Wonderful launch of the Naracoorte MRC and Limestone Coast Multicultural Network by his Excellency Mr Hieu Van Le, Governor of SA and Mrs Le, assisted by AMRC Board members, Mayor Erika Vickery OAM, Hussain Razaiat and Chair Judge Rauf Soulio. A most welcoming town where the cultural diversity increases as more migrants discover the place they call home! The AMRC is proud to be part of this migrant history.

Family Day brought clients and their families together to celebrate the end of 2020, while still complying with COVID-19 restrictions. 199 people attended the four sessions at the AMRC offices in the City and Salisbury.

The NDIS team, with assistance from TTL students, decorated the venue with balloons and table décor. It was a great opportunity for students to gain work experience.

The children were gifted toys and families presented with gift vouchers.

On January 22 2021, sixteen families from the NDIS program went on a trip to the Adelaide Zoo.

The trip was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Campbelltown and provided families with the opportunity to attend a social activity.

To ensure their full participation, the NDIS clients were assisted by care workers to download the Zoo Navigating App.

“They really enjoyed and love it so much.  Everything was well organised”, NDSI Care Support Worker Sui said.

Claude Kulimushi

When the flow-on effect of the Covid-19 pandemic caused many people to lose their jobs around Australia, the Mount Gambier City Council became proactive and created job opportunities to help soften the blow. Programmed Skilled Workforce – whom council engaged to recruit workers – contacted the MRC in May to hear if anyone from refugee background has lost their job due to Covid-19. The MRC was able to identify a number of clients and emailed their resumes to Programmed Skilled Workforce.

San Maya Magar was born in Bhutan and fled to Nepal where she lived in a refugee camp from the age of 10. She arrived in Australia in 2017. She has an intellectual disability and lives in a rental property with her three children.

When San Maya was initially referred for services, she did not talk much. With the support of AMRC and workers who speak her language she receives NDIS and is able to participate more.

This year has been difficult in terms of increased risks for people with disabilities and isolation.

“Privileged to be part of a South Australian team showing global leadership. Thank you Louise Aubin, UNHCR Regional Representative to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, for your generous acknowledgement.” Eugenia Tsoulis OAM, CEO AMRC

As discussed, I want to reciprocate with a few lines about my mission to South Australia, the success of which I have you to thank. Great things happen when we work together.

Settlement experiences of refugee and migrant youth

Supporting families in quarantine and reconnecting after quarantine

The SA Refugee Week Youth Poster Awards Exhibition for 2020 was finally launched at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery at The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre on Monday 2^nd November 2020. Originally intended to be displayed during SA Refugee week in June, but put on hold due to restrictions on social gatherings, the exhibition features a curated selection of 88 works shortlisted from over 400 submissions from primary, high school and tertiary institutions across South Australia. The artworks celebrate the courage, resilience, strength and contributions of people of refugee background and will be on display in the gallery until Wednesday 25^th November before touring throughout the following 12 months.

Women’s health session in partnership with Hepatitis SA empowering women from new and emerging communities with information on liver health.

Thank you to the Tong De Association of South Australia, one of many organisations who have kindly donated masks and hand sanitisers during this challenging time. These donations have assisted the AMRC to safe guard the wellbeing of its vulnerable clients and staff.

Azizullah Paigham was resettled in South Australia in 2019 and was hired as a casual journalist by Ghan TV. In Afghanistan, Azizullah worked as a journalist with the Nangarhar Journalists Council and as a FM radio manager. He also worked as a cultural advisor to the foreign forces and ran an ESL education centre for over 300 students. He is currently working with Amnesty International Human Rights and is studying a Human Resources degree at the University of South Australia. He is also studying a National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) course at TAFE SA.

