Source: VMC
By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE,16 OCTOBER: Five high profile Victorians, including a high-profile actress, renowned chef and
media personality and an AFL premiership star have combined to launch a new
campaign celebrating the State’s cultural diversity and directly challenging divisive
attitudes towards multiculturalism.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) campaign – Ambassadors for
Multiculturalism – differs from many that have preceded it by engaging a broad
a spectrum of personalities, including Anglo-Australians, to share their stories.
The five ambassadors will promote their multicultural experience by sharing their
personal stories – reflecting on the strength of cultural diversity in their lives and
experiences – and its powerful force in shaping a more inclusive community.
The panel of ambassadors comprises:
– Actress, Olympia Valance
– Victorian chef, restaurateur, and media personality, Karen Martini
– AFLW star and league-leading goalkicker, Darcy Vescio
– AFL premiership star, Jack Riewoldt
– Successful corporate personality and NBL chairperson, Larry Kestelman
The program has been developed in a bid to combat divisive narratives around
multicultural affairs that are challenging the state’s social cohesion and shared values.
Photo: VMC
VMC Chairperson, Helen Kapalos, is hopeful that by adding a range of diverse
voices and experiences to the current discussion, the ambassadors will encourage
others to share their stories and add to the rich social fabric that binds us together as
Victorians.
“Victoria is well known for its successful and visible brand of multiculturalism, which
takes the collective goodwill and efforts of many”.
“We see the role of our ambassadors as continuing to
build a stronger, more resilient and more cohesive society at a time when we need to
be reminded of the great gifts our unique diverse society brings”.
Through the course of the program, each of the ambassadors will engage with
communities across the state, sharing their multicultural stories and how Victoria’s
diversity has positively impacted their lives.
Ambassador, Olympia Valance says, “Melbourne has always been home to me, but
such a huge part of that comes down to feeling welcome and being part of an
inclusive, loving community.
“It is crucial that we as Australians, and more specifically Victorians, prioritize
keeping our state an open and friendly space for everyone. Regardless of where we
come from, everyone has the right to feel that they belong.”
