MYAN Australia

Exciting news!

Today marks a significant milestone for multiculturalism in Australia with the release of the Multicultural Framework Review. This comprehensive framework offers a visionary blueprint for fostering an inclusive and diverse future for everyone living in Australia.

MYAN is thrilled to see in the Government’s response the recognition from the Framework Review Panel that “Young people, who will inherit and refine Australia’s multicultural future, must be at the heart of policy-making considerations, and were a key focus of the Review.”

We are also pleased to see that “meeting the unique needs of young people” is embedded in the three core principles of the Review.

This reflects the core of MYAN’s work; that the voices, perspectives, and aspirations of young people from diverse backgrounds are pivotal to shaping a vibrant, cohesive, and equitable society.

We are incredibly proud of MYAN National Manager, Rana Ebrahimi, for her invaluable contributions as part of the advisory panel, and Kate Yeung for leading our youth consultations on the framework review to ensure that the framework reflects the perspectives and aspirations of multicultural youth across the nation.

Read the full Multicultural Framework Review and the Government's response here: https://shorturl.at/2HJe2

Are you a passionate young leader with experience in public speaking or an emerging leader eager to gain more experience?

Fill out MYAN's survey to help us identify new established or emerging young individuals who are interested in participating in public speaking and advocacy activities.

📝 Why Take the Survey?

- It takes less than 2 minutes to complete!
- Your responses will help MYAN platform, empower, and support young people like yourself in their leadership and advocacy efforts.
- You'll be entered into a draw to win a $60 gift voucher!

Link to survey: https://forms.gle/m5omQPSJog35TzgY6

NAIDOC Week is celebrated every year during the first week of July. It is an opportunity for everyone living in Australia to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.

The NAIDOC week theme this year is KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD & PROUD

Learning about first nations history and culture is crucial to appreciate the full context of the country newly arrived young people are now part of, including the impact of colonisation and ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities. Research has shown that First Nations people and refugees living in Australia share some similar experiences which can create a common bond and a strong foundation for migrants and refugees to be vital allies in progressing truth telling and reconciliation efforts.

Throughout NAIDOC week, MYAN hopes to create opportunities for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to centre and learn from First Nations people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are advised that the following slide contains images and voices of people who have died.

The illustration in this design was created by Mardijbalina, also known as Zoe Fitzpatrick. She embodies her Yanyuwa and Garrawa heritage from Borroloola and Alice Springs in the NT. Raised amidst the beauty of nature, she spent her childhood camping, hunting, fishing, and participating in cultural ceremonies.

🎓✨University of Oxford Rhodes Scholarship for International Students (Fully-funded) 🌍✨

Pursue a fully-funded postgraduate degree at the prestigious University of Oxford! Join a vibrant community of talented scholars from around the world and shape your future.

💫 Forge lasting connections and friendships.
💫 Spread the word—tag your friends in the comments 👇 or share this post. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Apply now: Link https://bit.ly/3OoV6bY

📚 University: University of Oxford
🎓 Course Level: Postgraduate Courses
🎓 Scholarship: 100 Fully Funded Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by country

We are looking for young people with forced migration experience to participate in a workshop on university-based employability support!

Register here: https://forms.gle/ZphNdWwQJ3b2DUSe6

ANU and MYAN are organising a workshop in Sydney July 24th 2-5pm for students/graduates of refugee backgrounds. Participants will be asked to attend a preparatory webinar and will be paid for their time and contributions.

What is this project trying to achieve:
Produce some creative resources (likely to include videos) to tell others involved in the co-design process about your experiences, needs, and desires for good employability supports. These resources will inform trial activities in 8 universities to support migrant and refugee students with employability and better postgraduate outcomes.

