Celebrating a Decade of Partnership for Seniors Christmas Celebration

Posted on 03/12/2024 | by Vikki Hine

3 December 2024
Media Release

SydWest Multicultural Services is excited to announce its annual Seniors Christmas Celebration, taking place on Saturday, December 7th, at Bowman Hall in Blacktown, starting at 2pm. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of our successful collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – Australia.

The dedicated volunteers from Sri Sathya Sai Global Council have been instrumental in making this event a success. Their contributions range from setting up the venue to organising the entertainment & gifts for our seniors and recording the proceedings. This year, around 50 volunteers will be working on the day from Sri Sathya.

“We are so pleased to be working with Sri Sathya Sai Global Council in delivering our annual Christmas for seniors – they are a powerhouse partner without whom we would not be able to run this event with such great success each year,” said Mereline Murimwa-Rarami, SydWest’s Aged Care Manager.

Over the past decade, this event has grown in size, strength, and popularity. This year, more than 400 seniors will enjoy performances by various seniors social support groups, featuring cultural dances and songs, as well as other entertainment.

Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, expressed her gratitude: “I am so thankful to our Aged Care team and their strong collaborative connections with Sri Sathya Sai Global Council that allow us to celebrate our seniors and the holiday season together. This partnership is truly an example of SydWest values in action.”

Join us in celebrating this milestone and the festive season with our vibrant community!

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Media enquiries
For further information or to arrange photo opportunities or interviews, contact Vikki Hine, Media and Events, SydWest Multicultural Services on vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au or 0428-109-215.

About Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – Australia

Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – Australia is a non-profit voluntary organisation. Inspired by the founder, Sri Sathya Sai Baba who is regarded as a global teacher and a humanitarian, the members of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – Australia strive to make a positive impact on society through various humanitarian initiatives, free educational programs, and community service projects.

The teachings of Sri Sathya Baba can be summed up as ‘LOVE ALL-SERVE ALL, HELP EVER – HURT NEVER.’ The members dedicate themselves to the practice and promotion of love and compassion through selfless service. More information on Sri Sathya at https://saiaustralia.org.au/

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Walk with Us 27 November, Blacktown

Posted on 29/10/2024 | by Vikki Hine

As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing domestic violence within our communities, we are pleased to share that we will be marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a special DV Awareness Walk on 27^th November in Blacktown.

This event is part of the Outer West DV initiative for 16 Days of Activism, where communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. Our event will not only serve as a powerful visual representation of our stance against domestic violence but also as an inclusive opportunity to unite our clients, staff, and community.

We are planning for all staff and interested participants to join us in this walk to raise awareness and support for those impacted by domestic violence.

Join us on Wednesday 27^th November from 9.30am on Blacktown’s Village Green.

We are looking forward to a great community response!

Click here to download Walk with Us information flyer

Australian-first humanitarian engineering program expanded until 2030

Posted on 03/10/2024 | by Vikki Hine

New funding will support an Australian-first project that brings together engineering students and diverse communities in search of solutions.

RMIT first-year engineering students are meeting with community groups in Victoria and New South Wales to co-design and prototype innovative engineering solutions to solve community problems. A recent surge in support has seen the funding pool increase from $10,000 to $40,000, bringing the total to $210,000 until 2030.

The project sits within RMIT’s Humanitarian Engineering Lab, co-led by Dr Spyros Schismenos and Dr Nick Brown, and its recently established HERCULES – which stands for Humanitarian Engineering Research Consortium: Understanding and Leveraging Engineering with Society.

It is a collaboration between RMIT and SydWest Multicultural Services, Settlement Services International and PRONIA – all not-for-profits (NFPs) which work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

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Minister launches settlement consortium for Greater Western Sydney

Posted on 01/10/2024 | by Vikki Hine

Media Release
1 October 2024

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Julian Hill MP has officially launched the new Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium (WSRSC) at a special community event in Blacktown last week.

WSRSC will see 4 migrant resource centres and multicultural organisations leveraging their significant skills and expertise to support newly arrived migrants and refugees settling in the area.

65% of new arrivals to NSW settle in Greater Western Sydney with popular areas including Blacktown, Campbelltown, Cumberland, Liverpool and Penrith.

The consortium is funded by the Federal Government through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program and is led by SydWest Multicultural Services.

The other partners are Accessible Diversity Services Limited, Community Migrant Resource Centre and Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, all operating in the Greater West for almost 4 decades.

Minister Hill paid tribute to the grassroots approach employed by consortium members working hand in hand with local ethno-specific groups and community leaders.

‘The real magic happens when multiple organisations can invest in collaboration and find those ways of sharing and working together, and thereby being able to connect the clients – the people that we serve – with the best service [and] the right service for them,’ the Minister said.

