celebrate our indigenous cultures and the many diverse heritages in the playing roster, "together" intertwining the many cultures represented within the Titans NRL, NRLW and NETBALL teams through sharing personal stories, vibrant dance and musical performances on stage. Thank you Dennis, Steve, Renee, Alex, Tonga, Annette, Kevin D. Looking forward to 2025 - Titans Cultural Collective |
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MFO have partnered with Griffith University on their research into Mobile Phone usage within relationships. Click on link below for more info. |
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Thank you very much to our local Federal MP Angie Bell MP for recognising two of MFO's amazing volunteers at the 2024 Central Gold Coast (Moncrieff) Volunteer Awards Ceremony. We are delighted to celebrate the valuable achievements of two of our long term volunteers Yana Kortunova and Jackie Koroglu who have both dedicated so many years to passionately supporting our programs. We would like to take this opportunity to also thank our more than 60 other invaluable MFO volunteers without whom we could not do what we do. |
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What a wonderful & fun engagement between the young people who participate in the MFO Homework Program, visiting Japanese exchange students and MFO volunteers at the Southport Library recently. Wai Yin, MFO Youth & Community Development/Homework Club Manager and Rick, MFO Youth & Community Development worker were present to oversee the session and also gratefully receive a kind donation towards the program from the International students. MFO wishes them all the best in the rest of their stay on the Gold Coast, appreciate their time taken to spend with the group. |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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MORE NEWS FROM SQW We are so proud of our amazing students as they embark on their new journey in vocational placement! 🌟 This marks the final stretch of their Certificate III in Individual Support, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them put their skills into action. 🙌 Best of luck to each of you – you’ve got this! |
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Have your say on the Gold Coast’s aquatics facilities, community centres, libraries, sports and recreation centres. City of Gold Coast’s services and facilities need your feedback on community needs and demand and maximising facility usage and service outcomes across the Gold Coast. Specifically: your current experience with available services how you interact with community facilities any gaps in local offerings desired future services ideas for integrating services that could work well together.
Your feedback will help inform future decision making and guide the future community facilities and services network across the Gold Coast. Take the survey now and go into the draw to win one of two $500 eftpos gift cards (terms and conditions apply). To have your say visit: gchaveyoursay.com.au/community The survey is open until Monday 30 September 2024. |
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After School Soccer Program on Mondays The Team at MFO’s Youth at Promise program have been excited to see the development of the free After School Soccer Program on Mondays during School Term. The program is run collaboratively by MFO, MCCGC & Ashmore PCYC with young people between 12 to 18 years of age from 3 different schools come along and play soccer between 3.30 & 5pm on Monday afternoons. Come meet new coach Rush, thanks to former coach and mentor Majid, all the best in your new profession. For more information scan the QR code on the attached flyer. |
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Next SONSHINE session will be November 6 at MFO office Southport (no session for October) For more information about SONSHINE please contact Kevin D kevin@mfo.org.au. |
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Book in now for the second (and final one for the year) Gold Coast Collective Volunteering Forum. Date: Friday, 4th October Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM Location: Broadbeach Cultural Centre This is an invaluable opportunity for local groups and organisations involving volunteers to connect and enhance their volunteering programs. Join us for an interactive morning designed to give you the tools and practical insights to take your organisation to the next level! Delicious light breakfast will be provided for all attendees Whether you are representing a small group or a large organisation, book your spot today as spaces are limited. |
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Resilience Workshops The workshops will help people to discover the power within their team or consumer/participants! Our dynamic course empowers participants with practical strategies to bounce back from adversity and cultivate resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s capacity to thrive! |
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This is a comprehensive and compelling report, the first major examination of the state of our Australian multiculturalism in a generation. The Review looked at ways for the Government and the community to work together to support a cohesive multicultural society, and advance a multicultural Australia for all. In its consultations, the Review Panel identified Australian communities as the driving force behind the success and resilience of multiculturalism. Australians’ embrace of acceptance and tolerance showed that multiculturalism was not just a social policy, but a lived experience. The Review Panel has set out a roadmap to guide us with its key principles of connection, identity, and belonging, and inclusion. We invite all Australians to read the report and the Government’s Response, and to contribute to this vital debate about Australia’s future. |
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“If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future. ― Winston Churchill |
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MFO 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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