MSC/ JSC has recently initiated a new program which enables CALD clients to get their L plates in a CALD friendly environment . The first partnership was with Status Cannington and the success story from that was that 4 CALD clients who have been struggling to get their L plates for a while were successful in this program. See testimonial from Status Cannington Jobactive provider:

“We would like to thank MSC and particularly yourself for the amazing work you have been doing with our clients.  These ladies have gained their motivation back with this step and I am sure they will all be in employment and change their lives very soon.  One of our clients ended up attending our site in the afternoon to advise that she gained fulltime employment with D’Orsogna and she was in tears of joy regarding both wins.  We very much look forward to collaborating with MSC and continuing to make a difference in our client’s lives.”

URGENT Suspension Of Afghan Appeal

MSC extends it thanks and appreciation to all those who have made donations to this appeal in cash and kind.

The expected flow of Afghanis seeking to resettle in Western Australia is very much slower than expected and so MSC is suspending collection of in-kind donations until further notice.

Ramdas Sankaran CEO

Stop Press Afghan Appeal

As you will note from the Appeal below we made references to the fact that this is the first time we are getting large numbers of people of Islamic background having to be quarantined in Western Australia at one go and it poses some logistics issue esp. in relation to supply of food.

When we decided we wanted to assist our plan was to use our commercial kitchen and use our Afghani staff and volunteers and other members of the Afghan communities to prepare and cook Afghani meals in a COVID safe way and as per Halal requirements.

We have now been advised that the Hotel Quarantine facilities are able to provide the above and therefore we will not be getting involved in providing food for those who are currently in quarantine.

So, all non-perishable food items that have been collected will be stored by us and when the people complete the quarantine we will discuss with the Afghani community how it can best be distributed.

We no longer require Eskys and other equipment necessary to supply food it in accordance with health requirements.

I take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the many people who have already made donations in cash and kind.

Ramdas Sankaran CEO

Afghan Appeal

What’s happening in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions and we all have to do everything we can to support our Afghani community to cope with its immense impact on them.

Our Centre is not in a position to address the urgent and diverse needs and concerns of the victims of the Taliban persecution still in Afghanistan, because there are no agencies there that we can partner with in the prevailing chaotic conditions.

However, our Centre is able and looking forward to assisting Afghani Australian citizens, permanent residents and other visa holders (who are not entitled to the Red Cross Humanitarian Settlement Program) fleeing Afghanistan to return to/seek refuge in Western Australia.

We will be extending them access to our Housing, Emergency Relief, Mental Health, Job Skills centre and other services in their preferred languages in a culturally appropriate manner.

This is the first time we are getting large numbers of people of Islamic background having to be quarantined in Western Australia at one go and it poses some logistics issue esp. in relation to supply of food.

Our Centre with 185 staff with the vast majority being bi or multilingual speaking more than 80 languages provides a very diverse range of services for migrants and refugees

Our Centre has a commercial kitchen and will be able to mobilise the person power to prepare and cook Afghani meals in a COVID safe way and as per Halal requirements. Whilst we have the vehicles to deliver the meals we don’t have equipment necessary to do it in accordance with health requirements.

To enable us to effectively achieve all of the above we are seeking the wider community’s support in cash and in kind.

Cash Donations

Account Name: MSCWA Humanitarian and Natural Disasters,

BSB: 633000

Account Number: 1606 45594

Reference: Afghan Relief.

MSCWA is a registered charity (PBI) and donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and receipts will be issued.

ALL funds deposited into our Appeal Account will be used solely to alleviate the financial and other hardships of people who are fleeing from Afghanistan and seeking refuge in Western Australia.”

Just as we did in the case of several previous Relief Appeals, All costs relating to administration, accounting, audit etc. will be borne by MSC.

In kind donations

We welcome donations of the following:

• Baby and children related items such as formula milk, toys, books, nappies etc.
• Non-perishable items like rice, flour, lentils, cooking oil, snacks, curry powder and spices etc.(These items are no longer required)
• Prayer mats,
• Water bottles,
• Local Pre-paid sim card
• Laptops, IPads, Tablets etc.

These donations can be dropped off at MSC offices in the following locations:

North Perth – 20 View Street, North Perth.

Morley – 5 Bookham St, Morley.

Cannington – 7 Mallard Way, Cannington.

Mirrabooka – 14 Brewer Pl, Mirrabooka.

This February, SETS and the Bunbury Multicultural Group (BMG) hosted Bunbury Fringe, whereIvie gave a talk to the community about her migration from China and how she feels about livingin WA. Dominique Bayens from ABC Radio Southwest who is a great ally of MSC, and SusanneBecker-Hamersley who is the new President of the BMG were present.

Commencing in August 2020, the MSC Jobs & Skills Centre (JSC), Muresk Institute and Central Regional TAFE partnered to deliver training in agriculture to 4 groups of CaLD clients. Each month since then, groups participated in the training and learnt practical skills such as how to drive a tractor and safe use of chemicals. They also acquired relevant information on what working on a farm involved, which helped them to get job ready for regional agricultural jobs. Approximately seven participants have since obtained employment and another 15 participants went on to further their skill sets in mining and construction including obtaining their fork lift tickets. Three participants have successfully embarked on a career in sheep shearing.

A preparation for employment program led by Persis Shroff, Relationship Consultant & Career Counsellor, is planned at Muresk with the key features of the program being to prepare migrants for work with all the skills they need to land their dream job. This program will cover all aspects of employment preparation and will aim to prepare the CaLD participants to be ready and confident to be gainfully employed. We would like to congratulate the JSC team for everything they have achieved.

JSC at our Mirrabooka and Cannington offices have set up a local Job’s board to encourage community members to look for job opportunities and assist them with their application.

JSC at our Cannington office is collaborating with the City of Canning in their Work Ready Program to deliver four workshops in three libraries in March 2021. The Work Ready Program aims to assist and support job seekers by providing access to information, skills development and connecting them with employment services. This is the second time we have delivered workshops in this program which have proven to be hugely successful in promoting the JSC program and attracting more clients.

MSC is a contracted Equity Participation Program referral agency authorised by the Department of Training and Workforce Development to partner with RTO’s who are registered to deliver qualifications to CALD clients.

A group session held at the Cannington office on 21 & 22 December 2020 was organised by two programs (SETS & JSC) and discussed two topics “What are the Most Effective Job SearchTechniques?” (presented by Lisa Laing, JSC Counsellor) and “Citizenship Test” (presented by Joansy King, Senior Case Manager). It included how to lodge job applications online and enabled participants to acquire relevant knowledge and skills to prepare for and successfully complete the Australian citizenship test.