eNews #14, March 2025
- AWAFN eNews
- 2 days ago
- 19 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
In this issue:
Stallions win the 2025 Premiership!
Additional Carers Respite Support Program 2025–2027
Program update: Empowering women and girls in sport
AWAFN Day of the African Child event
Beach safety training
African Australian Seniors Anti-Racism Project
Somali Australia Day and cultural celebration award night
Oromo community nutrition training
Social work students mentoring
Upcoming events, news and articles - various
Newsletter contributions and new editor
Stallions win the 2025 Premiership!
The African Women’s and Families Network proudly supports the Stallions Netball Women’s Open Team through the Active Women Program, funded by Welcoming Australia.
We are delighted to celebrate the team’s outstanding achievement in winning the 2025 season premiership.
The Stallions showed up with determination, energy and a strong commitment to one another, building something truly special along the way. For many players, this was their first experience with netball and some players hadn't even met before joining the team. Yet together they transformed from individuals into a united and resilient group, ultimately securing their very first premiership title.
More than just a sporting success, the team created a powerful sense of sisterhood. They embodied what it means to be a Stallion in their debut season — supporting one another, growing in confidence and strengthening friendships both on and off the court.
It's been a privilege to witness their journey and their blossoming throughout the year. We look forward with great excitement to seeing their continued growth and achievements in the upcoming season. Congratulations to the Stallions team on this remarkable milestone!
Additional Carers Respite Support for 2025–2027
We are pleased to share that we've been successful in securing funding through the Victorian Government’s Additional Respite for Carers 2025–27 Initiative.
This funding covers the 2025–26 and 2026–27 financial years. It will enable AWAFN to continue providing much-needed respite support to African Australians and members of newly emerging communities in Victoria who are unpaid carers.
Through this initiative, we will support:
25 carers per year across all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances
Up to 20 hours of respite support per carer annually
Who is eligible?
This program is available to carers of all ages and backgrounds who support someone with a disability, mental illness or dementia, an older person or individual with a long-term illness.
The carer may be a child/children, parent, family member, friend or a reliable person from the community. The carer does not have to live with the person they care for or look after.
Currently, we have more than 45 unpaid carers on our waiting list, many experiencing significant barriers when accessing mainstream services due to cultural, language and system navigation challenges.
While this funding is a welcome and important step forward, it does not cover essential operational costs such as administration, venue hire, public liability insurance, or volunteer reimbursements.
AWAFN remains committed to strengthening and expanding this vital program. We continue to seek partnerships, additional funding opportunities and community support to ensure carers from diverse backgrounds receive the assistance they need and deserve.
We warmly welcome collaboration, suggestions, and guidance from our community and stakeholders.
For further information or to get involved, please contact Info@awafn.org.au
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of carers in our community.
Program update: Empowering women and girls in sport
Welcoming Australia Active Women Project (South East – Dandenong and Western - Cairnlea Park & Truganina)
The Active Women Project, funded through the Australian Government’s Play Our Way initiative, continues to support women aged 30+ - particularly those from migrant and multicultural backgrounds - to participate in culturally safe, community-led sport and recreation.
Beyond physical health benefits, the Welcoming Australia, Active Women Project creates a safe and supportive environment where women can build friendships, reduce social isolation, and strengthen their sense of belonging. The program recognises that active living is not just about exercise, it is about empowerment, connection, and holistic wellbeing.
The program supports the stallion netball team and women-only swimming activities in the South East as well as the Western netball team and Zumba run which AWAFN facilitates in partnership with the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association.
Through these activities, AWAFN continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting women to lead healthy, confident, and socially connected lives within their new communities.
Women-only swimming opportunity
From 15 January to 2 April 2026, AWAFN is delivering a free Women-Only Swimming and Water Safety Program every Thursday evening in Noble Park.
The 12-week program provides a welcoming and supportive environment where women can:
Build essential swimming and water safety skills
Increase confidence and physical activity
Improve health and wellbeing
Connect socially with other women in the community
Develop a sense of belonging in a safe recreational space
Programs like this help break down barriers such as cost, caring responsibilities, confidence, and cultural concerns, ensuring more women have the opportunity to stay active and engaged.
