Tag: blacktown

Media Release ALP Win Elfa image 2025

SydWest congratulates ALP on win

Posted on | by Vikki Hine | Leave a Comment on SydWest congratulates ALP on win

Media Release
6 May 2025

SydWest Multicultural Services congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party (ALP) on their return to government.

This re-election presents a renewed opportunity for the Australian Government to deliver on the vision expressed during the Prime Minister’s victory speech which is to “show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need.”

The Prime Minister explained that for Australia to serve its Australian values and be the best it can be, we must value every Australian, a statement that SydWest Multicultural Services fundamentally believes in. This is a new phase for the Government, yet SydWest’s vision endures which is to create an inclusive society where all people have equal opportunities to grow and thrive.

Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services said that “voters in Australia and Sydney have voted for a government that considers the needs of all Australians – people of all ages, backgrounds and living situations. Sydney is a community with diverse demographics and challenges and a government that addresses this diversity is vital to building a thriving society.’

Millions of Australians are counting on the Prime Minister’s leadership to ease the cost-of-living crisis and provide access to secure, safe, and affordable housing.

For the nearly 50% of Australians, from culturally and linguistic diverse (CALD) backgrounds, this next government term also holds the promise of meaningful action on key priorities, including:

•         Culturally responsive domestic and family violence support,

•         Aged care that is fair, affordable and accessible to all, and

•         An NDIS that provides participants with genuine choice and control.

Now is a pivotal time for community organisations such as SydWest. We are hopeful for a stronger focus on reducing barriers and ensuring reforms are introduced with adequate lead times, enabling the sector to prepare and respond effectively. Our mission is to deliver quality services meeting diverse needs and we invite federal MPs to work with us to ensure its policies meet the needs of all Australians.

STATEMENT ENDS /

Click here to download full media release

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.

zawmyo family for web story

Zawmyo’s story of settlement

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

An inspiring success story

In 2017, Zawmyo arrived in Australia from Myanmar, facing numerous challenges, including language barriers, finding employment, and navigating the citizenship process. With the dedicated support of the SydWest Settlement Services team, Zawmyo embarked on a transformative journey.

Through our step-by-step guidance, Zawmyo attended our citizenship classes, significantly improving his English language skills. We also provided comprehensive assistance with his citizenship application and job search.

Not long after, Zawmyo reached out to express his heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you so much for your support. With your citizenship classes and the services provided through SydWest, I secured a job at the well-known store Fabre Castell Pencils in Seven Hills and successfully passed the citizenship test!”

Zawmyo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community support. His success inspires us all and highlights the importance of the services we provide at SydWest Multicultural Services.

[first published in Community Connections No 1, 2025 ]

website image blacktown womens support group 3

Blacktown Women’s Support Group

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

Starting soon!

Join our Blacktown Women’s Support Group – Term 2 is starting 1st May, it’s completely free!

Just some of the activities that you can enjoy include:

  • Career building workshops
  • Parenting discussions
  • Relaxation & self-care activities
  • Socialising Emotional support
  • Health and wellness workshops

Childcare is available, but you have to register.

CLICK HERE to download our Information Flyer

Want to know more? Contact Ambreen on 96216633 or email: ambreen.kamran@sydwestms.org.au

This program is funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

Consortium launch CEOS and Minister 1

Minister launches settlement consortium for Greater Western Sydney

Posted on | 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. 

STATEMENT ENDS / 

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. 

Copy of BANNER promo refugee week image news 1

Join us to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of family to the refugee settlement journey

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

MEDIA ALERT
17 June 2024

During Refugee Week, SydWest will host a community event in Blacktown featuring a short film and thought-provoking panel discussion to acknowledge and celebrate successful refugee settlement in Western Sydney.

Following the premier of the short film featuring the stories of three refugees – Adnan Ajjan from Syria, Zohra Anwari from Afghanistan and Suman Chhetri from Bhutan – and the importance of family to their successful settlement, the panel will explore some of the key themes of Refugee Week.

Date: Wednesday 19 June
Time: 10am to 12:30pm
Location: Bowman Hall, 21 Campbell St, Blacktown

Interview talent
MC and panel facilitator: Sunil Badami

Born in Blacktown and raised in Seven Hills, Sunil is a writer, performer, broadcaster and academic.  He appears regularly on radio and TV, most recently on the ABC TV program India Now!

Panelists:

  • Roman Abasy, Sports Coordinator at Reclink. Roman is a champion wrestler, engaging with refugees in sports as part of his work. A strong advocate for equality and women’s rights, he was forced to flee Afghanistan when the USA withdrew troops and the Taliban took power.
  • Deena Yako, Director of Community Engagement, Refugee Council of Australia. Deena is a former Assyrian-Mandaean refugee born in Iraq now works as a refugee advocate, utilising her personal experience of surviving and thriving.
  • Suman Chhetri is featured in our film. He is a former Bhutanese refugee who now works in mental health at the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Other speakers:

  • Elfa Moriatakis, CEO, SydWest Multicultural Services
  • Clr Dr Moninder Singh, Blacktown Council
  • Uncle Colin Locke will perform the Welcome to Country.

The event will feature dance performances by the Filipino Senior Group and will be attended by up to 300 community members.

Our heartfelt thanks to event sponsors SBS Audio and Blacktown Council.

Click here to download full media release

END

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.

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Employment Accelerator event matches jobseekers to Home Care jobs

Posted on | 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

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Employment Accelerator for Home Care

Posted on | 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

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Employment Accelerator in Blacktown!

Posted on | 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