by Arthur B.W. Yong JP
Since 1998, a number of individual residents from Whittlesea’s culturally and linguistically (CALD) communities have been working with the local service providers, local, state and federal government members and council staff to establish a Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council (WMCC).
WMCC is a proposed peak body, which seeks to represent the views and interests of Whittlesea’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
WMCC’s role is to act as a consultative body to the service providers for developing appropriate programs and services in order to meet the needs of Whittlesea’s CALD communities.
WMCC is open to ethnic groups, clubs or organisations, representatives of service providers, local government, state government and federal government member or nominee. The annual subscription is $10 per annum.
‘The reasons for joining WMCC are:
Receive regular updates on multicultural issues.
Receive invitations to events.
Contribute to the advancement of multicultural values in your community.
Receive support and assistance for your organisation or community group.
The formation of a Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council has moved a step forward with a well attended inaugural meeting of interested people resulting an interim committee.
Convenor Arthur Yong said, “I’m extremely pleased that more than seventy people attended the meeting on a cold winter’s night and confirmed a strong commitment in the community.
“A priority is to apply for incorporation to give it legal status and recognition which is essential to act as a representative body and seek funding.”
Mr Yong gave a briefing to the meeting as to why he’s interested in helping to establish the Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council.
After the meeting, he said the gathering at the Thomastown Library on Wednesday 22 June demonstrated the strong support for the aims of the organisation and commitment to be involved.
There were twenty-three applications for membership received on the night, consisting of eleven financial community organisations, ten service providers and two local state members of parliament.
Chairing the meeting was Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Sam Alessi, who said,” Council looks forward to working with the Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council.
“It will provide important input and feedback to the City of Whittlesea and other local agencies, ensuring the services, facilities and programs provided by all levels of government remain appropriate and effective.
“Having a peak body such as this will give you more input into local decision making. By making your voices heard, you’re also ensuring policies, programs and services will be even more relevant.”
Another speaker was Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, George Lekakis, who gave details of how other similar organisations worked and obtained funding from government for projects.
Chairperson of Darebin Ethnic Communities’ Council, Gaetano Greco talked of the history and successes of his organisation in achieving greater understanding of multicultural issues.
