Advance Diversity Services (ADS) was proud to offer a special community screening of Crossing as part of Queer Screen’s 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival on February 19 at Event Cinemas Hurstville. This subsidised screening was an incredible opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the power of queer storytelling on the big screen. Directed by acclaimed Swedish-Georgian filmmaker, Levan Akin, Crossing is a deeply moving drama that has won multiple awards over the past twelve months, including the Berlinale Teddy Jury Award in 2024. Primarily filmed in Istanbul, Turkey, with scenes also taking place in Batumi, Georgia, Crossing follows retired Georgian history teacher, Lia (Mzia Arabuli), as she embarks on a journey to Istanbul in search of her runaway trans niece, Tekla (Tako Kurdovanidze). With the help of her teenage neighbour, Achi (Lucas Kankava) and trans lawyer, Evrim (Deniz Dumanli), Lia navigates a world she never expected to be part of, finding hope and connection within Istanbul’s vibrant queer community. Akin’s fourth feature film is an ode to humanity filled with emotional immediacy that touched many hearts in our audience.
Vicki Megaloudis, Ruth Fyfe (ADS board chair), Antoinette Chow (CEO) and Dimi Vourliotis (Senior Manager, Aged & Disability Services) celebrate the success of the Crossing screening and its impact on the community.
ADS Chief Executive Officer, Antoinette Chow, said that the film’s themes of identity, resilience and belonging make it an important story for audiences everywhere.
‘Crossing is a film that highlights the strength and beauty of the queer community while shedding light on the challenges many trans individuals face. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, acceptance and the importance of building an inclusive and welcoming community’ Ms Chow said.
The discounted tickets for the Hurstville screening made it possible for more people to access this compelling story. The event was well attended by community members eager to experience the film and engage in meaningful conversations about its themes.
ADS staff and friends supporting diverse storytelling and representation for CALD and LGBTIQA+ communities.
ADS remains committed to promoting diverse storytelling by partnering with Queer Screen to ensure culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities have opportunities to see their stories and identities reflected on screen. Ms Chow said events like this screening foster dialogue, understanding and representation for the LGBTIQA+ community in Sydney’s south.
‘Film is a powerful medium for change. Seeing authentic and diverse queer narratives on screen is not only reflective of lived experiences, but also fosters empathy and understanding. We’re thrilled by the positive response to Crossing and look forward to bringing more films like this to our community in the future.’
ADS would like to thank Queer Screen, our community partners and everyone who attended the screening for making this event such a success.
Excited audience members experienced the powerful story of Crossing together.
If you or someone you know is looking for support, ADS provides a Multicultural LGBTIQA+ Support Directory, featuring groups and services available across Sydney, NSW. You can access this resource via the ‘Resources’ button on our website.
For more information on future screenings and ADS’s work in supporting the LGBTIQA+ CALD community, visit our website or follow us on social media.
International Day of Mother Language is an important event in the Advance Diversity Services calendar. There are around 8,324 languages spoken worldwide, with many at risk of disappearing due to globalisation and societal change. With currently over 3,000 endangered languages, including many Australian Indigenous languages, International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating linguistic diversity and preserving our native languages, which embody a sense of identity, cultural heritage and history. This year was the 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of efforts to preserve and promote mother tongues.
Our talented dancer Farihah performs a traditional dance at the ADS International Mother Language Day event held on February 26, 2025
ADS Celebrates Multilingualism
Each year, Advance Diversity Services (ADS) proudly observes International Mother Language Day, spearheaded by our Bangladeshi support group. Wearing black and white is a key tradition that honours the sacrifices made for linguistic freedom, when on the 21st of February 1952 in Dhaka, Bangladesh (then part of East Pakistan) four students lost their lives defending the right to use Bengali as their official language instead of Urdu.
Our events have brought together many people from diverse backgrounds, including Bangladeshi, Ukrainian, Thai, Nepalese, Indonesian, Chinese and Lebanese communities. Through shared stories, cultural traditions, food and performances, we celebrate the richness of our linguistic heritage in a meaningful way.
