Illawarra Multicultural Services https://ims.org.au Supporting multicultural migrant and refugee families and communities in Wollongong and the Illawarra region Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:41:52 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.3 https://ims.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-Site-Identity-32x32.png Illawarra Multicultural Services https://ims.org.au 32 32 Our partnership with STARTTS https://ims.org.au/2024/08/29/our-partnership-with-startts/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:49:42 +0000 https://ims.org.au/?p=6037

IMS and STARTTS: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Multicultural Communities

Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS) and the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) have forged a strong partnership to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the Illawarra region. Our collaborative efforts focus on providing comprehensive support to refugees and new arrivals, addressing food security, and promoting cultural integration through various initiatives.

Joint Initiatives

Youth Engagement

In January 2024, IMS and STARTTS partnered with Circus Monoxide to organise a trip for newly arrived youth from refugee backgrounds. This initiative provided an opportunity for participants to socialise and learn new skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Food Security Program

As part of the Unity Kitchen project, IMS and STARTTS worked together with the Chin community in December 2023 to provide culturally appropriate food hampers. This initiative saw the distribution of 17 hampers, with food sourced from the Chin community and reputable stores, addressing food security concerns while supporting local businesses.

Professional Development

In December 2023, IMS joined STARTTS at the NSW Health Interpreters and Bilingual Community Educators Forum. The event focused on sharing information about the Integrated Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Framework, enhancing the quality of service delivery to multicultural communities.

Multicultural Fathers Cooking Group

Launched in July 2023, this collaborative program between IMS and STARTTS aims to support multicultural fathers in the Wollongong area. The group combines cooking skills with stress management techniques, breathing exercises, and opportunities for socializing. Participants learn to prepare international dishes while focusing on emotional regulation and parenting skills.

Community Garden Initiative

IMS supported STARTTS’s Community Garden initiative, providing local Karenni, Karen, Chin, and Burmese communities with a space to gather and foster a sense of belonging.

Refugee World Cup

IMS worked with STARTTS, along with other community organisations, to host the Refugee World Cup at the University of Wollongong Sports Hub. This event brought together over 160 players from diverse refugee backgrounds, celebrating multicultural youth’s talents and promoting social integration through sports.

Impact on Multicultural Communities

The partnership between IMS and STARTTS has had a significant positive impact on multicultural communities in the Illawarra region:

  1. Enhanced Support Services: By combining resources and expertise, IMS and STARTTS provide more comprehensive support to refugees and new arrivals, addressing both practical needs and mental health concerns.
  2. Cultural Integration: Through initiatives like the cooking group and community garden, the partnership fosters connections between different cultural groups and supports integration into the broader community.
  3. Youth Engagement: Programs targeting young people from refugee backgrounds help build confidence, social connections, and a sense of belonging in their new home.
  4. Food Security: Culturally appropriate food hampers address immediate needs while respecting and supporting cultural dietary practices.
  5. Skill Development: Various programs offer opportunities for participants to develop new skills, from cooking to sports, which can contribute to personal growth and potential employment opportunities.
  6. Mental Health Support: The collaboration ensures that trauma-informed care is integrated into various programs, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of community members.
  7. Community Building: Events like the Refugee World Cup bring together diverse groups, fostering understanding and creating a more cohesive multicultural community.

The ongoing partnership between IMS and STARTTS demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing the complex needs of multicultural communities. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of refugees and new arrivals in the Illawarra region, supporting their integration and wellbeing in their new home.

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Remembering CultureMix 2023, Welcoming CultureMix 2024 https://ims.org.au/2024/08/29/remembering-culturemix-2023-welcoming-culturemix-2024/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 23:52:18 +0000 https://ims.org.au/?p=6013

Remembering CultureMix 2023, Welcoming CultureMix 2024

CultureMix 2023: A Vibrant Celebration of Diversity

Last year, Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS) played a pivotal role in the City of Wollongong’s CultureMix 2023, a vibrant multicultural festival that brought together the diverse communities of the Illawarra region. The event, held on the 21st of October, 2023, was a resounding success, offering a day filled with activities, performances, and cultural exchanges.

