Centre for Multicultural Youth

“A lot of these young people have been let down before. It’s our job to listen, to make them feel safe, and to help them rewrite their own narrative.” We recently sat down with Julie, a Multicultural Youth Worker for CMY's (DET) Reconnect program The (DET) Reconnect program is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and supports vulnerable young people with an asylum seeking background over the age of 17 and their families. These folks are from Wyndham and Melton, and have been disengaged from education and employment for at least six months. Learn more about the program and Julie's story here: https://lnkd.in/gwpfs2vS [Image Description: Julie is a white woman with long brown hair. Some of her hair is tied up behind her head and the rest of her hair is flowing down her shoulders. She is wearing a red and black plaid jumper and is standing in front of a fake brick wall.]

Youth Volunteer applications for 2025 have opened! There are many opportunities for young people to learn and develop their skills, have their voices heard and create positive change! ⁠ We're looking for young people to volunteer with us in 2025 for:⁠ - Youth Advisory Group (Metro) members⁠ - Youth Facilitators - Explore researchers Learn more: YAG: https://lnkd.in/gBZ-Yufm Youth Facilitators: https://lnkd.in/gG_K3Q5Y Explore: https://lnkd.in/gZy-7yv6 ⁠

Happy Diwali! Diwali is the Festival of Light and is an opportunity to celebrate new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness. CMY wishes everyone who celebrates a lovely and safe time with family, friends and loved ones 💜 [Image Description: 5 golden rangolis are mixed in with a purple background. In the middle of the image are the words "Happy Diwali!"]

The Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) provides trained adult volunteers (independent persons) to attend police interviews with young people under 18 years in police custody when a parent or guardian is not available. ⁠ ⁠ Hear about firsthand experiences from volunteer Rob! ⁠ For more information, reach out to Anita Boras at 0488 164 165 or aboras@cmy.net.au. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g-q8xJPW [Video Description: Rob is a white man with short, salt-and-pepper hair. He is wearing a collared, button-up shirt with a red, blue and white square pattern.]

"This experience has taught me so much about the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusivity. I’m genuinely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to see what is to come." Everyone, meet Neerja! She is a Youth Advocate for CMY's prevention and early intervention mental health initiative, Reverb 2.0. See what she has to say about her time in Reverb 2.0 here: https://lnkd.in/eZdWxvSj [Image Description: Neerja is a young Punjabi woman. She has long black hair. She is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black top and is wearing a necklace with the letters "NS" on it. She is standing in a room with lots of doors on either side of it.]

Looking forward to seeing Chelsea from CMY take the stage again today as she shares insights from our work alongside the MacKillop Family Services.   Earlier this week, at OPEN: Outcomes Practice Evidence Network’s Pre-Symposium, she was joined by colleague Sameera in a session on ‘Culturally Responsive Family Violence Practice.’    If you are interested in learning more, accessing resources or any training enquiries relating to these sessions, please get in touch with us or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g8AcaHaz

Submissions for Standpoint will be closing at the end of this month! ⚠️ What is Standpoint? It is a literary and visual magazine made by young people and for young people.⁠ ⁠ We want to showcase young multicultural artists and writers across the nation and amplify your voices. ⁠ ⁠ Share your thoughts. Share your art. Share your point of view. Share your standpoint.⁠ ⁠ Submit now: https://lnkd.in/gT-_4ftd [Image Description: A large amount of vinyl records are sitting on wooden shelves. They are lit by subtle light. Above the image in large, bold font is the word "Standpoint." In smaller black font underneath the image are the words "Standpoint is a literary and visual magazine made by young people and for young people. we want to showcase young multicultural artists and writers across the nation and amplify your voices. share your thoughts. share your art. Share your point of view. share your Standpoint."]

Ucan2 recently hosted their second Big Day Out for the year at the Zoo! The Big Day Out is an opportunity for Ucan2's volunteers and young people to get to know each other and catch up. As a program that caters to school-aged young people who are newly arrived to Australia, many of the students saw Australian animals and fauna for the very first time. Learn more about Ucan2 here: https://lnkd.in/g5eSqBsg [Image Description: A large group of multicultural people are gathered in a leafy, outdoor area. Some are posing with their hands in the air while others are smiling at the camera.]

"I think being involved in those programs and talking to young people from similar backgrounds gave me a really good feeling of making an impact, and suggestions based on my experience.” Say hello to Ali! 👋 Ali discovered CMY in 2015 through the Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors Program and soon became a staff member. He worked his way from the reception desk to the finance team to working for KPMG Australia! Learn more about Ali's Story and CMY's impact on it here: https://lnkd.in/gZsPRE9M [Image Description: Ali is an Afghan man. He is wearing a grey business jacket with a white button-up shirt underneath. He has short black hair. He is looking at the camera and is smiling. The background is a dark orange colour.]

The 4C’s (Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities) recently celebrated its 18th annual event in August and September of this year! The program is a collaboration between the 4C’s student leadership group, Bunjil Place, CMY’s Le Mana Pasifika Project, and several other community leaders and cultural mentors. Find out more about how the event went here: https://lnkd.in/gzAUAqvW [Image Description: Many young women are dancing on a colourfully lit stage. They are in the middle of a traditional dance and they are wearing culturally significant clothes. Some of the dancers have their arms out at their sides.]