Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Newsletter 

IN THIS EDITION OF OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER:

Message from our CEO

MCCGC & CÜRA services resume 

Work Towards and CAMS officers introduce themselves (and their programs) 

Members of the Month - Miami State High School

How to report a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if you are positive

Valentines Day- how other cultures celebrate

FECCA conference postponement update

and so much more! 

Welcome to our February eNewsletter,

Quick as a flash, we are in February and celebrating a healthy and prosperous Lunar New Year.

Over the past 2 years, from when we first experienced COVID, Gold Coast has had 54,545 positive cases and sadly 30 deaths. To say that we all know someone who has had COVID on the Gold Coast would not be an understatement and we have all seen and felt some of these impacts. I feel like I have learnt to appreciate being at home with loved ones more over this time and have also learnt prioritising your health over exposure activities is ok.  We have also been very grateful to the team at Mater Refugee Health and Red Cross for their expedited COVID information, which is disseminated to community leaders across Queensland.

In recent times, we have seen an increase in issues impacting the wider community including housing and social housing crisis,  the lack of access to interpreters for specific languages, the extended border closure for refugees and international travel, delays in translated documents and of course the impact on businesses and employment around COVID and lockdowns.

Hearing the concerns of our members and multicultural community gives us the opportunity to identify systemic issues and also to advocate on our community’s behalf. As we approach the 2022 Federal elections and ongoing, we would like to hear about what is important to you and your community by emailing advocacy@mccgc.com.au.

As you explore the features in this newsletter, please take note of our membership drive and some of our member and local activities coming up. We are looking forward to seeing the progress of our Gold Coast communities in 2022 as we adapt to our new environments. I think it is apt that we are celebrating the start of the Year of the Black Tiger (Tiger and Water), which combines an energetic and enterprising tiger with a flowing current that will push forward, offering a great time to learn new things and adapt and continue to advance and progress. Between the vitality of the Tiger and the momentum of that current of water, get the needed nudge to propel you into a year of great accomplishments and innovation.

Let’s push forward and advance together!

Warm regards,

Rose Vearing

Acting Chief Executive Officer

MCCGC

As of Monday 7th February, our Southport & Ashmore Offices will re-open and we will be able to have in-person meetings again.

We will be following our COVID-safe plans including wearing masks, hand-washing, sanitizing and social distancing to ensure the health and safety of our customers, staff and community.

CÜRA

As of Monday 7th February, we are returning to regular CÜRA services and our accompanied shopping and group programs will be available again.

🛒 Accompanied Shopping - You must wear a mask. If you do not feel comfortable going to crowded spaces or are immunocompromised we are happy to continue unaccompanied shopping for you.

🚐 Group Programs - Our Wellness Centre and Group Activities will be open again. You must wear a mask in cars, buses and the Wellness Centre.

As always, we are following our COVID-safe plans and our top priority is maintaining the health and safety of our customers, staff and community.

We look forward to seeing you in person again!

If you're not yet part of our Membership, we'd love for you to join!

We have some big plans over the next few years and are keen to grow our membership to get more community members, groups and organisations involved. The more members we have, the better we can understand our diverse communities across the coast and the more people we can support.  We already have a wonderful and diverse group of members and we hope to keep growing throughout 2022!

What does being an MCCGC Member mean? 

As an MCCGC Member you will…

• be part of the Peak Multicultural Body for Gold Coast Multicultural Communities
• be invited to quarterly community dinners
• receive exclusive offers from our local business partners
• have access to cultural awareness training and language support
• have a chance to be involved in multicultural community events
• be encouraged to share you experiences, concerns and feedback
• be invited to our Annual General Meeting
• … and more!

Who can be an MCCGC Member?

Everyone! We have different membership types for individuals, non-profit organisations, businesses, and staff/associates. You simply need to fill out a membership form to apply. Each month our Board of Directors reviews and approves applications.

Have a question about MCCGC Membership? Email membership@mccgc.com.au for more information.

We want to hear from you! 

Do you come from a culture that does not have a community group on the Gold Coast?

Are you part of a new cultural community group that needs support?

We would love to grow some of our group programs and identify new and emerging cultural groups that we can support within the community. 

Please email advocacy@mccgc.com.au to find out how we can support you!

Queensland Health has released the return to school plans for Monday the 7th of February.

Key features of the announcement included:

• Mask wearing for all high school students and staff
• Masks available and strongly encouraged for students in Years 3 to 6
• A range of ventilation measures including air purifiers as required

Temporary measures for the first four weeks of term include:

• Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available in school for students and staff who develop symptoms while on site
• Priority access to RATs for students and staff at Queensland Health clinics
• RATs provided to staff entering remote communities
• Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings
• Limiting of visitors on school sites, with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability, and all students attending Early Childhood Development Programs, Kindergarten, Prep or Year 1
• Staggered drop off times and special drop off zones

For more information on the Back to School plan, please click here. 

