Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW

📢 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗦𝗕𝗦

FECCA rejects calls by Senator Pauline Hanson to dismantle one of Australia’s greatest institutions - SBS Australia, and suggestions that multiculturalism has failed in Australia.

FECCA will continue to stand alongside SBS and all Australians who believe that diversity, inclusion and a shared commitment to democratic values make our nation stronger.

“SBS is not a special interest broadcaster, it is a national institution that strengthens social cohesion, provides trusted news and emergency information, combats misinformation and helps millions of Australians participate fully in our democracy.” - Peter Doukas OAM, Chair - FECCA

“At a time when many societies around the world are grappling with division and polarisation, Australia should be proud of what it has achieved. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and institutions such as SBS are central to maintaining the trust, inclusion and shared sense of belonging that underpin our national success.” - Jill Morgan AM, interim CEO - FECCA

👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: fecca.org.au/updates/hands-off-sbs

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 ‘𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺’

Senator Pauline Hanson’s address to the National Press Club, in which she described multiculturalism as a failed policy and called for a “monocultural” Australia is of great concern to FECCA.

We reject this completely.

Ms Hanson’s statement about a ‘monocultural Australia’ is an attempt to resurrect the White Australia Policy. FECCA will campaign along with our state and territory members and millions of Australians to reinforce the value of multiculturalism and reject divisive narratives.

We believe this fight is for Australia.

👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: fecca.org.au/media

Generation Australia is offering FREE foundational knowledge of the core key technical skills needed for entry roles within these industries:

🩺 Aged Care Program
23 June – 24 July | Online | Free | Part-time, 5 weeks
👉 Apply here: https://gen.jobs/WEB-AC07
🌐 Program info: https://australia.generation.org/programs/aged-care/

To be eligible, participants must:
• Not be in full-time employment, education or training
• Be available Monday to Friday, 10am–2:30pm AEST for 5 weeks
• Have good written and verbal English skills and basic technology skills
• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or permanent resident (other visas considered)
• Be likely to obtain a clear Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check

💻 IT Support Program
7 July – 21 August | Online | Free | Full-time, 7 weeks
👉 Apply here: https://gen.jobs/PAR-ITS56
🌐 Program info: https://australia.generation.org/programs/it-support-program/

This program may be particularly suited to individuals who identify as neurodivergent or are living with a disability, as specialised mentorship support is available throughout.
To be eligible, participants must:
• Not be in full-time employment, education or training
• Be available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST for 7 weeks
• Be available for online onboarding on 30 June, 10am–1pm AEST
• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold eligible working rights in Australia

Both programs include employment readiness support, including resume assistance, interview preparation and connections to hiring partners.

They also run regular online information sessions and would be happy to arrange a private session for your team or interested participants.

Australia Post has opened applications for its 2026 Community Grants program. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for locally led projects that strengthen social connection and improve mental wellbeing outcomes in the community.

This year, an additional $250,000 in funding is also available for projects supporting mental wellbeing and resilience in disaster-impacted communities.

Applications close 6 July 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

Eligibility criteria and how to apply 👉https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/2026-community-grants-guidelines.pdf

ECCNSW congratulates Zia Ahmad on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours 2026 — the first Muslim to receive the honour for services to journalism.

Zia follows in the footsteps of his late father, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM, who received the same honour in 2020. Two generations. Two OAMs. One remarkable family.

Muslim media pioneer Zia Ahmad recognised with OAM, emulating his dad - AMUST Video: Zia Ahmad OAM’s interview with ABC News. Today – Monday, 8 June 2026 – Zia Ahmad becomes the first Muslim to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to journalism – and the second member of his family to receive the nation’s highest civilian honour. Two generations....

Multicultural NSW has opened applications for the Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program. Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 are available for multicultural and multifaith community groups to deliver festivals and events across NSW between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027.

Only one round is available this year. Applications close 4pm, Monday 13 July 2026.

📅 Free info session: 23 June 2026 at 10am — register via the Multicultural NSW website.

More info and apply 👉 https://eccnsw.org.au/multicultural-nsw-opens-applications-for-stronger-together-festival-and-event-grants/

Multicultural NSW Opens Applications for Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants | ECCNSW Multicultural NSW has opened applications for the 2026–27 Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program, which provides funding for multicultural and multifaith community groups to deliver festivals and events celebrating cultural diversity across NSW. Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 ar...

Western Sydney Local Health District is seeking women from south west Sydney for a mental wellbeing co-design project for migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker women. $50/hr, free childcare, and interpreting support provided.


More info 👇

South West Sydney Women Sought for Mental Wellbeing Project | ECCNSW Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is recruiting women from south west Sydney to join a community co-design project focused on the mental wellbeing of migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker women. The project is open to women who are passionate about supporting the mental wellbeing of other w...

The Social Outfit is accepting applications for its Retail Training Program, with the next cohort starting July 2026. Four paid traineeship places are available.

The program is open to young women who meet ALL of the following criteria:

✅ Aged 18–29
✅ Hold a refugee or humanitarian visa
✅ Have low English (Level 2–3) and/or low skills (secondary education or below, or unrecognised tertiary qualifications)
✅ Available Fridays and Saturdays in Newtown for the full 10-week program

Priority will be given to applicants seeking their first Australian job, with a goal to move into part-time or full-time work.

Please read the full eligibility criteria and program requirements before referring clients. https://form.typeform.com/to/AdUQUfVP

The BreastScreen NSW mobile van is coming to Strathfield from 15 June to 3 July, located on Lyons Rd (beside Westpac).

Free breast screening is available for women aged 50–74.

Language support available:
🗓 Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese): Mondays 1:00–3:30pm & Fridays 9:30am–12:00pm
🗓 Korean: Wednesdays 9:30am–12:00pm

To book:
🌐 book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au
📞 13 20 50 | 13 14 50 (interpreter support available)

Men's Health Week | Free Drop-In Hub for Men 55+ 📅 Friday 19 June 2026 | 9am–1pm
📍 Marrickville Pavilion, 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
🆓 Free entry — drop in anytime

Inner West Council is hosting a relaxed morning for men aged 55+ focused on healthy ageing. Grab a cuppa, connect with local services, and hear from guest speakers on topics including:

🕙 10:00am — Prof. Anne Tiedemann: Staying strong in older age
🕚 11:00am — David Smith (Daffodil Centre): Prostate health
🕛 12:00pm — Helen Hislop (SLHD): Healthy habits for a healthy brain

Sydney Local Health Promotion Officers and representatives from the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre will also be on site with information and resources.

More info and sign up 👉 innerwest.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/mens-health-hub-drop

Men's Health Hub - Drop In | Inner West Council Breadcrumb Home What’s On Men's Health Hub - Drop In Men's Health Hub - Drop In Join us for a relaxed and welcoming morning focused on healthy ageing for men aged 55+. Drop in, connect with local services, and hear from guest speakers. Pick up practical tips on staying active, independent, and wel...