Victorian Multicultural Commission Annual Report 2011-12

Enhancing Victoria’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.

Victorian Multicultural CommissionAnnual Report 2011-12

ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12The 2011-12 Annual Report covers the core

work of the Commission and its achievements

within the context of its objectives and

functions, as outlined in the Multicultural

Victoria Act.

This report can also be viewed online at: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

Copies of this Annual Report can be obtained

from the Victorian Multicultural Commission:

TELEPHONE (03) 9651 0651FACSIMILE (03) 9651 0612EMAIL [email protected]

annual report 2011-12

chairperson’s report

1

letter to the minister .....................................................................3

chairperson’s report .......................................................................4

about the commissionenhancing victoria’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity .................................................................6

our role ...............................................................................................6

about the multicultural victoria act 2011 ............................6

our commissioners .........................................................................9

our staff ...............................................................................................9

expenditure ......................................................................................9

advice to the victorian government and engaging with our CALD communitiesregional advisory councils ........................................................ 10

vmc annual community consultations ............................... 12

research and advice ................................................................... 12

in celebration and appreciation of our diversitycultural diversity week ................................................................ 13

awards and state receptions ................................................... 14

print and online communication .......................................... 15

social media .................................................................................... 16

supporting victoria’s multicultural community groups and organisationsmulticultural media internship grants ................................. 17

sponsorships – community initiatives and events ........ 17

appendix 1 regional advisory council membership............................... 18

appendix 2 victoria’s multicultural awards for excellence recipient list 2011.......................................... 19

contents

17 grants and sponsorships13 communication and

stakeholder events

Victorian Multicultural Commission2 Victorian Multicultural Commission2

Viva Victoria 2012Photographer: Damian Vincenzi

HEADER

THE VMC IS AND

SUB HEAD

annual report 2011-12 3

letter to the minister

The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras MPMinister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship3 Treasury PlaceMelbourne Vic 3002

Dear Minister,

In accordance with Section 21 of the Multicultural Victoria Act (2011),I have great pleasure in reporting on the Commission’s operationsfor the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.

Yours sincerely,

Chin Tan CHAIRPERSON

Victorian Multicultural Commission4


strengthening our community

It’s been a year of new beginnings for the Victorian Multicultural

Commission (VMC) with a new line-up of Commissioners, my first

year as Chairperson, and a revised legislative framework to guide

our work. Our Annual Report is an opportunity to reflect on the

work we’ve done and look at what lies ahead.

This is the first year the VMC has operated under the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (MVA) that was proclaimed in Parliament on 1 September 2011. The Act recognises our State’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity as one of Victoria’s greatest assets and serves as a formal declaration of Victoria’s commitment to diversity and community harmony.

The MVA also established a new research function for the VMC to investigate, report and advise the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship on systemic community issues relating to our objectives. This function will be strengthened and expanded further during the coming year.

In September 2011 the new Commissioners and myself were appointed, bringing with us a range of knowledge and skills to address the issues, challenges and opportunities facing our increasingly diverse society. It has been a stimulating and rewarding year as we settled into our new roles and got to know Victoria’s diverse communities a little better.

The VMC’s first major event after my appointment as Chairperson was Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence ceremony held at Government House in December 2011. Over 170 individuals and organisations were honoured for their outstanding service to Victoria’s multicultural and wider community. The VMC staff do an amazing job each year to coordinate the nominations and the award

ceremony – it was a special occasion for everyone involved, particularly those recognised for their valuable contribution to our State’s harmonious and enviable diversity.

Over the past year the VMC staff and Commissioners have worked hard to establish eight Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) across the state. After an extensive open application process, the RACs were launched in March 2012. The meetings provide advice to the VMC on multicultural affairs, settlement and citizenship issues in each region. This feedback will help the Commission stay informed and respond to local multicultural issues across Victoria.

After more than a year’s absence, the VMC’s quarterly magazine, Multicultural Victoria, was re-launched in February with a fresh new look. This 16-page free publication keeps local communities informed about the latest multicultural news, events, projects and grants. The magazine is distributed to nearly 5,000 organisations and individuals every quarter, and has been very well received by Victoria’s diverse communities.

Victoria’s 10th Cultural Diversity Week was held from 17 to 25 March 2012 and I’m delighted to report it was a huge success. The Premier’s Gala Dinner launched the celebrations in style, with nearly 1,500 people joining together for a spectacular evening of multicultural dance, music and


entertainment. The week culminated in the popular Viva Victoria festival, where a record 45,000 people flocked to Federation Square to enjoy the festivities.

In addition to this, more than 300 community groups, schools, workplaces and organisations showed their support for Victoria’s cultural diversity by hosting their own events during the week. I’d like to congratulate and thank everyone that took part in and supported Cultural Diversity Week 2012, especially our sponsors. It is yet another example of the wonderful multicultural society we are so fortunate to enjoy here in Victoria.

The Multicultural Media Internship Program, established this past year by the Victorian State Government, is a new initiative administered by the VMC. The program provides funding to support multicultural media organisations to deliver work experience, professional development training and leadership to aspiring journalists. These organisations provide a powerful voice for our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This is a great program, and I look forward to its continued success.

