The Victorian Multicultural Commission has opened nominations for its eight Regional Advisory Councils, and has encouraged anyone over the age of 16 and from diverse backgrounds to apply.
The councils help the commission influence policy and improve government and community services, according to multicultural affairs minister Ros Spence and commission chair Vivienne Nguyen.
“We’re excited to continue to work closely with our Regional Advisory Councils, which are a key part of how we support and advocate for our communities,” Nguyen said.
“The pandemic has shone a light on how we must continue to work with all communities to co-design solutions for problems, and the Regional Advisory Councils help us directly shape policy.”
The councils offer key insights into issues that impact multicultural communities — from migrant and refugee settlement services to housing and connection to culture — and help identify potential solutions for achieving change, Nguyen and Spence said. The councils also act as a forum for other organisations and government bodies to engage with local multicultural communities.
The commission has encouraged people from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds — including established and new multicultural communities, refugees and people seeking asylum — to apply. To ‘achieve a balance of experience, diverse backgrounds and expertise’, the commission says it is seeking community members, business and local government representatives and service providers.
Council members are appointed for two-year terms. Currently, members represent 36 different cultural backgrounds and include individuals from the community, service providers, local business owners, and local government representatives.
Nominations must be submitted online and close on July 23.
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