Multicultural Affairs Newsletter - August 2023

Welcome to the August 2023 edition of our multicultural newsletter.

We hope, like us, you have been enjoying the wonderful and diverse shows of the Darwin Festival and soaking up the last of the dry season weather.

It has been a busy few weeks in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and we are pleased to provide you with this month’s highlights.

Securing Faith-Based Places Grant

Australian Kids’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Services Study

Future of aged care

Australian Government Multicultural Framework Review.

There are currently some great opportunities for you to have your say on important issues and ensure that the perspectives of diverse people are captured. We encourage you to share these opportunities with your networks.

Before we jump in, please ensure you update us on any changes to committee members in your multicultural community association by:

1. Reviewing the details listed on the
   Multicultural organisations Darwin
   Multicultural organisations regional
2. Email any updates including any new contacts to tfhc.multiculturalaffairs@nt.gov.au

Please remember we encourage the use of generic email addresses such as ‘multicultural_group@gmail.com’ to avoid using private or individual email addresses.

Grant open: Securing Faith-Based Places

Funded by the Australian Government, this grant aims to assist faith-based places and spaces to improve security and safety.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants between $25,000 and $500,000 to address risks of crime and violence resulting from religious and racial intolerance.

Applications close 11 September 2023.

To apply or for more information, see: Improving the security at faith-based places so communities can be free from harassment

Are the kids OK? Supporting mental health for multicultural youth

Many kids from diverse backgrounds in Australia don't access the mental health services they need, despite facing higher challenges due to factors like minority group membership, immigration backgrounds, and cultural differences. Untreated issues can continue to cause harm into adulthood. The Australian Kids’ Mental Health & Wellbeing Services Study wants parents of 6 to 17-year-olds to join an online survey, especially those from diverse backgrounds. The survey takes 45 minutes and aims to understand how parents' emotions and experiences affect kids' mental health service use and find ways to provide better support. Afterward, parents receive a free online child mental health checklist for proactive monitoring.

Parents can access the survey via 'Are the kids OK?' survey

Access the participant Q&A via Participant Q&A.


Older Territorians called on to shape the future of aged care

Older Territorians are being asked to share their knowledge, insights and perspectives on the aged care system as part of a consultation process looking at strengthening and improving the laws governing aged care.

Territorians can have their say about the future of aged care:

• in-person at the consultation in a safe, inclusive setting. Register for the Darwin consultation. For help registering, call 1800 001 321 - operating hours, Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 10am – 4pm
• by sharing their view in an Aged Care Funding Principles Survey or directly to the Australian Government via surveys and submissions.

Find out more at COTA and OPAN consultations

Multicultural framework review

The Australian Government is currently reviewing its Multicultural Framework. This assessment aims to recommend improvements to institutional arrangements, laws, and policies that promote a multicultural Australia and cater to its present and future needs. The review will encompass various experiences within multicultural Australia, including those of migrants, people born overseas, refugees, and different visa holders. It will address barriers to inclusion and seek to enhance the social, cultural, and economic benefits derived from Australia’s multicultural diversity.

Submissions to the review are open from 24 July to 29 September 2023. Submissions can be written, audio or video message and in a person’s preferred language.

Make a submission to the review: Multicultural Framework Review