The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has grown from strength to strength, as seen last week in the 2012-13 Annual Report tabled in the Victorian Parliament.
More than 50,000 people were involved in VMC community events and initiatives throughout the year, said VMC chairperson Mr Chin Tan.
“Victoria’s diversity is an example to the world of how languages, cultures and faiths contribute to the strength of a nation,” said Mr Tan.
To help community organisations support Victorians of different cultural backgrounds, the VMC gave more than $100,000 in sponsorships and almost 2,400 grants worth $5.6 million.
In March earlier this year, their signature event of Cultural Diversity Week (CDW) turned into a statewide celebration, with close to 300 community groups, schools and workplaces holding their own CDW events.
“One thing I love about my role is seeing communities of different cultural backgrounds come together in celebration of Victoria’s extraordinary diversity,” said Mr Tan.
The VMC placed an emphasis this year on connecting with younger generations, producing a CDW Teachers’ Resource Kit for the first time, to facilitate the exploration of cultural diversity in a learning environment.
Furthermore, to continue its work in strengthening the community, the VMC gathered valuable information surrounding issues of education, housing, employment, health and ways to combat racism, sharing the information with key decision-makers in government.
To download a copy of the 2012-13 Victorian Multicultural Commission Annual Report, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/resources/publications/annual-report