Multicultural Youth SA - MYSA

We’re at RAA's Street Smart High 2026! 🚗

We’re spending the next few days at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, meeting young people from across South Australia and sharing what’s happening at MYSA.

From school holiday adventures and social programs to support with study and work, there’s plenty happening at MYSA to help young people thrive 💜

We’re here until Thursday - if you’re at Street Smart High, come say hi! 👋

Every Monday, we’re challenging some of the common myths surrounding refugees and migrants in Australia and replacing assumptions with facts ✅

There’s a lot of conversation around whether Australia is “tough enough” on migration, but how much do we actually know about what the system requires?

Getting a visa isn’t a free pass. Australia has a detailed migration system with eligibility requirements, background checks and rules that people need to follow throughout their time here.

For people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, these systems can have a huge impact on their lives - from the application process itself to their ability to stay, work and build a future in Australia.

Swipe through for this week’s myth, and some of the facts that often get lost in the conversation 💜

Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs

School holidays are almost here, and you know what that means... So is MYSA's School Holiday Program!

We've got plenty of activities planned to keep you busy these holidays, including cooking classes, a hike at Hallett Cove, a visit to Adelaide Zoo and puppy yoga, plus so much more 🐶

Check out the program and book your spot - get in quick though, places are limited 👉 mysa.com.au/whats-on/mysa-school-holiday-program/ 💜

For young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, having the right people around you can make a real difference 🥰

At MYSA, we see the power of connection every day. When young people have opportunities to learn, build confidence, develop new skills and feel part of their community, brighter futures become possible.

We thought this quote from Helen Keller was especially fitting, because no one builds a brighter future alone 💜

Every Monday, we’re challenging some of the common myths surrounding refugees and migrants in Australia and replacing assumptions with facts ✅

This week, we’re looking at the idea that migrants arrive in Australia and get a “free ride” on government benefits.

The reality is that visa and residency status can make a big difference to what someone is eligible for, and many migrants face significant waiting periods before they can access certain payments.

There’s another part of the story that often gets overlooked too: migrants are also working, paying tax and contributing to the communities they live in.

From starting businesses and filling workforce shortages to raising families and building community connections, migration is about much more than what someone might receive from the government.

The full picture is worth looking at 💜

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics; Services Australia

Happy Father’s Day!

Today is a chance to celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who show up, lend a hand, share a laugh and help their families grow.

For families from all backgrounds, fatherhood can look a little different, but the love, care and connection at the heart of it are universal.

Wishing all the dads and father figures in our MYSA community a very happy Father’s Day! 👏💜

Want to keep up with what’s happening at MYSA?

Sign up for the MYSA Monthly, our new monthly newsletter packed with heartwarming stories, updates, information and a look at all the work happening across the MYSA community.

Sign up and stay in the loop 💜

Every Monday, we’re challenging some of the common myths surrounding refugees and migrants in Australia and replacing assumptions with facts ✅

This week’s myth is based on the idea that there’s a simple process for anyone who wants to move to Australia.

In reality, Australia’s migration system has a number of different pathways, each with its own rules, eligibility requirements and limitations. Some visas have capped places, some are highly competitive, and applicants may need to provide extensive evidence that they meet the requirements.

For many people, the journey to Australia involves months, or even years of applications, paperwork, waiting and uncertainty.

So while Australia has many different visa pathways, getting a visa is far from easy.

Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs

Every Monday, we’re challenging some of the common myths surrounding refugees and migrants in Australia and replacing assumptions with facts ✅

This week’s myth is one that can be pretty easy to believe: that there are only so many jobs to go around, and migrants are taking them from Australians.

The reality is that Australia’s workforce relies on people from all kinds of backgrounds, including migrants who bring skills and experience that are needed across healthcare, construction, technology and many other industries.

And for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, finding work is about more than having a job. It’s about building independence, gaining experience, developing skills and creating opportunities for their future.

Migration doesn’t have to be a choice between them and us - a strong workforce creates opportunities for everyone 💜

Swipe through for this week’s myth and the facts behind it.

Source: Australian Government, Centre for Population.