Our 2024 Events
Break the Patterns Conference Gold Coast 2024
THURSDAY
5TH DECEMBER
FEATURING
Panel Discussion, Breakout Sessions
& Networking Opportunities
9AM - 5PM
Broadbeach Cultural Centre
Hooker Blvd & Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218
The one-day ‘Break the Patterns’ Conference, hosted by the Multicultural Families Organisation-SARA Program and the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response, focuses on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities effected by domestic and family violence. As a first of its kind initiative on the Gold Coast, this conference has been developed in recognition that domestic and family violence support, for CALD communities, requires a strong intersectional lens to ensure effective and culturally informed responses. The event will bring together CALD community leaders, not-for-profit organisations and government agencies, to discuss improving community safety, systemic responses, and raising awareness of the intersectional barriers faced by women, children and families.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Dr Ana Borges Jelinic is a Brazilian - Australian research-practitioner working mainly in migration and violence against women. She graduated in Psychology with Honours at PUC-SP, Brazil. She holds post-graduation qualifications from Griffith University and the University of Queensland (UQ), including her PhD awarded in 2020.
Dr Ana Borges Jelinic is a Research Fellow with the Disrupting Violence Beacon, Griffith University, Australia. She is also a psychologist in private practice focusing on migration, trauma and violence against women. Ana has been a member of the community management board for Women’s Community Aid Association since 2015, after leaving a position in its professional team.
DISCUSSION TOPIC
Examining the Intersections Between Domestic and Family Violence and Temporary Visa Status:
Key insights from Dr Borges’ research on domestic and family violence, gender, migration, trauma and victimisation.
Dr Faiza El-Higzi is an academic, recognised social advocate and respected community leader. She brings extensive experience in cultural diversity as a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council, Deputy Chair of the University of Queensland’s Cultural Inclusion Council, and Chair of the Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland.
Faiza works to raise awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and inform implementation policies and services to meet the complex needs of multicultural communities. Her efforts were recognised by an Order of Australia Medal and a Queensland Multicultural Outstanding Individual Award.
DISCUSSION TOPIC
Working with Culture, Religion and Identity in a DFV context:
Learn from the CALD women’s voices lived experiences, & expertise to respond to and support in culturally appropriate and safe ways.
Panel Discussion:
The panel discussion will focus on the current systemic responses to domestic and family violence in culturally and linguistically (CALD) communities. Panellists will include female victim-survivors from CALD communities and professionals with in-depth knowledge of the barriers experienced by women, children and families experiencing domestic and family violence.
Service presentations and round table small group discussions
Topics covered include:
-
Visa and immigration
-
Systemic response to CALD women seeking support
-
Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response in action
-
Working with men using violence in their relationships
-
Interpreting services
Exploring essential supports including:
-
Housing accessibility
-
Income support
-
Health services
-
Culture as a source of strength and support.
-
Culture as a barrier to seeking support.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival 2024
Heading 5
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
The Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) is hosting the most anticipated event on the Gold Coast calendar that celebrates the colourful diversity of our beautiful city. This festival will take you around the world where you can visit stalls, taste foods and dance to the beat of music from around the globe.
Join us at this fun and free community and let's connect, grow and embrace these beautiful cultures that enrich our city. The Festival will feature some of the Gold Coast’s local talent, children’s activities, live music, interactive performances, multicultural food stalls, and arts and crafts markets. All this and more is completely free.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 21 September 2024
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Entry: Free
Music
Multicultural food
Arts market
Performance
Drumming Circle
Free kids activities
How you and your community can get invovled
The Gold Coast Multicultural Festival has been a staple in our community for many years, and this year, it's back bigger and better than ever! There are many ways that you and your community can get involved and contribute to the celebrations. You can support us by:
-
Follow our social media and share event information through your social media.
-
Suggest or create a performance that celebrates your community.
-
Email your partners and share the event information with them.
-
Host a FREE information or cultural stall to promote your community.
-
Share the festival flyer by adding to your newsletter, social media or printing them and handing them out.
-
Have a picnic at the festival with family and community, everyone is welcome.
-
Schools can get involved by sharing with parent groups and through newsletter to parents.
Please use the following tags for social media:
#gcmulticuluturalfest2024 #diversitytogetherGC #mfocommunity #celebrateGCDiversity