Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast -February 2021 Newsletter 

Last week, Minister for Health the Hon. Greg Hunt announced $1.3 million in funding support for multicultural peak bodies, so that we all can continue to play an important role in supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program and sharing critical information with Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

The Minister has also clarified that everyone in Australia, including refugees, people seeking asylum, and international students will have access to the free COVID-19 vaccination program. This is great news which will give our communities confidence.

This discussion was facilitated in order to draw on the communities' knowledge and experience to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccination program is designed and delivered in a manner that is accessible and culturally safe to all Australians. It was very clear that the engagement is genuine and will continue in the coming months.

There are a number of resource available to learn more about the vaccine:

Translated Vaccine Resource for Multicultural Communities 

Basic Information & Frequently Asked Questions 

National Vaccination Rollout Strategy 

Everything you want to know about the COVID-19 Vaccine 

Do you know any Gold Coasters who are on a Refugee, Humanitarian or Family visa who has been in Australia under 5 years and needs support? 

They may be eligible to receive support through the MCCGC SETS program. We have a dedicated Senior Caseworker who can help with:

• Linking to services & systems
• Navigating schools
• Languages services & English classes 
• Enrolment processes 
• Casework
• Housing
• Health & Wellbeing
• Job Search & Resume Help
• and a variety of other services

For more information, email korenh@mccgc.com.au. 

We're accepting more seniors into our group programs at the CÜRA Wellness Centre in Ashmore. If you know any seniors on the Gold Coast who are on Home Care Packages or Commonwealth Home Support Programme and would benefit from a great social program, please let them know! 

Our group programs include morning tea & lunch, a wide range of activities, and a great opportunity to meet new people and socialise. We can arrange transport to and from your home if needed. 

Click here to download our flyer

For more information or to arrange a tour call  07 5527 8011 and ask for Bozena or Corinne. You can also email info@curacares.com.

2020-21 CELEBRATING MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND PROGRAM

The 2020-21 Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program funding round for multicultural projects is now open.

This funding round is for two project categories:

Category 1 – Economic and Social Participation Projects

• For innovative projects that create pathways to participation for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including people who arrived in Australia as migrants or refugees, and people seeking asylum, in the economic, social and cultural life of Queensland.
• One-off funding of up to $40,000 is available for one-year projects to be delivered in 2021-2022.

Category 2 – Youth and Community Connection Projects

• For innovative projects that can assist with breaking down the barriers facing young people from culturally diverse backgrounds that can result in feelings of disengagement or disconnection with the community, and to increase their access to, and inclusion within the community.
• Projects receiving funding under this category are to ensure young people from culturally diverse backgrounds are leading in identifying the barrier/need to be addressed, and the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of the project.
• One-off funding of between $5,000 to $120,000 is available. Project implementation timeframe can be up to two years. Projects are to be delivered between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 10.00AM, MONDAY, 15 MARCH 2021

The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs will be hosting two 30-minute information sessions through Microsoft Teams for applicants interested in applying for funding under the new category for Youth and Community Connection Projects. The sessions will provide information on completing an application and the assessment process. The sessions will be held on:

•             12.00pm to 12.30pm, Wednesday, 10 February 2021

•             5.30pm to 6.00pm, Thursday, 11 February 2021

If you would like to attend one of the sessions, please send an email to MAfunding@dlgrma.qld.gov.au by Monday, 8 February 2021, and indicate the session you would like to attend. The Department will get back to you with the relevant details for the session.

Harmony Week is coming up this March 15th-21st! Visit https://www.harmony.gov.au/ for more information and you can register your Harmony Week event public or private to receive limited promotional items like stickers, balloons, wristbands on this link https://www.harmony.gov.au/events/register-your-event   

A Taste of Harmony 2021

Join over 10,000 other workplace teams big and small, city and remote, all taking part to recognise and celebrate cultural diversity at work.

Simply visit www.tasteofharmony.org.au for tips and ideas to plan your chosen activity and promote it to staff.

Member of the Month 

Kusuma Indonesia Community Australia (KICA) 

Kusuma Indonesia Community Australia (KICA) is a non-profit organization providing rich cultural experiences and opportunities for Indonesians and Australians. At KICA, we explore the Indonesian cultural heritage in Australia through a plethora of festivals and community events. From dance performances to traditional music acts, we aim to express the Indonesian culture and make it accessible to the public.
 
At every event, KICA seeks support and participation from not only Indonesian groups, but also multicultural communities and individuals. We embrace our diversity with pride, as the cultural variety enrichens the experiences of our participants. For the past 3 years, KICA has expanded both in scale and reach.
 
Some of our events include annual celebrations for Indonesian Women’s Day (Kartini Day), as well as Indonesian Independence Day. KICA is also hosting the upcoming Harmony Day Festival which will be held on the 27th of March at the Gold Coast.
 
Our organization mainly operates in Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW, and we occasionally perform in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Sydney, as well as overseas.
 
In response to the growing attendance to our past events, we are planning for larger opportunities and events in the near future. In addition to cultural events, we assist the Indonesian-Australian community with a plethora of services and opportunities.
 
From December 2020, KICA has launched a free Indonesian language learning program, in collaboration with MFO Southport and KJRI Sydney. Our classes are catered for beginners, and all ages are welcome! Lessons are taught every Monday from 4PM to 5PM. Additionally, we teach Indonesian Dance for beginners.
 
KICA is proud to provide Consular Services. Our team of volunteers, as well as specialists from KJRI Sydney, assist with identity verification for passport renewal, immigration, and visa purposes. Dates for upcoming Consular services will be announced on our Facebook page (Kusuma Indonesia Community Australia). In the meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact us for inquiries.
 
There are many ways to be a part of our community and participate.
 
We are currently seeking:
* Multicultural Groups to perform traditional dancing
* Food Stalls (Food license holder only*)
* Merchandise Stalls
* Volunteers
 
KICA always strives to create an inclusive environment not only for Indonesians and Australians, but all who wish to relish our multicultural community. If you wish to participate, please call or text 0410 507 035. We will respond with care and love.

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.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Kombumerri People of the Yugambeh Language Region, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, sea, culture and community.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Good story of the month

Our Seniors Mahjong group is taking off!  We've added Mahjong to our Thursday group activities in our CÜRA Wellness centre in Ashmore. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining in, please let us know! We can arrange transport and it includes a full day of activities along with morning tea, lunch and social time. 

For more information call 07 5527 8011 and ask for Bozena or Corinne. You can also email info@curacares.com.

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.