Leading Australia construction group John Holland representative Sharon Stevenson said the company was excited about opportunities to partner with consortium members in its bid to create a more diverse construction industry.

John Holland is already working with SydWest on a job readiness program for refugees and migrants in Western Sydney which enables them find work in construction or like industries, benefiting both those looking for work, and an industry looking for skilled workers.

“Together we can make a lasting impact on our community,” she said.

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis thanked those who attended the launch to hear about the new entity and how it could work with others in the community to benefit the community.In her address, she also reflected on the long history of the migrant resource centres and their contribution to the successful settlement of newly arrived refugees since 1981.

More than 120 guests turned out including community leaders and local councils, sector leaders, local police, health services and jobs and training providers.

Entertainment was provided by the talented Larissa Kovalchuk who played the Bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine. Larissa is a current contestant on The Voice, 2024.

Here is a link to a short social media video about the new consortium and its benefits. The longer video was showcased at the event.

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Photo Caption: (L-R
Melissa Monteiro, CEO, Community Migrant Resource Centre; Joanna Mathew, CEO, Auburn Diversity Services Initiative; Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon.Julian Hill MP; Elfa Moraitakis, CEO, SydWest Multicultural Services and Maeve Brown, CEO, Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

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New consortium to boost settlement support in Greater Western Sydney

Posted on 24/09/2024 | by Vikki Hine

Media Alert
24 September 2024

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Julian Hill MP will officially launch the new Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium – a group of 4 community organisations delivering settlement services for refugees and migrants.

The consortium will build on best practice and expand specialised services to support new arrivals to Australia acquire critical services such as English language skills, jobs and access to education and training. 65% of all new refugee and humanitarian entrants to NSW settle in Western Sydney.

Led by SydWest Multicultural Services, the consortium includes Accessible Diversity Services Limited, Community Migrant Resource Centre, and Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

Speakers:

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Julian Hill MP will launch the consortium

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis on what the consortium means for Greater Western Sydney

John Holland Group Workforce Development Manager Sharon Stevenson on how the consortium can work with business to address skills shortages.

Date: Friday, 27 September, 2024

Time: 11am

Location: The Colebee, Narragingy Reserve, Knox Rd, Doonside.

Parking is available at the rear of the venue.

Entertainment on arrival will be provided by Larissa Kovalchuk who will play the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine. Larissa is a contestant on The Voice, 2024.

Here is a link to a short social media video about the initiative. A longer video will be showcased at the event which describes the new consortium and benefits to community.

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SydWest welcomes new board member

Posted on 02/09/2024 | by Vikki Hine

Media Release
2 September 2024

SydWest Multicultural Services has welcomed Brent Pitts to its Board of Directors.

Brent is the current Chief Financial Officer and Executive General Manager Corporate Services at the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

He has extensive expertise in financial management, having held roles throughout his career including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and A/Chief Executive Officer.

A chartered accountant, Brent has more than 25 years’ experience across a range of business and human services sectors, and organisational cultures. For the past 10 years, he has excelled in leading change and building sustainable delivery models while achieving robust financial results.

He is particularly skilled in supporting organisations maintain and grow their services in the face of industry changes.

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis has welcomed Brent Pitts to the SydWest Board.

‘We’re thrilled to welcome a new Board member with such impressive and extensive financial experience and business acumen,’ she said.

Chair of the SydWest Board Angela Tsoukatos said Brent’s skills will be particularly appreciated during this time of great change to the community sector.

‘His ability to successfully navigate complex change will be a great benefit to our organisation, especially at a time when the NDIS and aged care industries are being reformed by the Federal Government.’

‘Members of our Board look forward to working with Brent to support the important work of SydWest Multicultural Services.’

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Media enquiries: Vikki Hine, Media and Events. E: vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au or T: 0428 109 215.

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Groundbreaking consortium puts community at the heart of engineering solutions

Posted on 29/07/2024 | by Vikki Hine

SydWest leads new settlement partnership

Posted on 19/07/2024 | by Vikki Hine

MEDIA RELEASE
18 July 2024

A new settlement partnership has been announced for Western Sydney which will provide services to support newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.

65% of all new refugee and humanitarian entrants arriving into NSW settle in Western Sydney. Western Sydney receives 25% of the total national refugee and vulnerable humanitarian intake (excluding Fairfield).

Led by SydWest Multicultural Services, the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium (WSRSC) is a newly established group of four (4) Migrant Resource Centres and multicultural community organisations who have significant expertise supporting new arrivals become self-reliant and a part of the broader Australia community.

