MSCWA Project Highlights
Empowering Communities Through Connection, Culture, and Care
MSC has delivered several key community development and wellbeing initiatives which reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting multicultural communities across Western Australia, through culturally responsive, inclusive, and innovative programs.
Current Projects
The Rivers Mental Health Program
Delivered in partnership with Rise Network and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, this Mental Health Commission–funded program supports mental wellbeing among CaLD individuals through trauma-informed group sessions, creative therapies, and one-on-one support.
CKSS (Community Kitchen Skill Set)
The Community Kitchen Skill Set (CKSS) course, also known as the Introduction to Commercial Cookery Skill Set, is a short training program offered by TAFE. It equips participants with essential foundational skills needed to work in a commercial kitchen setting. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, covering key areas such as food preparation, kitchen hygiene, and the safe operation of commercial kitchen equipment. Participants from the OSFIT program undertook this course as part of their broader training pathway to enhance their employability in the hospitality and food service industries.
Safe & Respected – The Safe and Respected project
Is a two-year initiative (July 25 – June 2027) focused on preventing workplace sexual harassment against migrant and refugee women in Western Australia. With a strong emphasis on accessibility and education, the project targets women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, who often face added challenges such as language barriers and limited awareness of Australian workplace rights and protections.
This initiative will offer multilingual educational resources and accessible reporting tools, informing women about their legal rights, available support services, and how to safely report incidents. By equipping women with knowledge and practical tools, the project aims to reduce reporting barriers and empower all women—regardless of language ability—to seek support and act when needed.
The project specifically targets grassroots women, especially those in insecure work arrangements (e.g., casual, temporary, or contract roles) and in high-risk industries such as hospitality, aged care, cleaning, and agriculture (e.g., fruit picking). Key activities will include:
- Community consultations with migrant and refugee women
- Training Multicultural Wellness Connectors (MWCs) to act as peer facilitators
- Delivering 20 community-based education and awareness sessions (3 hours each) over two years
- Building partnerships with multicultural women’s organizations and ethnic associations
Through collaboration with community leaders and a culturally responsive approach, the Safe and Respected project aims to foster safer, more inclusive workplaces where harassment is actively prevented and not tolerated.The project will be delivered in partnership with the Equal Opportunity Commission and is funded by Lotterywest and the Office of Multicultural Interests.
Digital Sisters Digital Literacy Program
Digital Sisters is a digital inclusion initiative funded by the Good Things Foundation Australia, designed to support refugee and migrant women by strengthening their digital skills, confidence, and community connections. Recognising that access to digital tools and knowledge is essential for full participation in modern Australian society, this program aims to bridge the digital divide experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) women, particularly those newly arrived or with limited access to technology.
Running from July 2025 to June 2026, the Digital Sisters program will engage 40 refugee and migrant women from the local community, providing them with hands-on support to build foundational digital literacy and increase their confidence navigating online environments.
Two rounds of structured training will be delivered, each comprising a 10-week course. These sessions will focus on:
- Basic computer and smartphone skills
- Online safety and privacy awareness
- Navigating essential digital services (e.g., MyGov, Medicare, Centrelink)
- Accessing education and employment opportunities online
- Connecting safely through social media and communication tools
The program will be delivered in a culturally safe and supportive environment, with bilingual support and community-based facilitators who understand the unique challenges faced by migrant and refugee women. By the end of the program, participants will not only gain critical digital skills but also greater independence, access to information, and stronger social and economic inclusion in Australian society.
Sew & Socialise Community Enterprise
Sew & Socialise is MSC’s community enterprise initiative aimed at equipping participants with sewing and crafting skills whilst giving them the opportunity to socialise. Participants produced more than 200 artisan pieces, including sustainable bags and aprons, while engaging in enriching cultural dialogue, receiving mental health support, and developing entrepreneurial skills for long-term empowerment.
