Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) in collaboration with TAFE Qld Southport are hosting IWD event, see you on 8th March! |
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#IWD2023 We can all truly embrace equity. It's not just something we say. It's not just something we write about. It's something we need to think about, know, value and embrace. It's what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world. For International Women's Day on March 8 and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA. And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality. |
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Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) is looking forward to joining in with many events planned for Harmony Week 2023 (March 20-26). Harmony Week is the national celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. You can celebrate Harmony Week in many ways: food, culture, clothing, music, language and so much more. Our MFO team who originate from over 25 different countries and share a passion for equality, social justice and human rights will be out and about all over the Gold Coast, loud and proud spreading the message that #everyonebelongs #harmonyweek |
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Gold Coast Titans launched their 2023 season in late February with the exciting news leading up to Harmony Week 2023, first home match vs Storm on March 18 NRL Multicultural Round. MFO thanks Board, staff, players and Titans Cultural Collective for their continued support for communities near & far. Get your tickets. Become a Titans member. Pictured L - R: Matthew Ash Community Projects and Partnerships Lead Dennis Watt Gold Coast Titans Chairman Steve Hackett MFO Youth at Promise Renee Cohen - General Manager Community & Game Development Kevin Dando - MFO & Titans Cultural Collective member |
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Looking forward to another colourful celebration March 21st Harmony Day 10am at TAFE QLD Southport with the wonderful staff and students in collaboration with MFO. Pictured: 2022 GC Suns and AFL Qld community team with Gold Coast Cross Cultural Liaison Unit and Jo from MOJO DANCE STUDIO in support of TAFE QLD Southport Harmony Day. |
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Harbrow Mentoring is owned and operated by Cairns local brothers Marc and Jarrod Harbrow. Created in 2010, Harbrow Mentoring was initially designed to deliver school holiday sporting programs to young people in communities in Cape York. Harbrow Mentoring now provides a holistic range of programs to young people living in Far North QLD and the Gold Coast, connecting it’s three main pillars to its operations, Mentoring, Leadership and Sports Development. Designed to give aspiring young people the tools to achieve most out of their life in a culturally supportive and inclusive environment. Pictured: Former GC Suns player Jarrod Harbrow and Peter Yagmoor attending MFO Leaders of Positive Change Dinner 2022. |
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Waitangi Day Gold Coast 2023 Thank you Te RangiAroha Inc and to everyone involved, stalls, performers, volunteers for a wonderful day of community inclusion. |
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Services Australia convened Multicultural Advisory Forum (MAF) in February via Teams. MAFs provide Services Australia the opportunity to connect with government and community and third party organisations at a state, territory and local level. MFO joined over 100 representatives from various organisations online listening to guest speakers: Catherine Lane Senior Worker with Multicultural Connect Line for World Wellness Group Dragos Ileana State-wide Transcultural Mental Health Practice Leader at the Qld Transcultural Mental Health Centre Evelyn Magomo Multicultural Mental Health Coordinator at Metro South Addiction & Mental Health Jennifer Thom Assessment Services - Services Australia Shanleigh Munro Centrelink Confirmation eServices - Services Australia |
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On behalf of our son Jackson, who is 3 and a half, we would like to thank your organization and the person who put together a children's prize gift for the Chinese Lunar Celebration that was held in Broadbeach (28th January Australian National Chinese Women 's Federation) My son won this prize and is delighted at the contents--some thought went into choosing the various items of the prize. Regards Sophia and John. |
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On Monday the 20th of February Family Drug Support (FDS) held the second International Family Drug Support Day Gold Coast event. International FDS day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs, including the benefits of supporting families. The theme for this years event was ‘Support The Family, Improve The Outcome’ When families are supported and given education on coping, communication and keeping safe, the outcome for everyone is improved. The event drew a crowd of over 75 attendees from across different sectors, including service providers, family members and community members who came to show their support for families supporting their loved ones using alcohol and / or other drugs. For more information about FDS and supports available to families on the Gold Coast please contact Natasha on 0484 002 178 |