The 2012-13 State Budget announced in May 2012 was a boost for our communities, with the Victorian Government committing $21.4 million to the continued improvement of services to meet the needs and aspirations of culturally diverse Victorians.

This includes additional funding to support the eight Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) that are now underway.

I would like to thank my fellow Commissioners and staff at the VMC for their support and hard work over the past year. It is a privilege to work with such a passionate and dedicated group of people who strive to celebrate, promote and nurture Victoria’s multiculturalism at every opportunity.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, the Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras, for giving me the opportunity to guide the Commission over the next few years, and for his unwavering commitment to a multicultural Victoria.

Most importantly, I’d like to thank the community organisations, and their leaders, staff and volunteers, who make an incredible difference in people’s lives. It is their vital work in helping and supporting our diverse communities on a day-to-day basis that makes our multicultural society one of the most admired and liveable in the world.

Chin TanCHAIRPERSON



enhancing Victoria’s

cultural, religious and linguistic diversity

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is an independent statutory authority that

provides assistance to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Victorians and provides honest

and candid advice to the Victorian Government. Operating since 1983, formally re-established

by the Multicultural Victoria Act 2004, and recently strengthened under the Multicultural

Victoria Act 2011, the Commission acts as a conduit between the Victorian community and

the Victorian Government, and is first and foremost a voice for CALD communities. The VMC

is committed to fostering goodwill and understanding between Victorians from all walks of life,

language, culture and faith and works toward creating a stable, harmonious and progressive

society which embraces its diversity and is open to the world.

about the commission

OUR ROLE The VMC is the main link between Victoria’s CALD communities and the Government. Its aim is to support and empower communities, promote unity and understanding, and celebrate Victoria’s diversity. The Commission also provides independent advice to the Government to inform the development of legislative and policy frameworks, as well as the delivery of services to our multicultural society.

The Commission operates under the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011, which conveys the Victorian Government’s commitment to recognise and support cultural, religious and linguistic diversity in Victoria and enhance the responsiveness and accountability of government departments in meeting the needs of all Victorians.

ABOUT THE MULTICULTURAL VICTORIA ACT 2011The Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (MVA) enshrines in legislation a preamble and a set of principles that recognise the State’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity as one of Victoria’s greatest assets. It also recognises that one of the central tenets of multiculturalism is citizenship, and that the expression of citizenship is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but incorporates the rights and responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society.

In broad terms, this legislation serves as a formal declaration of Victoria’s commitment to diversity and community harmony. It commits all of us to work together to ensure a prosperous and united future in which diversity is respected and cultural heritage preserved, and where all individuals can access opportunities to participate in and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of the State. This is within the overarching framework of abiding by the State’s laws and respecting the democratic processes under which those laws are made.

annual report 2011-12 7annual report 2011-12 7

Viva Victoria 2012Photographer: Damian Vincenzi



MULTICULTURAL VICTORIA ACT 2011 PREAMBLE(1) The Parliament recognises and values the cultural, religious,

racial and linguistic diversity of the people of Victoria.

(2) The Parliament further recognises that one of the central tenets of multiculturalism is citizenship and that the expression of citizenship is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society.

(3) The Parliament wishes to promote Victoria as a united community with shared laws, values, aspirations and responsibilities within which people from a diversity of backgrounds have—

(a) the freedom and opportunity to preserve and express their cultural heritage; and

(b) the freedom and opportunity to participate and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of Victoria; and

(c) equal rights and responsibilities under the laws of Victoria.

MVA PRINCIPLES OF MULTICULTURALISM(1) Parliament recognises that the people of Victoria are united

in their shared commitment to—

(a) a democratic framework governed by the rule of law; and

(b) Victoria and Australia and the people, interests and future of Victoria and Australia.

(2) Parliament further recognises that all Victorians come from diverse cultural, religious, racial and linguistic backgrounds and values the richness that such diversity brings to the Victorian community.

(3) Parliament supports the rights and responsibilities of citizenship to which subsection (1) refers and promotes the diversity to which subsection (2) refers by recognising the following principles of multiculturalism—

(a) all individuals in Victoria are entitled to mutual respect and understanding regardless of their diverse backgrounds;

(b) all individuals and institutions in Victoria should promote and preserve diversity and cultural heritage within the context of shared laws, values, aspirations and responsibilities;

(c) all individuals in Victoria (regardless of background) have shown that they can work together to build a positive and progressive future and this co-operation is to be encouraged so as to enhance Victoria as a great place in which to live;

(d) all individuals in Victoria are equally entitled to access opportunities and participate in and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of this State;

(e) all individuals in Victoria have a responsibility to abide by the State’s laws and respect the democratic processes under which those laws are made.

(f) all individuals in Victoria should be united in a shared commitment to Australia and to community service;

(g) all individuals and institutions should recognise Victoria’s diversity as an asset and a valuable resource benefiting Australia.

(4) Parliament further recognises that Victoria’s diversity should be reflected in a whole-of-government approach to policy development, implementation and evaluation.

This report provides a snapshot of the VMC’s activities and achievements in the 2011-2012 financial year within the context of its objectives and functions under the MVA.

