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FECCA Conference 2024
24/10/2024
FECCA Conference 2024

Over two days, our MCCGC and CURA teams joined organisations and community members at the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCA Conference 2024 to discuss and reflect on government policies, service delivery, and future challenges and opportunities for multicultural communities. This year's conference was centred around "Our Experiences. Our Future", which highlighted the strengths and challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Australia. Shane, Emily, Jess and Candice were part of the Organising Committee, our team participated with a stall during the event, and our Head of Business and Stakeholder Development, Emily, led the “Breaking the Walls, Opening the Doors” panel where speakers like Eman Mourad, from Cultural Perspectives, Susan Forde, Griffith University, Dr. Mohita Roman and Diana Mastrantuono, SSI and TRPP Project, and Despina Amanatidou and Tea Dietterich, 2M Language Services presented their findings on the importance of effective communication, community engagement, and the value of lived experiences in improving services and fostering a sense of belonging. Our team enjoyed attending conferences, panels and networking with other organisations, community leaders and members, policymakers, and advocates to discuss and reflect on their experiences with multicultural communities and ways to build a better future together. FECCA Reflections Our CEO, Shane, highlighted the powerful address by Her Excellency Imelde Sabushimike, Minister for National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights, and Gender of Burundi. Minister Sabushimike shared her journey of community empowerment, improving the lives of the Batwa people by distributing land, livestock, and seeds, and building a school for vulnerable children through the Girimbabazi Foundation. On the other hand, our COO, Jess, also expressed, “This was an excellent opportunity to support our State and National peak bodies in highlighting the importance of multiculturalism being embedded into our whole of government strategies. It was a motivation and excitement to engage both from an organisational perspective, as well as supporting our communities to engage in the National Anti-racism strategy, launching on the 26th of November and our continued efforts in listening, learning and further engaging in how to stand in allyship with our First Nations communities.” Participating in this event reinforced our commitment to advocating for our multicultural communities and the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and the impact of shared experiences in driving positive change.

Meet our HSP Client Kubra and Explore Her Incredible Story
17/06/2024
Meet our HSP Client Kubra and Explore Her Incredible Story

Refugee Week welcomes and celebrates everyone seeking safety, regardless of how they arrived here. This year’s #RefugeeWeek theme is “Finding Freedom”. To mark Refugee Week, we share the story of Kubra, one of our Humanitarian Settlement Program clients. Kubra came to Australia in September 2023 as a refugee from Pakistan. Even Though she is Afghan, she and her family fled their homeland in 1995 due to the war and conflict with the Taliban during their first occupation. In Pakistan, she continued to live as a refugee and attended a refugee school. Her dedication and good grades allowed her to apply for a scholarship to study dentistry in 2013, which she successfully got. She spent part of her early life in Pakistan but missed her homeland. So, she decided to return in 2019 when the situation improved. However, when the Taliban regained control, Kubra was in Kabul working as a dentist. Her mum and sister were in Daikundi. In 2021, they decided to pack up their lives once again and flee to Pakistan. “It was hard for women and girls to live alone under their regime, as we couldn’t study or work.” In Pakistan, they applied for a Humanitarian Visa to Australia and arrived on the 8th of September. “When we arrived here, we felt protected, safe, and relieved. Our lives changed drastically as we gained freedoms as women we didn’t have back home. I remember all the support MCCGC provided us in settling, such as teaching us how to open a bank account, visit a GP, and other important daily tasks. The organisation guided and inspired us through the process.” Kubra was very happy to be in Australia, but deep in her heart, she knew she wanted to continue her dentistry career. She started by having her qualifications recognised through the Australian Dental Council (ADC). After much effort, she received a positive outcome. “Now, my challenge was finding a job related to my professional background. I went to many clinics, handing my resume, and did many online applications. However, they asked for Australian experience, which I didn’t have. Until someone gave me the opportunity and employed me as a dental assistant. I was so happy.” The policies and procedures for dentists in Australia are different from those in Afghanistan, so she started a journey to learn new things and was passionate about it. “My boss is very supportive. He guides me on how dentists work in Australia and introduces me to the technology used here, which is much more advanced compared to what we used back home.” “I overcame many challenges to get to where I am now, but everything is about persistence and consistency. Even though the Australian work environment for dentists is different, you can self-learn. I did it, and my journey has been amazing. The amount of knowledge you can gain using internet platforms is incredible. The first two weeks at my job were challenging, but now I’m improving daily.” Kubra shared some advice for all migrants coming to Australia, “Here you have many opportunities, so you need to work hard and make the world a better place for everyone. Don’t rely just on the government and give back to those who need you.” She dreams of becoming a dentist in Australia, running her clinic, and, more importantly, giving back to the community. She wants to work in research for the public health sector and help the community. Thank you, Kubra, for sharing your beautiful story and inspiring us to follow our dreams.

