Spectrum welcomes the release of the Australian Multicultural Framework Review. As an organisation that has for nearly 45 years striven to empower refugee and migrant communities across Melbourne, we were pleased to have made important contributions to the Framework Review. You can read a summary and download a copy of the Review here. In our […]
Henriette Mazloum works in Spectrum’s Aged Care team as the Workforce Coordinator. In the opposite wing of our Dallas office, her daughter Renee works as the Manager of the Migration team. By supporting each other’s professional and personal goals, Henriette and Renee are taking the concept of ‘work family’ to the next level. HENRIETTE: I […]
As Winter gets truly underway, many of us and our families are battling coughs and colds, driving on icy roads, supporting elderly relatives and more, that all take their toll on our health. Did you know that if you live in Victoria (whether you’ve been here five days or fifty years!), there are several free […]
For the past 18 months, a group of young refugees and migrants have been building their understanding of various aspects of safety: from legal rights to racism and discrimination. Yesterday, they proudly shared their learnings to help other young people to navigate life in a new country. Staying Safe in a New Culture: a Guide […]
As part of our ongoing journey of listening, Spectrum was recently able to hear insightful stories from women participants in Spectrum’s PINC (Parenting in a New Culture) program. They described the profound effects of isolation among migrants, leading to unemployment or underemployment, family conflicts, and health issues. These are not uncommon issues for New Australians. […]
If you look out any of the windows on the east side of Spectrum’s fifth floor office at the Hume City Hub, you can’t help but notice the huge factory buildings directly below – grey, nondescript, and mostly unoccupied. But once upon a time, these buildings were buzzing with the activity of factory workers, a […]
It’s Thursday and the seniors from the Filipino Social Support Group are arriving at the Riverside Community Centre in South Morang. Two minibuses have brought the 21 participants from suburbs such as Broadmeadows, Watergardens, Reservoir and Brunswick. The women are a vision in their colourful ‘Maria Clara’ shawls and ‘terno’ gowns with distinctive bell sleeves. […]
It’s been a year since Rebecca Power took the helm at Spectrum. Over the past 12 months, she has worked tirelessly leading the organisation to support migrants and refugees in Melbourne’s north and northwest. In this special Q&A, we asked Rebecca to reflect on her journey so far. What three words would you use […]
When Rima and George fled war-torn Syria with their two young children, they carried little more than hope for a safer, better life. The journey to Australia was fraught with uncertainty, but their determination and resilience saw them through the toughest of times. Early challenges Arriving in Australia in 2017, Rima and George faced immediate […]
Making time to listen Visiting the Spectrum offices, you’ll hear a lot of conversation – whether it’s our bubbly receptionists greeting a client, enthusiastic welcomes to a colleague returning from holidays, or our social support groups chatting about this week’s activity. However, we also know that there’s another, important part of these conversations: listening. Listening; […]