Welcome to the May edition of the Integreat Queensland newsletter.
May is an action-packed month as you will come to understand when you read this newsletter! Celebrating everyone from everywhere is an important part of welcoming new people to Central Queensland, however, it is not all we do… some of our most important work happens behind closed doors, or with small groups who come to us for help and support.
Each time we hear the story of community members new to Central Queensland we grow our understanding of the issues & barriers they face. So how do we use what we learn? Our response is to first make sure the person is safe and has the support they need, if not then we will walk with them until they have the support they need (in one of our programs or a program with another organisation). From there we look for the trends to see if there is a bigger problem, and how we might be able to make a difference. This is why we began the ‘Get Work Ready’ program, initiated ‘Picnic in the Park,’ bought the ‘Professional Speaking for Migrants’ program to Gladstone… and the list goes on.
Julie Pettett – Integreat Queensland General Manager
Does racism exist in Central Queensland?
Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program assists migrant women to develop skills, gain qualifications, and provide direct assistance to enter and stay in the workforce. In April, the latest round of the Get Work Ready program started with a number of migrant women enrolled. Integreat Queensland Learning Facilitator Jaclyn Thompson said during the induction, she asked the women what they believed where the challenges and barriers they faced including possible solutions to those challenges.
“One issue I did not expect to come up in the conversation was racism,” Jaclyn said.
“It’s not that I didn’t recognise racism as an issue, I just didn’t expect the women to feel open to sharing their personal experiences of racism in Australia at our first meeting.”
Jaclyn said every now and again there are news stories about racism in Australia. During the pandemic there were many stories of racism against people of Asian descent and more recently, anti-Russian sentiment has also been rising in Australia.
“To sit in a room however and listen to the stories of women who have come to Central Queensland, many with their partners and children, and experience blatant racism, was heartbreaking so much so, I was almost in tears by the end of the session.”
Jaclyn said most of the stories she heard she does not want to repeat however, she said there was one story from one of the women about a conversation she had with her neighbour.
“The lady and her husband had just purchased their first home in Australia,” she said.
“When she told her neighbour they had purchased a house, her neighbour was visibly shocked and then proceeded to rant about migrants stealing local jobs and buying all their houses which she believed, was causing rising house prices and the cost of living.
“We discussed as a class the potential solutions. From the women’s perspectives, she felt she had the choice to ignore it, or if it was in a work or school setting, to report it.”
Jaclyn believes from her perspective as a white Australian woman, the community needs to start listening and having these difficult conversations.
“We need to acknowledge this is an issue and to start calling out racist comments or actions when we see or hear them,” she said.
“We also need to reflect on our own actions and thoughts because often we are acting on our own subconscious biases. If you look close enough, you may find yourself pushing a resume aside because the name is unfamiliar to you or assume someone can’t do a job because the bulk of their work experience is overseas.
“Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program is about supporting women to find work in their chosen career, but it is also about breaking down barriers to employment and helping employers to realise we have incredibly talented and diverse women in our community who are ready and willing to work.”
If you would like to take part in the next Get Work Ready program, please email Jaclyn on jaclyn@integreatqld.org.au or phone 4903 1931.
Flourish Festival celebrates Central Queensland’s multiculturalism.
Integreat Queensland are proud to launch the Flourish Festival to be held in Gladstone on the 28th of May and in Biloela on on the 11th of June.
The Flourish Festival is a free annual event celebrating multiculturalism through art by showcasing the creativity and richness of Central Queensland and its people using fashion, music, performance, photography, and art.
Flourish Festival Gladstone coordinator Kristel Kelly said the event is designed to celebrate multiculturalism through the lens of art.
“The Flourish Festival is designed to allow the community to show how they flourish in Central Queensland through their own creativity,” Kristel said.
“By displaying different facets of the arts including live music, fashion parades, interactive art activities and art exhibitions, we can show how multiculturalism goes throughout the whole community and people lives.”
The Flourish Festival is a community-led multicultural arts festival featuring dance, music, artistic and visual displays, a fashion parade and photo competition, including the launch of an exciting project called ‘Ignite Community Art – A multicultural mobile art installation’.
“Ignite Community Art – A multi-cultural mobile art installation engaged Central Queensland artists and about 120 community participants from over 20 nations who have all created their own artworks,” Kristel said.
“The artworks are currently being fashioned to an architectural designed mobile art installation integrated into a steel framework and fitted to a trailer which will ultimately travel throughout Central Queensland and be available for festivals, events, and local exhibitions.”
The Flourish Festival will be held at 1 Manning Street Gladstone on the 28th of May and at 96 Rainbow St Biloela on the 11th of June. For more information connect here or phone 4903 1931.
