Multicultural Families Organisation was humbled and honoured to be the recipient of the 2023 Safer Suburbs Award for Community group category from city of Gold Coast. MFO want to acknowledge the eleven awesome nominees making a huge difference in our communities, we thank our families, past and present management, staff, volunteers and the many partnerships we have worked with and continue to strive with together, for a safe and prosperous Gold Coast. |
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I know that feeling safe is important to all of us. Community safety is one of Council's top priorities. What I also know is we can't achieve real outcomes without the help of the community. Today's Safer Suburbs Awards gave us an opportunity to thank the city’s everyday heroes and recognise their outstanding work in enhancing safety in Gold Coast neighbourhoods. This year we had a total of 32 nominees and they were of such a high standard it made it difficult to select the winners. Special thanks go to our award winners – E_Suarve, Brett and Belinda Beasley (Jack Beasley Foundation), Michelle Beattie (Hearts Of Purple), Multicultural Families Organisation Inc. and Chill Out Zone - Gold Coast Youth Service. All of these organisations are doing incredible work in our community For more information about the City’s commitment to strengthen community safety outcomes, check out the 2027 Community Safety Program: www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/communitysafetyprogram. Mayor Tom Tate |
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Congratulations to all recipients for individual, initiative and community groups awards and thanks once again to City of Gold Coast for this important recognition of community. Special acknowledgement to Farhana from our SARA team in the Individual nomination category. Sign up to SAFE AND LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES Branch eNewsletter. https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/.../Safer-Suburbs-Awards Humbled and Honoured. We share this with you all. |
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The SARA Program is delighted to share our recent participation in the Experiential Workshop hosted by the Broken to Brilliant Charity. Two of our team members had the privilege of attending this workshop, which offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the RESTORE program. During the visit, they had the incredible experience of interacting with facilitators and their remarkable therapeutic horses in the paddock, gaining valuable insights into equine-assisted therapy. |
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This workshop not only facilitated connections with other professionals but, more importantly, allowed our team members to firsthand experience the transformative potential of the RESTORE program. This form of therapy has the capacity to aid survivors of domestic violence in overcoming traumas, fostering a sense of empowerment, rebuilding trust, regulating their nervous systems, and nurturing healthy relationships, both with themselves and with others. Beyond ensuring the safety of survivors, RESTORE plays a pivotal role in offering essential support on their journey from broken to brilliant. We are enthusiastic about exploring further opportunities to incorporate these transformative experiences into our work, as we remain committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. |
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MFO celebrated QLD Senior's Month 2023 with our Homework Club and Youth Programs at Southport State School and at the Gold Coast Multicultural Hub! We treated the seniors with some High Tea, enjoying great conversations about their childhoods. Lots of laughter and joy. |
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MFO were honoured to attend the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence annual Sexual Violence Awareness Breakfast and met with so many of the amazing front-line workers who support our community. It was also lovely to meet Queensland Attorney General and Minister for Domestic Violence Yvette D'Ath MP. Each of us were asked to make a pledge to take action towards preventing sexual violence. We always start by believing. |
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MFO was honoured once again to attend a live presentation by Matt & Sarah Brown (& family) of ‘She Is Not Your Rehab’ at the Queensland State Library in Brisbane on the first leg of their 3-month world tour. This presentation was co-hosted by the Qld Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Council & the MATE By-Stander Program at Griffith University. Matt & Sarah spoke powerfully of their personal motivation to heal themselves and their families & community by sharing their journeys to break the cycle of fear, having grown up in a family and culture where violence behind closed doors impacted so many people. The importance of communication and community was demonstrated in each of their anecdotes from Matt’s Barber's chair and the group programs & the support App that is now available in NZ. |
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MFO’s Multicultural Women’s Office Update We have had another amazing month facilitating the women’s programs, sharing our talents with each other, and exploring our beautiful city. |
