Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast July 2021 Newsletter 

Join us in celebrating Queensland Multicultural Month in August!

August is Queensland Multicultural Month and we are bringing back our signature International Café event to celebrate the diversity of our amazing Gold Coast community.

This year we are doing things a bit differently to be COVID-safe... we would love to partner with local restaurants to promote cultural diversity within the community while supporting small businesses!

Please spread the word to your favourite restaurants/cafés and send them a link to our expression of interest form. 

Dear Members, Community Leaders, Representatives, Champions and Team,

It is my pleasure to introduce or reintroduce myself to you. 

My name is Rosalia (Rose) Vearing and I feel privileged and humbled to be the Acting CEO of MCCGC for the next six months while Sue Graham enjoys her extended leave.

I have been working with MCCGC and CÜRA for 8 years and have worked across a variety of community based organisations for 27 years, including disability, advocacy, seniors, carers and CALD services. My personal values of social justice, optimism, kindness, making a difference and happiness has directed my career decisions and I feel grateful that I have this opportunity to lead Gold Coast’s peak body for Multicultural Communities and continue to build upon our amazing programs being delivered across Sunshine Coast to Tweed.

Growing up in Australia, I tried so hard to not stick out and fit in, as physically I was darker to the majority of my peers in our small beach town, on Darkinjung land, in NSW. Having a Fijian mother I loved the emphasis on family and traditions (inc food)  but I was always trying to fit into my perception of mainstream community. It wasn’t until I worked here at MCCGC that I truly appreciated and embraced my heritage and multicultural background. Here I did not need to try and fit in, my family in all their diversity are actually valued and celebrated and I knew that I shared in MCCGC’s vision of An inclusive community that values cultural diversity.

I look forward to working alongside you over the next six months and welcome opportunities to discuss how we can celebrate/value you, your community/s and your diversity to strengthen an inclusive Yugambeh Region, Gold Coast.

Warm regards,

Rose Vearing

Acting Chief Executive Officer

NAIDOC Week 2021 

'Heal Country!'

What is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

What is the theme for this year?

The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

Learn more about NAIDOC Week 2021 here. 

ACTION THROUGH STORYTELLING 

Make engaging in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and films a priority on your reconciliation journey.

During NAIDOC Week 2021 and beyond, take the opportunity to host a virtual or in-person book or film club and share the stories, perspectives, and voices of Australia’s First Nations storytellers.

Here are some recent releases by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and documentaries made about the First Nations experience to get you started:

Documentaries to watch (all accessible for FREE on ABC iView):  

Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra,

My Name is Gulpilil

Dubboo: Life of a Songman

In My Blood It Runs 

Books to read: 

Black and Blue by Veronica Gorrie - The story of an Aboriginal woman who worked as a police officer and fought for justice both within and beyond the Australian police force.

Bindi by Kirli Saunders - Bindi is a verse novel that explores the life of 11-year-old Bindi and contrasts her everyday activities with devastating bushfires that begin to surround her town. With Gundungurra language beautifully woven within each verse, you gain an insight into Bindi’s life.

Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe - Dark Emu argues for a reconsideration of the 'hunter-gatherer' tag for pre-colonial Aboriginal Australians and attempts to rebut the colonial myths that have worked to justify dispossession. 

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia by Anita Heiss  - What is it like to grow up Aboriginal in Australia? This anthology, compiled by award-winning author Anita Heiss, showcases many diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer that question.

First Nations voices to follow: 

Dameyon Bonson - Dameyon Bonson is the 2016 Dr. Yunupingu award for Human Rights recipient and founder of Black Rainbow, Australia's peak suicide prevention group for Indigenous lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people.

Follow Dameyon through the Black Rainbow Facebook and Instagram page. 

Amy McQuire - Amy McQuire is a journalist with 98.9FM in Brisbane, the first Indigenous radio station in a capital city. Amy has a history of being vocal about the injustices faced by Indigenous people, including talking about hard issues like Indigenous deaths in custody and police brutality. 

Follow Amy through her personal Instagram page. 

Senator Lidia Thorpe - Lidia Thorpe is an Australian politician, businesswoman and activist. She is currently a Senator for Victoria, representing the Australian Greens, and is also the first Aboriginal Senator from Victoria. She is a Gunnai-Gunditjmara woman.

Follow Senator Lidia on her political Instagram page. 

LatinMania Gold Coast

On Monday the 13th of June, MCCGC members and staff were fortunate enough to attend to a special advance screening of 'In the Heights' at Event Cinemas Robina. 

