Young Victorians with a passion for cultural and religious diversity are urged to apply for a place in the Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network.

Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs James Merlino announced last week that young Victorians aged between 16 and 25 could apply for a position on the Brumby Labor Government network that represents culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse young people across Victoria.

“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to ensuring all Victorians continue to live together harmoniously with the right to practice different faiths, speak freely, celebrate diversity and live without fear of discrimination and vilification,” Mr Merlino said.

“The Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network is a great way for Victoria’s young people to inform Government about key issues they face and in turn, develop youth-led projects which respond to some of these issues,” he added.

The Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network was established in September 2007 to advise the Brumby Government on multicultural issues facing young Victorians.

“Since then, network members have embraced the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, communication and promoting understanding across diverse faiths and cultures,” Mr Merlino noted.

Mr Merlino said the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s selection process will seek young people who: identify with a diverse faith, ethnicity or culture; are newly-arrived or indigenous and/or have a strong interest in issues of equality, diversity, faith and culture; demonstrate established links to community groups and/or networks; can  commit to a 12-month involvement, attend at least four meetings, and are willing to get involved in projects and help develop an annual report to the Premier; and who demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for faith and culture and issues affecting young Victorians.

The Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network is voluntary and meets 4-6 times a year. Applications close 16 August 2009.

For further information or to apply go to: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au