Emerging community leaders to visit Parliament House
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Members of the Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre visited Parliament House today to explore Australian democracy and the parliamentary process as part of their community relations project.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the visit offered newly arrived migrant community leaders the opportunity to learn about Australian democracy, governance and the legal system.
'The visit is part of a much broader community relations project called, Culture Connect Creating a Sense of Place and Belonging,’ Mr Ferguson said.
'The project assists new and emerging communities to develop community leaders through a range of activities to help them understand Australian society.
'About 30 community leaders including people of Chinese, Korean, Indian, Afghan, Sudanese, Burmese, Sierra Leonean, Liberian and Zimbabwean backgrounds visited Canberra today to watch Parliament in session.’
Mr Ferguson said the project is operating in the areas of Parramatta, Holroyd, Granville, Wentworthville, Guildford, Merrylands and Harris Park. It is helping community leaders learn about Australian democracy, governance and the legal system through activities, including community workshops, mentoring and formal training.
The project is one of the 41 community relations projects currently being funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Community organisations across Australia are encouraged to apply for funds to develop projects that promote stronger community relations and address issues of racial, cultural and religious intolerance.
Applications for the 2008 funding round are now open and must be lodged with DIAC by 6pm (Eastern Standard Time), 23 May 2008. For further information visit www.harmony.gov.au or contact the community relations funding hotline 1800 782 002.Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj 02 6277 4920 or 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08037.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST