eNews #15, June 2026
- AWAFN eNews
- 14 minutes ago
- 14 min read
In this issue:
Message from Founder & CEO, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali
Upcoming Event: Voices of the African Child – Empowering Youth, Families and Carers 20 June 2026
Leadership Recognition: Mother Africa Award
Thrive Multicultural Women’s Festival 2025
AWAFN programs and services update
AWAFN Day of the African Child event, 21 March 2026
Women’s wellness programs update
Carers respite support (2025–2027)
Social work student mentoring
Welcoming Australia Symposium, May 2026
ECCV multicultural community forum: Speaking Up, Together
Africa Day Celebration 23 May 2026
New national standard launched, building belonging in Australian workplaces
Help students take part in the Boîte Schools Chorus in 2026
FECCA Conference in Canberra, October 2026
Maribyrnong's mayor only just getting started
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 at Hamer Hall, 5 June
Message from AWAFN founder and CEO, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali
As we move through 2026, I am proud to reflect on another impactful quarter of growth, collaboration and community achievement. This quarter has been marked by:
• growth in program participation across all age groups
• expanded partnerships with government and community organisations
• increased demand for culturally safe carer support
• greater youth engagement through sport, culture, and leadership activities
• strengthened advocacy for seniors, women, and multicultural families.
AWAFN continues to strengthen its role as a trusted, culturally safe organisation supporting African Australian and diverse multicultural grassroots communities across Victoria. Through our programs and advocacy, we remain committed to empowering women, families, carers, seniors, children, and young people to thrive, connect and belong. Our work is grounded in the belief that strong families build strong communities.
Over the past quarter, we have expanded our reach through innovative wellness, youth engagement, community participation and carer support initiatives. We have also strengthened partnerships with government agencies, local councils, service providers and community organisations, ensuring that the voices, experiences and aspirations of our communities are represented at local, state and national levels.
One of the highlights of this period was our successful Day of the African Child celebration, which brought together more than 130 community members in a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, resilience and inter-generational connection. The event reflected the strength and diversity of our communities and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities where children, families and elders can come together to learn, celebrate, and inspire one another.
We are equally proud of the continued growth of our:
women’s wellness programs
youth leadership and sporting activities
multicultural seniors' initiatives
culturally safe support services for carers.
These achievements would not be possible without the invaluable contributions of our partners, volunteers, staff and community members.
As we look ahead to the upcoming Voices of the African Child celebration on 20 June 2026, we remain inspired by the resilience, creativity and potential of our young people. We invite families, carers, community leaders, and supporters to join us as we celebrate and uplift the next generation of leaders.
This edition of the newsletter highlights our recent achievements, community events, partnerships, leadership recognition and upcoming opportunities for engagement. We hope these stories inspire continued collaboration and reinforce our shared commitment to building inclusive, connected and thriving communities.
On behalf of AWAFN, I extend my sincere gratitude to our Interim Board, volunteers, partners, funders and community members for your ongoing trust, support and dedication. Together, we continue to create positive change and strengthen the wellbeing of our communities.
Upcoming event: Voices of the African Child – Empowering youth, families and carers
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Venue: Hughesdale Community Centre, 160 Poath Road, Hughesdale (corner of Poath and Kangaroo roads)
This flagship event celebrates African identity, youth leadership and intergenerational connection.
The African Women’s and Families Network, Uganda the Pearl of African Victoria Association (UPAVA), Australian Burundian Community in Victoria (ABCV) in partnership with community organisations and stakeholders, is proud to present Voices of the African Child – Empowering Youth, Families and Carers, a flagship community event celebrating African identity, youth leadership, family wellbeing and cultural pride.
This special event will bring together children, young people, families, carers, community leaders and service providers to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African communities in Australia. It provides an important platform for young people to share their experiences, showcase their talents, and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging.
