April brings us all cooler weather, end of Ramadan, school holidays, Easter long Weekend and ANZAC commemorations. MFO wishes everyone a safe time with family and friends. |
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“STRONGER TOGETHER” What an absolutely awesome Harmony Week From hosting a fun and interactive Pop Up Harmony celebration for TAFE Queensland staff and students with local performers Lyle "with a smile" Kekena and Tracey Palupe Polynesian Fitness with our friends from AFLQ, GC SUNS in support with giveaways along with GC TITANS. This week not only celebrates our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds but highlights the date 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. |
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Honoured to be part of the first Australian Citizenship Ceremony organised by Department of Home Affairs and Gold Coast Titans during Multicultural Round 2023 with Presiding Officer GC Mayor Tom Tate. Titans Multicultural Ambassadors celebrated the day with a BIG win. So many highlights from Harmony Week THANK YOU from MFO! #everyonebelongs #harmonyweek |
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Thanks to Keebra Park State High for the opportunity to be part of your Harmony Day celebrations, congrats to students. Thanks to Abdullah - Diversity Coordinator AFLQ for invite to speak on Harmony Week with Jason, CDO from Multicultural Australia at AFLQ headquarters, finally thanks to Krystal from Southport Library, Michelle from Westpac Helensvale and Helen from Creative Health Hub from Gold Coast University Hospital - GCUH for hosting our MFO Harmony Week cultural mannequins and displays. AMAZING!!! #everyonebelongs #harmonyweek |
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Thanks to MFO team for supporting Persian Cultural Group for celebrating Persian Nowruz Festivity The actual day of Persian Nowruz is 21st March coincides with Harmony Day and the first day of spring in northern hemisphere. Nasrin V. |
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Applications are now open for the Level Up Residency 2023. Level Up Residency is an incubator program which has been supporting and nurturing the development of Gold Coast young visual artists since 2017. |
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International Women’s Day Celebration 2023 MFO was delighted to host our annual International Women’s Day Celebration in collaboration with our partners at TAFE Queensland Southport. We celebrated women’s achievements with TAFE students by talking about the theme for this year of #EmbraceEquity. We also showed a video by Human Rights Commission about the difference between Equity and Equality. We would like to thank our fantastic speaker Ivana Strbac Alfonso who spoke so beautifully about her full-circle moment coming back to TAFE with her mother today 26 years after they arrived as refugees and were settled here with support of MFO. We also celebrated with the amazing Pinky of Pinksta & Swaussy fire and the mesmerising Orana Dance Group with the Cook Islands song Ariki Vaine meaning Queen Woman. The celebrations continue throughout #qww2023 where all across QLD there is a whole week celebrating Queensland Women focusing on the theme Empower Her Voice Secure Her Future. We must encourage women to tell their stories and give them every opportunity to speak and be heard so we can secure a better future for women and girls. #IWD2023 #goldcoast #multicultural #community #family #diversity |
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Easter eggs and chocolates for 100 families A huge shoutout to our friends at RizeUp for the donations of Easter eggs and chocolates for the families we support. Since the humble beginnings of the SARA Program, RizeUp has been extending its helping hand and supporting us to enhance our support to women and children affected by domestic and family violence. However, it is worth mentioning that RizeUp support goes above and beyond sweetening our Easter experiences. RizeUp helps women and children leaving abusive relationships to furnish their new homes and has assisted dozens of migrant and refugee women without Medicare to access professional medical and psychological support. |
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SARA office will be closed over the Easter public holidays. If you or someone else you know are in immediate danger, dial Emergency Services - 000 EMERGENCY NUMBERS DVConnect (Women’s line) 1800 811 811 DVConnect (Men’s line) 1800 600 636 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120 Lifeline 13 11 14 TIS (Translating and Interpreting Service) 131 450 |
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Social media self-defence training The Women In The Spotlight (WITS) program offers social media self-defence training to help women use social media platforms more safely and effectively. Social media self-defence training aims to help women raise their voices instead of being silenced. The training teaches women how to use tech tools to manage their social media safely, report online abuse and protect their own wellbeing. The training is also an opportunity to advance gender equality, so all women are empowered to make choices about how they engage online. What does the training cover?Our social media self-defence training covers: How to recognise online abuse and the impact it has on women’s working lives. How to set up your social media accounts and profiles with safety in mind. How to deal with online abuse through reporting and protecting your wellbeing. This includes information on the practical role eSafety has in safeguarding Australians from online harm.
