A new multicultural hub has officially opened its doors to a range of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups in regional Victoria.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott was in Mildura to welcome this new space for local ethnic community groups.
The Cultural Community Centre, managed by the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council (SMECC), is a multipurpose facility including two community rooms, a function space, reception area, meeting and training room, interview rooms, library, kitchen, multi-faith prayer room and bathroom facilities.
The hub, which was part-funded by the Victorian Government, serves as a focal point for CALD community groups, particularly for newly settled CALD communities that experience difficulty accessing services and support networks.
The hub will serve a variety of purposes and provide a safe and comfortable venue to host regular community meetings; deliver Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classes; and for the storage and packaging for Mildura Food Share, which helps those in need and supports emergency relief providers.
Community hubs, particularly in regional areas, are also vital to ensure CALD communities can come together and share and celebrate their culture.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“Immigrants helped to build Sunraysia’s iconic fruit growing and picking industry. This hub helps to ensure that future generations of migrants can make their mark on the region.”
“Organisations like the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council play a vital role in removing cultural barriers and allowing this multicultural community to thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Steve Herbert
“Mildura has a great history of welcoming people from all around the world and it's one of the most multicultural regions in Australia and this new hub will be a great addition to that tradition.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020