Through cultural performances, storytelling, community engagement, and information sharing, the event aims to:
celebrate African culture, heritage, and identity
strengthen family and community connections
provide a platform for youth voices and leadership
promote carer wellbeing and access to support services
foster multicultural understanding, inclusion, and social cohesion
Attendees can look forward to an exciting program featuring:
cultural dance performances
youth storytelling and presentations
traditional drumming and spoken word performances
delicious African cuisine
carer information and support stalls
networking and community connection activities
Voices of the African Child reflects AWAFN’s ongoing commitment to empowering African children and young people, strengthening families, and promoting community pride. The event provides a welcoming and inclusive space where culture is celebrated, voices are heard, and meaningful connections are built across generations and communities.
We warmly invite community members, families, carers, service providers, and supporters to join us for this inspiring celebration of culture, resilience, leadership and belonging.
Leadership Recognition: Mother Africa Award
AWAFN is proud to celebrate the recognition of its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, who received the prestigious Mother Africa Award at the Changepreneurs International Women’s Day Dinner on 22 March 2026. The award acknowledges her longstanding leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment to empowering African Australian women, families, and multicultural communities.
Reflecting on the honour, Theresa expressed her deep gratitude and humility, noting that the award represents not only a personal achievement but also the collective efforts of AWAFN and its partners in strengthening communities through the principle of “United We Stand.”
The event brought together inspiring leaders, changemakers, and advocates, providing an opportunity to celebrate resilience, leadership, and community impact. Theresa was particularly inspired by the panel discussion and the shared call to become the trailblazers and leaders we aspire to see in our communities. The experience reaffirmed her commitment to advancing opportunities, inclusion, and empowerment for women and families.
Theresa extended her sincere appreciation to Abiola Akinbiyi, Janipher Nambooze and the Changepreneurs Team for their vision, hospitality, and dedication to creating meaningful platforms for mentorship, leadership development, and empowerment, particularly for African Australian women and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
This recognition reflects AWAFNS ongoing commitment to fostering leadership, promoting social inclusion, and creating pathways for stronger, more resilient communities. AWAFN looks forward to continuing collaborative efforts that contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
(insert Award picture)
Thrive Multicultural Women’s Festival 2025
The Thrive Multicultural Women’s Festival was held at Melbourne’s Federation Square on 1 November 2025, bringing together women from diverse cultural backgrounds to celebrate leadership, empowerment and community achievement.
At the festival, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Women’s and Families Network, was honoured with the Thrive 2025 Empowerment Pioneer Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to empowering women, families and multicultural communities across Victoria.
Reflecting on the recognition, Theresa expressed her heartfelt appreciation:
"I am deeply honoured and grateful to have received the Thrive 2025 Empowerment Pioneer Award. This recognition is both humbling and inspiring, and I accept it on behalf of the many women, families, volunteers, partners, and community members who have walked alongside us in our journey of service and empowerment.
"My sincere thanks go to the Thrive Multicultural Women’s Festival organisers, particularly Mibengé Nsenduluka, Founder and Festival Director, for creating a platform that celebrates the achievements, resilience, and leadership of multicultural women. Their commitment to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and community connection is truly commendable.
"This award reinforces the importance of working together to strengthen communities, create opportunities, and ensure that women and families from all backgrounds are supported to thrive. I remain committed to continuing this work and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations."
This recognition highlights the value of community leadership and the collective efforts of individuals and organisations working to create positive change, strengthen social inclusion and support the well-being of multicultural communities across Victoria.
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AWAFN programs and services update
AWAFN delivers programs across six key domains:
1. Family support and settlement
2. Carer support and advocacy
3. Women’s wellness and leadership
4. Youth engagement and development
5. Seniors wellbeing and anti-racism
6. Community development and capacity building
Service delivery highlights include:
• Over 200 families supported through referrals and welfare checks
• Multilingual support provided in Swahili, Luganda, Arabic, Dinka, Somali, and Amharic
• Cross cultural training delivered to partner organisations
• Vocational workshops supporting women’s employment pathways
AWAFN Day of the African Child event, March 2026
Held 21 March 2026 at The Castle, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong Victoria 3175
The Day of the African Child celebration was a highly successful and impactful community event that brought together families, children, young people, service providers, and community leaders from across Greater Dandenong and surrounding regions. The event created a culturally safe and inclusive environment where African children and families were able to celebrate their heritage, strengthen community connections, and access valuable support services.
