Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC)mhonored with a Volunteer Recognition Award alongside our esteemed Treasurer, Kranti Amar, and website designer, Esha. The recognition was bestowed upon us by MP David Smith at the prestigious Parliament House.MAC

We extend our sincere gratitude to MP David Smith for recognizing the value of MAC volunteerism and taking the time to honour our contributions. This award serves as motivation to continue our efforts in service to the community.

Multicultural Association of Canberra recently turned its focus towards the mental well-being of the residents at Blue Door Community, a haven for homeless men under the umbrella of St Vincent de Paul. Canberra Daily Friday December 1,2023

Our day began with organising a lavish barbecue at Ainslie Village, where we prepared and served hearty meals for the men. Beyond the food, this event provided us with a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the residents, sharing stories and creating connections. As a gesture of support, we also made a substantial donation to the Blue Door Pantry—a trolley laden with non-perishable essentials.

The success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable help of our volunteers. Despite the scorching weather, their enthusiasm and hard work made the entire process a breeze, and we successfully completed our mission in just three hours. Together, we were able to provide a nourishing lunch to more than 80 individuals.

Special thanks are due to Paul Potter, the coordinator of Blue Door, and his team. Their collaboration in cooking and serving made the event not only successful but also deeply rewarding.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC), in collaboration with GOPIO Canberra, organised an enlightening audiology workshop at the Labor Club (19/11/23). The focus of the workshop was early intervention for hearing loss in adults. Facilitated by Hear Life audiologists Sanyogeeta and Ann Mary, the session delved deep into topics ranging from the intricacies of ear structure to the causes of hearing loss, the role of nutrition in ear health, managing tinnitus, insights into cochlear implants, and practical guidance on using hearing aids.

The workshop garnered significant interest and was well-attended by members of the community. Gratitude was expressed to Hear Life for their informative session, MLA Nicole Lawder for her presence and words of appreciation, Mr. Ashok Jain for the introduction to Hear Life, and volunteers Jennifer and Hrishi for their assistance. The beauty of the workshop lay in its inclusivity, bringing together individuals from various cultural backgrounds, each with unique perspectives on health and wellness. Anticipating another workshop in the coming months, further updates will be shared soon.

In the spirit of Diwali, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) is set to ignite the festive season with a heartwarming initiative. With a commitment to community, diversity, and the joy of giving, MAC is spreading Diwali cheer by making a significant donation of groceries and traditional Indian sweets to the University Canberra (UC) Pantry.

MAC’s contribution encompasses a thoughtful selection of items. From essential groceries that form the backbone of sustenance to the rich and delightful Indian sweets that symbolise the sweetness of shared moments, this donation is more than a gesture — it’s a celebration of diversity and care.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and GOPIO organised a Senior Chair Yoga workshop on 21, September 2023. The session was led by Mallika Raj, a certified yoga teacher, who focused on balance, meditation, and the benefits of yoga for seniors. The workshop proved to be highly enjoyable for the seniors, as it was conducted using chairs, making it accessible and comfortable for them. The event was well-attended and aimed to enhance the health and well-being of senior participants, emphasizing the importance of yoga in achieving these goals.

In the ACT Legislative Assembly on September 21, 2023, MLA Elizabeth Kikkert delivered high praise to MAC President Mrs. Nushi Puri for her outstanding achievements and contributions upon receiving the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

ACT Legislative Assembly on September 21, 2023, “Click to Watch”

MAC, and GOPIO President Mrs. Nishi Puri, along with the renowned figure honoured with the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM). This recognition not only underscores her remarkable achievements but also shines a light on the values of service and excellence.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the president Mrs Nishi Puri. Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) came together on 5, September 2023, to volunteer as masters of ceremonies for a special event – the welcoming of new citizens to Australia.

The event, held in the vibrant city of Canberra, was a celebration of cultures and a testament to the multicultural fabric that makes Australia such a diverse and welcoming nation. MAC and GOPIO’s involvement as masters of ceremonies added a personal touch to the occasion, making the new citizens feel not just welcomed but truly embraced by their new community

MAC and Gopio conducted an educational workshop in partnership with Legal Aid. The workshop covered essential topics, including NDIS and its eligibility criteria. Participants also received insights into the serious issues of cyberbullying, social media harassment, and texting harassment, emphasising the potential mental health impact and legal consequences, such as fines and imprisonment.

The workshop emphasized that individuals seeking assistance can reach out to Legal Aid at 1300654314 to determine their eligibility for support. The event concluded with gratitude extended to all participants and facilitators, who also enjoyed a delightful morning tea.

Through education and awareness, we can aspire to create a world where everyone can live to their fullest potential.

A referendum workshop was held on August 31st and September 1st, 2023, to educate participants on the upcoming referendum scheduled for October 14th.

In an effort to engage and educate senior citizens about their civic responsibilities, The (MAC) Multicultural Association of Canberra and GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) collaborated with the social policy group of the Australian Electoral Commission to organise a highly informative workshop. The workshop, which took place on 31st August and 1st September 2023, aimed to provide valuable insights into the upcoming referendum scheduled for October 14th. These workshops were conducted in Forde and Chifley to ensure maximum participation. Notably, this initiative made the organization one of the first to provide such valuable information to its community.

The workshops covered topics such as how to vote in the referendum and how to properly fill out the voting paper. Additionally, there was a mock trial and a counting of mock ballots to simulate the voting process.