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Liverpool, NSW 2170

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Campbelltown, NSW 2560

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Bringing the young voices to the table. Why, how and where to next

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by Gizem Berberoglu & Dr. Archana P. Voola

The current Delta outbreak in NSW has had devastating consequences across different demographics but one segment of the population slipping through the cracks are young people from migrant backgrounds.

Recent research on youth and COVID19 impacts documents ‘labour market scarring’, wherein young people’s pandemic induced unemployment could be prolonged making it harder for them to re-enter the labour market. Young people, including those born overseas, are bearing the brunt of COVID restrictions, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.

In addition to the loss of jobs, lockdown restrictions and police presence, there is a vast amount of misinformation regarding vaccinations circulating in our youth communities. Direct engagement with youth, specifically in the South West Sydney region, highlighted the need for a platform where they could come to the table, register their concerns, get responses to their queries and be visible. 

Another Step Forward in Community Collaboration

The Iraqi Australasian Medical Association (IAMA) and Arab Council Australia came forward with the support of Western Sydney MRC to organise a ‘Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Information Session’. The webinar was codesigned to answer migrant young peoples’ questions around COVID-19 directly from health professionals and community leaders.

The webinar was a fantastic opportunity for the youth to get accurate information from medical health professionals who work in the local areas such as Liverpool Hospital and bring young voices to the table through Q&A and narrative.

Our community Development Coordinator Nadia Bouchti has been working on building and nurturing these connections. Bringing together medical experts who are culturally competent and linguistically diverse is no small feat. Such collaborations are built on trust and deep community connections which the local organisations have nurtured over the years.

About Western Sydney MRC

About Western Sydney MRC Western Sydney MRC is a not-for-profit organisation and community advocate supporting newly-arrived individuals and diverse emerging and established communities to settle in Australia. We work with people who experience vulnerability, including individuals from a refugee background, those seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, assisting in building capacity to live empowered, informed and connected lives.

Media Enquiries

Media enquiries can be directed to:
Rachel Haywood,
Marketing and Communications Manager,
Contact 0456 222 080
Email: rachel@wsmrc.org.au

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