About MCCSA
Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) is the peak organisation serving, empowering and advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in South Australia.
For over 50 years, we’ve supported CALD individuals and communities to become active contributors to South Australian society.
Our Vision
An equitable, cohesive and thriving multicultural South Australia.
Our Mission
MCCSA will support and advocate for all people from CALD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, political, social and cultural life of South Australia.
Our Values
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Inclusion
- Responsiveness
Our Goals
We aim to:
- Respond to social isolation and disadvantage in CALD communities
- Empower CALD people as valued contributors to society
- Be a trusted source of expertise on CALD needs and aspirations
- Build social cohesion through collaboration
- Ensure our sustainability through innovation and partnerships
- Be ethical, transparent and accountable
How We Help
- Support vulnerable CALD community members
- Build confident individuals who engage with society
- Provide collaborative leadership and advocacy
- Offer activities for community engagement and growth
- Assist CALD communities in becoming strong, viable, and sustainable
- Provide policy advice to government
Supporting New and Emerging Communities
New and Emerging Communities (NEC) are groups of people who have recently settled in Australia and may face challenges in adapting to their new home.
MCCSA offers various services to help new and emerging communities thrive in South Australia:
- Free use of our hall and training rooms for member organisations
- ‘Community Development’ program (previously known as Successful Communities) for skill development and capacity building
- Reconnect program for at-risk youth aged 12-18
- Multicultural Playgroup for children 0-5 and their families
- Information forums and workshops on Australian life and community involvement
- Community consultations to understand diverse needs
- Low-cost community bus hire with volunteer drivers
- Cultural events and celebrations throughout the year
What is Multiculturalism?
Multiculturalism in Australia:
- Embraces our vibrant, diverse society
- Promotes harmony and equal opportunities
- Respects cultural practices, beliefs, and languages
- Fosters social cohesion and mutual understanding
- Allows individuals to maintain their cultural identities while being part of broader society
The South Australian Multicultural Act 2021 (.pdf) and related South Australian Multicultural Charter define multiculturalism as the cultural diversity of our community, where people live and work harmoniously, participate fully in all aspects of life, and express their distinctive cultural heritages.
Our Affiliations and Commitments
Federation of Ethnic Communities Council (FECCA)
Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia is an affiliate of Federation of Ethnic Communities Council (FECCA).
FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from CALD backgrounds; advocating and promoting issues on their behalf to government, business and the broader community.
Principles We Support
MCCSA’s values and the work we do are underpinned by the following South Australian, National or International principles:
- SA Health Dignity in Care
- SA Carers Charter
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Australian Privacy Principles
- World Health Organisation: Age Friendly Cities
- SA Gov, Office for Ageing Well: Age Friendly SA
- World Health Organisation: Active Ageing Framework
- Australian Government Fair Work: Family-Friendly Workplace
- Australian Government Fair Work: Flexible Working Arrangements
Child Safety Statement of Commitment
MCCSA is firmly committed to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children. We take this responsibility seriously, treating all concerns with utmost importance and thoroughly investigating any allegations.
Our commitment extends to respecting children’s voices, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they feel safe and valued. We embrace cultural safety and inclusion for children from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
Everyone at MCCSA plays a crucial role in maintaining a culture of child safety, with clear processes in place to address concerns. All our staff are required to undergo “Safe Environments for Children and Young People: Through Their Eyes” training to uphold these standards.
Acknowledgement of Country
MCCSA acknowledges the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of the lands on which we live and work, throughout South Australia and the nation.
We respect their spiritual relationship with Country and acknowledge that their cultural, spiritual, educational and heritage beliefs are still as important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Our Credentials
ACNC Registered Charity
We are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), maintaining up-to-date and transparent Charity reporting.
Donations to MCCSA are tax-deductible. We are a recognised Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) to access tax concessions.
ASES Quality Accreditation
MCCSA achieved certificate accreditation under the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) in 2018 and we have maintained our accreditation status since then.
ASES certificate accreditation supports MCCSA to effectively manage resources, understand customer needs, and improve accountability. The ASES framework helps us enhance our service delivery and foster continuous learning within our organisation.