Background Running from late 2025 to June 2026 across 23 sessions, the Industrial Sewing Program supported 19 newly arrived migrant women to build the skills and confidence needed for employment as machinists. All participants had completed all three levels of SECL’s sewing program prior to joining, and went on to develop hands-on industrial machine skills,…
13
Nov
Nov
The Community Connectors program, delivered by South East Community Links in partnership with Metro Trains Melbourne, has been awarded a Gold Award in the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA) at a ceremony today at Parliament House in Canberra. Amid growing community concern about crime and safety, Community Connectors place trained outreach workers…
28
Jul
Jul
Overview Since 2019, South East Community Links (SECL) has delivered the Community Capacity Building (CCB) program, empowering culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Melbourne’s southeast. Focused on fostering grassroots leadership, the program selects aspiring leaders from emerging community groups including Afghan, African, Arabic-speaking, Indian, Iranian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan backgrounds, to develop their governance,…
17
Jul
Jul
Background Asadullah*, a 19-year-old, arrived in Australia in mid-2024 from Afghanistan under a humanitarian visa, accompanied by his mother and older siblings. Sponsored by his eldest brother, the family settled in a private rental home, seeking safety, stability, and a better life. Like many newly arrived young people, Asadullah dreamed of learning English, finding work,…
15
Jul
Jul
Background Fatima* arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2021, fleeing conflict and displacement amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With no formal education and limited English proficiency, she faced overwhelming challenges navigating Australian systems. Like many newly resettled refugees, Fatima relied heavily on others to interpret official documents and apply for government support. However, this dependence left…
13
May
May
South East Community Links (SECL) is proud to announce our role in the national Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project, funded by La Trobe University. This strategic step not only expands SECL’s work into the realm of sexual health and primary prevention, but also reinforces our commitment to holistic wellbeing and safer communities across…
07
May
May
Background The Father and Sons Program was launched to strengthen emotional bonds between men and young men in Burmese and Rohingya families. Inspired by earlier programs with mothers and daughters, this initiative responded directly to community requests for fathers and sons to also have a space for connection, reflection, and celebration of their relationships. To…
07
May
May
Background In 2024, South East Community Links (SECL) continued its Nurturing Healthy Masculinity program with a new group of Year 8 and Year 9 boys at Lyndale Secondary College. Building on the success of earlier sessions with senior students, this program aimed to engage a younger cohort to explore how early interventions could help shape…
07
May
May
Background In November 2024, South East Community Links (SECL) partnered with the Noble Park English Language School (NPELS) to launch the “Inspire Her” program. This is a five-week lunchtime program designed for newly arrived adolescent girls aged 15 to 16. The initiative aimed to build resilient identities, promote healthy relationships, and prevent violence against women…
07
May
May
Background The Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness workshops were delivered to 27 women from the Burmese and Rohingya communities. Building on trust established through a previous Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) program, the sessions aimed to address broader women’s health and wellbeing issues, with elder abuse emerging as a key concern. In partnership with the…