A large number of valid applications for permanent residency have been stopped in their tracks because the Commonwealth Government has prioritised some visa categories above others, migration agents say. Thousands of people are left to wonder when, if ever, their…

The Victorian Government’s has recognised the importance of cultural diversity and social cohesion in its 2015/16 state budget. In its first budget, the Andrews government has allocated $74 million over four years to multicultural affairs – an increase of around…

More than 70 youth students from AMES Footscray, Werribee and St Albans have begun an AFL football orientation and training program as part of the Western Bulldogs CALDplay program. Three AMES teams will take part in the program to run…

Sri Lankan-born Tamil man, Kamalanathan Pakkianathan, also known as Theepan, has been granted permanent residency in Australia and is currently employed at Gunnedah Leather Processors. He has decided to share his story of fear, hunger, frustration and, eventually, triumph on…

A not-for-profit Brisbane restaurant that helps female African refugees hopes volunteers and diversification will help keep the business running. Mu’ooz in West End is struggling to keep its doors open with board members and staff volunteering their time and labour.…

MAALEK Bobakraad does not let the fact he cannot work stop him from making a meaningful contribution to the community. The 33-year-old from Noble Park volunteers at Lifestyle Martial Arts in Dandenong, sharing his extensive knowledge of kung fu, or…

The United Nations has ordered 10,000 innovative new flat-pack shelters designed by IKEA for use in refugee and disaster relief. Designed for optimal shipping volume and weight, price, safety, durability, health, and comfort, the structures represent “a groundbreaking example of…

Victorian multicultural youth now have a much needed platform to voice their opinions and share their unique stories. Shout Out is a new youth speakers’ agency that provides opportunities for young people to be publically heard on issues involving justice, identity…

A new survey has found immigrants to Australia share similar values to people born here, but feel less able to defend their beliefs and freedoms. Read more: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/04/07/study-reveals-migrants-views-australian-democracy

Hsa Hae is the most world-famous, self-made pop star you have never heard of. Unsurprising really, because Hsa  Hae – or Star Boy – lives a very modest existence with his parents and siblings in Werribee, in Melbourne’s west. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/homemade-music-videos-shoot-werribees-star-boy-to-fame-20150328-1m7ct5.html

A new service targeting domestic violence and homelessness across migrant and refugee communities has been launched in one of the most culturally diverse regions in Sydney’s south-west. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-24/linking-hearts-service-targets-domestic-violence-homelessness/6345290?section=nsw

Malcolm Fraser, who died this week, was perhaps Australia’s last truly liberal Liberal Leader. And it could be argued his greatest contribution to the nation came after his seven-plus years as Prime Minister. That he was able to reinvent himself…