Looking for a fun, supportive space for you and your little one? Come along to Bert Oldfield Public School Community Hub every Wednesday, 10 AM – 12 PM during school term.
✔ Play-based learning for kids aged 0–5 ✔ Singing, dancing, reading & social time ✔ Support for mums on parenting, health & education ✔ Build school readiness, literacy & emotional skills
Palliative care is more than just end-of-life support — it’s a specialised approach that helps people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses to live as fully and comfortably as possible. By focusing on quality of life, palliative care addresses not only physical symptoms like pain, but also emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs. It’s a holistic model that supports both individuals and their families.
Importantly, palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and often works alongside curative treatments. It’s delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, community services, and family members who collaborate to ensure care is respectful of each person’s values, culture, and choices.
At SydWest Multicultural Services, we champion culturally inclusive palliative and end-of-life care. Our goal is to help individuals and families understand their options, plan ahead, and access support in their preferred language.
As part of this commitment, our Aged Care Team Leader, Kavita Pantha, recently contributed to the review of new bilingual palliative care brochures for Nepali communities. Developed by Palliative Care NSW and launched in recognition of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025, these resources aim to improve understanding and encourage open, culturally sensitive conversations about care and support in CALD communities.
Are you ready to help someone take the next step in their career—or start your own journey toward employment? The Backswing Program, proudly funded by the Department of Social Services, is now open for referrals!
What is Backswing?
Backswing is an 18-week, one-day-a-week program designed to support people living with anxiety, depression, or other disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds. Our goal is simple: build confidence, develop essential skills, and connect participants with real employment opportunities.
For Participants
If you’re looking to:
Gain work experience with local employers
Create a tailored resume and cover letter
Build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Learn what employers are really looking for …then Backswing is for you! You’ll meet friendly professionals, network with hiring managers, and leave with the confidence to succeed.
For Referrers
Do you have clients who are ready to take the next step? Referring is easy—just email or call us with their details, and we’ll reach out to them directly. Help your clients unlock their potential and prepare for meaningful employment.
Program Highlights
Employability Skills Development
Hands-on Work Experience
Industry Insights & Networking
Team-based Project Management
Locations: Blacktown & Mount Druitt (close to public transport and parking) Spots are limited—don’t wait! Contact Patricia at patricia.serafine@sydwestms.org.au or call (02) 9621 6633.
Backswing Program – Building Confidence, Creating Careers.
SydWest Multicultural Services, a leading not-for-profit organisation in Greater Western Sydney, is proudly sponsoring the United Nations 80-year ‘Shaping Our Future Together’ conference.
The landmark one-day conference, hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA NSW), will be held at the Sheraton Grand Sydney on 22 October 2025. It brings together diplomats, academics, civil society, and business leaders to discuss the future of global wellbeing, peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
Bringing local expertise to the global stage, SydWest’s participation underscores the organisation’s deep commitment to the UN’s core principles, particularly in the areas of human rights, inclusion, and social cohesion.
“The challenges the UN tackles globally are reflected in the communities we serve right here in Western Sydney,” said Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest. “By participating in ‘Shaping Our Future Together’, we ensure that the lived realities and aspirations of multicultural communities in our region are represented in the national and global dialogue. We’re honoured to contribute our voice to this historic event”.
SydWest will also host an exhibit showcasing its innovative work integrating new migrants into the workforce, demonstrating how local, community-driven solutions can advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Chair of SydWest Multicultural Services, Angela Tsoukatos added: “This conference reminds us that local actions and partnerships can have global impact. SydWest’s sponsorship reflects our Board’s enduring commitment to social justice, equality and sustainability, and to ensuring Western Sydney remains a beacon of multicultural strength and opportunity.”
SydWest remains committed to fostering a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future for all residents of Greater Western Sydney making its involvement in this pivotal UN-associated event a natural extension of its mission and values.
Join us in support of women’s health and early detection
October marks the time to raise awareness of the importance of breast screening for keeping women safe from breast cancer.
We are pleased to be working with the Tamil Valarchi Manram and a range of other local stakeholder partners to offer an important Morning tea and presentations for breast screening awareness in our local community.
Date: Monday, 27 October 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Venue: Redgum Centre, Wentworthville
There will be lots of fun activities, prizes and food, while learning about breast screening awareness.
For more information, contact Kanthi 0469 089 829.
SydWest is excited to launch Tuning into Kids, a free 6-week parenting program designed to help parents build stronger, more emotionally connected relationships with their children.
Starting Thursday 16 October 2024 at our Blacktown office, this evidence-based program—delivered in collaboration with Wesley Mission—offers practical tools to support your child’s emotional development and strengthen family communication.
What you’ll learn:
Understand and respond to your child’s emotions
Help your child manage big feelings
Strengthen communication and family relationships
Reduce challenging behaviours
Build your confidence as a parent
Sessions run every Thursday morning for six weeks, and free childcare is provided to support your participation.
Places are limited—register now! 📩 Contact Ambreen Kamran at ambreen.kamran@sydwestms.org.au or 📞 Call 9621 6633 to secure your spot.
Let’s grow together—because parenting is a journey best taken with support.
We’re thrilled to congratulate our incredible Aged Care team on winning the ACE Award in the Consumer Focus and Care Team category! This well-deserved recognition celebrates the outstanding work of our CHSP group-based programs, including centre-based respite and seniors social support groups.
Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to enriching the lives of older Australians, their families, and communities truly make a difference. You are ACE!
Today also marks Aged Care Employee Day – a national day to honour the amazing individuals who care for and support older Australians every single day.
