Bass Coast

Bass Coast Multicultural

Multicultural organizations play a vital role in promoting diversity, inclusivity and social cohesion in societies. They help people with diverse cultural backgrounds come together, share their experiences and learn from each other.

The region of Bass Coast in Victoria, Australia, is home to a number of multicultural organizations that cater to the needs of the diverse community living there. Here are some of the key multicultural organizations in the region and the benefits and activities they offer:

1. Bass Coast Shire Council Multicultural Taskforce

The Bass Coast Shire Council Multicultural Taskforce is a council-led initiative that aims to support the social and civic participation of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the region. The taskforce provides a platform for community members to share their views and raise concerns on issues that affect them.

Benefits: The taskforce promotes community engagement, social inclusion, and cultural diversity in the region.

Activities: The taskforce conducts regular meetings, workshops and events that focus on building cultural awareness, promoting acceptance and understanding of cultural differences, and advocating for the needs and rights of CALD community members.

Contact: 1300 BCOAST (226 278), mail@basscoast.vic.gov.au

2. Bass Coast Adult Multicultural Education Services (BCAMES)

BCAMES is a non-profit organization that provides English language classes and settlement support to newly arrived migrants and refugees in the Bass Coast region. The organization works towards building capacity and skills of CALD community members to enable them to actively participate in the social, economic and civic life of the region.

Benefits: The organization promotes language proficiency, skill development, community integration and social inclusion among CALD community members.

Activities: BCAMES provides English language classes, cultural orientation sessions, settlement information and referral services, advocacy and support to CALD community members in the region.

Contact: (03) 5672 3115, info@bcames.org.au

3. Phillip Island Multicultural Festival Committee

The Phillip Island Multicultural Festival Committee is a community-led organization that celebrates cultural diversity and multiculturalism in the region. The annual festival showcases cultural performances, food, art, and crafts from different cultures, promoting mutual understanding and respect among the different communities in the region.

Benefits: The festival promotes cultural awareness, social cohesion and integration, and showcases the richness and vibrancy of cultural diversity in the region.

Activities: The festival committee plans and organizes the annual Phillip Island Multicultural Festival, which includes a range of cultural performances, food, art, and crafts.

Contact: (03) 5952 2883, pimulticulturalfestival@gmail.com

4. Cowes Friendship Group

The Cowes Friendship Group is a community-led organization that provides social and recreational activities for seniors from CALD backgrounds in the region. The group aims to reduce social isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and provide opportunities for CALD seniors to connect with others and maintain their cultural identity.

Benefits: The group provides a safe and supportive environment for CALD seniors to socialize, participate in a range of activities, and access information and support services.

Activities: The group organizes regular social and recreational activities, such as games, guest speakers, excursions, cultural events and celebrations.

Contact: (03) 5952 6222, cowes@basscoast.vic.gov.au

5. Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre

The Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre is a community hub that provides a range of services, programs and activities to the diverse community in the region. The centre caters to the needs of people from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including migrants, refugees, and Indigenous Australians.

Benefits: The centre provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for community members to access information, support, and services, and to participate in a range of educational, recreational, and social activities.

Activities: The centre offers a range of programs and activities, including English language classes, community garden, cooking classes, parenting support, youth mentoring, arts and crafts, and other cultural and social events.

Contact: (03) 5672 3123, info@wonthaggineighbourhoodcentre.org.au

These multicultural organizations in the Bass Coast region offer a range of benefits and programs to cater to the diverse needs of the community. They provide a platform for people to learn, grow, connect, and celebrate their cultural diversity. By promoting inclusivity, acceptance, and mutual understanding, these organizations contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive, and more vibrant community.