Who this project is looking to recruit:
Young people (18-29)
With lived experience of forced migration and arrived in Australia in the past 10 years
Speaks a language other than English
Currently enrolled at uni/recently graduated
Has experience of seeking paid work in Australia

More information on the flyer: https://tr.ee/vDDyrOjwAT

Thank you for following along to MYAN's Refugee Week Celebrations this week. These past few days we have heard from some amazing young refugees who have been so generous to share their thoughts, perspectives and a snapshot of their experience of forced displacement. We use these commemorative days to highlight those key facts and ensure we continue advocating for the rights and interests of young people from migrant and refugee statement.

"Children are dramatically over-represented among the world’s refugees. They make up less than one third of the global population, but more than 41 per cent among the world’s refugees."

"Our National Manager Rana Ebrahimi recently attended the UNHCR's Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways, bringing the voices of young people from refugee backgrounds to the forefront of global conversations. MYAN aligns with the Refugee Council of Australia's NGO statement for 2024, advocating for:

- Improved access to family reunion: Ensuring that refugee families can be together, as family unity is crucial for their well-being and integration.
- Enhanced support services: Providing tailored support services that address the specific needs of refugee families, including mental health, education, and employment assistance.
- Safe and humane treatment: Promoting policies that uphold the dignity and human rights of refugees, ensuring they are treated with compassion and respect."

Read MYAN's full Refugee Week 2024 statement:

@myanaustralia | Linktree Linktree. Make your link do more.

This Refuge Week, we continue to share the stories and experiences of young refugees. MYAN spoke to Dim Dim Lian, an incredible young advocate based in Japan who chose to share a message of hope and the impact of one person’s act of kindness while living in Malaysia as a refugee.

Read Lian's full article here:
https://tr.ee/BuSBKui449

Register to APRRN's Refugee Youth Summit to meet Lian virtually during the panel discussion!

Register here:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aprrns-refugee-youth-summit-2024-nothing-about-youth-without-youth-tickets-887362985577?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

In commemoration of the World Refugee Day, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) Youth Working Group is hosting the Refugee Youth Summit on 22nd of June with the theme of "Nothing About Youth, Without Youth!".

We’re bringing young voices together in a 90-minute virtual summit where we dive into the value of protecting refugee rights and how YOUTH can make a difference in this climate. We will also have an amazing line-up of panellists who will be diving deeper into their stories of community activism and refugee advocacy.

This summit will also be a space for networking, building a sense of solidarity with the refugee youth movement, and harnessing youth-led advocacy and action. Whether you're living this experience or just fired up about supporting the cause, this is where you need to be. 💪

Register now through this link before 20th June: https://shorturl.at/dfux2

Let's connect, learn, and spark change together!

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This refugee week, explore the many events happing across Australia! From film screenings to morning teas, panel discussions, and cultural exchanges, there's something for everyone in every state and territory. Discover events near you and join the celebrations.

RSVP through the Refugee Council: https://action.refugeecouncil.org.au/rw_events

"At MYAN, we recognise the unique experiences and particular needs of refugee children and young people. Providing them with access to education, healthcare, legal assistance, and safe living conditions is crucial. This Refugee Week, we are committed to amplifying their voices and sharing their stories. We celebrate the resilience and strength of young refugees and asylum-seekers and their families and communities, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, especially amidst the current violence and conflicts exacerbating the refugee crisis." - Read MYAN's full statement for refugee week 2024.

Stay tuned to MYAN's social media this week to hear from young refugees who share more about their experience!

At MYAN, we stand in solidarity with First Nations communities as we acknowledge National Reconciliation Week.

This week marks two significant dates; May 27, 1967, when Australians voted to rectify two clauses in the Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and June 3, 1992, Mabo Day, marking the High Court of Australia's acknowledgement that the declaration of terra nullius in this country was unjust.

We also acknowledge that this is the first Reconciliation Week since the Voice to Parliament referendum was held, and that for many reasons, the journey since October has been a painful one for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Reconciliation Australia tells us with this year’s theme that “the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.”