To comply with COVID-19 safety measures, the AMRC held three separate roundtables during August with over 60 participants attending. The roundtables concentrated on challenges, learnings, opportunities, initiatives and achievements during COVID-19, and were conducted with women, young people and ethnic leaders. Presentations were delivered by Mayor Glenn Docherty, City of Playford; Mayor Michael Coxon, City of West Torrens; and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Facilitators/speakers included Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People SA; Hussain Razaiat, Settlement Manager of the Middle Eastern Communities Council of SA (MECCSA); and Dr Annette Osei-Kumah, Settlement Manager of the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA); and Cynthia Caird, AMRC Community Services Manager.

The AMRC congratulates Minister Tudge on the recent announcement regarding changes to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) including removing the cap on the maximum number of hours available and time limits for enrolment, and the program being available for participants to reach ‘vocational English’ level. The increased flexibility and access to the program will provide immense benefit to new arrival migrants and refugees.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

Media Release, 28 August 2020

Download Media Release here or read it below.

Thank you to the Australian Communities Foundation for your donation through The Ripple Fund. We appreciate your support during this challenging time to assist vulnerable members awaiting their visa status.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

Original poetry by Year 9 students from St Dominic’s Priory College on the theme of migration displayed at the AMRC.

Participants from the AMRC’s weekly women’s connect group participated in a project whereby they created tote bags. The women’s connect group meets for English acquisition, social support, Coronavirus education, and information workshops with resource speakers on financial education, employment, health and wellbeing and other priority areas identified by participants.

A great attendance at the Women’s Employment into Action (WEIA) information session hosted by the AMRC in August 2020. The program provides training, qualifications and employment-related support to women of migrant and refugee background, and is supported by the Department of Social Services through Try, Test and Learn.

Purna Bahadur Gurung, aged 32, arrived through the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and is working full-time at a city hotel where his role includes housekeeping. Prior to commencing employment eight months ago, he completed his AMEP studies and a Certificate III in Hospitality. He was born in Bhutan and lived in a Nepal refugee camp for 28 years. He resettled in Australia in late 2018 with his wife and child. He was sponsored by a relative. Purna is grateful to the government and other services, as well as the AMRC for assisting to support his sponsor and to find a rental property.

Job Zahinda, aged 20, is undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) at the University of South Australia. He is of Congolese background and resettled with his parents and siblings five years ago. Recently, Job and his younger brother Marquis participated in a project by Bagster Road Community Centre called ‘Cultural Jibe Job Soccer and life.’ The video captured Job’s settlement story and his passion for soccer, and can be viewed on YouTube.

The AMRC’s Women’s Employment into Action (WEIA) program has supported 34 women from a diversity of backgrounds to study a Certificate III in Individual Support with TAFE SA. One group of women participants has nearly completed their vocational placement, whilst another group is studying part-time at the TAFE SA Salisbury Campus. These women with young children will complete their qualification at the end of the year and join 40 other women participants in the program, who have gained employment in Aged Care and NDIS.

In February 2019, the AMRC’s WEIA program started and assisted participants to get their overseas skills and experience recognised, and to achieve a Certificate III in Individual Support. The AMRC worked with TAFE SA to develop the Fast Track program for these women. When the WEIA team first met Lu Dee in 2019, she had just arrived from Singapore and was unemployed. She had her overseas nursing career experience from Singapore, where she worked for 16 years as a nurse clinician in the medical and surgical department at Mount Alvernia Hospital in Singapore.

Thank you to Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier and her team of health experts who joined AMRC staff yesterday to discuss ongoing collaboration in supporting migrant and refugee communities in South Australia. The Honourable Jing Lee MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier and The Honourable Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia, were acknowledged in speeches and AMRC youth workers thanked Professor Spurrier and her team for keeping us safe in SA.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

Photo: Trauma Retold: Australian Migrant Resource Centre Mount Gambier manager Anelia Blackie and Yazidi Ahmed Murad share the harrowing story of Adolah Abbaso at yesterday’s commemoration at City Hall (credit: The Border Watch). 

The pain and trauma was etched on the faces of Mount Gambier’s Yazidi community when they came together at City Hall yesterday to commemorate the night they were attacked by Islamic State militants.

