Multicultural Centre for Women's Health in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia | Community organisation

Multicultural Centre for Women's Health

Locality: Collingwood, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9418 0999

Address: Suite 207, 134 Cambridge St 3066 Collingwood, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.mcwh.com.au/

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• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Community organisation
• Womens health clinic

25.01.2022 Multilingual resources about violence against women are on their way! Partnering with Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria and inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, we’re developing some multilingual social media tiles to encourage conversations within your community about gender equality and respect. The resources will be available in Arabic, Hindi, Karen (S’gaw Karen), Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese. We'll be sharing them in the coming days. Watch thi...s space! This campaign is supported with funding from the Municipal Association of Victoria.

25.01.2022 In the past 12 months, 15 migrant carers and their families have received tailored support from our bilingual support workers. We're pleased to hear that the program has made a difference in carers' lives! If you are a migrant carer in need of one-on-one support in your language, please get in touch with us here: https://www.mcwh.com.au/project/hand-in-hand/

25.01.2022 Only one day to go! Tomorrow, Monisha will be moderating an online forum at 2:00pm-3:30pm about Faith Communities Supporting Healthy Family Relationships. Experts from @unimelb, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and @KulturbrilleAustralia will discuss their challenges and successes in building the capacity of faith leaders and their communities to respond and prevent family violence.... Register for free at faith-safe.eventbrite.com.au. Thank you @faithccv for organising this event.

25.01.2022 Yesterday, a 350-year-old Djab Wurrung Directions Tree, which bears cultural and sacred significance, has been cut down to widen a highway near Ararat. MCWH express our condolences to the Djab Wurrung people for such a terrible loss. While many people may be celebrating Victoria's freedom today, the dispossession and destruction of Aboriginal land and culture is an act of violence and oppression that hurts the First Peoples of this country. It reminds us that freedom is relative. The Djab Wurrung Birthing tree and Grandfather tree are under imminent threat of being chainsawed today. To protest the further destruction of Djab Wurrung Country, call Dan Andrew’s office on 9651 5000.

24.01.2022 COVID-19 has highlighted and deepened the gendered inequalities that exist in the Victorian community and in the health system. Migrant women are not only missing out on timely multilingual information about COVID-19, but also facing further social isolation, significant financial disadvantage and an increased risk of family violence. Read our Budget Bid to learn about how we can support migrant women in COVID-19 recovery: https://www.mcwh.com.au/mcwh-pre-budget-submission-e...quity-/ [Image description: a woman wearing a headscarf is standing in front of a graffiti wall, holding a sign that says Value me, my culture, my language, my strength.]

24.01.2022 COVID recovery must be equitable and include all members of the Victorian community. For migrant women, this will mean being supported to actively participate in economic recovery, and being enabled to work in meaningful, stable, and appropriately valued and remunerated jobs. Our Pre-Budget Bid submission calls on the Victorian Government and Richard Wynne MP to invest in an equitable future for all: https://www.mcwh.com.au/mcwh-pre-budget-submission-equity-/... [Image description: Nine women are smiling into the camera. They are standing and kneeling in two rows, in front of a banner that says Multicultural Women’s Health]

22.01.2022 COVID-19 has amplified inequalities that drive poor mental health outcomes for women. During this pandemic, mental health services have reported increased levels of depression and anxiety among women. MCWH is pleased to contribute to the Women's Mental Health Alliance report, which also outlines key recommendations to improve women's mental health. Download a copy below!

22.01.2022 For many of you, the lockdown period may have been a great time to connect with each other and increase communication about sex and sexuality. It may have been an opportunity to explore your sexuality, your desires, and your needs. Your relationships may have felt under strain due to extended periods of close proximity, or you may be feeling pressure because of extended periods of distance. Whatever your experience, your rights to healthy, respectful relationships that are fr...ee from shame and stigma remain during a pandemic. However you are having sex (or not having sex) throughout this period, you deserve to be empowered to make decisions about your body and to have access to reliable, supportive information about your sexual and reproductive health. #YouAreAPriority #ItsAllEssentialCare #GenderEqualRecovery #sexualwellbeingisessential If you or someone you know has questions about accessing sexual and reproductive health services, please call 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784. You have the right to make your own choices regarding your sexual and reproductive health. If you feel like someone is controlling these choices by using pressure or violence, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you would like an interpreter, please call TIS on 131 450, and ask them to call 1800 My Options or 1800RESPECT. [Image description: Orange tile with a background pattern of illustrated underwear. Large centred white circle featuring the text Sexual wellbeing is essential accompanied by campaign hashtags You are a priority, It’s all essential care and Gender equal recovery]