We offer two types of social media self-defence training. We run sessions for organisations and regular webinars for the general public. Social media self-defence training for organisationsWe offer free 1- to 1.5-hour sessions to organisations. We deliver the session exclusively to your workplace and tailor it to your industry. These sessions can be in person, or online via webinar. For information about how to book social media self-defence training for your workplace or organisation, email WITS@esafety.gov.au Social media self-defence training for the publicIn response to growing interest, we also offer free 45-minute social media self-defence webinars to the public. These regular sessions are designed for those who are active online and looking for tips and tools to manage their social media safely. REGISTER NOW |
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“STORIES FROM MY BASKET” MFO was delighted to be one of the first recipients of this inspiring book “STORIES FROM MY BASKET” from Aunty Joanne. What a wonderful way to acknowledge on the same week as International Women’s Day. Congratulations Aunty Joanne on this amazing collection of her personal stories, lived experience with messages of hope, anguish, healing, challenges and acceptance. |
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Gold Coast Youth Hubs Check out the Gold Coast Youth Hubs with activities this April School Holidays click on your area for more info. Thanks to Tina and WMQ Youth and Family Support Services crew and City of Gold Coast. Here is Preston Campbell OAM who popped in for a quick chat with Megan from Upper Coomera Youth Hub. |
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'Love Where You Live' Rana and Steve were interviewed as part of Gold Coast world record attempt at Kurrawa Surf Club with the theme 'Love Where You Live'. ABC Gold Coast were one of the ABC radio stations across the country aiming to set the most number of outside broadcasts in 24 hours. |
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Gold Coast Hungarian Senior Citizens Club freedom and independence event One of the most important days in Hungarian history is 15h of March 1848. On this day, the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-49 began, with the aim of separation from the Habsburg Empire. This war of independence was also significant because it later became part of Hungarian identity. There was a simultaneous effort to achieve individual freedom and national self-determination. The Gold Coast Hungarian Senior Citizens Club invited MFO to share some national poems and songs while they remembered those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom and independence. Renata |
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MFO Volleyball Our Friday afternoon Volleyball group has been both amazing and very exciting, with over 30 young people attending regularly at Broadwater Parklands. In these last couple of years, volleyball has created a safe fun environment and seen strong healthy friendships formed. Volleyball has become a space where our clients can discuss employment opportunities and education programs, it has become a great way to build networks amongst our multicultural communities. Mohamed |
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MFO hosted meeting with Phil and David representing Australian Department of Home Affairs at Southport office pictured with Cornelia, Lillan and Renata. Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe. www.homeaffairs.gov.au |
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AFLQ & Bachar Houli Foundation Iftar Dinner MFO was honoured to attend AFLQ Iftar dinner Friday 31 March, in conjunction with Bachar Houli Foundation, hosted at the new home of the Brisbane Lions in Springfield. Brighton Homes Arena is located in Ipswich and 30 minutes drive from the Gabba, all attendees were given a tour before prayer, Acknowledgment of Country and dinner. Thank you AFLQ, Brisbane Lions and Abdullah Haddad- Diversity Coordinator for organising this wonderful evening and to special guest former AFL premiership player Bachar Houli for Richmond Tigers who spoke about Ramadan, his passion for community and the work of the Bachar Houli Foundation https://www.bacharhoulifoundation.com.au It was a night of sports, community and government coming together to break bread, share visions and network. Q & A with representatives from AFLQ, Islamic College, local government closed out the night before many photos and autographed footy balls with Bachar. Looking forward to Gather Round in April and 2023 Multicultural Round. Let's go GC SUNS! www.harbrowmentoring.com.au |
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We Connect Youth term 1 is done and School Holidays are here! Term 1 is done and dusted, time flies so fast! This term we had so much fun with We Connect Youth group, celebrating International Women’s Day, we went out to enjoy the sun and bbq picnic, played a tennis table tournament, and we had a creative storytelling session! Now it is time to take a break, rest and enjoy school holiday activities! Are you interested in being part of We Connect Youth? Send us an email at homework@mfo.org.au |
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Preparing for Natural Disasters workshop MFO Staff were pleased to attend Gold Coast City Council’s workshop for multicultural Community Leaders on Preparing for Natural Disasters like storms/floods/fires etc. Council’s website has great resources available in a range of community languages. Click here for more information. MFO was delighted to attend the final Harmony Week event on the Gold Coast on Sunday morning 26th of March at Robina Community Centre. Our colleagues at MCCGC hosted a great celebration of our diverse community by showcasing local performers who entertained those gathered with an array of beautiful cultural performances. |
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MFO present at the Gold Coast Homelessness Symposium Youth at Promise team was present at the Gold Coast Homelessness symposium, a great opportunity to come together as a community and inspire innovation in our collaborative response to homelessness on the Gold Coast. The first part of the event was an interactive workshop where the participants discussed 4 key points: What are the power and principles of collaboration? How do we bring collaboration alive in the Gold Coast? What does the network bring to our community? What can I bring to the network to bring collaboration to life? Thanks to the Gold Coast Homelessness Network for their invitation. https://www.gchomelessnessnetwork.com/gchn-homeless-symposium |
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MOB - Men of Business Academy breakfast fundraiser With guest speaker Dr Christian Rowan organised by Rob Molhoek MP. What an amazing school right in the heart of Southport, still growing. Powerful and inspirational testimony by Marco co founder MOB, great opportunity for Southport Business Leaders Network - invited guests from Gold Coast community, businesses, local Council and state government to hear and see firsthand the positive changes in young men and their families. Please contact them for more info about referrals, support and donations. |
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Building Better Men Wellness Networking Breakfast Men of Business Academy invited the Youth at Promise Team to their annual Wellness Networking Breakfast. This event builds on networks in the education sector with representatives from Queensland Education, local schools and non profit organizations who work with young people and other services that are beneficial for the students. The key speaker was Jim Hogan – Chief of Innovation at Google Cloud. Despite being diagnosed with autism when he was 7 years old, with the support he received from his family and against the odds made his dream a reality: work at Google.
