The Agora may have become more complex than it was in Ancient Athens, however at its core it remains the same. If you want to impact on decisions you need to have your voice heard.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is again seeking thinking people from culturally diverse backgrounds to join its Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) to address issues facing Victoria’s multicultural communities.

The Commission’s new Chair, Vivienne Nguyen, told Neos Kosmos she “was looking forward to welcoming new members to the councils.”

She said, “We rely on our Regional Advisory Councils to help us identify the issues that need our attention and to work with us on strategies that support multicultural communities to participate, contribute and belong. The insights and ideas we receive also help us to influence and shape policy, legislation and to improve government and community services.”

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She stressed the role that these new members would play. “Council members are like the eyes and ears of the Commission, they play a vital role in sharing insights into issues such as migrant and refugee settlement services, employment, education, housing, citizenship and connection to culture,” she said.

According to a VMC spokesperson, these members form a network around state, with RACs in Barwon South West, Hume, Loddon Mallee, Gippsland and Grampians, and Melbourne’s East, South and North West.

Applicants for each council need to be local residents of their nominated area and feel passionately about representing their community.

Each council requires a diverse mix of people and applications are encouraged from Victorians of any cultural background, including refugees and asylum seekers, as well as young people over the age of 16.

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Representatives of local service providers, non-government organisations and local government are also encouraged to apply.

Each Council is chaired by a Commissioner, with meetings held three times a year. Council members are recognised on the Commission’s website, communications and annual report.

The councils also provide a forum for sharing information and forging new connections between organisations and government bodies.

Applications close on 30 September 2019. For more information, visit: https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/be-voice-your-community-join-our-regional-advisory-councils