Australia is becoming an increasingly multicultural country, with cultural landscapes having changed drastically over the last decade. We see many more immigrants from various backgrounds and with sometimes various backgrounds and with sometimes, drastic reasons for migration, which is likely to affect their mental health and wellbeing. According to the 2016 Census, nearly half of Australians had either been born overseas or one or both parents had been born overseas. Additionally, more than 300 languages were identified as spoken in Australia (ABS, 2016). Having this in mind, it is important for the Mental Health sector to provide targeted and appropriate services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. The effects of COVID on all Australians has been widespread particularly for members of CALD communities with unemployment, loss of income, being isolated from family and friends etc. 

The purpose of this research is to better understand the impacts of COVID-19 in CALD communities in Australia because, in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people who are disproportionately affected physically and emotionally, economically, and socially are the disenfranchised. Through results from each sub-topic, we plan to collate information to prepare a research report and recommendations about CALD communities in Australia to be sent to Local, State and Federal levels of Government about what is required in this important area of Multicultural Mental Health, particularly after COVID-19. 

Much of the research is being conducted by placement students from various educational institutes across Australia. After conducting a literature review to understand the current research available, students were requested to formulate a list of questions to survey multicultural community members of their experience during COVID-19 through a semi-structured interview. Example questions included ‘What did you particularly struggle with during COVID-19?’ and ‘Did you experience any stressors?’ 

Students were then asked to conduct a theme analysis of common points raised by community members (e.g. mental health struggles, stress, unemployment, family issues etc.)  This is an ongoing research project that will be reported on during the next financial year.