Four years ago, Raghad Dib was resettled in South Australia with her family through the AMRC’s previous Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS). The 19-year-old studied at the Adelaide Secondary School of English and completed a Certificate III in Business through TAFE SA. She achieved an exceptional ATAR score and enrolled in a Bachelor of Optometry through the Flinders University. She is in her first year of university studies and is currently volunteering with the AMRC. “I had big dreams when I first arrived, but I found it was very hard to make an entry into the workplace or to get a job.

Faidah Omar fled the Syrian war and resettled in South Australia in 2016. Following her resettlement, she past her learner’s test to obtain a learner’s permit. She now holds a South Australian driver’s licence. “I think I am the first woman in the Syrian community to get a driver’s licence. I need it to send my children to school, to their sporting activities and to do shopping.” Currently, she is volunteering at an ethnic school, whereby she teaches children of Syrian background from ages 9 to 10. “I am proud to see that 5 of the children can read and write in Arabic well.

Sister Act delivered by the Murraylands MRC commenced in late July and trains migrant and refugee women on alternative pathways to employment, including social enterprise, self-employment, tourism etc. Guest speakers included Cathy Clemow from Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland SA; Carolyn Jeffrey, Founder of BizNatal – Small Business Incubator; and Chioma Amaechi, lawyer, solicitor and migration agent at CA Legal and Migration. The project is funded by the Department of Human Services and supported by the AMRC and Rural City of Murray Bridge, Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland SA, Rotary Club of Murray Bridge and the Murraylands Multicultural Network.

Photo: Ahmed Murad with his mother Adolah Abbaso and sister Jameelah — their lives were turned upside down six years ago (credit: ABC South East SA: Bec Whetham).

Mount Gambier’s tight-knit Yazidi community will unite in grief tomorrow to commemorate the date when Islamic State militants unleashed brutality on their homeland.

The regional city is home to South Australia’s only Yazidis, who for centuries have been a stateless persecuted minority in northern Iraq.

Family budgeting in partnership with Uniting Communities with new arrival families of Bhutanese, Syrian and Indian background. Participants were empowered with financial education including how to budget and navigate household utilities amid Coronavirus. Feedback from participants included: “This workshop was very useful and much needed during this time.”

Information and support is available at Help Stop Racism and in a range of community languages at Racism is Not Acceptable – Translations.

“I wish to encourage more women from my community to become employed, independent and to contribute to the family income,” Lyly Zarchiwin Cinzah said. Lyly is of Karen background and is employed full-time as a packer at Seven Point Australian Pork in Port Wakefield. Previously, Lyly worked at Labour Solutions Australia before gaining full-time employment. Lyly and her husband Ngun Sang Cinzah were resettled in May 2015. “We were well-supported by the AMRC in obtaining casual and full-time employment after completing our TAFE SA courses.

Six women from a diversity of backgrounds and from the AMRC Women’s Empowerment Program participated in a TAFE SA session to register for a Certificate II in Food Processing, and to tour the kitchen and campus facilities.

Ameyo Elizabeth Ameganvi was born in Togo and at the age of five, she left Togo and moved to Ghana as a refugee. She arrived in Australia in 2007. She graduated with first class honours in her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of South Australia in 2019. She has launched her own social enterprise in fashion, with half of the profits going towards assisting orphans in rural areas of Togo. She volunteered at the AMRC and has recently started working as a case manager in the youth area at Anglicare SA.

“My father volunteered with the AMRC and he inspired me with stories of how one person can make a difference. He was right. I also completed my Year 10 work placement at the AMRC. I helped people in reading and writing. I also learned leadership and teamwork.” Ethan, aged 17, was born in Australia. His father and grandparents were born in Vietnam. He completed his work placement with the AMRC. He was trained as a volunteer and participated in the AMRC’s Youth Leadership and Empowerment Program.

