Our Programs
From the SWDA Homework Club to Emergency Food Relief and the Multicultural Eid Festival.
SWDA Homework Club
SWDA Homework Club (SWDAHC) is the first Homework Club program designed specifically for students living in North Melbourne, Kensington, Carlton, Flemington, Ascot Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Footscray and surrounding areas. It was established in January 2007 at Community Hub, Ground Floor, 12 Holland Court, Flemington VIC 3031.
SWDA Homework Club delivers regular online tutoring via Zoom from Monday to Sunday and in-person tutoring every Wednesday and Thursday. Sessions run from 5pm to 7pm during school terms and school holidays. The program provides a culturally safe entry point for emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities and all young people in the local area, with access to educational support, resources and tutoring to continue their learning journey.
At SWDA, our purpose is to promote, develop and encourage the wellbeing of young people by providing, facilitating, planning and advocating for the needs and issues of young people, their families and the wider community.
SWDA Homework Club is bound by our Child Safe Standards Policy, Reportable Conduct Policy and Victoria’s Child Safe Standards, and follows Victorian Government service agreement policies, procedures and guidelines around crisis support and intervention.
Suitable for volunteers or people studying community services, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Youth Work, Bachelor of Social Work or another relevant course. This opportunity may count towards student placement hours where relevant.
If you are undertaking an approved Social Work, Youth Work, Education or Community Development course, consider a student placement with our Youth Services team. Participants learn what a local community organisation offers young people through Somali Women Development Association Inc. Work experience for secondary students is also available.
Placements are available for 8 hours per day, generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday at Office 4, 12 Holland Court, Flemington, and Office 15 Stubbs St, Kensington. Homework Club hours are generally 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Block placements are negotiable for research projects or office-based placements only. Priority is given to students in approved university courses, and applications should be submitted at least 1 month before placement starts.
Enrol a student, apply to volunteer, or ask about a student placement.
SWDA Emergency Food Relief
SWDA has been supporting families and individuals facing financial difficulties and food insecurity. Through our Emergency Food Relief program, we provide practical, dignified food support that respects cultural preferences and helps households put nourishing meals on the table.
Delivery sites
Cooked meals provided so far
Grocery food deliveries each week
Grocery food and nutrition meals each month
The Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. invites expressions of interest from dedicated and passionate individuals to join our volunteer team. By volunteering with us, you will contribute to meaningful programs that support and empower our community.
To express your interest or learn more, please contact us today.
Email: admin@swdai.org.au Phone: (03) 8596 7651
Enrol for food reliefCommunity Celebration
The Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. (SWDA) has proudly delivered the Multicultural Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha Festival in Flemington and North Melbourne for over 16 years.
This long-standing community celebration brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Eid, cultural diversity, unity, and inclusion. The festival features family-friendly activities, cultural performances, food, and opportunities for community connection and engagement.
For the past 4 years, SWDA has also hosted a dedicated Multicultural Eid Al Fitr Women’s Only Celebration, providing a safe and welcoming space for women and girls to celebrate Eid, build connections, and access community support in a culturally respectful environment.
These events continue to strengthen community harmony, promote belonging, and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of multicultural communities across Victoria.
Watch the celebration
Community celebrations, family days, youth activities and cultural events delivered with and for our communities across Victoria.
Youth Programs
SWDA delivers youth programs that promote wellbeing, build connections and create opportunities for everyone — from monthly Game’s Day sports and recreation to mentoring, homework support and leadership development for young African Australians.
A day of laughter, teamwork and memorable moments for everyone, with tug of war, relay races, Dod Geb and many more activities.
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: Kensington Recreation Centre, Cnr Wellington St & Doncaster Ave, Kensington
Young people are matched with mentors and tutors through the SWDA Homework Club and youth engagement sessions, building study skills, confidence and pathways into further education, training and employment.
Program Coordinator: Fahan Ahmed · 0412 722 119
Email: admin@swdai.org.au
SWDA Social Work Unit
Building Understanding, Reducing Stigma and Promoting Wellbeing
The SWDA Social Work Unit provides culturally responsive mental health education and awareness to African refugee communities, including young people, adults, parents and families.
For many people from refugee backgrounds, adjusting to a new country can bring significant changes and challenges. Experiences of displacement, settlement, separation from family, language barriers, social isolation, financial pressures, discrimination and adapting to a new culture can affect emotional wellbeing and mental health.
At the same time, mental health can sometimes be difficult to talk about within communities where stigma, cultural beliefs, misconceptions or fear of judgement may prevent people from seeking support.
