MCCI Multicultural Communities

More football opportunities for younger players! Our Football at the Frat program is now open to multicultural young people aged 8–11 years. For more information, see the flyer or contact Steve at MCCI on 1800 11 6224.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1l3E0z5puUysR2xI2d-l9R-7kjQtaAlJjX1YvZOCkUlUQko0TFpUUEwyUlk5TVNXTlpQM1BERzdGRS4u

In partnership with Football NSW

Wonderful to join with the Karenni Community Association of Illawarra to mark the occasion of the 151st Karenni National Day. An afternoon of acknowledgement, remembrance, cultural celebration, and community connection. Held at the Macedonian Sun Lounge in Wollongong, it was so great to see one the Illawarra’s newest & smallest communities celebrate in the home of one of our oldest and largest communities, a showcase of unity and solidarity. Bravo to everyone involved.

Throughout Refugee Week we've been sharing stories as part of the campaign.

For World Refugee Day we share the last of our stories; Riyad's story is one of hard work, determination and making the most of every opportunity.

After arriving in Australia from Syria three years ago, Riyad has focused on learning and building his future. He completed English Certificates I, II and III, studied to become a salon assistant, gained his White Card and traffic control qualifications, completed first aid training, volunteered with the Red Cross, and is now working while studying Certificate III in Information Technology.

For Riyad, learning new skills has been the key to moving forward and he is an inspiration to all.

"If I couldn't improve myself, I can't find a good job for me."
Starting over in a new country was not easy. Everything was different, from the language to the workplace. Rather than giving up, Riyad continued to study, gain qualifications and look for ways to improve himself.

His goals don't stop there. He hopes to continue his IT studies, complete further qualifications and one day apply for a job with Apple.

"If I improve myself, maybe I will try to provide my resume to Apple. And if they accept, I'm lucky."

Please scroll back through our Refugee Week posts to read the other stories we've shared this week.

In 1947, Australia welcomed the first refugees resettled under an international agreement. Since then, generations of refugees have helped shape the diverse and vibrant nation we know today.

Riyad's Story - World Refugee Day 2026 For World Refugee Day we share the last of our stories; Riyad's sto...

Fun times with the Australian-Philippine Association, Illawarra Incorporated for their 45th Gala Dinner. 🇵🇭 Community. Cultural Performances. A New Banner. And Disco. 💃 🕺 Always great to catch up with President Lilian McKinnon, Celsa Piaza from Illawarra Filipino & Multicultural Women's Group Inc (IFMWG) and friends from the fabulous Filipino community in the Illawarra. Paul Scully MP Alison Byrnes MP Cr Tania Brown

Lete came to Australia from Eritrea six years ago and now works as a support care worker with MCCI!

When she first arrived in Wollongong, one of the biggest challenges was English. She recalls, “At that time, we didn't speak English. No friends. We felt lonely.”

With support from MCCI Multicultural Communities, Lete was able to find employment and receive assistance with her citizenship application. She says, “They helped me a lot. They helped me to find a job, and then they supported me with my citizenship application.”

The process was not always easy, and she describes how stressful it could be at times. “Sometimes my name is wrong, and translation is made wrong,” she says.

Despite these challenges, the support made a real difference. Lete shares, “It changed my life because I get more independent now. Having a job supports me and my family.”

Her dream for the future is to keep working, stay happy with her family, and stay healthy.

Lete’s story is one of resilience, independence, and the importance of community support in helping people build a new life.

Since 1947, Australia has welcomed more than one million people through its humanitarian program. Behind every number is a story shaped by resilience, opportunity, and community support.



Learn more:

Lete's Story - Refugee Week 2026 Lete came to Australia from Eritrea six years ago and now works as ...

📢 Community Notice! 📢
On Monday 27 July at 2:00pm (AEST), a national test of Australia’s new emergency warning system, AusAlert, will take place.
During the test, compatible mobile phones and devices across Australia will receive a test alert. This is only a test and no action will be required.
We encourage community members to be aware of the test to avoid unnecessary concern or calls to emergency services.
Find out more about AusAlert and access information in your language via this link: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/languages

Some highlights from our recent African Women's Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating and empowering African women. ✨
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of connection, conversation, and community. ❤️🌍