LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
As spring unfolds across Australia, bringing a sense of renewal, it mirrors the exciting transformations taking place here at Cultura. We are delighted to announce the completion of our three-year strategic plan, which sets a clear path for the continued growth of our organisation. This plan is built around expanding our reach and delivering even more impactful services to our multicultural communities, who are at the heart of everything we do.
We are excited to share that Cultura is embarking on an exciting new venture aimed at re-engaging multicultural youth in community life. I am hopeful that this initiative will promote cross-cultural exchange and ensure the sustainability of our Multicultural Community Services Geelong Inc. (MCSG) Council. To support this, a Youth Council working group has been formed and will be working on developing the framework for the upcoming MCSG Youth Council over the next few months. We are thrilled that this will ensure the continuity of our important
work and are excited for the future of multiculturalism in Geelong.
While we remain mindful of the challenging and unstable global environment, our commitment to supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds remains stronger than ever. As the need for our services continues to grow, Cultura is well-prepared to meet these demands with compassion, dedication, and innovation.
This spring brings new opportunities for us to flourish, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together. Thank you for your ongoing interest in our work and support for Cultura.
Kind regards,
Joy Leggo OAM
SETTLEMENT
Skalillah and Najib married in Iran in 2001, and their daughter Shaghaegh was born the following year. The family lived as refugees in Iran until 2014 when Najib was forced to flee due to a security threat. A smuggler promised him arrival in Australia within six months, but a change in Australia’s immigration policy left him stranded in Indonesia. Najib remained there until late 2022 when he arrived in Australia through the Community Support Program.
With the help of migration agents at Cultura, Najib was able to secure a humanitarian visa through the ‘Split Family’ provision at no charge. After 12 years of physical separation, the family was finally reunited at Melbourne Airport on August 4, 2024. They will settle in Geelong, where Najib has lived and worked since his arrival. Cultura’s Humanitarian Support Program (HSP) housing worker has already secured them a home, and their HSP case manager will continue to support their settlement journey.
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERING AT CULTURA
At Cultura, our vibrant community thrives on the dedication and passion of our volunteers. These incredible individuals make it possible for us to offer a variety of enriching activities that not only bring joy to our residents but also foster companionship and unforgettable experiences. Without our volunteers, programs at Residential like Stella’s Café, Boutique, language-specific gatherings, communion, and our beloved Trio-bike rides wouldn’t be possible.
When the weather is perfect, there is nothing quite like riding along the Geelong waterfront with our fantastic Trio-bike volunteer team. It is moments like these that highlight the positive impact our volunteers have on the lives of our residents.
Volunteering at Cultura is not just about giving back; it is also about personal growth and fulfillment. Engaging in volunteer work can bring a sense of meaning and purpose to your
life, enhance your self-esteem, and contribute to your overall wellbeing. Whether you are starting your career or looking to reintegrate into the workforce, our volunteer roles provide valuable hands-on experience.
Our volunteer, Zeina, beautifully highlights the rewards of her experience:
“The sense of fulfillment from contributing to community events and cultural programs is unmatched. Seeing the positive impact on participants’ lives brings me immense joy. The supportive environment and camaraderie among fellow volunteers make every moment worthwhile. Cultura has truly enriched my life in more ways than I imagined!”
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Cultura, we would love to hear from you!
Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Kirk, at amanda.kirk@cultura.org.au or call 0432 392 344. Together, we can make a positive difference in our community!
Cultura Connect October edition
COMMUNITY AGED & DISABILITY
Put a Zing in your Spring and try DanZing at the Healthy Living Centre
This October and November the Healthy Living Centre will be celebrating Positive Ageing with eight Feel Good dance workshops for all abilities, aged 55 and over.
Glide, Shimmy and Smile in our Belly Dancing and Zumba Gold workshops. Feel the music and let yourself go, your body and mind will thank you for it.
Our all access facility ensures no one misses out on the opportunity to feel good from the inside out.
One Dance is never enough. “This project has been supported by a City of Greater Geelong Community Grant.”
Bookings essential To Book phone 03 5222 7275 or email aged.support@cultura.org.au Gold coin donation
ZUMBA GOLD with Mariela
Wednesday 16 Oct 1.30-2.30 Friday 8 Nov 1.30-2.30 Monday 11 Nov 1.30-2.30 Wednesday 13 Nov 1.30-2.30
BELLY DANCING with Lisa
Tuesday 29 Oct 1.30-2.30 Tuesday 19 Nov 1.30-2.30
ADULT COMMUNITY & FURTHER EDUCATION
At Cultura, we are committed to upskilling the ACFE community at every opportunity.
In August, Cultura organised an ACFE Community Building Networking Morning Tea, where students engaged in activities like building spaghetti towers, constructing paper bridges, designing foil boats, creating dresses from tissue, and painting. These activities were specifically designed to bridge communication gaps between multicultural communities.
Communication and teamwork were key focuses, as students collaborated and shared their ideas. By ensuring that no two participants from the same culture were paired together, we encouraged adaptability
and cross-cultural communication, helping students learn to navigate and respect different perspectives.
The activities also developed negotiation skills, requiring students to reach agreements and work towards common goals. These experiences are not only valuable for their future careers but also for their everyday interactions and educational pursuits.
At Cultura we are constantly aiming to provide ongoing opportunities for growth and development within ACFE community through creative initiatives, entertaining tasks and fun events.
