Australian Red Cross

Many countries have different processes when it comes to applying for jobs. While practices such as cover letters are the norm here in Australia, this is just one of the many nuances that those newly arriving in Australia must learn when applying for work. In WA, our Kaleidoscope Initiative, delivered with Evolve WA, helps skilled migrants to better understand how Australian workplaces operate and find roles that match their skillset. Last week, our team spoke to funding partner WA Department of Training and Workforce Development, about the dozens of people Kaleidoscope has helped search more effectively for work. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g5zc6G2h

This week is National NAIDOC Week and a time for us to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC Week dates back to 1938 when Aboriginal leaders gathered for the Day of Mourning, calling for full citizenship status and improved lives for First Nations people.  Join us in celebrating all First Nations people as the first people to live on the beautiful lands on which we reside, and the ongoing excellence of First Nations communities who have over 60,000 years of knowledge and connection to Country.  To explore history, connect with local communities, and support First Nations artists and businesses, search your local NAIDOC Week events here: https://lnkd.in/dexeVKVM #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek 

Thank you to everyone who visited our Pop-Up Shop last weekend in Sydney and shopped for a cause. You helped divert around 2,300kgs of clothing from landfill, as well as raising vital funds to support our work across communities in Australia and further afield. A huge shout-out to our amazing 600 volunteers who generously donated their time over the weekend – we couldn’t have achieved this without you! Melbourne, we’re coming to you next in August. Stay tuned.

Yesterday, Australian Red Cross launched its "Response in Action: Disaster and Collective Trauma Events" report. The report shows that psychosocial support is vital before, during, and after disasters.   Evidence-based psychological first aid and support address the emotional, psychological, and social needs of those impacted by an emergency, disaster, or traumatic event. During October 2023 to April 2024 alone, Australian Red Cross provided psychosocial support to 35,000 Queenslanders in over 87 different locations and continues to support impacted communities.   Hosted by Graham Perrett MP - Federal Member for Moreton, Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Pat Conaghan, and The Hon. Warren Entsch MP, the report was presented to Federal Queensland-based politicians, including Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt. The MPs valued the opportunity to hear from Nadine and Sam, two First Nations people affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper who shared first-hand how their communities in Far North Queensland were impacted.   Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gaj5ME4s

A huge thank you to all who made this year’s Joy of Many Colours – Darwin Multicultural Festival event a great success with over 1,500 attendees. This extends to the 90 models who graced the catwalk for the multicultural fashion show, the community members who showcased a staggering 120 dishes from 34 countries, those who performed, stakeholders, our volunteers on the ground, and everyone who attended. Our thanks also goes to the Northern Territory Government for their continuous support to the Connected Women program, and the Northern Territory Community for their generous contribution. Until next year! 

As Refugee week draws to a close Australian Red Cross is proud to share our Lived Experience Framework, centering the voices of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Informed by staff and volunteers with firsthand experiences of migration, immigration detention, the justice system, and modern slavery, this framework shapes our program design and leadership. Our Lived Experience Framework can also help your organisation to be more representative and supportive of its people. Watch our video to find out more.

Join us for The Joy of Many Colours – Fashion & Cultural Show and Cultural Food Expo on Sunday, 30th June 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Charles Darwin University Theatre. This is a calendar highlight from Connected Womens NT, a renowned initiative that is dedicated to supporting refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, supported by Australian Red Cross. The heart of the festivities lies in the multicultural fashion show, a dazzling display of the myriad cultures that contribute to Darwin’s vibrancy. Following this, our multicultural food expo will tantalise taste buds with over 110 cultural dishes from 34 countries, showcasing a rich array of flavours and culinary traditions. This family-friendly event celebrates our diverse community with food, fashion, and culture, uniting us all. Don't miss this celebration, supported by the Northern Territory Government. RSVP for your free ticket here: https://lnkd.in/gTT7BdEA

Every year, disasters and crises have devastating impacts on people, communities, and entire societies around the world. Australian Red Cross is committed to supporting those in need in crisis and disaster no matter where they are, and you can play a part in the work we do every day. This Workplace Giving Month, we’re encouraging you to consider giving through pre-tax so you too can help us, to provide vital services for more than half a million Aussies, and act for humanity. To set up a regular monthly donation simply select an amount (for example $15) by contacting our Partnerships Team – partnerships@redcross.org.au or explore collective ways of giving as a team: https://lnkd.in/gpQJYfXT. Together we have the power to create positive change.

Today the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is honoured to be announced as the 2024 Sydney Peace Prize recipient. At a ceremony held at the Sydney Town Hall and attended by Sydney Peace Foundation patron and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, Australian Red Cross Interim CEO Penny Harrison accepted the award on behalf of the Movement and thanked the Sydney Peace Foundation for recognising the Movement’s longstanding commitment to alleviating human suffering during times of conflict and advancing international humanitarian law. 

This Refugee Week, we’re celebrating the strength and resilience of refugees, and highlighting the importance of family reunion. From Sunday 16 June to Saturday 22 June, under the theme ‘Finding Freedom: Family,’ we’ll honour refugees who have settled in Australia and raise awareness of the impact of family connections on quality of life. Listen to Australian Red Cross special podcast episode, "Refugee Resilience: A Journey to Finding Freedom” that explores the challenges refugees face, especially regarding mental health, when separated from their families. Hear an intimate conversation with a guest speaker sharing her journey as a refugee to safety in Australia: https://brnw.ch/21wKMrW