Thanks so much to Men of Business for the invitation. |
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Rana’s Travels My family and I travelled to the Middle East over the Christmas holidays visiting our homeland of Lebanon as well as Egypt and Dubai. It was a very special time as we had not seen our family for a number of years through the lockdowns. Not only did we spend precious time with loved ones, but we also explored our own beautiful country visiting many of its ancient and significant historical sites. It truly reignites your soul when you go back home and spend time on your land and with your people. We felt truly privileged to share this experience with our teenage children who now feel a stronger connection to their roots, heritage and culture. |
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“I have started really annoying my colleagues with me absolutely loving my new gym (Planet Fitness at Australia Fair). I just want to spend most of my free time there. But, it has made me extra happy when on Fridays I see so many of our clients, especially youngsters working out, pumping away, chatting and having a great laugh together. Exercise is an important part of keeping teens healthy. Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children and teens is important for when they grow older. Lifestyles that are learned in childhood are more likely to stay with the child into adulthood. We should be grateful for such a great opportunity that this gym provides and allows young people to be able to afford memberships as such ($5/week). We need to create more opportunities that is affordable and enjoyable for young people to get engaged with, which will naturally deter them from unhealthy habits. Yet, I was still lifting more than them…… Naturally 😊 Renata |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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As we move into April, MFO would like to re-introduce Tash and welcome her to our NDIS team. With her experience within the administrative sector, we are excited to have her as part of our team. ‘I love being a part of the NDIS team, they have been very accepting of having me on the team, which is amazing. I am working on help the NDIS team reduce their work load, so I help fill out forms and a few other things. I look forward to the future ahead for me with the NDIS team’ Tash |
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The NDIS team has been successfully supporting our growing number of clients and are looking forward to welcoming new participants from all backgrounds to engage in our services and referral pathways to get 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 NDIS newsflash for NDIS participants: 18th April – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary outing (15 max). We are open to more group outings in future such as once a month. |
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Our Individual Support students are off to a great start having just completed their Manual Handling Certificate at the MyPath Education facility in Yatala where they learnt skills in assisting their clients in and out of a wheel chair, how to safely operate a hoist as well as personal care. We are excited to see how these students progress over the coming weeks. If you are interested in a rewarding career as an Individual Support worker, we still have spots available for our next intake commencing April 5th |
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The next intake for Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations is due to start April 27th. This is a 9 week course that runs 2x days a week in Southport and in week 9 you will complete your forklift licence with Major Training Organisation in Yatala. This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge of the logistics industry and get your forklift licence for FREE! Please contact Nicole for more information on either of these courses on 0426636904 or nicole@mfo.org.au for more information. Remember all of our courses come with full wrap around support including assistance with creating industry specific resumes, cover letters and finding employment. Please click on the link below to register your interest MFO Expression of Interest Form |
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Nominations open for Multicultural Queensland Awards BE QUICK!
The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise outstanding contributions to an inclusive and harmonious Queensland.
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 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.
#MQA23 |
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A website https://www.multiculturalforvoice.org/ was developed to encourage our Multicultural communities to be a part of this important and historical referendum. Click below for more info. |
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In Queensland, it is illegal to sell or supply an e-cigarette/vape to children. It is also illegal to possess or sell an e-cigarette or vape containing nicotine unless it was obtained on a doctor’s prescription and dispensed by a pharmacist.
The Australian Department of Health continues to advise there are NO safe vape choices – even vapes that do not contain nicotine. The healthiest option is not to vape or smoke.
Watch the ‘say not to vapes’ video below to explore the risks associated with vaping. |
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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-12 noon at the Amphitheatre. Let's hop into health! |
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FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT MEETING NERANG FEELING HELPLESS AND ISOLATED AND AT A LOSS AT WHAT TO DO? Drug and alcohol use places immense emotional and practical strain on family members. With support, they can improve their own wellbeing, those of other family members, and improve outcomes for everyone. WHEN: 3rd Monday night of each month TIME: 6pm – 8pm Where: Nerang Neighborhood Centre, 29 Martin St Nerang. COST: FREE RSVP ESSENTAIL: Natasha 0484 002 178 www.fds.org.au |
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Parents & Carers Support Group: This is a place where all parents and carers are welcome to come to connect, find support, share ideas and learn something new. If you are a parent or a carer of a child living with disability, chronic health condition or has additional needs, you are more than welcome to attend. Monthly, Wednesdays When: 19 April; 17 May Time: 6pm-8pm Cost: Free Where: AIR Care, 1/492 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes Contact: 0433 963 876 |
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Purpose of the Pasifika and Māori Health Strategy 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? https://pasifikamaorihealthstrategy.org.au/ Want to provide feedback? Please email: multicultural@bsphn.org.au |
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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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Crisis support In case of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire or Ambulance. |
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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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