Before the movie began, we were treated to a Latin dance lesson by LatinMania Gold Coast. 

About LatinMania Gold Coast

You cannot discuss LatinMania without telling the story of Alejandro Barriga - LatinMania's founder. 

As a Colombian, dancing was a very important part of Alejandro's life. In South America, and other Hispanic communities, dancing is a part of their shared history.

Alejandro has been teaching Street Latin Dancing on the Gold Coast since establishing the school back in 2001.

What styles of Latin dancing does LatinMania offer?

LatinMania teach Colombian style Salsa, Cuban style Salsa, Argentine Tango, Cumbia, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Rueda De Casino. 

How can I get involved?

LatinMania run weekly classes and social dances. They also organize workshops by local and international teachers and the best Latin events in the Gold Coast, including Salsa Under the Stars at Skypoint's (or Q1) 77th Floor, Circle on Cavill Latin Dancing and many others.

To enquire, book a group class or chat about private classes visit: http://www.latinmania.com.au/

Or ring Alejandro on 0413595275 

Welcoming our Newest Business Member

Somerville Funerals Gold Coast

  Supporting Multicultural Families since 1932.

The origins of Somerville Funerals began with the Somerville family, whose dedication to care, service and high quality funeral services saw their funeral homes succeed throughout South-east Queensland during the 1930s.

In 1932, Somerville Funerals opened at Southport where it still serves the community today.

Somerville Funeral Services 

In 1999 Somerville Funerals opened its funeral home at Nerang, located near Allambe Memorial Park. Their Nerang funeral home provides a special class of funeral service where you will experience unparalleled privacy, beautiful surrounds, and an un-rushed atmosphere to say goodbye.

At Somerville Funerals, they help bring your family together to arrange a funeral service that truly celebrates and honors the life and values of your loved one.

Their funeral directors are with you every step of the way, keeping you informed and guiding you through the arrangements as much or as little as you need.

Somerville Funerals can tailor the service, creating a customized funeral that respects, honors and reflects the life that was lived, so that mourners go away feeling comforted that the service was reflective of the deceased.

With Somerville's professional expertise, they can turn what can be a worrying and stressful time into a well-run event. Their funeral directors are highly skilled in bringing everything together for a funeral service in a very short timeframe, while giving you the time to plan exactly the funeral you want. The funeral director will manage all the paperwork on your behalf, and liaise with the suppliers for you, so that you can focus on yourself, your family, and the other guests.

Somerville funeral directors will not rush you into making decisions, instead they will listen, ask questions, and deliver a funeral service that is in line with your requests and your budget. 

Somerville Funerals can offer innovative solutions and deliver a contemporary funeral, allowing you to celebrate the life lived rather than mourn the death, if this is what you want to do. Their funeral directors work with you to ensure you get exactly the funeral service you want.

Somerville Funerals has been supporting Multicultural families since 1932.

For more information on Somerville Funerals Gold Coast, use the link below:

You can find out more about our membership program here.

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census

What is the Census? 

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. The Census form asks questions like your age, country of birth, religion, ancestry, language used at home, work, and education. 

When to complete the Census

The next Census is Tuesday 10 August 2021. In early August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will send you instructions on how to take part.

You can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you know where you'll be on Census night. 

How to complete the Census?

People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device, or on paper. There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.

Why you should complete it

Information from the Census helps governments, businesses and non-for-profit organisations across the country make important decisions. It informs planning for schools, healthcare, transport, and infrastructure. 

Get help in your language

There’s support available in your language to help you complete your Census.

Help will be available at many locations across Australia.

Please see the Australian Bureau of Statistics Find us page to get help near you.

If you need information about the Census in your language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

Alternatively, here is a list of translated information about the Census in all major languages:

Information is available in Auslan.

• العربية / Arabic
• ܐܵܬܘܿܪܵܝܵܐ / Assyrian
• မြန်မာ / Burmese
• 繁體中文 / Traditional Chinese
• دری / Dari
• فارسی / Farsi
• Tagalog / Filipino
• Français / French
• Ελληνικά / Greek
• हिंदी / Hindi
• Bahasa / Indonesian
• Italiano / Italian
• 日本語 / Japanese
• ខ្មែរ  / Khmer
• 한국어 / Korean
• македонски / Macedonian
• 简体中文 / Simplified Chinese
• नेपाली / Nepali
• ਪੰਜਾਬੀ / Punjabi
• Српски / Serbian
• Español / Spanish
• தமிழ் / Tamil
• ภาษาไทย / Thai
• Türkçe / Turkish
• اردو / Urdu
• Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese

July 2021 ​

4-11th of July - National Aborigines and Islanders Day Committee Week (NAIDOC) (First Nations Australians)

NAIDOC Week is held every year. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.  

https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events

8-9th of July - Martyrdom of the Báb (Persian)

The Báb was executed in 1850. He was a Prophet and believed to be one of the main figures in the founding of the Baha’i faith. To commemorate this day, Baha'is read special prayers at noon, which is the time the execution was scheduled for. It is a sacred time for Iranian's. 