This year, we were privileged to have Sahely Ferdous as our guest speaker. Sahely, a sessional teacher and PhD candidate at Macquarie University, spoke passionately about the significance of language preservation and the history behind International Mother Language Day. You can read her speech here:
Distinguished guests and dear friends,
I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as a guest speaker to commemorate International Mother Language Day. This observance has its roots in the profound sacrifices made in Bangladesh, where on February 21, 1952, students and political activists gave their lives protesting for the recognition of Bangla as an official language. Their courage in the face of oppression led to UNESCO’s declaration of February 21st as International Mother Language Day in 1999, transforming a national struggle into a global commitment to linguistic diversity. This day gained further global significance when the United Nations General Assembly, through its Resolution of 2002, formally recognized and adopted it, underscoring the crucial role languages play in promoting inclusion and achieving sustainable development goals. This day reminds us that our mother languages are not merely tools of communication, but vessels of our cultural heritage and the guardians of our unique identities.
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day initiated by Bangladesh is now developing the 2025 theme as ‘Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day’.
In a world facing unprecedented cultural homogenization, the preservation of mother languages has become a critical global issue. Today, of the approximately 8,324 languages spoken worldwide, many are endangered because of globalization and social changes. When a language disappears, we lose not only words, but entire knowledge systems, worldviews, and cultural expressions developed over centuries. As we gather here, let us commit to protecting this linguistic diversity through education, documentation, and technology. By celebrating our mother tongues, we honour those who fought for linguistic rights, strengthen our communities, and ensure that the rich tapestry of human expression continues to flourish across generations, creating a more inclusive and culturally vibrant world for all.
Thank you!!
The monument, Shaheed Minar, commemorates those who lost their lives during the 1952 Bengali Language Movement demonstrations.
Volunteering and completing her student placement with Advance Diversity Services (ADS) has been a transformative experience for Tahlia New. Tahlia is proud of the role she has played in supporting individuals to face complex challenges and hopes to apply the skills she has gained at ADS in her future practice.
What drew you to volunteer and/or to do your student placement with ADS?
What drew me to volunteer and pursue a student placement with ADS was the opportunity to build on my growing interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds. Since my last student placement, I have developed a deeper understanding of how cultural factors shape individuals’ experiences, particularly in relation to domestic and family violence. ADS offers a unique environment where I can expand my knowledge and skills in this space, while working with people from various cultural, social and economic backgrounds. I saw this placement as a chance to enhance my cultural responsiveness, deepen my understanding of the complex challenges people face in the Domestic Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) context and learn how to provide more effective support to people from diverse communities.
What are you studying and where?
I am a fourth year Bachelor of Social Work student studying at The University of Wollongong. This 500 hour placement is also the end of my degree. After this I will graduate as a qualified social worker.
Tahlia is about to complete her Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Wollongong.
How has your personal history and/or your cultural background informed your work with ADS?
As a fourth-year social work student, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills throughout my studies. My previous experience in youth work has been particularly valuable, providing me with a strong set of portable skills that have proven to be an asset during this placement. These skills have enabled me to work collaboratively within a team, identify individual strengths and find practical solutions to challenges that arose in my time at ADS.
What ADS programs have you assisted with and how have you been encouraged to apply your studies and/or expand your skills in your role?
During my time at ADS, I have been deeply involved in DFSV case management, where I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds in accessing vital services and resources. This experience has been pivotal in translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, particularly in integrating trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices into direct service delivery. It has also emphasised the critical importance of working collaboratively with individuals, empowering them to navigate their journeys toward healing and resilience in a way that honours their unique cultural identities and lived experiences. I have also been involved in a community development project which has focused on training community and religious leaders on how to facilitate discussions surrounding DFSV in a culturally responsive manner.
At the end of November 2024, Tahlia participated in a community development project, focused on Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Awareness Training.
What has been the most challenging work you have done with ADS during your time as a student?
The most challenging aspect of my student placement has been navigating the complex service and resource systems in Australia, especially when working with individuals who speak English as a second or third language. These systems are often designed in a way that makes them difficult to access, which can create additional barriers for both clients and service providers. I have learned that in these situations, it’s crucial to be strategic and prioritise your efforts. Understanding that you can’t fix everything at once, you need to choose your battles carefully and focus on what will best serve the individual you’re working with. This often involves advocating for simpler pathways to support, while also being patient and persistent in ensuring people get the assistance they need. It’s a delicate balance between respecting the system’s constraints and striving for the best possible outcomes for those you support.
