CELEBRATING VICTORIA’S CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY
Premier Steve Bracks today announced that today was the beginning of festivities as part of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week. Mr Bracks said over 200 events would be held across the state to highlight cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Premier Steve Bracks today announced that today was the beginning of festivities as part of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week. Mr Bracks said over 200 events would be held across the state to highlight cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
“Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week, marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism on March 21 and reaffirms our belief in the right of all Victorians to live without fear of racial and religious discrimination,” Mr Bracks said.
Mr Bracks said this week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of migrants and to promote mutual respect.
“Victorians are a great mix of people from all walks of life, language and heritage and this week we join together to acknowledge the many benefits that multiculturalism has brought to all aspects of our daily life.”
Through the Victorian Multicultural Commission ( VMC ), the Government has provided more than $165,000 to more than 200 schools and community organisations to host their own activities for the week.
Some of the major events taking place across Victoria include the: · Black Harmony Gathering on: Saturday 17 March at the Fairfield amphitheatre · Mauritian & Rodriguan Festival: Sunday 18 March at the Immigration Museum · Special preview show of the Comedy ‘IL DAGO’ on: Tuesday 20 March at the Northcote Town Hall
Mr Bracks also highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity in the current international climate.
“Now more than ever we need to defend our cultural diversity, to actively oppose racism and to encourage cooperation among Victorians of different cultures and faiths. As a matter of principle, we must promote our multicultural successes”, Mr Bracks said.
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Daniel Andrews, said multiculturalism is very much a part of the Australian way of life.
“I encourage Victorians to enjoy the week and get involved in the celebration of cultural diversity.
“Our rich cultural diversity coupled with our respect for each other is not only a great social and economic asset; it’s what makes Victoria such a vibrant and interesting place to live.”
Visit the official website developed in partnership with Glen Waverley Secondary College - www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au for more information and to view the list of more than 200 events scheduled to take place across Victoria.
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