Month: March 2025

Recently we attended GV Health’s ‘Supporting New International Nursing Families BBQ’ at the Shepparton Lake.
It was a heartwarming opportunity for our CEO, Sam Atukorala, and CEO, Matt Sharp of GV Health to personally welcome new families to the Goulburn Valley.
Moving to a new community is no small journey, and we’re committed to ensuring these families feel connected, supported, and valued. Events like this BBQ play a vital role in creating meaningful connections and a sense of belonging for those navigating a new home.
To all our new nursing families—welcome! Your contributions enrich our community, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you Julie, Clinical Ambassador, from GV Health for presenting us with a Certificate of Appreciation and involving the Ethnic Council in your event. Keep up the wonderful work.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has unveiled its National Anti-Racism Framework, providing a comprehensive roadmap to address all forms of racism in Australia.

The Framework was developed after extensive nationwide consultations with First Nations peoples, diverse cultural communities and hundreds of organisations, which contains 63 recommendations spanning legal, health, education, media and workplace sectors.

Our CEO, Sam Atukorala acknowledges the 63 recommendations are a call to action for reform across our countries systems and structures. We all have a role to play as we work towards the elimination of racism.

Click on the below link for The National Anti-Racism Framework Full Report 2024

Australian Human Rights Commission Framework

The Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership (MEMP) was established with the support of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) and the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) in 2021 to strengthen partnerships between multicultural communities, government and the emergency management sector.

Today the MEMP is an independent, community-led entity auspiced by Neighbourhood Collective Australia and governed by a Terms of Reference. Recently members of the MEMP met to reflect on achievements this year and review activities for 2025 & beyond.

Thanks to all involved as we continue to strengthen relationships and embed a long term, inclusive approach towards emergency management.

Family Violence Prevention Initiatives

At the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, our mission is rooted in creating a community that values diversity, respects human dignity and provides equal opportunity for all. That is why our organisation provides cultural sensitive and educational supports tailored to our diverse communities.

Last year we participated in 16 Days of Activism, a campaign that challenges us to reflect, engage and take meaningful action to addressing one of the most pervasive human rights issues of our time; gender based violence.

Family violence affects all communities and requires prevention through education, support and early intervention. In multicultural societies, barriers like stigma, language differences, and cultural norms can prevent individuals from seeking help.

Our Project Co-ordinator, Zahra Al Tuhmazy, is collaborating with frontline organisations that specialise in supporting migrant and refugee women, who often face compounded challenges due to language barriers, isolation and a lack of awareness of their rights. We are leading community conversations and offering place based support.

Contact Zahra for more information or to arrange a confidential conversation:

zahra@ethniccouncil.com.au

Photo: Courtesy of Domestic Shelters

Fostering Social Cohesion Through Education!

We have been collaborating with Shepparton’s Bourchier Street Primary School Grade 6 students and teachers for our ‘Social Cohesion Through Education’ Workshop.

Key topics covered today included:

What is culture?

What are traditions?

How do we support each other in our multi-cultural community?

A big thank you to the wonderful students and teachers for their warm welcome and positive conversations! Looking forward to more of these impactful sessions that bring us closer together as a community.

If your school is interested in learning more about the Social Cohesion Through Education Workshops contact Vicki Scott, Program Manager, vicki@ethniccouncil.com.au

Together we can do great things.

In 2025, we’re dedicated to developing stronger relationships with our partners and stakeholders as we continue to deliver programs that make a real difference.

Here’s how we’ll do it:

• Social Cohesion Through Education Program
• Family Violence Prevention Initiatives
• Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS)
• Strategic Partnership Program

Our programs are designed to add value and create meaningful impact, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for the vibrant communities we serve. Let’s make 2025 a year of collaboration, growth, and connection. Together, we can achieve so much more!

Contact our CEO, Sam Atukorala, satukorala@ethniccouncil.com.au to connect with us.

The Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS) Program Profile

Our experienced and professional team provides support through the entire migration journey, from assisting with immigration, visa and citizenship services before arrival, through to helping newly arrived people to establish support systems and live independent and happy lives in the community.

It focuses on:
Improving social participation
Economic well-being
Independence
Personal well-being
Community connectedness

Contact our offices for more information.

Abdullah Naveed

abdullah@ethniccouncil.com.au

OR

Khaluf Alsalim

kalsalim@ethniccouncil.com.au

Photo: Courtesy of Department of Home Affairs

Ethnic Council Shepparton & District Inc. Newsletter – Edition 1 2025