What strengths have you brought to your role?
The strengths I brought to my role at ADS include a collaborative approach, which has been key in working with others. This approach values shared ideas and emphasises the strengths of each individual. This has been effective in achieving positive outcomes with ADS. My willingness to learn has allowed me to understand and respond to others’ needs with empathy and support. This commitment to growth has helped me continually improve, contribute effectively to the team and thoughtfully navigate challenges.
What has been your proudest moment, greatest achievement, deepest connection in your time at ADS?
Throughout my time at ADS, I have had the privilege of working alongside a diverse range of individuals who come into the organisation seeking support. It has been a rewarding experience to witness their transformative journey towards empowerment, as they gain the skills, confidence and resources needed to take control of their lives and create positive change. Seeing their progress and growth has been incredibly inspiring and I feel honoured to have played a role in their path to greater independence and success.
Tahlia with the facilitators and attendees of the final English Conversation Class for 2024.
‘Be You With Us’ is ADS’ tagline, and it reflects the organisation’s commitment to welcoming and accepting everyone of all ages, gender, culture, sexuality, and religious beliefs. How have you been encouraged to ‘Be You With Us’ during your time with ADS?
During my time with ADS, I have been encouraged to ‘Be You With Us’ by experiencing a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. The organisation fosters a culture of respect and acceptance, making everyone feel comfortable expressing their true selves, regardless of background or identity.
What more should the Australian Government be doing to welcome migrants and refugees and to ensure they find the support they need to adjust quickly and well to life in Australia?
The Australian Government should enhance support for migrants and refugees by improving access to essential services. For newly arrived individuals, navigating these services can be challenging. The government should offer greater assistance with accessing support, such as help with form filling, securing employment opportunities and finding affordable housing. Additionally, investing in community capacity-building projects would expand avenues for social and cultural engagement, helping migrants and refugees feel more welcomed and connected to their new communities.
Tahlia creating a pedal powered smoothie as part of this year’s Migrant Information Day celebrations.
What is your ultimate goal and how has the work you’ve done with ADS equipped you for what you would like to do next?
As I near the completion of my social work degree, I aim to apply the skills I’ve gained at ADS in my future practice. I’ve found it empowering to work alongside victim-survivors of DFSV and I’m eager to continue working in this field while also applying my experience with youth.
Please finish this sentence: I love ADS because…
… they have provided an encouraging environment for me to develop my skills as an emerging social worker.
For over 25 years, Migrant Information Day (MID) has been bringing together local communities and service providers in the St George area to celebrate cultural diversity. It aims to support newly arrived migrants and refugees as they settle into their new lives.
This year’s event, held at Rockdale Town Hall on October 2, welcomed over 350 attendees, who enjoyed the opportunity to connect with 37 service providers across various sectors, including housing, health, education, employment and government services. The goal was simple: to provide a one-stop shop where new arrivals could access information and support to help assist them as they navigate their new lives in Australia. Bilingual staff were available throughout the day, providing translation assistance and ensuring that language barriers didn’t stand in the way of access to critical support.
The Hon. Mark Robert Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, highlighted the importance of Migrant Information Day. He noted that the event played an important role in connecting local service providers in the St George area, stating, ‘These organisations are doing such important work supporting migrants’.
Attendees received a Migrant Information Day bag containing information about local support services.
The 2024 organisation committee for MID consisted of representatives from Advance Diversity Services (ADS), Bayside Council, Headspace, The Benevolent Society and NSW Health. The collaboration between these stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to supporting the diverse needs of the Bayside and Georges River communities. A growing number of residents in these LGAs were born overseas and nearly half the local population speak a language other than English at home. MID plays an increasingly significant role, helping people integrate into their new community. The event is especially important for fostering inclusion and celebrating cultural diversity. A representative from Sydney Multicultural Community Services, a local organisation and stall holder at the event, stated, ‘We greatly appreciate the committee for organising MID for the community. Thank you all for your hard work.’
The day was not only about education and making connections.Cultural performances by the South Sydney Chinese Senior Troupe and the Kalymnian Dance Troupe which showcased the rich cultural heritage of the community, whilst Henna art and the Bike n’ Blend juice stall added a vibrant and interactive element to the event.
