FESTURI - Community Visioning

You are invited to the Festuri Visioning Workshop, Annual General Meeting & Christmas Party. See attachment for Agenda.

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Fifth Avenue, Maroochydore
DATE: Saturday, 6th December 2008
TIME: From 9.30am, finishing after lunch at 1.30pm

For more information or to RSVP please contact Terri Shine - terrishi@bigpond.net.au or visit http://www.festuri.org.au/

RSVP by 3rd December 2008

Volunteers Wanted

Do you have any spare time to contribute to our community? The Multicultural Dinner's are looking for committed volunteers to join in the fun, be involved in the planning committee and assist selecting themes, guest presenters, music, dance, games, decorations and promoting cultural diversity.

Please contact David (07) 5443 6696 or email msp@maroochync.org.au or drop in to express your interest.

Free Conversational English Classes

Maroochydore Library, Sixth Ave, Cotton Tree every Wednesday from 9.30am - 12.00noon
Nambour Community Centre, 2 Shearer Street, Nambour every Tuesday 9.30am - 12.00noon
Nambour Solutions every Wednesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm

For more information contact Di (07) 5476 2511 or 0409 891 363

Work Placement Program

This is a work placement program for people who already have administrative experience. The target group of the program is people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

If you would like to be considered for this FREE program, where the paid job placement will carry the same rights and responsibilities as a regular employee, please contact Julie Lusk on (07) 5443 6696 or email cjp@maroochync.org.au.

Job Preparation Program

People who attend will gain skills in career planning, working with computers, job application letters, resume writing, starting a small business and interview skills. New course includes TAFE accredited computer skills workshops. Particpants needed NOW!

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Fifth Ave, Cotton Tree
NOTE: We can now accept people who want to change from part-time to full-time employment.

For more information contact Leah Copedo (07) 5443 6696 or email mets@maroochync.org.au

Caloundra Multicultural Womens Group

WHERE: Caloundra Community Centre, 78 Buderim Street, Currimundi

WHEN: 3rd Tuesday of each month

TIME: 10.00am - 12.00noon

For more information please contact Fiona (07) 5491 4511.

Multicultural Women's Group

Join the group for friendship, support, morning tea, a chat and some guest speakers. The speaker for the October 6th meeting will be Di Riddell on coping with change. The theme for November 3rd to be advised.

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Fifth Ave, Cotton Tree
WHEN: 1st Monday of each month
TIME: 10.00am - 12.00noon

For more information please contact phone Gwen or David (07) 5443 6696.

Multicultural Dinner

Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre hold Multicultural dinners on the last Friday of the month from 6.00pm. Bring a plate of food to share, gold coin donations are also appreciated to support the dinners.

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre
WHEN: Last Friday of each month
TIME: 6.00pm

For those who wish to be involved in the Multicultural Dinner's Planning Sub-committee please contact David by phone (07) 5443 6696 or email msp@maroochync.org.au.

Learning Mother Language

Do you speak another language besides English? If so, do you speak with your children in your language?

There are many benefits for children that can speak you mother language. Some of these include:
* The children feel proud and respect their heritage
* Extra bonding with family members and increased connection with their relatives overseas
* Improves general learning ability
* The children feel confident, clever and special
* Increased employment opportunities in the future
* The ability to speak with your child in your language
Give your child this specal gift by teaching your children your language.
If you would like support and resources to help you in your journey of teaching your child your language, please come along to the Learning Mother Language Workshop program.

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre
WHEN: Wednesday 8th October (for 6 weeks)
TIME: 10.00am - 1.00pm

For more information please contact David, Minh or Linda at MNC on (07) 5443 6696 or by email cdp@maroochync.org.au or msp@maroochync.org.au

Janmastami Festival

Janmastami is one the most significant events on the Vedic cultural calendar. Celebrated in most countries around the world, it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, exploring his many past times and the heritage underpinning India's culture through the preparation of exotic foods, dance, music and theatre.

The Janmastami Festival of Life 2008 will include the following activities:
* Classical Indian Dance. Dance is an important aspect of both traditional and contemporary Indian culture. In India dance and drama is central to the completion of the Janmastami festival with one of Krishna's most famous pastimes incorporating dance.
* Classical Indian Music. The classical music of northern India is exemplified by such instruments as the Sitar and the Tabla. Krishnapada, a local classical Indian music group, will be performing at the Janmastami Festival of Life.
* Traditional Bhajans and Kirtans. Bhajans and Kirtans are the folk music style associated with the festivals of India and the devotional tradition of Krishna. Musicians from the Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai Mandira Brisbane will be performing with traditional folk instruments such as the Mrdangam and the Cartals.
* Krsna Katha. Hear transcendental stories of Krsna's pastimes as described in the ancient Vedic literature.
* Traditional Indian Food. Traditional Indian food will be provided by Govinda's Vegetarian Cafe Maroochydore.

