The Turkish Coffee Club Project was presented to the Wyndham Council on December 2, 2023, highlighting the challenges faced by older Turkish and Turkish Cypriot women in accessing community services. The club, which primarily consists of women who have resided in the Wyndham area for decades, aims to provide a supportive environment for socialization and self-advocacy.
The report, developed by Victoria University in collaboration with the North Cyprus Turkish Community of Victoria, identifies several key areas of need for this community group. It calls attention to the necessity for enhanced access to digital language services, mobility issues, and social integration challenges. According to Dr. Lutfiye Ali, who plays a vital role in running the club and contributed to the report, significant gaps exist between women of Turkish heritage and the broader community.
“What we found was that despite living in the area for 30 or 40 years, many of these women have had very little active participation in the community,” Dr. Ali stated. “When they get together, there is an opportunity to share and learn from one another about available services.”
The club’s objective is to amplify the voices of these women, allowing them to articulate their experiences and challenges. One of the most pressing issues identified is the transition to digital language services, which has made it increasingly difficult for some women to obtain critical information. “Accessing an interpreter is very difficult, leading to a disconnect with services,” Dr. Ali explained, emphasizing how these barriers affect their daily lives.
The Wyndham Turkish Coffee Club convenes at the Wyndham Park Community Centre in Werribee on the first Tuesday of every month. This regular meeting provides a space for these women to connect, share their experiences, and advocate for their needs within the community. As the club continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and community support for marginalized groups.
The findings of this report call for immediate attention to the barriers faced by older Turkish and Turkish Cypriot women, underscoring the need for tailored services that accommodate their unique situations. By fostering dialogue and understanding, the Turkish Coffee Club Project aims to bridge the gap between these women and the wider community, enhancing their quality of life and fostering a sense of belonging.
