BMA supports multicultural parents

Expert assistance: BRMC has partnered with BMA to offer advice and education to Ballarat parents raising kids in a multicultural setting. Photo: FILE

PARENTS from diverse cultural backgrounds raising young families locally are invited to a workshop hosted by the Ballarat Malayalee Association.

Facilitated in partnership with the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, the free education day will explore areas including parenting challenges, mental health, and disability.

BMA’s Lokan Ravi said the workshop will be held at St Patrick’s Church Hall on Dawson Street on Saturday, 3 July.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear from professionals including paediatricians, psychiatrists, educators and parents within our community on parenting our children in a multicultural setting,” he said.

Dr Anoop Lalitha, Dr Jacob Kulathikulangara, Dr Shabna Rajapaksha, and Sarabjit Kaur are the education day’s expert guest speakers, who will present ahead of two question-and-answer opportunities.

Dr Lalitha will offer her perspective as clinical director Grampians Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service at Ballarat Health Services. From the same team, Dr Kulathikulangara brings his expertise as a consultant psychiatrist.

Dr Rajapaksha offers a paediatrics background, based at Ballarat Health Services, while Ms Kaur has the perspective of a parent and educator.

The workshop will run from 9.30am until 4.30pm. On-site community volunteers will assist, providing free childcare to children over three years of age.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Visit the Eventbrite link at bit.ly/3iZRLEh to register, as places are limited.

The Ballarat Malayalee Association exists to support and boost the unique cultural, artistic, and social offerings of people of Kerala living in Ballarat.

Contact 0422 040 627 or [email protected], or visit bmaballarat.com.au for more information.