LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
In our journey as Cultura, I am proud to witness our organisation’s growth driven by incredible collaboration between departments. Cultura’s internal synergy significantly enhances our ability to better serve our communities, which is crucial in today’s world where harmony, intercultural relationships, and social cohesion are of most importance.
As we conclude this financial year, I am pleased to announce that we have successfully achieved our financial goals. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and strategic efforts of our Board and the entire team. Our financial stability ensures continuity in running essential programs and services that support our multicultural communities.
This month, we shine a spotlight on our refugee communities as we celebrate Refugee Week. Reflecting on Cultura’s integral role in helping them establish new lives in Geelong fills me with a sense of gratitude and pride.
Cultura remains dedicated to supporting our refugee communities every step of the way, providing not just assistance but also a place
where they feel a true sense of belonging. Our programs celebrate their successes, help navigate challenges, and ensure every refugee family experiences the warm embrace of our Cultura community and the promise of a bright future in Geelong and across Australia.
Our financial achievements this year allow us to sustain these vital programs, meeting the diverse needs of our multicultural communities. We are delighted that our refugee communities have found a new home with us, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this journey together. Today, my hope is that as a community, we can create a space where everyone has the opportunity to find freedom, connection to the community and build a new home here in our wonderful city.
Kind regards,
Joy Leggo OAM
REFUGEE WEEK CELEBRATION
One of the most significant events on the Cultura calendar is the Refugee Week Celebration. This annual observance typically attracts many service participants, Cultura partners and supporters, and staff members who come together to honour this important occasion. Due to the increasing number of attendees this year, we moved the celebration to the Northern Aquatic and Recreation Centre. The turnout was heart-warming, with a large, joyous crowd participating in the celebration.
The event featured vibrant performances of song and dance from staff, volunteers, and community members, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. A poignant moment in the program
was a speech by one of our ACFE students – Amisa, as she told her story of coming to Australia and learning English.
Delicious cultural dishes were served from our residential kitchen, adding to the celebration’s authenticity and enjoyment. The Refugee Week Celebration is more than just an event, it is an important acknowledgment and celebration of the refugee communities that Cultura supports. This occasion allows us to appreciate their contributions, resilience, and the rich cultural diversity they bring to our community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and honouring the strength and stories of refugees every year.
SETTLEMENT
Hadeel’s Story:
“I often think about when it all started. It was not five years ago when we arrived in Australia, nor seven years ago when we were waiting in a third country. It was way before that when two people fell in love, but they could not get married or be together in their original country because their marriage was against the law. Thirteen years ago, we believed there must be a place in this world where we could be safe and together. Here we are today, proudly calling one of the most beautiful countries, Home!”
Hadeel Albadran
Hadeel and Suroor were Cultura’s first CSP applicants and arrivals over five years ago. They have
been model CSP participants. What was truly special is that they chose to stay in Geelong despite there being a limited people from their country of origin, and resisted the temptation to move to the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne to be around their own cultural community. They have both made enormous progress. Suroor is a Project Manager in a building company, and Hadeel was able to turn her passion into a career, with her videoing and photography. Hadeel is working with Cultura as a photographer and videographer, she has her own business as well, known as HStudio Geelong. They are an amazing couple and are the perfect example of the great contributions refugees make to their new homes.
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER SUCCESS STORY
Feng is from China and moved to Australia in 2022. After spending some time in Adelaide, he decided to settle in Geelong, attracted by its wonderful coastline and surfing opportunities.
Feng contacted Cultura to express his interest in volunteering and soon became a valued member of our ACFE volunteer team, teaching English to newly arrived migrants at our Northern Community Hub.
Feng was offered and accepted a paid temporary position to cover annual leave for another staff member. This temporary position has now turned into a permanent role due to an increase in student numbers in the ACFE program.
In addition to working for Cultura, Feng is currently studying for a Master’s in Social Work and has begun his 500-hour student
placement in Cultura’s Settlement and Community Services.
We have thoroughly enjoyed watching Feng move from being a volunteer to a permanent employee and being able to complete his student placement with us. Please congratulate Feng when you see him around the Northern Community Hub.
We asked Feng what Cultura meant to him…. “I enjoy working with refugees. I find Cultura extremely welcoming, and as an international student, I have felt the warmth of this inclusive organisation. Co-workers have a great understanding of cultural diversity, and it is giving me some very rewarding work experience. I would like to thank Cultura for giving me these opportunities and for including me as part of this wonderful organisation. It is a great start for a career pathway.”