How to get involved: The Flourish Festival is facilitating a photo competition, a fashion parade, and an art exhibition.
- Photo Competition: Categories include Youth (under 18yrs), adult, people choice, and judges choice. Prizes include having your winning entry printed on canvas and the Judges Choice award is $100 gift voucher at Harvey Norman’s Photo Lab. The theme is ‘Flourishing in Gladstone’ and you can be as creative as you like. Entries close Monday 23rd of May. For entry form connect here.
- Art Exhibition: The theme – ‘Flourishing in Gladstone’ – open to everyone. Paintings, drawings, sculptures or anything you can conceive and create will be considered. For entry form connect here.
- Fashion Parade: One of the most exciting features of our Flourish events is the Cultural Fashion Parade. Previous years have seen amazing fashion and 2022 looks to be just as lively and inspiring. If you would like to be involved, please fill in our Expression of Interest form by connecting here.
- Fashion Parade Information Session: An information session about how you can take part in the Fashion Parade will be held on Wednesday, June 18. For more information and details, connect here.
Our community guiding Integreat Queensland’s strategic plan.
Last month, Integreat Queensland held a strategic planning meeting to assist in determining the associations future and how it will move forward and service Central Queensland. In attendance was the Integreat Queensland board, staff members, and several key representatives, to help shape and guide that future.
Integreat Queensland Program and Development Coordinator James Lamkin attended the strategic planning meeting and said he was given the opportunity to listen to many informative speakers from across Queensland with expertise within the community and business sectors.
“There was one such presenter, Marcus McCormick from Skills Unite, who provided us with training and employment insights and five-year forecast details which resonated strongly with the programs we deliver at Integreat Queensland,” James said.
Marcus McCormick highlighted the National Skills Commission’s ‘State of Australia’s Skills 2021 Report’ which states over the next five years, nine out of ten newly created jobs will require some form of post-secondary education.
“My immediate thoughts went to the impact this could have on school leavers, young parents and migrants – all of whom may be deprived access to 90% of these newly created jobs due to not possessing post-secondary education,” James said.
“In these cases, it may be due to either a lack of opportunity or a lack of Australian recognition for many overseas qualifications.”
Prior to joining Integreat Queensland, James managed Disability Employment Services, enabling him to witness first-hand how challenging it is for people with barriers to employment to secure ‘entry-level’ employment.
“These experiences opened my eyes to how important passionate, community based, employment focused programs were to the disadvantaged members of Central Queensland.
“Ultimately this spurred me to move across to Integreat Queensland and take up my Program and Development Coordinator role that allows me to oversee employment driven programs that consistently achieve inspirational results for its participants.”
As Marcus from Skills Unite dug deeper into the Australia Skills Report, Integreat Queensland heard over the next five years, growth in jobs will occur in four services sectors: healthcare and social assistance; professional, scientific, and technical services; accommodation and food services, and education and training –accounting for approximately 64% of newly created roles.
“This provided me with further validation that the employment focused programs I am so passionate about are positioning our participants in the best possible fields to achieve successful and sustainable careers,” James said.
“Our Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs currently upskill participants in Individual Support and Hospitality sectors, and we are looking to add Childcare and Business Administration related Cert III’s within the next 12 months.
“In support of our Hospitality Training Program, we now have a brand-new food van ‘The Moving Feast’ which will provide real-life experience for our students and potential micro-business employment opportunities for them upon graduation and we cannot wait to introduce to this to the Gladstone community.”
James said as Australia continues to move towards an era where post-secondary qualifications could almost be deemed mandatory to find employment, he is incredibly proud of the support and programs Integreat Queensland continue to provide to the local community.
“If you would like to find out more about the Get Work Ready or Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs please do not hesitate to reach out for a chat,” he said.
“As a member of Integreat Queensland I am extremely excited for what the future will hold as I believe when community unites to support each other and work as one, we can all thrive.”
To contact James, phone 4903 1931 or email james@integreatqld.org.au
Certificate III Individual Support students secure work placements.
Three (3) of Integreat Queensland’s participants in our Certificate III Individual Support course have secured job placements with Lionheart Inclusion – Training & Support Services.
Kharen, Maychille, and Jennifer (pictured) had an interview with Lionheart Inclusion – Training & Support Services Founder and Director Brett Muggeridge who explained how Lionheart Inclusion operates and the importance of quality NDIS support workers for their clients.
Kharen, Maychille, and Jennifer left the interview having learnt valuable information about employer needs in the industry and excitedly accepted Brett’s offer of a Work Placement opportunity including to transition into paid employment once qualified.
