Category Archives: News

Safia gets the support she needs

Mother and daughter

At 26 years old, Safia arrived in Australia from Afghanistan with her husband and daughter on a Humanitarian Visa. Safia’s husband has a severe physical and mental disability. When she first arrived, Safia spoke little English and had limited digital literacy skills. She presented to SECL’s settlement services during lock-down to seek support regarding employment….

How to avoid a debt hangover this Christmas

Young girl in front of Christmas tree

By Kay Dilger, Head of Financial Wellbeing ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year…’ according to the famous Christmas carol. However, as financial counsellors know it’s also the ‘most expensive time of the year’! Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of families in Australia will be struggling to put Christmas…

SECL welcomes interpreter recommendation for banks

Australia’s largest provider of financial counselling services to multicultural communities, South East Community Links, has welcomed the release of the Final Report of the Independent Review of the Banking Code of Practice 2021 which includes a recommendation to provide free interpreters to assist customers from non-English speaking backgrounds. South East Community Link’s (SECL) submission to…

Meet the Team – Emily

Name: Emily Dudovic Position: L2P Coordinator What does ‘Every Person Counts, Every System Fair’ mean to you? This means that anyone who walks through the doors of South East Community Links is treated like an equal and made to feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible! There will be no discrimination against anyone and we…

Meet the Team – Freya

Name: Freya McFadzean-Lodge Position: Student on placement What does ‘Every Person Counts, Every System Fair’ mean to you? That SECL recognises the intrinsic dignity in all people, and strives to ensure that all people receive the services and support that they are entitled to, and deserving of. What are three words you would use to…

Statement on the passing of Merle Mitchell AM

We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our cherished patron, Merle Mitchell AM. As a lifelong advocate for equality, community and diversity, Merle was well-known by many people in our local community and far beyond for her grace, courage and tireless advocacy. She was a voice for thousands of people whose voices were unheard….

Economic Inclusion Mentorship Program

  Do you have an interest to assist migrant women from culturally diverse backgrounds to achieve their individual employment and education goals? Are you a professional or recently retired? South East Community Links is looking for Volunteer Mentors to assist Mentees with Job seeking Resume writing Interview training Course search Connecting with relevant education/training or…

Change the Story

Change the Story As part of the Safer and Stronger Communities Pilot, South East Community Links together with our Afghan and Indian co-design team members have developed a select range of multi-lingual resources for Dari, Hazaragi, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil speaking community members. We’ve created culturally adapted versions of the original VicHealth and Our Watch…