By Aaron Cordy
THE Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District was officially reopened by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP, in front of a crowd of special guests on Sunday, April 6.
Established in 1978 as a non-profit organisation to help Greater Shepparton’s vast and growing multicultural community. Over the years the Ethnic Council has been at the forefront of integration, support and community services for many people who have bravely uprooted to make Australia home.
The Ethnic Council received $191,52 in funding through the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund last year, to give the Welsford Street facilities a much-needed upgrade.
Seja Al Zaidi MC’s the reopening, and President of the Ethnic Council Maria Brown-Shepherd shared its proud history before Minister Ingrid Stitt MP spoke about the diversity of Victoria, which has over 300 different cultural backgrounds, over 290 faiths and almost 300 different languages and dialects, many of which reside in Greater Shepparton.
“I can’t think of a better example of that than Shepparton, where way back post-war migrants came here to make a better life,” said Ms Stitt.
“Whether it’s those that are well established in the community or communities that have come more recently, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton has been their voice for all those decades and has been a voice for not only diversity, but for championing our diversity and making sure that migrants who come to this community are respected, feel welcomed and supported, and can tap into all of the government services that they need.”
The fund allowed the Ethnic Council to renovate the roof, replacement of air conditioners and lighting, build wheelchair access, and help provide a safe space for those in need.
“This renovated building represents far more than just physical upgrades. It stands as a renewed promise, a deeper commitment to serve our community with passion, dignity and purpose,” said Ethnic Council CEO Sam Atukorala.
“Thanks to the incredible support from the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, we have transported this space into one that is safer, more welcoming and more inclusive. It is a place where individuals and families from all walks of life can feel not just supported, but truly seen and heard, a place where belonging begins.”
