BY RICHARD FORD 18 Nov. – In its desire for communities to raise issues regarding social cohesion and community harmony, Multicultural NSW organised a Metropolitan Consultative Forum at Burwood RSL last Monday 17 Nov 2014
Community leaders from various cultural backgrounds, state members of Parliament, representatives from local government councils, business groups, the academe and other service providers had a very robust discussion and sharing on the issues and challenges to social cohesion and harmony and how Multicultural NSW can assist.
Dr Cen Amores, of Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc (APCO) represented the Filipino community and the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON).
Hakan Harman, Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural NSW, formerly the Community Relations Commission, convened the forum whilst State Member for Ashfield, Charles Casuscelli welcomed the participants.
Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Citizenship and Communities explained the importance of the Metropolitan Consultation Forum as the new consultation mechanism within the state’s broader community engagement strategy. In his speech, Dominello said, “Consultation with communities is a critical part on how we move forward. We need constant dialogue with you to make NSW multicultural policies just right”.
In response to the participants’ desire to know how Multicultural NSW can assist in meeting the challenges to social cohesion and harmony, CEO Harman outlined the five services delivered by Multicultural NSW in its Harmony in Action Strategy.
He also mentioned the new grants Program available for communities to fund projects and activities that promote community harmony, stamp out racism and break down barriers to participation. By Richard Ford