Australia is rolling out the welcome mat for its multicultural future at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, where the nation’s most influential settlement and migrant advocates will gather for the 2025 National Settlement Conference, hosted by the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA). Under the banner “We Share a Dream,” hundreds of leaders, policymakers, service providers, and community changemakers will shape next steps for a country built on migration, ambition, and belonging. What’s on the Program? Wednesday, Nov. 19: Pre-conference Symposium (11:30am – 5:00pm) kicks off with expert panels, data-driven discussions, and bold new ideas powering Australia’s settlement sector. Welcome Reception (5:00pm – 7:00pm) promises hot topics and fresh connections as delegates network over fabulous fare. Thursday, Nov. 20: Conference Day 1 & Exhibition (8:00am – 5:00pm) opens the doors to interactive sessions, real-world strategies, and the latest migrant-focused innovations, all in one place. Conference Dinner (7:00pm – 11:00pm) shines a spotlight on those leading Australia’s migrant inclusion revolution. Friday, Nov. 21: Conference Day 2 & Exhibition (8:30am – 3:30pm) wraps up the event with actionable plans, sector partnerships, and success stories from every corner of the country. In the Spotlight: Poster Presentations From rural support programs to urban welcome hubs, the Poster Session will showcase Australia’s top initiatives and creative solutions for helping migrants and refugees build successful lives Down Under. Partners and Behind-the-Scenes SCOA is teaming up with the Australian Government to power this event. Sector organisations can still apply to partner, exhibit, and sponsor—full details in the official prospectus. Where and How to Register? The Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort provides everything you need: modern facilities, ample accommodation, and easy access for attendees nationwide. Register now to reserve your seat at the conference steering Australia into a multicultural future. Contact the Organisers: Phone: (02) 6282 8515 Email: info@scoa.org.au Conference queries: scoa2025nsc@bkaevents.com.au This event honours the traditional custodians of the Ngunnawal people and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, respecting Elders past, present, and future.

Sydney, 7 November 2025 – Marking a transformative era in Australian disability advocacy, the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) has officially become Multicultural Disability Advocacy Australia (MDAA), unveiling its new name and expanded vision at a public announcement this week. Guided by a comprehensive consultation with its members, the organization has rebranded to reflect its growing national scope while retaining its strong community roots in New South Wales. The refreshed identity keeps the established MDAA acronym, a symbol synonymous for 30 years with meaningful advocacy for people with disabilities, their families, and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. “MDAA’s transition from ‘Association’ to ‘Australia’ is more than a change of name; it’s a powerful recognition of our expanding vision,” said an MDAA spokesperson. “We remain firmly anchored in our values, committed to fostering inclusion and empowering multicultural communities across the country.” Over its three decades, MDAA has become the peak body for multicultural disability advocacy in NSW, championing equitable access, systemic change, and amplifying the voices of communities who have historically faced barriers to inclusion. The association continues to deliver state-wide and national projects, from policy advocacy and regional outreach campaigns to capacity-building and digital skills programs. The organization’s new name aligns with its recently launched Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which focuses on “permanently anchoring inclusion and nurturing strength in diversity.” MDAA’s leadership promises that the rebrand will facilitate even greater partnerships, policy reform, and support for culturally diverse people with disability in every corner of Australia. Community members and stakeholders have welcomed the rebrand, seeing it as an affirmation of MDAA’s enduring legacy and future relevance. The association invites all supporters to connect, participate in its programs, and help shape a more inclusive nation. For more information, or to reach MDAA: Address: 10-12 Hutchinson St, Granville NSW 2142 Email: mdaa@mdaa.org.au Website: www.mdaa.org.au Phone: (02) 9891 6400 / 1800 629 072 Sources: MDAA official announcements, member consultations, public statements.