A total of 137 participants attended the event, including children and young people, 13 service providers, and 12 volunteers. The program featured vibrant cultural performances from South Sudanese, Burundian, Ugandan, and Kenyan communities, showcasing traditional dance, music, storytelling, and youth-led presentations that promoted cultural pride and identity.
The panel discussion on “Raising Strong Children in Multicultural Families” provided valuable insights into bicultural parenting, identity and belonging, navigating Australian systems, and building resilient families. Families and carers actively engaged in the discussion and shared lived experiences that encouraged community learning and connection.
The service expo enabled families to connect with a range of organisations, including AMCS, ECCV, Adapt Family Solutions, NDIS providers, and local council services. Participants accessed important information relating to carer supports, NDIS pathways, mental health services, and family wellbeing programs, contributing to increased awareness of available community resources.
Children and young people enthusiastically participated in a range of interactive activities, including Inspire Kidz workshops, face painting, traditional African board games, and cultural learning stations. These activities supported cultural learning, creativity, and social inclusion.
Overall feedback from participants indicated a strong sense of belonging, increased cultural pride, improved awareness of support services, and strengthened community connections. The event demonstrated the importance of culturally responsive community initiatives in promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and family resilience.
Recommendations for future events included increasing youth speaker participation, extending networking opportunities, introducing hybrid participation options, and incorporating more interactive roundtable discussions to further enhance community engagement and participation.
Women’s wellness programs update
Health initiatives: Empowering women and girls through sport and wellbeing
The African Women’s and Families Network (AWAFN) continues to promote the health, well-being, and social inclusion of women and girls through a range of culturally responsive physical activity programs. Supported through the Active Women Project, funded by Welcoming Australia and the Play Our Way initiative, these programs address barriers such as cost, cultural expectations, limited access to facilities, and caregiving responsibilities that often prevent migrant and refugee women from participating in sport and recreation.
The project supports a variety of activities across Melbourne’s South East and Western regions, including the Stallion Netball Team, Women’s Yoga and Wellness Sessions, Women-Only Swimming and Water Safety Programs, as well as the Western Netball Team and Zumba Program delivered in partnership with the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association (UPAVA).
Through these initiatives, AWAFN continues to empower women to lead healthy, active, and socially connected lives while building confidence and community participation.
Women-only swimming and water safety program
From January to April 2026, AWAFN successfully delivered a 12-week Women-Only Swimming and Water Safety Program in Noble Park. The program provided a culturally safe and supportive environment where women could develop essential water safety skills, build confidence around water, and form meaningful social connections through group discussions and refreshments after each session.
Session one achievements
35 women successfully completed the 12-week program.
100% of participants reported increased confidence in and around water.
85% overcame their fear of water.
70% can now float independently.
All participants received certificates recognising their achievement and commitment.
Session two progress
Building on the success of the first intake, more than 40 women have enrolled in the second program cycle.
Current training focuses on:
Water safety awareness
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Floating and gliding skills
Introduction to basic swimming strokes
The program is delivered in partnership with Life Saving Victoria (LSV). It continues to address a significant gap in water safety education and aquatic participation among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.
Yoga and wellness program
AWAFN’s Yoga and Wellness Program remains one of the organisation’s most valued and impactful wellbeing initiatives. With more than 30 women participating in weekly sessions, the program supports both physical and mental wellbeing while fostering social connection and peer support.
Participants have reported:
reduced stress and anxiety
improved flexibility and physical fitness
better sleep and relaxation
increased confidence and social connection.
Program activities include:
mindfulness practices
guided breathing exercises
gentle movement and stretching
peer support and wellbeing discussions.
