Migrant Resource Centres were established in response to the 1978 Galbally Report, adopted by the Fraser Government. The report highlighted the need for multicultural policies, and emphasised that all Australians should have equal access to services, enabling them to reach their potential while preserving their language, culture, and heritage. This approach laid the foundation for delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate support to Australia’s diverse communities.

1980’s

• The Preston Reservoir Migrant Resource Centre was officially opened in Reservoir on 1 October 1980 “to assist migrants to gain access to existing community facilities and resources, and to provide facilities for the development of self-help programs in the interests of migrant welfare and settlement.” Initially set up in response to the needs of Vietnamese migrants, the resource centre commenced with two staff.

1990’s

• 1993 – Name changed to North Eastern Region MRC.
• 1995 – Organisation moves to Preston.
• 1996 – Renamed Northern Region Migrant Resource Centre and continued expanding to meet settlement needs for all migrants and refugees living in the Northern region.
• 1998 – Multicultural Home Support Services was established to provide home and community care for the growing ageing population. Soon 12 multilingual support workers would be recruited. Planned Activity Groups for aged clients commenced in Preston and Thomastown.

2000’s

• 2002 – Parenting in a New Culture (PINC) program is launched.
• 2006 – Employment Services established to support skilled migrants who were falling through the employment system.
• 2007 – Name changed to Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre.
• The Ethnic Youth Council is established to give young refugees a platform to voice and action issues important to them.
• Spectrum Immigration Service launched to assist those who don’t qualify for free legal advice.
• Spectrum Education and Training is established.

2010’s

• 2011 – Sunshine office is officially launched to service migrant communities in the West.
• 2016 – New brand launched.
• 2017 – Preston office closed and programs merged with Dallas office.

2020’s

• COVID! Our support workers continue to provide home care to clients while everyone else pivoted to working from home.
• 2022 – Building on our PINC For Fathers program, Spectrum pilots a new Father’s Playgroup which has now evolved into the Dads and Kids Sports Squad.
• Migration team expands from 6 staff to 14.

Today, Spectrum is the largest Migrant Resource Centre operating in Metropolitan Melbourne, with over 278 staff delivering 25 different programs, each year helping over 4,400 migrants and refugees to feel at home.