Multicultural NSW: A new vision for harmony

victor dominello

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello has today outlined a new vision for our multicultural state which includes a clear focus on the beliefs and values which unite us all as Australians and promotes the social and economic benefits of cultural diversity.

Mr Dominello, who made the announcement at the Community Relations Commission’s Annual Symposium, said the organisation would become known as Multicultural NSW as part of a three year strategic plan,Harmony in Action.

“Over the past 30 years our state has welcomed over one million migrants, fundamentally changing the face of our society into one of the most culturally diverse societies in world”, Mr Dominello said.

“Diversity is one of our state’s greatest economic assets. We need Multicultural NSW to be innovative and forward thinking in setting policies to promote social cohesion and community harmony.”

Key reforms include:

  • Launching a revitalised grants program which includes a simplified application process and further focusses on initiatives which bring people from diverse backgrounds together to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue;
  • A stronger focus on the beliefs and values which unite us all as Australians ”“ our volunteering ethos, our Aboriginal heritage and our commitment to commemorating those who have served in defence of our freedoms;
  • A refocused and formalised community engagement strategy which will engage across multicultural communities including with religious leaders, women and girls, The Consular Corps and sporting codes to promote social cohesion;
  • Improving employment opportunities and recognition of qualifications for skilled migrants and new arrivals; and
  • Initiatives to combat racism and discrimination.

CRC Chief Executive Officer Hakan Harman said the plan’s purpose is to build and maintain a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society that enriches the lives of all the people in NSW.

“Under the strategic plan, the CRC will engage more broadly with all sections of NSW society, will place a stronger emphasis on multicultural policy and research and will foster closer interactions between communities”.

”We contribute to a stronger NSW through cultural diversity as an enabler of social, cultural and economic prosperity”

“We want it to be an organisation for the whole of the NSW population. We want CRC to watch out for threats to disharmony, to actively encourage our cultural producers to truly reflect the multicultural reality of NSW and to create a business environment where all of our advantages are turned into economic success,” Mr Harman said.

The strategic plan,  Harmony in Action  can be found here:http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au

 

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