Media Releases

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell, representing the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Nicholas Kotsiras, will tonight officially launch the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
Strategy.

“I commend the Greater Shepparton City Council on the manner in which it has developed this important strategy for improving service delivery to the regions with many different communities,” Mrs Powell said.

“In particular I congratulate the council on the extensive consultation it has undertaken in the developing this new strategy.

“The council’s consultation with Shepparton’s many diverse communities and the service providers to those communities has been a feature of the development of the strategy.

“Shepparton Council has a proud history of supporting and celebrating cultural diversity and the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy will further enhance the council’s existing policies.

The 2006 census recorded there were 6,198 people born overseas in the Greater Shepparton Local Government Areas.

“The 2006 census numbers were an increase on the 2001 census figures and I’m confident the 2011 figures will show another increase again,” Mrs Powell said.

“Shepparton’s experience is mirrored throughout Victoria which provides the template for multicultural success in Australia.

“Today more than five million people call Victoria home and almost 45 per cent of us were either born overseas, or have at least one parent born overseas.

“Victorians come from more than 200 countries of origin, speak more than 230 languages and dialects, and follow more than 120 faiths.

“As a migrant myself I understand the importance of the generous welcome Australia offers and the wonderful opportunities our country provides,” Mrs Powell said.

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today that ten multicultural community groups in the Shepparton district have shared in thousands of dollars of State Government funding.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Senior Citizens Organisational Support Grants have been given to non-for-profit and/or charitable multicultural organisations to assist with their running costs.

“The grants can be used for operational costs, such as rent, utilities, stationery, websites or newsletters or for activities that target members,” Mrs Powell said.

“With our diverse population made up of people from many different countries, Shepparton has some fantastic multicultural organisations doing wonderful work in our community.

“I have been privileged to attend events and speak at functions of many of the organisations that have received a grant through the program.

“I have seen the wonderful work these organisations do in celebrating their own culture whilst embracing the Shepparton community as a whole,” Mrs Powell said.

The local organisations to receive a Senior Citizen’s Organisational Support Grant 2012 are:

Maltese Community of Shepparton and District - $1540
Dutch Australian Society Social Club - $1260
Dutch Independent Senior Citizens of Oz - $1260
Shepparton Italian Social Club Inc - $1680
Shepparton Italian Women’s Group - $1540
Saint Nicolaas Club of Greater Shepparton - $1820
Le Belle Arti - $2310
Shepparton Macedonian Seniors Group - $1500
Tatura Italian Social Club Inc - $2100
Tatura Italian Women’s Group - $1260

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell today encouraged members of Shepparton district’s diverse multicultural community to fully participate in the 2011 Census.

Mrs Powell is asking community and civic leaders in the Shepparton electorate to champion the Census within our community.

“In such a diverse multicultural community as the Shepparton electorate, the Census data is particularly significant,” Mrs Powell said.

“The participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities like ours is most important as the Census data impacts on planning, decision-making and funding at all levels of government.

“It will provide vital information for policy development and assist the planning and delivery of culturally appropriate and accessible services in the region,” Mrs Powell said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will conduct its next national Census of Population and Housing on Tuesday 9 August 2011.

For more information: www.abs.gov.au/census

Two multifaith groups in the Shepparton electorate will share in $12,000 funding from the Victorian Government following an announcement today from the Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell.

Mrs Powell said the grants are part of the Coalition Government’s $365,000 funding for projects which promote harmony across Victoria's culturally and religiously diverse community.

“The Shepparton Interfaith Network will undertake activities involving school-based activities and events while the Anwar Association is hosting an event on faith diversity, shared values and respect,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Shepparton district is a vibrant community which is home to people of many faiths and hopefully these events and activities will help promote a better understanding and inclusion in the broader community.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras said the funding would help faith-based and community organisations to generate understanding between all faiths and build on the unity of Victorians.

"The projects supported through this funding aim at increasing understanding and respect for our religious diversity while breaking down stereotypes," he said.

“Hopefully events provided through this funding will promote tolerance, understanding and respect among the many diverse groups in the Shepparton region,” Mrs Powell said.

These grants will support initiatives which foster and encourage:
• opportunities for young people from diverse faiths to come together and develop leadership skills while engaging in ongoing dialogue; the establishment of several new locally-based inter-faith networks; and
• community celebrations that bring together diverse faiths and the whole Victorian community.

