Shugoofa Organisation
Non-For-Profit Organisation
Community Connection at Casey Hub – Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre
Date: 23/05/2025
Location: Cranbourne Park Shopping center Hub
We had a wonderful time hosting a special event at the Casey Hub in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre!
Our program was filled with fun activities for kids, including crafts and creative play. Parents and young adults also benefited from an informative session by a skin specialist, who shared great tips on how to keep your skin clean, healthy, and glowing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us your energy and smiles made the event extra special!
Women’s Mental Health First Aid Course in Casey
Shugoofa Organisation, in collaboration with Wellsprings for Women, has started a Mental Health First Aid course for women in Casey.
The 6-week program is still in progress and is helping women gain knowledge, confidence, and tools to support their mental wellbeing and that of their communities especially meaningful as Eid approaches.
We are proud to see these women coming together, learning, and growing stronger each week.
A Fun and Active Day for Women and Kids in Cranbourne West
Date: 08/05/2025
Location: Cranbourne west
We had a wonderful time this Wednesday in Cranbourne West, bringing together women and children from our community for a joyful and engaging program, run in collaboration with Wellsprings for Women.
We started the day with some light exercise, helping moms get active and learn simple movements to support their health and wellbeing. It was a great way to energize the group and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Later, we held a hands-on playdough-making session, where mums learned how to make colorful playdough at home using simple ingredients. It’s a fun and creative way to keep children busy while building stronger connections between parents and kids.
Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thanks to Wellsprings for supporting this wonderful day. We look forward to more meaningful sessions like this!
Stronger Together
Date: 30/04/2025
Location: Cranbourne west
This session brought together women and young children from the community in a warm, supportive environment to encourage connection, socialization, and mutual support. The gathering offered a welcoming space where women could sit together, share snacks, and engage in conversation while their children interacted in a safe and playful setting.
Key Activities:
-
Informal conversations among women, fostering social support and a sense of belonging.
-
Shared light snacks and tea, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
-
Play-based interaction for children, promoting social development and peer bonding.
Purpose:
-
To reduce isolation among women, especially new arrivals or mothers.
-
To provide a supportive community space for informal learning and emotional exchange.
-
To strengthen ties between families in the local community.
Impact:
The session was filled with laughter, conversation, and joy, as seen in the engagement between participants. It helped build stronger social networks among women and created a fun and welcoming environment for children to play and learn.
women &Children Community Gathering
Tech Awareness for
Parent-Youth
Connection At Noble Park Language School
Shugoofa Organisation had the pleasure of joining Kate Fitzpatrick, Human Exploration Community Officer,as presenters at Noble Park Language School .Togethe,we spoke with parents and students about the importance of building strong and healthy relationships between parents and their children.
We discussed how technology, when used positively and mindfully, can be a powerful tool for learning and growth. We also highlighted the potential risks of technology especially social media when used in unhealthy or harmful ways.
It was a meaningful and engaging session, and we were pleased to see such strong interest from both parents and students.
Harmony Day
Shugoofa Organisation had the pleasure of attending Harmony Day, celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity in our community. It was amazing to see people from so many backgrounds, from Afghanistan to Malaysia and beyond, coming together with pride, joy, and unity.
The energy, the traditional clothing, the music, and the shared smiles truly showed what harmony looks like. We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive community!
.png)
Eid Celebration in Casey
Shugoofa Organisation was delighted to join over 1000 community members in celebrating Eid!
It was an honor to have Ms. Pauline Richards, MP for Cranbourne (Australian Labor Party), celebrate with us.
A wonderful gathering filled with joy, unity, and cultural connection!
انجمن شگوفه was happy to celebrate Eid with more than 1000 community members! We were honored to have Pauline Richards, Member of the Cranbourne Regional Parliament from Labor Australia join us at the celebration.
A celebration full of happiness, solidarity and cultural connection!
Women's Wellbeing and Community Support Group
Shugoofa Cultural Association proudly supports the Wellsprings for Women’s Wellbeing Group every Wednesday from
9:30 to 11:30 AM.
Our sessions provide a welcoming and supportive space where women can come together, connect, and overcome isolation by making new friends. We always have a guest speaker to share valuable knowledge on various topics related to women’s health and wellbeing, ensuring that all information is accessible with Dari interpreter available.
Mothers are encouraged to bring their preschool-aged children, who will have a great time in a friendly environment while their mothers engage in learning and discussions.
Enjoy a free morning tea, and join us in celebrating art, culture, and community.
A Day of Art, Fun and Connection at Cranbourne Park Shopping Center
Community Hub
We had a fantastic day filled with creativity and fun at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre Community Hub!
Shugoofa Organisation hosted an interactive arts and craft session for children and their moms, creating a space for joy, connection, and creativity. It was heartwarming to see families come together, share moments, and enjoy a hands-on experience.
A big thank you to everyone who joined and made this day special! Stay tuned for more community events.
Shugoofa Organisation Highlights 2024-2025
The year 2024 was truly a year full of success and achievements for Shugoofa Organisation. The cultural, literary, informational, and health programs we organised had a profound impact on improving the community and supporting individuals. We actively involved youth, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and encouraging them to engage with the community. The Shugoofa team, with their dedication and tireless efforts, proved that positive and lasting changes are possible. We are grateful to everyone who trusted us and supported our programs. Wishing you and the Shugoofa Organisation even greater success in the upcoming year!
