Welcome to Integreat Queensland’s September newsletter.

Hiring migrant women can be extremely beneficial for local employers.

Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program aims to provide valuable and practical skills and experiences to migrant women looking for employment in central Queensland. This includes all aspects of the employment ‘cycle’ by focusing on delivering programs for migrant women from writing resumes and interview techniques, to building the confidence of each participant by empowering them to thrive during their career and life transition.

To achieve those goals, Integreat Queensland enlist the services of Nikki and Richard Taylor, certified career coaches from LME Coaching, who guide the migrant women from assessing where they are and most importantly, allowing them to see the possibilities of where they want to go.

“We work with individuals, couples, and organizations to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of change in these challenging times. We provide coaching to support those seeking greater satisfaction and clarity in their work and personal lives.,” Nikki said.

“As a career and life transition coach, we both work in partnership with clients providing a structured approach and specialist knowledge of careers and life to help individuals envisage and create a new future.”

Nikki said both herself and Richard have found the workshops with the migrant women for Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program to be engaging with many of the women already having international qualifications and incredible careers overseas.

“Working with the women has allowed us to explore their transferable skills and the value they can offer employers regionally. They are super motivated and truly have excellent skills.

“It has been very inspiring for both of us as we get so much from the participants with the energy they bring to the workshops, plus their genuine belief in themselves and what they have to offer”

Nikki believes local employers in central Queensland need to take advantage of what the women have to offer and look at their transferable skills rather than just looking at what they do not have to offer.

“Attitudes are unable to be taught yet these ladies have this in spades,” she said.

“The women are so keen to contribute to the community and have some highly exceptional skills to offer and we need local employers to get behind them and give them a chance to shine.”

Photo: Nikki Taylor with the Get Work ready program participants.

Is there really a shortage of doctors in central Queensland?

It’s no secret central Queensland needs more doctors. There are new employment ads for GPs and specialists advertised on job boards almost every week. What many people don’t know however, central Queensland already have many highly skilled doctors who are stuck in the bureaucracy of trying to get their qualifications recognized.

“We have three such women who joined our Get Work Ready program this year,” Integreat Queensland program facilitator Jaclyn Thompson said.

“These women are fully qualified overseas and have completed a Masters level specializations as well however, they have not been able to get their qualifications recognized in Australia due to the requirement for ‘Recency of Practice’.”

What is Recency of Practice?  If an overseas trained doctor has not practiced clinically for more than three years, they are required to prove their skills are current – officially known as ‘Recency of Practice’ – to gain their Australian qualification. For central Queensland residents, there are no opportunities to fulfil this requirement locally. Instead, they must return to the country where they obtained their qualification and work for at least three months.

“This requirement is particularly challenging for women who have taken a career break to raise children,” Jaclyn said.

“They are ready to enter the workforce as their children are now in schooling but since more than three years have passed, they now need Recency of Practice to able to practice medicine.

“The problem for many of these migrant women is they are either not in the financial position or don’t have adequate support at home to be able to leave their children in Australia and go overseas to work for three months.

“So what options are there for these highly qualified doctors who can’t get their qualifications recognized and where do they go from here?”

Picture: Three migrant women who joined the Get Work Ready program are qualified doctors in the homelands.

Finding the right information to deliver the right programs.

Integreat Queensland deliver numerous of programs throughout central Queensland to assist our migrant community. To know what is needed including how to deliver those programs better, it’s extremely important to understand the region and gather further evidence to not only back-up what Integreat Queensland already know, but to understand what the migrant community want now.

Over the past month, Integreat Queensland have been working with Sarah Rookes from Charles Sturt University via their work placement program to gather further information and statistics about our region to support our current programs and to build other support programs for the community.

Currently completing her Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Sarah said she’s been interested in social welfare for a long time.

“I started my bachelor’s degree nearly 20 years ago, so it was time to complete it,” she said.

“Over that time, I’ve been working in residential care and disability, but I felt it was time to go back and finish my degree because there is still much work to be done in diverting individuals away from the court and criminal justice system.

“I believe the current criminal justice approach needs to be a holistic one where we need to work from the ground up in the policies being delivered especially in health care, education, and childcare.