The program provides a welcoming space where women can prioritise self-care, strengthen resilience, and build supportive relationships within their communities.
Building healthier communities
Through the Active Women Project and its growing range of wellness programs, AWAFN continues to create opportunities for women and girls to improve their health, develop new skills and participate confidently in community life. These initiatives not only promote physical wellbeing but also strengthen social inclusion, leadership, and community connectedness among migrant and refugee women across Victoria.
Stallions netball team 2025 premiership win
The Stallions Netball Women’s Open Team achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the 2025 Premiership. This program transformed a group of individuals many of whom had never played netball into a cohesive, championship winning team, fostering a deep sense of "sisterhood" and confidence.
Carers respite support (2025–2027)
AWAFN secured vital funding through the Victorian Government’s Additional Respite for Carers Initiative.
Target reach: Supporting 25 unpaid carers per year from African and newly emerging communities.
Service delivery: Providing up to 20 hours of respite per carer annually.
Waitlist management: Addressing a backlog of over 45 carers who currently face systemic and language barriers in accessing mainstream disability and mental health services.
Funding gap: While service delivery is funded, the organization continues to advocate for "Core Operational Funding" to cover administration, insurance, and volunteer reimbursements.
Social work student mentoring
Mentoring and Impact – Social Work Students Professional Development – Continuing
Led by Senior Social Worker Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, AWAFN has provided high-quality student placements for over 5 years.
Impact: Students from Victorian and interstate universities gained experience in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, particularly benefiting international students who often struggle to find relevant placements.
Welcoming Australia Symposium, May 2026
Representatives from AWAFN participated in the Welcoming Australia Symposium held at Hickenbotham Hall, National Wine Centre, Adelaide, contributing to national conversations on belonging, racial dignity, community partnerships, inclusive leadership, and the importance of storytelling and representation.
The symposium brought together sector leaders, settlement practitioners, community advocates, and people with lived experience to explore the challenges and opportunities facing multicultural Australia. Through insightful discussions moderated by SBS journalist Janice Petersen, speakers highlighted the critical role of community-led solutions, social cohesion, and democratic participation in building inclusive and resilient communities. Key reflections emphasised that settlement is not simply a social service but an essential democratic infrastructure that fosters trust, belonging, and active participation.
These valuable insights will help inform AWAFN’s strategic direction and strengthen its ongoing commitment to advancing inclusion, leadership, and meaningful community engagement for African Australian women, families, and communities.
ECCV multicultural community forum: Speaking Up, Together
AWAFN was proud to be represented by our Founder and CEO, Theresa Sengaaga Ssali, at the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) Multicultural Community Forum – Speaking Up, Together, held on 31 March 2026 at Atura Dandenong, Eumemmerring, Victoria.
The forum brought together community leaders, advocates, service providers, and partners from across Victoria’s multicultural sector to engage in meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing culturally diverse communities. Participants shared valuable experiences, insights, and recommendations aimed at strengthening inclusion, social cohesion, and equitable access to services.
AWAFN’s participation reflected our ongoing commitment to amplifying the voices of African Australian women, families, and communities within broader multicultural conversations. The forum provided an important platform to contribute community perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and collaborate on strategies that support belonging, participation, and community wellbeing.
We thank ECCV for facilitating this important dialogue and creating opportunities for multicultural communities to come together, share their experiences, and advocate collectively for positive change.
ECCV Chief Executive Officer Farah Farouque reflected afterwards: “Listening really matters. It was so good for me to connect with grassroots community leaders and directly hear their views about the challenges, priorities and ideas shaping their work. These community conversations ... help ensure ECCV’s advocacy is grounded in lived experiences and that our direction truly reflects the diverse voices of those we represent.”
Africa Day Celebration 23 May 2026
The African Women’s and Families Network (AWAFN) was honoured to participate in the Africa Day Celebration 2026, a significant occasion that recognises and celebrates African unity, cultural heritage, resilience, and progress. Observed annually on 25 May, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of African communities both on the continent and throughout the diaspora.