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On Friday 24th February, Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane hosted International Family Drug Support Day highlighting passionate speakers from diverse backgrounds with lived experiences and the important announcement made by Qld Government regarding drug policy in Queensland, a very important day, not just for FDS and our families, but for Queensland. FDS SUPPORT LINE 24/7 1300 368 186 |
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Saturday 11th February, PCYC Ashmore hosted their annual club open day to showcase the gym, recreational activities, and youth programs to the local community. They had a free family colour fun run, sausage sizzle, animal farm, market stalls and activities for the families. Thanks to Sgt Craig Green and the whole PCYC Ashmore team for your continued efforts in uplifting our local Gold Coast community. |
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English Conversation Hub knitting some awesome beanies! The English Conversation Hub is held every Wednesday at Southport Primary State School for parents. We were very fortunate to have Ezzat come to show us how to knit a beanie for a Give Back community project where all beanies are presented to children in hospitals wards. The English Conversation Hub creates connections with the student’s parents where their first language is not English. Thank you so much for your great efforts. |
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We Connect Youth We Connect Youth group is going strong into the 5th week of the school term. Every Thursday after school we create a fun atmosphere with strong connections with the young people at MFO. With challenges and activities, we look forward to build life skills that the students can use in their everyday life. Are you interested in being part of We Connect Youth? Email homework@mfo.org.au |
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MFO Youth At Promise team meeting up with ESUARVE crew Aunty Camille, the OG Joseph and Lee at their Ormeau office, check out the great work ESAURVE are doing in the community for young people and families. Congratulations! www.facebook.com/esuarve Please call +61 7 5612 7301 referrals@esuarve.com.au Email on admin@esuarve.com.au |
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GC Youth Network Youth at Promise team presented their program at the Gold Coast Youth Network hosted by Belinda from GCYS at Pimpama Community Center with the flyers and referral form ready to go. Youth at Promise program aim to provide brief to medium term support for young people who may be at risk of disengagement from services or entering the justice system. We work with the idea that young people often aren’t aware of what services can offer and aim to essentially be a warm and supportive space for young people to better understand their needs and how to access services. If you think that some young people could benefit from Youth at Promise program please find referral form here. For more information about Youth at Promise, please email youthatpromise@mfo.org.au |
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The 20 of March is the World Story Telling Day, when people around the world celebrate the oral art of storytelling and share traditional and newly created stories with each other. Storytelling is about sharing Awareness, Wisdom and Experience, and helps make what may feel threatening and difficult to understand, less strange and more understandable, and in Australia we have one of the world’s oldest storytelling traditions to build on. We are the stories we tell ourselves, and in telling our stories we create the future we will walk into, experience, and live through. At MFO we share the story about an organisation with staff from many different countries, and amongst us we represent many different cultures and speak a multitude of languages. We could have let our different mindsets, cultures and belief systems define us and our work, but we did not. We were a group of people, who came to understand that the strong belief we held that we could be part of the positive changes we wanted to experience, demanded our commitment and willingness to expand our awareness. |
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We wanted to work to achieve positive changes, and in so doing we changed. We gradually became more knowledgeable and developed skills and abilities that allowed us to communicate and interact with others in a more flexible and appreciative way. We become a mini version of a multicultural society and we felt safer, as between us we had the awareness and multifaceted skills to handle complex challenges better than any of us could do individually, and we learnt to trust that each one of us would volunteer their expertise to support what was needed. We are the new storytellers, and the stories we tell will bring about our future reality. Lillan N. |
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Our SARA team provides free and confidential support services either face-to-face or over the phone. We engage with professional interpreters to ensure appropriate communication. If a woman is in a situation or crisis and needs immediate assistance, we can offer her crisis support, which may include: Assistance to develop a plan to keep herself and her children safe while residing with the perpetrator of violence. Assistance to escape from a situation of domestic violence.
Help to access supported/crisis accommodation or other housing options.
Help to access urgent legal advice for immigration, family law, and domestic violence orders.
