Victoria Maori Wardens

09/06/2026

04/06/2026

Our Winter Youth Holiday Program is LIVE for registrations today!

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share the attached flyers with your networks. I've attached a digital copy of our flyer in image format and a printable booklet along with instructions on how to print it.

Melton City Council Young Communities offers a variety of FREE and low-cost activities to keep our young people aged 12 - 25 engaged and active during the Winter holidays.

We need your help to promote these activities. We encourage you to share with the young people to participate and spread the word within your networks.

Attached is the flyer for distribution. Please note that registrations are essential and must be completed online at: Melton Youth Holiday Activities.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact me. You can also pass my details to anyone who might be interested.

Thank you in advance for your support! 😊

27/05/2026

STORM WAKA PROGRAM

2 Dates - 2 Venues

Register on link/website below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stormwakajunejuly2026

19/05/2026

https://events.humanitix.com/wananga-matariki-2026

Wānanga Matariki, PGL Campaspe Downs Camp, July 17th - July 19th 2026

14/05/2026

PLEASE READ & NOTE

As of May 14, 2026,

the Australian Coalition has proposed a policy to restrict new migrants from accessing welfare benefits, including the NDIS, until they become Australian citizens. The plan seeks to restrict access to 17 different welfare payments, aiming for billions in savings and prioritizing Australian citizens in response to the 2026 budget.Key Aspects of the Proposal:Welfare Ban: New migrants would be barred from 17 social services—including JobSeeker, youth allowance, and the Aged Pension—until they obtain citizenship.NDIS Access: Access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would be restricted to citizens only, according to the proposal.Grandfathering: Existing recipients and permanent residents currently accessing benefits would be grandfathered in, meaning their current access remains.Exceptions: Humanitarian entrants, emergency assistance, child protection services, and domestic violence services would remain exempt from the restrictions.Migration Link: The Coalition also proposed capping net overseas migration at the number of homes built annually.This policy, set to be announced by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, aims to reduce the, at the time, four-year waiting period for welfare for many migrants to zero, unless they become citizens.

09/05/2026

From Victoria Maori Wardens to all our beautiful mamas

07/05/2026

Need support from any of the external organisations listed below.
Additional support

Department of Human Services

Information about contacting Centrelink, Medicare or Child Support, and the Department of Human Services.

Visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

1800RESPECT

1800 Respect provides support for all Australians directly and indirectly experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family abuse.

Call: 1800 737 732 (24x7 Support)

Visit: https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Call: 1300 224 636 (24x7 Support)

Visit: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Local call charges may apply (check your rate plan inclusions).
Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free, 24x7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Call: 1800 55 1800 (24x7 Support)

Visit: https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Lifeline

Lifeline is a national charity providing all access to crisis support and su***de prevention services.

Call: 13 11 14 (24x7 Crisis Support)

Visit: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Free call from payphone, and Optus mobile services. Local call charges apply for calls made on Optus landline (check your rate plan inclusions).
Lifeline also offer SMS and Chat options, visit the Lifeline website for more details.
Drug Help

The Australian Government's National Drugs Campaign aims to help young people and parents understand the harmful effects and consequences of drug use.

Visit: https://www.drugs.health.gov.au/our-work-drup-help

Gambling Help

Support for anyone affected by gambling.

Visit: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

WIRE

WIRE stands for Women's Information and Referral Exchange Inc. and is a Victorian (only) organisation offering free information, support and referrals for women, by women.

Call: 1300 134 130 (Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm except public holidays)

Visit: https://www.wire.org.au/

Local call charges may apply (check your rate plan inclusions).
WIRE also offer chat, visit the WIRE website

Empowering women, non-binary, and gender-diverse people across Victoria. WIRE offers support, advocacy, and training for gender equity and social justice.

04/05/2026

Not a Trend. A Taonga. The Rise of Moko Kauae in Modern Aotearoa”

There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening across New Zealand — and it’s written on the faces of wāhine Māori.

Moko kauae, the traditional chin tattoo, is more than ink. It is whakapapa, identity, and wairua made visible. For generations, it represented leadership, strength, and deep ancestral connection. Today, more Māori women are reclaiming it — not as a fashion statement, but as a declaration: this is who I am.

What’s changing is how it’s being carried into the modern world.

While traditional tā moko was carved using uhi (chisels), creating grooves in the skin through a deeply sacred and often painful process, many artists today use modern tattoo machines. These newer techniques are faster, more precise, and less invasive — but still guided by tikanga, meaning, and cultural authority.

Some see this resurgence as empowerment — a powerful reconnection to culture, identity, and pride. Others question whether the modern approach risks losing the depth and sacredness of traditional practice.

But one thing is undeniable: moko kauae is being seen, respected, and talked about like never before.

And maybe that’s the point.

Is the modern rise of moko kauae a powerful cultural revival — or is something being lost along the way?

#

26/04/2026

https://youtu.be/fGu_kGM0wro?si=6TGO6AmjeWCB-q-y

Australian Age Pension Update 20 March 2026 – Key changes to Age Pension thresholds and deeming rates may lead to a boost in payments for part pensioners. Th...