Built by Community, For the Community
Gracious Community Services was born from lived experience and a deep-seated commitment to supporting multicultural migrant families through their most vital transitions.
Our Vision
To see newly arrived multicultural migrant families confidently establish stable, healthy and thriving lives in Australia — greeted with dignity, provided with the tools for self-sufficiency, and woven into the vibrant fabric of their new local community without fear or isolation.
Our Mission
To provide culturally informed support, education and community connections that empower multicultural migrant families — including skilled migrants — to overcome settlement challenges and build strong foundations for long-term wellbeing and success.
Who We Support
We support newly arrived multicultural migrants — including skilled migrants and their families — particularly within their first 18 months in Australia. Skilled migrants can be especially vulnerable to workplace exploitation due to limited local knowledge; we provide information and support to protect and empower them. While rooted in African migrant community experience, our services are open to all.
15+ Years of Dedicated Service
5,000+ Families Supported
Our Journey & Lived Experience
Gracious Community Services was founded by skilled migrants who understand first-hand what it means to navigate a new country — balancing professional ambitions with the realities of building a life in a new culture, system and community. Our founders know that the path forward is clearer when guided by those who have walked it themselves.
Today, our staff is composed of 60% individuals with lived experience, ensuring that every program we design is culturally sensitive, practical, and delivered with genuine empathy.
Explore our services arrow_forwardMeet the Founding Team
Gracious Community Services was founded by three passionate community leaders who combine lived experience as migrants with deep professional expertise in mental health, nursing, leadership development, family support, and community advocacy.
Together, they bring decades of experience supporting individuals and families through migration, settlement, mental health challenges, relationship difficulties, and community integration. Their shared vision is to help newly arrived migrant families build strong foundations and thrive in Australia.
Tendai Togara
"Mama T"
Tendai Togara is a transformational leadership and relationship coach, speaker, mentor, marriage celebrant, and community advocate. Known affectionately as "Mama T," she is the founder of Gracious Women and a founding member of Women of Colour Melbourne, where she has served as Treasurer and Board Member.
With qualifications in leadership, coaching, community services, and suicide prevention, Tendai is passionate about empowering women, strengthening families, and helping migrant communities build stable, purposeful and thriving lives.
Areas of Expertise
Lorraine Vere
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Lorraine Vere is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Senior Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CATT) Clinician with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Lorraine's own migration journey through the United Kingdom and Australia gives her firsthand insight into the emotional, financial, and cultural challenges faced by newly arrived families. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where individuals and couples can access practical tools and culturally informed support.
Areas of Expertise
Miriam Muduwa
Registered Nurse, Academic & Community Leader
Miriam Muduwa is a Registered Nurse, academic, and respected community leader. Her work in multicultural communities is recognised and supported by her university, reflecting the real-world impact she brings to underserved communities across Australia.
She specialises in domestic and family violence awareness, mental health education, and culturally sensitive community engagement. As an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Miriam is qualified to teach Mental Health First Aid — equipping community members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges early.
Miriam is also a Shona Language Interpreter, enabling her to connect deeply with Shona-speaking community members in their own language. Through workshops, presentations, and community programs, she creates safe spaces where difficult conversations become pathways to healing and empowerment.
Areas of Expertise
Together, Tendai, Lorraine and Miriam combine lived experience, clinical expertise, leadership capability, and deep community connections to deliver practical, culturally informed support for newly arrived migrant families across Australia.
Connect With Our Team arrow_forwardOur Guiding Principles
Everything we do is shaped by these core values.
Compassion
Integrity
Cultural Understanding
Empowerment
Collaboration
Transparency
Be Part of the Story
Whether you want to volunteer your time, donate resources, or join our team, your support helps us continue our mission of dignity and stability.