Lion Heart’s mission is to deliver outstanding support to individuals living with disability, and in doing so, create a community of inclusion for all people of all abilities.
As one of the highest regarded support organisations in Central Queensland, Integreat Queensland are extremely excited to have Kharen, Maychille and Jennifer preparing to commence with Lionheart Inclusion in the coming weeks.
If you are seeking an exciting new career path, we have Rockhampton based in-takes for Hospitality and Individual Support commencing in July with no cost to participants. To find out more email james@integreatqld.org.au to register your interest.
National Volunteer Week – Better Together.
Did you know, according to the Australia Health Indicators, volunteering broadens people’s networks and professional skills and serves as an indicator of wellbeing and social cohesion?
If that is true, and we all know the difference volunteering can and does make, why are there so many volunteer vacancies, and why is there still many people that don’t volunteer?
Whilst there is no one answer, what we do know is some people need additional support to find the right volunteer position as they may be experiencing barriers, including: knowing how, and who, to communicate with as English is their second language, and/or they believe they do not have the relevant skills to offer, or maybe no one just never asked them to help!
For over 10 years Integreat Queensland has not only created opportunities for people to volunteer, but we have also celebrated the difference they make. Many of our volunteers have started with us as they see volunteering as a pathway to further training and/or employment, volunteers lead our Conversational English classes, they have sewed buntings used to celebrate multiculturalism, and they have helped us meet, greet, and lift us up to build and create as well as provide good governance. Most importantly however, volunteers laugh and cry with us and learn new skills and make great friends and make us who we are. So, thank you to each and every volunteer.
16 – 22 May 2022 is National Volunteers Week here in Australia. The theme for this year is ‘Better Together’. Connected Communities, Good Friends, and Great Adventures!
We know that volunteering with Integreat Queensland will assist you to live in Connected Communities, make Good Friends, and have Great Adventures! If you’re interested in volunteering for Integreat Queensland in Gladstone, Rockhampton, and/or Biloela, please email admin@integreatqld.org.au or phone 4903 1931.
Participate in Flourish Festival in Gladstone and Biloela.
Integreat Queensland is inviting everyone to be a participant and/or volunteer at our multicultural Flourish Festivals. The Flourish Festival is designed to give the community the opportunity to showcase their Culture through arts & food. Flourish in Gladstone and Biloela coordinators through their own creativity, and we would love to have your assistance in making this great event a success.
Flourish Gladstone will be held on Saturday, May 28 from 3PM – 9PM at 1 Manning St, Gladstone, and
Flourish Biloela will be held on Saturday, June 11 at the Biloela Civic Centre.
Featuring dance, music, international food, artistic and visual displays, a fashion parade, and photo competition, including the launch of an exciting project called ‘Ignite Community Art – A multicultural mobile art installation’, there are many ways you can get involved.
If interested in being involved in Flourish in Gladstone please phone Integreat Queensland on (07) 4903 1931, email: admin@integreatqld.org.au or if you are interested in Flourish in Biloela please phone Ridhi on 0469034547, email ridhi@integreatqld.org.au or for both festivals register your interest by connecting here.
Rania “finds herself again” with Get Work Ready program.
After seven years in Gladstone, Egyptian migrant Rania Elgendy finally feels she is finding herself and her confidence again after participating in Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program.
“Before I came to Australia with my family in 2015, I was degree qualified and been working for 10 years as a Document and Quality Contral Specialist for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) projects in Egypt,” Rania said.
“However, despite having those qualifications, it was very difficult to find work in Gladstone even though there were opportunities within the work I was experienced in.
“It can be challenging for an employer to hire someone especially a migrant woman that not only looks different, but where English is not her first language, and doesn’t have any experience working in Australia.”
Rania said she understood the difficulties, so she started to create friends, introduce herself to her neighbours, establish networks, and connect with organisations throughout the region.
“To be honest I was disappointed at first but behind that disappointment I realised I wanted to keep pushing forward and get involved by volunteering and creating good relationships because I believed if I was to do so, everything will come at the right time,” she said.
Through the friends she had made, Rania was eventually introduced to Integreat Queensland who support people from different countries and backgrounds to confidently settle in and build relationships with local people.
“I did many courses online until I found Integreat Queensland who really helped me with not only understanding Australia and its people, but by offering some amazing programs which was not only a great opportunity, but also allowed me to get back to myself again.”
Since then, Rania has taken part in Integreat Queensland’s 12-week Get Work Ready program which allows people from different cultures like herself to improve their workplace English, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, networking, and other tools and skills to assist them with getting their dream job including a 12-week work placement, in conjunction with the Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA), related to their desired career at businesses based in Gladstone.