Hari Chhetri is working at Jack Young Centre in Salisbury and is a board member at the Morella Community Centre. Both Hari and his wife Damber Chhetri were resettled in South Australia in May 2018, after spending 26 years as refugees in Nepal. “We were prepared for our new life in Australia. We both speak English, and with the support of many services including the AMRC, we felt at home and welcomed,” Hari said. Hari worked as a diplomat for the Royal Government of Bhutan for 15 years at offshore posts including India, the United Nations in New York and Kuwait.

Recently, Sam Seo was promoted as a Program Coordinator (Computing & IT) of the Higher Education Program at the Eynesbury Senior College in Adelaide. Previously, he worked as a lecturer at the college and also coordinated pathways to tertiary education for migrants and international students from India, Pacific Islands, China and Nepal. He was born in Malaysia, and studied and worked in the Solomon Islands. Despite his skillset and being multilingual in lanaguges including Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese and Bahasa Malaysian, he found it challenging to get a job.

Dear Community Leaders
Thank you again for your level of engagement with us and the support you have offered to your communities through the immediate response and now into our recovery phase.

Three migrant families of Chinese background living in Murray Bridge were visited by the Chair of the Murraylands Multicultural Network John Scarvelis and Murraylands MRC Settlement Officer Bao Luo. The families come from Minqing County located in the eastern Fujian Province of China and have used agriculture to keep themselves busy amid Coronavirus by growing winter vegetables. Among the families visited were Hebang Zhang and his wife Baojiao Wu, who have resided in Murray Bridge for 15 years. Hebang worked for Thomas Foods International and now works at a mushroom farm alongside 80 other people of Chinese background from Murray Bridge.

Media Release, 22 May 2020

The University of South Australia has been awarded almost $1.5 million in research grants through the ARC Linkage Grants Scheme, which will be matched with almost $3 million in cash and in-kind support from industry and stakeholder partners, to conduct research projects designed to improve sustainability and community wellbeing.

Vannady is 31 years old and arrived in Australia with his family in 2019. He is of Cambodian background and received assistance from the AMRC’s Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS) Program. The SIS Program assisted Vannady to apply for NDIS which was successful. He was referred to the AMRC’s NDIS Program after receiving his NDIS plan. Through the NDIS Program, he receives support coordination and core supports with the assistance of an AMRC support worker of Cambodian background who speaks Khmer – Vannady’s language.

Sadiki Kamuldele of Congolese background lived near the Congo/Rwanda border for 21 years. He was 21 years old when he fled to a refugee camp in Zambia in 2003. He lived in the camp for 13 years and arrived in Mount Gambier in 2015. When he arrived in Mount Gambier, Sadiki expressed an interest in developing his artistic skills. His desire was to paint murals after learning how to paint them while living in refugee camps. The Mount Gambier MRC linked Sadiki with various individuals and organisations to open opportunities for him. Sadiki started off by painting murals on a volunteer basis and quickly became well-respected and admired as a local artist.

World Refugee Day Video Launch by His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, acknowledging and celebrating the strength, courage and perseverance of refugees globally.
Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Convenor, SA Refugee Week Committee
Chief Executive Officer, AMRC

Marwa Naji, aged 18, arrived in Australia with her family in 2016. Her family fled the Syrian war and sought refuge in Jordon until they were resettled in Australia. “The main thing I struggled with when I first came to Australia was the language and communicating with others.” She overcame this by attending school, making friends and participating in the AMRC’s Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program, which helped to further develop her confidence and leadership skills. She had an ATAR score of 89 and was accepted to study a Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of South Australia.

Since a young age, Nyiel Kon Dhal has always wanted to become a news reader. “When I was young, I made up my mind to become a news reader and to report on inspiring people.” She is in her first year of studying a Bachelor of Communication and Professional Writing degree at the University of South Australia, while working part-time. She worked as a football umpire with the South Australian National Football League for a year and played for the Koala Netball team based in Elizabeth. She has produced videos for musical and cultural events in the South Sudanese community.

