Ballarat Welcome Centre is our diversity hub offering a centrally located welcome place for new migrants in our region and multicultural and intercultural services, hospitality, learning and training opportunities.
As Ballarat experiences increasing diversity many people seek to participate in this community place that is inclusive and enables creative enterprises, activity and connection.
The Ballarat Welcome Centre has relocated from the former Sacred Heart Convent to Barkly Square in Bakery Hill. Our new location offers BRMC office space, meetings, markets, senior services, migration and settlement services.
Strategy and Settlement
The BRMC Strategy and Settlement Programs offer individual and group support to newly arrived individuals with migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds in our region. Our services include the Settlement Engagement Transition Support (SETS) program, the Strategic Engagement Coordinator (SEC) project, and various community support programs, including welcoming initiatives. Please find the information below for your reference.
For more information, please contact Heeyoung, Strategy and Settlement Manager: 03 5383 0613 or hy.lim@brmc.org.au
Settlement Engagement Transition Support (SETS) – Free Individual Client Support
BRMC SETS program provides free settlement support to eligible visa holders from refugee and migrant backgrounds who have been in Australia for less than 5 years. We assist them in establishing a new life in regional Victoria.
Our settlement services encompass the following areas:
- Understanding Australian systems and forms
- Housing
- Employment
- Education
- Building stronger communities and fostering meaningful connections to the community
- Groups and casework to support young people
- Bilingual settlement workers and interpreter support and other support if needed
We collaborate with our partners in the Regional Multicultural Consortium to deliver these services across regional Victoria.
For further information, please contact Abrar, Settlement Support Coordinator: a.dham@brmc.org.au or 0491 066 246.
Migrant English Support
Trained volunteer tutors assist BRMC in providing help with the English Language for people who have migrated to Australia. The Migrant English Program (MEP) provides free English learning support to eligible clients in Ballarat, Ararat and Horsham.
We are proud of our committed team of volunteer tutors whose untiring efforts continue to empower individuals find better work and social opportunities.
MEP is currently delivered online via Zoom.
Our team also offers one-on-one mentoring to individuals preparing for their IELTS, OET, PTE and TOEFL assessments.
Eligible migrants can also take English classes at Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre or under the AMEP and SEE programs delivered by Djerriwarrh.
We can provide information about English tutoring and conversation classes available in the Ballarat region.
For more information please contact Sarabjit on 03 5383 0613 or email s.kaur@brmc.org.au
Or contact Djerriwarrh on info@djerriwarrh.org.au
Diversity Homework Club
Need help with your homework and studies?
Why not drop into our Diversity Homework Club every Wednesday at the Ballarat Welcome Centre (25-39 Barkly St) from 4.00pm to 5.30pm during school terms for primary and secondary school students. Assistance is provided by trained tutors with access to laptops and tablets.
We can also provide information on other homework clubs and after school learning support available in the region.
Diversity Homework Club (DHC) is currently delivered online.
Weekly DHC Zoom meetings are held on Wednesdays, from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.
Contact Diversity Homework Club Coordinator, Sarabjit on 03 5383 0613 or s.kaur@brmc.org.au to register as a student, tutor or peer tutor.
Good Governance
Helping community organisations be their best
Good Governance creates stronger, more cohesive and more resilient communities by boosting good governance practices in community organisations.
Are you someone who wants to make a difference in the community?
Would you like to help and empower community organisations be their best?
If the answer is yes, then this is your opportunity to utilise your skills and experience to make a real difference to new, emerging and established community organisations in matters relating to Good Governance.
This initiative is hosted by local peak bodies, councils and community development organisations, and it is free for community groups to take part. BRMC is the host for the Good Governance Program in Ballarat.
Under this program, trained volunteers skilled in governance are matched with small community organisations. These volunteers act as mentors over 12 months, working with the entire governing committee to empower the organisation, making sure the organisation gets the individualised support to overcome challenges and reach the set goals.
Free training will be provided to the mentors. A brochure with detailed information for mentors is available here:
Mentor Information BrochureIf you are interested in taking part in Good Governance as a participating group or mentor or would like more information about the program, please contact Sarabjit on 03 5383 0613 or s.kaur@brmc.org.au
Stepping Stones Program
Stepping Stones to Small Business is a micro-enterprise program for women from CALD backgrounds as well as those over the age of 50. Stepping Stones builds upon the women’s existing strengths by providing education and training about small business in Australia.
Through a suite of culturally-tailored training, workshops, mentoring and holistic support, the program supports women over three years to:
- Increase their business skills and knowledge of business in Australia;
- Increase their financial capabilities;
- Enhance their economic and social participation, as well as networks in the wider community; and
- In the last two years, reach key milestones towards establishing a small business.