Meet Antonella

Antonella was born in Buenos Aries, Argentina and speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English. She studied a Bachelor of Public Relations and Communications, and she is a certified Ontological Coach. What Antonella loves most about her job is listening and understanding peoples needs, to connect them with a range of services that allow them to pursue endless job possibilities. With her Work Towards role, she focuses on increasing employment opportunities for underemployed and unemployed refugees, migrants, international students, permanent residents, and citizens. The program is broad and flexible, and allows people to have personalized sessions, so both Antonella and her clients can work together and discover the services they want, what they want to achieve, and to work towards the job they want. 

If you want to know about about Work Towards, email Antonella at antonellar@mccgc.com or contact the office on (07) 5527 8011 

See our flyer here. 

Meet Candice 

Candice is a mother of one, lover of the outdoors, travel, reading, Kombi's, and personal development. 

Candice is a Gold Coast local. She has visited many countries and lived in Italy, Spain and Japan but always had a calling to settle down back in her home town. She speaks Spanish (which she studied at University). Her immediate family is Japanese/Australian so they try and swap languages to encourage natural language acquisition. At university, Candice studied languages, linguistics, intercultural communication, TESOL, youth & community development. What Candice enjoys most about her job is witnessing how incredibly giving and grateful the Gold Coast multicultural community is. It is a constant reminder to her about the power of giving and being of service. 

The Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) program supports the Queensland Government’s commitment to promote an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland. The CAMS program for 2022 -2024 aims to support building a more culturally inclusive environment and address barriers to social and economic inclusion. The Gold Coast is fortunate enough to have two CAMS Officers this year ensuring program delivery from Pimpama to Coolangatta.

If you are wanting more information on how Candice can support you, you can contact her via email candices@mccgc.com or via our office on (07) 5527 8011. 

For more information on our CAMS program, click here. 

Miami State High School join our list of new member of MCCGC! We are very lucky to have the school as part of our community. 

Miami State High School is a proud Independent Public School with over 1,600 students, and has a rich history, strong community spirit and progressive mindset. Quality teaching is the school's core priority as teachers influence the lives of students daily. Miami High has caring, committed and future-oriented teachers who vigilantly focus on providing rich and engaging learning experiences for every student.

Miami High is an inclusive school with over 80 different nationalities represented by their students and staff.  Some nationalities include Tongan, Indian, Hungarian, Danish, Vietnam and Mongolian.

The school also host International Students and are excited to welcome them back this year. Pre-COVID they had over 60 International Students at the school and are already fielding lots of enquiries for International Students to start in Term 3.  The students come from Germany, Italy, China, Japan, Spain, and Brazil to name a few, and they are all eager to travel to our beautiful part of the world and attend Miami State High School. The school and community benefit greatly from International Students. The students, teachers and host families have an opportunity to learn more about another culture, customs, and language. Many local and international people form lifelong friendships and wonderful memories during this time.

Miami High offers three diverse languages; Auslan (Australian Sign Language), Spanish and Japanese. They also offer a senior and junior Japanese Proficiency Specialisation Program for students to extend and practice Japanese. Through language learning students are immersed in culture, customs and gain a different perspective of the world.

One of their school priorities is Global Citizenship.  At Miami High, they want to ensure  students receive a holistic education where they are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed for global competency.

Miami High has three new International Leaders this year who will be welcoming and including their new International Students and will drive initiatives to celebrate the many different cultures at Miami High.  In the words of one of the successful International Leader’s;

“I applied to become an International Leader in 2022 to be able to express my passion for languages and diverse cultures. The importance of this role to me, is to create a strong connection with international students. And represent the international community at Miami State High School”. - Oliver Durie, Year 12

Three leaders met with one of our MCCGC community engagement officers late last year to discuss events and initiatives that Miami High can support within the community and drive at school, the first school event being Harmony Day in March.  The school leaders met with other young international leaders at MCCGC and learnt about their journey of moving to Australia and what would have made their school life better.  

You can visit Miami State High School's website here. 

As part of the Government’s response to COVID19, Student visa holders who are currently offshore and travel to Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022, are eligible for a refund of their visa application charge.

You will be able to apply for a refund up until 31 December 2022. Students are also able to work unlimited hours in any sector in Australia for at least the next 3 months.

Students visa holders can travel to Australia without applying for a travel exemption but must be fully vaccinated with an Australian approved or recognised vaccine.

