By Daandii Oromia

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA – For many in the Oromo community, the journey to Australia has been marked by resilience, hope, and the promise of a safer future. Yet, this path often carries invisible burdens. The trauma of displacement, the challenges of resettlement, and the weight of cultural expectations can all take a profound toll on mental health and wellbeing .

In Victoria, help is available. While many from migrant and refugee backgrounds face barriers in accessing services, a growing number of organisations and programs are working to provide culturally safe, accessible, and understanding support for Oromo families .

The Hidden Struggles: Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, trauma, and isolation—are often worsened by the experience of migration . For many Oromo families, these struggles are compounded by language barriers, the pressure to appear strong, and the stigma that can surround mental health in many cultures .

Research confirms that people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds face significant barriers in accessing mental health care. These include stigma, mental health illiteracy, distrust of mainstream services, and a lack of familiarity with the system . Speaking about mental health is not always common practice in many communities, which makes culturally appropriate support all the more vital .

Where to Start: Community Organisations That Understand You

The Oromo community in Victoria is fortunate to have dedicated organisations that understand your culture, language, and the unique challenges you face.

Advocacy for Oromia

Based in Melbourne, Advocacy for Oromia has been at the forefront of mental health support for the Oromo community for over a decade . Their Mental Health Program focuses on improving mental health literacy, building protective factors, and reducing stigma . They organise culturally adapted conversations during Oromo Coffee Drinking ceremonies (Caffee), a familiar cultural practice that helps make mental health discussions more approachable . They also provide information sessions, radio programs, and community education .

From 2017 to 2018 alone, their community education programs supported 600 Oromos to address depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and isolation, including perinatal mental health issues .

• Contact: 247-251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 | http://www.advocacy4oromia.org .

The Oromo Association in Victoria Australia (OAVA)

Established in 2002, OAVA is a non-political, community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting Oromo refugees and migrants . They offer a range of vital services, including:

• Settlement assistance for new arrivals
• Access to healthcare and mental health support
• Counselling to address the trauma of displacement
• Job training and employment support, which helps build independence and reduces stress

The Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria Inc.

This community hub in Melbourne provides a wide range of services, including counselling, family support, and community outreach programmes . They collaborate with local organisations to deliver workshops on mental health, nutrition, and financial literacy .

The Power of Community Connection

One of the most effective forms of mental health support is simply coming together . In February 2025, the Federation of Oromo Civic Organizations in Australia and the Oromo Seniors Welfare and Benevolent Association held a dinner event in Melbourne that brought together seniors, youth, and families .

The benefits of such gatherings are profound:

• Reducing isolation, especially for seniors who may feel lonely in the diaspora
• Cultural affirmation that boosts self-esteem and mental wellbeing
• Open dialogue about community challenges and resources
• Intergenerational connection that allows elders to share cultural knowledge

Broader Support: Services for CALD Communities

Beyond community-specific organisations, Victoria has a growing network of services for culturally diverse communities.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs

Funded by the Victorian Government, these hubs act as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, providing free, short-term psychosocial support without a waitlist . They are delivered in locations including Abbotsford, Coburg North, Footscray, and Werribee . Staff work with interpreters to support service users who do not speak English as their first language .

Contact: 1300 286 463 to access a Hub .

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals

Also funded by the Victorian Government, these Locals make it easier for people aged 26 and over to get free, voluntary mental health care closer to home . You do not need a referral or a Medicare card. The Dandenong team collectively speaks more than 40 languages, and bicultural workers have been a great success in overcoming mental health stigma in their communities . Top nationalities among service users include Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sudan .

Contact: 1800 332 501 to find your nearest Local .

Afri-Aus Care

Based in Springvale South, Afri-Aus Care was founded in 2015 to provide culturally appropriate support to African Australian and CALD communities . They offer psychosocial assessment, casework, counselling, and mental health support . In 2024, they received a $235,000 grant from the Victorian Government to run a specialist mental health program focusing on removing stigma and cultural taboos .

The Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program

The Victorian Government has invested $4.2 million in supporting diverse communities’ mental health . This program recognises that Victorians from diverse backgrounds often face greater mental health challenges and difficulty accessing inclusive, culturally safe services .

Organisations benefiting from this funding include the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Muslim Mental Health Professionals, and the Victorian Refugee Health Network .

Practical Steps for Oromo Families

If you or a family member is struggling, here is a path forward:

1. Start with your community organisation: Reach out to Advocacy for Oromia, OAVA, or the Australian Oromo Community Association .
2. Attend community events: Gatherings like the Federation of Oromo Civic Organizations events are more than social—they are lifelines that can connect you with resources .
3. Access mainstream mental health services: Contact a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub or Local for free, no-waitlist support .
4. Call a crisis line if needed: National helplines like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offer confidential support. Ask for an interpreter if needed .

Breaking the Silence

Mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness. They are a human experience—one that can be addressed with the right support .

As Selba Gondoza Luka, founder of Afri-Aus Care, discovered, helping others can also be a path to healing. “When I started the organisation, I had depression and anxiety. But then I started helping others and I saw the healing. It was a speedy recovery,” she said .

You are not alone. There is support, there is understanding, and there is a community ready to help.

Key Contacts

Sources: Advocacy for Oromia, The Oromo Association in Victoria, Mind Australia, National Institutes of Health.

Disclaimer: This article provides a general guide only. Readers should seek professional advice for their own particular situations.