Committed to diversity

By Chris Lacey, CEO of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra

For 47 years, the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) has been working in NSW and ACT towards our vision of a cohesive multicultural society that embraces, celebrates and values diversity.

In October 2021 MCCI joined forces with SCARF Refugee Support to provide even greater support for culturally diverse communities in the region.

With over 300 staff and volunteers from more than 40 cultural backgrounds who speak more than 50 languages, MCCI is committed to delivering high-quality, responsive and culturally intelligent services for individuals, communities and organisations, including:

• aged care

• refugee support

• youth programs

• community representation and advocacy

How we help in aged care

MCCI’s aged care services support more than 1000 people over 65 to live well at home through home care packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program services. Services – including Help at Home, social groups, Meals on Wheels and Allied Health – can make up the care, all overseen by a care advisor who is a direct and ongoing contact. More than 98% of our current clients said they would recommend our services to family or friends!

How we support refugees

MCCI’s refugee support services delivered by SCARF assist community members on pathways to self-reliance and empowerment by building a sense of belonging through friendship and practical assistance programs focussing on four key areas:

• Employment and training, e.g. employment mentoring, L2P driver mentoring support

• Health and wellbeing programs, e.g. swimming lessons, bike riding courses

• Community support and navigation, e.g. mental health support and form filling

• Education and inclusion programs, e.g. homework help, digital device rehoming

How we empower young people

Each year MCCI’s youth team works with over 4000 young people from diverse backgrounds through its range of programs to:

• increase agency,

• improve life skills,

• build social connections and

• improve general wellbeing.

Our approach empowers young people to effectively navigate systems and become active citizens in the community.