Refugee Week 2020
Reflecting and acknowledging the courage, resilience, contribution and achievements of refugees globally and the many Australians of refugee background who have helped make our country a multicultural success!
Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Convenor, SA Refugee Week Committee
Chief Executive Officer, AMRC

A year ago today was the Launch of Youth Poster Exhibition and Awards, and Launch of SA Refugee Week. Stay tuned for our SA Refugee Week Video Launch by The Honourable Jing Lee MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier, happening today and the World Refugee Day Video Launch by His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, happening next Friday 19 June 2020.

AMRC Telephone and Emergency Services Contacts

We have announced important changes to South Australia’s Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions.

To fast-track our road to recovery in a safe and responsible way, step 2 has been brought forward to June 1.

Multicultural community centres and places of worship will now be permitted to have 20 people per room, up to a maximum of 80, on their premises as long as they comply with appropriate safeguards and honour the social distancing measures.

Some current and near future employment opportunities in SA.

1. Harvest Workers – Port Augusta (135 positions)
Port Augusta | Casual position
We require between 80-135 people to assist in picking and packing Truss grown glasshouse tomatoes in Port Augusta. Work will commence June through to November 2020 and is expected to last for a period of 6 to 9…

Photo: A story of survival: Ahmed Murad reflects on his life as he sits along Mount Gambier’s rail corridor.

Mount Gambier migrant reveals heart-breaking journey and fears for family in Iraq as he builds new life in Australia

Ahmed Murad is determined to share his harrowing story in a final act of resistance and hope.

Sitting motionless at the Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre, Ahmed struggles to articulate the horror unleashed on his family and homeland.

Photo: Vincent Uwimana (right) has been translating coronavirus information for local Congolese (Credit: ABC South East SA, Bec Whetham).

Vincent Uwimana did not set out intending to be the go-to source of coronavirus health information for his Congolese community.

But when he discovered some people were relying on traditional medicines to prevent coronavirus — like inhaling onion, orange, and hot water — the 26-year-old knew he had to do something.

This video is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for the final part of the cultural video project.

This video featured Mabok Deng Mabok Marial, Chairperson of the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA) and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and ACCSA, informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured South Australia Police Community Constable Dr. Juma Abuyi speaking in the Dinka language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

The launch of the Living and Working in Regional South Australia: A Case Study of Three Towns report was launched on Friday 8th of May 2020 by The Honourable Jing Lee MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier and hosted by the Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis at the council chambers. The report was a collaboration between the AMRC and Hugo Research Centre for Migration, Population and Housing, University of Adelaide. To obtain a copy of the report, visit the publication section of the AMRC website.

Part one of the cultural video project by the AMRC and African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for part two of the project.

This video featured South Australia Police Community Constable Dr. Juma Abuyi and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured Yasin Hassanyar, Chairperson of Multicultural Youth Link SA, speaking in the Dari language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured AMRC staff Sara Al-Kufish speaking in the Arabic language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured George Fomba, Chairperson of Diompillor Kissia SA, speaking in the Kissi language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured George Fomba, Chairperson of Diompillor Kissia SA and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured George Fomba, Chairperson of Diompillor Kissia SA, speaking in the Liberian English language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video is in the Punjabi language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video is in the Hindi language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video featured Michelle Dieu, Manager of the Northern Area MRC and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video is in the Krio language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

This video is in the Igbo language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

A case study on the video collaboration between the AMRC and African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA) featured in the Settlement Council of Australia’s (SCoA) newsletter released in May 2020. View the case study below:

At a Glance:

Biak aged 24 and Soe Thet aged 34 are originally from Myanmar and worked in the tradie industry in Malaysia before being resettled in South Australia in 2018. Biak was an air conditioning technician and Soe Thet was a tiler. Biak worked at a winery in the Barossa Valley and is attending the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE SA. Biak hopes to become a qualified air conditioning technician. Soe Thet is undertaking the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program at TAFE SA and is preparing for White Card Training. Both wish to become qualified tradies and have enlisted the help of the AMRC to achieve their employment pathways.

