Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich MLC, Minister for Multicultural Interests and Citizenship, commended ethnic community leaders and community service organisations for their tireless efforts and hard work in assisting migrant communities and new arrivals to our State.

Minister Ravlich met with ethnic community leaders and representatives of community service organisations in a function held at the City of Stirling Civic Centre Reception Hall on 15 July 2008.

The function hosted by the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre (MMRC) in partnership with the City of Stirling and the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) provided an opportunity for ethnic groups, particularly new and emerging communities, and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Perth’s Northern suburbs to meet informally with the Minister.

Management Committee members and staff of MMRC; Mayor David Boothman, CEO and Councillors form City of Stirling; and more than 60 community leaders attended the function.

Minister Ravlich, in addressing the attendees, said that since commencing her portfolio responsibilities for Multicultural Interests and Citizenship some 18 months ago, she had been impressed by the dedication of community leaders, most of who work in a voluntary capacity.

Minister Ravlich who had just come from a meeting with the Board of the MMRC said that an enormous amount of work is being undertaken to meet the needs of new arrivals through their settlement and community development programs.

“I am very conscious of the increasing demands and challenges placed on organisations working in the multicultural sector.” Minister Ravlich said.

“We will need to respond through improving settlement services and the pathways into employment, education and health. We can also acknowledge and encourage the vital role that community organisations and grass roots services play in supporting people to integrate and gain confidence.”

The Minister said that Partnership and collaboration within the sector was vital to address the challenges ahead.

Acknowledging the partnership between MMRC, City of Stirling and OMI, the Minister said that this was a great example of how various levels of government and the community sector could work collaboratively to address the needs of all members of our society.