Speeches
Tuesday, 04 February 2025
Reception to mark 50 years of the Multicultural Communities Council of SA
I warmly welcome you to Government House to celebrate 50 years of the Multicultural Communities Council of SA.
In this state, we walk together on ancient lands in the footsteps of an ancient culture.
We are a society that has evolved over time with many faces and many voices from many lands; shaping who we are and providing our essential character.
Our vibrant, culturally diverse community is one of South Australia’s greatest assets.
It helps to make us prosperous, it connects us to the world, it enriches our lives, it reminds us to appreciate what we have, to be welcoming and so much more.
I am proud to support multiculturalism, through activities such as the Governor’s Multicultural Awards, which began during the term of Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce.
Of course my predecessor and your patron, the Honourable Hieu Van Le, and his wife Lan, did much to advance multiculturalism during their time at Government House, while themselves being shining examples of how to make a suitcase full of dreams real.
The Late Bruno Krumins, a ‘founding father’ of the Multicultural Communities Council, was also Lieutenant Governor from 2000-2007.
While government, more broadly, has played an important role in the success of cultural diversity in our state, so have community organisations, such as those represented here this evening.
In fact it is no exaggeration to say you have played – and continue to – a starring role.
Dedicated staff and countless volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to advocate for the needs of multicultural communities, to provide new migrants with access to services, and to share their unique cultures with our broader society.
For half a century, the Multicultural Communities Council has provided a uniting force for community-driven, culturally diverse activity in our state.
As one of South Australia’s first multicultural organisations, you became a conduit between communities and government while also pioneering a range of programs, including tailored youth, health, housing, and employment initiatives.
Today, with 125 member organisations, the Council represents more than 85 percent of South Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse population, from established to emerging communities.
I congratulate the Council on half a century of activity, facilitating community cohesion, breaking down barriers, and championing the rights of culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
I trust this anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on your rich history, celebrate the contributions of the communities you represent, and set the tone for the future.
I thank the Council’s board and staff, past and present, for the vision and dedication they have shown over the years, leading an ever-evolving organisation to where it is today.
I thank leaders of the Council’s member organisations for the role they play in addressing current challenges, such as navigating the complexities of a growing multicultural population, ensuring equitable access to services, and tackling systemic barriers to inclusion.
I thank the hundreds of other volunteers who have, working for the Council and its members over the years, given generously of their time and energy to fundraise and bring programs and events to life.
Happy 50th birthday to the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia.
I thank you for your enduring commitment to a more inclusive and harmonious South Australia, and wish you well for the future. You can continue to rely on my support.