Gold Coast Community Leaders Reflect on Australian Identity in the Celebration of MCCGC's 40 Years of Legacy
29/01/2024
Gold Coast Community Leaders Reflect on Australian Identity in the Celebration of MCCGC's 40 Years of Legacy

Australia's history is tied to migration, shaping our collective identity. This country was built on migration, and the patterns have evolved over time, shaped by historical events and changing societal values. A transformative evolution in Australia's migration history was abolishing the White Australian Policy and establishing multicultural peak bodies. In this important discussion, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) proudly presents a series of insightful videos featuring leaders from the multicultural community commemorating its 40th anniversary. These videos showcase critical aspects of Australia's identity, the racism it carries, and the role in supporting the multicultural community on the Gold Coast. According to Emad Nimri, MCCGC Project Consultant from 2005 to 2012, "...with diversity comes complexity, which underscores the need to address intricate issues". Within Australia's evolving multicultural policy framework, the emphasis has shifted from assimilation to coexistence. There is a big necessity for an ongoing commitment to impact, provide information, and educate about the enduring value of diversity, particularly in the cultural and linguistic context. Together, their voices contribute to shaping an inclusive Australia, welcoming and embracing diversity both today and tomorrow. By abolishing the White Australia Policy, a wave of people from around the world came and chose to make a home here on the Gold Coast. What wasn’t established were models of support for migrants to lead on, where organisations like MCCGC play a critical role, being the peak body for multiculturalism on the Gold Coast. MCCGC, born in 1983 to address the unmet needs of migrants and refugees, has been a catalyst for change, fostering an inclusive community over the past four decades. Since then, MCCGC’s vision has been crystal clear: to foster an inclusive community that cherishes cultural diversity. And the mission is to connect the community, impact lives, ignite hope, and build bridges of understanding. MCCGC's CAMS Officer, Candice Sullivan, also featured in the videos, presents an important piece, recognising MCCGC's journey as a collective story built on honesty, connection, and the pursuit of a compassionate and connected world. MCCGC’s Chief Executive Officer, Shane Klintworth, says, “40 years might seem like a long time, but in the grand tale of community and connection, it's just a chapter. A chapter full of learning, unity, growth, and unwavering commitment. Here's to the journey ahead as we continue to write this story together.” Let the reflection on these 40 years be a message for the 40 to come. Let's honor the work laid by those before us, support the movement of the youth and let the voice of diversity fill your heart with hope for our future. Here's to 40 years of MCCGC's unwavering commitment and to the countless more years to come! Maria's Poem Maria is a valued member of our MCCGC team. Several months ago, she embarked on a new journey in Tasmania. One day before her farewell, she wrote this beautiful poem and shared it with us on the day we said goodbye. We feel fortunate to have had her as part of our community. If you want to watch the series of videos, please click here

Guiding New Beginnings, Empowering Humanitarian Entrants
23/10/2023
Guiding New Beginnings, Empowering Humanitarian Entrants

