Bleach Festival Partnership MFO are delighted to be partnering with Placemakers* Gold Coast in our fourth Bleach* Festival. This year we will be involved in two projects for the annual festival including Heartbeats that will feature three amazing drumming groups including Baala Baajo, Kizuna Taiko and Orana Dance Group to bring some vibrance and colour to the festival. Heartbeats will be featured in the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival as well as running some workshops 5 & 6 August. MFO will also be hosting the Qahwa Café a Middle Eastern style chill-out space with shisha, tea and coffee and live performances on 10, 11 and 12 August at the Broadbeach Hub. The festival will feature more than 40 performances and events between 3 – 13 August. For more information or bookings please visit https://bleachfestival.com.au/whats-on/ Photo courtesy of Carey Cam, Media Content Producer taken at the BLEACH Launch with Hon Leeanne Enoch Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts, Rana and Kevin MFO, Orana Dance Group members. |
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Thank you to all the places and people that our MFO SETS team (Renata, Mohamed, Ezzat, Hannah) visited and shared about REFUGEE WEEK 2023 - “Finding Freedom” Saint Stephens College Lords - Pimpama Busy School Southport Southport State School Foxwell Secondary College Thank you to our wonderful performer Pinksta Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) |
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Refugee Week 2023 MFO was delighted to continue Refugee Week celebrations by supporting our friends at SSI and BEMAC and MC’ing the Gold Coast Homelands event that promotes artwork by talented refugee artists. Rana had a fabulous time meeting with all the incredible artists and story tellers and of course at the event finale that featured a performance by our great friends Corrina Bonshek and Collaborators, Greta Kelly and Samira El Koussa with Love Always Love. |
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Order your copy of "FINDING HOME - Journeys of Hope"
For the past 23 years Multicultural Families Organisation has had the privilege of supporting thousands of refugee families settling on the Gold Coast. We have comforted them through their tragedies and rejoiced with them through their celebrations. We have assisted them to adapt and thrive in their new country and have seen the incredibly valuable contribution that their vibrant cultures have brought to our beautiful city. These are some of their inspirational stories of strength, resilience and survival and their long journey to their new home on the Gold Coast. 100% of all proceeds of this book go back into supporting newly arrived refugees on the Gold Coast. |
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Go to www.facebook.com/multiculturalAU to read the inspirational story about Karim Karakoche and his beautiful family, overcoming many obstacles as refugees fleeing their homeland, finding refuge in Australia relocating to the Gold Coast and continuing to inspire many more. MFO is honored to have been a part of their journey. Pictured: Karim, Jina, and their four children Karim receiving 2020 Local Legend Award from Sam O'Connor MP On Refugee Week, Karim and Janet addressed a full house reception at the Stanwell Corporation in Brisbane to help celebrate the stories of people from refugee backgrounds and help change the conversation about the refugee experience
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We are delighted to acknowledge the invaluable partnership we have with Wesley Mission in supporting SARA Program clients. Their programs have made a significant impact on the lives of women who are DV survivors or who are still experiencing domestic violence. Through their impactful programs, they have played a crucial role in providing much-needed assistance and resources to individuals facing mental health challenges. Their dedication and support have made a significant difference in women’s lives. We extend our genuine appreciation to Wesley Mission for their invaluable contribution to the well-being and mental health of our clients. |
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Multicultural Women’s Programs We have had an exciting month completing our current round of WE EARN women’s employment program and empowering women to build confidence and find work. Our next program will start in the coming months so please register you interest with rana@mfo.org.au. Our Multicultural Women’s Friendship group has also been busy as we have hosted our first cooking class at the Women’s Space with our lovely client Nagham who demonstrated a beautiful Persian dish. We loved making connections with new women and introducing our women to the fabulous space. |
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MFO’s Steve Hackett was pleased to meet up with some of the original volunteer crew from the Gold Coast’s very own Care For Life (CFL) Suicide Prevention Network that operated from 1995 until recently. CFL were the original creators of the Gold Coast Youth Info Cards that provided important information on services available to support young people on the GC. Over more than 20 years the Network raised funds & did the ground-work to print over 1 million cards that have been distributed to local young people. CFL Network Founder, Raylee Taylor in the centre of the picture is flanked by stalwarts Christine Smith on the left & Viv Murphy on the right, all proudly showcasing the updated cards & the new GC Youth Help Contacts Taplink QR-code for download onto mobile devices. |
