Community Engagement Team
Multicultural COVID-19 Pop-Up Vaccination Hub
BRMC provided a total of eight Vaccination Hubs from August to November, in partnership with Ballarat Community Health and Ballarat Health Service. Through these hubs, a total of 721 vaccines were provided to multicultural people who had difficulty booking vaccinations and those who were reluctant to get vaccinated. Positive feedback from many people attending the vaccination hubs provided evidence of how beneficial the service was to them.
“If it weren’t for the BRMC vaccination hub, I might not have been vaccinated. Thank you to BRMC for this opportunity.”
“If I hadn’t been vaccinated today, I wouldn’t be able to go to work next Monday. I’m glad I could smile like this today”.
“It’s great that my whole family can get vaccinated all at once.”
BRMC COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Help Desk
During BRMC Vaccination Hub sessions, it was found that multicultural people had difficulty downloading their COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The hub provided a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Help Desk service to help people. Subsequently, BRMC contacted community members and clients to identify further needs for this service. Since 9 November, the service has been provided to multicultural people, including the elderly, from 9.30am to 5pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Booking is essential for this service.
If you want to book in or need further information, please contact the Community Engagement Team on 0491 066 246 or community@brmc.org.au.
Stepping Stones Business Taster Program
Get an introductory look into the Stepping Stones to Small Business Program, and find out about everything you need to know to successfully start your own small business. Open to women of migrant, asylum-seeking and humanitarian background and women aged 50+ of any background.
FREE Stepping Stones Business Taster
Tuesday 14 & Thursday 16 December, 10am – 2pm
Online via Zoom
Register now with Deborah Klein: d.klein@brmc.org.au or 0457 934 728.
2022 Stepping Stones to Small Business Program
It’s back, and you don’t want to miss out!
Stepping Stones celebrates 10 great years of successfully helping women develop their dreams of small business with its 2022 Stepping Stones to Small Business Program.
Open to women of migrant, asylum-seeking and humanitarian backgrounds, and women 50+ of any background, the FREE Stepping Stones to Small Business Program provides professional training in the many skills and disciplines needed to build and sustain a strong small business.
Stepping Stones to Small Business Program
Tuesdays, 1 February – 26 April 2022
10am – 2pm
Online via Zoom – in-person as conditions permit
All in-person sessions provide FREE childminding for participants.
Register your interest NOW with Deborah Klein: d.klein@brmc.org.au or 0457 934 728.
2022 Wimmera Stepping Stones Empowerment Pathways
Working in partnership with the Wimmera Development Association, Stepping Stones is now offering women from across the Wimmera Region opportunity to participate in the Stepping Stones Empowerment Pathways Program, Business Taster sessions, and full Stepping Stones to Small Business training.
Registration is now open for women of migrant, asylum-seeking or humanitarian backgrounds, and women 50+ of any background for the Empowerment Pathways Program offered each Monday from 14 February – 21 March 2022.
Stepping Stones Empowerment Pathways Program (Wimmera Region)
Mondays, 14 February – 21 March 2022
10am – 2pm
Online via Zoom
Register now with Deborah Klein: d.klein@brmc.org.au or 0457 934 728.
Good Governance Program
‘Resurfacing after COVID-19’ webinar for community groups was held on 9 November. The attendees participated in interactive discussions on issues such as challenges and opportunities, demand for services, re-skilling for shift to digital tech and volunteer resourcing. Information was provided on upcoming funding opportunities and effective fundraising strategies. We are grateful to Ballarat Good Governance Mentor Malcolm Sanders for sharing information on grant applications with the attendees.
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
The Migrant English Program offers free English tutoring to empower individuals with the language skills required for their social wellbeing, academic pursuit and professional growth.
We’d like to celebrate the mutually nurturing partnerships between our volunteer tutors and their students. The tutors’ commitment to serving the migrant-refugee community of Ballarat and beyond is the backbone of the program. We salute your untiring efforts to enable, empower and make this world a better place.
If you’d like to participate as a student or volunteer tutor, contact Sarabjit at s.kaur@brmc.org.au.
Diversity Homework Club
Term 4 has brought with it new opportunities and challenges for our students. Going back to school for face-to-face learning has been exciting and also exhausting, at some level. The theme for Diversity Homework Club activities in Term 4 is ‘Wellbeing’ wherein we are celebrating the students’ unique talents, abilities and identities.
A Fire Safety session was organised for our students in partnership with CFA Wendouree team. Graham O’Neill and his colleagues took the students through the fire station, fire truck and shared important fire safety tips.
MY Education Awards: Diversity Homework Club was declared Regional Homework Club of the Year for the second consecutive year. We are proud of the resilience demonstrated by all our students and tutors through the ups and downs of 2020-21.
Nivashini Neelavannan was declared Runner Up – Outstanding Secondary Student Award:
“I am both proud and honoured to win runners up for the MY Education Awards. Although learning isn’t about the awards, I still appreciate it and it encourages me to work and learn harder. Thank you for nominating me and giving me this chance.”
Congratulations Nivash, we are proud of you!
If you’d like to learn more or find out how you can participate, contact Sarabjit at s.kaur@brmc.org.au.
Social Support
It is with great pleasure that we welcome our clients back to Multicultural Tucker! You must be double vaccinated or have a medical exemption and show evidence on arrival. If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and do not have a medical exemption the BRMC Social Support Team can provide you with a home delivered meal.
Christmas Multicultural Tucker
Friday 10th December, 12pm – 3pm ($15)
Ballarat Golf Club, 1800 Sturt St, Alfredton
Bookings are essential so don’t delay – call 03 5331 1123.
BRMC Social Support Programs will return to the Victoria Bowling Club in February 2022.
Join our Walk & Talk Club
We can match you with someone who lives nearby so you can walk together or in a group. For more information or to express your interest contact the Social Support Office on 03 5331 1123.
If you know someone who would benefit from BRMC Social Support Services, contact Teresa on 0417 109 052 or teresa@brmc.org.au.
Multicultural Job Club
Held every second and fourth Thursday of each month, 1pm – 2.30pm
Online via Zoom
The Multicultural Job club was established a few short months ago to offer connection and support to people on their employment journey. It is a fortnightly session to:
- Connect and support one another
- Set achievable goals
- Connect services
- Learn something new
- Build confidence
- Networking
- Tips and advice on how to look for jobs
- Resume, cover letter and key selection criteria guidance
On the alternate fortnight to the job club session, a newsletter is circulated to members to keep them motivated and engaged in the job seeking space. In its short inception the sessions have engaged a small, but enthusiastic group of people.
Join our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/multiculturaljobclub
For more information, contact Bek at r.robertson@brmc.org.au or 0491 066 248.
Register: https://bit.ly/3CJ5m9A
