Peer Support Workshop

More than 25 participants attended the Peer Support Workshop, which aimed to build awareness, confidence, and practical skills to respond to racism within the community. Drawing on local data and real-life examples from Hume, the workshop explored what racism is, how it manifests at individual, institutional, and systemic levels, and the impact it has on individuals and communities, while also outlining legal protections and available reporting and support pathways. 

Participants engaged in facilitated discussions, shared lived experiences and stories, and were introduced to practical “upstander” strategies, including safe bystander intervention approaches, to support themselves and others when responding to racism. Resources were shared to strengthen ongoing learning and access to support services. The session was delivered by Dr Mario Peucker from Victoria University and Celia Chang, Multicultural Community Development Officer from Hume City Council, and fostered meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and collective responsibility in addressing racism.