In this episode of The Belonging Shift podcast, host Mantej Singh speaks with Melissa Monteiro about belonging, migration, and settlement. Melissa Monteiro is Chief Executive Officer of the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Chair of the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA). The conversation delves into the foundational importance of belonging for migrant and refugee communities in Australia. It explores personal experiences of belonging, shifts in migration, misunderstandings and barriers to belonging, leadership's role in fostering belonging, and solutions and advice for leaders to address these barriers.

Takeaways

Belonging is foundational and essential for migrant and refugee communities to thrive in Australia.
Belonging cannot be demanded or given; it exists in the space between the two.

Melissa’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift

Shift 1: Co-design with communities

Shift 2: Build long-term partnerships

Shift 3: Harness the potential of shared spaces

Shift 4: Create environments where everyone feels heard

Shift 5:Start with a genuine motive and intention and don’t be defensive if you get it wrong.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Belonging Shift Podcast

02:31 The Importance of Belonging in Settlement

04:58 Personal Journeys of Belonging

07:22 Shifts in Migration and Belonging

09:25 Understanding Belonging: Misconceptions & Realities

13:58 Barriers to Belonging in Leadership

20:20 Solutions for Leaders to Foster Belonging

23:22 Final Thoughts on Belonging

Guest Bio

Melissa Monteiro is Chief Executive Officer of the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Chair of the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA), representing approximately 180 organisations across Australia’s settlement sector. She is also Member, Women Peace and Security Coalition of Australia about Belonging in the settlement sector. She is a qualified social worker with over 27 years’ experience. Her work work is grounded in an intersectional approach, addressing the layered impacts of gender, migration, race, and socio-economic inequality. She has led the design and delivery of prevention and early intervention initiatives that respond to the strengths and needs of diverse communities. She has been recognised as a Pro Bono Australia IMPACT 21 award recipient and appointed as a The Salvation Army Multicultural Ambassador. She serves on multiple national and state advisory bodies.

Host Bio

Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens. He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organizations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience in community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information visit www.belongingco.com.au

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