Belonging, migration and settlement

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 Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link https://www.belongingco.com.au/belongingshift