Be the Bystander Who Says No to Racism
Through our local ‘No to Racism in Western Regional Victoria’ project BRMC will be reaching out to Ballarat community members next year. The bystander approach is a whole-of community commitment to prevent, call-out and respond to racism and discrimination.
Our first bystander train the trainer course was held in November 2021. From January to June 2022 our trained staff will offer practical Anti-Racism bystander training for participants from local government, hospitals, community organisations, local businesses, community clubs and other networks and groups. We are also excited to be working closely on other Anti-Racism initiatives with local professional artist, Stella Savy (Cocosounds) and the Ballarat Interfaith Network (BIN).
If your group is interested in receiving training, or in becoming an Anti-Racism bystander trainer, please contact Heeyoung on 0491 066 247 or hy.lim@brmc.org.au.
2022 Stepping Stones Programs
Now taking applications!
Free online training providing women of migrant and humanitarian backgrounds, as well as women 50+ of any background the confidence and skills to move into employment, education or their own small business.
Stepping Stones to Small Business
11-week interactive and practical training in the skills you need to launch and build a successful small business. Delivered via Zoom.
- Tuesdays, 1 February – 26 April, 10am – 2pm
Tutorial Support Wednesdays, 9am – 12pm - Wednesdays, 30 March – 22 June, 10am – 2pm
Tutorial Support Fridays, 9am – 12pm
Stepping Stones Empowerment Pathways Program
Join this 6-session online group-based program to grow skills and gain confidence for your move into small business, employment or education. Delivered via Zoom.
- Wimmera: Mondays, 14 February – 21 March, 10am – 2pm
- Ballarat: Thursdays, 5 May – 9 June, 10am – 2pm
Questions? Contact Deborah Klein: d.klein@brmc.org.au or 0457 934 728.
Good Governance Program
Here are some highlights from 2021, a year of creativity, growth and new partnerships for the program that was filled with webinars for the community, Community of Practice sessions for mentors and mentoring catch-ups with community groups.
To find out how your cultural group or committee can participate or for more information contact Sarabjit at s.kaur@brmc.org.au.
Community Volunteers: Migrant English Program
Here are some highlights from 2021, a year of linguistic and digital empowerment for tutors and students. The tutors spared no efforts to upskill and get training and tech support to continue to connect with their students in online. Their ongoing support saw many students celebrating academic and professional success. Our Community Volunteer Tutors’ commitment to serving the migrant-refugee community is the backbone of the program. A big ‘Thank You’ to all of you.
If you’d like to participate as a student or volunteer tutor, contact Sarabjit at s.kaur@brmc.org.au.
Diversity Homework Club
2021 was filled with exciting activities and learning opportunities for the Diversity Homework Club team. We started the year in style with our virtual choir ‘A Better Place’. Watch video: https://youtu.be/4oIxo93knX0
The students participated in Peace Pals International Art Contest, won Good Reader awards, wrote poems, made presentations, and so much more! DHC parents participated in activities that were organised for families, including cultural show and tell, Life Saving Victoria and Country Fire Authority sessions. The highlight of the year was winning the OSHLSP of the Year award second year in a row!
The group met Leading Senior Constable Melissa Peters on 8 December. The students asked several questions and learnt about the joys and challenges of being a police officer.
DHC Presentation Night was held on 9 December at Sebastopol Library Community Hub. The students who had won MY Education awards and Good Reading awards were felicitated. The tutors were thanked for their generous gift of time and effort throughout the year. Some students presented stories, poems, riddles, jokes, hula-hoop demonstrations, song and dance. Some parents shared cultural stories, songs and dances, inviting the group members to join in. The night was vibrant with a true demonstration of interculturalism.
Diversity Homework Club is a welcoming community of students and tutors. We design unique opportunities for students to learn, explore, share and create in a nurturing environment. If you’d like to learn more or find out how you can participate, contact Sarabjit at s.kaur@brmc.org.au.
Social Support
Hazara Social Support Program
The BRMC Social Support Team have worked together with our local Hazara Afghan community, BRASSN community volunteers and Foundation House in a new initiative, the Hazara Social Support Program. Hazara community members have welcomed new opportunities to come together to socialize and to gain information on other community services, local events and pathways to study, employment and health and wellbeing.
Tai Chi
BRMC Social Support deliver Tai Chi every Tuesday during school terms. Our Tai Chi qualified and skilled facilitator, Sandra Pierce will work with you on an individual basis to customise your exercise session when needed.
Only $5 a class. Next class is Tuesday 25 January 2022, 1pm – 2pm at the Brown Hill Cricket Club (30 Reid St, Brown Hill).
For more information or to register call Caroline on 03 5331 1123.
Merry Christmas to all our Social Support clients! We hope you enjoyed our last Multicultural Tucker for 2021.
The Social Support Team would like to thank all our clients for their continued support throughout the year. Our team have enjoyed delivering programs to you when we could and visiting you at your homes when we couldn’t be together. We are looking forward to delivering all our face-to-face programs to you from February 2022!
For more information about Social Support Programs contact Teresa on 0417 109 052 or teresa@brmc.org.au.
Volunteer with BRMC
Volunteers make BRMC a real community and a thriving hub for community connection and services. BRMC is always in need of people who are willing to help and share their time, talents and skills. www.brmc.org.au/get-involved
Contact Teresa on 03 5383 0613 / 0417 109 052 / teresa@brmc.org.au
