Empowering integration
Dr Fahreen Alamgir, Dr Aydogan Kars, 2025
The Rohingya Community Centre in Springvale was established in 2024 by the Rohingya community. The objective of our research has been to connect and collaborate with them so that they can represent themselves within broader Australian society with dignity, recognition, and agency.
Our involvement stems from a sense of social responsibility to assist in their integration process. We invest our intellectual and technical support to develop their capability for a deeper, more grounded integration of Rohingyas into Australian culture—especially for a community historically exposed to violence, including sanctions, segregation, and the denial of ethnic rights and citizenship. It is critical for members of the community—many of whom have spent significant time in refugee camps or detention centres—to understand issues of violence (including domestic violence), as well as equity and equality within families, communities, and the wider society. In such contexts, cultural integration must begin with institutional recognition and systematic inclusion.
The establishment of the Rohingya Cultural Centre marks a significant step toward recognition and social inclusion. Through this centre, the Rohingya community in Springvale—and more broadly across Victoria—is becoming more visible and engaged. This visibility is enhanced through partnerships with the Department of Multicultural Affairs, other Muslim communities, and South-East Asian communities, broadening their social networks and representation.
They initially approached us to help build the Rohingyas’ capacity to apply for grants from local councils and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). We contribute to this process by offering input and facilitating capability development through workshops. These workshops include dialogue on gender issues, violence, and community leadership. Over time, participants gain a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Such support enables the community to engage more confidently and pragmatically within the labour market.
To strengthen partnerships, the community visits other cultural centres and actively participates in networking initiatives. At a broader level, the Rohingya Community Centre is expanding its connections with government bodies, civil society organizations, and business sectors. Their children are also increasingly participating in sports, which supports social inclusion and cultural integration.