“If the policies don’t address the issues, organisations like Integreat Queensland don’t have the information they need in tackling issues like mental health, education, and for women by either getting them back to, or transitioning into work and assisting them with childcare.”

Sarah said one of the reasons she chose to work with Integreat Queensland was she wanted to make greater connections and learn more about how current policies can further assist the migrant community.

“I’ve been assisting Integreat Queensland in finding the information needed to further develop programs for the migrant community,” she said. “Because much of the information hasn’t been gathered in the past it can sometimes be very difficult understating the needs of the migrant community especially migrant women.

“Government department information is spread out all over the place and census information is very limited or out of date however, I’ve had some great assistance from the Gladstone Regional Council who have created the Gladstone Region Wellbeing Data Hub to make it easier for organisations like Integreat Queensland to access the correct information.”

Sarah has completed her work placement with Integreat Queensland and has now become a volunteer for the organization. Sarah, along with Chang Nguyen, who is also a Integreat Queensland volunteer, are currently working on research and data for an exciting project which will be announced soon.

Both Sarah and Chang will be joining the General Manager of Integreat Queensland Julie Pettett and program facilitator Jaclyn Thompson at the launch of Gladstone Region Together (GRT) Gladstone Region Wellbeing Data Hub today (September 13).

Picture: Sarah Rookes from Charles Sturt University work placement program.

Welcome Karen Edwards, Integreat Queensland’s new Rockhampton Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup facilitator.

Karen Edwards is an Early Years Childhood Educator who has joined Integreat Queensland in Rockhampton to facilitate our Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup. Karen has worked as a childhood educator for 35 years and has worked with preschools, long-day care centers, and schools for the past 14 years as a facilitator for playgroups.

“I’ve worked in several areas as a childhood educator where many of the playgroups were held in parks, school settings, and community halls five days a week which were all free to the local community,” Karen said.

“I’ve also delivered many workshops for parents who provide child minding services.”

Moving to central Queensland in January from Wollongong in New South Wales, Karen said her past work was not just about providing childcare.

“It was also about providing a safe space for school aged children to hang-out,” she said.

“Many of the children came from a vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds where we even provided them with free swimming and surfing lessons and during school holidays, we would go on excursions which the children absolutely loved.”

Karen’s goal is to continue to grow Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup in Rockhampton and give families the knowledge of how important it is for children to attend playgroups.

“Playgroups build confidence for both parents and children as it is a soft entry point to preschools and primary school,” she said.  “It also teaches the parents the educational side of the activities provided as children learn through play.”

Picture: Karen Edwards is the new Rockhampton Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup facilitator.

Women from 14 different nations Get Work Ready.

In late August, Integreat Queensland began another Get Work Ready program where migrant women study workplace English, resume and cover letter writing, effective use of job search platforms, interview skills, and other useful topics related to finding and securing employment.

The women who started the latest Get Work Ready program now live in central Queensland however, many come from every corner of the globe. Some of the reasons for the barriers faced by migrant women to find work and their chosen careers in Australia include confidence in the ability to apply and interview for a job due to English being their second language and understanding the Australian work context in terms of HR, work practices, and forms of communication.

Integreat Queensland are proud of our Get Work Ready program as the latest round has women participating originally from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Albania, Russia, and Nepal. In the past, the program has included women from Poland, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, Philippines, Syria, Morocco, and Germany which brings a total of women from 14 different countries who have now participated in the program.

If you would like to join the next Get Work Ready program in Gladstone or Rockhampton, call Integreat Queensland on 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au

Picture: Program coordinator Jaclyn Thompson (left) with the Get Work Ready participants.

Integreat Queensland Programs and Events.

Gladstone

Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup.

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 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: littlesteps@integreatqld.org.au or phone 07 4903 1931

This program is an initiative delivered by Integreat Qld Inc in partnership with the Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner. Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by the Smith Family.

Sisterlife Circle

Join our circle of support, information, and celebration. Our goal is to create a deep, authentic connection amongst women to participate in topical discussions and where everyone can discuss a challenge they may be having or a success we can all celebrate. The SisterLife Circle is a safe and supportive environment for women to meet, share, and connect.

