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.

ZEST Awards 2024 76 1 1 — Zest Award Winner 2024 3

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.

STATEMENT ENDS/

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

Budget measures welcome but more can be done

Posted on 15/05/2024 | by Vikki Hine

MEDIA RELEASE

15 May 2024

SydWest welcomes several measures announced in last night’s Federal Budget that provide assistance across settlement, aged care, the NDIS and cost of living.

Acting CEO Clement Meru said SydWest supports the extension of the Youth Transition Support Scheme which helps young refugees and migrants transition smoothly from education to work.

‘We are also pleased with the extension, through the Settlement and Transition Support (SETS) Program, of support for refugee and migrant women experiencing violence in the home, particularly considering Blacktown’s high rates of domestic violence,’ said Mr Meru.

‘It is critical that women and children from new and emerging communities who flee violent relationships can continue accessing culturally responsive support.

‘In relation to aged care, we welcome the Federal Government’s $531.4 million investment in 24,100 additional home care packages, however we agree with calls from the Aged and Community Care Providers Association that more funds are needed to support our ageing population.

‘We mustn’t forget that seniors from culturally diverse backgrounds may have more complex needs as cultural and language factors come into play.’

SydWest said the announcement of $468.7 over five years to support people with disability and to get the NDIS back on track was also good news.

‘Much has been said about more needing to be done for cost-of-living relief, and that is true – our community is really doing it tough,’ Mr Meru said.

‘However, the $300 rebate on electricity bills and additional rent assistance will provide some relief for the families and individuals we support.’

SydWest is a leading organisation for cultural diversity issues responding to community needs and opportunities throughout Greater Western Sydney and more recently parts of the Inner West and City of Sydney. Participate Australia runs SydWest’s disability services.

STATEMENT ENDS/

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.

Employment Accelerator event matches jobseekers to Home Care jobs

Posted on 01/02/2024 | by Vikki Hine

Jobseekers interested in a career supporting seniors to live independently at home turned out to connect with Home Care employers in person at the first Employment Accelerator event for 2024.

Hosted by SydWest Multicultural Services at its Blacktown office on Wednesday 31 January, the event saw local employers, training organisations and employment bodies including SSI, Leaders Care, Care Connect, Salvation Army Employment Plus, Macquarie Community College and TAFE Blacktown present their opportunities to almost 40 jobseekers.

Attendees registered their interest in available jobs and learned about training and qualifications.

“Employers reported promising matches with candidates and were positive about meeting jobseekers in person,” said SydWest Settlement and Community Programs Manager Clement Meru.

“We were happy with the turnout and the way people interacted with the employers and training organisations to help them get a step closer to a job as a Home Care worker,” Mr Meru said.

Riddhi, from Blacktown, a client of SydWest, was among the attendees. She said she was finishing her certificate III course soon and wanted to get a head start on getting a job. She said it was valuable to see employers in the one place and see where the opportunities are.

A representative from Leaders Care said they were always looking for Home Care workers, so it was a great opportunity to connect with jobseekers and “with other organisations who might have referrals”.

If you’re interested in a career in Home Care, there are more events in the coming weeks in Mt Druitt, St Marys, Parramatta and Blacktown. Find out more at the SydWest Multicultural Services website

Care Connect stand — Ashleigh Hudson, Care Connect speaks to interested jobseekers

Employment Accelerator in action — Jobseekers meeting employers and training providers

Employment Accelerator listening to employers — Jobseekers paid close attention to the employer presentations

1 February 2024

Employment Accelerator for Home Care

Posted on 17/01/2024 | by Vikki Hine

Jump start a career in care

We are bringing Home Care employers together with potential employees.
They can meet face-to-face, bypassing the application process.
This is an in-person event and an easy and efficient way for employers to meet candidates.

For more information and how to register, CLICK HERE

Contact Tonny Birungi at tonny.birungi@sydwestms.org.au or T: 02 9621 6633

Bhutanese Migration History – book launch

Posted on 23/11/2023 | by Vikki Hine

Launched at SydWest Multicultural Services-Participate Australia AGM on 2 November 2023, Bhutanese Migration History – a life in three countries is an important contribution to the history of migration to Australia.

Check out a recent video from Om Dhungel, a local Bhutanese community leader and key contributor to this recording of history.

This book was published by SydWest Multicultural Services and written by Virgina Macleod, with the assistance of the Australian Historical Society and the NSW Government through the Create NSW Cultural Grants Program and in collaboration with the Bhutanese community.

Having collaborated with the Bhutanese community for nearly 15 years, I have developed a deep appreciation for their kindness and the strong bonds they share, ensuring the success of their settlement in Blacktown. I feel humbled to be able to contribute to this significant piece of Western Sydney’s history, said Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services.

For more information, please contact marketingcommunications@sydwestms.org.au

23 November 2023

Employment Accelerator in Blacktown!