For information on these changes visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/.../temporary-relaxation...

For information on vaccine requirements visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers

If you've tested positive with a Rapid Antigen Test, register your result online at https://www.qld.gov.au/rat-positive

You'll need to share some simple information like: 

• The date you, or someone in your care, tested positive
•  What address you will be isolating at
•  Your contact details

For more detailed information visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/rapid-antigen-test

World Cancer Day 

World Cancer Day on February 4 is a good reminder of the importance of staying up to date with cancer screening, even during COVID-19. Population screening programs are available for bowel, breast and cervical cancers.

Screening has saved the lives of many Gold Coast residents each year, who are still here and enjoying life with their loved ones. Essential health services continue to be accessible during the pandemic. If you are eligible and due for any of these tests, now is the time to take action. 

Free bowel screening tests continue to be sent to eligible people aged 50-74 with a Medicare or DVA card. If you were sent a test in the mail but need a replacement, kits can be ordered directly through the National Cancer Screening Register or by phoning 1800 627 701.

BreastScreen Queensland Gold Coast Service continues to provide free breast screening for eligible women, with COVID-safe measures in place. To find out more visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au. Translated resources are available here. 

Women are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about having a cervical screening test, if needed.

For more information, visit https://health.gov.au/ncsp. Translated resources are available here. 

Multicultural Connect Line is a Queensland-wide free service for anyone from a multicultural background.

Their staff speak hundreds of languages and work with interpreters.

Multicultural Connect Line are here to help people with information and referral to services to address practical issues causing stress and worry.

They are also here to help service providers working with people from multicultural backgrounds with advice and support related to eligibility for services and information about working cross-culturally.

Give them a call to find out more about their service on 1300 079 020 or visit their website here: https://bit.ly/3KQ7RMg

COVID Financial Assistance

With COVID-19 case numbers increasing across Queensland it is anticipated that more individuals may find themselves having to serve a period of quarantine as a result of being a close or casual contact.

For Queensland:

Services Australia customers should contact the agency if in severe financial hardship as a result of being directed into quarantine:

• subject to eligibility criteria customers may able to receive a Crisis Payment: National Health Emergency payment
• for more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

Non–customers can apply for a Pandemic Leave Disaster payment if they meet the eligibility criteria (see below).

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is support for people who can’t go to work and earn an income because either they:

• have been personally directed to self-isolate or quarantine by a health official
• are caring for someone who has COVID-19.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is now available as a lump sum payment of $750 for a 7-day period. The payment was previously available for a 14-day period (at a rate of $1500).

 The changes to the payment align Australian Government support to recent changes to state and territory quarantine and isolation requirements for vaccinated people. 

 If you are required to quarantine, self-isolate, or care for someone for a period longer than 7 days, you can claim the payment again.

Who’s eligible?

• The person must be personally directed to isolate or quarantine by a health official, or is caring for someone who has to self-isolate or quarantine.
• People can’t get this payment if they decide to self-isolate without a health official directing them to.
• The person must have no suitable leave entitlements and is not getting an income support payment or Queensland Hardship Payment.

Check the Services Australia website for the full eligibility rules before claiming.

How can people claim?

• Claim by calling 180 22 66.
• This line is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
• For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19

For more information please visit www.health.qld.gov.au or www.covid19.qld.gov.au.

The Australian Chinese Women's Federation Inc.'s bilingual seniors digital skills classes start on 22nd February at Robina Comunity Centre!

In partnership with University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, and True, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland are recruiting young people aged 16 to 24 from Asia, Africa, or the Middle East and have been living in Australia for less than five years for 1-hour interview.

Participants will receive a $30 gift card and can choose to have the interview via phone, Zoom, or face-to-face at a time of their convenience.

For more information contact Judith Dean via j.dean@uq.net.au or via mobile on 0417 768 940. 

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland are offering FREE online training, the topic of this workshop is, 'Gaining and retaining DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) Status'

A DGR is an organisation or entity that can receive tax deductible gifts. This workshop will cover what it means to have DGR and/or charity status for your community association.

It will also cover steps to follow to seek endorsement by the Australian Tax Office as a DGR and your responsibilities to maintain your organisation’s status as a DGR.

When: Thursday 24 February

Time: 12 – 1:30pm.

Please RSVP to carrieb@eccq.com.au to receive ZOOM link.

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland are offering FREE online training.

Setting up an incorporated association is a simple and inexpensive way to become a not-for-profit representing the needs of a community group.

This workshop will cover relevant laws, regulations and reporting requirements and provide a step-by-step guide to get started. It will also cover other types of legal structures that can be used to incorporate a not-for-profit organisation.