SWDA works directly with African refugee communities to create safe, respectful and culturally appropriate conversations about mental health. Our Social Work Unit Team provides education that helps community members better understand mental health, recognise early signs of concern and feel more confident seeking appropriate support.
Tailored Community Education
Our workshops can be tailored to the needs of different age groups and communities.
What mental health means, why it matters and how emotional wellbeing can change throughout life.
Openly exploring stigma, misconceptions and cultural attitudes that can make it difficult to discuss mental health or seek help.
Practical ways for young people, parents, families and community members to talk about mental health in a safe and respectful way.
Supporting young people to manage emotional, social, educational and settlement-related challenges.
Helping community members recognise changes in emotions, behaviour and wellbeing and understand when additional support may be needed.
Developing practical and positive strategies for managing stress, change, difficult emotions and everyday challenges.
Understanding how culture, identity, migration, settlement and community connections can influence mental health and wellbeing.
Helping parents and families recognise concerns, communicate with young people and provide appropriate emotional support.
Encouraging people to seek support early and providing information about how to access appropriate health, social and community services.
Helping families, friends and community members respond with empathy, understanding and appropriate support.
Respectful, Safe and Inclusive
SWDA understands that effective mental health education must recognise culture, language, family relationships, community values and lived experiences.
Our Social Work Unit Team creates a welcoming and non-judgemental environment where people can ask questions, share concerns and learn about mental health without shame or fear of being judged.
We focus on education, prevention, early support, empowerment and connection to appropriate services, while recognising the strengths and resilience that exist within African refugee families and communities.
Our goal is to help build communities where talking about mental health is normal, seeking support is encouraged, and individuals and families know that they do not have to face challenges alone.
Would you like SWDA to deliver a Mental Health Education and Awareness workshop for your community, school, youth group or organisation?
Our workshops can be discussed and tailored to suit the needs of your participants. Contact SWDA to make a booking or discuss how our Social Work Unit can support your community with culturally appropriate mental health education and awareness.
Phone: 03 8596 7651
Email: admin@swdai.org.au
Elders’ Activities
SWDA runs regular social and wellbeing activities for older members of the African Australian community — keeping elders connected, active and supported in language and culture.
Activities run from our Kensington and Flemington offices and nearby community venues, with bilingual staff and volunteers supporting every session.
Enquiries: (03) 8596 7765 · admin@swdai.org.au
Enrol in Elders’ ActivitiesWe thank all of our contributors for their enduring support. For every $1 raised from our government and corporate partners, trusts, foundations and individual supporters, 86 cents is spent directly on programs that assist disadvantaged people in our community.
How to Get Involved
Community Event
Celebrating Women’s Leadership, Strength and Achievement
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. (SWDA) proudly celebrated International Women’s Day, bringing women, families and community members together to recognise and celebrate the achievements, leadership and contributions of women.
International Women’s Day is observed globally on 8 March and provides an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while continuing to promote women’s rights, equality and participation. In 2026, UN Women highlighted the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Justice. Action.”
SWDA’s 2026 celebration focused on women’s leadership, empowerment and achievement, recognising the important role women play in strengthening families, supporting communities and creating positive change.
The event provided an opportunity to:
SWDA recognises that women contribute to their communities in many different ways. Women are leaders in families, workplaces, businesses, community organisations, education, advocacy and social change.
For women from African, Somali and other multicultural communities, leadership can also involve navigating new environments, supporting families, overcoming barriers and creating opportunities for future generations.
Through its programs and community services, SWDA continues to support women to build confidence, develop skills, access opportunities, advocate for their rights and participate fully in community life.
International Women’s Day is not only a day to celebrate. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges women continue to face and to strengthen our commitment to creating communities where women and girls are respected, supported, safe and able to reach their full potential.
SWDA believes that when women are supported to lead, families and communities become stronger. By creating opportunities for women to have their voices heard and participate in decision-making, we can contribute to a more inclusive and connected community.
SWDA remains committed to supporting, empowering and celebrating women throughout the year. International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise progress, celebrate achievements and encourage continued action for women and girls.
Together, we celebrate the women who lead, inspire, support and create change in our communities.
International Women’s Day 2026
Sunday, 8 March 2026
Theme: Women’s Leadership: Inspiring Change, Empowering Communities
SWDA — Celebrating Women. Empowering Communities. Inspiring Change.
Events
Join community leaders, practitioners, partners and young people for the SWDA National Conference 2026 — a day of shared learning, cultural connection and community-led change.
The conference brings together African Australian communities, government and service partners to share practice, celebrate achievements and shape the next chapter of culturally responsive support in Australia.
Register your interest: call 03 8596 7651 or email admin@swdai.org.au.