VMC OBJECTIVES

As specified in the MVA, the VMC’s objectives are to:

• promote full participation by Victoria’s diverse communities in the social, cultural, economic and political life of Victoria

• promote access by Victoria’s diverse communities to services made available by governments and other bodies

• encourage all of Victoria’s diverse communities to retain and express their social identity and cultural inheritance and to promote mutual respect

• promote co-operation between bodies concerned with multicultural affairs and diversity

• promote unity, understanding and harmony among Victoria’s diverse communities

• promote a better understanding of Victoria’s diverse communities

• promote interaction between individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds

• promote the social, cultural and economic benefits of diversity

• promote the rights and responsibilities of citizenship as a unifying force that strengthens our diverse multicultural community

• promote community service as a principle that builds a stronger society.

WHAT WE DO

A key function of the VMC is to provide honest and candid advice to the Victorian Government on multicultural affairs and citizenship in Victoria. The work of the Commission includes:

• the coordination of eight Regional Advisory Councils (RACs), to provide advice to the VMC on local settlement, multicultural affairs and citizenship issues

• a research and reporting role to advise the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship on systemic community issues such as settlement support and service delivery to diverse communities

• providing independent advice to the Victorian Government on policy development and service delivery relating to multicultural affairs

• annual state-wide public consultations to determine the needs of Victoria’s diverse communities

• coordinating initiatives and events which promote and celebrate the benefits of multiculturalism and harmony

• developing and maintaining partnerships with government agencies and community organisations that deliver services to diverse communities

• involvement in a range of advisory and consultative bodies to ensure a whole-of-government approach to multicultural affairs.



OUR COMMISSIONERSThe VMC comprises 12 dedicated Commissioners, who advocate the values of the VMC and act as a conduit between the community and the Commission. Our Commissioners have a solid understanding of the issues facing ethnic communities and are actively involved in the community, regularly attending events and playing a vital role in assisting networks and liaison between different faith and community groups. VMC Commissioners also promote the views of the community at a range of committees and forums at local, state and national level. The Commissioners are in constant contact with the Chairperson and meet regularly to develop strategies and discuss community issues that require action. Commissioners are selected through a competitive interview process, and are then officially appointed by the Governor of Victoria for terms of up to four years. The Commissioners listed below were appointed on 1 September 2011.

Commissioners • Mr Chin Tan – Chairperson• Mr Spiro (Ross) Alatsas – Deputy Chairperson• Ms Yasmin Hassen – Youth Commissioner• Ms Marion Lau OAM JP – Community

Representative Commissioner• Mr Phillip Bain• Dr Teresa De Fazio• Ms Elizabeth Drozd • Mr Grahame J Leonard AM• Mr Huseyin Mustafa• Mr Yasser Soliman • Ms Jenny Matic• Mr Chidambaram SrinivasanThe Commissioners meet regularly to discuss issues of importance to Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Commission meeting attendance from 1 September 2011 is outlined below:

COMMISSIONER NUMBER OF MEETINGS ATTENDED

Mr Chin Tan 7

Mr Spiro (Ross) Alatsas 7

Ms Yasmin Hassen 7

Ms Marion Lau OAM JP 7

Mr Phillip Bain 3

Dr Teresa De Fazio 4

Ms Elizabeth Drozd 7

Mr Grahame J Leonard AM 7

Mr Huseyin Mustafa 6

Mr Yasser Soliman 5

Ms Jenny Matic 6

Mr Chidambaram Srinivasan 7

During the reporting period, Commissioners continued to participate in community functions, consultations, events, conferences and seminars. In 2011-12, the Commissioners collectively attended more than 530 community engagements.

OUR STAFFDuring the year, the Commissioners were supported by dedicated staff who worked closely with the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners to ensure that the VMC performed its legislative functions and achieved its core objectives. As at 30 June 2012 the Commission comprised of 7.8 FTE staff.

EXPENDITURE

Salaries and on costs $980,713.06

Operating expenses, including establishment of RACs

$1,116,632.33

Sponsorship (NB – last year this was community grants) $90,692.27

Total $2,188,037.66

consultations and research


REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILSThe VMC has established eight Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) across Victoria under Section 22 of the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (MVA). Launched in March 2012, the objectives of the RACs are to:• provide advice to the VMC on multicultural affairs,

settlement and citizenship issues at the local level; • advocate on behalf of diverse communities; • promote the benefits of cultural and religious

diversity; and • provide advice on communication, engagement

and consultation with CALD communities.Three Regional Advisory Councils are based in

Melbourne and surrounds – Eastern Metropolitan, North & West Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan – and five are based in rural and regional Victoria – Barwon South West, Hume, Loddon Mallee, Gippsland and Grampians.

Each Regional Advisory Council has up to 13 members, appointed for a two-year term, including:• the Chair, who is a Commissioner of the VMC; • seven to nine community members who are local

residents or representatives from service providers, community organisations or local business organisations; and

• up to three local government representatives. Regional Advisory Council members were selected

through an open application process from August to November 2011. All members are volunteers, chosen for their understanding of multicultural issues and their experience and commitment in dealing with their local communities. Including RAC Chairs, there are currently 87 RAC members across Victoria. A full list of RAC membership is at Appendix 1.

