Refugee Tutoring Queensland (VoRTCS)

19/08/2026

Today, 19 August, is World Humanitarian Day.

In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

"Serving others has become more dangerous than ever. More than a thousand humanitarians have been killed in the last three years. Most were local staff supporting their own communities."

The world has made commitments. Now it must act: to respect the rules of war, ensure safe access, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide sufficient resources.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/humanitarian-day

07/08/2026

VoRTCS at Multicultural Australia QLD's 2026 Luminous Lantern Parade!

05/08/2026

WELCOMING OUR LATEST VOLUNTEER TUTORS!!

Congratulations and welcome to our July intake of VoRTCS volunteers who successfully completed their induction! We had 11 participants attending our Vinnies QLD VoRTCS Information and Training session last month.

Many thanks also to our wonderful volunteer trainers Jenny, Tania and Nyalok - we really appreciate the skill, knowledge and effort you put into facilitating the session.

If you're interested in volunteering your time to tutor new Brisbane refugee families in English language skills, we'd love to hear from you. No formal qualifications are required, just an interest in supporting people from other cultures who have newly arrived in Australia.

Registrations are now open for our next volunteer induction:

Event: VoRTCS Information & Training Session
Date/Time: Saturday 5 September • 9 AM - 1 PM
Venue: St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Head Office, South Brisbane, QLD

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vortcs-information-training-session-5-september-2026-tickets-1980145997984/

05/08/2026

The Australian Census is happening on 11 August 2026. Every Australian needs to be counted by completing it online. If you are a VoRTCS tutor or refugee family member, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census website provides information in other languages and can provide assistance with completing the Census online.

If you or someone you know will need language support to participate in the Census on 11 August, options will be available online, in-person and over the phone. This will include translations of information on the Census website and assistance via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by calling 131 450.

For more information and to find in person support near you visit census.abs.gov.au/language

24/07/2026

JOIN US! VoRTCS TLO AND TUTOR
COFFEE CATCH-UP
An afternoon TLO & Tutor get-together has been organised for later this month, following the July induction session for new volunteers. Details are:

Time: 2.00-4.00pm
Date: 25 July 2026
Venue: Mary Mae’s Bar & Kitchen , Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm (www.marymaes.com.au)

We look forward to seeing many of you there. Invitations have been sent out to all VoRTCS volunteers—please RSVP directly to your TLO or Sandy Hang, VoRTCS Program Coordinator at [email protected].



Image by magnific

16/07/2026

VoRTCS VOLUNTEER CALL OUT_LUMINOUS 2026📣🏮

Exciting news! Our next multicultural community event is just around the corner.

We would love you to join the Vinnies QLD VoRTCS group at Multicultural Australia's LUMINOUS Lantern Parade on Friday evening, 31 July 2026.

Together, we'll help light up Brisbane and mark the start of Multicultural Queensland Month with an unforgettable celebration of culture, colour, music and community. The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade is one of Queensland's most vibrant multicultural events and a wonderful opportunity to welcome new Queenslanders, celebrate the diversity that makes our state so special, and connect with communities from across Queensland.

Event details:
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Time: From 5.30pm
Location: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
More information: LUMINOUS Lantern Parade - Multicultural Australia

Who can come?
Everyone is welcome! Bring along your family, friends, tutoring family and fellow team members to share in this special celebration of culture and community.

How to RSVP?
To reserve your place, please email the following details to [email protected] by Wednesday, 29 July 2026:

Full name
Mobile number
Email address

Look forward to seeing you there!

12/07/2026

Come celebrate with us!

LUMINOUS Lantern Parade marks the start of Multicultural Queensland Month, an initiative led by Multicultural Affairs Queensland to build belonging across the state.

We’re thrilled to have Multicultural Affairs Queensland’s support as a Foundation Partner. Their funding helps advance inclusion and multicultural communities across the state, making events like ours possible.

Save the date, Friday 31 July, and be part of the celebration!

12/07/2026

09/07/2026

LOOKING 👀 TO VOLUNTEER?

Have you signed up for our latest volunteer tutor Information and Training Session? It's not too late!

VoRTCS Information & Training Session - 25 July 2026

Date: Sat, 25 July • 9 am - 1 pm

Location: St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Head Office, Merivale Street, South Brisbane

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vortcs-information-training-session-25-july-2026-tickets-1980145824465/

Vinnies QLD's Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support (VoRTCS) program provides in-home tutoring support to refugee families.