2MFM ENDORSES A NEW VISION FOR A HARMONIOUS NSW
Written by 2MFM on 22 August 2014
On Wednesday the 20th of August 2MFM attended the Community Relations Commission’s Annual Symposium which carried the theme, ‘The impact on communities in NSW of conflicts in other parts of the world’. {gallery}crc2014{/gallery}
In addition to the The Minister for Citizenship and Communities , Victor Dominello and the Chief Executive Officer of the CRC, Mr. Hakan Harman other speakers addressed the audience. Former Foreign Correspondent Political Editor and current Network Ten News Presenter Hugh Riminton who was the Keynote Speaker, and Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Tim Soutphommasane examined the state of community relations in NSW, in particular the impact of those overseas events.
The symposium was an opportunity for the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Victor Dominello, to launch a new strategic plan which articulates the CRC vision for our multicultural state which includes a clear focus on the values that unite us all as Australians and promotes the social and economic benefits of cultural diversity.
Mr Dominello said the organisation would become known as Multicultural NSW and is part of a three year strategic plan called ‘Harmony in Action’ which includes key reforms such as revitalized grant programs, refocused community engagement strategies and improved employment opportunities and recognition of qualifications for skilled migrants and new arrivals.
“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.
In his opening speech Mr. Hakan Harman, said today: “This is a difficult time for many communities in NSW that are affected by overseas conflicts. “The conflicts in Gaza, Iraq and Syria and elsewhere clearly have real implications for people with family and community connections in those parts of the world.
“There are humanitarian crises unfolding in many parts of the World today, and our thoughts are with the countless innocent victims.” “NSW is home to people who have come from every corner of the world. Many have fled places of conflict and strive to find peace and security in this beautiful State”, he said.
Some of the key reforms outlined by Mr Dominello include:
- Launching a revitalised grants program
- A stronger focus on the values which unite us all as Australians
- A refocused and formalised community engagement strategy which will engage across multicultural communities
- 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.
We at 2MFM are continuously working in close collaboration with the CRC’s vision and strategies, aimed at bringing communities together and making NSW a better place to live.
“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.”