Posted on 26/09/2023 | by Vikki Hine

Making finding jobs for new arrivals easier

SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to announce it is a partner in the upcoming Employment Accelerator being held 11th October 2023 in Blacktown.

This event is designed to support those from diverse cultural backgrounds and those who have recently migrated to Australia, and who are looking for work.

Don’t miss this chance to:Network with local employers, Be interviewed, Gain access to local support that helps build your work-ready and employability skills and, connect with organisations who can help to recognise prior learning/qualifications.

Industries present on the day:
• Health and Care Industry
• Transport & Logistics including: Warehousing
• Retail
• Construction

If you are interested in attending, visit Employment Accelerator Celebrating Diversity Tickets for more information and to register.

Alternatively, please contact Saurav Shrestha, Settlement Services Team Leader at SydWest Multicultural Services by email Saurav.shrestha@sydwestms.org.au or Tel: 9621-6633.

This event has been organised in collaboration with:

Sydney Greater West Local Jobs, SydWest Multicultural Services, Australian Catholic University, Blacktown City Council, TAFE NSW, State Member Mr Stephen Bali, Macquarie Community College, SSI – Homecare workforce program, FindMe, Salvation Army Employment Plus, AMES Australia, AUSRIA, Services Australia, OCTEC, Reach for Training, LEAD Connect.

26 September 2023

The Voice Referendum: Resources for people with disability

Posted on 22/09/2023 | by Vikki Hine

Participate Australia has developed a suite of video resources to help disseminate information about The Voice referendum to people with disability.

PA and SydWest support people with disability to live full lives as members of the community, which includes exercising their right to vote at elections.

The three videos provide easy English explanations about the upcoming referendum and are intended to be conversation starters between people with disability and trusted family or friends.

They explain concepts including the Constitution and referendums, outline what the October 14 referendum is about, detail why Australians are being asked to make a change, and explain that people can vote either yes or no.

Participate Australia spokesman Thom Calma said it was important that all members of the community could take part in discussions about the Voice.

“There are around 4 million people in Australia who have a disability, many of whom vote, but there is a gap when it comes to accessible information,” said Mr. Calma.

“These videos provide easy to understand information about the referendum and we hope they are used to generate important conversations in households, workplaces and support organisations across the country.

“We are proud to co-create these videos with our community.

“People with disability have a powerful voice in the upcoming referendum.”

Participate Australia is a subsidiary of SydWest Multicultural Services. SydWest will help disseminate translated information about the referendum to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

To access more resources, visit https://participateaustralia.com.au/thevoice

For media enquiries, please contact vikki.hine@sydwestms.org.au

22 September 2023

SydWest is hosting a special Cost of Living Forum for community leaders as part of WEXPO Blacktown 2023.

WEXPO 2023 and Cost of Living

Posted on 01/09/2023 | by Vikki Hine

SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to announce that it is a premium sponsor of this year’s WEXPO Blacktown and will be delivering an important Cost of Living Community Leaders Forum on Tuesday 5 September 2023 at Workers Blacktown.

WEXPO 2023 is a unique blend of exhibition, workshops and thought-provoking Forums and everyone in the community is invited to visit and join in.

“SydWest Multicultural Services is particularly proud of its Cost of Living Forum, an important session to address cost of living pressures that so many of us are experiencing. said Elfa Moraitakis, CEO.

With an almost 7% inflation rate, essential things like food, medication, electricity and housing are becoming high price items – individually and collectively we need to explore options and address the growing inequality that cost of living is causing in our society.”

This session will promise insights, solutions and recommendations to the NSW government on how to take the crisis out of cost of living, with guest speakers including:
• Dr Jim Taggart OAM – Forum moderator
• Elfa Moraitakis, CEO, SydWest Multicultural Services – Welcome/Introductions
• Panel Speakers
• Joanna Quilty, CEO, NCOSS
• Michael Fox, Quality and Practice Manager, Mission Australia Western Sydney
• Clement Meru, Settlement and Community Programs Manager, SydWest Multicultural Services
• Najwa Tirezy, community representative

The Cost of Living Forum will be held as part of the Community Leaders sessions being held during WEXPO Blacktown 2023.

Now in its second year, WEXPO is a full day of workshops, forums, entertainment and special guest speakers. There will also be exhibitors showcasing their services and products in the Diamond Room and near the Ballroom.

There is no need to register for WEXPO 2023 if someone is just visiting the exhibition. However, all Forums have registration processes.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL MEDIA RELEASE

1 September 2023

National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference 2023

Bronze Sponsor of National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference

Posted on 14/08/2023 | by Vikki Hine

SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to announce that it is a Bronze Sponsor of the upcoming inaugural National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference 2023 being held 21-22 November in Sydney. The Conference is an initiative of Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative.

In partnership with NSW Health, the conference will address challenges, review best practices and explore how to improve access to health and wellbeing services for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population. For more information visit https://www.multiculturalhealthconference.org.au/

#multiculturalhealth

14 August 2023