Each Regional Advisory Council will meet approximately every four months in different locations around the specific region. The first round of meetings were held in April/May 2012. These involved discussions on multicultural and settlement priorities for each region, including: access to education, housing and employment; health and aged care; translation and interpreting services; combating racism and discrimination; and promoting cultural diversity. Such information informs the work of the VMC and its advice to the Victorian Government on the development of policy and legislative frameworks and the delivery of services. In 2012, RAC meetings will also be held in August and December.

The VMC provides independent advice to the Victorian Government to support the

development of legislative and policy frameworks, as well as the delivery of services

to CALD communities. To inform such advice, and ensure the changing needs of CALD

communities are understood and responded to, the VMC is committed to engaging

with the Victorian public, and faith and community leaders.

advice to the Victorian Government and engaging with our CALD

communities

involved discussions on multicultural and settlement priorities for each region, including: access to education, housing and employment; health and aged care; translation and interpreting services; combating racism and discrimination; and promoting cultural diversity. Such information informs the work of the VMC and its advice to the Victorian Government on the development of policy and legislative frameworks and the delivery of services. In 2012, RAC meetings will also be held in August and December.



CASE STUDY First Regional Advisory Council meeting held in SheppartonThe Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, the Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras MP, opened the first meeting of the Hume Regional Advisory Council (RAC) in Shepparton on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

The Hume RAC is one of eight new Councils established across Victoria. Congratulating members of the RAC, the Minister said it would be the bridge of communication between local communities and the Victorian Government. Chaired by VMC Commissioner, Mr Chidambaram (Srini) Srinivasan, the Hume RAC includes a wealth of experience across community development, skilled migration, multicultural affairs and health and education services. Rozi Parisotto, President of the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) and from Wangaratta, was elected Deputy Chair of the RAC. Rozi said she was delighted by the

formation of the RAC, seeing it as a strong commitment from the Government and the VMC to diverse communities and to the promotion of multiculturalism in regional Victoria. The first meeting of the Hume RAC discussed issues and ideas to support multiculturalism within the region, including the need for better coordination of migrant-support services; enhanced support in areas such as mental health, housing and transport; and ensuring greater celebration of cultural diversity and interaction between diverse groups within the region. The full Hume RAC membership consists of: Barbara Brown, Bernadette McCann, Jolene Barnes, Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe, Rozi Parisotto, Charles Halter, Julie Salomon, Maria Calandro and Lisa Mahood. The Hume RAC covers north-eastern Victoria and the Goulburn Valley and contains 12 local government areas.



VMC ANNUAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONSEach year, the VMC holds public consultations to gather feedback from Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities on how the Victorian Government is performing in multicultural affairs, as set out under Section 8(e) of the MVA.

From 19 August to 27 September 2011, the VMC held 21 community consultations throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria, which were attended by over 1,250 participants.

The consultations provided members of the public, community groups and service providers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the Victorian Government’s progress in multicultural affairs, as outlined in the 2009-10 Victorian Government Achievements in Multicultural Affairs report, and on the local issues and needs of CALD communities. They also provided an opportunity for participants to hear about the Victorian Government’s approach and plan for a multicultural Victoria, through a presentation from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC).

The key themes arising from the 2011 consultations were:• the need for better access to high quality, culturally

responsive services including language services, education, employment, transport and aged care;

• the need for the delivery of dedicated responses to issues facing CALD communities such as racism and discrimination, isolation and disengagement and youth justice; and

• the need to promote the benefits of multiculturalism through the media, events, festivals and intercultural dialogue. The VMC communicates the key issues and

outcomes from its community consultations to Victorian Government departments, and also uses this information to inform the future work of the VMC.

The Victorian Government Initiatives and Reporting in Multicultural Affairs 2010-2011 report was tabled in Parliament on 21 June 2012 and will form the basis for state-wide consultations in 2012. It is available on the website at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/resources/publications/achievements-in-multicultural-affairs.

RESEARCH AND ADVICE The Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 established new functions for the VMC with regards to research and investigations. The VMC is now required to:• research, report and advise the Minister on systemic

community issues relating to the objectives of the Commission; and

• investigate, report and make recommendations to the Minister on any aspect of multicultural affairs referred to it by the Minister. The VMC’s research and advice is focused on

multicultural and settlement issues arising from community consultations, the Regional Advisory Councils, stakeholder meetings and desktop research. The aim is to ensure access to high-quality, culturally-responsive services by Victoria’s diverse communities; the full participation of diverse communities in Victorian life; and the promotion of the social, cultural and economic benefits of diversity.

In 2011-2012, the VMC undertook an investigation into the level and scope of white supremacist activity in Victoria, and how relevant government authorities should respond to such activity. The investigation was based on a directive from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, in response to a number of incidents in 2011 when “white supremacist” stickers, anti-refugee slogans and swastikas were displayed in public places in Torquay and Lilydale.

In conducting the investigation, the VMC undertook desktop research, with the assistance of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, as well as holding focus group meetings with peak community organisations in Victoria, to assess the extent and impact of white supremacist activity on the communities they represent.

The full report on the investigation into white supremacist activity in Victoria will be presented, on completion, to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.