WHERE: Coolum CWA Hall, Coolum Beach
WHEN: August 30th
TIME: 5.00pm - 9.00pm

For more information see the website - http://janmastami.bbainc.org.au

FESTURI

FESTURI is a yearly celebration held for your enjoyment.

It starts with the launch on Saturday 23rd August at the Sunshine Plaza, dance to the latin beat at the J Noosa on Saturday 30th August and ends with the big celebration at the University of the Sunshine Coast at Chancellor Park on Sunday, 31st August 2008.

Come and have a wonderful time with dance, music, shows, prizes, a parade and delicious food of the different nations of the world.

For more information check out the Festuri website - http://www.festuri.org.au/

Free Tutoring Course

A free course in tutoring English as a second language (ESL) to support Migrants and Refugees in your community. This course will be delivered by an experienced ESL teacher from TAFE over three Monday afternoons during October 2008.

WHERE: Solutions Adult Learning Centre, 22 National Park Road, Nambour
WHEN: Monday 6th, 13th & 20th October
TIME: 12.00noon - 3.00pm

To register phone (07) 3244 5488 or contact Anita Baschin by email Anita.Baschin@deta.qld.gov.au

Multicultural Grant Information Session

Information Session about MAQ Grants available in 2009 under the Multicultural Assistance Program for projects and events that promote multiculturalism.

When: Thursday 21 August 2008 from 6.30pm
Where: Multicultural Development Association, 512 Stanley Street, South Brisbane.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Ms Alice Orozco, Grants Access Worker, MDA on 07 3337 5419 or email aliceo@mdabne.org.au .

Further information about the Multicultural Assistance Program is available on MAQ’s website.

Qld Multicultural Awards

Nominate now!

Nominations are now open for the 2008 Queensland Multicultural Awards. The awards celebrate, recognise and thank individuals, groups and organisations for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in Queensland. Nominations can be made under five categories: Individual, School, Community Based Organisation, Business and Government.

For more information on the awards or to obtain the nomination form and guidelines visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.

Nominations close Friday 5 September 2008

Multicultural Dinner

This month’s theme “Learning Mother Language” celebrating your cultural diversity through language will be presented by Minh & Linda. Also we will be focusing on Festuri the multicultural festival.

It is lovely to discover new flavours from different cultures at these dinners and enjoy the food of the world which could be a simple meal or a desert. The dinners are family friendly and are non alcohol events.

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Fifth Avenue, Cotton Tree
DATE: Friday 29th August
TIME: 6.00pm onwards
Please bring a plate to share.

For more information please contact the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre on 5443 6696 or Community Development Worker David on Ph: 5443 9706
Or email us at:
msp@maroochync.org.au or cdp@maroochync.org.au

Healthy Fact Sheets in 10 Languages!

The good people at NSW Sport and Recreation have provided six useful fact sheets for tips and ideas for supporting healthy lifestyles for children in 10 languages!!
Free downloadable facts sheets are available in Chinese, Filipino, Greek, Italian, Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Macedonian, Spanish, Vietnamese.

Fact sheets cover the following topics:
* Choosing Healthy Snacks
* Reducing Television Time
* Choosing Healthy Drinks
* Get Active
* Fruit and Veg
* Setting the Scene

Click here to download the fact sheets

Multicultural Assistance Program Grants Now Open

The Multicultural Assistance Program grants are allocated to events and projects that strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and participation, and build community capacity, including improved access to services in Queensland.

Grants will be available for events and projects in 2009 in the following categories:
· Major multicultural festivals
· Cultural celebrations
· Community development projects
· Small community projects

If you have difficulty understanding the Funding Information Paper, or would feel more comfortable discussing the Information Paper in your own language, please telephone Multicultural Affairs Queensland on 13 13 04 and ask for an interpreter who speaks your language. Wherever possible, we will engage an interpreter and discuss the Information Paper with you.

For more information contact Multicultural Affairs Qld 13 13 04 or email info@multicultural.qld.gov.au or click here for the website.

Caloundra Music Festival

The second annual Caloundra Music Festival will be held over the weekend of 17 -19 October. This not for profit family-friendly community event celebrates the environment, cultural achievements and community pride of the Caloundra area. The beautiful Kings Beach and surrounds will come alive to the sounds of a diverse line-up of entertainment featuring the best of the Australian music industry as well as famous international artists. A colourful street parade, roving performers, beach-side carnival, buskers, free children's entertainment and a stroll in 'The Village' complete the experience.

