Latest News

My Life, My Story Christian
18/06/2025
My Life, My Story Christian

This is the second release of our section, My Life, My Story, our storytelling piece to inspire our multicultural communities, and is perfectly timed for Refugee Week. Today, we introduce you to Christian, our talented volunteer and SETS client. Christian's journey is marked by his resilience, hope, and determination. Let's read his story and discover the incredible experiences that have shaped his life. "My name is Christian Biregeyi Ishara, and this is my story A Life as a Refugee Since birth, I have always been a refugee. I was born in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an area marked by three decades of conflict. I grew up in an environment of perpetual insecurity. This land, beautiful and rich in natural resources, has long been turned into a battlefield due to the greed for its minerals. In 2011, another war broke out, dispersing the population and turning villages into ruins. That day, I was with my family when chaos swept everything away. In the panic, we fled, each in a different direction. I crossed borders alone, not knowing if I would ever see my loved ones again. My journey led me to Burundi, to a refugee camp, a place where hope and resignation coexist. Arriving in Australia: A Dream Confronted with Reality After more than a decade of uncertainty, I had the opportunity to be resettled in Australia in 2023, thanks to the humanitarian program of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Australian government. Like any new arrival, I had dreams and ambitions: to continue my studies, build a professional career, and finally live a better life. I imagined Australia as a paradise, a land of opportunities. But soon, I was confronted with a more complex reality. My first obstacle was the language: I did not speak a word of English, which limited my interactions and reinforced my sense of isolation. Then, there was social pressure. Members of my community told me that I was aiming too high, that I should settle for a simple job. "A refugee cannot succeed here; you better find a factory job" they said. Yet, in Burundi, I was a journalist, a creator, and a screenwriter. The idea of abandoning my dreams to confine myself to a job without prospects was unbearable. But how could I move forward in a country where everything was foreign to me? Uncertainty and loneliness slowly plunged me into deep depression. I felt trapped, unable to see a way out. A Life-Changing Encounter I moved to Australia in 2023, and to be honest, I felt a bit lost, between the language and the new culture, I couldn’t see a way forward. Fortunately, I got in touch with MCCGC Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP). At first, I didn’t think much of it. I had already met many people who promised help without truly understanding my situation. However, I decided to listen before making any judgments. The members of MCCGC introduced me to their various programs that support new arrivals. But more importantly, for the first time since I arrived, I felt understood and supported. One of them told me something that resonated deeply: "You are in a land of opportunities. Seize them with both hands. Here, there are no dreams what you consider a dream here can become a reality." Those words were a turning point for me. Thanks to the HSP program, I was introduced to their volunteering program and now I’m part of it. I began to understand my new environment better, improve my English, and rebuild my confidence. I learned that in Australia, information is crucial: many refugees or migrant isolate themselves, out of fear or lack of resources. But organisations like MCCGC exist to help us navigate this new world and fully integrate. A New Beginning Today, I seize every opportunity that comes my way. I have returned to cinema and storytelling my first passions. I want to tell stories, stories of refugees, migrants, and those who have left everything behind but still carry the hope of a better future. If I could share one message with those going through the same struggles as I did, it would be this: do not let anyone define your limits. You are in a country that offers you a second chance. Take it. And most importantly, never forget that every dream can become a reality." Participate in My Life, My Story If you are a migrant and would like to share your story, we have a platform to give you a voice and inspire others. Whether you want to share how you created your business, how you overcame challenges, how you got your dream job, or how you support the community, we want to hear from you. It doesn't have to be a video; we can tell your story through writing. Contact our Marketing team at marketing@mccgc.org.au Join us and discover the realities, challenges, and hopes of so many migrants seeking a better life.

My Life, My Story Belkys
02/06/2025
My Life, My Story Belkys

We are very excited to launch our new section, My Life, My Story, a beautiful storytelling piece to inspire our multicultural communities. We understand that being a migrant is not easy, and sharing their journeys is crucial to encourage others facing the same challenges. Our first video features the incredible journey of Belkys Abreu, a Venezuelan civil engineer and construction control technician, who shares her powerful journey of migration and resilience. Forced to leave her home due to Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, Belkys opens up about the struggles of starting over in Australia, from securing a visa and overcoming language barriers to finding work and navigating a new culture. Through determination and the support of community organisations like MCCGC, Belkys not only rebuilt her life but also found new hope for the future. She speaks honestly about the pain of leaving loved ones behind, the hardships faced by migrants, and the moments of kindness and support that she got when it was needed. This project wouldn’t be possible without the effort and passion of our three amazing Marketing volunteers, Daniel, Christian, and Anggie. Thank you so much for supporting this initiative. If you are a migrant and would like to share your story, we have a platform to give you a voice and inspire others. Whether you want to share how you created your business, how you overcame challenges, how you got your dream job, or how you support the community, we want to hear from you. It doesn't have to be a video; we can tell your story through writing. Contact our Marketing team at marketing@mccgc.org.au Join us and discover the realities, challenges, and hopes of so many migrants seeking a better life.