Congratulations once again on your award win, and happy Aged Care Employee Day!
Celebrating Excellence in Aged Care – ACE Award Winners! 13Celebrating Excellence in Aged Care – ACE Award Winners! 14Celebrating Excellence in Aged Care – ACE Award Winners! 15
SydWest Multicultural Services and Western Sydney MRC, both members of the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium, are proud to announce its upcoming advocacy event, aimed at championing an increase in Australia’s refugee intake and enhancing the resettlement experience for migrants and refugees.
The event, set to take place on 17th June at West HQ will bring together community leaders, peak bodies, policymakers, and advocates to drive meaningful discussions and push for positive change.
With global displacement increasing year after year, Australia has a unique opportunity to strengthen its commitment to humanitarian support.
This event will shine a spotlight on Australia’s refugee response compared to other nations and the challenges refugees face upon arrival, while presenting solutions to their inclusion and belonging.
The event will feature speakers from SBS, SSI, Refugee Council of Australia and UNSW, some of whom were refugees themselves.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with policymakers and stakeholders, reinforcing the call for increased intake and a more compassionate and structured support system.
“This event is a crucial step toward ensuring Australia remains a leader in humanitarian action,” said Clement Meru, Settlement and Community Services manager at SydWest. “By advocating for an improved resettlement experience, we aim to empower refugees and build a stronger, more inclusive society.”
Members of the public, media, and key decision-makers are encouraged to attend and take part in shaping the future of refugee support in Australia.
Training that connects workers to their community and fits around their jobs
Lucia Uriona arrived in Australia from Argentina in 1971. Her family, of Italian heritage, relocated for her father’s work and settled on a farm, far from the city life they knew.
“Everything was new. I spoke only a little English, so I had to start from scratch,” Lucia recalls.
Years later, while watching carers from SydWest Multicultural Services support her ageing mother, Lucia found her calling.
“They were kind, respectful. I thought—maybe I can do that too.”
SydWest Multicultural Services provides quality approved aged care services to assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to live independently – at home and within the community.
“It was perfect – just one day a week. I could keep working with SydWest while learning,” she says.
Mereline Murimwa-Rarami, Sydwest Aged Care Services Manager, shares her thoughts:
Mereline Murimwa-Rarami
“Macquarie Community College provides flexible training arrangements that allow our care staff to continue working while upskilling. This means SydWest can maintain uninterrupted service delivery to our clients, which is essential.
We’ve received positive feedback from SydWest care staff who have completed training with the College. We’ve also noticed an improvement in their performance, which tells us the training is both practical and effective.”
At Macquarie Community College, Lucia experienced hands-on training, not just theory.
“They teach differently. We practised real skills; things I use every day.
When you’re working, you don’t always realise the impact you have. Studying helped me see that what we do really matters.”
Learning, Friendship, and Ongoing Growth
Lucia’s learning journey brought more than skills – it gave her community.
“I made lovely friends during the course. I’m a big talker, and we all connected. We still keep in touch!”
Her trainer, Jas Khanooja, made a lasting impression.
“He explained everything so well. He really knows his stuff.”
With continued support from SydWest team, Lucia continues learning through in-house training like Dementia care.
“The Sydwest team offered so much. I love learning – it keeps me fresh, motivated, and connected to my community.”
Heather Hill, Community Services Lead at Macquarie Community College commented:
Heather Hill
Lucia’s story is truly inspiring – a powerful reminder of how meaningful and fulfilling a career in aged care can be, especially when grounded in empathy, cultural understanding, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
I’m so proud of the way SydWest and Macquarie Community College collaborate to support individuals in not only growing professionally but also finding purpose and connection.
Aged Care Career Is Where Lucia Belongs
Lucia isn’t thinking of slowing down anytime soon. Despite suggestions from her sister to retire, she’s staying put.
“I feel so comfortable in this job. I love the seniors – they’re beautiful people. Understanding their culture, their stories – that’s so important.”
For Lucia, aged care isn’t about money:
“You do this work for people. A kind word goes a long way. We all need that. When we retire, we can’t just sit at home. Aged care is a great way to keep going and do something meaningful.”
Inspired by Lucia? Start Your Own Aged Care Journey!
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your experience, Macquarie Community College offers flexible, practical Aged Care courses. With trusted partners like SydWest Multicultural Services, you’ll be supported to grow, connect, and thrive.
Stay safe with our upcoming Information Sessions – last sessions for May!
We are running a series of Multicultural Road Safety information sessions in 2025 from February to May.
Upcoming sessions include: 12 May 10am-11am Parents/Caregivers of Learner Drivers, SydWest Blacktown in Tagalog 16 May 3pm – 4pm Older People Licensing, online in Dari (just added!) 28 May 10am-11am Parents/Caregivers of Learner Drivers, SydWest Blacktown in Tamil
The sessions have covered important topics such as:
• Child Car Seat Safety • Licensing for Older People • Guidance for Parents/Caregivers of Learner Drivers • Pedestrian Behaviour for Older People
To ensure accessibility, we have been offering these sessions in various languages, including Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, and Tagalog. Sessions are held in various venues across Blacktown LGA including Toongabbie, Glenwood, Blacktown and Mt Druitt.
Understanding road safety and your responsibilities is crucial for everyone. We aim to help you prioritize safety every time you drive.
If you’re interested in participating and for further information, please reach out to Saurav or Sonia at info@sydwestms.org.au or call 9621-6633.
Please book your seats as there are limited seats available in each session.
