We are the change
Karuna Compassion in Action was established as a charity promoting mutual respect and tolerance among Australia’s diverse groups. Karuna is active in bringing together all sectors of the community, including migrant and refugee backgrounds, to counter racism and widespread misunderstandings around diversity and increase tolerance for people from CALD and refugee backgrounds.
Our Programs
YOUTHS PROGRAM
Our youth program has received great feedback, offering activities like storytelling, table tennis, pool, and board games. We also provide information sessions, drop-in support, and invite organisations to run workshops and camping activities for further engagement.
MEN’S GROUP
Our men’s group, in collaboration with Foundation House, focuses on well-being and empowerment. We offer information sessions, activities like swimming and gaming, and support in seeking help for mental health and personal concerns.
WOMENS GROUP:
Our women’s group empowers women of all ages with mental well-being sessions, monthly excursions, mentoring, and interactive activities like games, cultural music, and karaoke, all supported by the Investing in Women Grassroots Grant.
SENIORS
The seniors’ group offers weekly and fortnightly gatherings with meals, games, music, and information sessions on topics like seasonal health tips and community access. The group is supported through donations.
SEWING GROUP
The sewing group, open to women, provides a supportive environment for learning sewing with weekly sessions led by a teacher. We also offer information sessions and facilitate social connections among group members.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
At Karuna, we assist the community with applications like Immi card, NDIS, citizenship, and senior cards, and refer individuals to appropriate services for further support. Our community involvement continues to grow steadily.
VOLUNTEERING
Karuna offers volunteer opportunities in gardening, maintenance, supporting migrants and seniors, administration, cooking, event planning, and transportation. We also welcome skills in community management, services, and social enterprise.
LEARNING
Karuna partners with Federation University, offering work placements for university students and those seeking experience. Students gain hands-on knowledge in grant development, group facilitation, and supporting migrants, refugees, and CALD communities.
About us
Karuna Compassion in Action was established as a charity promoting mutual respect and tolerance among Australia’s diverse groups. Karuna is active in bringing together all sectors of the community, including migrant and refugee backgrounds, to counter racism and widespread misunderstandings around diversity and increase tolerance for people from CALD and refugee backgrounds.
Karuna was incorporated on the 24th of March 2022 and registered by the ACNC on the 24th of June 2022.
Karuna’s Vision is to:
Empower vulnerable and disadvantaged migrant and refugee communities through welfare, philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy. We strive to contribute to a society that is inclusive and supportive of all.
Karuna’s Mission is to:
- Advance social and public welfare through fundraising, volunteerism, community development and capacity-building projects.
- Contribute to strengthening a socially cohesive, respectful, and inclusive society.
- Provide knowledge and learning opportunities to future leaders, empowering them to impact their communities positively through community service and development.
- Acknowledging, promoting, and advocating for human rights.
Karuna engages citizens and local communities with resettled migrants, refugees, and those from CALD communities to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and social inclusion, allowing them to fully participate in all aspects of life in Australia without fear of discrimination or social exclusion.
We value cooperation and communication between different ethnic groups of migrants and refugees from Myanmar and other countries through social and emotional well-being programs, cultural and religious events, language classes, and distribution of translated resources to reduce social isolation and increase integration. Karuna is established as a charity to promote reconciliation, mutual respect, and tolerance between Australians, particularly in the Multicultural Victorian community, by:
- Celebrating, preserving, and promoting the diverse culture and history of migrant and refugee people from Myanmar and other countries is an essential and integral part of their local community’s cultural and social development.
- Educating the broader community about the importance and benefits of cultural diversity migrants and refugees bring to generating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening community vibrancy, resilience, and adaptability.
- Engaging different sectors such as youth, women, men, and aged individuals from migrant and refugee backgrounds through various social programs that promote health, well-being, and social cohesion and empowerment.