Our story
Cooma is often called the first multicultural town in Australia due to its influx of workers from all over the world to work on the 1950s Snowy Mountains Scheme. Recent arrivals come from Africa, Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe. 
Like many years ago, it is often the
partners of the overseas workers that speak a language other than English and
face social isolation. Cooma has seen an influx of refugees and Asylum seekers
moving to our regions and despite their strengths and talents, these new
arrivals face considerable barriers to obtaining employment, education and
training.
WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN TAP INTO THOSE SKILLS AND TALENTS
In 2006, we established the Multicultural Activity Group In Communities (MAGIC) which provides a program in our region of social activities to facilitate friendships and settlement.
Our Dream
To set up a small kitchen at the Cooma Multicultural Centre to establish a MAGIC Social Enterprise. This will enable us to activate our community asset via retail pop-ups, events and a "MAGIC DiversiTEA" social Cafe.
About MAGIC DIversiTEA
The Cooma Multicultural Centre has found a new premise in Cooma! This is exciting and we are thrilled to have a community space again.
To be able to be sustainable, we need to think more creative and how migrants & refugees can earn an income, while simultaneously learning English and making a contribution to their new community.
The MAGIC DiversiTEA Cafe aims to provide a work integration social enterprise designed to provide training and engagement opportunities for a diverse range of migrants to Cooma and the region. The MAGIC DiversiTEA Cafe will off-set costs associated with the operation of the Cooma Multicultural Centre that specialises in settlement services for migrants & refugees.
Features
A MAGIC Cup of Tea is all about sharing, connecting and learning about each other!
Sharing
- Sharing knowledge & skills with each other and the wider community
- Sharing food through cooking classes
- Share your traditional tea and snacks
Connecting
- Connecting and building communities and provide a platform for cultural conversations to foster greater understanding across faith & culture.
- Connect Migrants & Refugees with resources &
opportunities - Connecting with each other at Markets and pop-up shops and community events to sell authentic tea, food & craft products
Learning
- Learning by doing; Migrants & refugees volunteer in the Cafe for practical work experience and improving conversational English skills
- Learning about how to become an Entrepreneur and how to design/make their own marketable food or craft product to sell in Australia
WE NEED A SUITABLE SPACE WITH A SMALL KITCHEN TO MAKE THIS ALL POSSIBLE!