21.01.2022 Livestream video about fertility in Vietnamese

21.01.2022 People often consider their faith leaders and faith-based organisations as a credible and reliable source of support. Faith leaders can use their position of influence within congregations to speak out and prevent violence against women, advocate for gender equality and promote healthy family relationships. We're working with faith leaders to end violence against women. For more info, visit: https://www.mcwh.com.au//faith-communities-supporting-hea/... #16dayscampaign #respectis

21.01.2022 This month, we're sharing four new multilingual resources about Hepatitis B and C! Download them here: https://www.mcwh.com.au/category/multilingual-resources/

20.01.2022 Migrant women’s leadership is essential for COVID-19 recovery. Leadership programs are needed to strengthen and build on migrant women’s skills, so that they can advocate on their needs. Learn about our leadership programs: https://www.mcwh.com.au/pro/pace-womens-leadership-program/ [Image description: a young woman is speaking into a microphone. On the right is some purple text on an orange background, which says migrant women’s leadership is essential for COVID-19 recovery.]

20.01.2022 Are you a carer from a migrant or refugee background? Do you want to access support services but are not sure how? Our team can answer your questions at the Carers Victoria Virtual Expo. Drop in any time at 2-3pm to learn more about our program. https://www.carersvictoriaevents.org.au//array-multicultu/ Thank you to May Patrus AlqasAlias and He Li for running this morning's drop-in session!

19.01.2022 Next week we'll be running a free session about accessing services during this pandemic! This session will be on 29 November from 1-2pm. It's part of a weekly week program about women's health and wellbeing. To register, please contact Sara at [email protected]. Thank you Wimmera Development Association Inc Ballarat Community Health and Centre for Participation for hosting this program!

19.01.2022 We were on the news over the weekend! Our Executive Director, Dr Adele Murdolo spoke to ABC News about migrant women's experiences in accessing health information. Watch the interview below Thanks MediaWise Pty Ltd for the lovely shout out. We're so proud to have you and such amazing women on our Board!

18.01.2022 Last night, Dr Tamara Kwarteng, our Chair of the Board was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women! Tamara is a global public health researcher who is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of marginalised and disadvantaged people, in particular women, young people and children. We're so honoured to have her on our Board! Congratulations Tamara!... Pictured: Tamara with our Executive Director, Dr Adele Murdolo

18.01.2022 Our bilingual education sessions keep our communities safe. They save lives. There's so much more that we can do but we need the Victorian Government's investment to help us keep delivering vital health information. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3398fBD [Image description: a group of women in a zoom meeting with text: "the session was really informative. We were not sure about what we need to know about the transmission and how to keep ourselves safe".]

17.01.2022 Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2020 Campaign. In Victoria, this year’s theme is Respect Women: Call it Out. Over the next 16 days we'll be sharing resources, information and messages about the impacts of violence experienced by migrant women.... MCWH is committed to working together to stop violence against women before it starts. We're running many projects to address violence against migrant and refugee women. Visit our website for more information: https://www.mcwh.com.au//preventing-violence-against-women/

16.01.2022 What a great workshop! Thank you Mercy Health managers for participating in our Gender Equality Toolkit workshop, with funding from the Victorian Government.

