The second ‘Local Government and Multiculturalism: Innovation and Leadership on the Ground’ conference was held on 27 August 2010 at the Performing Arts Centre in Wangaratta.
Attended by over 170 delegates from across Victoria, the conference provided an opportunity to learn about outcomes of current research and examples of innovation and leadership from metropolitan and regional local councils across Victoria, while allowing delegates to develop a richer understanding of multicultural communities and the challenges and benefits that cultural diversity brings to municipalities.
Delegates represented a range of sectors, including Local and State Government, community organisations, service providers and non government organisations.
Keynote speakers included President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Councillor Bill McArthur, and Chairperson of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Pino Migliorino.
A panel discussion on the highly topical issue of ‘Population and Retention of Migrants’ was particularly enlightening, with the audience eagerly taking advantage of the opportunity to ask questions of experts on the panel including Paul Power, CEO Refugee Council of Australia, and Councillor Judy Verlin, Mayor of the City of Ballarat.
Delegates were also able to participate in interactive workshop sessions, which covered Health and Ageing, Community Relations, Promoting Change within Councils, and International Students/Temporary Residents.
The conference was organised by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, in partnership with the Standing Committee on Local Government and Cultural Diversity, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and the Rural City of Wangaratta.
Findings and copies of presentations from the conference will soon be available for download from www.multicultural.vic.gov.au.