Reconciliation requires sustained action and a genuine commitment to understanding. This process begins with educating ourselves about the true history of our nation, particularly the often overlooked and misrepresented aspects related to the experiences of First Nations communities. Recognising the profound and lasting impacts of colonisation is crucial in understanding the current challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We encourage everyone to actively engage in self-education and support initiatives that aim to close the gap in health, education, employment, and justice outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, including challenging systemic racism and advocating for the rights and recognition of First Nations peoples.

Our team has chosen a short list of actions and resources our supporters could utilise this week to listen, learn, and engage and we would love to hear your own suggestions.

📣 Are you one of the next 2024 UN winners? If you're working on an initiative that drives positive change for the or a changemaker making a difference towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, ✍️ apply by 17 June: bit.ly/ApplySDGAwards

The Summit of the Future in September will determine the way forward for people and planet 🌎. We all have a part to play for - join the challenge and go to https://bit.ly/SoF24-challenge and see what you can do to speak up. 📣

Have you heard of Murray-Darling Basin? It's a HUGE river system, and it's as big as France and Germany combined 🤯

Not only is it a wildlife haven 🦘 and a camper's paradise 🏕️, but it also rakes in $15 BILLION from tourism

But it's in trouble 😞 The Aussie Government is stepping in with "The Plan" to bring it back to life. Think water-saving magic and a whole lot of teamwork from four states and a territory 💪

Oh, and did I mention it's home to more than 50 First Nations communities? They're the Traditional Custodians of this land, water, and sky Country. This is about more than just nature, it's about culture and heritage too 🙌

Translated resources about The Plan is available here: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/campaign/murraydarling/translations

Here's an article written by one of MYAN's very own Project Support Officer Ellysa Zainul, who talks about what IDAHOBIT means to her as a Queer-Muslim. 🌈 🌈 https://tinyurl.com/bdfkdj6h

MYAN proudly stands in solidarity with communities around the world to observe International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024.

MYAN rejects hatred, discrimination, and vilification in all its forms. We stand against discriminatory acts and vilification of LGBTQIA+ communities, and express deep concern over the increasing discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse young people locally and internationally.

At MYAN, we recognise the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ youth, including more newly arrived young people settling in this country. Many young LGBTQI+ folks still face violence, discrimination and barriers in areas like housing, health, and education and employment. On this IDAHOBIT Day, we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces that are not only safe but also empowering.

We at MYAN are committed to fostering a culture where everyone can show up as our authentic, full selves, and taking a firm stance against bigotry and we will continue to advocate for policies that embrace inclusivity and equality, ensuring that every young person we work with feels valued and heard.

We all have a part to play in contributing to the dismantling of prejudices, the building of a society that celebrates diversity rather than discriminates against it, and helping to shape a world where everyone can live authentically and safely.

Do check out our recommended resources as well:

- Counting Us In: MYAN’s Report on Settlement Experiences of LGBTQIA+ Refugee and Asylum-Seeker Young Adults - https://tinyurl.com/5bnkbda5

- Fuelling Hate: Abuse, Harassment, Vilification and Violence Against Trans People In Australia - https://tinyurl.com/mrux7ww9

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The Federal Government released the 2024-25 budget this week and at MYAN we have looked at some of the measures that will affect young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Read MYAN's latest media release for a response to the Federal Budget measures impacting young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in the following areas:

1.Migration
2. Refugee Settlement Support
3. Education and Employment
4. Health and wellbeing
5. Cost of living relief

MYAN budget response: https://myan.org.au/enewsletter/media-release-federal-budget-2024/

We’re excited to announce the return of the fully funded Global Youth Summit 2024!

Are you a visionary between the ages 21-29? Do you want to experience an unforgettable week of upskilling, mentoring and networking with global leaders? This is your call to action! Apply now to catch the wave of change and amplify your impact.

👉 Apply Now: https://www.global-changemakers.net/gys2024
🕒 Set a Reminder: https://www.global-changemakers.net/gys24applylater

Here at MYAN we support the right of every single person to live authentically, in boundless self expression. During Le***an Visibility Week, we celebrate and center all le****ns, both cis and trans, while also showing solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people. Today we shine a light on le***an visibility—and honor the right to love and live authentically in every aspect of life.