“I’ve been placed with Prizm Engineering, an engineering consultancy company based in Gladstone,” Rania said.
“It’s been fantastic and I’m really enjoying working with their (Prizm Engineering) team as it feels like one big family. My goal from this opportunity is to learn how the Australian workplace operates and to ultimately find work but most importantly, to gain my confidence back and find myself again.”
If you would like to know more about the Get Work Ready program please email admin@integreatqld.org.au or call (07) 4903 1931 and speak with Jaclyn or James.
Kirby’s love for the ocean inspires her art.
Have you met Kirby Polgase, one of our talented artists working on the Ignite Community Art project?
Kirby has worked in the disability and education field for 14 years in various roles, from disability support worker to teacher aide, then teacher before a promotion to Head of Special Education Services and Indigenous Support Coordinator. It’s safe to say her biggest passion has been working with and advocating for young people. However, in 2016, Kirby took leave from her role to give birth to her first born and it was not long after she found another passion – creating art with epoxy resin.
“My love for the ocean inspires a great deal of my work. It has also provided a creative outlet that has helped with my own mental health, having had my own challenges with depression and anxiety since my teen years”, she said.
Taking extended leave from teaching, Kirby continues to build her business and her abilities as an artist and teaches epoxy resin workshops at Art Matters Creative Gladstone and attends markets, participate in pop-up shops, all whilst continuing to make commission pieces from her art for clients.
“I feel extremely grateful to be a part of the Ignite Community Art project,” Kirby said.
“It’s a very unique way to bring communities together, sharing stories of background, culture and experiences in order to better understand each other as people.”
As part of the Ignite Community Art project, each community participant created their own unique art piece and creates something special and spectacular.
“Art is a universal form of expression that we all perceive and interpret differently. My hope is that the installation provides opportunity for conversation, the sharing of cultural knowledge and experience and creates understanding inspires inclusion.”
The Ignite Community Art project is more than art – it’s the story of people from all over the world who now call our wonderful region their home. The story is told through their art to be fashioned to an architectural designed mobile art installation which will ultimately travel throughout Central Queensland and be available for festivals, events, and local exhibitions.
The ‘Ignite Community Art – A multi-cultural mobile art installation’ will be unveiled at Integreat Queensland’s Flourish Festival on May 28 at 1 Manning Street, Gladstone..
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts Festivals Australia Program.
Integreat Queensland Events.
Gladstone.
Let’s Talk English Conversational Class Gladstone.
Did you know we are also offering a free online conversational English class, for those unable to attend face to face classes (you might be working, no transport or live anywhere in Central Queensland)
Integreat Queensland’s Let’s Talk Conversational English classes are exactly what the name suggests. They provide a safe and comfortable setting where those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, can improve, and gain confidence in their spoken English. We cover practical themes like ‘visiting the doctor’ and ‘going grocery shopping’ to help empower participants in their everyday lives.
Most of all, however, our Let’s Talk Conversational English classes offer the opportunity for people to practice their speaking skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The classes are in an informal setting to encourage connection and confidence in communicating, making new friends and learning new things.
- When: Tuesdays (during school term)
- Time: 6pm-7pm
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Cost: Free – registration required.
*Participants can join anytime during the term.
To register or for more information, please contact Integreat Queensland on 07 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au
Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup – Gladstone
Integreat Queensland and Playgroup Queensland invite you and your family to our next Little Steps multicultural playgroup.
Our Playgroups are informal sessions where mums, dads, grandparents, carers, children, and babies meet together each week in a relaxed environment. At Playgroup, families are given the opportunity to connect with other families in their local communities, to share knowledge, seek advice and gain invaluable support.
- When: Every Tuesday & Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am (during school term)
- Where: Philip Street Families and Communities Precinct – 1 Pengelly St, Gladstone.
- Free: Everyone with children from 0 to 5 years old are welcome.
To make sure everyone is safe as possible, we will be limiting our numbers to 25 parents (children) so please do register for the day you would like to come.
To register and for more info, please contact Jess by email: playgroup@integreatqld.org.au or phone 07 4903 1931.
Culture Café June
Integreat Queensland’s June Culture Café will be about Poland.
The Culture Cafe is a space where you can learn, meet people from all around the world and hear someone share their culture.
- When: Wednesday, 1st of June.
- Time: 9:30am-11am.
- Where: Gladstone Library, 39 Goondoon St.
Anyone is welcome to attend. For more info and to RSVP, please email admin@integreatqld.org.au or call 07 4903 1931.
Integreat Queensland opens up opportunities for everyone from everywhere to get involved, feel welcome, learn new things, and contribute to a strong, thriving local community.
