eNewsletter - September 2021 - Gold Coast Multicultural Updates
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Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Newsletter
IN THIS EDITION OF OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER:
* Multicultural Queensland Month wrap up*
* Diverse Workforce Queensland program*
*Meet, Greet, Eat*
*COVID-19 Updates*
*Spotlight on our Community*
*What's happening in Afghanistan?*
*Members of the Month*
…and more!
Multicultural Queensland Month- International Cafes Wrap Up
We feel honoured to have showcased some of the finest international restaurants the Gold Coast has to offer. Our taste buds took a trip around the world this Queensland Multicultural Month.
We were transported to the Mediterranean, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Serbia, India, Thailand, China, Poland, France, Vietnam, Iran, and the Pacific Islands.
We would like to give a special mention to all our participating restaurants:
Bistro Lamp Japanese Restaurant
Jasmine Room Chinese Restaurant
We hoped you loved the showcase of international cuisine and culture as much as we did!
On the last day of Multicultural Queensland Month, we held another successful Meet, Greet, Eat!
Local community leaders came together for a night of mingling, entertainment from traditional Japanese Kimono Dancers and North and South Indian Dancers; as well as a chance to listen and ask questions to Dr. Andrew Wattiaux about the COVID-19 vaccine from Queensland Health...oh and ate some incredible food!
If you would like go get involved or attend our next Meet, Greet, Eat please email our CAMS Officer Candice Sullivan on candices@mccgc.com.au.
Introducing our Community Development Officer (CAMS)
Candice Sullivan!
Candice is a mother of one, lover of the outdoors, travel, reading, Kombi's, and personal development.
Candice has got big plans for her role as CAMs Officer! She plans to foster and/or aid projects that meet unmet needs and support communities to become independent and self-sufficient in ways in which hold meaning to them. She's also looking forward to supporting individuals and groups to achieve civic participation, social connectedness, and a sense of belonging to the wider Gold Coast community.
Candice has worn many hats throughout her career journey. She left school to pursue a career as a professional cyclist. After many years living abroad, Candice returned home to undertake a traineeship in Youth and Community Development based in Logan. Working in the incredibly diverse Logan community solidified her desire to support diverse cultures and upskill her ability to connect and understand. Candice then went on to study Language & Linguistics with her final major project based on 'Intercultural Communication'. Keen to continue to connect in the culturally diverse space, she upskilled by gaining Diploma of TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) qualifications to teach both secondary aged international students and adults on work/ study visas.
Candice speaks Spanish and Japanese. She decided to study Spanish after travelling through South America and taking lessons there whilst volunteering with the Street Kids Program in Huancayo, Peru.
Candice went on to study a semester abroad in Spain solidifying her interest in Spanish and Latin American culture and language. Throughout university, Candice also majored in Japanese.
Candice spent 5 months backpacking solo through Japan and grew admiration day by day for an incredibly respectful and hierarchical culture and language. Her immediate family on one side is a mix of Japanese and Columbian so to be able to connect often through food, tradition, culture, and language continues to encourage Candice's desire to keep learning!
For Candice, what she loves most about other cultures is learning about their traditions, folklores, celebrations and of course the FOOD! She loves connecting with different cultures through common interests yet finds their differences equally enthralling, intriguing and something to be celebrated.
We feel very blessed to have you onboard Candice, and we are looking forward to what you can achieve as our CAMS officer!
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September.
The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
The pandemic is known for hitting the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. By April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, but over 100 countries have not received a single dose. People caught in conflict are especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare.
In line with the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire last March, in February 2021 the Security Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for Member States to support a “sustained humanitarian pause” to local conflicts. The global ceasefire must continue to be honored, to ensure people caught in conflict have access to lifesaving vaccinations and treatments.
The pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination, and hatred, which only cost more lives instead of saving them: the virus attacks all without caring about where we are from or what we believe in. Confronting this common enemy of humankind, we must be reminded that we are not each other’s enemy. To be able to recover from the devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another.
And we must make peace with nature. Despite the travel restrictions and economic shutdowns, climate change is not on pause. What we need is a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to climate impacts.
The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.
Background
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
We are excited to announce we have received funding from the Queensland Government under the Diverse Workforce Queensland program to support migrants, refugees, and international students into employment!
Our 'Work Towards' project will be launching in October 2021 with hubs at both our Ashmore and Southport offices. We'll be providing a range of pre and post-employment services to help participants develop the skills and confidence to successfully enter the workforce, build a fulfilling career and connect into their communities.
Stay tuned for more information soon!
A big thank you to the Queensland Government for this opportunity and congratulations to the other recipients of the grant: Centacare FNQ, MultiLink Community Services Inc., Multicultural Community Centre, and Multicultural Australia.
