Due to COVID Central Coast ARAFMI have postponed ‘Roots and Renewal’ family community event which aimed to connect community in collaboration with First Nations Australians, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities.
However, Central Coast ARAFMI continues to encourage a respectful and reflective national public holiday on the January 26.
Social Justice Inclusion and Mental Health Advocate for Multi-Cultural Communities, and Central Coast ARAFMI Board member Joy Sinclair has reflected on what it is to be an Australian in the leadup to the national day.
“Becoming an Australian citizen made me feel that I finally belonged,” Sinclair said.
“I am so proud to be both an African woman and Australian.
“It gives me the courage and confidence to speak up about diversity and inclusion, as well as multicultural mental health.
“My healing journey and my story is why I am so passionate about being a voice to help us all be more unified”.
According to ARAFMI the voices of people being heard is an important part of the healing process for individual, families, carers and as a country.
Kylie Cassidy from The Glen Centre Central Coast Drug Alcohol Rehabilitation said: “It would be a step forward together, for Australia to acknowledge the pain that comes with celebrating January 26.
“Because for us, it represents the genocide of our people.
“Solid steps forward will help the healing process of intergenerational trauma.
“Change and acknowledgement needs to happen at a Government level,” Cassidy said.
“We need to be represented, brought to the table and our voices heard.
“Because so often we are not included in the decision-making that affects our people.”
Learn more about the wide variety of support programs at Central Coast ARAFMI (Narara, Bateau Bay and Woy Woy) at www.ccarafmi.org.au.
Kylie Cassidy leads the COO of The Glen for Women group.
Learn more at www.theglencentre.org.au.
Since 1976 Central Coast ARAFMI has promoted mental health and well-being for whole families.
Its peer-led, flexible model of care includes support groups, carers counselling, education, social, recreational, student placements and respite opportunities for the Central Coast community.
ARAFMI recognises the contribution that carers make to their families and the broader community and the lived experience of people who are impacted by mental health, and acknowledge this as an expertise.
Source:
Media release, Jan 20
Central Coast ARAFMI