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This month our lovely Achati hosted our cooking session at the Women’s Space cooking some of her amazing traditional Anuak foods for us to enjoy. As usual we have also explored our creativity through the sewing group and arts and crafts activities and enjoyed walking through our beautiful Broadwater Parklands in the fresh air and sunshine. |
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We were also delighted to chat with Savita Gurung, multicultural officer at the City of Gold Coast to learn about all their amazing services and activities. We are in the final few weeks of our women’s programs that will all take a break during December and January and resume back from February next year. Our end of year women’s party will be held at MFO on Wednesday 29 November where we will celebrate our cultures through dance, music and food. For registrations into our programs please contact rana@mfo.org.au |
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“You are unique” MFO SONSHINE Multicultural Men’s monthly group (held on first Wed of the month) thanks Laauli Saua-Iosefa known to community as Epa from Cross Cultural Police Liaison Unit Gold Coast for bringing out his clippers again to share his story and passion for community. His words and actions instantly built trust with the group and opened up opportunities for them to also share. Truly humbled and honoured to be a part of the evening. Huge thank you to all the SONSHINE members who have attended over 2023, wishing you all the best for the rest of the year and into the new year ahead. Contact Kevn D at kevin@mfo.org.au or message 0402448208. Final SONSHINE 1st November, back in Feb 2024. |
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SONSHINE feature: Sohail Bakhshi Born in Panjshir, Afghanistan, and raised in a war zone, Sohail's photography showcases the beauty amidst destruction. His unique style, extensive training, and diverse experience doing photography work for Bakhtar Organisation, Jason Wood MP, SCCQ, MCCGC, MFO, and in Real estate highlight his diversity. Sohail Bakhshi is not just a photographer but a multifaceted individual, dedicated to photography, his community, and an inspiring journey from Afghanistan to Australia. Contact Sohail for opportunities at your next event. asohailbakhshi@gmail.com |
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Lifeblood x Movember “Donating blood is so important because one in three men will need blood in their lifetime and only one in 30 actually donates blood, which is too low.” – Travis Garone, Movember. |
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MFO attended the "Talking Women's Health" round table with QLD Minster for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman MP and QLD Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon. The round table was a community consultation and a fantastic opportunity for MFO to contribute to the future "Queensland Women and Girls' Health Strategy". |
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ARTBEAT - 10th year event Celebrating the creative strengths and talents of people within the Gold Coast community living with a mental illness. Thank you to all the community organisation stalls with information, art, games and/or activities and artists we had on stage today. |
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Thanks to Gold Coast Health, see you Nov 10 at Tugun Satellite hospital Community Open Day. |
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Thank you Josephine Aufai Principal Advisor Education services - Engagement in Learning from Department of Education Hope Island for opportunity for Kevin and Steve to share about MFO activities and programs like Youth at Promise and Waves Forward at team meeting. |
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2023 Tara Brown Touch Football tournament, raising much needed funds for domestic violence prevention with community. Cassie from MFO Social Inclusion and Life Skills program was part of assisting two disability teams playing on the day. Huge thanks to everyone involved. Tara Brown Foundation for Domestic Violence Relief |
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MFO was proudly involved in planning, hosting & presenting the annual Collaborative free Professional Development Day for people working to support children, young people and families on the Gold Coast. The day was held at Men Of Business in Southport for the second year in a row during Mental Health Week. We were delighted to have over 130 local people in attendance to hear presentations about cutting edge strategies to help workers support young people and families facing many complex challenges. MFO & other members of the Local Level Alliance including Bravehearts, Wesley Mission Qld, Carer’s Qld, GC Health (CYMHS / Ed-Linq / SBYHN’s) Education Qld, Accoras, GCYS & GCPHN. |
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Dr Anita Ona and Katherine Cacavas from Gold Coast Public Health Unit interviewing Kevin about immunisation, living in #4209 and how the current health services can better support community. |
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PINN - Pacific and Indigenous Nations Network meeting on the Gold Coast chaired by Vicky Rose at Nerang Neighbourhood Centre with representatives from community services and organisations, sharing together relevant information, encouragement and of course food. Wonderful to see new additions to the centre with new shower, washing machine and dryer providing much needed relief and support for community. |