For more information on the funding, visit: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92986
What's Happening in Afghanistan?
After 20 years of war, the Taliban have swept to victory in Afghanistan.
The group completed their shockingly rapid advance across the country by capturing Kabul on 15 August.
It comes after foreign forces announced their withdrawal following a deal between the US and the Taliban, two decades after US forces removed the militants from power in 2001.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
Taliban forces have pledged not to allow Afghanistan to become a base for terrorists who could threaten the West.
But questions are already being asked about how the group will govern the country, and what their rule means for women, human rights, and political freedoms.
Who are the Taliban?
They emerged in the civil war that followed the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, predominantly in the south-west and the Pakistan border areas.
They vowed to fight corruption and improve security, but also followed an austere form of Islam.
By 1998, they had taken control of almost all of the country.
If you have been affected:
The situation in Afghanistan is changing rapidly and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are regularly updating their advice.
Please visit Afghanistan Travel Advice & Safety smartraveller.gov.au for the latest information here: https://bit.ly/3Bi0Pdw
For family members who have lost contact with relatives in Afghanistan, the free and secure Restoring Family Links (RFL) service at Australian Red Cross can assess your situation and work through their Family Links Network to assist you to re-establish contact with your family members. Please note this may take some time due to the current situation.
Please see plain-English, Dari and Pashto translated information on the RFL service.
You can also access the information by visiting:
Find My Family: Restoring Family Links | Australian Red Cross here: https://bit.ly/3sTNhC8
In addition, the RFL hotline is available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (AEST) on 1800 875 199 or email: tracing@redcross.org.au
There are also strong community groups and support agencies available. You can contact the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) by visiting https://qpastt.org.au/ or World Wellness Group on https://worldwellnessgroup.org.au/about/.
How you can help:
UNHCR is committed to stay and deliver amidst the deteriorating situation and increasing displacement. The United Nations have activated their emergency preparedness and response and assisting newly displaced Afghans.
They are supplying emergency shelter, food, health, water and sanitation support and cash assistance, despite challenges in accessing people in need.
Photo by BBC
South East Queensland Restrictions Easing
Community and organised sport is now allowed. You can now have gatherings of 30 people in your home or in public.
Translated information on restrictions is available in many languages on the QLD Health website.
Wearing a mask
You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a legal reason to not wear it. You must wear your mask in indoor places such as:
- shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets.
- hospitals and aged care facilities (if you are allowed to attend).
- restaurants and cafes.
- churches and places of worship.
- libraries.
- Schools (staff and high school students).
- indoor recreational facilities and gyms.
- Indoor workplaces (if physical distancing is not possible), unless it is unsafe
- airports and travelling on planes.
- ticketed venues such as cinemas.
- public transport and when in taxis or ride share vehicles such as Uber or Didi.
You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors, unless you cannot physically distance (1.5m) yourself from people who are not part of your household.
If you usually cover your face for religious or cultural reasons, you must wear a mask where required.
You do not have to wear a face mask in private vehicles where you are on your own, or with members of your household.
Please keep remembering to:
- Check the contact tracing list regularly
- Use the Check In QLD App wherever you go
- Understand the restrictions
- Get tested if you're feeling unwell or have any symptoms
Australia's 'Roadmap to Recovery'
As New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT enter another week in lockdown, political leaders across the country continue to refer to specific Doherty modelling on vaccine targets as Australia's way out of COVID.
Here's what those targets are, and what they mean for the Australians.
Last month, it was announced that Australia will move to 'Phase B' when 70% of the eligible population has received both doses of the vaccine.
We will reach 'Phase C' when 80% of the eligible population has received both doses of the vaccine.
At the time of writing this, 23.9% of Australians are fully vaccinated.
CURRENT PHASE:
- Implement the national vaccination plan
- Temporarily reduce commercial inbound passenger arrivals to all major ports by 50% from current caps.
- Lockdowns necessary
- Trial and pilot home quarantine (this has already began in South Australia).
- Expand commercial trials for limited entry of student and economic visa holders.
- Establish digital vaccination authentication.
PHASE B: POST-VACCINATION PHASE (70%)
- Ease restrictions on vaccinated residents
- Lockdowns only in extreme circumstances
- Restore inbound passengers caps at previous levels for unvaccinated returning travelers and larger caps for vaccinated returning travelers
- Allow capped entry of student and economic visa holders (subject to quarantine arrangements and availability)
- Introduce new reduced quarantine arrangements for vaccinated residents
- Prepare/implement the vaccine booster program
PHASE C: POST-VACCINATION PHASE (80%)
- No lockdowns
- Exempt vaccinated residents from all domestic restrictions
- Abolish caps on returning vaccinated travelers
- Allow increased capped entry of student, economic, humanitarian visa holders
- Lift all restrictions on outbound travel for vaccinated people
- Extend travel bubble for unrestricted travel to new countries
PHASE D: FINAL PHASE
- Allow uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons, without quarantine
- Allow uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travelers subject to pre-flight and on arrival testing.