COMMUNITY AGED & DISABILITY
From March to May this year the Healthy Living Centre joined the Barwon Urban Knitting Community Project organised by Barwon Community Legal Service to help bring awareness to Elder Abuse and donate warm hand knitted garments and blankets to local charity Geelong Mums. What a wonderful response we had from our staff and participants, they couldn’t wait to get started to help others in need. Our Karen and Karenni refugee participants from Club Kuloo were certainly up to the challenge and created some wonderful knitted beanies, booties and scarves. Our knitted creations will be displayed at Geelong Library from the 14 June before being donated to Geelong Mums.
The Healthy Living Centre Social Support and Respite Club programs are for older community members that are eligible to receive support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP). Our programs promote and support participants to be active, independent and engaged and run Monday to Friday with half and full day options available.
Visit us at 25-41 Arunga Avenue, Norlane or contact us via aged.support@cultura.org.au or phone 5222 7275
ADULT COMMUNITY & FURTHER EDUCATION
FINDING FREEDOM: AMISA ELLENA’S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND FAMILY
A Journey of Resilience and Family Amisa Ellena, born in 2003, faced immense challenges early in life. After losing her father and immigrating to Australia with her nine siblings and mother, she encountered language barriers and financial constraints.
Despite these obstacles, Amisa’s resilience and determination fueled her educational journey.
Overcoming Challenges
ACFE Program “Shaping the Future” at Cultura helped Amisa overcame literacy and numeracy challenges, acquiring essential skills. Her participation in diverse activities improved her interpersonal, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication abilities. Enrolling in certificate courses and securing temporary employment highlighted her remarkable progress and the program’s effectiveness.
Transformative Educational Pathways
Amisa’s journey through the ACFE
Program “Shaping the Future” turned her into a dynamic individual proficient in communication, teamwork, and resilience.
Guldane Sluga a certified teacher and ACFE trainer, played a crucial role in supporting Amisa’s personal journey in finding the right direction and gave her the confidence to move ahead. This guidance underscores the transformative power of tailored educational pathways through ACFE for marginalized youth.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Amisa plans to enhance her Individual Support studies, seek employment in Aged Care Industry, and engage in community activities. This reflects her commitment to personal growth, professional development, and making a positive impact in the Aged Care sector.
Amisa’s story is a testament of the resilience, strength, and unity that define the refugee journey.
Cultura Connect July edition
PULSECOMMUNITY RADIO
Hello from 94.7 The Pulse, the voice of Geelong!
Where is the year going, we are diving head long into winter after beautiful autumn weather.
GDFNL Football coverage
94.7 The Pulse turns towards the football in winter as we broadcast the GDFNL match of the day each Saturday from 1:15pm. Our skilled broadcasters help you feel as though you are on the boundary line with their knowledge and banter.
New
Programs
The last few months have seen a number of new programs begin and we are pleased to welcome them all to the Pulse family.
Tune in to hear our newest programs:
• Rolling Through Wednesdays: Leanne and Andrea, Wed 4pm
• Just A Thought : Leah, Wed 5pm
• Hitmen Radio: Craig, Thur 3pm
• Wake Up with JD: Jesse Fri 7am
• Djilang News and Views: Megan, Loretta Fri 11am
• The Fixture: Leo and Peter, Fri 12pm
• Dil Sae with Dhruv : Dhruv, Sun 5pm
Out and About
Rob Cameron has been in Winchelsea and Drysdale broadcasting his Front Page program.
Rob catches up with the locals, uncovers news and helps us better understand the communities that make up our great region.
Loretta Hart celebrated Hope Bereavement Care’s Grief Week with a live broadcast from the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.
The broadcast highlighted the art exhibition that ran for the week a well as some of the artists and key people involved in building our communities grief understanding and capacity.
94.7 The Pulse was also present at the
Bellarine Wellbeing Connect showcase as it live streamed conversation from community organisations that support the health and wellbeing of locals and was excited to partner with National Celtic Folk festival to broadcast the annual schools concert that kicks off the festival each year.
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
CULTURA BOUTIQUE AKA OPP SHOP
We have so many beautiful, kind, and hardworking volunteers here at Residential Cultura. It is very hard to pick one person or even one department to highlight, but in the past months, we were struck by the thoughtfulness, dedication, and joy of one person who shines warmly on cold winter days.
Sonjia embodies the very heart and soul of a SALE—she says she lives for a SALE! Before each month begins, she asks for a small SALE sign and provides a description of her SALE. Last month it was Photo Frames, and this month it is Books—four books for $2. Each item is arranged in a tasteful and engaging way to welcome potential buyers to browse
the wares of our very handy and beautiful Boutique of Preloved clothes, books, and other items.
Sonjia is one of our dedicated and hardworking volunteers, who is about to celebrate one year of being a Cultura volunteer—a fact she is very proud of. She holds the highest known recorded takings in a single day and will proudly show residents and staff around, helping them find what they are interested in. A few of our Cultura staff have been spotted shopping at our incredible Cultura Boutique too!
