Breakfast Meeting with the Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS)
The Board and CEO of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. recently had the wonderful opportunity to connect with the Board and staff of the Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) over breakfast.
This valuable meeting provided a collaborative space to discuss key community priorities, align on shared goals, and explore future opportunities for partnership. Meaningful dialogue like this strengthens our collective ability to respond to the evolving needs of our region.
By working closely with C4GS, we aim to amplify the voices of our multicultural communities and ensure their needs and aspirations are recognised in regional planning, development, and advocacy efforts.
Together, we are committed to building a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant Greater Shepparton where all individuals, regardless of background, feel welcomed and supported to thrive.
On Monday, 16 June 2025, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. proudly supported the Shepparton community in launching Refugee Week 2025 under the national theme “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community.”
The event was a heartfelt celebration of the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of refugees who now call Shepparton home. It brought together community members, leaders, and service providers to recognise the valuable contributions of refugee communities to the social and cultural fabric of the region.
Guests enjoyed powerful personal stories, vibrant cultural performances, and meaningful conversations focused on inclusion, identity, and belonging. The event served as a reminder of the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Refugee Week is an opportunity not only to reflect on the journeys of those who have sought safety in Australia, but also to recognise the shared values that unite our diverse community.
On 12 June 2025, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. was honoured to host Brad Battin MP, Leader of the Victorian Opposition and Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, along with Wendy Lovell MP, Member for Northern Victoria, at our office.
This important visit provided a valuable opportunity for multicultural community leaders from across the Goulburn Valley to share updates on community priorities and to discuss both the opportunities and challenges facing newly arrived and emerging communities in our region.
We are grateful to our local member, Wendy Lovell MP, for coordinating this important engagement. Such conversations are vital to ensuring that the voices of multicultural communities are heard and meaningfully reflected in statewide policy and planning.
The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc. is proud to deliver a range of targeted and impactful programs that support migrant, refugee, and multicultural communities across the Goulburn region. Our work is grounded in a commitment to social justice and equity, with a strong focus on reducing disadvantage, fostering inclusion, and building stronger, more connected communities.
Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Program
The SETS Program is our flagship initiative supporting humanitarian entrants and other eligible permanent migrants in their early years of settlement. Funded by the Australian Government, SETS aims to equip individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to build independent and fulfilling lives in Australia.
The program focuses on improving social participation, enhancing economic well-being, fostering independence, strengthening personal well-being, and promoting community connectedness. It plays a vital role in addressing the needs of newly arrived migrants who lack established family or community networks, and complements other settlement supports such as the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP).
Strategic Partnership Program (SPP)
Funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Strategic Partnership Program supports our ability to deliver place-based, community-led initiatives that respond to local needs in the Goulburn region.
This program strengthens our engagement with both emerging and established communities, helping to build social cohesion and drive systemic change. Initiatives under the SPP include the Friendship Café, Citizenship Classes, and tailored community information sessions that empower individuals to participate confidently in civic life and connect with others in their local area.
Social Cohesion Through Education Program
The Social Cohesion Through Education Program works with local primary and secondary schools to promote diversity, respect, and inclusion among young people. Through a series of workshops delivered in partnership with schools, students explore important topics such as culture, identity, human rights, racism, leadership, and community engagement.
By equipping students with intercultural knowledge and empathy, this program plays a key role in challenging prejudice, strengthening respectful relationships, and preparing the next generation to contribute to a fair and inclusive society.
Family Violence Prevention Program
The Family Violence Prevention Program supports safer and more informed communities by raising awareness of family and gender-based violence and promoting early intervention, especially within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The program provides education, community engagement, and support to individuals who may face barriers such as stigma, isolation, language differences, and limited awareness of available services. We work in close partnership with specialist family violence and legal support organisations to ensure migrant and refugee women have access to the information and resources they need.
Through culturally safe engagement, community conversations, and locally tailored initiatives, this program seeks to break down barriers to support and create pathways to safety and empowerment.
