Due to the current pandemic, Central Coast ARAFMI has postponed ‘Roots and Renewal’ family community event. Connecting the community, the event was planned in collaboration with the local community including First Nations Australians, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities. However, we continue to encourage a respectful and reflective national public holiday on the 26th of January 2022.
Central Coast ARAFMI Board member and Social Justice Inclusion and Mental Health Advocate for Multi-Cultural Communities, Joy Sinclair reflects on her experience on what it is to be an Australian.
Joy says “Becoming an Australian citizen made me feel that I finally belonged. I am so proud to be both an African woman and Australian. It gives me the courage and confidence to speak up about diversity and inclusion, as well as multicultural mental health. My healing journey and my story is why I am so passionate about being a voice to help us all be more unified”.
Central Coast ARAFMI reaffirms that the voices of people being heard, is an important part of the healing process, for individual, families, carers and as a country.
Kylie Cassidy from The Glen Centre Central Coast Drug Alcohol Rehabilitation says “It would be a step forward together, for Australia to acknowledge the pain that comes with celebrating the 26th of January. Because for us, it represents the genocide of our people. Solid steps forward will help the healing process of intergenerational trauma.
Kylie adds “Change and acknowledgement needs to happen at a Government level. We need to be represented, brought to the table and our voices heard. Because so often we are not included in the decision-making that affects our people”.
Central Coast ARAFMI values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
Find out how you can help us support Central Coast families and people impacted by mental health here.
