By Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Melbourne, Victoria is one of the great multicultural capitals of the world. Nowhere is this more evident than at our many cross-cultural events that unite us all in one place. The Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner is one of the key events that brings us together and, importantly, showcases “the best in us.”
For the first time, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) took the initiative to host the gala event outside of Melbourne. Geelong was chosen as the venue for this year’s function. The distance did not impede the journey made by more than 500 people from 100 different nationalities and ethnic communities.
Functions like this are not merely symbolic; important announcements were made by the Government that will significantly impact our State. Equally, it allowed us to connect with old acquaintances and forge new friendships.
On the issue of announcements, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan advised that over the next three years, the state government would name more than 6,000 roads, parks, and lanes after identities from our diverse multicultural community. Such symbolic acts help our citizens feel more included and respected. They also present a more accurate reflection of the achievements and contributions made by people of diverse backgrounds in our society. This event allowed me to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.
Our own Greek community had numerous attendees with whom I spent time, including Fotini Kypraios, Ange Kenos, and Mike Zafiropoulos. I was also seated beside Minister Enver Erdogan and Ahmed Hassan, both of whom I met for the first time. And what a pleasure it was. Minister Erdogan began his conversation with me in fluent Greek. I was taken aback. He noted, “Bill, I know the Greek community owns Alphington Grammar, and I know of your involvement as a former School Chair. Well, my brother and I are past students. We loved that school.”
I was temporarily, and some might say uncharacteristically, speechless. Minister Erdogan then explained that he is of Kurdish origin and that, in his former life as a lawyer, he was often opposed to my law firm, Moray & Agnew. Our worlds just became smaller and smaller. Minister Erdogan was warm, friendly, and engaging, and we agreed to arrange for him to visit his old school (Alphington Grammar) and give a talk to the students on his unique journey. It is hard to find a more likeable person.
On my right sat the wonderful and charismatic Ahmed Hassan. He is the former winner of the Victorian Youth of the Year Awards. Our bond became intertwined through football, as he told me he was a former junior player with Preston FC. I informed him of how we at South Melbourne Hellas were working closely with Preston FC on the National Second Tier Competition. I recounted my recent conversations with David Cvetkovski (Preston FC’s President). Hassan was energetic and humble. He is another positive reminder of the role our youth will play in the future development of Victoria.
These are just a few of the people I saw on the night, all of whom selflessly devote their time to various community activities that enhance the quality of our living environment.
Finally, I want to reflect on what these nights do and their importance for the future of multiculturalism. They are, in the first instance, a reminder of the need for cross-cultural dialogue and the challenge of securing social cohesion. Both are vital for the good functioning of society. Social cohesion is not a chance outcome; rather, it’s the product of events and actions by so many people that underpin how we see ourselves and the decisions we make that shape how we want to live together.
This was the message of Minister Julian Hill. He remarked that social cohesion is not always easy. It often requires many difficult conversations. However, it is one of the most important goals to pursue and an invaluable task to persevere with. It was reassuring that such words were echoed on the night by Chairperson of the VMC, Vivienne Nguyen and, in a bipartisan way, by both Minister Ingrid Stitt and the Opposition Leader John Pesutto.
