Volunteering Opportunities

Multicultural Agencies in need of volunteers!

Auburn Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC)

Auburn Migrant Resource Centre is a community based non-government organisation managed by members of the local community who represent various language and cultural groups. The centre designs and delivers services that aim to help migrants, humanitarian entrants and refugees who have settled in Central West Sydney to become self-reliant in the shortest possible time and build the capacity of individuals and groups.

The organisation runs a number of activities such as play groups, youth activities and major events which requires the help of volunteers, and is urgently looking for a volunteer to particularly assist with the Community Harmony Garden Project.

If you have special skills that you can bring to these activities contact Oula Falah on 9649 6955 or email oula@amrc.org.au.

Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre (BHHP MRC)

Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre supports new arrivals with their transition into life in Australia by providing settlement services, information and referral pathways. The centre runs particular programs for refugees and humanitarian entrants from Afghanistan, Burma, Sudan and Iraq, and immigrants from South Asia.

Volunteers are needed for the Hills Multicultural Volunteer Forum, which undertakes activities in the Hills area, and the Job Club, which enlists the services of volunteers as mentors for new arrivals. In addition, the Early Intervention & Perinatal  Project assists families with children 0 to 8 years who are new arrivals. Social programs for families are run on a regular basis in the community with assistance from volunteers.

For more information call Aurelia Rahman, or Ifrah Mohamed on 9687 9901, or email arahman@bhhpmrc.org.au or cso@bhhpmrc.org.au

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service Inc. (GCAIS)

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service Inc. is a local community centre which provides support and services for local residents, frail older people and people with disabilities, carers; newly arrived migrants and refugees, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds in the Sutherland Shire.

Opportunities for volunteering with the service include: administration, special projects, aged day care, social support such as shopping, transportation, and home visiting, tutoring in English and Homework Club, and helping out with particular support groups.

For more information call 9524 9559 or view their website at http://gymeacommunityaid.org.au/.

Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS)

The Illawarra Multicultural Services is a non-profit, community-based organisation that provides support to migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants living in the local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven.

The service runs a volunteer program, which allows interested individuals to support their work in a number of ways.

More information is available on their website at http://www.ims.org.au/information.html. To make an enquiry regarding the organisations volunteer program, ring (02) 42296855 or email info@ims.org.au.

Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre (LMRC)

Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre assists newly arrived migrants and refugees in their settlement through provision of information, referrals and casework services.

Programs run by the centre include homework assistance classes, English language tutoring and specific programs for youth, refugee week events and multicultural playgroups.

Volunteers who can assist with these programs are welcome to contact Alcina Desouza on 9601 3788 or email assistantc@lmrc.org.au

Macarthur Diversity Services Inc (MDSI)

Macarthur Diversity Services Inc supports the aspirations of emerging and longer established communities in the region by providing a wide range of services for young people, women, families and the aged. These include casework, skills development programs, mentoring and specific group activities.

To find out how you can help visit their website at http://www.mdsi.org.au/volunteers.htm.

Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA)

Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency provides settlement services to newly arrived migrants, refugees and culturally and linguistically diverse communities residing in Mt Druitt and surrounding areas.

The agency is in need of volunteer assistance to help their newly arrived local African communities in their settlement. Opportunities exist to support the agencys activities include sewing classes, a mentoring project, computer classes, child care, homework support and youth projects.

For more information contact Rosey Singh on 9625 9300 or email rosysing@bigpond.net.au.

Nepean Migrant Access Inc (NMA)

Nepean Migrant Access Inc. provides relevant services and programs to address the needs of migrants, refugees, humanitarian entrants and long term residents from diverse backgrounds in the Nepean Region.

The organisation runs a number of capacity building projects, respite programs and skill development workshops, and holds local events to facilitate community participation.

To find out how you can help, contact Laura Sardo on 9833 2416 or email laura@nma.org.au.

Northern Settlement Services (NSS)

The Northern Settlement Services delivers settlement services to a comprehensive client base in the areas of the Hunter, Central Coast, and Northern Tablelands of NSW.

Services provided by the organisation include multi-lingual information and referral, casework and counselling, community education and development. In addition, the agency also runs a variety of settlement programs for refugees and other immigrants, and supports the activities and projects of multicultural and diverse interest groups in the community.

To find out about the current volunteer needs, contact Michael Freund on 4969 3399 or email volunteers@nsservices.com.au. Alternatively visit their website for more information at http://wwwnssvolunteerscomau.blogspot.com/.

Sydney Multicultural Community Services

Sydney Multicultural Community Services is a non profit organisation committed to empowering disadvantaged people as well as enhancing the quality of life for culturally diverse communities including the aged, newly arrived migrants and refugees. The service provides specific services and direct relief for those people facing barriers due to poverty, isolation and disability.