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Kevin M & Steve H from MFO’s Youth At Promise program recently met up with Stevyn from Raba Urban Farm & Community Gardens, located opposite Firth Park in Mudgeeraba. Stevyn took us on a tour of the farm and shared his exciting vision for a community led farm that was first conceived in 2021 when the world was becoming increasingly closed off due to the pandemic. The idea is to bring the community together in a place that offered reconnection to the things that make us feel more alive and well. Since its inception, Raba Urban Farm has opened its doors to people from all walks of life, who have brought creative and amazingly simple ideas to make Raba Urban Farm into a place that fosters sharing and social connectedness while also providing the people with the fruits of their labour (literally). Raba Urban Farm is a down-to-earth concept that is growing because of its people, who contribute to consensus decision-making, community volunteering and activities that support the sustainability and health of the Farm. For more info about this great project click here. |
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Youth At Promise was delighted to join other mentors & services in attending the Waves Forward event at Foxwell SHS. |
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June 28 saw a full house for the info session on Australian Citizenship for NZ migrants hosted by Vicky Rose from Nerang Neighbourhood Centre don’t forget to apply from July 1st, 2023 online. Thank you to all who came to listen and for Sky News interviewing keynote speaker Vicky and community members who travelled from Beenleigh, Coomera, Helensvale, Labrador Nerang and many more places on the Gold Coast. Contact Vicky during work hours for copy of the info or inquiries vicky@nncinc.com.au Many thanks to Village Connect, Oz Kiwi and Lave Iloa Ola from QLD Community Engagement Home Affairs for online and in person sessions. MFO was proud to support the evening. Bring on July 1st. |
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The Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network facilitated an interactive workshop focused in settlement policies and programs for young people from refugee and migrant background. Multicultural Families Organisation was represented by Kevin Melo, youth worker/ mentor. Great opportunity to create more connections in Brisbane. |
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Dj in Da MFO house! Camila and Kayo shared with We Connect Youth their musical secrets! The young people enjoyed the experience, we spotted a couple of talented musicians! We finished the term off with a yummy bbq! Thank you so much to our We Connect youth! Are you interested in being part of We Connect Youth? Send us an email at homework@mfo.org.au |
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Thank you for the new MFO marquees received with thanks and appreciation from Mr Rob Molhoek MP State Member for Southport Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Shadow Assistant Minister for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Shadow Assistant Minister for Families and Seniors Mr Molhoek MP continues to support and promote MFO. |
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English Social Conversation Hub Wednesday English Social Conversation Hub ended the latest term with delicious homemade food brought in to share by the participants. Many thanks to our volunteers for your assistance, see you all next term in July. |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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Do you have questions about the upcoming referendum?? Do you want to understand the Uluru Statement and why the government is proposing this…? Then this night is for you… Walking Together Training - Gold Coast Developed and facilitated by Youth Off The Streets’ Nicole Laupepa and Jacqui Parker – First Nations and non-Indigenous trainers respectively – Walking Together enables and empowers the wider community to take positive action towards a fairer and more just Australia. In this half-day workshop, participants gain a deeper understanding of who we are as a nation and how to take meaningful action towards reconciliation. The content covers the importance of a Voice to Parliament, how individuals and organisations can play a role in ensuring it is established, and why reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires action from us all. Learn about: The invitation to all Australians in the Uluru Statement from the Heart The importance of Voice, Treaty and Truth A Voice to Parliament – to the referendum and beyond The concept of ‘Makarrata’ Accepting the invitation in the Uluru Statement with purposeful advocacy that advances reconciliation in Australia
The training is free and includes dinner! Sign up here ASAP for the Walking Together Workshop: https://www.qldcommunityalliance.org/wt_goldcoast_0704 WHEN - Tuesday July 04, 2023 at 5:30pm – 9pm WHERE - Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC), 1 Dominions Rd, Ashmore CONTACT - Emily Kain emily@qldcommunityalliance.org 0476 249 366 |
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MFO Office Based NDIS Team in Southport.