Foster a sense of belonging and create connections with Noble Park Aquatic Centre
Women aged 30+ are welcome to join us. Reach out to one of our contacts for more information:
Theresa Sengaaga Ssali – theresa@welcoming.org.au | 0401 515 117
Kate Thomas – kate.thomas@welcoming.org.au | 0403 603 809
Jessica Scannell – jessica@welcoming.org.au | 0411 097 762
Zumba sessions got us moving
AWAFN recently delivered 10 zumba sessions designed especially for migrant women, creating a fun, welcoming space to move, connect and recharge. Zumba combines high-energy music with dance moves to create a fun and energetic workout.
The program created:
increased energy, fitness, and mobility
reduced stress and improved mood
dedicated time for self-care and wellbeing
new friendships and stronger community connections.
For many participants, the sessions provided a much-needed break from work, family and caregiving responsibilities helping them return to daily life feeling refreshed and empowered.
Beyond exercise, the program reduced isolation, built confidence and created a strong sense of belonging among women from diverse backgrounds.
It's a wonderful example of how culturally safe, community-led programs can support women’s health and empowerment.
AWAFN Day of the African Child event
21 March 2021, 2pm to 6pm
The Castle, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong
Preparations are now in high gear for the upcoming AWAFN Day of the African Child event, a significant occasion dedicated to celebrating children within our communities while highlighting the importance of accessible, equitable and culturally responsive children’s services. The event also provides an important advocacy platform to identify and address potential gaps affecting children and families.
The afternoon promises to be both meaningful and engaging, bringing together families, community leaders, service providers and advocates committed to the wellbeing and empowerment of African children in Australia.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on 16 June across the African continent and the African diaspora. The day honours the courage of thousands of Black school students in Soweto, who, on 16 June 1976, protested against the poor quality of their education and the imposition of Afrikaans as a language of instruction under apartheid. The peaceful protest was met with violent repression, leading to the deaths of many young students. In recognition of their bravery and sacrifice, the African Union established the Day of the African Child to remember the Soweto Uprising and to advocate for the rights, education, dignity, and protection of all African children.
Building on this year’s event, a follow-up stakeholder forum will be held in Monash in June 2026. This dedicated session will bring together community leaders, service providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to discuss key themes raised during the celebration, identify common service gaps, and strengthen coordinated advocacy efforts to improve outcomes for African children and families.
Through both celebration and structured dialogue, AWAFN continues to advance a collective commitment to equity, opportunity, and the wellbeing of our children.
Beach safety training – A strong turnout and a shared commitment to community safety
The African Women and Families Network partnered with Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association (UPAVA) and Life Saving Victoria to deliver Beach Safety Training session to members of the African community. Through collaboration and shared purpose, the organisations were able to educate and support families on beach safety in a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment.
It was truly inspiring to see such a fantastic turnout, with families, community members, and volunteers coming together to learn practical skills that can help keep our community safe around water.
The session provided valuable guidance on understanding beach conditions, recognising hazards, responding to emergencies, and building water confidence, particularly for families who may be less familiar with Australia’s coastal environments. While we enjoy summer, these skills are not only important but potentially life-saving.
Partnerships like these demonstrate the power of community-led action. By working together, we can reduce risk, increase awareness, and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels confident and safe while enjoying time by the water.
Speaking up, together - African Australian Seniors Anti-Racism Project
The African Women’s and Families Network was proud to participate in the launch of the Seniors Anti-Racism Project, convened by Africa Think Tank on 12 February 2026 at the University of Melbourne.
AWAFN co-founder and program manager/coordinator, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, joined an expert panel discussion that highlighted the lived experiences of African Australian seniors and the structural barriers they face in accessing culturally appropriate services.
The report findings, presented by Dr Nthati Rametse, reinforce the outcomes of the 2024 research by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing on multicultural seniors’ perspectives on ageing well — a study to which AWAFN significantly contributed.
These findings underscore the urgent need to prioritise dignity, inclusion, equity and culturally responsive approaches within ageing and care systems.
Key findings and recommendations
The report highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequities experienced by African Australian seniors and calls for:
Equal access to aged care, health, and social services
Culturally safe and inclusive systems that recognise the unique needs and identities of African communities
Fair treatment and dignity in service delivery across all sectors
Stronger partnerships between government, institutions, and community organisations
Active engagement of seniors in decision-making processes affecting their lives
An intersectional, culturally responsive service model integrating home-based care, social inclusion, and recreational activities
The launch event attracted strong community participation and meaningful intergenerational dialogue, demonstrating that the wisdom and lived experiences of seniors alongside the voices of younger generations are essential foundations for positive ageing, strong families and resilient communities. Held in the context of recent hateful rallies across our cities, the forum provided an important space for unity, constructive conversation, and community-led solutions.
