Programs to assist multicultural youth dealing with mental health issues, a comprehensive language plan and a dedicated multicultural senior citizens centre were among ideas put forward by hundreds of delegates at the historic ACT Multicultural Summit at the weekend.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs John Hargreaves said ideas gleaned at the Summit will now form the basis of the ACT’s new draft Multicultural Strategy 2009-2012.
“The Summit was very successful with more than 300 members of Canberra’s multicultural community helping to shape the future of our city’s multicultural way of life,” Mr Hargreaves said.
Minister Hargreaves also announced an extra $200,000, over the next four years for the Migrant Resource Centre.
“Delegates were encouraged to share their views and ideas on three key areas of need within the multicultural sector – youth, aged care and languages – and they did so with great results.
“It is very satisfying that we now have a way forward for each of these areas.
“For example, during the youth workshop, it became apparent that programs to assist multicultural youth dealing with mental health issues would benefit many in our community.
“Making more affordable housing available to assist multicultural youth through the migration process – as well as programs to help them with living skills such as driving, navigating the legal system and understanding consumer law – were also highlighted.
“In terms of aged care, the idea of programs to provide service providers with the information and tools to enable them to deliver their services to multicultural clients in a culturally appropriate way was put forward.
“During the languages workshop, it was determined that the language skills of all members of the community needed to be better utilised and appreciated.
“It found the skill of having a second language is not only important in a family heritage sense but is also highly beneficial to the wider community in a business and cultural development sense.
“Delegates also deemed it was important that the ACT develop a comprehensive language plan that should become part of the wider Canberra Plan.
“This is a fantastic concept because Canberra has such a vibrant and rich multicultural sector of which languages are a highly integral part.
“All those involved at the Summit at the weekend should be very proud of their efforts and I congratulate and thank them for their contribution.
“Work will now begin on drawing all ideas and concepts together to enable the draft ACT Multicultural Strategy 2009-2012 to be issued for public comment.”