16.01.2022 Whether you are celebrating Vietnamese Tt Nguyên án, Korean Seollal, Mongolian Tsagaan Sar, Spring Festival or Lunar New Year today, we wish our families, friends and followers a prosperous and auspicious year of the tiger in 2022 #LunarNewYear #Tet #SpringFestival #CNY #YearOfTheTiger #Seollal #TsagaanSar #gongxifacai Alt text: x8 horizontal and vertical rectangles coloured mustard, brown, red and orange featuring illustrations that symbolise the celebration of lunar new year (A lantern, dumplings, oranges and grapefruits.) The names of 4 cultural festivals that fall on 1st Feb are written in bold text. MCWH in red text on white horizontal banner across the bottom.

15.01.2022 It's Budget Day! MCWH applauds the Victorian 2020/21 budget, which provides many opportunities to ensure that Victorian migrant and refugee women are not further left behind. Our Executive Director, Dr Adele Murdolo provides a short analysis in her message below.

15.01.2022 Migrant women have higher rates of perinatal depression and anxiety, which are worsened by settlement stress, financial hardship and social isolation. It's vital that mental health strategies are inclusive of migrant women’s issues, and that the health system is gender equitable, accessible, and culturally and linguistically responsive. We're calling on the Victorian Government to invest in migrant women's health. For more information visit https://www.mcwh.com.au/mcwh-pre-bu...dget-submission-equity-/ [Image description: A post-it note is on a bright orange background. On the note is a checklist that says health systems need to be: gender equitable, accessible, culturally and linguistically responsive]

14.01.2022 Gender equality starts with respect. Respect can mean many things, like having the freedom to choose, your boundaries acknowledged, or your voice heard. This year, MCWH has joined forces with Gender Equity Victoria and women’s health services across Victoria to share what respect means to us. What does respect look like to you?

13.01.2022 Today is International Safe Abortion Day. It’s okay to travel for abortion services, even during lockdown, as abortion is essential medical treatment. Abortion is a safe and common procedure in Australia. About one out of every four women have an abortion in their lifetime. Both medication abortion (up to 9 weeks gestation) and surgical abortion (up to 24 weeks gestation) can be accessed, depending on your situation and your preferences. Some GPs can prescribe medication abor...tion, and some private clinics and hospitals can provide medication and/or surgical abortions. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do during times of crisis. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test or talk to your GP. Tests are available at supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. If the test is positive and you don’t want to continue the pregnancy, you can access abortion services no matter where you live in Victoria. Speak to your GP or local health services about your needs. You can also call 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784 to find out about pro-choice health care services, including abortion providers, near you. If you would like an interpreter, please call TIS on 131 450, and ask them to call 1800 My Options. #YouAreAPriority #ItsAllEssentialCare #GenderEqualRecovery #AbortionIsEssential [image description: Orange tile with a background pattern of illustrated pregnancy tests. Large centred white circle featuring the text Abortion is essential accompanied by campaign hashtags You are a priority, It’s all essential care and Gender equal recovery]

13.01.2022 The risk of family violence often increases over the holidays. If you are at home and are feeling unsafe, we have some suggestions that may help: - reach out to someone you trust. - identify a space in your home to go to when you need to feel safe. The best room is one that has or is close to an exit and with a window for visibility to people passing by. - if you have a phone, make sure it is always charged.... - if you have a car, park it facing the street to make a quick getaway if needed. - if you can, create a code word with a loved one or a neighbour to let them know if they need to seek emergency help for you. If you are at immediate risk of harm, please call 000. If you need to speak to someone, inTouch (1800 755 988) offers support in your language form 9am-5pm. For 24 hour support, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and ask for an interpreter.

12.01.2022 Digital technology is vital for information and cultural exchange. Unfortunately, many migrant women are not in a position to participate online. This increases their risk in facing social isolation and barriers to accessing employment and education. Let's bridge the gaps for migrant women to participate. https://www.mcwh.com.au/mcwh-pre-budget-submission-equity-/

12.01.2022 Thank you Gabrielle Williams MP for supporting our multilingual campaign promoting respect among migrant and refugee communities. Respect means creating a future where everyone, regardless of where they come from or the language they speak, feels safe.