The discussions reinforced the need for a coordinated African community approach to advocate for culturally appropriate care, preferably home care and support services that respond to the needs of African elders.
AWAFN calls on all stakeholders — government, service providers, universities, and communities to work collaboratively to translate these recommendations into action, ensuring that ageing for African Australian seniors is characterised by respect, inclusion, and wellbeing. The report has now been launched — and the work continues.
Community engagement – Somali Australia Day and cultural celebration award night
On 26 January 2026, the African Women’s and Families Network was represented at the Somali Australia Day and Somali Cultural Celebration Award Night. AWAFN co-founder and programs coordinator Theresa Sengaaga Ssali attended this vibrant and inspiring event, which celebrated culture, leadership, youth achievement and community belonging.
The evening was marked by powerful and welcoming speeches that emphasised unity, diversity and shared responsibility. A strong message echoed throughout the event: thriving communities are built when leaders intentionally use language and actions that connect rather than divide. The sense of pride, resilience, and collective purpose within the Somali Australian community was truly uplifting.
The award ceremony was a highlight of the night, recognising young community heroes and leaders who continue to give back through service, mentorship and advocacy. Their dedication reflects the strength of intergenerational leadership and the importance of investing in the next generation.
AWAFN congratulates all award recipients and commends the Somali Australian community leadership for their commitment to connection and celebrating cultural identity.
It was also a pleasure to reconnect with many respected community champions and leaders in attendance, including Cr. Susan Yengi, Mayor; Mohamed Semra; Parsu Sharma Luital JP MAICD; Fred Alale AM; Qiniso Dube; David Southwick MP and Evan Mulholland MP. Their presence demonstrated broad support for multicultural engagement and inclusive community building.
Community is not built by chance; it is built by people who show up with positive intent, shared values and a commitment to strengthening social cohesion. AWAFN is honoured to stand alongside the Somali Australian community in celebrating culture, leadership, and unity.
Oromo Community Nutrition Training Completion
On 20 February 2026, the African Women’s and Families Network proudly joined the Oromo community in celebrating the completion of their Community Nutrition Training at 51 The Strand, Narre Warren South.
AWAFN co-founder and programs coordinator, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, was honoured to attend this important milestone event, which highlighted the community’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing through knowledge, shared learning, and collective action.
The celebration featured an informative presentation by a representative from Monash Health, who spoke about healthy eating, practical cooking approaches, overall wellbeing, and the importance of regular exercise. Participants were encouraged to take proactive steps in caring for their bodies and supporting the health of their families.
It was inspiring to see strong attendance from community members, leaders, women, and men who actively participated in the training program. Their engagement reflects the growing awareness within multicultural communities about the importance of preventative health and nutrition education.
During the event, Theresa also held positive discussions with the leader of the Oromo Women’s Group regarding future collaboration opportunities. AWAFN looks forward to strengthening partnerships that empower women and families through culturally responsive health and wellbeing initiatives.
We congratulate the Oromo community on the successful completion of this training and commend their leadership in promoting healthier, stronger families.
Together, we celebrate learning, unity, and community wellbeing.
Mentoring and impact – Social work students
AWAFN continues to support the development of future social workers and community development through mentoring and student placement opportunities led by Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, senior social worker with over 25 years of experience in settlement services.
Over the past five years, students from Victorian and interstate universities have gained valuable, hands-on experience in culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice, particularly in working with diverse communities and faith groups. The program has also created placement opportunities that are often difficult to access, especially for international students.
This mentoring initiative has been mutually rewarding, fostering shared learning, professional growth, and meaningful community engagement. Students have expressed strong appreciation for the supportive environment and practical experience provided.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Africa Film Fest Australia - featuring award-winning work from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Algeria and Guinea-Bissau
Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March
Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton
“AFFA is bringing bold, joyful and thought-provoking African films to Melbourne audiences ... The program reflects a growing appetite for African cinema, placing African voices at the centre of Australian screens.” festival co-director Safia Amadou
The Melbourne program includes:
The Fisherman (Ghana) - A whimsical, politically astute film that follows a retired coastal fisherman whose quiet life is disrupted when he forms an unlikely friendship with a talking fish, resonating with audiences across the globe.
Nawi (Kenya) - A young girl sold for livestock escapes an arranged child marriage to pursue an education. An urgent, hopeful story of resistance in rural Kenya.
