Gladstone's Natalia Muszkat spends up to 5 hours each day in her voluntary capacity with the Women's Intercultural Network, on top of her time spent studying for an Occupational Health and Safety degree, helping as a student mentor, running her own photography business and looking after two young boys*.

Natalia acts as committee president and coordinator for the network, which helps migrant women integrate confidently into the community.

Active volunteer Natalia Muszkat

Operating out of Gladstone's Women's Health Centre, the network provides support, information sessions, education and training, orientation programs, referrals, resources and events. Priorities for this year have included English classes, a weekly newspaper column, community events and development of the management committee.

"We have a great relationship with CQUni in Gladstone and we even had an information session with Margaret from the student support department earlier this year," Natalia said.

"The network is in close contact with the University as we support some of the overseas staff family members and some students. We have just scheduled a session to learn about the Careers Information Centre on campus, coming up on October 14."

The network generally meets every Thursday at the Women's Health Centre (9 Derby Street, Gladstone, ph: 4979 1456). You can check the calendar as activities may change or be held at other venues.

For more information or if you want to be added to a mailing list, please use the "Contact Us" form or call Natalia on 0423 177 411. The network is also on Facebook and the internet via www.womensinterculturalnetwork.org .

* Natalia was awarded a Student Association Merit Scholarship last year.

  
CLICK on this caption for larger images of these recent network activities