In the heart of the vibrant Gold Coast, our Settlement team stands to support and empower people who have recently arrived in Australia as humanitarian entrants to access culturally appropriate services and navigate education, employment, and health systems to reach their goals and make Australia their home. To achieve this, we have two programs, the Settlement Engagement Transition Support Program (SETS) funded by our long-standing partner SSI and the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) in collaboration with our esteemed partner, Multicultural Australia. In our HSP program, our dedicated team assists clients in their settlement journey during the crucial 18 months following their arrival. Our goal is to help them orient themselves to the local area, access essential services, establish connections, and find the support they need. For those who have arrived within the last five years, our SETS program steps in to address their ongoing settlement needs in Australia. We understand that the journey doesn't end upon arrival and are committed to providing ongoing support. At MCCGC, we aim to empower and equip our clients with the necessary tools and resources to rebuild their lives, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging within the vibrant Gold Coast community. If you are a humanitarian entrant on the Gold Coast or know someone who could benefit from our Humanitarian Support Program, get in touch with us. Our devoted team is here to assist you, offer guidance, and provide further information on accessing our services. Together, we'll build bridges to new beginnings and brighter horizons. To learn more, please click on the links below: Humanitarian Settlement Program https://www.mccgc.org.au/services/humanitarian-settlement-program/ Settlement Engagement Transition Support Program https://www.mccgc.org.au/services/settlement-engagement-and-transition-support-sets

Cultivating Wellbeing and Connection
23/10/2023
Cultivating Wellbeing and Connection

For MCCGC, nurturing wellbeing and fostering connections within multicultural communities is not just a mission, it's a lifeline that impacts countless lives in profound ways. We understand the unique challenges faced by migrants, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, and isolation. Our aim is to provide a welcoming space, offering vital support through programs like our Community Pathway Connector and NDIS Coordination and Access. In our Community Pathway Connector program we help multicultural communities find suitable and culturally safe support and services. If you know someone in need of additional support, we're here to facilitate connections with secure and compassionate resources. What makes our program exceptional? It's all about you—personalised, confidential, and available to individuals of all ages and visa statuses, without the need for a prior diagnosis. Your path to well-being starts here! In our NDIS Access and Support Coordination program we can help you to navigate the NDIS System in your preferred language. We can support your journey from applying to the NDIS program to point you in the right direction if you already have one. If you need help managing your NDIS funding, we can help you put your plan into action and make sure you're getting the most out of your funding. We'll help you understand what services and funds are available to you and connect you with your community and appropriate service providers. We have a unique understanding of personal needs in a cultural context based on our extensive experience with multicultural communities. In summary, MCCGC's role in supporting the wellbeing and connection of clients facing different barriers is immeasurable. This support not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a diverse, cohesive, and harmonious Australian society. MCCGC's work is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, understanding, and community-building. If you want to learn more, please click on our links below: Community Pathway Connector https://www.mccgc.org.au/mccgc-services/mental-health-q53tpw/ NDIS Coordination and Access https://www.mccgc.org.au/mccgc-services/ndis

Enrolling HSP young Clients in Primary and High School: A Heartwarming Journey
13/10/2023
Enrolling HSP young Clients in Primary and High School: A Heartwarming Journey

The HSP team has successfully enrolled eight of our clients from the Humanitarian Settlement Program in three different schools on the Gold Coast. Witnessing these young students start their educational journey was a heartwarming experience. For some of our clients, this marked their first return to school in nine years, and others had faced interruptions in their education due to circumstances in their transition country. Going back to school was a dream come true for these resilient kids. A significant effort has been dedicated to reaching this milestone. MCCGC has been actively collaborating with schools to address the complex needs our clients have in their educational journey. We've also been proactively networking with stakeholders to overcome the various barriers our clients face. This includes meeting educational needs by partnering with organisations such as The Smith Family and St. Vincent de Paul, as well as engaging with school guidance office. In our commitment to supporting schools, we've proposed cultural awareness training for their staff. This training equips school staff to better understand our clients' cultural background and their journeys before arriving in Australia, enabling them to provide more effective support. We've worked closely with parents to educate them about the Australian education system, as well as the expectations and requirements of schools from parents. As a symbol of our support, we've provided our clients with school bags generously donated to MCCGC by Arcadia. MCCGC remains dedicated to closely working with and supporting our young clients in their respective schools. We will continue to build relationships and networks with organisations to ensure our HSP clients have a successful start to their educational journey and achieve their dreams. Additionally, one of our young clients will be joining TAFE, where she aspires to improve her English, start a pathway in nursing, and eventually pursue higher education to become a general practitioner and a doctor. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who collaborated with us to make this journey a reality. Your support has been invaluable in making these dreams come true.