We have 11 culturally diverse support workers which cover the following languages: English, Arabic, Tigrinya, Brazilian Filipino, Hungarian, Spanish, French and Italian. If you or someone you know need disabilities support, then don’t hesitate to call MFO on 07 558710381/0402257118 for a friendly chat on how we can help you. |
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Sebastian is our NDIS manager and supervises all disability services and Plan management. Sebastian has been with MFO for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience in supporting clients from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds. Sebastian is passionate about building capacity in individuals and believe everyone can achieve their dreams with the right supports. Sharee is MFO’s head Support Coordinator. Sharee has been with MFO for several years and goes above and beyond to make sure all our participants are getting the care they want and the support they need to achieve their personal goals. Sharee is a very hands on support coordinator and believes to help someone you need to walk with them through all areas of their life, only then can we fully understand their true goals and provide the care and support they need. Monica is new to the MFO team and provides NDIS clients with Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support Coordination. Monica has extensive experience with working with people with mental and physical disabilities, working as an LAC supporting individuals to access and better utilise their NDIS plan. Monica is extremely friendly and caring and will always go out of her way to make sure clients are heard and that they feel they are supported. |
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT! Meet Fahimeh, she is originally from Iran and has been in Australia with her family for over 5years. She expressed interest in enrolling in our Certificate III in Individual Support so she can help people, but was worried her level of English and age would be barriers for her. From day 1 Fahimeh jumped all in and was determined to gain her Certificate. With her hard work and support from her Tutor Janelle, peers and family she has completed the 16 weeks of theory and is now completing her work placement with Oz Care, along the way her English has also improved immensely. At 64 years old Fahimeh is proof that you are never too old to learn, and anything is possible with hard work. We are so proud of you Fahimeh for your positive caring attitude and dedication to completing this course. You will be an asset to the Community Services sector. |
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Celebrating our students completing their Certificate III in Individual Support! We are so proud of the commitment and hard work you have all put in. Thank you to Genelle from @mypatheducation_6139 for delivering the course and supporting the students every step of the way. |
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RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE IN THE CALD COMMUNITIES Every year, 15 June marks the United Nations internationally recognised World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse is estimated to affect 1 in 6 older Australians. Older people of CALD communities are at greater risk of abuse because of their limited English skills, social isolation, dependency on family members, reluctance to disclose abuse because of stigma, and many other cultural factors. Recent studies show that the ‘main perpetrators’ of abuse towards older people from a CALD background were friends (18%) and children (13%). |
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Too often, older persons suffer in silence and do not want to report what’s happening to them. They love their children, and they want to be in their grandchildren’s lives. They fear that, if they report the abusers to the authorities they might lose access to their grandchildren or that their children, family and friends might stop talking to them. Sometimes, they just don’t know who to ask for help. HELP IS AVAILABLE Our elderly community members have the right to safety and dignity. If in imminent danger, please dial “000.” If you are the victim of a crime but you are not in life-threatening situations, phone the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND RAQ offers free Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Services. Anyone could call them on 1300 364 277. |
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11am - 3pm Firth Park Hosted in partnership with Kalwun, Deadly Choices and the Preston Campbell Foundation. Come and enjoy music, dance performances, food, kids activities, information stall and much more. |
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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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