"The Coalition Government is committed to promoting harmony and social cohesion by encouraging programs and activities which bring people together," Mrs Powell said.

Not-for-profit organisations in the Shepparton District may be eligible for a grant under the Small Grants for Rural Communities Program being offered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell is encouraging locals take advantage of the grants program which will offer about $900,000 in grants to small rural Australian communities to benefit people in remote communities during 2011.

“Grants of up to $5,000 will be available to small rural & regional not-for-profit organisations that have projects and activities that aid the sustainability of their community,” Mrs Powell said.

“Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer will receive priority and I encourage the many small communities in the Shepparton District to apply.”
Currently applications that support the following areas of interest will be given preference:
· Community Infrastructure
· Community Development involving Disadvantaged Children or Young
People
· Resettlement of Immigrants in rural Australia
· Drought affected areas (Exceptional Circumstances Declared)

Applications close on 31 March and application forms, guidelines and further information can be obtained by contacting Mrs Powell’s office at 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton ph 58316944, the FRRR website http://www.frrr.org.au freecall 1800 170 020 or via email to info@frrr.org.au.

State Member for Shepparton District, Jeanette Powell is encouraging all residents and visitors to the region to join in local celebrations for Australia Day on Wednesday, January 26.

Mrs Powell, herself a proudly naturalised Australian, said it is important that we celebrate our national day and be proud of our nation’s achievements.

“Australia Day is chance for us to reflect on the privileges and benefits we have as Australians, where people from many different backgrounds are able to live in peace and share in everything our country has to offer,” Mrs Powell said.

“Our people, diversity and our cultures, our freedom and democracy and our belief in a fair go, are all distinctive features that have built our nation’s character.

“Almost every town and community in the district captures some of the spirit of our national day through locally organised events and commemorations and I encourage everyone to participate in the celebrations.

“This is also the opportunity for our many migrants and refugees to celebrate their new land.

“However you choose to celebrate Australia Day, I encourage all to reflect on our past, look forward to the future and remember to appreciate all the great things this country offers,” Mrs Powell said.

NOTE: Mrs Powell will begin Australia Day in Dookie when she gives a short address at the Australia Day ceremony at 9.00 am.

Mrs Powell will then attend and speak at Harmony Village, Shepparton at 10.30 am.

Following that, Mrs Powell will attend the Shepparton Australia Day Ceremony at Queen’s Gardens from 11.30 am.

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell is encouraging non-profit organisations, council bodies and schools to apply for the Victorian Government’s 2010/11 Multicultural Festivals and Events Grants.

Round 2 of the grants for multicultural festivals, conferences and events are available through the Victorian Multicultural Commission as part of a program to show support for Victoria’s multicultural heritage and showcase the state’s diversity to the community.

“The purpose of the grants is to hold functions that will be inclusive of all the community and demonstrate our rich multicultural heritage,” Mrs Powell said.

“These could be National Day celebrations, including food and performances, or events that promote the culture of our diverse community.

“The Shepparton district is home to many migrants and refugees and hopefully these celebrations will promote a better understanding and inclusion in the broader community,” Mrs Powell said.

If more information is needed contact the Grants Information Hotline on 1300 366 356.

Application forms are available from Mrs Powell’s office, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton or online at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell is encouraging residents of the Shepparton District to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations for Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
Mrs Powell said the program provides an opportunity to honour individuals and organisations that make a positive impact within our community.
“Shepparton has a large, diverse multicultural population, and I know many individuals and organisations work hard to provide services for the different cultural groups in our community,” Mrs Powell said.
“There are also many exceptional individuals and organisations who have demonstrated their passion and commitment to promoting cultural harmony in the Shepparton District.
“These awards recognise and reward their contributions as they have promoted the social, economic and cultural benefits of our multicultural community.
"I encourage Shepparton District residents who believe they have a friend, colleague, or family member or organisation deserving of official recognition to submit a nomination on their behalf."
The nine categories are:
• Award for Meritorious Service in the Community
• Premier's Award for Community Harmony
• Business Corporate Award
• Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Award
• Police and Community Multicultural Advisory Committee Awards
• Ambassador Award
• Media Award
• Education Award
• Local Government Award
Nominations close on Wednesday 7 July.
Nomination forms are available at Mrs Powell’s office 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton ph 58316944 or can be downloaded from www.multicultural.vic.gov.au or by contacting the VMC on 03 9651 0647.