The VMC also plays a key role in providing advice to the Victorian Government and other community, government and business stakeholders on multicultural affairs. This includes making submissions and providing feedback to government and parliamentary inquiries including the National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy, the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into Opportunities for Participation of Senior Victorians, and the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper. The Chairperson and Commissioners are also represented on key committees and reference groups including:• Police and Community Multicultural Advisory

Committee (PACMAC);• Ministerial Advisory Council for a Multilingual

and Multicultural Victoria;• AFL Multicultural Strategy Roundtable;• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights

Commission’s Racial Hatred Project Reference Group; and

• Department of Primary Industry’s Senior Manager Multi-Agency Forum.

communication and stakeholder events


CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEKMore than 300 community events and over 45,000 people joining in celebrations at the Viva Victoria festival, made this year’s Cultural Diversity Week the biggest and brightest yet.

Cultural Diversity Week 2012 ran from 17 to 25 March and saw hundreds of community groups, schools, workplaces and organisations getting involved and showing their support for Victoria’s cultural diversity by hosting their own events. The VMC distributed more than 320 free promotional kits to support local events across the State.

Diverse communities in Melbourne’s West joined together once again to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week at a soccer tournament held at Arndell Park in Truganina. The fourth annual Cultural Diversity Cup featured teams representing the Karen, Chin and Karenni communities, as well as a play-off between rivals SBS and Channel 31. The fourth annual Day at the Zoo treated newly arrived immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to a tour of Werribee Open Range Zoo and musical performances.

Nearly 1,500 people attended the ever-popular Premier’s Gala Dinner on 17 March, including representatives from government, business and Victoria’s many multicultural communities. The event is always a great opportunity for people from every corner of the State to come together in celebration of Victoria’s rich cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

The week culminated in the vibrant celebration of multiculturalism that is the annual Viva Victoria festival. This year, a record 45,000 people flocked to Federation Square to join in the festivities. Four performance stages—featuring some of Australia’s finest multicultural acts, and a range of arts, crafts, food and kids’ activities—meant there was something for everyone. The Photo Booth Project was a new initiative for 2012 that displayed Melbourne’s diversity.

THE VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL COMMISSION USED ITS WIDE–REACHING COMMUNICATION NETWORK TO:

(a) promote mutual respect and understanding of diversity through campaigns and targeted activities,

(b) inform and connect multicultural communities, including in regard to developments in government relevant to multicultural affairs via publications, online resources and media announcements,

(c) celebrate Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity through a series of local and major events.

in celebration and appreciation of

our diversityThe VMC is committed to fostering awareness of the benefits that our rich cultural, linguistic

and religious diversity brings to Victoria. We have a strong commitment to ensuring that our

cultural diversity remains one of our state’s greatest assets.



AWARDS AND STATE RECEPTIONS

Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for ExcellenceThe Awards for Excellence were established by the VMC in 2002 to recognise and reward the contribution of individuals and organisations in the promotion of Victoria’s multicultural harmony.

Two new awards categories were introduced in 2011: • Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll• Victorian Multicultural Business Awards:

• Corporate Innovation Award• Victorian Multicultural Marketing Award.These were in addition to the existing categories:

• Premier’s Award for Community Harmony• Award for Meritorious Service to the Community• Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria• Victorian Multicultural Commission Ambassador

Award• Victorian Multicultural Commission Media Award• Local Government Award• Victorian Multicultural Education Award• Police and Community Multicultural Awards• Advisory Committee Awards (PACMAC Awards).

The awards were assessed by the VMC – excluding the PACMAC Awards and the Victorian Multicultural Education Awards, which were received and assessed by the respective departments.

The ninth ceremony for Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence was held at Government House on 16 December 2011, where 179 recipients were presented with awards.

A full list of the 2011 recipients of Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence is at Appendix 2.BOTTOM: WORLD MAP ACTIVITY AT ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW

State Government Community Receptions The State Government Community Receptions provide an opportunity to formally acknowledge the contribution of ethno-specific communities to the State of Victoria. In 2011, the Commission coordinated the following receptions which were hosted by the Premier of Victoria or the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship:• Egyptian, 4 August 2011• Indian, 15 August 2011• Lebanese, 8 December 2011

Refugee Week – Stories of HopeIn celebration of Refugee Week 2012 and its theme of Restoring Hope, the VMC launched a new Stories of Hope initiative. Aspiring writers, poets and spoken-word artists from new and emerging communities were provided with assistance to share their stories of hope through workshops and support from celebrated author Arnold Zable and Co-Director of the Centre for Poetics and Justice, Alia Gabres. Over 20 participants from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds including Kurdish, Sierre Leonean, Afghan, Colombian, Thai and Tuvaluan took part to develop their storytelling skills. Participants were also provided with opportunities to publish or perform their stories through VMC initiatives and events as a way to build understanding and awareness of the perspectives and artistic talent of Victoria’s new and emerging communities.

Royal Melbourne ShowThe Commission took part in the ‘Your Victoria: Strong Families, Vibrant Communities, Healthy Environment’ section of the Government Pavilion at the Royal Melbourne Show from 24 September to 4 October 2011. More than 15,000 visitors passed through the Victorian Government Pavilion each day and participated in the interactive activities. The VMC stand, staffed by VMC and OMAC staff, featured a free-standing glass panel of a world map. Visitors were encouraged to mark the map with a sticker, to show where their family originally came from. This created a visual snapshot each day of Victoria’s cultural diversity. VMC staff also responded to visitors’ enquiries and distributed information on the work of the Commission.



