Why are we collecting funds?

To pay for rent, phone, insurance, and all the other day-to-day expenses to run a very busy office, we have to rely on donations, membership, and mostly the contribution both in kind and financial from some of the dedicated volunteers, which is making it increasingly difficult to keep up the good work and much needed services which are described as follows: -

• Orientation regarding the Australian community, and workplace systems during the settlement period and beyond, including assistance with the process of overseas skills and qualification or trade recognition, and support with access to vocational training and/or bridging courses.
• Facilitate the process of empowering migrants and their families to gain knowledge about their entitlements and opportunities and how to access them.
• Through collaboration with experts and specialists provide free initial consultation and advice, and apply for continued free assistance to address necessitous circumstances. This may include legal, migration, medical, counselling,
• Motivation and Self?esteem sessions
• Job search techniques, vocational guidance.
• Matters requiring certification by a Commissioner for Declarations
• Consumer issues, and conflict resolution
• Official forms and application, correspondence and communications
• Interpreting and Translating
• Advice, and representation in cases of unfair dismissals and/or discrimination and/or harassment.
• Public and/or affordable housing issues

The Migrant Centre is an independent body, it does not rely on government funding, and it is therefore not restricted by such guidelines and infrastructures. The Migrant Centre has no other political allegiance than to serve the 'battlers' in the community, and assist them to gain the knowledge on how best to achieve their potential and goals, in particular with regard to sustainable employment. We offer procedural assistance by skilled volunteer workers to enable the target groups in the community achieve their gaols, which in turn will benefit the community. Our spirited attitude has built a vigorous responsive service that addresses a real need among the disadvantaged in our community.

The strength of The Migrant Centre is derived from the ever-increasing number of people using its services, and the success achieved through action and the direct delivery of outcomes. Clients and members of our organisation feel comfortable with this down to earth, one of us approach; they appreciate the fact that The Migrant Centre is independent. We have gained our reputation through this strength and the fact that we don't procrastinate.

Consequently The Migrant Centre has within a short space of time developed to the stage where it is recognised by the local community (as identified by the Gold Coast Multicultural Service Network, which includes representatives of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Multicultural Community Council, Multicultural families Organisation, Centrelink, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast College of Business, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE etc), as the peak ethnic community organisation in the field of employment, training, workplace, legal, and housing issues.

Key Areas of Expenditure