Western Sydney is a hub for diversity and economic growth and as a region where newcomers settle, it will be supported by a consortium of long trusted and expert organisations.

Consortium partners are:

The SETS program is funded by the Federal Government through the Department of Home Affairs.

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis said ”I am pleased to be leading this consortium and I am also pleased that our funding success reflects the government’s trust in us as an organisation”.

“Our approach as a consortium will be based around the unique needs of the individual or family and will strive to connect newcomers with services and assistance in their local area,” she said.

“And that is what our consortium partners do best – we all have extensive experience and we’re well connected to services that will help new arrivals feel part of the local community, assist with employment opportunities, learn English or join a local mother’s group.

“For our new arrivals, an important message is that we can continue to assist you and that is great news. And with this continued funding we can also reach out to new communities in Western Sydney who will settle in Australia through the Pacific Engagement Visa program.

Ms Moraitakis thanked SSI for establishing the first NSW Settlement Partnership and consortium in 2015.

She said the model was innovative because it drew together organisations with a long and proud history in migrant service delivery, providing an opportunity to share and build on best practice.

“We will continue this practice of leveraging years of settlement expertise to provide the best possible services to those who now call Australia home,” Ms Moraitakis said.

Click here to download full media release

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Media enquiries: Vikki Hine, Media and Events. E: vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au or T: 0428 109 215 or Cindy Sciberras on 0412 897 286.

Zest Award Winner 2024

Posted on 30/05/2024 | by Vikki Hine

30 May 2024

SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to advise that we have won the Outstanding Community Arts and Culture category in this year’s Zest Awards, hosted by Western Sydney Community Forum.

The award was for the Intergenerational Art Program which pairs seniors with young people to create art and help address loneliness. It was designed by our partner Good Neighbours Australia, with workshops being run by SydWest and attended by our local senior clients.

Thanks and congratulations to all nominees and winners. The real winners are the Western Sydney community!

The Intergenerational Art Program was a collaboration with Good Neighbours Australia and part of our Seniors Social Support Groups Program to help reduce social isolation.

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Engineering students empower Western Sydney communities to solve local challenges

Posted on 28/05/2024 | by Vikki Hine

MEDIA RELEASE
29 May 2024

A new partnership between SydWest Multicultural Services and RMIT University will see humanitarian engineering students working with our culturally diverse community to solve local issues, using local resources.

The SydWest-RMIT Engagement Challenge will focus specifically on ways young people and seniors can work together to address issues across health, energy, infrastructure and the environment.

RMIT’s Dr Spyros Schismenos – an academic specialising in empowering communities to solve humanitarian and development issues – says his students are keen to learn more about the benefits of co-designing solutions with community, as opposed to designing solutions for community.

“Real impact is created through genuine partnership and by empowering the communities we work with,” Dr Schismenos said.

Projects could include how to address climate change and heat stress and designing housing appropriate for larger families or seniors from culturally diverse backgrounds.

SydWest Aged Care Services Manager Mereline Murimwa-Rarami said members of the Blacktown community are experts in their own lives and are best placed to provide valuable insights and possible solutions to challenges that they face.

‘At the same time members of the community can gain a sense of worthiness and take ownership of solutions,’ she said.

SydWest Multicultural Youth Case Manager Bronwyn O’Brien said our community members can bring a different perspective to the conversation and often have ideas others had not already thought of.

‘Western Sydney is an extremely diverse and vibrant area and with diversity comes different forms of creativity, and that can enhance our problem solving,’ she said.

Dr Schismenos is passionate about teaching and researching the most effective interventions for these communities and has a number of students enrolled in his course from Western Sydney.

“We have students from Western Sydney enrolled in this course, so for some of them it is a personal motivation to get involved,” Dr Schismenos said.

The humanitarian engineering program, through Dr Schismenos, also works with UNESCO on projects as diverse as women in science in developing countries, and environmental initiatives.

SydWest is proud to be partnering with RMIT and looks forward to seeing what can be achieved.

What is humanitarian engineering?

As Dr Schismenos explains, humanitarian engineering sits across all engineering disciplines with a focus on social impact and improving quality of live in society.

Humanitarian engineers specifically work with vulnerable and marginalised communities and combine specialist social and technical thinking with core engineering practice.

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Media enquiries: Vikki Hine, Media and Events. E: vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au or T: 0428 109 215 or Cindy Sciberras on 0412 897 286.

Download full media release here

As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing domestic violence within our communities, we are pleased to share that we will be marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a special DV Awareness Walk on 27th November in Blacktown.

As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing domestic violence within our communities, we are pleased to share that we will be marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a special DV Awareness Walk on 27^th November in Blacktown.