For more information on the Australian Government's 3 step framework for a COVIDSAFE Australia, click below.
Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia
Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia have been teaching and sharing the graceful and gentle Hawaiian cultural dance 'Hula' on the Gold Coast since 2012.
At Na Pau O, everything is carefully thought to give their dancers the best possible experience. All their dance teachers are fully educated to teach Hula steps and Hula motions at all levels.
Enjoy Hula Class's
Led by a dedicated team of instructors, this class is said to have you on your feet in no time. This class is best for beginners that want to opportunity to learn some new moves, and have fun in the process!
Where: Southport Community Centre on Friday 11am and Helensvale Library on Sunday 10am.
Keiki Hula Class's (Kid's Hula Class)
This class is designed for all the little 'Hula girls' (prep to year 6) out there! the class teaches basic hula steps, hand motions and the opportunity for them to be immersed in Hawaiian culture. This class also gets some regular showcases at some public events - it it gives the littles ones a chance to perform to an audience.
Where: Robina Community Centre on Friday 4pm
Teen Hula Class's
This class is for teenagers (year 7 to year 14)- teaching Hula at an introductory level.
Where: Get in contact with Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia for more information.
Kahiko Class (Advanced)
Whether you’re looking to learn traditional hula dance moves or home in on your existing talent, this class is what you are looking for. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward.
Where: Get in contact with Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia for more information.
Private Hula Lessons
This option in a favorite among many of Na Pua O's students as you get one on one instruction - whilst mastering the classic Hula moves.
Where: Get in contact with Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia for more information.
Gold Coast Hula Dance School Na Pua O Australia also do special events!
They can come to your next Hawaiian party, birthday party, wedding, or Aged Care Centres.
Small Party: 30min Hula Performance and Hula Workshop with 3-5 Hula Dancers Big Party: 60min Live Hawaiian Music with Hula Dancers
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERS
Latin Community Hub Inc.
The Latin Community Hub (LCH) is a recently established group on the Gold Coast, organised by Latin people who are from several South American countries, including Brazil as well as people from diverse professional backgrounds.
When was LCH formed?
The first meeting of the LCH was held on June 2021 at the Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) premises. Since then, the members have been working very hard on the development and implementation for setting up a solid, sustainable as well as practical framework for the management and running of the LCH. Alongside this, the MC is in the process of developing the relevant governing documents needed for managing appropriately a community-based group such as the LCH.
The LCH aims to provide services and activities to the following Latino target groups:
- Children
- Older people
- Recent arrivals professionals & students.
- Mothers & their toddlers
- Families
It is envisaged that as soon as LCH are granted the following projects under the sub-committee’s direction- they will operate:
- Spanish classes
- Aged Hispanic people
- To support recent arrivals professionals and students
- Play group
- Information sessions on health topics
Mission Statement
The Latin Community Hub’s mission is to foster links and create liaison strategies for
Latin people on the Gold Coast, hence making the target groups’ social life better & social
integration easier.
If you require further information or would like to become a financial member of the Latin
Community Hub, please do not hesitate to contact them on:
You can find out more about our membership program here.
September 2021
1st of September - Inauguration of Guru Granth Sahib
This day commemorates the eternal installation of the Sikh holy scripture referred to as Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhs regard and respect the holy scripture as their living Guru.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
6th of September- Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. A synagogue ritual is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet. Apples are dipped in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year that lies ahead. Work is not permitted.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
11 September 2021- Nayrouz/Coptic New Year
The Coptic Orthodox community have been celebrating New Year for over 1700 years and the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
15th of September- Yom Kippur (Jewish)
This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
17th of September- Australian Citizenship Day
Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship, the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share and to reflect on the role we play in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
18th of September - Oktoberfest (18th of September-4th of October)
Oktoberfest is the world's largest ‘Volksfest’ held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16-to-18 day folk festival and an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world hold Oktoberfest celebrations modelled on the Munich event.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
21st of September- Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East and South East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake, but can vary depending on the country.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
28th of September - Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a celebratory Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Simchat Torah means ‘Rejoicing in the Law’ in Hebrew. Special attention is given to children, who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
World Alzheimer’s Month
The theme for the 2021 campaign is Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s and it is all about the power of knowledge. During the campaign, Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) are shining a light on the warning signs of dementia and the importance of a timely diagnosis.
Every September, people come together from all around the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around dementia.
