Meet Geet Gaba, working with the Australian Multicultural Women Association
The Australian Multicultural Women Association serves as a bridge, uplifting multicultural women, connecting them with vital services, amplifying their voices, and promoting a more equitable, cohesive society.
The Association provides support, advocacy, cultural celebration, and skill-building to deliver real, measurable benefits to the wider community.
Geet (third from the left with red jacket) shares her experience and insights from working with the Australian Multicultural Women Association.
How have you been involved?
I have been deeply involved in a range of initiatives that support and uplift multicultural women. I founded and lead career‑support programs offering free services like resume building, interview coaching, and business mentoring, empowering participants to pursue education and employment opportunities.
I also helped coordinate the “Respect Women: Let’s Be the Change” event at Parliament in July 2024, amplifying our message against gender-based violence alongside White Ribbon Australia.
Additionally, I’ve taken part in local advocacy, sitting on the Truganina P‑9 College Council (currently Vice President), the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s advisory committee, and the Wyndham Emerging Professionals Network, representing multicultural women’s voices in community decision-making.
What are some changes AMWA has been able to make?
- Improved Health and Wellbeing: AMWA launched the “Unity in Wellness” program last year, offering monthly free workshops aimed at improving the physical and mental health of multicultural women in Wyndham.we are doing health and wellness program every third Friday in Truganina community centre focusing wellbeing of the community.
- Enhanced Employment Support: Our regular career‑support program I lead has helped migrant and refugee women build resumes, gain interview skills, and explore small‑business opportunities.
- Domestic Violence Support Sessions: We actively direct women experiencing family and domestic violence to specialized support services. These tailored sessions provide culturally respectful counseling and safety planning to foster recovery and autonomy. our efforts have not only amplified support for women in crisis but have also strengthened the safety net and built community resilience against domestic violence.
What does AMWA have planned for next 12 months?
AMWA’s Health and Wellness Program is evolving to include more targeted mental health support.
This encompasses culturally sensitive counseling, peer-support groups, and workshops for mothers—particularly those caring for children with additional needs—to help reduce stress, build resilience, and foster connection.
Our Upcoming Projects:
- Regular peer-led support circles for mothers
- Multilingual mental wellness workshops
- Information sessions on navigating special-needs services
- Culturally inclusive respite-care referrals
The Australian Multicultural Women Association put its $1,500 grant from the 2024 Westbrook Community Fund to very good use.
Geet said the funding was instrumental in enhancing their Health and Wellness Program at the Truganina Community Centre, particularly for multicultural mothers with children who have special needs.
“We organised a series of expert-led workshops focusing on mental health, stress management, and self-care, tailored to the unique challenges faced by these mothers. These sessions provided in-depth knowledge and practical strategies, fostering a supportive community environment.
“Additionally, the grant facilitated the establishment of peer-support groups, creating safe spaces for mothers to share experiences and build resilience. By offering culturally sensitive resources and expert guidance, the grant enabled us to empower these women, enhancing their overall well-being and strengthening community bonds.”