Dietician and nutritionist, Mikayla Stenfanos, led a healthy food demonstration in line with 2024 Multicultural Health Week’s focus on celebrating culture through food. The OzHarvest food truck also provided a delicious feast for all attendees.
The Kalymnian Dance Troupe exhibiting their amazing skills during their performance at Migrant Information Day.
The day’s success was also marked by strong community and government support. It commenced with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country by Aunty Barbara Simms, a poignant moment that bridged Australia’s rich history with its bright, multicultural future. Contributions and support from sponsors, such as South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), The Benevolent Society, Return and Earn and Georges River and Bayside Councils, played a key role in the success of the event whilst special guests, including the Hon. Mark Buttigieg and Matt Thistlethwaite MP, joined the celebrations. Their presence underscored the commitment of local leaders to supporting diverse communities, with Matt Thistlewaite, Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration, highlighting the importance of ensuring new arrivals have access to all services within the community and stressing that MID was a ‘chance to welcome our newest locals to our community’.
Through initiatives like Migrant Information Day, ADS continues to foster an inclusive community where people feel empowered and can thrive. With positive feedback received from attendees and participants, ADS is already looking ahead to next year, continuing its mission of supporting and connecting new arrivals to the community and the resources they need.
Stunning henna tattoos were provided by Farihah, a Bangladeshi community member of ADS.
Thanks to the St George & Sutherland Shire Leader for their article promoting the importance of Migrant Information Day 2024.
Advance Diversity Services (ADS) is committed to supporting multicultural communities through the provision of essential settlement services and responding to our communities needs and interests. This commitment is evident through events like our recent rock fishing and water safety sessions.
Participants were equipped with vital skills to empower them to stay safe while enjoying Australia’s beautiful coastal waters.
Last year, many of the people who drowned while rock fishing were not born in Australia. This includes the tragedy at Kurnell in May 2024, where two international students from Nepal sadly lost their lives. In order to address the identified need for education about Australia’s coastal waters, ADS stepped in to provide targeted water safety training for communities from Nepal, China, India and Ukraine.
In collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia, Sutherland Shire Council and the Department of Primary Industries, ADS facilitated a practical, hands-on session aimed at equipping local communities, including new arrivals, with the skills and knowledge they need to safely enjoy water-based activities like rock fishing and swimming.
Life jackets are an important way to stay safe around water.
Aiming to prevent further accidents and save lives, the session featured practical, hands-on demonstrations. Participants learned vital skills such as CPR and water safety tips like identifying rips, reading currents and understanding safety signage. They were educated about safe rock fishing practices and the importance of wearing life jackets, especially in designated rock fishing areas. One particularly powerful demonstration saw a facilitator showcase the life-saving effectiveness of life jackets by falling into the water.
The session helped participants understand local safety signage.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the lifeguards from Sutherland Shire Council, Surf Life Saving Australia and the Department of Primary Industries, as well as the many volunteers who made this session possible. Their commitment and expertise ensured that all participants left the session with knowledge and skills to keep them and their loved ones safe as they explore and enjoy coastal areas, whether for fishing or leisure activities.
Practical and hands-on learning opportunities reinforced important water safety messages.
Shyama Sri, ADS Community Capacity Building Coordinator, stated “Our ongoing partnerships with local organisations play a vital role as we work to educate new arrivals about safety practices tailored to their local community. Water safety forms an important part of the suite of settlement services that ADS provides to all our clients. We are excited to roll out more of these sessions in the future to ensure that these important water safety lessons reach as many people as possible.”
Thanks also toABC News for interviewing ADS community workers, Rishi Acharya, Ronnie Wang and Inna Gimelberg, then featuring ADS’s Rock Fishing and Water Safety Sessions in a recent article to further promote safe fishing practices to our culturally linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Let’s work together to help prevent future tragedies and ensure everyone can enjoy Australia’s natural beauty safely.
Su-ah (Joy) Jeung completed her student placement with ADS from August to November 2024. Her time with ADS enriched her understanding of community-based social work, building her confidence, skills and commitment to supporting culturally diverse communities.
What drew you to volunteer and/or to do your student placement with ADS?
When asked about my placement preferences at University, I was drawn to the idea of community capacity building and working with vulnerable people. My interest in these areas made my assignment to ADS a pleasant surprise.
What are you studying and where?