12.01.2022 Everyone has a right to get health information in their own language. Visit our COVID-19 multilingual hub for the latest information on women's health: https://www.mcwh.com.au/covid-19/

12.01.2022 Difficultly in accessing multilingual information, affordable healthcare, and lack of transport and childcare can cause migrant women to have poorer health outcomes. Let's change this. https://www.mcwh.com.au/mcwh-pre-budget-submission-equity-a

11.01.2022 We’re looking for: A Video Editor/Digital Media Officer (15.2 hours per week) A Health Promotion Officer (22.8 hours per week)... Why work with us? We offer a truly flexible hybrid working from home/office arrangement We work hard to cultivate a genuinely supportive workplace culture We’ll give you above average leave entitlement We have salary packaging tax benefits We’re an inspiring team of proudly intersectional feminists Visit our website for all the details: https://www.mcwh.com.au/category/news/jobs/ Please note the closing date for both roles is close of business on Friday 4 February. Alt text: A centralised purple rectangle with orange edge, with the words ‘we’re hiring’ written in bold white text to get your attention, as we’d love you to apply for these positions with us!

11.01.2022 Gambling, mental health, stress from migration and settlement, family violence and drug and alcohol use are all linked. If you are worried about your gambling or a loved one’s gambling, in-language advice and support is available from Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858. For more information, visit our website below. #MorelandLibraries #humelibraries

11.01.2022 Economic recovery from this pandemic need to be equitable for all, particularly for migrant and refugee women in precarious jobs. "When you look at this with an intersectional lens, what it comes down to is that economic insecurity impacts women in lower paid, precarious industries more than most. But within that cohort of women, women who have a complicated visa status are impacted even more because the income support and safety net measures that have been available to other women are not available to them.

10.01.2022 Migrant women are more likely to access family violence services at a later point than other women. Migrant women need earlier access to these important services - through tailored, in-language and community-based outreach programs. Learn more about our Prevention of Violence against Women projects: https://www.mcwh.com.au//preventing-violence-against-wom/

08.01.2022 Next Wednesday marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women! To celebrate, we'll be moderating an online forum on 25 November at 2:00pm-3:30pm about Faith Communities Supporting Healthy Family Relationships. Experts from @unimelb, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and @KulturbrilleAustralia will discuss their challenges and successes in building the capacity of faith leaders and their communities to respond and prevent family violence.... Register for free at faith-safe.eventbrite.com.au. Thank you @faithccv for organising this event!

07.01.2022 Violence against women occurs in all countries and cuts across all social differences, including race, ethnicity, class, ability and faith. Blaming culture for violence can stigmatise communities, and stop someone from disclosing their experience of violence. Respect is calling out culture-blaming as you would victim-blaming.... #respectis #callitout #16dayscampaign

05.01.2022 Disrespectful comments, behaviours and attitudes can reinforce gender inequality. They often drive men's use of violence against women. Showing respect for one another can help create a safer space for everyone. #respectis #callitout #16dayscampaign

02.01.2022 Migrant women are often overrepresented in the garment industry and often work in isolation, long hours and casualised work. In 2019, only 48% of textile, footwear and clothing factories complied to workplace laws. From 25-27 November, Ethical Clothing Australia will be answering any questions you might have about your work rights and entitlements.... - If you speak Vietnamese, you can call Nguyet on 0418 386 928 or Thao on 0403 586 449 - If you speak English or want information in another language, call Beth on 0418770 273 or Casey on 0408 266 645.

01.01.2022 How great is this quote?! We need to see diversity and inclusion as a strength, in order to lift other migrant women up! To learn more about Gracieuse, check out her interview here: https://www.mcwh.com.au/the-wrap-91-60-seconds-gracieuse-a/ Gracieuse will be running an event in the next few weeks that explores belonging and racial equity. Her latest production, "KWABO from Benin', an interactive and artistic online festival will take place on 16-21st of November. For more info, visit www.kwabofestival.org.

