Melbourne Polytechnic and Whittlesea Community Connections Collaboration Wins Prestigious Award
Empowering Multicultural Communities: Award-Winning Partnership Tackles Family Violence Through Education and Collaboration.
On December 4 2024, at a special ceremony at Government House in Victoria, a partnership between Melbourne Polytechnic, Whittlesea Community Connections and other key collaborators, was awarded a Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence.
This award highlights outstanding contributions to cross-cultural understanding and celebrates the efforts of individuals and organisations working to support migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities in Victoria. Now in its 23rd year, the Multicultural Award for Excellence is coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, which works to promote diversity and inclusivity across the state.
Whittlesea Community Connections developed and delivered the Respectful Relationships course as part of their Whittlesea Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Family Violence project, winning the organisation the Prevention of Family Violence award.
The course was rolled out across the Melbourne Polytechnic Australian Migrant English Program (AMEP) network, benefiting from the expertise of Melbourne Polytechnic AMEP teaching staff, Victoria Legal Aid representatives and members of Whittlesea Community Connections Community Leader Working Group. The purpose of the Respectful Relationships course is to tackle family violence at every stage — prevention, early intervention and response — by creating a community-focused model designed to have a real impact on multicultural families across Victoria.
Empowering Communities and Tackling Family Violence
Whittlesea Community Connections has been supporting local multicultural communities for over 50 years, providing vital services and aid. Their partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic has strengthened this commitment, focusing on helping women and families affected by family violence. Since launching, the initiative has made a significant difference in the lives of women at risk or experiencing family violence.
The Impact of the Respectful Relationships course
An evaluation of the program showed impressive results, proving its effectiveness in raising awareness and empowering people to make change:
- 93% of students reported greater confidence in understanding family violence, with many feeling much more knowledgeable about the issue.
- 85% of students recognised that women and children are most affected by family violence.
- 57% of students said they now knew where to access support services, giving them the confidence to act when needed.
Students also learned to identify at least three non-physical forms of family violence, deepening their understanding.
These results highlight the program’s success in increasing awareness and understanding of family violence within multicultural communities.
A Collaborative Achievement
The recognition of the award is a testament to the dedication and teamwork between Melbourne Polytechnic AMEP, Whittlesea Community Connections and all the partners involved. The outcomes for the students are a powerful example of how community engagement, education and cross-cultural collaboration can tackle one of the most pressing social issues we face.
The Multicultural Awards for Excellence reminds us of the importance of recognising ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, support marginalised communities and continuing to work together to prevent family violence.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the program and the Victorian Multicultural Commission for their hard work in making Victoria a more compassionate, supportive, safe and inclusive place for all.
About Australian Migrant English Program (AMEP)
If you are a newly arrived migrant or refugee, our AMEP offering is designed to help you settle successfully in Australia and take up employment, training, or further study.
Melbourne Polytechnic's Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides free English language tuition to eligible migrants and refugees from non-English speaking backgrounds.
The AMEP will help you learn foundation English language skills and teach you settlement skills that will help you to live comfortably and confidently as a member of Australian society. You’ll learn about life in Australia and how to become an independent and valuable contributor to the community.
To find out more about enrolling in the AMEP program, call our friendly Enrolment team at 1300 635 276 or contact us online.
About Whittlesea Community Connections
Whittlesea Community Connections is a community-based organisation dedicated to strengthening relationships within the municipality of Whittlesea. It offers programs designed to address disadvantages and encourages active participation in the community.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
At Melbourne Polytechnic, you'll receive individual support from our friendly teachers. They’ll discuss your skills and goals and create a learning plan to improve your English. If eligible, you may also receive funding from the Victorian or Australian Government through the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) and Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).