This video is in the Swahili language and is part of the collaboration between the AMRC and the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA), informing on precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented by the AMRC and ACCSA amid Coronavirus. Stay tuned for more videos to come in different languages.

Media Release, 23 April 2020

A new report which documents research into the experiences of migrants settling in the regional towns of Naracoorte, Murray Bridge and Bordertown has been launched by the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC).

AMRC volunteers distributing essential care packages to migrant and refugee women and their children amid Coronavirus.

Khual was a teacher in Myanmar before fleeing to Thailand and then to Malaysia. Khual and his wife were resettled in South Australia in 2017.  He has completed both an Aged Care and Disability course through Equals International. He also undertook the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE SA. He was trained by the AMRC as a bilingual volunteer in leadership, event management and interpreting. He speaks several languages well. “My volunteer placement has provided me with employable skills as a professional. The AMRC has provided me with an entry point in the Australian job market and it has given me an edge.

Recently, the Mount Gambier MRC Manager Anelia Blackie featured on the ABC Radio Breakfast Program with presenter Selina Green. The interview explored the impact Coronavirus has had on migrant and refugee communities. To listen to the interview, visit the ABC Radio website.

Khup Lam Tuang (aged 23) and Thang Sawn Lien (aged 21) were young when their mother passed away. They fled Myanmar and were reunited with their father in Kuala Lumpur where they sought refuge. Both brothers worked in restaurants and learned the local dialects. They were finally resettled in South Australia in late 2017 with their father. With support from the AMRC, Khup has completed the first term of his Stage 1 construction course at a training institute and Thang Sawn Lien is currently undertaking a Foundation course. Both brothers are quietly confident and independent, and are keen to become tradies.

Mohammad Sattouf is a fine role model for new arrivals. He wished to contribute to the Australian community and the AMRC supported him to achieve his goals. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels in the north for a year and a half. “I made many Aussie friends at Meals on Wheels and my English has improved. I look forward to getting my Australian citizenship.” Having fled the war in Syria, he resettled in South Australia in 2016 with his wife and four children. He used to run a computer business, which he lost in the war. Recently, he bought a house with a loan from HomeStart Finance.

Link Disability Magazine recently published articles regarding the AMRC’s NDIS Program in its April 2020 edition. Read articles below:

Introducing the ‘hub,’ a newly launched resource for young people living in South Australia by Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People SA. The ‘hub’ is an online public resource for young South Australians to visit, hang out, keep up to date, have a say and connect with other young South Australians. Click on the link to visit the ‘hub.’

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) newsletter released by TAFE SA featured an article regarding MinLi, a participant of the AMRC’s WEIA Program. Read MinLi’s article below:

Please see link to the Services Australia – Affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) – access to the latest information via the Services Australia Website.

There are a number of different methods customers can choose to access their services or register an intention to claim a payment, some of which are covered below:

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has released COVID-19 fact sheets in a range of languages including:

At the age of 21, Ramuana arrived in Australia as a humanitarian entrant from Myanmar with his sibling. Being shy and lacking confidence to speak English, he was encouraged to join youth training and leadership opportunities by the AMRC. He actively participated in the AMRC’s Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program, and encouraged other new arrival Matu youth members to join the program. Through the program, he was able to develop his confidence and leadership skills to complete a forklift certificate and undergo training in installing NBN cables.

Here’s some photos of past Harmony Day concerts. We will regroup again to showcase migrant and refugee talent in 2021.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

Great Wall of Cultures Launch
Congratulations to the artists, young people and Mount Gambier MRC staff for an inspiring mural ‘Great Wall of Cultures’ to have been launched today.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

We wish our clients, colleagues, staff, volunteers and friends a happy Harmony Week and for those celebrating Nowruz, a happy New Year. We will be here to support you through these challenging times.

Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer

To celebrate Harmony Week, enjoy photos from Café Musica supporting solo artists and groups to workshop their music. We are ready for a big celebration in 2021.

Sushanta Chapagai has always dreamed of becoming a Youth Parliamentarian and has applied to become one with the support of the AMRC. “I wish to be a role model for young women in leadership roles.” The 21-year-old is a sports consultant working with players from the Prince Alfred Organisation of Football Club. She has been recruited by the Australian Football League (AFL) as a trainee physiotherapist and holds a part-time job at a café, whilst volunteering with the AMRC as a youth leader. She holds a Diploma in Health Science from the South Australian Institute of Business and Technology, and is currently in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at the University of South Australia with assistance from a study grant.

Dear Community Leaders

We understand this afternoon the Prime Minister made a further announcement regarding travel restrictions. We have not yet received official advice on the details of this, however once we do we will send you a further update.

In addition, yesterday the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) raised Australia’s travel warning to “Do not travel overseas at this time.” DFAT further advises “If you wish to return home, do so as soon as possible.”

Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) regret to inform you that the launch of the Great Wall of Cultures (scheduled on Monday 23 March 2020) has been cancelled due to the state of emergency to minimise risk of the Coronavirus infection. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,
Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC)

The Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) and African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA) regret to inform you that the Africa Oye Concert (scheduled on Saturday 28 March 2020) has been cancelled due to the state of emergency to minimise risk of the Coronavirus infection. We have done this to safe guard the health of our client groups, performers and other participants. AMRC and ACCSA sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sincerely,
Eugenia Tsoulis OAM
Chief Executive Officer
AMRC

The Middle Eastern Communities Council of SA (MECCSA) and the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) regret to inform you that this year’s Nowruz Festival (scheduled on Saturday 21 March 2020) has been cancelled due to the state of emergency to minimise risk of the Coronavirus infection. MECCSA and the AMRC sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your understanding, and hope you and your loved ones stay well and safe.

English classes have started with gusto in the Bordertown MRC, with about 15 women students wanting more class days to learn and to take advantage of opportunities for engaging with the committed community volunteer teachers. Our recent consultations with the women have told us how much the women are enjoying engaging with technology, socialising in their new environment and meeting new community friends who are helping them to navigate the English language and systems. The women have voiced their needs and the Bordertown MRC will focus on trying to meet these during 2020.

In case you missed it, 400 women of migrant and refugee background came together to celebrate their achievements and special occasion. Thank you to guest speakers and The Honourable Jing Lee MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier, as well as participants and organisers. For more photos, visit the gallery section of the AMRC website. 

It was a terrific start to the first Connecting Settlement and Community Services (CSCS) Forum of the year in partnership with the Commissioner for Children and Young People. Participants listened to presentations focusing on Youth Education and Employment, followed by an open forum and networking. Thank you to guest speakers Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People SA; Professor Colleen McLaughlin, Director of Educational Innovation, University of Cambridge; Dr Nina Maadad, Senior lecturer, University of Adelaide; Andrew Cummings, Youth Trainer and Consultant; Zahra Bayani, Student, Thebarton Senior College; and Ackim Mulumba, Youth President, Congolese Community of SA.

The Dollars 4 Doonas campaign is off to a booming start with a $15,720 donation from the Hazara community.

“As members of the Naracoorte community, we are very happy to be part of (the) efforts to raise funds for the Dollars 4 Doonas campaign,” the Hazara community said.

“Our families have been deeply touched by the images of fire that have scorched the lives of so many. We would also like to express our thanks to the firefighters who fought these blazes.”

Photo: Creativity: Mount Gambier artist Sadiki Kamundele paints a mural along the driveway of the Migrant Resource centre on Eleanor Street.

Public artwork captures city diversity with rail corridor installation

Mount Gambier’s rich tapestry of cultures will be captured in a new public art installation along the city’s rail corridor.