Fanon (France/Algeria) - A political drama following psychiatrist and philosopher Frantz Fanon in colonial Algeria, as his radical approach to mental health care intersects with the country’s growing independence movement. Followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Jean-Claude Flamand-Barny.
Nteregu (Guinea-Bissau) - A lyrical documentary tracing the origins and global influence of Guinean music, centring women’ voices and ancestral instruments in the formation of national identity.
My Father’s Shadow (Nigeria) - Set over a single day in Lagos, a father takes his two sons across the city during a period of political unrest, revealing the quiet tensions, tenderness and responsibilities of parenthood against a backdrop of social upheaval.
This Jungo Life (Sudan) - An unflinching documentary portrait of young Sudanese men living on the margins, capturing daily survival, friendship and resilience amid displacement, poverty and ongoing conflict. Followed by a Q&A with the Melbourne-based film Director David Fedele.
“Bringing the Festival to the Cinema Nova allows us to share these powerful stories with new communities and continue building space for African voices on Australian screens.” - festival co-director Mumbi Hinga
Follow AFFA:
Website: https://africafilmfest.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africafilmfest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africafilmfest/
Watch the trailer:
'Culture connects us all' - Cultural Diversity Week with the Victorian Multicultural Commission
21 to 29 March
Various locations
Cultural Diversity Week is a time to celebrate the power, influence and stories of Victoria's rich multicultural communities. All Victorians are invited to participate through a variety of in-person events and activities.
Get involved
There are many ways to get involved with Cultural Diversity Week. You can get involved as an individual, a community, an organisation or as a workplace.
Host a local event or festival to celebrate the talents and traditions of your community's cultural diversity
Attend the Victorian Multicultural Festival at Grazeland in Spotswood from 27 - 29 March 2026 for entertainment and cuisine from around the world
Join our diversity conversation and share your stories with us through a digital competition
If you're getting involved online, or sharing pictures of your event or community, use the following hashtags on social media to connect with VMC and others who are celebrating:
Victorian Multicultural Festival
27 to 29 March
Grazeland, 20 Booker Street, Spotswood
Watch highlights from last year:
River Nile School Harmony Block Party - an unmissable celebration of the strengths, talents, and passions of refugee and asylum seeker youth
Provided by Francine Sculli, River Nile School
Friday 27 March, 4pm to 8pm
River Nile School parking lot, 117 Capel St, North Melbourne
Free entry
This vibrant event will transform the space into the ultimate street-vibes destination with music, food, activities, engagement stalls and an incredible sense of community. This year will feature:
electrifying performances and activities
stunning art and cultural expressions
mouthwatering dishes from refugee-owned food stalls and trucks
a buzzing marketplace packed with community services and activities
a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and didgeridoo performance
official opening by an MP.
Made possible by the Victorian Government through the Multicultural Festivals & Events Program and the City of Melbourne Community Events Grants Program.
Get involved
If you’d like to host a stall or run an engagement activity, complete this form to register your interest
If you’d simply like to attend, you can reserve your free ticket from Humanitix
2026 Africa Day Australia Gala Dinner
Saturday 23 May 2026, 6pm to 11.30pm
Melbourne Room 1, Level 2, Melbourne Convention Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf
Dress code: black tie / formal, uniform or traditional dress
Africa Day Australia Committee cordially invites you to the 2026 Africa Day Australia Gala Dinner. This glamorous evening marks the conclusion of a month-long celebration honouring the founding of the African Union (formerly Organisation of African Unity) on 25 May 1963.
Featuring:
Keynote Speakers: The Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria (TBC) and Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece (TBC)
Exclusive African-Inspired 3-Course Dinner with complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks
Networking with Over 600 Professionals, Community Leaders, and VIPs
World-class entertainment
Find more information and book your ticket (early bird price ends 31 March)
National Refugee Forum in Adelaide in March
25-26 March 2026
Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Road, Adelaide
The second RCAA National Conference is a landmark gathering for refugee communities, settlement professionals, and multicultural advocates. This year's theme ‘Empowering Refugees and Multicultural Communities Together’ sets the stage for transformative conversations that centre lived experience, celebrate contributions, and strengthen refugee leadership across Australia. Events include:
Welcome reception at Government House Adelaide on 24 March (limited places, subject to early registration)
2 conference days
conference gala dinner, Intercontinental Hotel Adelaide, 25 March
exhibitions and poster display
lunch, morning & afternoon tea
Over two dynamic days, over 250 delegates, including international and Australian community leaders, policymakers, researchers, service providers, and youth advocates, will come together to move beyond settlement challenges toward multicultural leadership and self-determination.