LEFT TO RIGHT VMC Publications: Multicultural Victoria Magazine, February and May; Annual Report 2010-11; and Viva Victoria Program 2012.

PRINT AND ONLINE COMMUNICATIONThe Commission uses a variety of communication tools to keep the public informed about multicultural events and initiatives in Victoria.

PrintThe VMC produces a range of print publications each year. Publications printed in 2011-12 included:• Annual Report 2010-11• MV Magazine (two issues – February and

May 2012)• Viva Victoria festival program• Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence

guidelines, nomination and award recipient booklets.

OnlineThe VMC website (www.multicultural.vic.gov.au) continues to be an important communications resource, providing regular news and updates for community groups, as well as advertising community and government events and activities with a multicultural focus. The multicultural website comprises six sections:• About Us – legislation, VMC, OMAC• Grants – information on how to apply for funding• Population and Migration – statistical information• Events and Initiatives – information on

VMC projects• Regional Advisory Councils – including

a login area for RAC members• Resources – publications, media releases,

event calendar.The VMC delivers a fortnightly e-newsletter, VMC Update, to over 2,500 email subscribers. It provides information on upcoming events, plus government and community-based projects and programs. Previous issues of VMC Update and PDF copies of MV Magazine can be accessed on the VMC website www.multicultural.vic.gov.au



SOCIAL MEDIAThis year the VMC has increased its use of social media as a way of communicating with multicultural communities and stakeholders. These communications include:• a Facebook page –

www.facebook.com/multiculturevic• Twitter account –

www.twitter.com/multiculturevic, and• a YouTube channel –

www.youtube.com/multiculturevic.The number of ‘likes’ and followers these

additional channels have attracted has steadily increased, offering new levels of interaction and information sharing between the VMC and its many stakeholders and communities.

Photo Booth ProjectInspired by the old-style photo booth, this unique project coordinated by the VMC invited the local communities of Richmond to create photographs and images of their identity.

A photo booth was temporarily installed at both the North Richmond Housing Estate and the Richmond Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House over a two-week period. Local residents were invited to come along and take their own photos in the booth. Many participants wore traditional dress for their photos. Some participants included personal messages of migration and survival, or held personal items that were important to their culture – objects they brought with them to Australia that they still treasure today.Sometimes the formality of posing for a photographer can inhibit people: the photo booth approach allowed people to engage with their own image and identity; to look patiently into the lens, create expressions and poses, laugh, play and share with friends. The quick output of a photo strip also created an instant exhibition and photographs the participants could take home with them.Some photos were turned into large scale poster prints and formed an exhibition of over 100 portraits, as part of the colourful Viva Victoria Festival at Federation Square on 25 March. The pictures displayed portrayed the rich diversity of cultures, ages and personalities that make up our local community.

CASE STUDY

grants and sponsorships


The VMC provides support to Victoria’s culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse clubs and organisations, recognising the important role they play in strengthening and enhancing Victoria’s multicultural community. In 2011-12, the VMC provided support through the Multicultural Media Internships Grants program and through sponsorship for community events and initiatives. This is in addition to the Community Grants Program, administered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship. Details of successful Community Grant recipients for 2011-12 are available at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

MULTICULTURAL MEDIA INTERNSHIP GRANTSIn 2012, the Victorian Government established a program of Multicultural Media Internship Grants, providing five grants of $5,000 to a range of multicultural media organisations to deliver work experience, professional development training and leadership to five aspiring journalists.

To be successful in their application, multicultural media organisations were required to be well-established with a demonstrated capacity to deliver suitable training and leadership to high ethical and professional standards. They were also required to nominate a candidate for the internship as part of the application process.

The program, administered by the VMC, aims to increase journalists’ awareness of the operations of multicultural media in Victoria and develop their practical skills and experience within a multicultural media organisation. The five recipients were selected to represent a mix of ethnic media groups across electronic, TV and print media. The internships will run from June 2012 to December 2012 and were awarded to:

SPONSORSHIPS – COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND EVENTSIn 2011-12, the VMC provided $90,600 in sponsorship to over 35 multicultural community groups and organisations for the hosting of initiatives and events to support and strengthen CALD communities and to promote the economic, social and cultural benefits of diversity. Examples of VMC initiatives and events supported by the VMC include: • La Fiera Festival in Myrtleford from 25–27 May

to celebrate Italian art, culture and heritage in the region;

• South Sudanese Australian Interstate Basketball Tournament held in Frankston from 16–18 December 2011, coordinated by Basketball Victoria;

• Vedic Society of Victoria to run weekly education programs on the SriVaishnava hindu tradition to encourage peaceful living among community members from all cultural backgrounds;

• Madding Aweil Community Association to run educational workshops to raise community awareness on drugs, alcohol and domestic violence for over 50 participants;

• Chinese Community Social Services Centre to run public education programs and establish support networks for older members of the community who are at risk or suffering abuse; and