Countless le****ns have made significant contributions to history. Discover their stories and celebrate their impact here: https://zurl.co/75Qj

***anvisibilityday

How can everyone engage in supporting of children & young people — from the individual to national to global levels?

Join us for a discussion on scaling up solutions to address more efficiently tackling key mental health risks young people face 🙌 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEnsCRqH8JPQ2k2sDX26_h2jbVj9KfqdJVjhXIqAOrXbu95w/viewform

UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO)

Trans rights are human rights, and MYAN stands firmly in our belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected for who they are, and we work towards a world where everyone can live authentically and freely. Everyone is welcome at MYAN and to our trans and gender diverse friends, we see you and we support you.

There is much collective work to be done to work towards a world where we can all live freely, in boundless self-expression, fully embraced, supported and empowered, and we can all play a role in helping the world become a better and safer place for trans and gender diverse young people. Let’s uplift and amplify the voices of trans and gender diverse individuals, learn from their stories, and commit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality and justice—today and every day.

Here are some recommended resources you can start with on this :
- Official Trans Day of Visibility Website: https://www.tdov.org.au/about-tdov
- Minus18's guide on how to be a trans ally: https://www.minus18.org.au/resources/how-to-be-a-trans-ally
- headspace's 'What is gender identity?': https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/gender-identity/
- TransHub's information on allies: https://www.transhub.org.au/allies

Registrations for Virtual Participation - ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 (16th-18th April) This form is ONLY for virtual participation at the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum. Hello! Welcome! We are pleased to see your interest in the ECOSOC Youth Forum! The annual ECOSOC Youth Forum, which was launched in 2012, has become a space where young people can contribute to policy discussions at the Unit...

Calling all young people from migrant or refugee backgrounds including international students 🌍 Join us for our drop-in sessions where your voice shapes our mission. Whether it is navigating a new culture, facing discrimination or the obstacles coming in between your dreams, we're here to listen. Your input will help MYAN shape its advocacy efforts to make it more inclusive and safe environment for all.

The upcoming drop-in sessions are on:
- 3rd April: refugees
- 10th April: migrants
- 17th April: international students

To sign up, you can head over to this link https://ow.ly/rPBW50R2OA1

The United Nations Economic and Social Council Forum is around the corner 🤩

Register now to join the virtual conversation with young people everywhere on scaling up youth engagement & enhancing multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow ahead of the Summit of the Future 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbtipMcbHe2BtO87clDRzYb9WivGqp1rx-r7-u-Z4Ez7fVmg/viewform

Major Group for Children and Youth, International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organisations (ICMYO), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

In 2021, it was reported that one in three youths living in Australia have experienced racist discrimination. These discrimination acts affects youths mentally and physically.

In 2022, MYAN released a report called 'Multicultural Youth Perspectives on Racism and the Draft Anti-Racism Framework' which you can find here: https://ow.ly/yEYQ50QYitC

We have partner organisations like the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) who provides services such as the 'Schools Standing Up To Racism' which offer trainings in addressing racism and discrimination in schools which you can learn more here: https://www.cmy.net.au/schools-standing-up-to-racism/

While there is more work to be done to address and eliminate racial discrimination, MYAN will continue to listen to you and advocate for a better and safe environment.

Today, on Close the Gap Day, we stand in solidarity to acknowledge the importance of bridging the disparities faced by Indigenous communities across this country. We all have a role to play in Closing the Gap and at MYAN, we recognise the critical role youth play in this movement towards equality and justice. We also acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth continue to be affected by the impacts of colonisation.

One key issue we must address is the disproportionate rates of youth incarceration among First Nations youth which significantly impacts the aims of the Closing the Gap campaign. As supporters of the Raise the Age campaign, MYAN is committed to advocating for a more just system that uplifts young people instead of perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. Addressing the root causes of youth incarceration, such as poverty, intergenerational trauma, and lack of opportunities, is crucial.