01.01.2022 Testing and treatment of sexually transmissible infections and cervical screening are essential, even during a pandemic. Cervical screening can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward, but routine cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. If it is time to get your (5 yearly) cervical screen, get in touch with your local health service or GP. If you think you need a sexually transmissible infections test, don’t wait - contact your local health service.... #YouAreAPriority #ItsAllEssentialCare #GenderEqualRecovery #CervicalScreeningIsEssential #stitestingisessential [Image description: Purple tile with a background pattern of illustrated speculum. Large centred white circle featuring the text Cervical screening and STI testing is essential accompanied by campaign hashtags You are a priority, It’s all essential care and Gender equal recovery]

27.12.2021 As migrant women, what stories do we want to tell? We’re running a free online creative writing workshop for migrant and refugee women based in Victoria on Wednesday 2 February from 10am 1pm via zoom. The workshop will focus on life writing with a particular emphasis on truth and imagination, point of view, and place. You will explore the differences between lived experience and creative interpretation through practical writing exercises and lively discussion in a support...ive space. The workshop will be hosted by Elise Valmorbida an award winning writer, journalist, poet, novelist and teacher. Check her out on Instagram @elisevalmorbida. You do not need to be a current or former PACE participant to take part. We welcome new upcoming writers and total beginners! The session will be delivered in English language, with written, reading and speaking tasks. If you’d like to talk about any specific language or access requirements our PACE project officer FeiFei is happy to help by emailing [email protected] or call 94180953. Register your place at: https://bit.ly/PACE_CreativeWriting #writing #creativity #storytelling #selfdevelopment #PACELeadership #PACEWomen Alt text: White text on blue background with a design that’s as bold and vibrant as our community of PACE women! PACE and MCWH logo sit below a wave design on a white background. Red flower shape sticker with white text to indicate that we’re open for bookings.

24.12.2021 Today we stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are Australia’s first peoples and the traditional owners and custodians of the land and water in which we live, work and play. On this day in 1788, the First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove, marking the start of the unlawful invasion of Australia that led to the genocide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the dispossession of their land and culture. The legacies of colonial vi...olence are still present today and continue to harm the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In the face of centuries of ongoing violence, First Nations communities continue to lead and innovate to protect the health and wellbeing of their communities. As a women’s organisation, today we pay our respect to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women in particular, and the importance of organisations controlled by and run for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. We pledge to continue to listen to and follow the lead of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and leaders to work towards equity in health and wellbeing for all. #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #AbolishTheDate #InvasionDay Alt text: Yellow frame with a photograph of yellow and black artwork. Central black square featuring the words We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work in English, Vietnamese, Arabic, Dari, Karen, Punjabi and Simplified Chinese. Text in white, yellow and red on black background.

19.12.2021 Our PACE Women’s Leadership program is back for 2022! We’re excited to offer: A FAST PACE single session on 3 February 11am 12.30pm. Join us for a fun opportunity to improve your confidence and skills, and meet fellow migrant women in a supportive online setting. ... A 5-day program: Every Thursday for five weeks, 10am-12pm. In a safe and non-judgmental online environment, you can build your confidence, enhance your leadership skills and grow together with other migrant women. Runs on 10 February, 17 February, 24 February, 3 march, 10 March. Places for both programs are limited and tend to book out fast. For more information and to register click here: https://bit.ly/PACE_Leadership #PACELeadership #PACEWomen #MigrantWomenLead #MigrantWomen #WomensLeadership The PACE Women’s Leadership Program is run by Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health and funded by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Alt text: Image 1 White text on bright red background with a design that’s as bold and vibrant as our community of PACE women. PACE and MCWH logos sit below a wave design on white background. Purple flower shape sticker to highlight that we’re open for bookings. Image 2 The same layout as tile 1 but purple text on yellow background. The red tile promotes the Fast Pace Program, the yellow tile promotes our 5-day PACE Program.

04.12.2021 A draft of the next National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 has been released for public feedback. We encourage you to read the draft, have your say on the plan and call for equal access for all migrant and refugee women, children and individuals, no matter what their migration status, language or income. MCWH will be giving feedback based on our Joint Statement of the 2021 National Women’s Safety Summit delegates representing the rights and interes...ts of migrant and refugee women: http://ow.ly/ZcQv50HvGf9 You can read the draft of the next National Plan and give feedback until the end of January using this link: http://ow.ly/W3xG50HvGf5