Community Action for Multicultural Society (CAMS)
Building Bridges Between Cultures for a Stronger Community
Community Action for Multicultural Society (CAMS)
The Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by TMSG LTD. in Townsville. CAMS supports the development of inclusive, culturally responsive communities where people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds feel welcomed, connected, and empowered to participate fully in community life.
The program strengthens social cohesion by improving access to services, reducing barriers to participation, and creating opportunities for migrants, refugees, and multicultural communities to engage with and contribute to the wider Townsville community.
Program Objectives
CAMS aims to:
- Foster social inclusion and community participation.
- Strengthen connections between multicultural communities and mainstream services.
- Build confidence, skills, and independence among participants.
- Promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity.
- Support economic participation through employment readiness and skill development.
- Enhance community capacity to respond to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Programs and Activities under TMSG CAMS Programs
- Multicultural Men’s Group
- Multicultural Women’s Group
- Gardening & Eco-Enzyme Hub for Wellbeing
- Job-Ready Workshops
- English Conversation Classes
- Digital Literacy Workshops
- Disaster Preparedness Workshops
- Community Celebrations and Events
Gardening and Eco-Enzyme Hub for Wellbeing
The Gardening & Eco-Enzyme Hub for Wellbeing is a community-based initiative designed to support mental health and wellbeing through nature, sustainability, and social connection.
Participants engage in:
- Hands-on community gardening activities.
- Learning how to create eco-enzyme products from fruit and vegetable scraps.
- Environmental sustainability practices.
- Building friendships and social networks in a culturally inclusive environment.
The program also includes monthly sharing circles, where participants can openly share their stories, experiences, challenges, and successes in a supportive and welcoming setting. These sessions promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and stronger community connections among people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, supporting local approaches to improving the mental wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multicultural Men's and Women's Groups
The Multicultural Men’s and Women’s Groups provide welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe spaces for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, build friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Townsville community.
To ensure participants feel comfortable discussing topics relevant to their experiences, the program operates through separate Men’s and Women’s Groups. These dedicated spaces allow participants to engage openly, build confidence, and develop meaningful peer support networks in a culturally appropriate environment.
The groups offer a range of workshops, social events, and community activities that promote personal growth, social connection, wellbeing, and leadership development, particularly for people from migrant, refugee, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Regular gatherings create opportunities for participants to:
- Build confidence and independence.
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Form meaningful relationships and support networks.
- Learn new skills and share knowledge and experiences.
- Improve social and community participation.
- Strengthen their connection to the local community.
- Explore topics relevant to their personal, family, and community wellbeing.
Through regular engagement, participants develop stronger social connections, increase their confidence, and become more active members of their communities. The groups play an important role in reducing social isolation, fostering inclusion, and creating supportive environments where participants can learn from one another, celebrate cultural diversity, and build lasting community connections.
English Conversation Classes
The English Conversation Classes provide participants with opportunities to practice and improve their English in a friendly, supportive, and culturally inclusive environment.
Held every Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, these weekly sessions focus on building practical English language skills that participants can use in their everyday lives, including when accessing services, communicating at work, speaking with neighbours, attending appointments, and participating in community activities.
Participants learn new words, phrases, and everyday expressions through interactive activities, group discussions, games, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The sessions also regularly feature guest speakers who provide information on topics such as health, education, employment, community services, safety, and life in Australia, helping participants expand both their English language skills and community knowledge.
The classes are supported by experienced volunteers who create a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where participants can practice English at their own pace and build confidence through meaningful social connections.
Participants are able to:
- Improve everyday communication skills.
- Build confidence when speaking English.
- Learn new vocabulary and practical expressions.
- Develop friendships and social networks.
- Learn through interactive activities and peer support.
- Gain valuable information from guest speakers and community organisations.
- Increase their ability to engage with education, employment, and community services.
- Strengthen their independence and participation in community life.
The classes play an important role in helping participants improve their English while building a sense of belonging, confidence, and connection within the Townsville community.
Job-Ready Workshops
Job-Ready Workshops provide practical support to help participants prepare for employment and economic participation in Australia. Workshop topics include:
- Resume and cover letter preparation.
- Interview skills.
- Job search strategies.
- Workplace rights and responsibilities.
- Understanding Australian workplace culture.
These workshops equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to pursue employment opportunities and build sustainable careers.