Expect compelling keynote addresses, interactive breakout sessions, and powerful panel discussions featuring sector leaders from across Australia and internationally.
Crossroads of Greek Rebetiko and West African Blues
23 July, 7pm
Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St Southbank
From the neighbourhoods of Bamako to the docklands of Piraeus, music has long been a powerful voice for the marginalised. This performance unites the deep traditions of West African blues and the defiant spirit of Greek rebetiko, tracing a shared lineage of survival, yearning, and resistance.
Led by esteemed musicians Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyate (guitar) and Amadou Suso (kora), MBE weaves the kora's delicate, cascading melodies into evocative soundscapes. Estudiantina of Melbourne breathes new life into Greek rebetiko, often called the outlaw blues of Greece, blending the lively tones of the bouzouki with influences from Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian musical traditions.
African Music and Cultural Festival is calling all artists, food and market stalls
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November 2026
Fed Square, Melbourne
Returning for the 13th year, the African Music and Cultural Festival unites over 40 Victorian African communities and draws over 50,000 people to share music, food, fashion and culture.
Every year the energy, talent and enterprise within our community lifts this festival to another level. If you have been thinking about performing on the Fed Square stage, serving your food to thousands, or showcasing your products to one of Melbourne’s most diverse crowds, now is the time to step forward.
Get involved - register now
OTHER NEWS
Abraham Kuol wins 2026 Victorian Young Australian of the Year
Story from UNHCR Australia, Australian of the Year Awards
Abraham Kuol is a well-respected youth leader who uses his knowledge of community and justice, and his lived experience as a former refugee, to guide young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour.
Abraham has helped raise over $3.5 million for programs to support African-Australian families and justice-involved youth.
In recognition of his commitment to his community work, Mr Kuol was awarded Victorian Young Australian of the Year for 2026.
“It's a huge honour and something that I'm still fully trying to absorb,” Mr Kuol says.
“It's just been amazing. It means so much for myself, my family, but also my community.”
Reflecting on his own experience of growing up in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya and resettling in Melbourne, Mr Kuol says it is important for refugees in Australia to feel like their story can be heard.
“Your story is your source of strength. It's not something to hide,” he says.
“Coming from difficult circumstances and sharing those challenges can be a bit of a struggle, but it's an important part of who we are and where we come from. It doesn't limit the kind of people that we can become.”
Transition of aged care services
ECCV submission to the Senate Inquiry on the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program to Support at Home responds to issues raised by Victoria’s multicultural ageing and aged care sector.
ECCV’s recommendations aim to ensure continuity of culturally appropriate care throughout and beyond the CHSP transition.
Key recommendations include:
retaining the benefits of CHSP until Support at Home is demonstrably culturally safe
extending the transition timeline
maintaining block funding in thin markets
investing in workforce capability and organisational change for ethno-specific providers
ensuring continuity of CHSP funding for the Victorian Access and Support program and CHSP funded multicultural seniors’ clubs.
The Late Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe Remembered and Honoured
On 12 February Dr Berhan Ahmed announced on LinkedIn:
“Today’s African Think Tank (ATT) launch of African Seniors Positive Ageing at Melbourne University is a tribute to its founder and initiator, my very good friend, who worked tirelessly to build and strengthen our communities.
“Through his many committees, President of Uganda’s community and advisory roles including his service as an ex-Board Member and ex-Deputy Chair of African Think Tank, he dedicated his time, energy, and vision to creating a lasting legacy: one where elderly members of our communities are treated with dignity, respect, and honour in Australia, with equal access to aged care services.
“Today, we remember and acknowledge our unsung hero for his unwavering dedication and commitment."
“Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe — your legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in Eternal peace. We lost a great man, a humble friend, a teacher, leader, father, brother, & founder of many African Australian initiatives.”
ECCV new board announced
Dr Yasmin Hassen was recently elected to the Board of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) at their AGM last November.
Yasmin describes herself as a “third culture adult” — an Oromo woman who came to Australia as a young child — an identity that continues to shape her approach to leadership, research, and public policy.
Learn about all the new ECCV Board members, including the recently announced Office Bearers.