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If a woman needs support to navigate different support systems we offer ongoing support over a period of time, which may include: Support to report domestic, family violence or sexual assault Assistance and advocacy to access the court system for domestic violence orders, family law, accessing legal advice for immigration and other matters
Support to access health services, housing, financial assistance, and settlement services
Counselling is available to assist women to assess their needs, discuss their safety and other concerns, talk about their feelings, and support them to access other services that they may require in the future. Multicultural Women’s group provides a supportive and safe environment for women to talk about their experiences, to help break down cultural and social isolation and to provide women with education and information about domestic and family violence. Practical support is available to assist women who might not be comfortable writing in English to fill in court application forms or other forms. In some instances, practical support is available to support women to attend legal or medical appointments. |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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MFO’s Women’s Programs are back for the new year supporting women through education, social connectedness, and confidence building activities. We provide a safe, supportive space for women to socialise, explore their creativity and build their leadership skills by facilitating a workshop and sharing this talents with each other. All women are welcome to join us on Mondays for the sewing group from 11am – 2pm, Multicultural Women’s Friendship Group on Wednesdays from 10.30 – 12.30. |
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MFO’s WE EARN (Women’s Economic Empowerment And Resilience Network) is back for 2023 providing specialised employment support and workshops to support women to get back into the workplace. For registration or further information please contact rana@mfo.org.au |
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SQW This month our second Cert III individual Support class started with students undertaking the 3 months course to gain the required skills for entry into the aged care or disabilities industry. We had great success running our first class last year with the class filling up very quickly and many students gaining employment by course completion. Our second class has started with a group of excited and motivated students and once they complete their 3 month class based study they will undertake a 120 hours work placement which will potentially offer them employment post completion. We are now taking applicants for our next class which starts in April, so if you are interested in getting into the aged care or disabilities industry, a Cert III in Individual support is your pathway into the industry. |
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We are also recruiting students for our Cert II Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing & Logistics) which starts in April. The course also provides a FREE forklift licence once you have completed the course. We have 12 spaces available for this course so if you or someone you know is interested to get into a warehousing/logistics type roll, please do not hesitate to contact our SQW Program Coordinator Nicole (nicole@mfo.org.au / 0426 636 904) who can provide more information on courses and the process to enrol. |
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Upcoming Courses: Cert II Supply Chain Operations - April 2023 - 7 weeks/3 days a week Cert III Individual Support - April 2023 - 14 weeks/2-3 days a week |
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NDIS MFO would like to introduce Monica and welcome her to our NDIS team. Monica is an experience disabilities Support Coordinator and Personal Recovery Coach and has joined the MFO NDIS team to support our growing number of clients. This month we are welcoming a handful of new clients from a variety of different backgrounds and ages and are busy getting them linked to the essential supports such as Plan Management, Support Coordination, Personal Recovery Coaching, In home and social engagement supports. If you or someone you know needs help with accessing the NDIS or are receiving the NDIS and need someone to assists, 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 |
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My name is Monica Revoltar and I have recently joined the NDIS team at MFO. I am a Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach with MFO and happy to join my colleagues Sebastian and Sharee. I was born is Australia and my background is Filipino. My parents migrated from the Philippines in 1975. I have been raised with both the Australian and Filipino culture. I speak Tagalog and I have recently been learning Japanese. |
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I have been in the community services since 2002 for almost 21 years. I am passionate in helping others and strive to be a positive agent of change to deliver the highest quality of care for all participants. I have two family members with a disability, so I understand the challenges and journey families can encounter. I started as a support worker in 2002 in aged care then moved to the disability sector in 2004. I have worked in SIL homes, day service and have been a senior support worker mentoring staff. I have been an acting team leader at day service and worked with the NDIS as a Local Area Coordinator then moved into the Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching space which I thoroughly enjoy. |
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Apart from the NDIS space, I love music and have been a percussionist in various bands most of my life. I have been with my current band called ‘Kizuna’ for over three years. I am in a traditional Japanese drumming band and play ‘taiko’ which means drum in Japanese. We perform at diverse settings such as festivals such as Woodford, private events, gigs, facilitate workshops and beginner classes. I am so grateful and honored to be part of the MFO team. |
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The theme for the Multicultural Queensland Month 2023 is Many Cultures, one Queensland: putting inclusion into action which aims to encourage all Queenslanders to celebrate their unique cultural differences while working together to ensure an inclusive state for all. |
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Nominations open for Multicultural Queensland Awards ARE OPEN!
The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise outstanding contributions to an inclusive and harmonious Queensland.
Now is the chance to celebrate and nominate a well-deserving colleague or friend who is putting inclusion into action. Submit an online nomination for #MQA23.
The categories in this year’s awards are:
Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander
Diversity and Inclusion Champion (individual and organisation)
Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever (individual and organisation)
Nominations close 5 April 2023.
