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New Appointments Embrace Diversity Of Victorian Multicultural Commission

27 October 2015

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott today announced the appointment of six new Commissioners to the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).

The VMC plays a key role in promoting participation, understanding, cohesion and harmony across Victoria. It acts as a conduit of information and communication between Government, culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse (CALD) communities and the broader community.

Each dedicated Commissioner understands the issues facing ethnic communities and are actively involved on a local level. They play a vital role in assisting networks, and in liaising between faith and community groups and Government.

The new appointments include: Mr Peter Khalil, Mr Tsebin Tchen, Mrs Sonia Vignjevic, Dr Mimmie Claudine Watts, Mr Dr Sundram Sivamalai (Community Representative Commissioner) and Ms Tina Hosseini (Youth Commissioner).

The Commission meets on a monthly basis to develop strategies and discuss community issues that require action.

The appointment of the six new Commissioners complements the diversity of the existing Commissioners and ensures a range of different occupational, social and ethnic backgrounds, including people who normally reside in different parts of the State.

A biography on each Commissioner, and the Chairperson Ms Helen Kapalos, can be found at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au.External Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“I am pleased to welcome the new Commissioners to the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Each will play an important role in providing advice to the Government on services and programs for diverse communities, as well as on any emerging issues.”

“Each Commissioner boasts a great diversity of skills, a passion for multiculturalism, and experiences and community connections to draw upon that will no doubt help us imbed positive change.”

Quotes attributable to VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos

“As the Victorian Multicultural Commission embarks on a new strategic journey, I look forward to working closely with my fellow Commissioners to lead a new, constructive dialogue on multiculturalism, to advocate on behalf of our multicultural community and to provide honest and independent advice to the Andrews Labor Government.”

“Together, we will not only be focused on listening to our culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse Victorians to understand the issues they face, we will also be focused on finding solutions that contribute to long and lasting change for the benefit of all Victorians.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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