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
Article: St Patrick’s College Welcome Dinner
POSTED: 22nd November 2019 SOURCE: Inside Out
On the evening of Tuesday 19 November, St Patrick’s College hosted a Welcome Dinner for migrants and refugees who have recently arrived and settled in the Campbelltown area.
NSW Volunteer Of The Year Awards 2019
POSTED: 23rd September 2019
Volunteers from across South Western Sydney recognised for their outstanding contribution to volunteering at a special ceremony in Campbelltown.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering which has grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country. The ceremony recognises the enormous contribution volunteers make to their local communities and is a way to say thank you for their dedication and commitment.
MDSI congratulates all award recipients and our Volunteers, Robert Scorsone and Sawsan Wahba, who represented MDSI's Aged Care Team at the South Western Sydney/ Macarthur region ceremony held on the 17th of September 2019.
There is incredible value in being of service to others. Volunteers make a difference, thank you for caring.
Networks That Work
POSTED: 03rd September 2019
Mentoring for Employment for Refugees and Migrants in Macarthur.
WHY?
A group of partner agencies in Macarthur have commenced a project to increase employment opportunities for local refugees, humanitarian entrants and migrants.
We know there are many barriers to these community members gaining long term, stable employment. They include:
- Language barriers
- Lack of skill recognition
- Lack of local experience
- Lack of professional networks
That is why we are initiating a mentoring project, where experienced staff or business owners across a range of employment areas will be invited to offer their skills and experience to mentor a community member who wants to increase their employability.
WHAT?
We are looking for volunteer mentors now. You will be offered 2 hours of training in what is required of a mentor, and how to go about supporting a mentee.
You will be expected to offer 8 one hour weekly sessions to the mentee, who will be carefully matched to you.
WHEN?
We need volunteer mentors now, but the program and training will commence early in 2020. Applications are due by 15 November 2019.
WHO?
The project partners are:
- Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI)
- Campbelltown City Council
- Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Department of Social Services (DSS)
- TAFE NSW
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact:
Sana Al-Ahmar
P. 02 46271188
M. 0419 751 552
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