September 2021 marks the 10th year of this vital global awareness raising campaign.
21 September also marks World Alzheimer’s Day. For ADI, World Alzheimer’s Day typically coincides with the launch of their World Alzheimer Report. In 2021, their report will focus on diagnosis.
This year’s campaign will shine a light on the warning signs of dementia, encouraging people to seek out information, advice and support, as well as contacting the Alzheimer’s or dementia association in their country.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved this September. You can get involved online and with social media, as well as get in touch with your national Alzheimer’s or dementia association to see how you can get involved in their awareness raising activities for the month.
Join us this September. Add your voice, help increase the volume, raise awareness, challenge stigma and let’s make this year’s campaign the most effective ever.
World Alzheimer Report 2021: Launch Webinar
The World Alzheimer Report 2021 will focus on the crucial and timely subject of diagnosis. Diagnosis is still a major challenge globally, with estimates that 90% of cases still go undiagnosed and with long wait times.
The launch webinar for the report will feature a global panel of experts to discuss the key findings and recommendations, as well as a Q&A session. ADI CEO Paola Barbarino will chair the session, with report co-lead Dr Serge Gauthier introducing the key findings.
Date: 21st of September
Time zone: GMT
Host: Alzheimer's Disease International, McGill University
CÜRA NEWS
Last week, our CÜRA Care Advisors and CÜRA Nursing team had training to go through the introduction of scheduled nursing visits with Home Care Package customers.
Training consisted of:
- team building activities to facilitate cross team relationships
- Understanding the clinical benefits of having clinical oversight
- Introducing Home Care Package Procedures for different visit types for both Care Advisors and Nurses
- Respecting customer choice
- Health deterioration
The CÜRA team are excited to be able to offer this service to their clients, and are looking forward to seeing the benefits of nursing becoming embedded into our home visits.
If you would like to know more about the services we provide at CÜRA, visit our page over at https://www.mccgc.com.au/cura/.
Half of all plastic produced in the world is designed to be used only once—and then thrown away. This is a huge contributor to the 300 million tones of plastic waste created every year, almost equivalent to the weight of the entire human population.
The Queensland Government is taking action to fight plastic waste and pollution, starting with a ban on some single-use plastic items.
Single-use plastic items included in the ban:
straws: regular straws, flexible straws, straws with a scoop, cocktail straws
and bubble tea straws
stirrers: hot or cold drink stirrers, swizzle sticks and hot or cold food stirrers
plates and bowls: including single-use expanded polystyrene plates
cutlery: knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, sample tasting spoons, soup spoons,
chopsticks, splayds and sporks
expanded polystyrene: takeaway food containers and cups.
For further information on the ban, please refer to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science website - www.des.qld.gov.au
WELLBEING- How to find better work-life balance
In a time when work emails are often read on personal phones and more offices are set up at home, it’s clear that personal and professional lives are becoming increasingly intertwined. In striving to strike a sustainable work-life balance, we’re often told to draw a hard line between these 2 worlds. But is this still possible? Or is it time to try a different approach?
How to establish work-life balance when working from home
Whether we’ve been working out of our home for years or we’re one of the millions who was thrust into remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve likely come to find that conducting business in the same space we use to unwind can come with a unique set of challenges.
To mindfully manage our work-from-home work-life balance, we might consider using these 3 tactical strategies in addition to a daily mindfulness practice:
Establish a morning routine. Ever feel tempted to roll out of bed and jump straight into your first morning meeting? Consider learning how to become a better morning person by creating a mindful morning routine. This means we get to start the day with dedicated time designed just for us. As an added bonus, this AM ritual may even help us to feel more relaxed, inspired, and productive as we move into the workday afterward.
Create a designated workspace. Having an entirely separate home office isn’t possible for everyone, but mindfully creating a workspace that exhibits some sense of separation between where we relax and where we work can help us achieve a greater sense of overall balance. Designating a corner of a room or tabletop in a common room might work for some, while others might configure a setup that can be put away at the end of each day. The act of setting up and taking down your workspace each day can signal to the brain when work is about to begin or end — an important boundary.
Take yourself through a fake commute. Like assembling and breaking down a home office, a daily commute can help the brain transition between home and work roles. If a traditional commute is no longer a part of our workdays, we can create a similar effect by scheduling an activity that takes us outside of the home, like a neighborhood walk, bike ride, or something as quick and simple as stepping outside for a 10-minute guided meditation.
As different as all of our work situations may be, striving to feel content as we move between our personal and professional time is something we all have in common. If it's been a struggle to craft a balance that feels sustainable and fulfilling, using mindful intention and awareness throughout the day may be the key to finally unlocking a way of life that, up until now, has felt out of reach.