Opportunity for young people to get involved in advocacy
Are you a young person from a migrant or refugee background? Curious? Passionate about your community? Never worked with Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) before? They’ve got two exciting opportunities coming up:
A focus group for important research on the experiences of multicultural young people
A roundtable exploring generational shifts, similarities and differences across migrant, refugee, second + third‑generation communities
No experience needed – just your voice and your perspective.
And once you join the network, you’ll be the first to hear about future opportunities, events and ways to get involved.
Culturally safe employment support for refugees with disability
Provided by Angela Hahn, SSI
Many African Australian community members face barriers to work that go beyond employment alone. SSI offers culturally responsive support that recognises culture, community and lived experience for people from refugee backgrounds living with injury, illness or disability.
What this means for communities:
support that respects culture, identity and lived experience
staff who understand refugee journeys, settlement challenges and community strengths
one-to-one support shaped by each person’s goals, family responsibilities and circumstances
help that goes beyond finding a job, including links to language support, housing, financial assistance, and physical and mental health services.
We provide Inclusive Employment Australia services locally in Broadmeadows, Cheltenham, Cranbourne, Epping, Mill Park, Noble Park, Richmond, Ringwood, Sunshine and Werribee.
We are also committed to partnering with community leaders and employers to support people in finding meaningful and sustainable employment.
For eligibility criteria and more information, visit the SSI website.
Phone: 1800 299 482
Email: iea@ssi.org.au
Train, Engage, Connect and Support program: prevent family, domestic and sexual violence in migrant and refugee communities
Provided by Angela Hahn, SSI
Multicultural community and faith leaders play an important part in preventing and responding to family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV). SSI's Train, Engage, Connect and Support (TECS) project has developed a free e-learning package for faith and community leaders who wish to safely support people impacted by FDSV in migrant and refugee communities.
These learning resources were developed through national consultation and co-design with people from migrant and refugee communities with lived experience of FDSV, service providers and faith and community leaders, including leaders from diverse African-Australian communities.
Leaders will learn about:
leaders' roles in preventing and responding to FDSV
how to recognise signs of FDSV
ways to respond with compassion, respect and safety
how to collaborate with specialist services
skills to lead open, supportive conversations.
This free, self-paced online training takes around 3 hours, with a certificate upon completion. You can learn more about the project here and start the training today here.
The TECS project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Job opportunity: Australian Census
Applications are now open for the first Census jobs of 2026!
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting Local Engagement Officers to help ensure key population groups are accurately represented in the Census.
As a Local Engagement Officer, you will:
Build strong relationships within your community
Manage a team of local field staff
Play a vital role in making sure everyone is counted
This is a great chance to support your community and make a meaningful impact in the new year.
Apply now at: Work for the Census
check for roles opening dates https://info.census.abs.gov.au/careers
Concert review: Celebrating Miriam Makeba's legacy
by Con Pagonis
Last February 7th at the Melbourne Recital Centre a concert was held celebrating South Africa's township sounds and the enduring legacy of revered singer and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba.
Presented by Stani Goma and performed by a collective of acclaimed Melbourne-based African musicians, this performance wove the joyful rhythms of marabi, kwela, and mbaqanga with fresh interpretations of Makeba's most iconic songs.
We witnessed the irresistible groove of Pata Pata, the soaring emotion of Malaika, and the playful vocal brilliance of The Click Song, all reimagined with contemporary flair. It was an immersive musical journey that honoured tradition while pushing it boldly forward. This performance not only paid tribute to Makeba's artistry, but also highlighted the creativity and innovation of Melbourne's African music community.
Uplifting, soulful, and deeply connected to its roots, ‘Mama Africa - Our Kind of Jazz’ invited audiences to experience African jazz as both cultural heritage and a vibrant living art form.
Newsletter contributions and new editor
Hi, I'm Jo Tayler. I've just taken over from Con Pagonis as AWAFN newsletter editor.
In my work life I'm a communications specialist. I've worked mainly in educational publishing and on university and government websites.
For fun I go to a lot of live music, theatre and travel when I can. I've visited Africa 7 times, including Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Eswatini, Mozambique, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
If you see me out at a gig or festival in Melbourne come say hello!
Contributions for future newsletters are welcome - send an email to awafn.news@gmail.com with your content, image/s, links and contact details.
The next AWAFN news edition will be published on the first Monday in May.
The newsletter is published here on the AWAFN website and promoted on the AWAFN LinkedIn and the AWAFN Facebook accounts - give us a follow!
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