MCSCA Board responds to the recent statement by Senator Price
Australia is globally recognised as one of the most successful multicultural societies. Immigration plays a vital role in our nation‘s prosperity, with recent migrants contributing over $80 billion in income tax alone. 

However, the recent comments made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price regarding the Indian-heritage Australian community have come as an unpleasant surprise to Central Australia‘s multicultural population. These remarks are deeply disappointing, unfair, and appear intended to create division rather than unity. They do not reflect the true spirit of multicultural Australia.

It is particularly regretful to hear such remarks from a political leader who also represents the people of the Northern Territory including Central Australia. Singling out the Indian heritage Australian community or any cultural heritage group for political purposes is unacceptable. Political ideologies are matters of individual choice and right. MCSCA and its associated cultural heritage associations are non political and non partisan. Such labeling for political purposes is unacceptable. 

Mparntwe Alice Springs is proudly multicultural. As per the 2021 Census, 32.9% of the population was born overseas, and 41.6% have at least one parent born overseas. These communities are a driving force behind the town‘s economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

Political leaders have a responsibility to bring Australians together, not divide them.
Let us all continue to build a stronger, united, and inclusive multicultural Australia — a nation that celebrates and respects its diversity.

The MCSCA board is seeking an apology from Senator Price for her disrespectful remarks against multicultural people in Alice Springs and Central Australia who she represents in the Senate. 

We have a new mayor and a mostly new team of councillors to lead the Alice Springs Town Council for the next 4 years. Congratulations to Asta Hill, our new Mayor, and Councillors Cherisse Buzzacott, Sean Heenan, Larissa Ellis, Damien Ryan, Aia Newport, Danial Rochford, Allison Bitar and Darren Burton. 
Thanks also to all the other candidates who invested time and energy in standing for council, who didn't get elected this time. Democracy in action here in the Centre!  
At MCSCA we got requests for help from community, especially those who were voting for the first time. People wanted help on how to vote and who the 25 candidates for councillors and 7 for mayor were and what they stood for.  We set up a welcoming and neutral space with this information, so people could drop in, have a cuppa, a read, and watch videos from the electoral commission to help prepare to vote.

In August, we were honoured to host the first visit to Central Australia by the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Gopal Baglay.  Mr Baglay met with the MCSCA Board and then attended a reception with members of the Indian community, including representatives of our local Indian incorporated community associations.  This was a great opportunity for locals to talk with the High Commissioner about the contributions the Indian community makes to Alice Springs economy and society, and some of the challenges of living far away from the nearest Indian consulate in Perth.  We will be working with the consulate in coming months to work on ways to improve services and address the other issues raised in the meeting.  

Last week was Women's Health Week and MCSCA invited women to 'build their own wrap' for lunch, and to meet and chat with staff from local health and women's services.  We also invited feedback on some resources we are developing in our multicultural health program. Thanks to NTPHN, Jean Hailes Women's Health Week, local business Central Fruit and Veg and the staff from Flynn Drive Community Health Service, Clinic 34, MHACA, WWC, WOSSCA and Headspace. If you were unable to attend and would like to pick up a women's health guide and other information please visit our office between 9am and 4.30pm, weekdays.

MCSCA partnered with Charles Darwin University to hold a free Tax Clinic for the local multicultural community recently. Attendees found it useful and practical.
Following this, we are planning to hold more free clinics in the coming months to help you get prepared for next year's tax return.  We'll advertise here and through social media.  Also, you can contact our team on 8952 8776 and we can call you when the next clinic is booked.
(Above: some of the participants at the clinic).

MCSCA has been hosting Meet and Greet events for many years, welcoming newcomers to Mparntwe Alice Springs with a shared meal, and opportunity to connect, get information and make new friends. Our August Meet and Greet was also an opportunity to meet some community members who were involved in the first stage of Multicultural voices on radio project, hear about their experiences and listen to some of their radio work on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM.  We invite you to get involved in stage two - workshop dates will be announced shortly. Its a fun way to learn new skills and start to broadcast in your first language with others from your community.  

In October, MCSCA is hosting two sets of workshops with Women‘s Safety Services of Central Australia on how to be safe when using technology.  The workshops will include information on what to look out for when using technology, how to keep you safe when using technology and where to go if you need help. To book a place please contact our team on 8952 8776.
10 and 24 October: Safe and respectful relationships - for young women 18+ 
11 and 25 October: Learn about how to be safe when using technology – for parents and young people.

For this month's Meet and Greet MCSCA is partnering with our longest running community incorporated association, established by migrants from the Philippines in the 1980s.  We will welcome newcomers to our community, and you can learn about Mabuhay Association, the contribution that migrants from the Philippines have made to our region, and experience some of the delights of their culture. The event is on Saturday 20 September from 12.30-2.30pm at Higgins Hall.  Please RSVP to our team by 18th September to help us with planning the catering.

Is your community association interested in co-hosting a future Meet and Greet?  Please contact Joy or Leakhena at MCSCA to discuss.