Linking & Empowering

MECA is dedicated to improving the social and economic outcomes for young people and promoting participation and inclusion in the broader community

Our Core Values

Vision

Always vibrant, thriving and inclusive community

Mission

To support, strengthen & nurture our community

Values

Integrity, Dignity, Gratitude, Collaboration, Innovation

BACKGROUND

Who we are

MECA works with local people to identify the needs of and improve settlement services to, migrants, refugees and emerging communities in the suburbs of Mount Druitt and the wider Blacktown Local Government Area. MECA aims to build resilient communities by providing appropriate orientation, information, referrals and assistance. MECA also works with communities, individuals, government and service providers to promote community capacity building and social cohesion. MECA provides specialist youth services, which include community development, youth leadership and education and learning programs.

Our Objectives

Inspire

Agents of Change

Cultivate

Collaborative & collective action

Enable

A vibrant community

Develop

Leaders

Innovate

For sustainability & growth

What we do

The Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) provides casework, advocacy, information, educational support, employment and education pathways support, referral, projects and services to migrants, refugees, young people and the wider community.

Referrals are also provided by caseworkers for clients that require specialised services not offered by MECA such as domestic violence or age care support. Project workers and caseworkers are both involved in advocacy and representing the interests of our clients to government agencies such as Housing NSW, businesses such as private real estate agents and other non-government service providers.

Information is delivered through formal group sessions and informal one-on-one meetings. Information provided covers a broad range of topics from social life in Australia, employment and training pathways, to educational options for children and young people. Other educational support programs include after school programs, homework support, computer literacy and English lessons.

Recreational activities for young people also operate during school holidays. Young people between 12-24 years of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds participate in activities such as adventure, craft and performing arts. All of the activities, programs and projects run by MECA are informed by the communities we work with. They are designed to assist new migrants and refugees to settle into Australian society and become valuable members of the community, through skills development and culturally sensitive information delivery.