The program is auspiced by and part of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s (BSL) work to achieve the full social and economic inclusion of refugees in Victoria. BSL will centrally coordinate the state-wide delivery and evaluation of this program. The Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council is a local delivery partner for this program which will be open to women in Ballarat and the broader North West region of the state.
For more information or to Apply Online visit: www.bsl.org.au/services/refugees-immigration-multiculturalism/stepping-stones
For more information or to apply contact Deborah Sonenberg on 03 5383 0613 or d.sonenberg.org.au
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Services
BRMC welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum. We offer volunteering opportunities, referrals for employment and training, information links to services, as well as fundraising for critical support at the Ballarat Welcome Centre.
Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network (BRASSN) meet monthly at 1pm on the first Monday of each month at the Ballarat Welcome Centre. This group plans support, social engagement, financial support and mentoring through community partners.
Eligible migrants are also assisted through our Settlement Services Program.
Member Support
Auspiced Activities and Support
If your group or association is not yet registered we can help you with your funding applications. We can assist you or apply for funding on behalf of your association
For more information please contact BRMC on 03 5383 0613 or email admin@brmc.org.au.
Multicultural Capacity Building
EVOLVE
Together with our partners:
- Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
- City of Ballarat
- Ballarat Community Health
- Wimmera Development Association (WDA)
BRMC is working to build diversity and cultural competency across our region. Activities and events sponsored through this project will include:
- Ballarat Welcome Centre
- Cultural Competency Training and Development
- Community Volunteering
- Asylum Seeker Support and Empowerment
- Rock the Block Youth Event
- Migration Advice and Referral
- Social Enterprise Incubation
- Schools and Sport Inclusion Programs
- Interkultura Sports Tournament
- Artists-In-Residence
If you have any enquiries about EVOLVE please email ceo@brmc.org.au
Strategic Engagement Coordination
Through a structured network supported by the Victorian Government, the SEC program works on strategic multicultural initiatives.
They have included:
- Rural and Regional Migration Forum
- Regional Needs Analysis and Outcomes Strategy
If you have any enquiries about SEC please email sec@brmc.org.au
COVID-19
BRMC is committed to supporting the community and will take a responsible and informed approach to minimise the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have gathered a range of translated resources and information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council respectfully acknowledges the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people, their elders and community leaders, past, present and emerging
– traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work.
BRMC actively promotes intercultural and interfaith harmony. We help build inclusive and diverse communities and economies.
We work with members and partners to strengthen diversity and social cohesion in regional Victoria.
Social Support
BRMC takes a client-centred approach and offers flexibility within our programs. We welcome all enquiries and our assessment process is designed to discover how we can assist you on an individual basis.
Find out if you are eligible for BRMC Social Support by contacting Teresa on 03 5383 0613 or teresa@brmc.org.au.
Multicultural Tucker
Held monthly, Multicultural Tucker provides an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to socialise. Enjoy a nutritious three-course lunch, featuring the cuisines of those in our CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community and using traditional recipes.
Cost per person is $10.
Booking is essential. We may be able to assist with transport.
Health and Wellbeing Seasonal Lunch
Held monthly this program provides clients with an opportunity to stay informed with presentations on various health topics and other community services.
We provide a two-course lunch using seasonal produce, physical exercise sessions, fun activities and prizes.
Cost per person is $10.
Booking is essential.
Social Hub
Join us for a day long program including morning tea, delicious lunch, art & craft activities, games, book swap, and conversation.
$10 per person.
We may be able to assist with transport.
Tai Chi Classes
There are many amazing health benefits of Tai Chi for seniors including: stress relief, improved balance and stability, help with arthritis pain, reduced blood pressure, enhanced mental capacity and concentration and improved conditions of Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
Cost per person is $5.
Classes are held weekly.
Bus Trips
Several social Bus Trips are scheduled per year to various places of interest. Each trip includes morning tea and lunch.
$40 per person.
Home Visiting
Home Visiting is designed to offer social interaction to seniors who are socially or geographically isolated, frail or disabled.
We match a trained volunteer with a client based on culture, interests and personality once a week for one hour. The service is free.
Carer Respite
Do you provide help to a loved one, neighbour or friend?
We provide flexible programs designed to help you by providing an opportunity for social interaction, meals and excursions. Carers and family members can take part in the activities or you can leave the person in need of care at our program.
Cost per person is $10.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Cultural Programs
We provide social programs for all ages that give you an opportunity to celebrate your culture in your way, in a safe and welcoming environment.
During COVID Restrictions
BRMC Social Support provide clients with Home Delivered Meals and Activity Packs along with regular Welfare Checks by phone ensuring you continue to receive safe, socially distanced support.
If you know someone who might benefit from these services or you would like more information please contact Teresa on 03 5383 0163 or teresa@brmc.org.au.