CEO of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) Mr Chris Christoforou has paid a visit to Wodonga on 30 May 2019. Mr Christoforou was warmly welcomed by about 20 local ethnic, faith and indigenous leaders at a luncheon at La Maison Restaurant in Wodonga. The casual gathering provided an opportunity for AWECC to thank Mr Christoforou and the ECCV for its ongoing support, and for community representatives to network. Mr Christoforou also had the opportunity to visit a local project, the Bhutanese Community Farm, while in the area. 

During National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), AWECC has made a commitment to start developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) over the next 12 months. The opportunity to develop greater levels of understanding and meaningful relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has led AWECC to pledge to develop a RAP through regular dialogue and consultation with key Aboriginal stakeholders and organisations, and through the establishment of a RAP advisory group. The aim of the working group will be to strengthen relationships and identify specific actions that AWECC can take through its programs and services, to improve outcomes and opportunities of local Aboriginal peoples. AWECC will present its 1st RAP during National Reconciliation Week in 2020.

Here is the June 2019 events update from the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) for activities coming up across the Alpine Valleys and North East Victoria.  

​The 'Leading Communities Together' workshop will be delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership for community members and leaders, particularly from migrant and refugee backgrounds, who would like to develop skills in community leadership, governance and committee involvement. The workshop will enable participants to develop strong decision-making and collaboration skills so that they can make an even bigger difference in their community.

Some of the topics covered in the workshop, include:
   > The role and purpose of boards and committees;
   > The duties of board and committee members;
   > How to participate in meetings and have your voice heard;
   > How to run effective meetings; and
   > Understanding finances and budgets.
 
Date: Saturday 29 June 2019
Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm (includes lunch - bring a plate to share)​
Where: Room F11 (level 1) Gateway Health, 155 High Street, Wodonga

Applications close: 9:00am, Wednesday, 19 June 2019

This workshop is delivered in partnership with Alpine Valleys Community Leadership with support from the Victorian Government ​'Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion division'.

AWECC is seeking nominations from interested community members to join its Board of Directors on a voluntary short term role commencing on 1 July until late 2019. 

The AWECC Board consist of seven community members who govern and direct the organisation as office-bearers and directors. The Board is currently seeking community members who have a passion for multiculturalism and have experience in community leadership and/or management.

To apply, please submit your nomination by 5pm on Wednesday 15 May, 2019 by completing the application form below and emailing to the AWECC Chairperson, Rupinder Kaur at the following email address:
rupinder@awecc.org.au

For general enquiries, please call the office on 02) 6024 6895.

Multiculturalism is...
A personal reflection by Christian Bashimbe (AWECC member).
...................

Multiculturalism is a positive attitude towards a new settler and stranger which bears a sense of belonging. It's explained by a welcoming smile, handshake and deep hug from the owner and occupants of the land.

Multiculturalism is one speech with different representatives; Multicultural paragraphs uniting multiple voices and diverse colours.

Multiculturalism is red, white, blue, orange, black, pink, brown, etc.
Let's paint our heart's with multicultural pencils; rich in colours. 

Did you know that one in 10 (10.5%) of Albury/Wodonga residents were born overseas? Did you know that Nepali is our most spoken language, other than English. See more on the snapshot below. You can also visit here to read a more in-depth report about our diversity, according to the most recent Australian Census.

AWECC has committed to become a supporter of the Welcoming Cities Network. Welcoming Cities is a global movement which supports local governments to advance communities where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. Welcoming Cities is part of a growing network of more than 135 municipalities, and many more supporting organisations, around the world. As a supporter, AWECC has committed to supporting local councils in welcoming and inclusion initiatives. Here is the commitment statement we have signed.