• Held every fortnight on Wednesdays from 10:30am-12 noon.

For more information or to register, please call 07 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au

Online – Let’s Talk English Conversational Class for CQ.

Did you know we offer free conversational English classes? 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: Wednesdays (during school term)
• Time: 6pm – 7pm
• Where: Online (link will be provided after you register)
• 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

Networx – How to get more involved in the Gladstone region and community.

Networx is a fortnightly meeting that will help you to develop your networking skills and build your professional network in a positive & supportive environment.

Professional networking can help you to advance your career, get career advice or support, build confidence, and strengthen connections or partnerships.

For our next Networx meeting we will have a guest speaker from Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd. (GAPDL) to talk about how to get more involved in the Gladstone region and community.

For our next Networx meeting we will have a guest speaker from Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd. (GAPDL) to talk about how to get more involved in the Gladstone region and community.

• When: Tuesday, 20th September.
• Time: 5:30-7pm. The main program starts at 6pm.
• Location: Integreat Queensland, 1 Manning St, South Gladstone
• Cost: Free. Light snacks & refreshments are provided.

Please register, please click here.

Rockhampton

Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup

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 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 from 9:30am to 11:30am (during school term)
• Where: Integreat Queensland – 223 Campbell St, Rockhampton.
• Free: Everyone with children from 0 to 5 years old are welcome.

To register and for more info, please contact us by email: admin@integreatqld.org.au or phone 07 4903 1931.

This program is an initiative delivered by Integreat Queensland Inc. in partnership with Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner. Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by The Smith Family.

Online – Let’s Talk English Conversational Class for CQ

Did you know we offer free conversational English classes?

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: Wednesdays (during school term)
• Time: 6pm – 7pm
• Where: Online (link will be provided after you register)
• 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

Sisterlife Circle.

Join our circle of support, information, and celebration. Our goal is to create a deep, authentic connection amongst women to participate in topical discussions and where everyone can discuss a challenge they may be having or a success we can all celebrate.

The SisterLife Circle is a safe and supportive environment for women to meet, share and connect.

• Held every fortnight on Thursdays from 1pm-2.30pm. Next session – October 6.

For more information or to register, please call 07 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au

A Mothers Journey.

Mothers Journey for any woman that care for children 0-12years. In a supportive and safe environment women learn about themselves including real life topics and the services in the community that can help them and their loved ones.

In term 4, Integreat Queensland we focus on a range of topics from helping and understanding aspects of mental health, domestic and family violence, gender identity, body image, financial management, and person-centered emergency and disaster planning.

Integrate Queensland’s ‘A Woman’s Journey – building resilience together’ program is for you if you are wanting to make a positive change in your life and want to:

• Learn new skills and confirm what you know about yourself.
• Increase your confidence and become resilient.
• Explore your relationship with the natural environment.
• Learn with other women in safe surroundings.

“Learning so many skills – the most impactful was the connection to others and feeling heard and seen and sharing personal reflections,” one participant said. “The group work had more of an impact in my life than counselling has had over 10 years. The ability to connect more with community services if in need and the knowledge around where and who is available”. – Jay 2021.

Term 4 includes a women’s only 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching for managing the behaviour of children.

• When: Fridays 9.30-2.30pm. Childminding and light lunch/refreshments included.
• Location: 223 Campbell St, Rockhampton.

For more information or to register, please call 07 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au

This program is an initiative delivered by Integreat Qld Inc in partnership with the Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner. Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by the Smith Family.

Circle of Security® Parenting™

There are so many experts telling parents so many things. And because most parents really want the very best for their children, we can be easily overwhelmed by all the things we should or shouldn’t do to raise healthy, resilient, balanced, and happy children.

Sometimes, you might feel lost or confused about what your child needs from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program helps you make sense of what your child is really asking from you, and how to strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Circle of Security® Parenting™ is a parent-reflection program that aims to help you:

• understand and learn to read your child’s emotional needs
• support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem
• ensure your child feels secure.

The Circle of Security®Parenting is an 8-week program with eight (8) two hours sessions each week and is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

• When: 8-week course.  Starts October 4
• Time: 1pm to 3pm – In person childminding available

To register and for more information please phone 07 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au

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.