People
Konker Malual – Amplifying the voices of young migrant creatives
Konker Malual sits under fairy lights and looks out to the tightly packed crowd as the smell of Ethiopian food and incense wafts in the air. The beats of DJ Aucun Alias infuse the atmosphere.
Konker is the founder of The Rest of Us (TROU), a non-profit organisation helping disadvantaged youth to discover their voice and share their unique stories.
Education
A new generation of aged care workers ready to take on the world
There was a buzz in the air at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing recently when 39 students received certificates enabling them to work in an Aged Care setting. The participants all hailed from countries including Tibet, Ethiopia, Thailand and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Community
A haven for learning and connection:YCC’s short courses and workshops
Yarraville Community Centre offers over fifty short courses and workshops each term. Each class offers individuals a different opportunity to explore and learn valuable skills with like-minded people in a welcoming and inclusive environment. With so many different options each term, the possibilities for upskilling or venturing into a new hobby are always available.
First Nations
NAIDOC events in the west – July 7 to 14, 2024
It’s NAIDOC Week, and local councils in the west have a range of events and programs planned to celebrate and amplify the history, culture and storytelling of First Nations people and communities!
Politics
Anniversaries, centenaries, train stations and mulch-gate
Council updates for Melbourne's west: Anniversaries, centenaries, train stations and mulch-gate chambers to be voted on.
People
Does living in the western suburbs increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
For many years Westies have been concerned about the adverse health effects of living in a heavily air polluted area.
Increased exposure to toxic ultrafine particles chugging out of the diesel trucks that frequent the western suburbs leads to strokes, bladder cancer, type two diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease, and more.
Now, there are increasing studies connecting air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease.
Community
Who and what makes Sunshine ‘shine’?
I have come to the conclusion that what makes Sunshine shine is its residents, many of whom are working class migrants with roots from all continents of the world. Of course I will not gloss over the fact that some people associate Sunshine with characters who have a shady past. These folks simply have not quite found the light within them try as they might. Some Sunshiners are clouded by thick, dark clouds. They are who they are. Their sunlight just cannot be seen or we have to look a little harder for it in them.
Community
The importance of friends: An invitation for migrant women to connect
Being a new migrant, I faced the usual struggles of leaving behind family, friends, and a way of life. Instead of being super qualified in India, I had to start over and it was very hard to settle here.
Things in Australia were a bit different back then. Women from overseas struggled to find work, friends and good company. With study and perseverance, I managed to get into my line of work but there was a part which I was missing: the part called friends.