Activities run by the organisation include information sessions, social and cultural activities including dancing and music and ethno specific community activities. The organisation is seeking volunteers particularly for the Community Visitors Scheme which provides opportunities for isolated aged care facility residents to receive a suitable voluntary community visitor who can talk to them in their own language.

For more information call Sylvia Green on 9663 3922 or email sylviam@sydneymcs.org.au.

SydWest Multicultural Services Inc

SydWest Multicultural Services Incorporated, a community-based organisation based in Blacktown, runs projects dedicated to empowering people from culturally diverse backgrounds and promoting a culturally rich and diverse Australia.

Services provided by the centre include settlement programs to refugees and newly arrived immigrants from Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It also runs womens groups, homework support classes, English language tutoring, safe driving coaching, computer workshops and older citizens groups.

The centre is looking for volunteers who can bring their special skills in arts and crafts, teaching, sports and driving to assist with the above programs. Volunteers are also urgently needed to facilitate sessions aimed at orientating new immigrants to Australia, and to coach young refugees in basketball and soccer.

For more information contact Bernadette Agyepong or Catherine Johnson on 9621 6633, or email bagyepong@blacktownmrc.org.au or cjohnson@blacktownmrc.org.au.

Sudanese Australians Integrated Learning Inc (SAIL)

The Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning is a volunteer-run, non-profit, secular organisation which provides a variety of free services to the Sudanese community in Melbourne and Sydney. SAIL offers tutoring to approximately 450 members of the Sudanese community in both areas, and has a volunteer staff of about 300 people including over 270 tutors.

In Sydney, SAIL runs programs every Saturday in Seven Hills and offers English tutoring and community support to both the elders and young people of Sudanese backgrounds.

SAIL is regularly looking for volunteers, who can assist the program in various ways - as tutors, junior helpers, kitchen helpers, resource managers, admin assistants and drivers.

To find out more about SAILs programs visit their website at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~sail/howtohelp.htm.

Sophie Ross, Co-ordinator of SAIL Sydney, can assist with any queries and can be contacted on 0414 783 053 or email -sevenhills@sailprogram.org.au.

Sports Projects for Multicultural Communities

AFL/NSW ACT

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the governing body of Australian Football. AFL aim to actively support all levels of Australian Football from AFL Auskick to the elite level of the game. The AFL (NSW/ACT) is the State body representing these aims in NSW and the ACT.

Volunteers are key to the success of Australian Football, and are involved in all facets of the game. Volunteering opportunities exist in a variety of roles such as team managers, coaches, runners, trainers, water carriers, parking assistants, match day managers, timekeepers as well as boundary and goal umpires. Volunteers are also required to run the canteen and keep scoreboards.

To find out about current volunteering opportunities, visit their website at http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-1047-0-0-0&sID=79818

Football United

This innovative program assists young refugees and their families in their immigration and integration to New South Wales through a soccer development program. The program uses their passion for football as its vehicle.

What does Football United do?

The program provides opportunities to refugee youth: gala days, vacation camps, football training after school and on weekends, training opportunities, linking to clubs, coaching, refereeing and sports management courses.

The key aim of the program is to address problems that arise out of social inequity and social exclusion.

The organisation totally relies on volunteers and is also seeking donations of sports equipments, and financial sponsorship.

To learn how you can help while having fun, contact Anne W. Bunde-Birouste, Founder, Football United, at ab.birouste@unsw.edu.au or 02-9385-2591.

Inter-cultural Volunteering Opportunities

Together for Humanity Foundation

The Together for Humanity Foundation is an interfaith organisation which enjoys the support of religious communities, government and educators.

The foundation runs programs which provide positive experiences of religious diversity to Primary and High School students, aged 8-17 in Sydney, and other NSW locations.

Sessions are facilitated by teams of Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Indigenous role models who present the programs together.

What does it involve?

Teams of at least three facilitators from diverse backgrounds conduct one hour workshops and presentations with particular focus on religious diversity. These sessions have an element of fun and a serious, substantial message for the participants. Students are encouraged to question assumptions and to take action as part of a diverse team of people with an aim to accomplish positive actions.

The foundation also conducts interschool programs for two schools that have students from different backgrounds. Students discuss common values, learn about each other and plan or do community service projects together.

Criteria for presenters and Training

• A personal commitment to appreciation and cooperation between people of different beliefs/cultures and eager to see greater commitment to action on core values.
• Being an engaged member of one of the faith communities or of Indigenous heritage with a level of knowledge/participation that is acceptable to the representatives of that community.
• Being respectful of others opinions/beliefs and a willingness not to advocate for or persuade others of the merits of ones own beliefs or opinions. (We explain our own perspective without seeking to convince others).
• Being the kind of person young people can relate to. Facilitators should have an engaging, sincere personality with a sense of fun.
• Experience in youth work or teaching is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Training and guidance as needed will be provided.

To join or find out more please contact - Donna, info@togetherforhumanity.org.au, (02)9449 4455 / 0417 241 418.