.jpeg)
Digital Sisters Computer Literacy Program
Date: 22/11/2024
Location: Lynbrook Community Centre
The “Digital Sisters” Computer Literacy Program for Afghan women was successfully held on 22nd November 2024 at the Lynbrook Community centre. This program is designed to support Afghan women in building essential computer skills, with special attention to cultural and linguistic needs.
The class was led by a trained female mentor who provided step-by-step guidance. The participants showed great enthusiasm and engagement, and they were able to learn key digital skills that will help them in their daily lives and future opportunities.
The session was very successful, and we are excited to announce that the program will continue. If you are interested, please register with us to be part of the next session and take advantage of this valuable learning opportunity.
Exclusive Information Session for Women and Children
Location: Dandenong Park
Date: 14th November 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
-
Topics Covered
-
Oral Hygiene: Presentation by a qualified nurse.
-
Active Kids Vouchers: Guidance on applying for $200 per child.
-
Environmental Awareness: Tips on keeping the environment clean, delivered by a guest speaker from Wellsprings
Especial guest: Katherine Fitzpatrick, Human Exploitation Community Officer
The Shugoofa Cultural Association hosted an exclusive information session for newly arrived migrant and refugee women and children on Thursday, 14th November, at Dandenong Park. The session aimed to enhance knowledge and understanding on various topics essential for settlement and integration.
Attendance:
Approximately 60 women and 15 children participated in the session. The Better Health Network (BHN) contributed by providing dental care packs to encourage better oral hygiene practices.
Collaboration with Wellsprings for Women:
As part of the Community Capacity Building (CCB) Activity, Wellsprings for Women partnered with Shugoofa Cultural Association to share information about their services for women and children. The highlight of the session was the new funding available for the Settlement Program, designed to support newly arrived families and help them transition smoothly into Australian society.
The session successfully provided valuable resources and practical support to attendees, fostering greater community awareness and integration.
Conclusion:
Participants appreciated the information session, togetherness, refreshments and expressed enthusiasm for future programs and activities. Efforts will be made to keep them informed about upcoming opportunities to support their settlement journey and community engagement.
Wellsprings for Women and Shugoofa Cultural Association are committed to working together in the future, collaborating to provide meaningful sessions and activities that support and empower the community
_edited.jpg)
Suzani Stories
One of Shugoofa Bakhtary the founder of Shugoofa Organisation's most meaningful experiences has been being invited by The_social_studio to share her poetry. They wanted her to put into words the feelings of Afghan women who had gathered together to share their thoughts and emotions through poetry and music. As a poet and woman activist, She felt honored to help express their voices and stories. She wrote a couplet for them, which they carefully stitched onto a fabric. This piece is displayed in Bunjil Place in Melbourne Australia, sharing a part of Afghan women journey and culture with others.
Youth Engagement Through Art and Music
We hosted an art program with support from Komak, designed to involve youth in our community through meaningful activities. The program consisted of six sessions that aimed to provide an incredible opportunity for young individuals to connect with their heritage and learn more about their cultural music and instruments, particularly the Rubab
Participants were engaged in:
• Learning to play traditional musical instruments.
• Hands-on video recording and production activities.
• Active participation in the program to gain a deeper understanding of our culture and traditions.
The event successfully brought the youth closer to their roots while fostering creativity and teamwork. We’re proud to support initiatives that nurture cultural pride and artistic skills among the next generation.
Wellbeing and women rights in Australia
Shugoofa organisation hosted an event with financial assistance from Komak for women specifically for newly arrived women from Afghanistan residing in the Southern Metro region of Victoria (City of Casey). The event aimed to provide an opportunity for these women to meet one another and learn about personal well-being. A mental health and emotional well-being coach delivered a session on self-care for women. We also raised awareness about women’s rights in Australia and highlighted opportunities for them to connect both informally and formally with each other, as well as with support services in the local community.
Women Needs and requirement
Shugoofa Organisation celebrated its 2nd anniversary on Sunday, October 13th, combined
with a special program for newly arrived Afghan refugee women and young girls, focusing on
their wellbeing and needs. The event was held at Marriot Community Centre, featuring guest
speakers Katherine Fitzpatrick from the Australian Federal Police, Mehri Vijdani, Multicultural
Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, along with other distinguished attendees. Guests
were welcomed by serving them some traditional homemade Afghan sweets, accompanied
by tea and coffee.
The event’s opening speech was delivered by Shugoofa Bakhtary, the CEO and founder of
the Shugoofa Organisation. She briefly highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the
past two years, shared details about current programs, and introduced future projects aimed
at supporting newly arrived Afghan women and young girls as they embark on their new
journeys and settlement in Australia. Shugoofa’s speech was followed by Kate and Mehri,
who each spoke about their involvement in the multicultural community. They discussed the
services they offer to newly arrived refugees and grassroots organisations, highlighting their
commitment to supporting these communities through various initiatives and partnerships.
Swimming Session for Youth
Shugoofa Organisation offered swimming sessions for both girls and boys during the school holidays, creating a valuable opportunity for personal and social growth.
Alongside the remarkable improvement in their swimming abilities, the program had a transformative effect on the youth. It fostered a strong sense of belonging, boosted their confidence, and encouraged positive social interactions. These sessions served as more than just a physical activity—they became a platform for the youth to connect, support each other, and build lasting friendships. Shugoofa Organisation remains committed to empowering the younger generation through initiatives that not only enhance skills but also nurture their overall well-being and sense of community.
