Eleven Canberrans from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have been appointed to the ACT’s newly legislated Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism.
The Council will directly advise the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne, on the aspirations, needs, and concerns of people from CALD backgrounds who call Canberra home.
Ms Cheyne said it builds on the strong support to Canberra’s multicultural community the previous ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and Honorary Ambassador Program provided.
The 11 Council members were selected through a competitive nomination process; nearly 60 people expressed their interest in promoting and advocating for multiculturalism across Canberra.
The new Council commences its three-year term from today, 1 September.
The chair is Izabela Barakovska, a first generation Australian-Macedonian who has extensive experience consulting across government, community, education, and industry. She works with the ACT Public Service and has previously worked with the W.A. State Government, the U.S. Mission in Australia, the American Chamber of Commerce, and the United Macedonian Diaspora.
“The ACT is home to a highly creative, dynamic, diverse, and growing multicultural community – one that is interwoven with rich and unique cultures, lived experiences, ideas, challenges, and passions from our local region and around the globe,” Ms Barakovska said.
“I am honoured and excited to work with a remarkable team, and our local community, as Chair of the new Council, to facilitate forums for storytelling, ideation, problem-solving and future-planning; to celebrate unity in diversity, and promote an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant multicultural Canberra.”
The other members are:
- Dr Shanti Reddy (Deputy Chairperson)
- Mr Arun Bharatula
- Ms Chin Wong
- Mr Efe Momoh
- Ms Ivapene Seiuli
- Ms Lew Ching Yip
- Ms Sukriti Kapoor
- Dr Sultana Lubna Alam
- Mr Timothy Sunwoo
- Ms Zakia Patel
“I congratulate all Council members for their appointment, and look forward to working with them to strengthen Canberra as an inclusive and welcoming city for all,” Ms Cheyne said.
“As an important advocate for multiculturalism, the new Council will continue to be a culturally diverse representative of the community and well-regarded by new and long-time Canberrans.
“Their expertise and community engagement will be key to directing the needs and priorities of the ACT Government and ensure Canberra is a city where everyone can belong and participate.
“The formal recognition of the Council is a key part of the reforms which saw the Multiculturalism Act passed earlier this year.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and Honorary Multicultural Ambassadors and thank them for their contribution to date to promoting Canberra as a culturally diverse and welcoming city.”