I am a third year Bachelor of Social Work student at The University of Sydney.
How has your personal history and/or your cultural background informed your work with ADS?
I resonate with the services and programs provided by ADS due to my personal migration experience. I migrated with my parents to Australia in 2008, and grew up in this country. My personal migration experience has made ADS’ work even more significant and meaningful for me.
As a migrant herself, Joy has a strong personal connection to the mission and work of ADS.
What ADS programs have you assisted with and how have you been encouraged to apply your studies and/or expand your skills in your role?
Through ADS, I have been able to observe theories and approaches learned in university be put into practice. ADS has proved themselves as a person-centred organisation, making clients a priority and acknowledging them as the experts of their own lives. In this way, I was able to learn how people in vulnerable situations can be empowered. ADS’ practice of informing communities through educational sessions and the fostering of a sense of belonging amongst new migrants and refugees is a practice that will continue to inform my own social work practice in the future.
Joy (back right) lending her support to Migrant Information Day on October 2, 2024.
What has been the most challenging work you have done with ADS during your time as a volunteer / student?
A personal challenge I faced during my time at ADS was my fear of the unfamiliar and new. This initially was a barrier to my best learning at ADS, however, as ADS continued to throw me into the deep end, I learned to overcome my fears of client interaction and interagency interactions. Instead, I have found myself developed to become more self-assured and confident in unfamiliar atmospheres. I have also gained greater confidence in the knowledge of navigating systems and connecting with new clients and groups.
What strengths have you brought to your role / placement?
A strength I brought to the organisation was an open mind and willingness to learn. As a student at placement, my main role (aside from assisting the caseworkers) was to learn. ADS has given me plenty of opportunities for learning by inviting me to various training sessions that inform the way I approach new migrants and refugees. As a result, I was able to bring greater trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to clients.
What has been your proudest moment, greatest achievement, deepest connection in your time at ADS?
My role in preparation for the Migrant Information Day (MID) has been a great accomplishment of mine. Organising MID has put me through various challenges and tasks I had not done before. I was placed in charge of creating the floorplan for the stalls, as well as being a key communicator between ADS and other organisations. I was involved in the onsite meetings where I needed to network with other service providers and also direct service providers regarding their stalls and positions for the day. Watching the MID fall into place and run smoothly made me feel proud of the team works, the many meetings and preparation processes which all came together to empower and welcome new migrants and refugees to our community. I felt grateful to have been a part of such a significant day!
‘Be You With Us’ is ADS’ tagline, and it reflects the organisation’s commitment to welcoming and accepting everyone of all ages, gender, culture, sexuality, and religious beliefs. How have you been encouraged to “Be You With Us” during your time with ADS?
The ‘Be You With Us’ tagline has been reflected during my placement through the amount of welcoming I had received from not only the ADS workers, but also by the community members. As a student, I have been involved in many culturally specific community activities. Despite myself being unfamiliar with the cultures and languages of the community groups I have joined, I never felt displaced due to the welcoming environment and kindness demonstrated by the attendees and staff.
A farewell morning tea for Joy with the ADS settlement team.
What more should the Australian Government be doing to welcome migrants and refugees and to ensure they find the support they need to adjust quickly and well to life in Australia?
I believe that funding organisations should hold more events like Migrant Information Day, which would be helpful in various ways. New migrants and refugees not only received relevant information on services available in the local area, but the event was also a chance for some communities to showcase their cultural practices through dances and music. I observed CALD communities finding a sense of belonging through the sharing of culture and experiences with other attendees. Events like MID are an opportunity for attendees and service providers to network with one another, enhancing the quality of service for CALD communities.
What is your ultimate goal and how has the work you’ve done with ADS equipped you for what you would like to do next?
My ultimate goal during placement was to gain a sense of direction for my future social work endeavours. During placement, I discovered an unexpected liking and passion towards community-based social work. ADS hasn’t limited me to the settlement programs focused on one-on-one client work, but has opened doors for me to explore other areas of social work. Now, I have an idea of what kind of social work field I would like to become involved with in the future, which is community capacity building.
Please finish this sentence: I love ADS because …
…it has impacted my personal and professional development greatly. I learned various skills such as professional writing, database management and facilitating community capacity building programs. On top of this, ADS has allowed me to feel comfortable and confident in the field of social work.
