Liam McNally
Australia’s largest organisation for migrant and refugee youth, the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), is calling on the re-elected state government to commit to expanded and ongoing funding for initiatives that aid young people across Victoria.
CMY is the Auspice organisation for the Melton-Brimbank Sudanese Community Support Group (CSG), which provides 22 community programs in Melton based around a community led approach to enhance youth and community engagement.
These services include assisting people with language, cultural, or financial barriers with programs for school engagement, homework, and holiday programs, youth outreach and case management programs, and parenting programs.
Melton-Brimbank CSG youth worker Adut Dharuai said she loves her job.
“I came here when I was a minor, and I experienced being here with no services that I was connected to, so I found the need now to make sure I make a difference in young people’s lives,” she said.
“I want to make a difference for people who are not aware of how to get help within the services in Melton, or within the area of western Melbourne where I grew up.”
The Melton CSG has been operating since 2018 on one to two-year state government contracts, which program manager Archangelo Nyuol Madut said affects their ability to plan long-term.
“We can not emphasise the importance of this funding,” he said.
“CSG funding has been significant, important to the local community, we’ve seen improvement in various areas in terms of education outcomes, positive engagement of young people, families.
“There’s no assurance for continuity at the moment. If CSG funding is not in place nobody can fill the gap, what we’re delivering is unique.”
Chief executive Carmel Guerra said it is “crucial” the government uses its third term in power as an opportunity to be “truly progressive”.
“Victoria leads the way in valuing and promoting multiculturalism as one of our greatest strengths,” she said.
“We now seek a commitment from the incoming government to listen to our young people and create strong policies so that they and their families can strengthen their sense of belonging and proudly contribute to Victoria’s multicultural community.”
The state government was contacted for comment.