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2023 Gold Coast Diversity and Inclusion Forum was held at Robina Community Centre on Wednesday 4 October. Hosted by the Multicultural Advisory Service’s Multicultural Advisor, Rhee Duthie, the day brought together a diverse group of professionals from across sectors—from the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Aged Care, disability and community health service providers to universities and community leaders. Thanks to ECCQ. |
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MFO recently attended the BRiTA Futures train the trainer 2-day workshop facilitated by Qld Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC) right here on the Gold Coast. BRiTA Futures is an innovative program to support the emotional process of migration. There are three versions of this program, for Primary Schools, Adolescents, and Adults/Parents. The program helps participants better understand the importance of two-way cultural exchange and acculturation where they build skills. The main topics discussed in the different sessions are health and wellbeing, the migratory process, cultural strengths, resiliency, social connections, communication skills, evolving roles, and intergenerational relationships. It allows participants to share with others and learn from each other’s ideas and experiences. |
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The Youth At Promise team represented MFO at this year’s “Thriving Financially - Living Fully” Mini Expo hosted by the Gold Coast Financial Literacy Action Group (FLAG) during Anti-Poverty Week & Seniors Month. The event was held at Varsity Community Resource Centre & saw many local community organisations come together to inform senior members of the Gold Coast community about what services are available to support them. A big shout out to Lisa Simpson of Relationships Australia & FLAG for her efforts in coordinating this event. |
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Gold Coast Hungarian Association Inc. Food Festival 2023 was held on the Gold Coast at Country Paradise Parklands with MC Renata in charge of keeping the day flowing. Lots of entertainment and competitions for the whole family, it was a fun filled day out for the whole community. |
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More Fantastic Opportunities |
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October has been a busy month for our participants. Our Individual Support students had fun completing their first aid certificates, The Supply Chain students are due to complete their forklift licences and we had the commencement of our first Certificate II in Business class. It's always so awesome seeing our students grow. |
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Findings of the Disability Royal Commission The Government welcomes the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The Commission’s final report sets out a vision for a more inclusive Australia for the one in six Australians living with disability, in which people with disability live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation; where human rights are protected; and individuals live with dignity, equality and respect; and can fulfil their potential. To read the report and learn the outcomes and recommendation, please clink the link below https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/final-report |
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We are now more accessible than ever before. At MFO, we are constantly looking at ways to improve our service and make ourselves more accessible to the community. To better understand client’s needs, we often engage in consultation with individuals to identify any issues or challenges they face, particularly in the NDIS space. Recently we have identified that many people much prefer to communicate online or via email rather than over the phone or face to face. While we are available via email, we wanted to streamline the process even further to make it as simple and easy for everyone. |
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To make this process as easy as possible, we created an online enquiry/referral form which is easily access via a QR code as shown here. Simply scan the code using your phone camera and select the pop-up link and you will be directed to our online form. Just add your name and some details and your enquiry and we will respond to your enquiry quickly. It can be completed in one minute and we are alerted immediately to the enquire and can respond in a matter of minutes. If you or someone you know is looking for disability supports or have any NDIS enquiry, please feel free to use the QR code or if you prefer to speak to someone, you can all us directly on (07) 55710381 any time or email reception@mfo.org.au Until next month, take care and stay safe from MFO’s NDIS Team. |
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Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Half Day Workshop - Gold Coast, QLD |
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School Holiday Program, Youth Hubs - Wesley Mission Upper Coomera Runaway Bay Coomera Pacific Pines Thrower House Nerang Pimpama |
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LibrariesWelcome to City of Gold Coast Libraries, which operates 13 branch libraries and a mobile library service. |
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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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