WHAT IS WMM?
Welfare Mission for Migrants (formerly called Centre for Migrant Workers’ Concerns) is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Australia committed to providing grassroots-based support to vulnerable migrants--migrant workers, families, and international students.
Helping exploited workers who are temporary visa holders to lodge complaints to Fair Work Ombudsman
We aim to build a society where migrants are empowered and cared for. Their rights and welfare are prioritised, promoted, protected and respected.
WE SUPPORT,
WE ADVOCATE,
WE EMPOWER.
Art Playgroup for children of international students
HOW WE SUPPORT
COMMUNITY SUPPORT & OUTREACH
We provide volunteer-led casework/management to those who experience vulnerabilities in their workplaces, communities, and homes, including referral pathways.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
We provide mental health support through counseling, pastoral care, and peer-to-peer support. We also run community sports, playgroups for children, and art and music sessions to help people feel connected and cared for.
EMERGENCY RELIEF
We provide food, clothing, and help finding temporary housing for people in urgent need.
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT
We offer special help to people experiencing domestic violence who might not get help from regular services, especially temporary migrants. We provide safe spaces to talk, help with safety plans, and support groups led by people who understand what you're going through.
ADVOCACY & EDUCATION
We work to change unfair rules and systems that make life hard for migrants and refugees. We also run easy-to-understand information sessions about important topics like migration rules, staying safe from family violence, and knowing your workplace rights.
CAPACITY BUILDING
We train small community groups to become stronger and better at helping their communities. Our training covers useful skills like community based prevention programs & strategies i.e., manage volunteers, and run community programs.
OUR PARTNERS
UPCOMING EVENTS
09 May 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmEast Melbourne, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne VIC 3002, AustraliaEveryone's welcome to the launch of the Welfare Mission for Migrants or WMM on Friday, 9th May, 6pm at the Melbourne Peace Memorial Church, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne. We will have solidarity speeches and FREE FOOD PACKS will be distributed.
WE HAVE DIVERSE EXPERTISE -
MEET THE TEAM
Our team comes with a wealth of knowledge in the different areas of community service e.g., workplace dispute resolution, migration, family services, domestic and family violence, legal support, mental health and wellbeing, peer support, youth work, pastoral care, and elderly support.
SISTER PATRICIA FOX / CHAIRPERSON
Sister Pat was a primary school teacher before working in community organising in Kensington Melbourne. She studied law and worked in Legal Aid Victoria and the Broadmeadows Community Legal centre before she went to the Philippines. There she worked in organisations helping rural communities with both development and advocacy.
ATTY. REYVI MARINAS / VICE CHAIR
Attorney Reyvi is an immigratiolawyer with over 15 years of experience in Immigration Law practice in Australia. He has helped many individuals, families and companies with all types of visa applications and appeals process.
NESS GAVANZO / SECRETARY
A seasoned community organiser, activist, and feminist. Ness has been a staunch advocate of women and children's rights since the late 90s. . She has expertise in the fields of workers' rights advocacy. domestic and family violence, family services, and therapeutic recovery work.
AVA DANLOG / DEP. SECRETARY
Ava is a development professional with over 18 years of international experience in program management, communications and research. Currently working in the management team of a global consortium of feminist funds. Committed to seeking ways to reimagine development practices to be more inclusive, responsive, caring and impactful.
REAGAN MAIQUEZ / TREASURER
Reagan is a community development worker and disability support advocate who manages NDIS support services at Comfort Care and Community Services, focusing on people with disabilities from refugee and multicultural communities. He actively collaborates with grassroots organisations including the Australian Karen Organisation, Karuna Compassion in Action Network, and migrant advocacy groups to deliver inclusive support services.
SASHA GILLIES-LEKAKIS / DEP. TREASURER
Sasha has worked in a range of sectors including in unions and education. He has conducted health- and education-based research on health challenges in the Caribbean and the Pacific for several years, and continues to engage with several charity and social justice organisations.
