Latest News
SBS Spanish Radio Interview - Woman In Small Business
POSTED: 08th March 2017
Listen to Rocio Otoya from SBS Spanish Radio interview Jacqueline Lobo regarding MDSI's Women In Small Business Program.
(This audio is copyright to SBS.)
Program: SBS Spanish Radio Interviewer: Rocio Otoya Interviewee: Jacqueline Lobo Duration: 5 min 57 sec
SBS Arabic Radio Interview - Woman In Small Business
POSTED: 07th March 2017
Listen to Manal Al-Ani from SBS Arabic Radio interview Sana Al Ahmar regarding MDSI’s Women In Small Business Program.
(This audio is copyright to SBS.)
Program: SBS Arabic Radio Interviewer: Manal Al-Ani Interviewee: Sana Al Ahmar Duration: 10 min 23 sec
HIPPY - Alive and Well in Campbelltown
POSTED: 28th February 2017
HIPPY is a two year home-based early learning and parenting program for families with young children who live in the Campbelltown area.
HIPPY Claymore is run by Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI). HIPPY is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services. The Brotherhood of St Laurence holds the licence to operate HIPPY in Australia.
HIPPY is a free service providing mentors who visit parents/caregivers in their own home to practise the HIPPY activities. The parent and child will then spend 10 – 15 minutes each day doing the activities together.
The attached photo is Minas and Noah’s first session with their home tutor Leah. Minas found that through the HIPPY program she is encouraged to be more involved in Noah’s learning as well as child development. For Noah it is helping him to prepare for school, to build his self-esteem and confidence in a home learning environment. The added bonus for both of them is enjoying spending extra time together.
Enrolments are now being taken from families with preschool children aged 3 ½ to 5 from the Campbelltown LGA. If you would like to find out more about the HIPPY program please contact MDSI on 46271188.
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Macarthur’s One But Many
POSTED: 19th January 2017 SOURCE: Camden Narellan Advertiser 18th January 2017
"We celebrate how blessed we are to call Australia home and how blessed we are to be in this beautiful country" Mal Fruean
FOR some, Australia Day is nothing more than a public holiday highlighted by Triple J's hottest 100. But for others, January 26 means much more.
Macarthur is made up of people from a myriad of cultures. For Thirlmere's Flora Connellan, who moved to Australian from the_ Philippines in 1986, Australia Day was a chance for reflection.
''Australia Day means a lot to me" she said.
Homeshare Macarthur Survey
POSTED: 13th December 2016
MDSI is very interested in the Homeshare program and the possibility of implementing it in the Macarthur area. To assist us gauge interest we would appreciate you completing an anonymous survey.
Homeshare is an innovative program that brings together older householders, or householders with a disability, who could benefit from help in the home and companionship with people of integrity prepared to lend a hand in return for affordable accommodation. The Householder provides a bedroom and shared facilities. In exchange, the Homesharer provides approximately 10 hours per week of practical assistance such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and gardening, as well as providing company and the added security of having someone else sleeping in the home.
Some of the benefits of Homeshare include:
- Homeshare assists young people find affordable housing while helping older people remain at home rather than in an aged care facility;
- It is care and help that is match based on needs, preferences and personalities of the Householder and Homesharer;
- It helps keep older people connected to their community, including local neighbours, services, religious and social networks.
MDSI is very interested in the Homeshare program and the possibility of implementing it in the Macarthur area. To assist us gauge interest we would appreciate you completing an anonymous survey which can be found via the link below. Thank you.
Please visit www.homeshare.org.au for more information on Homeshare
MDSI Settlement Program - Refugee Dinner
POSTED: 01st December 2016
On Tuesday 15 November 2016, five refugee families attended a dinner hosted by The Social Justice class from St Patrick College in Campbelltown.
Eighteen children attended the dinner with their parents and later told us they had a great time. The families had a great time chatting to the students, teachers and the principal of the school. There was a discussion about enrolling at the school and whether there were any issue with wearing the Hijab. The principle’s told them that the scarf is part of the school uniform and the girls can wear it. The kids also played a game of soccer and basketball.
The school provided multicultural food for the families while the families brought dessert. School staff, students and families sat together during dinner and shared stories and experiences off their journeys to Australia and their lives now.
Young people from the school and visitors had a conversation about HSC studies. The school would love to continue the relationship with MDSI and the families. After dinner the students distributed beautiful bags with Australian motives filled with yummy things. Photos were taken and goodbyes said with everyone happy with the outcomes.
Submitted by Sana Al-Ahmar, Generalist Settlement Case Worker and Fatin Al Rawi, Family Settlement Worker.
MPs Join Manse Fun
POSTED: 16th November 2016 SOURCE: Macarthur Chroncile 15th November 2016
Brain gym demonstration all a part of open day.
MACARTHUR federal Labor MP Mike Freelander and Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren joined seniors, volunteers and Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI) staff to take part in a brain gym class at Campbelltown's historic The Manse recently.
MDSI staff and open day organiser Sue Gordon said the brain gym aimed to improve balance, memory and cognitive abilities.
Mental Health a Top Priority
POSTED: 27th October 2016 SOURCE: Campbelltown Macarthur Advertiser 26th October 2016
Men who seek help, refuge or good, old-fashioned friendship are always welcomed at Airds Bradbury Men's Shed.
That's the message from manager and Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative representative Andrew McGlinchy.
Mr McGlinchy and the Men's Shed team will hold an open day on Friday, October 28 from 10.30am to 1.30pm for people who want to find out more about the organisation.
Muslims Mark Holy Month’s End
POSTED: 20th July 2016 SOURCE: Campbelltown Macarthur Advertiser 20th August 2016
Macarthur Muslims celebrated the end of Ramadan with a gathering in Koshigaya Park.
The annual event - organised by Macarthur Diversity Services - was held one week after the official end of Ramadan, also known as Eid.
Most years up to 150 people attend the event. This year, due to strong winds and a combined chill factor, about 40 people attended.
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Eid ul-Fitr Uniting Cultures
POSTED: 19th July 2016 SOURCE: Macarthur Chroncile 19th July 2016
Members of Macarthur's Muslim community came together for Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration of the end of Ramadan.
At 65 people attended the event which signifies the breaking of a month's fasting. Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative (MDSI) generalist settlement worker Sana Al-Ahmar said the event broguth new and existing residents together for a celebration of their culture.
