Statements
Culturally and linguistically diverse community forums
Brief ministerial statement
Dr Tony Buti (Armadale—Minister for Multicultural Interests) (1:05 pm): I would like to take this opportunity to share the success of the recent culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community forums held on Saturday 23 August at the Stirling Adriatic Centre and on Sunday 24 August at the Indian Community Centre. It was great to see such a strong turnout, with each session attracting more than 120 community associations and group representatives. The forums were a chance to hear directly from Western Australian government representatives and CALD community associations, ask questions, learn from one another and network.
The local government and consumer protection areas of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety delivered lively and engaging presentations on the timely topics of community participation in local government elections and scam awareness. The presentations on scams were particularly popular, with many people sharing their own experiences of how scams have impacted their friends, family and community.
There was the opportunity to learn about the journey of an emerging community association from the South Sudan Community Association of Western Australia and find out more about the history of the very established Indian Society of WA. Although each of these groups is at a different stage of development, their successes are a reflection of their volunteers' hard work to connect and empower their communities. Both presentations were very inspiring and provided wonderful examples of what can be achieved by communities, both large and small.
The forums allowed community members to see the refurbishments of the Stirling Adriatic Centre and the Indian Community Centre, which were supported by the Office of Multicultural Interests' community capital works fund.
Face-to-face events like the CALD community forums are an opportunity to collaborate and harness the power of Western Australian multiculturalism. These forums strengthen bonds, build networks and open the lines of communication for people to share their unique perspectives and experiences. We are fortunate to be home to diverse multicultural communities that enhance the social fabric of our state in their own unique and irreplaceable ways. As the forum clearly shows, our community is stronger when we come together. I look forward to hosting it again towards the end of the year.