• Te Roopu Ataawhai to run a youth development program focused on leadership skills, promoting health and well-being through sports and recreation and encouraging intergenerational exchange with community elders.

multicultural community groups and organisations

supporting Victoria’s

ORGANISATION INTERNEthnic Publications – trading as Neos Kosmos

Ms Sophia Darzanos

Special Broadcasting Services (SBS) Ms Naomi Selvaratnam

Australia Chinese TV Station Mr Thomas Zang

P.G.P Publishing – trading as The World Serbian Voice newspaper

Ms Maja Vucevic

Multicultural Media Exchange Mr Aamer Rahman

appendix


appendix 1EASTERN METROPOLITAN

Chairperson: Huss Mustafa

Community Representatives

Tony Chen

Emanuele Cicchiello

Albert Fatileh

Oliver Maboreke

Abhishek Prasad – Deputy Chair

Tina Stathopoulos

Umit Ugur

Theo Zographos

Chandani Kuruppu

Joe Cossari

Local Government Representatives

Celia Haddock

Nicholas Tragas

NORTH AND WEST METROPOLITAN

Chairperson: Jenny Matic


Afshan Mantoo

Anne Cox

Deepak Vinayak

Diana Krause

Ivan Chan

Jagjit Gurm

Mohammed El-leissy

Samli Ozturk

Walter Villagonzalo

Chandra Bamunusinghe

Rick Nugent


Cr Mary Lalios

Arden Joseph

HUME

Chairperson: Chidambaram Srinivasan


Jolene Barnes

Barbara Brown

Bernadette McCann

Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe

Rosetta Parisotto – Deputy Chair

Maria Calandro

Eugenie Barima


Charles Halter

Lisa Mahood

BARWON SOUTH WEST

Chairperson: Dr Teresa De Fazio


Helen Flanders

Michael Martinez

Viviana Golding – Deputy Chair


Cr Eddy Kontelj

Gary Thompson

GIPPSLAND

Chairperson: Elizabeth Drozd


Anna Hall

Ali Khan

Sandy Kam

Abraham Maluk

Theodosia Kanellopoulos

Christine Lee

John Lobley

Lisa Sinha

Michelle Crosby


Cr Gregg Cook

Bernadette Murphy

GRAMPIANS

Chairperson: Yasser Soliman


Gaynor Atkin

Dimitri Dollard

Mona Hatwal

Sundram Sivamalai

Joshua Morris

Sujatha Umakanthan

Vivian Bradbury

Frank Williams

Local Government Representative

Peter Appleton – Deputy Chair

SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN

Chairperson: Grahame Leonard


Hans Christiansen

Kevin Ekendahl

Birgit Goetz

Kalyan Ky

Nellie Khoroshina

Sam Navarria

Iman Riman

Menachem Vorchheimer

Sarah Williams

Rampal Reddy Muthyala


Cr Claude Ullin

Penny Pavlou

LODDON MALLEE

Chairperson: Phillip Bain


Peter Byrne

Noemi Cummings

Susan Denny

Mark Edwards

Dolly Gerges

Mary Ruane-St.Clair

Sudesh Tiwari


Nicola Cavallo

Barbara Dalloway

REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

appendix


MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY AWARDS – INDIVIDUALS

Mr Subramaniyam Ainkharan

Mr Seshu Babu Akula

Mr Hector Arancibia

Mr Dor Mohammad Aschna

Mrs Litsa Athanasiadis

Mrs Immacolata Auciello

Mrs Eleonora Bacsa

Mrs Maria Biondo

Mrs Irene Buckle

Mr Murali Budige

Mr Vamsi Krishna Budige

Mrs Yen Bui

Mrs Jacqueline Celestin Corentin

Mr Nicholaos Chali

Mrs Consejo Chavarria

Mr Jin Gen Chen

Mrs Despina Christopoulos

Mrs Tamara Cieciwa

Mr Guillermo Collado

Mr Constantine Constantineas

Mr Kevin LG Edmond

Mrs Ginette Edouard

Mrs Pauline Falvo

Mrs Vasiliki Fatouros

Mrs Carmel Ferlauto

Mr Isidoro Finocchiaro

Mrs Concetta Forte

Mrs Norminda Forteza

Mr Christos Fotopoulos

Mrs Yi Lu Gao

Mr Peter Goumas

Mr Dimitrios Goutoglou

Fr Michael Grace

Mrs Marian Granata

Mr Leo Grancourt

Mrs Saroja Gullapalli

Dr Sharad Gupta

Mr Nicolas Habib

Mrs Dianna Hachem

Mr James Hakim

Mr Kai Ngai Hsuan

Mrs Lydia John

Mr John Joseph

Mr Thomas Joseph

Mrs Susan Karandanis

Mr Mekonnen Kebede

Ms Licia Kokocinski

Mr Jan Konieczny

Mrs Juliana Kononov

Mr Shanmugasamy Kumaran

Mr Thataw Kunoo

Mr Yogendra Lakshman

Mr George Lavrin

Mr Vladimir Lefleur

Mr Anastasios Lekakis

Mr Richard Lim

Mr Phillip Loader

Mrs Josie Luppino

Mr Hi Ly

Mrs Irene Lyras

Mrs Leonarda Mallari

Mr Mario Mazzarella

Mr David McMurdie

Mr Nedeljko Mijatovic

Ms Vesna Miocevic

Mrs Isabella Monacella

Mr Ian Murdoch