Teresa Dhuor Jiel was resettled in Australia in 2016 at the age of 13. She was resettled with her mother and four younger siblings from South Sudan. Now 16 years old and in Year 11, Teresa hopes to become a nurse in the future and was recently recruited as a player for the Adelaide University’s female soccer team. She has been playing soccer since a young age. “I have not stopped playing soccer since I arrived – it’s my passion. I watched my big brother play and I was inspired to play. I played for Croydon’s senior women’s team at the age of 14.

Bawi Peng aged 20 and younger sister Sui Ni aged 18 arrived in South Australia a year ago from Myanmar, after being sponsored by their mother. Bawi Peng studied at Thebarton Senior College and is passionate about sport. He actively participants in the soccer team of the Burmese Chin Community in South Australia, and plays table tennis and badminton. Last year, he defeated 14 contestants to win the championship title in the table tennis competition hosted by the Burmese Chin Community in SA. In the future, he hopes to become a physical education teacher or a sports coach.

Atifa Moheba fled Afghanistan with her parents and four siblings. The family arrived in Iran as refugees and were resettled in Australia as humanitarian entrants in 2017. “I appreciate how it feels to be safe and free from fear. Young women have limited opportunities back home. When I was young, I missed out on early education. I want to get a good education,” Atifa said. She is studying a nursing degree at the University of South Australia and hopes to work in a hospital when she graduates. Atifa’s sister Shikoba Moheba aged 18 is in her first year of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia.

Lian Thang and Robin Thang were resettled in South Australia as humanitarian entrants from Myanmar. Lian arrived in 2018 and Robin arrived in 2017 with his family. Robin is working at a food processing plant and Lian is working at an international hotel on North Terrace, Adelaide. Lian is the Deputy President of the Matu Community in South Australia and has coordinated community consultations with Northern Area MRC to assist members of the community to achieve full participation and opportunity in the South Australian community, and to provide training on good governance practices.

The Great Wall of Cultures initiative by Mount Gambier MRC is attracting plenty of attention! Mount Gambier’s Fringe Facebook channel has published a video about the mural project, which brought together culturally diverse young people to input into the mural that represents different cultures in the Mount Gambier community.

Recently, community women participated in the ‘Pay Our Respects’ event on the steps of Parliament House. Community women held place cards to represent the story and number of women who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2019.

The Settlement Council of Australia (SCoA) is the national peak body representing more than 100 member organisations that deliver effective settlement services across Australia to migrants, especially those of refugee background. SCoA is seeking a CEO to work closely with the SCoA Board to oversee and deliver the work of the organisation.

For further information about the position, visit the SCoA website.

Wrapping up 2019 was a lovely end of year event by the African Communities Council of SA (ACCSA) and the AMRC, celebrating achievements of ACCSA.

Naracoorte United Soccer Club’s young gun Mojtaba Ali has been impressing scouts all year.

The 14-year-old recently finished two back-to-back soccer competitions, one of which took him all the way to Singapore.

The first competition was Nationals, which saw South Australia’s best under 14s players grouped in two teams and travel to Coffs Harbour to represent their state.

“For that, we had training Saturday, Monday and Thursday in Adelaide. I (trained) for about two months.”

Community Constable Reedah Zaffar joined the South Australian Police on the 6^th of June 2019. At the age of 19, she arrived in Australia in 2006 from the Middle East. She completed her Year 12 studies and a Bachelor of International Development at the University of Adelaide.

The AMRC held its 2019 Annual General Meeting on the 20^th of November 2019 at the Adelaide Town Hall. Over 40 volunteers were acknowledged for their volunteer services and 18 women were acknowledged for their outstanding participation in the Women’s Employment into Action Program – Try, Test and Learn, supported by the Department of Social Services. Youth Achievement Award recipients and finalists were presented with a certificate by Dr Evelyn Yap, Trustee and Secretary, Australian Chinese Medical Association SA, for their outstanding academic and civic achievement.

Photo: New arrival Yazidis enjoying their first Christmas Parade.