Cultura Connect October edition
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH CULTURA
We have some exciting vacancies available at Cultura:
• Support Worker
• Activity Worker
• Bicultural Worker
• Wellbeing Worker
• Wellbeing Carer
• Wellbeing Coordinator
• Registered Nurse (Grade 3A)
• Cleaner
• Health Services Navigator – Multicultural Access Program (Dari and Farsi Speaking)
• Hotel Services Officer
• Visa Support Worker x 2 positions (Dari and Arabic Speaking)
For more information, please visit our ‘Careers’ page https://www.cultura.org.au/careers.
Australia’s rich cultural diversity makes inclusivity not just important but essential. Our Global Minds program is designed to empower your team’s cultural capability, ensuring your organisation is well-equipped to serve everyone effectively.
Let’s work together to eliminate workplace disharmony and promote cultural understanding. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
Why Cultura
With decades of experience working closely with multicultural communities, Cultura has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in fostering inclusivity. At Cultura, cultural awareness isn’t just a course—it’s a core value that drives everything we do.
GLOBAL MINDSCULTURAL AWARENESS PROGRAM
Learning Outcomes:
• Enhanced Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
Improved Intercultural Communication Skills
Increased Understanding of Cultural Biases
• Adoption of Culturally Humble Practices
• Better Adaptation of Services to Diverse Customers & Community
Fostering of Meaningful Relationships Across Cultures
The standard duration for this training is 2 hours, but we can tailor the session to fit your specific needs and preferences. Face to Face & Virtual delivery options available.
Scan the QR code for more information or EMAIL: cultural.awareness@cultura.org.au or PHONE: (03) 5279 6882
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is a unique, surprising, and important aspect of our lives at every stage. It enriches our lives and those of others, often reaching further than we realise. Friendship provides stability and comfort in times of need, grounding us. Whether sharing a laugh over coffee or offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times, friends hold a special place in our hearts. These connections remind us that we are never alone and that there are people who genuinely care about our well-being. At Cultura Residential, we celebrate friendship, as it nurtures connections in unique ways, creating a sense of belonging and unity that strengthens the fabric of our community, making it an enriching and welcoming place for all.
Some friendships last a lifetime, while others are new. When you meet someone and feel a connection, hold on and celebrate it.
Old Friendships:
- Beryl and Win have stayed in touch since they went to the same School and Church.
- Francine and Regina have known each other their entire lives and continue to connect.
New Friendships:
- Liz and Henriette have only met in the last few months, but their bond is already strong and beautiful.
- Jack and John met here at Cultura, and they enjoy sitting together and making each other laugh.
I am grateful and honoured to see these friendships in action every day.
Rachel Young - Wellbeing Coordinator
Cultura Connect
YOUTH
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH SOCCER
Cultura has partnered with Northern Bay College to launch a transformative soccer program supporting multicultural youth facing significant challenges. This initiative addresses issues like bullying, racism, and anger management, using soccer as a powerful tool for personal and social development.
The program, led by Cultura Youth Worker, Disan Mubiru, creates a safe and inclusive environment where young people from diverse backgrounds can channel their energy into something positive. It is aimed to combat racism and discrimination and promote mutual respect and understanding.
Workshops on anger management, conflict resolution, and communication are also a part of this program, helping participants navigate
their emotions and interactions. The emphasis on teamwork and respectful relationships is key, with soccer naturally teaching these values.
Cultura’s program also tackles bullying and racism head-on, encouraging participants to become ambassadors of anti-racism within their communities. The exciting part is that we have already started to witness how this ripple effect creates a more inclusive environment at Northern Bay College and beyond.
We are hoping that this soccer program will contribute towards building a brighter future, equipping young people with the resilience and skills to thrive. As the program grows, its impact will resonate throughout the community, nurturing a generation of young leaders who value respect, teamwork, and inclusivity.
EVENTS
On behalf of Cultura, we are incredibly proud to have sponsored the recent Chamber of Commerce ‘After 5’ event! It was a fantastic opportunity to mingle with the wonderful local businesses in our community and introduce our exciting new product - Cultural Awareness Training.
The evening was made even more special by the incredible food prepared on-site by our talented residential kitchen team. The dishes showcased the cultural diversity and exceptional skills of our staff, offering a true culinary journey that reflected the spirit of inclusion and multiculturalism that Cultura stands for.
We were thrilled to also showcase our beautiful Residential Facility and share more about the upcoming Pako Festa, a celebration of community and culture. The elegant atmosphere truly demonstrated the values of diversity and inclusion that are so important to us as an organisation.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success!
COMMUNITIES
Cultura’s Community Development team continues to deliver incredible school holiday programs for our newly arrived and refugee communities, helping children connect, learn, and have fun. Organising a successful day out for 68 kids is no small task - it truly takes a team effort!
A huge thank you to the staff and students from Iona College for graciously hosting us. We are also incredibly grateful to the staff and students from St Joseph’s College, Saint Ignatius College, Clonard College, and Sacred Heart College for their wonderful support throughout the day. Their contributions really helped make this day a huge success! The activities lined up for our kids were so much fun and included numerous games, sport competitions and tours around facilities.
A special shoutout to Cultura’s amazing Community Development team for creating such engaging, fun, and memorable activities for the children. Thanks to their dedication, the kids had a fantastic time - and they showed their appreciation with a big thumbsup!
It is through collaboration and community spirit that we continue to make a positive impact for our multicultural communities.
