Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy thanked Brisbane’s Multicultural Community Centre (MCC)
Multicultural Community Centre(MCC) had the privilege to welcome a very special guest, Senator Kate Lundy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs on 10th May 2013.
The Federal government has been providing funds to several organization including MCC to support new migrants and refugees through the settlement grants program. Having heard about the extensive assistance MCC provides for migrants and refugees in Brisbane, the minister graciously wished to visit MCC in person and offer her appreciation to Mrs Jeannie Mok, Director of MCC. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for the Senator to meet and mix with the diverse clients of MCC. The visit also helped her gain insight into the struggles and needs of the newly arrived migrants and refugees.
The clients were delighted to shake hands and talk to the minister as this opportunity happens only once in a blue moon.
Following is the media release:
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy today thanked Brisbane’s Multicultural Community Centre (MCC) for its continued work helping newly arrived migrants and refugees settle in Australia under the government’s settlement grants program.
The program helps refugees and migrants develop self-reliance and enhance their ability to fully participate in their community as soon as possible after their arrival in Australia.
Through the program, MCC has assisted migrants and refugees in Brisbane’s northern suburbs to navigate and gain access to mainstream services since 2006.
‘Improving people’s ability to gain access to services, such as healthcare and education, empowers new arrivals to develop greater independence,’ Senator Lundy said.
Under the program, MCC also teaches eligible clients practical life skills through information sessions on tenancy rights and responsibilities, banking practices, employment issues and family, relationship and social support issues.
‘Whether it is improving people’s ability to gain access to mainstream services or providing practical information on life in Australia, these services are all activities that empower new arrivals by building confidence, developing independence and improving life skills,’ Senator Lundy said.
‘I thank MCC staff, particularly director Jeannie Mok, for their continued dedication in assisting newly arrived migrants and refugees to settle in north Brisbane.’
From July 1, a total of 102 new grants delivered through more than 100 organisations will be funded under the settlement grants program nationally.
During 2013-14, the government is providing $41.3 million to support new migrants and refugees through the settlement grants program. This includes $1.39 million in funding to support the implementation of recommendations of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers.
Follow this link to see press release: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/parlsec/media/kl/2013/kl203002.htm
MCC Director, Mrs Jeannie Mok greets special visitors
The Minister gets to know the projects and the work MCC does for the community
The Minister had opportunity to meet and mix with the diverse clients
Lord Mayor’s Refugee Welcome Ceremony 2013
The Lord Mayor’s Refugee Welcome Ceremony was held at Brisbane City Hall, Wednesday 17th April.
Pictured here is Ms. Jeannie Mok, Volunteer Director meeting some of the new entrants to Australia.
28 Members of a Chinese Delegation Visit MCC
A Chinese Delegation (28 Government Officers) visited MCC to learn about our experience and expertise in Multicultural Work for CALD clients in Australia.
These special guests had the opportunity to go through MCC’s various projects and services. At the end, they were truly impressed with the outcomes MCC has achieved.
The 28 Chinese Government Officers at MCC
Cammyfrom MCC greeted the special guests with a Chinese Song that talks about Multiculturalism
The leader of the group expressing his gratitude
Morning tea with Q&A
Upcoming Training 2013
Time to renew your First Aid or CPR? or Time to get one for your job?
MCC offers monthly training at the cheapest rate in the market in a partnership with API.
Call us to book for your spot to avoid disappointment!
Green Army Graduation 2012
Multicultural Community Centre (MCC) employed 10 participants for 18 weeks to undertake a flood restoration project at Teralba Park, Mitchelton, Stringybark Park, Chermside West and Cabbage Tree Creek Reserve, Taigum.
The January 2011 floods caused extensive damage to the parks by way of high volumes of debris entangling native trees and plants. The scale and scope of work required to restore the site involved a considerable amount of resources including manpower and equipment.
Project participants assisted Brisbane City Council to complete activities to enhance the condition of the park which included the removal and stacking of debris from along the creek bank for removal by BCC. All three sites had undergone extensive planting over previous years with a number of trees requiring replanting or replacement following the receding of flood waters.
These activities provided participants with an opportunity to develop horticulture skills in planting preparation and general planting. Project participants completed core units of a Certificate 2 in Horticulture delivered in partnership by MCC and the Bremer Institute of TAFE, ACDC (chemical and pesticide) training through Axiom College and White Card (construction induction) delivered by Asset Training Australia.
Special guests Mr Zoltan Swain (representing Robert Hoitink the Director of DIAC), Mr Robert Cavallucci MP and Mr Steve Davies MP along with other VIP guests attended to celebrate the special day for Green Army participants.
Getting ready for work, CALD Youth?
In liaison with the schools, the SGP program is ensured to meet the specific needs of the CALD students in terms of preparation for their after school life. “Job Interview preparation and practice” has been a great success among students and teachers at schools. This has been a tremendous opportunity for students to be coached in their self-esteem as they learn to be more confident about themselves.
Youth Safety Net (part of the Settlement Grants Program at MCC) is a well-known project among some State schools in Brisbane including Yeronga SHS and Milpera SHS. Through this project, MCC has provided volunteer opportunities for Year 10 students allowing them to gain work experience as they learn valuable skills in the areas of: Kitchen hand, Cash handling, Game Preparation and Facilitation. At MCC, we believe in empowering students to become more self-dependant and to be ready to enter the workforce.
Check out Yeronga State High School Year 10 students getting ready for interviews and volunteering for the local event !
1 on 1 interview practice
Volunteering at local event
Graduation 2011 with the Premier
Congratulations to Certificate III Aged care and Child Care students !
Students were honored to be presented with their certificate by the Premier, Anna Bligh MP in March.
The Community Centre also managed to fund raise and presented a cheque to the Premier for the Flood Relief fund.
60% graduates succesfully secure employment after the training !!
Get ready for work
Graduation Day!
Guests from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation attended a recent graduation ceremony for the Cert 2 in Aged Care as well as Children Services.
MCC at the Multicultural Festival
MCC participated in this year’s Multicultural Festival at the Roma Street Parklands where we celebrated Queensland’s rich diversity!