Mr Milan Ogrizek

Mr & Mrs Lajos & Rozsika Olah

Mr Miguel Pancotti

Mrs Kathy Paidoussi

Mrs Katie Pavlou

Mr Alexander Pletuhin

Mrs Johanna Recourt

Fr Luciano Rocchi OFM, Cap, AM

Mr Peter Russo

Mrs Rosetta Russo

Mr Nallaratnam Sivarasa

Mr Durairajah Skandakumar

Mr Michael Stirkul

Mrs Marianna Szatsznajder

Mr Damian Tang JP

Mr Manfred Joseph Timmers

Mrs Terez Toth

Mr Tai The Tran

Mrs Muoi Tran

Mr Ba Phuc Tran

Mr Jim Tsabasidis

Mr George Tsatsaris

Mr George Tsiogris

Mr Upadasa Udumalagala

Mrs Mary Vella

Mr Frank Williams

Mr Xinmin Wu

Mrs Dorothy Yiu

Mrs Wilma Zanetic

Mr Henk Zeinstra

Mr Eddie Zeng

MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY AWARDS – ORGANISATIONS

Anoranzas Multicultural Seniors Group

Circolo Pensionati di Bundoora Inc.

Geelong Bay City Clog Dancers

Greek Community of Northcote and Darebin Districts

Greek Orthodox Community Box Hill and Dist Ladies Auxiliary

Nieuw Holland Social Club Inc

Shepparton Italian Choir

Telugu Association of Australia

SERVICE DELIVERY TO MULTICULTURAL VICTORIA AWARDS – INDIVIDUALS

Mr Steve Agi

Mr Kashif Bouns

Mr Felice Celima

Mr Sridhar Chari

VICTORIA’S MULTICULTURAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT LIST 2011

appendix 2

appendix


Ms Yuh-wen Chuang

Ms Katherine Cooney

Mr George Darivakis

Mr Hans De Zwart

Mr Raj Dudeja

Mr Yasar Duyal

Mr Angelo Grasso

Mr Khalaf Greis

Ms Mona Hatwal

Mr Joseph Haweil

Mrs Bozena Iwanowski

Mr Louie Josef

Mrs Patricia Kimtia

Mr Mallikeswara Rao Konchada

Cr Mary Lalios

Ms Faye Liu

Ms Jan Molloy

Mr Letchumanan Murugapoopathy

Mr Eugene O’Rourke

Ms Wemi Oyekanmi

Ms Lydia Pletuhin

Mr Abhishek Vivian Prasad

Mr Frank Purcell

Mrs Aldona Scano

Mrs Norma Serrano

Mrs Annette Subhani

Ms Lisa (Xiao Jiao) Sun

Mr Mihajlo Szulocki

Mrs Julijana Szulocki

Ms Joanna Todisco

Mr Evangelos Vidiniotis

Ms Gong Wen Wu

Ms Wu Kiu Ying

Miss Melanie Yoffa

SERVICE DELIVERY TO MULTICULTURAL VICTORIA AWARDS – ORGANISATIONS

Antonine Sisters Child Care Centre

Australian India Society of Victoria Inc

Ballarat Community FM Radio Cooperative (Voice FM)

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council – Multicultural Tucker Program

CAKes – Cooking Across Kultures

Cricket Australia

Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M. Vic) Inc

Diversitat

Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc

Hindu Foundation

Indian Senior Citizens Association of Victoria Inc

Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health

National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Vic

New Hope Foundation

Polish Ethnic School in Rowville

Sareera Youth

Weird Entertainers and Petanque Club

Wellsprings for Women Inc – Living and Learning Project

West Lalor Football Club

PACMAC AWARDS – INDIVIDUALS

Leading Senior Constable Neil Crough

Constable Radovan Kujovic

Mr & Mrs Roger & Leanne Pearse

EDUCATION AWARD – INDIVIDUAL

Ms Laitini Matautia-Ulugia

EDUCATION AWARD – SCHOOLS

Yarram Primary School

Keysborough Secondary College

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD

City of Monash

MEDIA AWARD – INDIVIDUAL

Mrs Manpreet K Singh

MEDIA AWARD – ORGANISATION

SBS Australia – Go Back to Where You Came From

VMC AMBASSADOR AWARD – INDIVIDUAL

Ms Faduma Musse

VMC AMBASSADOR AWARD – ORGANISATIONS

City of Whittlesea

City of Darebin

VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Victorian Marketing Award – Essendon Football Club

Corporate Innovation Award – Apex Institute

VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL HONOUR ROLL – INAUGURAL RECIPIENT

Mr Ousmane NGom

PREMIER’S AWARD FOR COMMUNITY HARMONY

Victoria Police Soccer Club

printed on ecoStar 100% recycled stock, using environmentally friendly inks.

Level 3, 3 Treasury Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002 TELEPHONE (03) 9651 0651 FACSIMILE (03) 9651 0612 EMAIL [email protected] WEB multicultural.vic.gov.au

Documents

Victorian Multicultural Commission Annual Report 2011-12