Find out more about and the actions you can take to in the links here:
Raise the Age: https://raisetheage.org.au/take-action
Close the Gap 2024 Report: https://shorturl.at/cgjsB

MYAN acknowledges that the Muslim community and many Muslim youth observe Ramadan, a sacred month of spiritual development, fasting, worship and reflection. We recognise that this year's Ramadan is particularly challenging due to the suffering that many Muslim communities are currently enduring around the world.

We extend our support to them as we continue to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

Ramadan Kareem.

Celebrating young women leaders this International Women's Day! MYAN proudly stands with the 2024 theme: Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. We believe in the transformative impact of women's economic empowerment - when women thrive, communities flourish! Today, we're shining a spotlight on three incredible young women who recently shared their voices at the CRCP as part of the Youth Settlement Site Visit to talk about their experience of Seat at The Table. This initiative is vital in empowering underrepresented women in governance roles, equipping them with the skills and support to lead.

Meet Farah:

Farah is currently a dedicated Peer Worker at the Hobart Migrant Resource Centre, a role she has passionately embraced since 2023. She served as a youth trainee for Seat at the Table in 2023, contributing to the coordination of a leadership immersion program addressing the under-representation of young women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Her commitment to advocacy stems from her personal experiences as a young refugee, fuelling her understanding of the challenges faced by many in their journey to a new country. Driven by a passion for positive change, Farah advocates for the rights and opportunities of young refugees and migrants”.

Meet Jamila:

Jamila experienced the war for 7 years back in Syria, Jamila arrived to Australia almost 5 years ago, Jamila was able to secure her dream job in Melbourne as a Mechanical Engineer and build her confidence and experience to give back to society. Since then Jamila has been a part of Helping Hands Workshops where she has helped the refugees from Engineering backgrounds to get into the business and support them with their application processes. She has been involved with sharing her stories with many platforms such as SBS, ABC, Herald Sun Newspapers and been Canberra parliament events as well as having experiencing of speaking in front of an audience of 500 + people.

Meet Bellamore:

Bellamore's journey began during the Burundi war, she spent her life in Refugee camps, migrating to Australia much later, Bellamore is a tireless advocate young people who are refugees and struggling with settlement in Australia, at Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services and completed the Seat at the Table leadership and governance program in 2023, after which she was invited to join as a member with the Consumer Credit Legal Service Board. She has been a delegate to the Catalyst Youth Summit, The Women’s Officer of the UWA Student Guild, The Chair of the UWA Student Guild Equity and Diversity Committee and the inaugural national NOWSA women’s conference convenor at UWA.

ATAGI has released its latest advice for the COVID-19 vaccine program in 2024.

COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, and the vaccine is the best way to reduce the risk of severe disease. Age and health risk factors determine how often and when to get a dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Read the latest recommendations here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-covid-19-vaccines-in-2024?language=en

If you have questions, please talk to your GP.

MYAN will remain open for work on January 26th. As January 26th is the day that marks the beginning of British colonial rule on Gadigal land, and the beginning of non-Aboriginal Australia’s violent dispossession and genocide of First Nations Peoples, MYAN recognises that this is not a day to celebrate and will be operating as usual.

At MYAN, we share a vision where all people living in this country appreciate and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as an integral part of our national identity. However, achieving this vision requires non-Aboriginal Australians to honestly acknowledge our country's history and actively work towards reconciling past and ongoing injustices.

As the national peak body for refugee and migrant youth, we also acknowledge and support the young people in our country who are taking proactive steps to change the discourse surrounding Australia Day. We stand in solidarity with those who advocate for truth-telling and, in particular, recognise the enduring impact of colonisation and dispossession on First Nations young people, which continues to spans generations.

By remaining open on January 26th, MYAN aims to foster a professional environment that encourages dialogue, understanding, and reflection on our shared history. We believe that by acknowledging the past, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.