DATE: 17th - 19th October
WHERE: Kings Beach Park, Kings Beach, Caloundra
COST: Festival Familiy (2 Adults + 2 Children) $250, Festival VIP $175.00, Weekend Pass: $89.00 Adult, $65.00 Youth (13-15yrs), $65.00 Concession

For more information contact (07) 5491 4240 or click here

Cross Cultural Training at Nambour

This training offers participants an exciting, self-reflective opportunity to develop cross cultural
competency skills. The program takes a straightforward look at the impact of cultural difference and language barriers on interactions between human service workers and their clients. This program is a lively, enjoyable program which is designed to provide practical skills, useful information, and workable strategies for enhancing the ability of workers and organisations to provide excellent services to a culturally and linguistically diverse clientele. It will provide learning outcomes that enable the individual to gain:-
* Sensitivity toward and an increased understanding of the migrant/refugee experience
* Strategies on how to work effectively with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse clients
* A greater awareness of your own (cultural) identity
* Cross-cultural communication skills & effective use of interpreters (Overcoming language barriers)

Cross Cultural Awareness
DATE: Thursday 4th September
TIME: 8:30am - 4:30pm
WHERE: Nambour Community Centre, 2 Shearer Street, Nambour

Overcoming Language Barriers
DATE: Friday 5th September
TIME: 8:30am – 12:30
WHERE: Nambour Community Centre, 2 Shearer St, Nambour

COSTS:
Cross Cultural Awareness - $65 (non-profit/individual) $80 (Government)
Overcoming Language Barriers $40 (non-profit/individual) $50 (Government)
Both Sessions - $95 (non-profit/individual) $120 (Government)

For more information contact Nambour Community Centre - (07) 5441 4724

Would you like to become an interpreter?

The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd is pleased to
announce a new national project funded by the Australian Government to increase the number
of interpreters in new and emerging languages in metropolitan areas, and languages where
there are shortages in rural and regional areas.

Eligible applicants will attend a workshop to help them prepare to work as an interpreter and
apply for a NAATI accreditation test and/or recognition.
This project is fully funded and eligible candidates will be subsidised for the full cost of the
workshop and application and assessment fees.

Contact your local NAATI office now to obtain information on workshop locations, eligible languages and enrolment details.

Qld NAATI office - (P) 3393 1358 (E) biroff@naati.com.au

Click here for more information

The Power of Meditation

A day of exploration by 5 speakers from the spiritual paths of Buddism, Hinduism, Sufism, Judaism & Christianity. Come and join us for talks, meditation, drumming, singing and laughter.

Bring a plate of vegetarian food to share for lunch, morning tea is provided.

DATE: Sunday 17th August
TIME: 9.00am - 4.30pm
WHERE: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11a Millwell Rd, Maroochydore

Brought to you by the Theosophical Society of the Sunshine Coast

For more information phone Betty (07) 5476 7656

Migrant & Skills Recruitment Queensland Forums

Migrant and Skills Recruitment Queensland (MSRQ), part of the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, is currently undertaking a project on Migrant Settlement Services. As part of the consultation phase of the project, MSRQ is conducting a number of forums with skilled and business migrants and employers of skilled migrants in several regional locations, to determine the service gap levels of aftercare services available to business and skilled migrants. More specifically, the purpose of the forums is to identify:
· the levels and types of settlement support services being offered to skilled and business migrants, and
· the needs of employers in hiring and/or sponsoring skilled migrants.

Information gathered at the forums will be used by MSRQ to develop information resources, which will be made available on the Work Live Play website www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au to provide information to both employers and migrants on settlement, employment and migration.
MSRQ is keen to attract a wide range of skilled and business migrants from across Queensland to participate in the forums and contribute to a better understanding of the migrant settlement and employment process.

The forums are scheduled for 90 minutes each, and will be based on a series of questions. Participants will be provided with opportunities to ask questions and provide additional feedback. Light refreshments will be provided.

DATE: Thursday, 24 July 2008
TIME: Forum Number 1 – Skilled/Business Migrants – 10.00am to 11.30am
TIME: Forum Number 2 – Employers of Skilled Migrants – 1.00pm to 2.30pm
WHERE: Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Sunshine Coast Regional

Centre, Ground Floor, Cardno Centre, 9 Maud Street, MAROOCHYDORE

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is essential due to limited places.

For further information about the forums, and/or to register to participate, please contact Lisa Wakely or Michelle Harding on telephone number (07) 3405 6512.

To find out more about the services offered by MSRQ, visit www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au.

Multicultural Employment Advocacy Network Forum

The MEAN (Multicultural Employment Advocacy Network) is holding a forum which will address the social consequences of 457 conditions. There will be five presenters including DIAC; an employer; a migration agent and 2 NGO service providers.

DATE: Tuesday, 12th August
TIME: Starts with light lunch at 12.00noon, finishing by 4.30pm
WHERE: MDA

For more information contact Dr Wayne Sanderson from MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INC on (07) 3337 5414; 0408 701 906 or by emailwaynes@mdabne.org.au

Cultural Connections @ Noosa Library

Noosa Library is promoting cultural diversity by delivering a 12-month multicultural program in 2008 called Cultural Connection @ Noosa Library. The program will represent all continents and highlight a different culture each month. The program includes workshops on food, dance, bi-lingual storytelling, language, music and art, as well as displays to promote each culture. The aim of Cultural Connection @ Noosa Library is to generate a better awareness, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures.

