We farewelled our brother Mohamed who will be moving on to take up a new position in Brisbane. Mohamed has been with the MFO SETS team for more than 8 years and we have seen him develop and grow both professionally and personally into one of the most professional, compassionate and hardworking individuals who dedicated himself to helping others.

Mohamed you will always be an important part of the MFO family and we wish you all the best in your new position.

MFO is very excited to announce that this year we have partnered with the team at Big City Lights and the award winning film maker Jude Kalman of Little Drum Pictures to produce a short film 'Zawadi' that will be featured as a part of Big City Lights this year. ‘Zawadi’ is a Swahili word meaning gift and is a collaborative, cinematic and photographic screen-based project highlighting the unique gifts of local migrant women and celebrating the wealth and vibrancy that diversity brings to our community.

'Zawadi’ invites you to witness the tapestry of life, where rhythms and rituals are a testament to the unique stories that enrich the fabric of our shared existence – a special gift to us all.

For more information and to check out the Festival check out this link: https://bigcitylightsfestival.com.au/events/zawadi/

MFO would like to thank the Queensland Government for funding this project through the Investing In Queensland Women Grants Program.

#investinginqldwomen #qldwomen #artsprojects #diversityarts #goldcoastarts #diversityandart #multiculturalfamiliesorg Queensland Women

MFO out and about

For DV Prevention Month MFO hosted a Domestic and Family Violence workshop aimed at empowering community members to support their communities. We had a fantastic group of diverse participants and had deep conversations about various aspects of DFV in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse context. We learned so much from each other and spent a great morning discussing important issue.

Thanks to all who joined us.

#DVPreventionMonth #dvawareness

The MFO team attended the annual Domestic Violence Prevention Centre DV Prevention Month breakfast featuring the amazing Rosie Batty as keynote speaker. She spoke about the power of hope and the recognition of the progress that has been made, yet statistics remain the same and women continue to be murdered. She acknowledged the amazing work that has been done all around Australia to support victim-survivors and emphasised the importance of making the perpetrators accountable and recognising the needs of the children who have been affected by DV.

From the bottom of our hearts, MFO thanks our amazing volunteers without whom we would not be able to do what we do. Every single one of our more than 60 volunteers are extremely compassionate and committed to supporting the community and we are so grateful to their contributions. They support us in every program including our driving lessons, youth program, women's and sewing groups, English classes, reception, events and so much more.

To all our volunteers thank you for being such an important part of the MFO family.

#volunteers #NationalVolunteersweek

MFO attended the Pasifika Talanoa and Community Leaders functions (Hosanna Logan, Village Connect and Griffith Uni Logan) in May hosted by the Department of Home Affairs Regional Director North (QLD&NT), Charlie Shandil. He thanked all the services, groups and organisations present for their valuable connection to communities in times of crisis, need for support and info distribution. Wishing Mary Harm, Multicultural Community Worker (CAMS) from Multilink all the best in her future endeavours.

Subclass 192 - Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Status Resolution Service (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Important Protection visa information (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Help to leave (homeaffairs.gov.au)

https://australia.iom.int/assisted-voluntary-return-and-reintegration-program

https://www.assistedreturns.com.au/

CLOSE THE GAP 2024 - dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for a healthier, more equitable world. Community event held at GC University Hospital in partnership with the First Peoples Health Unit (Griffith University), Kalwun, Phn and Qld Government. Attended by placement student Kizty and Sharee from our NDIS team.

Many Cultures - One Team.

MFO was honoured to be part of the third Gold Coast Titans Cultural evening/dinner hosted at GLOW Robina celebrating Faith, Food, Footy. Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Uncle John Graham and indigenous dancers, co MC's Kevin and Bo, started the evening followed by amazing performances by Birren, TOA Gold Coast, King's Siva Academy, Paiti Entertainment, Mamana Academy of Tongan Arts & Culture, Support Mates, Ikin Dance Studio, Adeaze Music. Many thanks to all involved from Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, Titans Chairman Dennis Watt, all Titans coaching staff, players and families, Titans General Manager Community & Game Development Renee Cohen, Community Inclusion Coordinator Alex Wells and GC Titans Cultural Collective group Annette Fale, Tonga Leaaetoa, Kevin Dando.

More Fantastic Opportunities

The Gold Coast Disability Expo will be on June 7th and 8th at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre. This is a great opportunity to explore services and products for people with disabilities and to meet other likeminded individuals. MFO will be attending on Friday 7th June, so if you are part of the MFO family and would like to attend, please do not hesitate to join with us on the day and if you would like to know more about the Expo, please click the link to go to the event website. https://goldcoastdisabilityexpo.com.au/

MFOs Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group enjoyed a relaxing walk and talk session at the Broadwater Parklands. It was so lovely to be out in the fresh air and sunshine, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in our beautiful city

ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.

In the event of an attack, what you do matters.​ Although Australia is a safe country, we are still at risk from lone active armed offender attacks. Training materials have been developed for businesses,
and owners and operators of crowded places to educate their staff in more detail on what to do in the event of an attack. This should form part of standard emergency training.

What to do in an attack (nationalsecurity.gov.au)

Come along Monday afternoon to PCYC Ashmore for soccer training and connecting with CALD young people through sports. See QR code.

Thanks to PCYC Qld - Ashmore, MCCGC and MFO for this initiative.

Thanks to Tina Adams Coordinator - Gold Coast Youth Hubs

Youth and Family Support Services - WESLEY MISSION QLD

Youth programs JUNE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS (Click for info)

Light the night - Solidarity, Hope, Courage

Domestic Violence Prevention Centre hosted an emotional candlelight rememberance ceremony for those who have died from domestic and family violence. https://domesticviolence.com.au

SONSHINE and SARA staff attended to pay respect and stand side by side with our community, first responders and local services on the Gold Coast. Thank you to Lucy Gregory CEO & DVPC staff and Queensland Police Service. Appreciate Mac (player) and Ben (well being officer) from GC SUNS joining our SONSHINE group.

Gold Coast’s neighbourhood heroes help our communities to be connected and resilient. Watch these videos to learn how these extraordinary people and organisations are working to keep our city safe. Thank you City of Gold Coast for highlighting these heroes and promoting this very important campaign.

1. Esuarve

2. Brighten a Day

3. Neighbourhood Watch

4. Jack Beasley Foundation

5. Elanora State High School

6. Chill Out Zone – Gold Coast Youth Service

MFO More Family Outings

People will forget what you said.

People will forget what you did.

But people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou