MacKillop has operated the Broadmeadows Family Relationship Centre for the past 15 years in partnership with the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. In that time, we have continued to support parents, children and young people going through the difficult stages of family disputes and breakdown.
It is through the support of community, and the power of partnerships, that tough work can be done. Starting again absolutely takes courage – it is tough for the parents, the children and the community around the family, and requires delicate, thoughtful and skillful support that is always delivered best through collaboration.
Recently, MacKillop hosted our Family Relationship Centre Annual Community Dinner. With 110 attendees, representatives from different communities, religious and mainstream organisations came together to enjoy an informative panel discussion as well as entertaining performances.
For many, the featured entertainment from Indigenous Outreach Project and ABCD Bollywood dance group was considered the highlight of the evening.
Another highlight was the informative panel discussion around the theme, ‘Separation: What’s next?’
Addressing key issues affecting family separation, the panel consisted of Family Relationship Centre team members as well as a Youth Coach from Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre.
The panel highlighted cases where issues causing conflicts in families prevented them from forming a functional family structure, and ways this could be addressed.
They also discussed the various cultural and religious backgrounds of Family Relationship Centre clients and the challenges these families were facing. For many in these communities, the feeling of further isolation was a real threat, as personal networks were often overseas. This often led to additional challenges regarding culture and language.
Panelist, event organiser, and Cultural Advisor at the Family Relationship Centre Virendra Khatana saw the event as a complete success.
“We received a lot of positive feedback on the panel discussion and performers. Even after the event people emailed saying they attended the best event of the year so far. It was a great networking event, the panel discussion was very informative, and the performances were full of energy. People went away with a lot of information on the work we do at the Family Relationship Centre.”