FRENCH - Cultural connection@ Noosa Library!

* A view from the Eiffel Tower on Monday 14 July, 2pm
* French chic - making highfashion real for you on Thursday 17 July, 10am
* French stories, songs &craft for pre-schoolers Tuesday 22 July, 10am
* French language workshop Monday 21 July,10am - 12 noon

There is no charge for these workshops. Booking are essential, contact Noosa Library (07) 5442 4411.

For more information check out the Sunshine Coast Regional website - http://www.libraries.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

National Women's Register

An international organisation of women's discussion groups for women who enjoy expressing their point of view on a variety of interesting topics. Informal atmosphere all ages welcome.

New group starting in Buderim/Maroochydore area.

For more information come to a meeting or call Janet on (07) 5476 6514.

PLACE YOUR EVENT HERE!

Has your organisation got an event coming up?

Why not place it on the Multilinc Blog and let other community groups see what's going on. Just email all the relevant details to CIS - cis@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

For more details contact CIS (07) 5475 8925

Cultural Diversity Business Development Program

A Business Development Program for people from culturally diverse backgrounds who are thinking of starting a business or are new business owners.

The program includes:

* Practical series of 1 seminar and 2 workshops

* Ideas, tools and strategies for your business

For more information about this program contact State Development on 1300 363 711.

Additional information about the program is also available on Department of State Development's website - http://www.sd.qld.gov.au/

July - BLAK Month

In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the proclamation of SURVIVAL day, it is hereby announced that the month of JULY 1 - 31st is now proclaimed BLAK history month in Australia. From this day forth and for all years to come, JULY will remain a month of significance and symbolism for the unity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, in celebration of Australia's rich, vibrant Indigenous histories and cultures. JULY will provide an opportunity for ALL AUSTRALIANS to recognise the true Australian identity, giving Schools, Government, Multicultural Australia and most significantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities the opportunity to respectfully promote greater awareness of the diversity, innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander splendour. Australia's BLAK history month, will join the worldwide celebration of Black History Month, giving a greater international profile to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations, alongside Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The Australian community is hereby advised to BLAK out JULY in their diaries annually as a month of pride and celebration of all tribal groups and people throughout Australia and the Torres Strait.

For more information contact Dreamtime Kullilla Art - 3880 1320

World Environment Day

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council, together with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, the University of the Sunshine Coast and SEQ Catchments are hosting the 2008 World Environment Day Festival as part of the United Nations World Environment Day international evet, themed CO2 Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.
Speakers, forums, exhibits, live music & entertainment, food vendors, farmers markets.

WHERE: The University of the Sunshine Coast
WHEN: Saturday May 31st
TIME: 9.00am - 4.00pm

For more information contact the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (07) 5441 5747

International Women's Friendship Group

International women's friendship & discussion group starting in Maroochydore/Buderim area. For more information please come along to a meeting.

WHERE: Maroochydore Library Meeting Rooms, 44 Sixth Avenue, Cotton Tree
WHEN: Thursday 22nd May
TIME: 1.00pm

For more details please call (07) 5476 6514

Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors

Nominations are now open for the 2008 Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors. Senior volunteers make a significant and positive difference in many areas of the community. Whether it's through the arts, social welfare, education, or health, Queensland benefits enormously from their generous input.

Through the annual Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors, the department acknowledges the key role many older people play in the community, in particular their voluntary contributions in Queensland.

For further information contact the Office for Seniors on 1300 132 654 or visit the website.

FREE CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH CLASSES

Free english classes conducted by Solutions Literacy.

Maroochydore Library, Cotton Tree - Every Wednesday 9.30am - 12.00pm
Nambour Community Centre - Every Tuesday 9.30am - 12.00pm
Nambour Solutions - Every Tuesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - Every Wednesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm

For more info contact Di from Solutions on (07) 5476 2511 or 0409 891 363.

Multicultural Women's Coffee Morning

Join the Multicultural Women's Group for friendship, coffee, a chat and some guest speakers.

WHEN: 1st Monday of each month

TIME: 10.00am

WHERE: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre

For more info please call the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - (07) 5443 6696

FESTURI WEBSITE

Festuri website is now online!!

Check out the website for some great photos of past exhibitions, fundraising events and organisational info.

Click here to connect to the website.

Maroochy Council Language Bank

Need a translator? A volunteer interpreter may be able to assist you with general information about Maroochy Shire services. Currently volunteer MSC staff speak over 11 languages. Council will use the national Translator and Interpreter Service (TIS) for all technical and significant information.