Come and enjoy a browse of the goodies, Monday and Tuesday, 10 am - 1 pm.
YOUTH
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH CULTURA’S SPORTS ACADEMY
Cultura’s Volleyball and Futsal program offers a dynamic platform for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to enhance their settlement journey in Australia. Designed to empower young participants through sport, the program goes beyond physical activity by developing crucial life skills and community integration.
Participants gain leadership skills, learning to work as a team and build confidence both on and off the court. The program introduces them to essential services, facilitating connections with community resources that support their overall wellbeing.
Regular interactions with local police help demystify law enforcement, promoting a better understanding of Australian law and encouraging trust and cooperation.
Workshops on respectful relationships and mental health provide valuable insights, helping young people navigate their new environment with empathy and resilience. By addressing these critical areas, the program ensures that participants are well-equipped to contribute positively to their communities. Through volleyball and futsal, Cultura not only promotes physical fitness but also creates a supportive environment where multicultural youth can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and prepares them for a successful future in Australia.
CULTURA TRAINING
RTO NEWS:
The first class under Cultura has finished and our successful students will be graduating in early July. This class was Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and was run for Northern Futures clients. We are proud to announce that half of the graduates have already obtained meaningful employment in the industry and others are proactive in looking for work.
It is great to see enthusiastic and smiling students in the building attending classes for Community Services, Individual Support and Counselling regularly.
We still have traineeships left in the area of Diploma of Community Services, Individual Support and Early Childhood Education and Care, so please enquire with our friendly Cultura Training team for more detailstraining.cultura.org.au
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
We have some exciting vacancies available at Cultura:
• Support Worker
• Activity Worker
• Bicultural Worker
• Trainer and Assessor
• Wellbeing Worker
• Wellbeing Coordinator – HSP and NDIS
• Weekend Residential Services
For more information, please visit our ‘Careers’ page https://www.cultura.org.au/careers.
DIG DEEP, GROW PURPOSE, FRIENDSHIP & HOPE
Your funds will go towards:
Residential and Piazza Improvements
New outside furniture: It is a dream of ours to have beautiful, durable and comfortable outdoor furniture for our residents. Our residents love to sit soaking up the fresh air and share conversations together outside.
Water Features: The tranquil sound of running water has been proven to have soothing effects on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Introducing water features into our gardens would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of our residents. Moreover, these features would attract native birds, enriching the natural ecosystem and providing residents with the joy of bird-watching.
Chicken Coop and Bird Aviary: Many residents fondly recall the presence of chickens and aviary birds in our gardens and express a strong desire for their return. Watching these birds brings immense joy and fascination to our residents' lives, providing them with a unique connection to the natural world. By establishing a chicken coop and bird aviary, we can create opportunities for residents to engage with and appreciate the beauty of avian life and expand our animal therapy opportunities.
Plants and Herbs: Encouraging residents to participate in gardening activities not only promotes physical activity but also provides therapeutic benefits. Growing and tending to plants and herbs allows residents to connect with nature on a deeper level, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, the availability of fresh herbs for consumption adds a sensory dimension to the garden experience, stimulating the senses and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Our Hope Community Garden
Located in the Northern Hub, our 1.5-acre garden is a vibrant space that serves diverse multicultural communities, including Afghan, Tamil, Congolese, Karen, Karenni, Iraqi, Iranian, Ukrainian, and Syrian. It is a place where individuals and families can grow food, socialize, and celebrate cultural heritage through fresh produce.
The Cultura Hope Community Garden Program: This strengths-based initiative addresses barriers to social and economic participation faced by Geelong's multicultural communities. It provides employment pathways and creates micro-business opportunities in horticulture and cooking, particularly for new arrival communities.
The garden is more than just a place to grow vegetables; it is a vital engagement point for vulnerable individuals experiencing isolation and employment barriers. It fosters outdoor social connections and imparts valuable knowledge about local food systems, sustainability, and healthy living practices.
Our Plan Includes:
Refurbishing Pathways: Upgrading our paths with compacted granitic sand to prevent muddiness and ensure accessibility all year round.
Widening Pathways: Adjusting the pathways to accommodate wheelchair access, allowing everyone to navigate the garden easily.
Renewing Wooden Edges: Replacing the deteriorating wooden edges around the garden plots with sustainably sourced cypress macrocarpa sleepers to enhance the structural integrity and make the garden safer.
Constructing Raised Garden Beds: Building new raised beds to reduce the physical strain of gardening, making it more enjoyable, especially for those with mobility challenges. This will also provide opportunities for community members currently on our waiting list.
Adding Seating: Installing additional wooden bench seats throughout the garden for more relaxation and social interaction.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