Youth Advisory Group Advocacy Session
02/06/2025
Youth Advisory Group Advocacy Session

On Monday, the 19th of May, our Youth Advisory Group came together for their monthly catch-up, and what a session it was. We were incredibly lucky to be joined by Suheir Gedeon, one of MCCGC’s dedicated Settlement Case Managers, a passionate human rights advocate, and a former senior diplomat. With years of experience supporting refugees and migrants through the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS), Suheir brought a wealth of insight and heart to the conversation. She delivered a powerful and thought-provoking session on advocacy in social work, not just as a concept, but as a practical and essential tool for justice, inclusion, and empowerment, especially for migrants and refugees. Through an interactive and hands on activity, Suheir guided the group in exploring what advocacy really looks like in action. Participants stepped into the shoes of an advocate, working through real-life scenarios, challenging assumptions, and learning how to speak up for those whose voices often go unheard.  Some reflections from the group: “It’s not about speaking for others — it’s about making sure they feel heard.” “Cultural awareness and humility are key when working with diverse communities.” “Advocacy is a life skill — everyone should learn it.” “Even in unfamiliar places, support is possible when communities come together.” One message rang loud and clear: Advocacy isn’t just about raising your voice — it’s about listening, understanding, and standing alongside others. A huge thank you to Suheir for her generosity and wisdom, and to all the young people who showed up with open hearts and minds

BRiTA Futures for Adults in Families Training
10/02/2025
BRiTA Futures for Adults in Families Training

Last week, our staff and community members had the privilege of participating in the BRiTA Futures for Adults in Families training, delivered by the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC). This transformative training provided invaluable insights into acculturation stress, cultural identity, thinking and feeling habits, conflict resolution, intergenerational issues, and the profound impacts of migration and role changes. This training was key to understanding how culture and life experiences shape our identities. We explored the ways in which old and new traditions influence our lives and gained an understanding of the personal strengths that derive from our cultural backgrounds and life experiences. The purpose of the training was to train trainers for the BRiTA Futures program, which is dedicated to building strategies that promote resilience in individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. These protective factors are crucial in reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, and they play a significant role in facilitating cultural transition and integration. One of our participants expressed, “This training was truly amazing. I learned so much from others' experiences and realised that many other migrants share the struggles I face. So, feeling empathy for others and knowing that I’m not the only one struggling with my sense of belonging. This training will help many migrants become more resilient and foster a supportive network.” Thank you to our Community Pathway Connector program for bringing this valuable training to our staff and community.

Our YAG Speak Out of Top Priorities in 2024 Youth Representative Report
20/01/2025
Our YAG Speak Out of Top Priorities in 2024 Youth Representative Report

Education, climate change, mental health, and financial security were the key issues young Australians highlighted as the most pressing issues of our time in the Youth Representative Report 2024 from UN Youth Australia. They captured the perspectives of over 2,000 young people during the annual 'Listening Tour,' which our Youth Advisory Group (YAG) proudly participated in last July. The 'Listening Tour' brought together young Australians from every corner of the country, including rural and urban communities, to discuss their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. The findings of this year's report point to four key issues that resonate most strongly with young Australians: Education: There is a need for an inclusive, equitable, and adaptive education system that prepares young people for the future. Every educational institution should incorporate comprehensive initiatives that promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and social cohesion. Climate Change: A call for urgent action to address environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future. Increasing investment in the research and development of sustainable alternatives for fossil fuels. Improving existing recycling and composting systems, including a nationwide soft plastics recycling scheme, to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Mental Health: The importance of accessible mental health. An increase in the availability of accessible care to people who have disabilities. More accessible information on the support services available to victims of domestic violence and a more transparent reporting process. Poverty & Financial Security: Concerns about job stability, affordable housing, and economic opportunities for young people. Improving education funding and student debt policies. This would relieve financial stress and encourage more young people to pursue tertiary education. A further achievement of this report has been the reintroduction of state and territory sections, enabled by the increased number of participants in this year’s research. This addition highlights issues unique to each region, making the report even more valuable for local policymakers addressing youth concerns. For example, young Queenslanders identified education, mental health, and gender inequality as key areas of impact. They noted challenges such as climate change, the rising cost of living, and poverty. Their hopes included equal pay based on qualifications rather than gender, consistency in government policies, particularly for those with mental health disabilities, and prioritising practical education, such as civic education and online safety courses, in Australian schools. Our Youth Advisory Group's participation in this consultation demonstrates our commitment to empowering young voices and advocating for the changes they want to see. Understanding and addressing these key issues is an important opportunity for policymakers, educators, and communities to work towards a better and more inclusive future for all Australians. Check the report here

Loading More...
All entries have loaded.