Sydney South
This year we assisted 2,577 clients through our Sydney South centre.
One of our major accomplishments this year has been the partnership we have entered into with Gymea
Community Aid and Information Service to run a Multicultural Women’s Group to support women from diverse
cultural backgrounds. This group runs weekly and the aim is to assist women to connect with other women
to reduce isolation and support each other with the challenges that may arise due to living in a new country.
The women are able to exchange life experiences, share information, meet new friends and also develop and
strengthen their language skills. The women have been interested to learn about the Australian culture and
also gain information on the many services that are available that could assist with support for their needs.
The group ensures a safe, friendly and supportive environment where women are able to increase their social
network, prevent isolation and reduce anxiety and depression.
The group also has the opportunity to discuss topics in regards to job interviews, grief and loss, culture diversity
or just have a cuppa. The group is facilitated by skilled counsellors who at the end of each group session assist
the women in a guided meditation to assist with relaxation and reduce stress.
We are also proud of the strong relationships our Aboriginal Community Development Worker Michele has
built with the Aboriginal community and organisations in the region. Michele is continually involved in
events that are held in the community and has supported interagency meetings, NAIDOC week celebrations,
advocacy walks, Kurranulla Elder Olympics, reconciliation morning tea and 2016 Women’s Spirit Event. For the
past three years Michele has attended the Health Expo, an event to assist in closing the gap which encourages
people to have health checks. This event has seen an increase in more Aboriginal people having health checks
for diabetes and blood pressure.
A highlight of Miche le’s work is the partnership that was developed with Junaperina Juvenile Justice Centre
(JJC) which is Australia’s only JJC centre for females, with a capacity for 44 young women. The centre offers a
range of services, programs and interventions to address individual needs and reduce reoffending. Michele has
been facilitating the Aboriginal Building Connections program and a Yarning Circle at the centre on parenting.
Michele at Junaperina
Our multicultural women’s group
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