17th of July - The Hajj (Pilgrimage) to Mecca (Muslim) 

On the 17th of the Islamic month of Zu Al-Hijja, millions of Muslims from around the world congregate in the Prophet’s birthplace of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who have the means to undertake it.

19th of July - Eid al Adha (Islamic) 

The Eid al Adha means Feast of Sacrifice, and commemorates the ordeal of Ibrahim (Abraham) who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (God).

https://www.eidshow.com/

24th July - Asalha Puja (Dhamma) Day (Buddhist) 

This Buddhist event commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment. This event is one of most important festivals for Theravada Buddhists.

 CÜRA NDIS Support Coordination 

Did you know we offer NDIS Support Coordination on the Gold Coast to help multicultural community members find support for their disability and access the NDIS?

We take a person-centred approach to support and work with interpreters to get to know you and understand your needs.

Follow our CÜRA NDIS Support Facebook page here: https://bit.ly/3jOUb9a

Access our NDIS Support flyer here: https://bit.ly/3hlm2fx 

For more information, email ndis@curacares.com. 

Mask Wearing Mandatory for parts of Queensland

As a response to new outbreaks in Queensland, mask wearing will be mandatory until the 16th of July for the following 11 council areas:

• Gold Coast
• Brisbane
• Noosa
• Sunshine Coast
• Ipswich
• Logan
• Redlands
• Moreton
• Scenic Rim
• Lockyer Valley
• Somerset

FOR THE CURRENT LIST OF QUEENSLAND EXPOSURE SITES CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/35VYJm3

As always, if you are feeling unwell go get tested and stay isolated until you get a result. There are cases in multiple states now, so stay aware of your symptoms.

If you are needing information in your language, please click here.

For more COVID-19 information:

Queensland Health: http://bit.ly/3s3L71M

For current updates on exposure sites throughout the rest of Australia, use the link below:

New South Wales Border Pass 

Anyone entering NSW who has visited Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia or the Northern Territory after June 30 must complete and carry a NSW border pass.

The NSW border pass currently lasts 72 hours.

You must complete a NSW entry declaration form if you:

• are entering NSW on or after 12:01am on 30 June 2021, and
• have been in Queensland in the previous 14 days.

You must complete the form:

• either within the 24 hour period before you enter NSW or on entry
• whether you cross the border by any means including air, road or rail
• each time you enter NSW, but not more than one per calendar day.

For free help in your language call 13 14 50 (Translating and Interpreting Service).

NSW BORDER FORM: https://bit.ly/3jNDviu 

QLD BORDER FORM: https://bit.ly/2SNL7WX

National Diabetes Week - 11th to the 17th of July 2021

In 2021, Diabetes Australia is continuing their 'Heads Up' campaign which focuses on the mental and emotional health of people living with diabetes.

This year, the spotlight is on diabetes stigma and mental health. 

• More than 4 in 5 people with diabetes have experienced diabetes stigma. 
• Nearly 50 percent of people with diabetes have experienced mental health challenges in the last 12 months. 

Stigma affects all aspects of life for people with diabetes, including their mental health and wellbeing.  

People experience diabetes stigma when they are blamed for having diabetes, while managing diabetes such as injecting insulin in public and when they experience the effects and complications of diabetes such as low blood sugar. 

This National Diabetes Week let’s have a conversation about the real impact diabetes stigma can have on a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing.  

Help raise awareness about the campaign by spreading the word: 

• share campaign resources on your social media using the hashtags #NDW2021 and #headsupdiabetes

Diabetes Australia is hosting the 'Heads Together' forum on Tuesday 13 July from 7pm – 8.30pm. It's Australia's biggest online discussion about mental health and diabetes stigma. 

To learn more about Diabetes Australia, the 'Heads Together' forum and the fantastic advocacy they do around diabetes, follow this link:  https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/