About the National Multicultural Children (NMC) Scoping Project
The NMC Scoping Project is a national consultation that’s listening to children, families and communities across Australia to understand what multicultural children need to thrive.
Australia’s children are becoming more culturally diverse every year, and multicultural communities bring extraordinary strength and contribution to our country. Despite this, multicultural children are often left out of the conversations, research and decisions that shape the services meant to support them.
What we hear will shape a national report with real recommendations for policy, investment and services.
This is not a project to create a new organisation or replace the work already happening in communities. It’s about finding out, directly from families and communities, what is working, what isn’t, and what needs to change.
What we're doing
We’re holding conversations across every state and territory, in the places families already know and trust. This includes community hubs, playgroups, schools, early learning centres, cultural events, sport and recreation spaces, and local community organisations.
We’re also running short, confidential surveys and online conversations so families in regional, rural and remote areas can take part too.
Who we're inviting to take part
- Children and young people (aged 4 to 12)
- Parents and caregivers
- Community leaders
- Grassroots multicultural organisations
- Service providers and frontline staff
- Education and early childhood professionals
- Government, peak bodies, philanthropy and researchers
400,000
children aged 0 to 4
come from multicultural backgrounds
1
in 4
experience developmental vulnerability
50
percent
multicultural children are around half as likely to access early intervention.
What we'll ask
We want to understand what helps multicultural children and families feel safe, included and able to thrive. We’ll ask what’s working well, where families face barriers, and what changes would make the biggest difference.
There are no right or wrong answers. We’re here to listen.
How to get involved
Take the survey
The survey takes around 10 minutes and is completely confidential.
Join a community conversation
Find an event, workshop or drop-in session near you.
Host a conversation in your community
Are you part of a community organisation, school or service? We can bring the consultation to you.
Become a community champion
Help us reach families in your community and make sure their voices are heard.
To find out what’s available in your area and how you, your organisation or community group can get involved please contact us at nmcsproject@ssi.org.au.
What happens with what we hear
Everything shared through this project feeds directly into a national options paper. This report will set out the strengths, gaps and opportunities identified through consultation, and a credible pathway forward for future policy, investment and services.
Take the survey
Get in touch
The National Multicultural Children Project is funded by Minderoo, Equity Trustees (RM Ansett Trust) and the Bryan Foundation through the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children.