For more information about our current projects, please contact 08 9328 2699 or email admin@mscwa.com.au
Past Projects
Vimauna – Breaking the Silence
A series of interactive workshops focused on raising awareness of family and domestic violence among culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) men. Participants explored gender norms, root causes of violence, and strategies for building respectful relationships using the ‘RIGHT’ Model. Delivered by trained Multicultural Wellness Connectors and mental health professionals, the sessions created a safe space for learning and change.
Organ Donation Awareness
Funded by DonateLife Australia, this campaign featured community workshops, podcasts, and expo events in collaboration with DonateLife WA and the Department of Health.
Cancer Consultation Project
Funded by the Cancer Network, this project engaged CaLD communities through consultations and targeted health education workshops.
Multicultural Dolls Project
Through our “Sew and Socialise” enterprise funded by Lotterywest, supported participants through training to create culturally representative dolls while building sewing skills and social networks.
Occupational Specific Food Industry Training (OSFIT)
In partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE and CKSS, this program equipped participants with practical skills and qualifications for the food and hospitality industry.
For more information click on the video above
Communities Connect – Mental Health Initiative
Delivered mental health workshops and an expo across six regional towns—Bunbury, Busselton, Albany, Katanning, Harvey, and Mandurah—enhancing regional mental health literacy and service access. Funded by WAPHA
My Choice, Our Choice (MCOC)
A pilot program focused on promoting family harmony and healthy relationships in CaLD households, delivered through ten community workshops. Funded by WA Office of Multicultural Affairs
Volunteer Management Workshops
Funded by Volunteering WA, multicultural volunteer education sessions were delivered, including video podcast resources to support ongoing volunteer engagement and recruitment.
For more information click on the video above
Zero Tolerance Project
Funded by the WA Department of Community Services, this initiative created safe workplace environments for CaLD women through multilingual resources, community leader training, and the appointment of Gender Support Officers.
For more information click on the video above
Salaam Quilt Project
Funded by the Department of Home Affairs, this 40-week interfaith initiative brought together 35 women to co-create a 2×2 metre quilt. The project promoted cultural storytelling, emotional healing, and community harmony. A documentary will showcase the making of the quilt and participants’ reflections.
For more information click on the video above
Harmony Hues Initiative
Funded by the Office of Multicultural Interests, this youth empowerment program used hip hop to explore identity and culture. The project included creative workshops, lyric writing, dance choreography, and culminated in a live community performance.
Healing Stitches (Australia Post Grant)
This 10-week sewing course supported mental health and emotional wellbeing through creative expression, peer support, and skill development. Funded by Australia Post
Mental health and alcohol and other drug strategy 2025-2030
The Mental Health Commission (Commission) is leading the development of a new Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2025-2030. This Strategy will guide the coordination and delivery of services for mental health and alcohol and other drugs for the next five years. The Strategy will recognise that the experiences of mental health and substance use are interconnected with the broader environments in which people live, work, and recreate. Furthermore, it will consider the social, environmental, and commercial factors that influence the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.—- For additional information about the Strategy, Please visit https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/about-us/major-projects/mental-health-and-alcohol-and- other-drug-strategy-2025-2030/
The Commission has contracted the Multicultural Services Centre (MSC) to consult with individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds to ensure that their needs, preferences, and experiences with services and approaches inform the Strategy.
The MSC is convening focus group sessions across the metropolitan area, focusing on young people, humanitarian entrants, seniors, women and high-risk groups. If you are interested in attending a workshop, please email consultations@mscwa.com.au.
If you prefer to make a confidential submission, please contact Mala Dharmananda at 0419 334 583 or email consultations@mscwa.com.au.
The MSC also encourages you to participate in the broader consultations being conducted by the Commission.
Your insights and feedback are highly valued. We seek to highlight your experiences and preferences to ensure your needs are prioritised by the Commission’s Strategy.
Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030 – Consultation (mhc.wa.gov.au)
Contact Multicultural Services Centre WA
20 View St, North Perth, WA 6006
08 9328 2699