On Saturday 20th August, the 2016 Queensland Multicultural Awards organized by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, was held at the Logan Entertainment Centre. At this gala event attended by key CALD community leaders, Ministers, politicians and government officers, there were 27 finalists from the private and public sectors, government and non-government organisations, nominated for awards. Multicultural Community Centre (MCC) and Diverciti Enterprises were finalists in the following categories: Employment, Education and Training Innovation: Non-government and Private Enterprise, and Business Excellence: Organisation.

It was indeed a huge honour for MCC when it won the overall Minister’s award, beating 26 other finalists, including Townsville Hospital and the Queensland Police Academy. MCC’s key business is to get migrants and refugees into the workforce, and integrated into mainstream society, through its “Migrant One Stop Shop’. Essential to its training and employment programme is the running of government – funded courses including Certificate III in Aged Care / Child Care, Certificate II Kitchen Operations, Certificate I in Business. Annually over 90 % complete their courses; while over 80% find jobs, with many going on to do Diploma or tertiary courses.
It was also wonderful that the newly established Diverciti Cleaning (a social enterprise) was also a finalist. The company was set up as a means of providing guaranteed employment and a steady above award income to unemployed CALD people, in cleaning, an occupation which is, possibly, the most unregulated in our society today. Diverciti seeks out cleaning contracts and guaranteed work paying above award wages, which is then ‘sub-contracted’ to a CALD cleaner. Thus Diverciti supports MCC by creating job opportunities for its clients as MCC has a pool of job seekers that has relevant skills set, some having been trained in Certificate II Assets Maintenance (Cleaning Operations). In addition, the cleaning industry has always been one of the ideal industries for starting up a small business and as a result MCC job seekers are supported in setting up small businesses to give them a sustainable and independent future.

These initiatives from both MCC and Diverciti Enterprises, enable migrants and refugees to settle down in Queensland, by promoting a sense of belonging, as all work together to build a prosperous, fair and harmonious nation. More importantly, all job seekers are able to participate fully in the economic, political and social life of the state. We live in a global village, with multi-national companies operating in our global economy. CALD migrants bring a diverse range of skills, talents, languages to the workplace; in addition to an extended network of contacts spanning the globe. Australia can benefit not only from this vast range of diverse communities economically, but the cultural and social contributions bring so much colour and variety to all of us to enjoy.

Funded by DSS (Department of Social Services), MCC helps and supports eligible migrants*, refugees*, and temporary residents* under the SSP (Settlement Services Program). For them to be eligible they must: live permanently in Brisbane, Queensland and have been in Australia for less than 5 years. MCC helps SSP clients to settle and integrate into Australian society. MCC also provides a range of services to benefit SSP clients.

• Migrants – visa subclass family stream (low English proficiency) 100, 101, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117, 143, 801,
  802, 804, 835, 836, 837, 838, 864.
• Refugees – visa subclass 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 800, 866. Other stream – visa subclass 151, 852.
• Temporary residents – visa subclass family stream 173, 300, 309, 310, 445, 820, 884.
• Skilled stream (dependants only) 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 188, 400, 403, 408, 476, 482, 485, 489, 491, 494.

Casework and ReferralsHelps migrants understand more about the mainstream services, their rights and responsibilities. Refugees and migrants are connected with the appropriate agencies and organisations.

Info Sessions and Life SkillsInformation sessions on many useful topics such as banking, nutrition, parenting, fire and safety, renting rights and responsibilities, managing money, police services, employment and much more.

Youth Leadership ProgramWe have been running “Set for Life”: a project aimed at motivating students from years 10, 11 and/or 12 to pursue a career pathway that will lead them to success. Click here to download the brochure with more information

Please CONTACT US for more information.

Next Intake Start Date: January 2022 (date to be determined later)

No Cost to Eligible Participants!!*

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
The Multicultural Community Centre (MCC) in partnership with Asian Pacific Institute (RTO No.6153) will be running Child Care courses for those seeking a career in Child Care industry.

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care runs for 20 weeks  including practical placement in a child care centre. Essential knowledge and skills will be assessed through written work and industry placement.

This course is nationally recognized, and upon completion, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a Nanny, Assistant in a Childcare Centre, Playgroup Supervisor, Family Day Care Worker, or Mobile Assistant. Students aspiring to continue with further study can upgrade to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care which is also offered by the Asian Pacific Institute.

Under this training, students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will be able to receive language support (if required) to enable students to work through their notes and to prepare for assessment.

*This Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) project is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government. Eligibility criteria applies.

Please CONTACT US to enrol or for more information.