Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Afri-Aus Care

Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (19:02): (462) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Employment, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in visiting Afri-Aus Care, located in the Clarinda district, to see the amazing work taking place there under Jobs Victoria’s mentor program. Founded by Selba Gondoza Luka, Afri-Aus Care does a power of work providing assistance and support to individuals through primary mental health intervention and intensive support programs and by counselling families. There are a host of exciting and important initiatives, many of which I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand: Black Rhinos, south-east community leaders youth engagement, ubuntu peer support and the Empowering African Mothers Project: Ubuntu in Practice – to name just a few. They also do great work in community engagement, legal support, emergency support – really holistic programs for the community – which of course includes their employment pathways to work.

TaskForce have partnered with Afri-Aus Care to deliver a mentor program for mentees, including support with résumés, interview preparation, enrolments for training and qualifications and support for workers throughout the first six months of their new jobs. This includes services tailored to support migrants and people from multicultural backgrounds.

I understand from the minister that Afri-Aus Care has placed over 330 culturally diverse jobseekers into employment, helping many to grow their confidence, develop new skills, engage in community life and secure employment, which is an amazing achievement. I commend this achievement, and I commend the Allan Labor government’s commitment to creating new job opportunities and more opportunities for all Victorians of all backgrounds. I hope the minister can join me in visiting this amazing local organisation, and I look forward to her response.