When: Thursday 10 February

Time: 12 – 1:30pm.

Please RSVP to carrieb@eccq.com.au to receive ZOOM link.

Uluru Statement of the Heart 

January 26th bought up a lot of important conversations, it's important to keep informed on what's happening from a political lens; and what is attempting to be done to amend old wounds and create new pathways of reconciliation for Australia's First Nations peoples.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people from First Nations Australians. It asks Australians to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.

For more information on the Statement and how you can get involved- click the button below. 

Due to the uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 outbreaks around the country, and in the interest of health and safety, Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCA have made the difficult decision to reschedule the conference, which was planned for March 2022.

However, FECCA are pleased to announce the new date will be 16 & 17 June 2022 at the Sofitel Melbourne.

Holding the Conference in June will allow everyone ample time to prepare as best as possible and feel confident about travelling and attending a major in-person conference. This time also allows governments to clarify their COVID policies and requirements, given some states and territories have recently opened their borders or will open soon.

FECCA have also extended the early bird tickets as well as applications for scholarships deadlines to 31 March 2022. 

Take advantage of early bird rates or apply for a scholarship if you need the support.

Valentines Day - Celebrations from around the World

France: It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card was originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415.

The French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicenter of romance between 12th and 14th February. One can see the beautiful yards, trees, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes.

The romantic couples in South Korea celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. Yeah, you read it right! 'The Day of Roses' is celebrated in May, 'The Day of Kisses' is celebrated in June, “The Day of Hugs in December” and single people celebrate “The Black Day” in April by eating black noodles. 

In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is the time when many young couples marry in an event sponsored by the government as a form of public service. Among the most amazing Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world, the day is used as a gala event in the country. 

In Ghana, Feb 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.”

It is a step that the Ghana government took in 2007 to increase tourism in the country. Ghana is among the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. On Feb 14, one can attend performances, music events, and restaurants that have themed menus for the special day.

Like any other country, Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in its own style. On 14 February, San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which means “Day of Winemakers”.

Couples celebrate their love with a glass of wonderful local wine.

In Miao, southwest China, the “Sisters’ Meal” festival is celebrated on 15th March.

During the festival, women wear silver accessories and beautiful dresses. They cook various dishes of colored rice that’s offered on silk fabric to young men walking on roads.

The destiny of the lovelies inside the object found in the chosen rice. Two chopsticks mean love and a clove of garlic means the love is over before it has even begun.

In Japan on February 14th,  women buy gifts and chocolates for their male companions or lovers. Men can’t return gifts until March 14, which is called the “White Day”.

There is just under one month left to have your say in our Review of Queensland's anti-discrimination laws. 

This is the first comprehensive review of Queensland’s anti-discrimination laws since they came into almost 30 years ago. They have played a critical role in social inclusion over the past three decades, but this is a crucial opportunity to ensure they continue to meet the needs and expectations of a contemporary society.

Ensuring discrimination laws are protecting Queensland’s communities to the greatest extent possible means we need to hear from as many people as possible. 

Anyone can make a submission, and you can choose to have yours kept confidential if you prefer. 

You can make a submission via our online submission form, or via a range of alternative formats including audio or video submissions. You can find out more about how to make a submission on our website. 

If you have more in-depth knowledge or experience of specific provisions of the current Act you'd like to share with us, you may prefer to make a submission in response to QHRC Discussion Paper. The paper provides some background information and discussion around the key issues we are seeking to examine in the Review, and questions you may wish to answer as part of your submission. You can answer one, some or all of these questions in your submission. Making a submission in response to the Discussion Paper questions may be particularly suitable for organisations, businesses, or people with direct experience of the complaints process, but is open to everyone. 

However you choose to have your say, QHRC look forward to hearing your views on the future of Queensland's anti-discrimination laws. 

We're excited to be expanding our team across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales and are looking for dedicated individuals to join us. 

As part of our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, we are recruiting a range of new positions and increasing service delivery across several areas to support more community members in the regions we serve. 

• Finance Officer – Gold Coast -  Apply here 
• Registered Nurse (Community) – Moreton – Part Time – Apply here 
• Home Care Worker Gold Coast – Casual - Apply here 
• Home Care Worker Tweed Shire – Casual - Apply here  
• Home Care Worker Sunshine Coast – Casual - Apply here 
• Home Care Worker Moreton – Casual - Apply here 

We look forward to your application! 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate, the Kombumerri people, the Gubbi Gubbi people, the Jinibara people, the Turrbal people, the Quandamooka people and the Bundjalung people. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, sea, culture and community.