IMS’s Involvement

IMS’s participation in CultureMix 2023 was multifaceted and impactful:

  1. Information Stall: IMS set up an information booth where they engaged with numerous attendees, providing valuable information about their services to the community.
  2. Interactive Activities: The organization hosted a popular “guess 3 flags” game, encouraging cultural awareness and education in a fun, interactive format.
  3. Art Exhibition: IMS showcased the Refugee Week Art Competition 2023 exhibition, highlighting the talents and experiences of refugees in the community.
  4. Community Engagement: IMS played a crucial role in assisting community members to actively participate in the CultureMix program, ensuring broad representation of the area’s diverse cultures.
  5. Volunteer Coordination: The success of IMS’s involvement was greatly supported by their dedicated volunteers, whose assistance throughout the day was invaluable.

Looking Forward to CultureMix 2024

Building on the success of last year’s event, CultureMix 2024 is set to be an even more exciting celebration of Wollongong’s multicultural community. Scheduled for the 19th of October 2024, this free, inclusive event promises a day filled with cultural experiences, artistic expressions, and community connection.

IMS’s Plans for CultureMix 2024

IMS is gearing up to play an even more significant role in this year’s festival:

  1. Art Workshop: IMS will be running an art class titled “Finding Freedom Through Art” at the Wollongong Art Gallery. This watercolour on canvas workshop will take place from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
  2. Karaoke Judge: An IMS representative will be participating as a judge in the festival’s Karaoke World Cup, adding a fun and musical element to their involvement.
  3. Performance Collaboration: IMS is partnering with the South Coast Writers Centre to deliver a performance called “Strength & Hope: Refugee Stories,” giving voice to the experiences of refugees in the community.
  4. Children’s Activities: In collaboration with SALCO, IMS will be organising craft activities for kids, ensuring the younger attendees have engaging and creative outlets during the festival.
  5. Information Stall: Continuing their tradition from previous years, IMS will host a stall providing information on their various services to the community.

CultureMix 2024: A Day of Diversity and Celebration

CultureMix 2024 promises to be a day-long celebration of Wollongong’s vibrant multicultural community. From 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, the Wollongong CBD will come alive with a variety of activities and experiences:

  • Culinary Delights: A Food Fair on Lower Crown Street will offer a wide array of cultural dishes and sweet treats from around the world.
  • Music and Dance: Multiple stages will feature performances ranging from traditional cultural dances to contemporary music acts.
  • Art and Crafts: Workshops and exhibitions will showcase the artistic talents of the community, including Aboriginal weaving and calligraphy demonstrations.
  • Children’s Activities: A dedicated “Culture Kids” area will offer fun and educational activities for younger attendees.
  • Cultural Marketplace: The Bazaar will feature stalls selling arts, crafts, and cultural goods from various communities.

Join the Celebration

CultureMix 2024 is not just an event; it’s a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Wollongong unique. We invite everyone to join us on the 19th of October, 2024, to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and create lasting connections within our community.

For more information on CultureMix 2024 and how you can get involved, visit the City of Wollongong’s official website or follow their social media channels. Let’s come together to make this year’s CultureMix the most memorable yet!

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Eat Up in August 2024 https://ims.org.au/2024/08/29/eat-up-in-august-2024/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 23:24:09 +0000 https://ims.org.au/?p=6007

IMS Partners with Eat Up to Combat Child Hunger in Illawarra

In a remarkable display of community spirit, Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS) has joined forces with Eat Up to address the pressing issue of child hunger in the Illawarra region. This partnership aims to ensure that no student in Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama goes without a nutritious lunch.

The Eat Up Initiative

Eat Up is a national Australian organization dedicated to providing free lunches to students in need. With the alarming statistic that 1 in 5 Australian students at supported schools require an Eat Up lunch, the importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Hunger significantly impacts a child’s ability to learn and thrive, often leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and behavioral issues.

IMS’s Commitment

IMS has embraced the Eat Up mission with open arms, hosting regular “Eat Up Days” every third Thursday during school terms. These events bring together IMS staff, volunteers, community members, and partner organizations at the Wollongong Senior Citizens Centre to prepare cheese and margarine sandwiches for local schoolchildren.

