Victorians appointed to new Multicultural Advisory Council
Joint Media Release with Laurie Ferguson MP
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou heads a list of five eminent Victorians who were today appointed to the new Australian Multicultural Advisory Council announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.
‘Andrew Demetriou has been appointed as chair and brings substantial experience to the council as a prominent sports personality and as the chief executive of the AFL,” Senator Evans said.
‘Executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Dr Hass Dellal, will also join the council, bringing his extensive experience in cultural diversity issues through his migrant, youth, multicultural and multifaith work.
‘Voula Messimeri is particularly well known as the chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia and for her work with Australia’s Greek community.
‘I’m also pleased to welcome Joumanah El Matrah, currently the executive director of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria. Her considerable involvement with Muslim and migrant women will be invaluable for the council.
‘Dr Sylwia Greda-Bogusz has considerable academic expertise in the sociology of education and experience in the migrant community sector as the immediate past president of the board of directors of Australian-Polish Community Services.’
The Parliamentary Secretary for the Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the new council would advise the government on practical approaches to promoting social cohesion, the engagement of migrants in Australian society and overcoming racism and intolerance.
‘The government considers Australia's approach to immigration and cultural diversity to be a national strength and independent advice from a range of experienced and knowledgeable individuals is important in developing policies and programs that build on this strength,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Members of the new council are: Andrew Demetriou (chair), Susai Benjamin, Hass Dellal OAM, Joumanah El Matrah, Carmen Garcia, Sylwia Greda-Bogusz, Rhonda Jacobsen, Gail Ker, Voula Messimeri AM, Nola Randall-Mohk, Brian Schwartz AM, Rauf Soulio, Casta Tungaraza, Craig Waterhouse, Samina Yasmeen and Katie Young OAM.
The council is expected to meet for the first time early in the New Year.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08122-1.htm
Last update: 17 December 2008 at 10:22 AEST