This year’s celebration brought together distinguished leaders and representatives from government, business, education, emergency services, faith communities, Victoria Police, local councils, universities, and the multicultural sector. The event highlighted the strength of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, while recognising the many migrants and community leaders whose dedication continues to create positive change at grassroots, national, and international levels.
AWAFN proudly joins communities around the world in celebrating the achievements, leadership, and contributions of African Australians and the broader African diaspora. We extend our sincere appreciation to the organisers, volunteers, partners, and community leaders whose commitment made this celebration possible. Their efforts continue to strengthen connections, promote cultural understanding, and inspire future generations.
As we celebrate Africa Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering African women, families, and young people, while fostering a more inclusive and united society for all.
“Africa Day reminds us of the power of unity, cultural pride, and collective action in building stronger communities and creating opportunities for future generations.”
New national standard launched, building belonging in Australian workplaces
A new national framework aimed at transforming Australian workplaces was launched at the Welcoming Australia Symposium in Adelaide last month.
Positioning a strong focus on belonging and inclusion as critical drivers of economic and social success, the Welcoming Workplaces Standard is a living framework and benchmark for every workplace.
Bridging the gap between policy and practice, ‘Welcoming Workplaces’ provides the tools to turn intention into practical action – and now every Australian workplace has the opportunity to benefit.
For more information read the Welcoming Australia media release
Help students take part in the Boîte Schools Chorus in 2026
In 2026 the Boîte Schools Chorus (BSC) will explore the music and culture of Ghana through the program "Akoma – The Heart". Akoma, meaning “heart” in the language of the Asante people of Ghana, symbolises love, endurance, patience and tolerance.
Guided by Ghanaian cultural leaders, students will learn songs, stories and dance traditions that bring this vibrant culture to life.
If you contribute $60 to the Give a Child a Song campaign a child can:
participate and be a part of the program
learn songs in West African languages
perform on stage as part of a large choir
expand their horizons and have a whole lot of fun.
For over 20 years, the Boîte Schools Chorus has brought thousands of young voices together, offering students the chance to learn music from around the world while building confidence, teamwork and performance skills.
FECCA Conference in Canberra, October 2026
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) Conference is returning.
Details:
15 and 16 October 2026
Parliament and Old Parliament House, Canberra
This conference brings together leaders, communities and change-makers from across the country to explore how connection and solidarity can
strengthen our collective sense of belonging
inform policy
build a more inclusive and resilient Australia.
It's a space to listen, learn and act, grounded in the understanding that when every voice is valued, our collective future is stronger.
This event is a call to move forward together. To invest in the relationships that bind us, to stand in solidarity in the face of division, and to shape an Australia where everyone belongs, and everyone contributes.
Call for Abstracts closes on Thursday 30 July
Early Bird Registration closes on Friday 31 July
Maribyrnong's mayor only just getting started
For now, Cr Mohamed Semra is happy to be Maribyrnong's mayor, working for his local community and learning the art of politics, leadership and compromise.
But as he recently stood outside Parliament House - the place where seminal decisions about the course of a country are made - Mohamed admited, "The thought does creep in - is this a ceiling I can break?"
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 at Hamer Hall, 5 June
When the Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti passed away in 1997, it was his youngest son Seun who carried the torch. He was only 14 at the time, but he strapped on his sax and fronted his father’s ensemble, Egypt 80.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 preserved Fela’s legacy while innovating with shades of soul and jazz.
They’ve injected fresh perspectives on black, working-class struggles and collaborated with the likes of Brian Eno, Yasiin Bey and Sampa the Great along the way. On stage, Seun cuts an incredibly explosive and commanding presence, conducting the group with his body, leading them through rapid-fire brass blasts, bouncy guitar lines and syncopated grooves that lock in and dance towards the horizon.
AWAFN members Abiola Akinbiyi, Con Pagonis and Jo Tayler greatly enjoyed the show.
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