MULTICULTURAL NEWS AUSTRALIA
COMMUNITY NEWS
FEB 2024 - Vol 1, Issue 1
Gold Coast Community Leaders Reflect on Australian Identity in the Celebration of MCCGC’s 40 Years of Legacy Brisbane, Feb 1 (MCCQ Newsdesk) Press Release from MCCGC website
Australia’s history is tied to migration, shaping our collective identity. This country was built on migration, and the patterns have evolved over time, shaped by historical events and changing societal values. A transformative evolution in Australia’s migration history was abolishing the White Australian Policy and establishing multicultural peak bodies. In this important discussion, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) proudly presents a series of insightful
videos featuring leaders from the multicultural community commemorating its 40th anniversary.
These videos showcase critical aspects of Australia’s identity, the racism it carries, and the role in supporting the multicultural community on the Gold Coast. According to Emad Nimri, MCCGC Project Consultant from 2005 to 2012, “...with diversity comes complexity, which underscores the need to address intricate issues”. Within Australia’s evolving multicultural policy framework, the emphasis has shifted from assimilation to coexistence. There is a big necessity for an ongoing commitment to impact, provide information, and
educate about the enduring value of diversity, particularly in the cultural and linguistic context. Together, their voices contribute to shaping an inclusive Australia, welcoming and embracing diversity both today and tomorrow. By abolishing the White Australia Policy, a wave of people from around the world came and chose to make a home here on the Gold Coast. What wasn’t established were models of support for migrants to lead on, where organisations like MCCGC play a critical role, being the peak body for multiculturalism on the Gold Coast. MCCGC, born in 1983 to address the unmet needs of migrants and refugees, has been a catalyst for change,
fostering an inclusive community over the past four decades. Since then, MCCGC’s vision has been crystal clear: to foster an inclusive community that cherishes cultural diversity. And the mission is to connect the community, impact lives, ignite hope, and build bridges of understanding.
grand tale of community and connection, it’s just a chapter. A chapter full of learning, unity, growth, and unwavering commitment. Here’s to the journey ahead as we continue to write this story together.”
MCCGC’s CAMS Officer, Candice Sullivan, also featured in the videos, presents an important piece, recognising MCCGC’s journey as a collective story built on honesty, connection, and the pursuit of a compassionate and connected world.
Let’s honor the work laid by those before us, support the movement of the youth and let the voice of diversity fill your heart with hope for our future.
MCCGC’s Chief Executive Officer, Shane Klintworth, says, “40 years might seem like a long time, but in the
Let the reflection on these 40 years be a message for the 40 to come.
If you want to watch the series of videos, please click here https://www.mccgc.org. au/gold-coast-communityleaders-reflect-on-australianidentity-in-the-celebration-ofmccgc-s-40-years-of-legacy/
Empowering Careers Through Our Resume Writing and Interview Preparation Session Brisbane, Jan 31 (MCCQ Newsdesk) Media Release MCCGC website
What a great ‘Resume Writing and Interview Preparation Session’ we had this week! Listening to the participants share their stories about their dream jobs, professional backgrounds, and skills was amazing and inspiring. This session provided them with valuable insights on taking their resumes to another level and exploring strategies for successful interviews and
communication techniques. Here is some beautiful feedback from them. “Thank you very much for the workshop. It was great! I loved the way Camila gave us many examples and told us stories so we’re aware of what to do and what not to do. To be fully dressed in a video call interview, to fill out all parts of Seeks’s account, to use networking, not to say ‘Perfectionist’ in the weaknesses question. Absolutely
amazing and motivational. You guys have valuable knowledge.” “I’m writing to express my interest in being part of the Work Towards program. I attended the Resume/ Cover Letter/Job Interview Workshop (which was very useful, by the way), and it seems to be a pretty good opportunity as well.”
Article taken from https://www.mccgc.org.au/empowering-careers-through-our-resume-writing-and-interview-preparation-session/
To stay tuned for our next workshops, please visit the MCCGC website.
Dip Dip Hooray: $2 Dips makes a splash over summer Brisbane, Jan 31 (MCCQ Newsdesk) Media Release Lord Mayor Office
The Schrinner Council’s massively popular $2 Summer Dips Initiative has saved residents almost $2 million so far during summer. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said a record number of residents had visited their local pool since December 1 to take advantage of one of his Council’s key cost-ofliving measures. “Rising living costs are the number one issue right now and that’s why our Council team has stepped up to do what we can to help Brisbane residents,” Cr Schrinner said. “Our $2 Summer Dips Initiative is a simple and effective way Council is helping reduce residents’ costs and provide affordable fun for people of all ages. www.mccq.org.au
“As a father of four, I know how keeping young kids active and entertained can be challenging and costly, particularly during summer holidays. “The response to our $2 Summer Dips Initiative has been simply incredible and I am so pleased so many people have been able to make the most of it.” The latest figures show pool patronage jumped from 141,780 in December 2022 to 289,077 in December 2023, a 104 per cent increase. During the first three weeks of January, pool patronage from 146,385 in 2023 to 191,100 in 2024, a 31 per cent increase despite a significant number of wet weather days. The $2 Summer Dips Initiative was a key part of Council’s $80 million
cost-of-living package delivered last year.
has been reduced from up to $6.40 to $2.
Other initiatives include:
The cost of taking a family of four has decreased from up to $20.15 to $8.
Maintaining the cheapest rates in south east Queensland, along with on-time payment discounts and generous rebates for pensioners Slashing the annual green waste recycling bin fee from $93 to $45, less than $1 a week. Continuing to provide free off-peak travel for seniors Eliminating and radically reducing permit fees for hundreds of events and festivals to encourage free and affordable fun
A family who goes to their local pool six times throughout summer will save $72.90. Anyone accompanying a person with a disability who requires attendant care support will continue to get free entry. Cr Schrinner urged residents to continue to take advantage of $2 Summer Dips throughout the remainder of summer.
New 24/7 library lockers to make it easier to borrow books and other items for free
“Brisbane has experienced some really wild weather this summer and I am sure more than a few family pool trips were cancelled as a result,” he said.
Under the $2 Summer Dips Initiative, an adult pool entry fee at Council’s 22 pools
“However, our $2 Summer Dips continue until the end of February so there’s plenty
of time for people to take advantage of this initiative.
“Whether you’re teaching the kids to swim, looking for a relaxing day out or an avid lap swimmer – we’re seeing people of all ages diving in.
“I encourage residents to make the most of the program, which runs until the end of summer.
“It’s all about making Brisbane even better.”
For more information or to find your closest Council pool, visit the Brisbane City Council website.
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