For more information or to nominate visit: www.qld.gov.au/MQA “Through the Multicultural Queensland Awards, we want to recognise those incredible individuals, groups and businesses that go above and beyond to create thriving communities, where everyone is encouraged to connect, contribute and belong. “If you know an organisation or individual who is dedicated to breaking down cultural barriers and creating an inclusive Queensland, now is the time to nominate them. “We are stronger when we work together to ensure everyone has the opportunity to forge connections and contribute their skills to their local community – it’s how we can build better social and economic inclusion – and these awards recognise the Queenslanders who make that happen.” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard
#MQA23
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The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is the national peak body representing multicultural people living in Australia. FECCA believes that Australia’s multicultural society must be fair and that people from multicultural backgrounds should have the same opportunities as all Australians. Formal multicultural policy in Australia is approaching its 50th anniversary. The multicultural sector, and policy makers must consider the way forward, and we all must work towards a future that is built upon the lived experiences of today. FECCA has launched a national survey that seeks to understand the everyday reality of multiculturalism in Australia from the perspective of multicultural people who live here. TAKE THE SURVEY NOW via this link or scan the QR code. |
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Kia Ora, Noa'ia, Mauri, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Tālofa, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Mālō nī, Talofa lava, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pasifika and Māori greetings Pasifika and Māori Health Strategy website is LIVE and ready to be accessed! What is the purpose of the Website? The website is designed to be the online ‘home’ of the Strategy. A collaborative place where you can easily find and can read all things ‘Pasifika and Māori Health Strategy’ including strategy updates/reports, view culturally appropriate health resources, and locate community services via our interactive online directory. How to access? Simply click on the link https://pasifikamaorihealthstrategy.org.au/ Want to provide feedback? We are always keen to hear your ideas or receive feedback. If you have any suggestions please email us via: multicultural@bsphn.org.au This would not have been possible without the momentum, support, and feedback from our Governance group members, especially our community members and stakeholders. Please feel free to share with you network, communities, friends and family😊 Fa’afetai lava (Thank you), Eden Malama
Program Coordinator Palliative Care and Multicultural Health
E: emalama@bsphn.org.au P: 07 3864 7526 |
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If you or someone in your community are interested, the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) are interested in applications from Interpreters in languages like Tok Pisin (also Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Bislama, Solomon Islands Pijin and other Pacific languages) who are able to provide references detailing their experience in interpreting who plan to get credentialed as they have a Capacity Building Program, which could assist them once they are members of the TIS National panel. Please contact the Interpreter Liaison Team on 1300 132 621 or email attention to Sharon at interpreters@homeaffairs.gov.au for more information. |
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City of Gold Coast wishes to recognise those people that are changing lives and our community for the better. Those whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life achievements. Those who go above and beyond with their career achievements. Or those who are simply champions in one way or another and have an impact on those around them. www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Council-region/City-awards-recognition/Gold-Coast-Australian-of-the-Year-Awards |
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Experience the diversity of the Gold Coast through this unique photo exhibition by local photographer Andro and MCCGC. Diverse GC will showcase beautiful faces of Gold Coasters from around the world to celebrate multiculturalism in the lead up to Harmony Week. The exhibition will be open to community for free from 8th-21st March at the Robina Community Centre Art Gallery. This event is funded by the Queensland Government. |
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Atman Okan Okyay presents THE PULSE: *Fortnightly drum classes at Fradgley Hall in Burleigh (1st March, 15th March, 29th March, 12th April, 26th April, 10th May, 24th May, 7th June, 21st June, 5th July ) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. BYO drums or hire for $10, the casual entry fee is $40. There are membership and semester pass options available. *The Pulse Performance (A World Music Celebration) at Mo's in Burleigh on 9th July from 5pm to 9pm. It is going to a world music performance devoted to celebrating the end of semester for Pulse Project with the students, diverse acts from different cultures. See links for more info. https://atmananda.com.au/pulse/ https://atmananda.com.au/event-workshops/ https://atmananda.com.au/pulse-performances/ https://www.mosdesertclubhouse.com/events/the-pulse-a-multicultural-rhythm-dance-festival *Sound Healing Journey on 11th March Tugun Community Centre https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/transcendental-sound-journey-tickets-530677620047 Thanks to Christina - Afro-Cuban Culture Ambassador, Dance & Rhythm Facilitator for connecting. W: www.afrekete.com
FB: AfreketeAustralia Insta: afreketeaustralia |
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Missy Peacharoo creates a unique and exciting experience for children to learn about how and where fruit and vegetables grow and encourage healthy eating habits. Join in the farm adventures and appreciate the work our Aussie farmers do. There will be fun interactive games and song and dance with Missy Peacharoo and Miss Mira. Come meet Missy Peacharoo at Broadwater Parklands on 29th April 9am-12noon at the Amphitheatre. Let's hop into health! |
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MFO was honoured to speak about SONSHINE and Waves Forward at the Gold Coast Health Yabbabah Men's Health and Well Being program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men providing a safe place to yarn and share whilst providing easy access to health services across the Gold Coast. It is held monthly on the third Friday at the Southport Health Precinct, contact 0428232985 for more info. Thank you to Nathan Campbell for the welcome to Jonathan Link, Advanced Mental Health worker for the invite and the Yabbabah men's group warm welcome and bbq. www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/yabbabah-mens-health-and-well-being-program |
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"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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Multicultural Families Organisation office in Southport Ring 5571-0381 for in person or phone appointment Please do not attend office if unwell, close contact or COVID positive Global Village Op shop open Monday to Thursday 10am - 3pm
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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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