Upcoming Eat Up Days for 2024:

  • Semester 3: 5th of September
  • Semester 4: 17th of October, 7th of November, and 28th of November

All sessions run from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with deliveries continuing until 4:00 PM.

Recent Success

In their most recent Eat Up day, IMS and its volunteers achieved an impressive feat, preparing over 1,700 cheese toasties for children in local schools. This success was made possible by the generous support of numerous volunteers, including many members of the local Karenni community.

Community Involvement

The strength of this initiative lies in its community-driven approach. IMS has seen remarkable support from various sectors:

  1. Local volunteers, particularly from the Karenni community, who dedicate their time and effort to the cause.
  2. Partner organisations, such as Services Australia and SALCO, which provide additional support during Eat Up events.
  3. The broader Illawarra community, which continues to rally behind this important cause as they volunteer with IMS.

Get Involved

IMS welcomes anyone interested in contributing to this vital program. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Amro Zoabe at 0439 627 260 or [email protected].

For more information on the Food Security Program and other volunteering opportunities with IMS, interested individuals can visit:

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Introducing our Language Aide program https://ims.org.au/2024/06/07/introducing-our-language-aide-program/ Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:35:24 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4506 We are pleased to introduce our Language Aide program, which aims to support organisations in working with non-English speakers.

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Volunteering Opportunity – Make school lunches! https://ims.org.au/2024/05/20/volunteering-opportunity-make-school-lunches/ Mon, 20 May 2024 07:51:03 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4343 Join us in supporting Eat Up Australia to provide sandwiches for disadvantaged school age children. Volunteer your time and make a difference! 🍞🧀

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Farsi Digital Literacy Session https://ims.org.au/2024/05/20/farsi-digital-literacy-session/ Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:19 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4339 We recently ran Digital Literacy sessions for Farsi speaking women. Topics covered included digital safety, using the internet to manage finances and using myGov. 💻📱

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IMS @ Volunteer Expo Wollongong 22/5/24 https://ims.org.au/2024/05/20/ims-volunteer-expo-wollongong-22-5-24/ Mon, 20 May 2024 00:54:42 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4321 Come and see us at the Wollongong Volunteering Expo on Wednesday 22 May!

You’re invited to drop-in, have a chat and learn more about organisations like ours who work to improve the lives of people in our community.

It’s happening at the Wollongong Town Hall from 9.30am – 2pm. Free and all welcome. For more information visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/vol-expo

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Residents affected by the recent flooding in the Illawarra region might be eligible for financial assistance, emergency accommodation and essential items. https://ims.org.au/2024/04/08/residents-affected-by-the-recent-flooding-in-the-illawarra-region-might-be-eligible-for-financial-assistance-emergency-accommodation-and-essential-items/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:01:11 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4261 Residents affected by the recent flooding in the Illawarra region might be eligible for financial assistance, emergency accommodation and essential items.

For more information and to find out if you are eligible, phone Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

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Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS), in collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre (SCWC), is launching the annual Refugee Week Creative Expressions Competition for 2024.  https://ims.org.au/2024/04/02/illawarra-multicultural-services-ims-in-collaboration-with-the-south-coast-writers-centre-scwc-is-launching-the-annual-refugee-week-creative-expressions-competition-for-2024/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:18:21 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4246 Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS), in collaboration with the South Coast Writers Centre (SCWC), is launching the annual Refugee Week Creative Expressions Competition for 2024. 

The Refugee Week Creative Expressions Competition brings hundreds of students and teachers across local schools, higher education institutions, universities and individuals covering all of the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven!

The theme for this year is “Finding Freedom: Family”.

Submissions are now open with many prizes to be won! See flyer for more information.

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In celebration of International Women’s Day https://ims.org.au/2024/03/21/in-celebration-of-international-womens-day/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:49:42 +0000 https://www.ims.org.au/?p=4196 In celebration of International Women’s Day, Illawarra Multicultural Services, partnered with the Vietnamese Community Association to deliver a Vietnamese food workshop! Participants got to experience the delights of making and eating rice paper rolls and savoury pancakes.
This event was supported by the aged care employment team at SSI.

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