Darebin Council advocates multiculturalism

Darebin Council has partnered with the Darebin community to make a submission on
multiculturalism to the Federal Government Joint Standing Committee on
Migration.

The submission was prepared in response to a Federal Government
Inquiry into the economic, social and cultural impacts of migration and will
assist Council to continue promoting cultural diversity and harmony in
Darebin.
Darebin Mayor Cr Diana Asmar said community members were invited to
express their views about multiculturalism and provide recommendations to the
Federal Government about how to maximise the positive benefits of
migration.

"Ninety people attended our meeting on 25 March, including local
residents, and representatives from ethno-specific, multicultural, faith based
organisations, universities and community groups," Cr Diana Asmar
said.

"Community members shared their personal stories and experiences, and
provided many valuable insights about how the Federal Government can positively
influence settlement services, employment, community participation and the
wellbeing of international students."
The community meeting was hosted by
Darebin Council in partnership with the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council,
Darebin Interfaith Council and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre.

"The
success of this event shows that Darebin residents are willing to actively
contribute to discussions about the value of multiculturalism in our local
community, and in Australia more broadly," the Mayor said.

"The
recommendations from our community meeting will help inform the Federal
Government's new multiculturalism and migration policies and this will have flow
on effects for Darebin's culturally diverse community."

For more information
or to obtain a copy of Darebin Council's prepared submission to the Federal
Government Joint Standing Committee on Migration contact (03) 8470 8589 or go to
www.darebin.vic.gov.au.