eNewsletter - December 2020 - Gold Coast Multicultural Updates
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Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast -December 2020 Newsletter
We know 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and we are so thankful to our staff, our customers, our fellow service providers and all the amazing communities we have here in South East Queensland. We appreciate your support and are grateful we've all been able to work together to keep our communities, safe, healthy and connected during the pandemic.
If you know anyone who is in need of some company and a nice meal during the holiday season, please share the below Event Guide.
The 2019/2020 MCCGC Annual Report is now available on our website. Take a look for our year in review and highlights from across our organisation.
Last Meet Greet & Eat of 2020 - 15th December
Our final Community Networking Dinner of the year is coming up next Tuesday 15th December! We will be meeting at Ashmore Steak & Seafood for some delicious food, conversation, and community updates.
If you'd like to attend, please email KevinD@mccgc.com.au by this Friday 11th December to reserve your spot.
During 2020 the Gold Coast Multicultural Network met bi monthly – with some meetings on zoom, hosted by some of our members – thank you.
We covered the following topics in 2020:
- Multicultural and pathways engagement through the Arts
- AMEP, SEE and English as an Additional Language
- Family relationships and addiction
- Services Australia Job seeker payment changes as 2020 Job active changes 2020– Newly arrived Refugees Family and Domestic Violence
- Multicultural Seniors and community safety
Each meeting we identify any community needs and this year the key need was the care and support for International Students as well as keeping the community informed about latest COVID 19 information.
If you'd like to be involved with the Gold Coast Multicultural Network in 2021, you are welcome to join the Network membership list by emailing rheed@mccgc.com.au.
On 3rd December, we celebrated International Day of People with Disability. One in five Australians has a disability, and not all disabilities are visible. We can all help increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
Understanding disability and the NDIS can be difficult for many multicultural people and communities and our CÜRA team is here to help. We have dedicated staff ready to support individuals to navigate the NDIS and to assist organisations in improving their cultural awareness to better serve multicultural clients.
If you need support learning about disability and accessing the NDIS....
You can get in touch with our NDIS Community Connectors by phone or email:
Gold Coast
Carla Carneiro | 0427 626 723 | carlac@curacares.com
Sunshine Coast
Helen Wilkinson | 0427 601 910 | helenw@curacares.com
If you already have an NDIS plan and need support coordination...
You can get in touch with our NDIS Support Coordinators by phone or email:
Gold Coast
Kristie Dullat | 0438 866 413 | kristied@curacares.com
Brendan Marks | 0438 203 197 | brendanm@curacares.com
Are you prepared for a disaster?
Disaster season is here and it's important to be aware of the risks and have a plan in place. The City of Gold Coast has several resources available to help your hosuehold plan for disaster:
Multicultural Seniors - Free Advice & Referrals
Do you know any multicultural seniors who need support? We can have a chat with them and help direct them to the support services they need. Whether they're an individual or a group, we can make sure they have the information they need and are connected with service providers who will help.
Contact our Program Coordinator Jennie Burton at JennieB@mccgc.com.au for more information.
If you're struggling emotionally, we can help!
This time of year can be very difficult for many people. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, our Community Pathways Connector program may be able to help. We work to remove barriers to mental health support for multicultural communities and connect you with a range of supports. Our service is personalised, confidential and does not require any diagnosis.
Get in touch with our Community Connection Coordinators:
Kristie Dullat | 0438 866 413 | kristied@curacares.com
Brendan Marks | 0438 203 197 | brendanm@curacares.com
Thank you to our MCCGC & CÜRA volunteers!
In honour of International Volunteer Day earlier this month, we wanted to say a big thank you to all our amazing and dedicated volunteers. We couldn't do what we do without you, and you truly help make our customers' lives better!
Volunteers are an essential part of the work we do within the community including our I Speak Your Language program, Community Visitors Scheme, Wellness Centre, Groups and events.
We have a diverse group of volunteers across our organisation and they all bring a unique perspective and spirit to the work that we do. We appreciate each and every one of you and your invaluable contributions!
Member of the Month
IWAA
IWAA is a not for profit organisation originally established in 1992, to address the needs of isolated Muslim women. Over the years it has grown and expanded its focus to meet the needs of the community, and now provides Aged Care, disability support services, community development and settlement support services to assist men, women and children from multi-faith and diverse communities, in locations across Australia.
IWAA has a longstanding relationship with MCCGC which goes back to 2003, when both organisations along with Qld Transcultural Mental health participated in a 3-year research project to look at the needs of CALD people with Dementia (MIDS).
On the Gold Coast, IWAA delivers Aged Care Services (CHSP and Home Care Packages) and NDIS support services. We employ staff who speak over 38 different languages and have specialist expertise in assisting people with diverse needs. To find out more about our organisation please contact us on 1800 004 922, email us at admin@iwaa.org.au or visit our website at www.iwaa.org.au.
MCCGC Membership Program
Join the family and be part of the peak multicultural organisation of the Gold Coast, support us to continue to make the community more inclusive and enjoy the Membership Program benefits.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Breast Screens in North Tamborine
BreastScreen Queensland is visiting the Vonda Youngman Community Centre, North Tamborine from 4 - 29 January. Women aged between 50 and 74 years are especially encouraged to attend every two years. Women who are 40 or older can attend this free service.
COVID-19 Updates
With COVID restrictions easing, it's important to still remain vigilant to keep our communities safe and healthy. If you're having any symptoms, please get tested asap. Remember to keep up good hand-washing hygiene and social distancing. Visit the Queensland Health website for the latest updates on COVID-19 and for further information and resources.
Assisted Voluntary Return & Reintegration
The International Organization for Migration can help migrants make informed choices about returning voluntarily to their home country or to a country where they have a right of entry and long-term residency. Their services are free and they can provide confidential discussions about return options independent of all government processes.
Good story of the month
Thank you to all the wonderful women who take part in our weekly Talking Circle at the Women's Space. We've had a wonderful year learning about each other and the world. Last week we celebrated the end of the year in style with a special High Tea!
CÜRA is a branch of MCCGC (Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Ltd) and specialises in providing tailored care services including CÜRA Kitchen, CÜRA Active Living, CÜRA Health & Well-being and CÜRA In-Home Support. Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Ltd trading as CÜRA Community Services.
