Latest News

Media Release: Introducing Focus Connect

POSTED: 22nd November 2019

At its AGM on Thursday, 31/10/2019 Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative Ltd (MDSI) announced a new name, new logo and new look.

Over the last 18-months, Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI) has undergone consultations with our clients, families, community and external partners to understand what they thought of our brand and what we represented to them.

The results were compelling. Our clients were happy and appreciative of the work we do and our staff are happy, however many were confused by our name, what we stood for and our unique standing in the community sector.

As a result, we have been working hard in the background to redevelop our brand look and feel to ensure we are reflective of the changing needs of our community and ensure our values are at the forefront of everything we do.

We think our new name aptly reflects what we do, ‘giving people the support they need, when they need it’; and showcases our ‘focus on individual quality care’, whilst ‘encouraging community connections’. 

The rebrand is a physical representation of our growth of services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), our multicultural grassroots and an increased focus on providing innovative services. It is also reflects the journey we have been on over the last few years, expanding services beyond the Macarthur region.

Focus Connect will work under three departments: Focus Connect Aged Care, Focus Connect Community and Focus Connect Disability.

Whilst we have a new name, there will be no changes to our programs or services we currently provide.  

You will start to see the new brand rolled out over documentation, brochures, signage and our transport fleet shortly.

If you have any questions, lease contact us on 02 4627 1188, or info@focusconnect.com.au 

TIBETANS IN CAMPBELLTOWN CELEBRATE HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA’S BIRTHDAY

POSTED: 10th July 2019 SOURCE: The Tibet Post International 06th July 2019

The 84th birthday of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was celebrated by the Campbelltown Tibetan community on Saturday, July 6, 2019.

MDSI CELEBRATES NAIDOC WEEK 2019

POSTED: 08th July 2019 SOURCE: This year’s theme: Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future - July 7-14

UNCAPTURED: A POETS JOURNEY - Australian Film and Television Film School (AFTRS) Short Film Project. Featuring Burraga Gutya (Uncle Ken Canning), Murri activist, writer and poet.

Uncaptured: A Poets Journey
Australian Film and Television Film School (AFTRS) Short Film Project 2018

Staring: Ken Canning
Directed: Andre Vasquez & Jerome Meyer
Director of Photography: Andre Vasquez
Production Assistant: Jordan Nicolai
Edited: Jerome Meyer & Andre Vasquez

SHARE THE WARMTH

POSTED: 01st July 2019

On Friday, 28 June 2019 MDSI’s Claymore Child & Family Connect program held a Blanket & Winter Woolies Drive at the Claymore Opportunity Hub.

The event was very successful with over 50 families receiving donations of new and gently used blankets, scarves, beanies, sheets, towels, jackets, clothes, children’s shoes and curtains.

A big thank you to everyone who donated!

Another big thank to Lilly, Alicia, Noela & Dianne for making the day such a huge success!

And our deepest gratitude to Kenneally’s Funerals for all the donations received.

CCFC will be holding a second drive in a couple of weeks and donations of new, gently used and clean blankets, coats, jackets, scarves and beanies would be greatly appreciated.

COLLECTION DETAILS………………

Collecting from now through to 12 July 2019

@MDSI, L3, 171 -179 Queen Street, Campbelltown

END VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN NOW, BE PART OF THE CHANGING WORLD FOREVER

POSTED: 27th June 2019

Dozens of individuals and organisations, including MDSI, have taken the pledge to end violence against children and young people, now and forever.

THE PLEDGE

All children and young people have the right to be free from physical, sexual and psychological violence.

Always. Everywhere.

I am deeply concerned by the extent and devastating impact of violence against children and young people.

Violence is never justifiable and can be prevented.

I am committed to contribute to the efforts to transform my community, my state, my country and my world to end all forms of violence against children and young people.

Together, we can end violence against children and young people.

Now and forever.

You can take the pledge too by clicking here

SBS ARABIC RADIO INTERVIEW - CAMPBELLTOWN COUNCIL CELEBRATES REFUGEES WEEK

POSTED: 25th June 2019 SOURCE: SBS Arabic Radio 17th June 2019

Sana Al-Ahmar discusses MDSI's Refugee Week 2019 event at Campbelltown Council.

(This audio is copyright to SBS)

Program: SBS Arabic Radio Interviewer: Australia Alyaom, Manal Al - Ani & Sanae Ouahib Interviewee: Sana Al-Ahmar Duration: 8:40

MDSI CELEBRATES REFUGEE WEEK 2019

POSTED: 20th June 2019

On Monday, 17 June 2019, MDSI celebrated Refugee Week 2019 at Campbelltown Civic Centre.

This free community event was attended by over 100 people and other other community organisations.

Guest speakers included Karin Vasquez, CEO MDSI, Cr. Masood Chowdhury, Campbelltown City Council and Paul Power, CEO Refugee Council. Two refugees who have been in Australia for less than 5 years also spoke about their journey and life in Australia (copies of transcripts from Paul Power and Wafa Hamadi below).

We also had a number of performances including Tibetan dancing, Adora from Sierra Leone performed two songs and Lucky African Dance and Drumming played and ran a workshop.

Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and to celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.

Refugee Week provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the country. The ultimate aim of the celebration is to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration enabling refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia.

Campbelltown is one of 165 refugee welcome Zones in Australia. In committing to this initiative, councils demonstrate their public support for refugees and people seeking asylum, whilst acknowledging the important contributions refugees make to society. Historically, local governments have played an important role in promoting the social inclusion of diverse communities linked to Australia’s migration and humanitarian programs.

MDSI CELEBRATES RAMADAN THROUGH FOOD & FRIENDSHIP

POSTED: 21st May 2019

On Monday, 20 May 2019 MDSI’s Settlement Program held an Iftar event at Campbelltown Council Civic Centre.

The event was very successful with nearly 100 people attending, including representatives from Campbelltown Council, NSW Police, Interfaith Group and Ability Links.

The occasion was celebrated with delicious food and provided a wonderful opportunity for old friends to catch up and new friendships to be made.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY AT THE MANSE

POSTED: 06th May 2019

MDSI remembers those who have served and died, in war and operation service, around the world.

On the 24th of April 2019 MDSI's Filipino, Laotian and Men's Group joined Greg Warren MP, volunteers and staff to commemorate ANZAC Day. 

* April 25 was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916. It marks the first day the Australian and New Zealand troops saw military action in Gallipoli during the First World War. On ANZAC Day we commemorate the anniversary and remember all who've served. Lest We Forget.

SSI’S MULTILINGUAL DISABILITY HUB

POSTED: 04th April 2019

SSI's FutureAbility Project has launched a multilingual hotline and website that provide easily accessible information on disability and the NDIS in 14 languages.