Today marks World Diabetes Day, where the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Bupa Foundation are highlighting the critical role of community-led action in addressing diabetes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The focus of this year’s commemoration is “Building the Workforce, Strengthening Community, and Closing the Gap”. The Ongoing Challenge of Diabetes While there has been tangible progress in recent years, diabetes remains a severe health challenge. The rate of diabetes-related deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has decreased from 100 per 100,000 in 2008 to 70 per 100,000 in 2019. Nevertheless, diabetes still accounts for 7.3 percent of all deaths and continues to impact families across multiple generations. In certain regions, the rates of Type 2 diabetes are considered to be among the highest globally. Dr. Jason Agostino, NACCHO Medical Advisor, acknowledged that although management is improving and more people with diabetes are achieving healthy blood sugar levels due to community-controlled care, the complex nature of the disease requires greater attention. Diabetes rarely occurs in isolation; most people starting dialysis in these communities have diabetes, and many also experience heart disease. Dr. Agostino emphasized the necessity of long-term investment and a tailored approach to address these complex needs, along with greater investment in prevention efforts to break the intergenerational cycles of diabetes. Community-Led Solutions: Health Strong, Diabetes Gone NACCHO and the Bupa Foundation are addressing these complex needs through the NACCHO | Bupa Foundation Health Strong, Diabetes Gone partnership. This collaboration aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen their workforce, improve early detection and prevention, and ensure that care is culturally informed and locally led. Central to the success of this initiative is the philosophy of community control, reflecting trust, respect, and community leadership. NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills stated that every improvement and life change stems from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading the solutions for their families and the next generation. She noted that the partnership is about trust, empowerment, and pride, emphasizing, “When we build our workforce, we build the strength of our communities”. The Health Strong, Diabetes Gone program is built on long-term vision, investing in people, training, and the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rather than short-term fixes or symbolic gestures. NACCHO CEO Pat Turner AM asserted that this approach proves that community control delivers better outcomes. Training and Technology: Empowering the Workforce Key components of the partnership focus on building local capability and providing essential educational resources. 1. Train the Trainer Program: This initiative builds local confidence, capability, and leadership across various regions through a community-led methodology. Since its launch, 16 trainers and assessors have successfully completed the Diabetes Train the Trainer workshop. These individuals are now equipped to lead specialized diabetes skillset training for Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, including those participating in the Aboriginal Health Worker Traineeship Program. 2. NACCHO Diabetes Learning Hub (LMS): NACCHO designed this digital education platform specifically to deliver culturally safe, evidence-based diabetes training and support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce employed in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). The LMS offers flexible, on-demand learning intended to strengthen care coordination, improve early intervention strategies, and enhance outcomes for families managing diabetes. A Call for Sustained Action This World Diabetes Day, NACCHO and the Bupa Foundation issued a unified call to action, reminding all stakeholders that progress requires communities to lead the way. The organizations are demanding: Long-term, sustained investment in community-led diabetes prevention, screening, and care. • Dedicated support for mothers, children, and families to actively break the cycle of intergenerational diabetes. Greater access to continuous glucose monitoring, advanced therapies, and emerging technology. The strengthening of the ACCHO workforce to ensure culturally safe care is available where it is most needed. The future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and truly closing the gap, hinges on listening to, investing in, and backing solutions that are driven by the community.

Reconciliation Australia has announced the winners of the fifth Narragunnawali Awards, the only national awards dedicated to recognizing Australian schools and early learning services implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives. The ceremony, held on Thursday, November 6, at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, celebrated organizations whose commitment to reconciliation has become systemic and deeply embedded in their practice. The Narragunnawali program, which provides tools and resources for educational services to take action towards reconciliation between First Nations peoples and other Australians, currently engages more than 14,000 Australian schools and early learning services. Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, meaning alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council. Schools Category Winner: Briar Road Public School The winner of the Schools category was Briar Road Public School, located on Dharawal Country in Airds, NSW. Chair of the awards judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis, praised the school for creating an environment where reconciliation is “both expected and celebrated,” and where “community ownership of the journey is evident”. The judges observed that the school has successfully built a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are thriving, alongside Pacifica, Māori, and non-Indigenous students and families who are also included and uplifted. Briar Road Public School was recognized not only for embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives in its work but also for ensuring that non-Indigenous staff take on the heavy lifting of the ongoing work of reconciliation in education. Highly Commended and Truth-Telling The judges also highly commended Karuah Public School on the Mid North Coast of NSW for its dedicated work. Karuah Public School was noted for having “situated itself on the front line of truth-telling about its past exclusion of Aboriginal students”. According to Sharon Davis, their five-year journey involved consistent dialogue, respect, and vulnerability, transforming a once-divided community into one that is more connected and hopeful. Early Learning Winner: Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool The winner of the Early Learning category was Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool, situated on Bandjalang Country in Northern NSW. The judging panel stated that the service demonstrated an exceptional, long-standing commitment to reconciliation. Their approach is guided by Bandjalang Elders and Traditional Owners, with the team working closely with families to cultivate a learning space defined by respect, truth-telling, and belonging. The service was commended for being “more than inclusive,” as it is led by and with the local community, which makes reconciliation central to its identity and practice. Reconciliation: Systemic, Not Symbolic Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine congratulated all winners and finalists, expressing optimism about the quality of work demonstrated. Mundine highlighted that this year’s submissionsshowcased “reconciliation that is not symbolic or seasonal but systemic and embedded into governance, the curriculum, staffing, culture and community relationships”. The CEO noted stories of engaged families, exceptional educators, and dedicated Elders and First Nations community members who have developed enriching relationships with the educational services, benefiting the children who learn from them. Finalists and Event Context Other finalists acknowledged for their commitment and hard work included Bannister Creek Primary School (Perth), Goodstart Shailer Park (Logan City Qld), and Tillys Play and Development Centre – Rutherford (Maitland, NSW). Films showcasing the work of all six finalists were captured by the Indigenous production company Wirrim Media. The evening awards ceremony followed a day-long national forum held on November 6, which brought together educational leaders and professionals—both First Nations and non-First Nations—to critically examine current reconciliation efforts within the Australian education sector. The Narragunnawali Awards have been held every two years since 2017. Reconciliation Australia acknowledged the generous support of Telstra and Teachers Health Group, who made the 2025 awards possible, and the BHP Foundation for its longstanding support of the Narragunnawali program.