Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner brings people together

·

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.”

victorian multicultural commission (1)

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.

victorian multicultural commission

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

How families celebrated a rare unified Easter

For the first time in eight years, all branches of Christianity—Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox—celebrated Easter on the same weekend.

George Mastrocostas pushes ahead with project amid Gold Coast housing surge

As the Gold Coast races to meet a looming population milestone of one million residents by 2045, George Mastrocostas is pushing ahead.

Tina Stefanou explores Melbourne’s urban fringe in immersive ACCA exhibition

Artist Tina Stefanou’s latest exhibition, You Can’t See Speed, now showing at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).

Sydney man Zacharias Giatras granted bail after Rockdale crash leaves man critical

Zacharias Giatras, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice, has been granted bail after being charged over a serious crash in Sydney’s south.

The late Jim Diamantis remembered as community-minded family man

Adelaide businessman Jim Diamantis, co-founder of Diamonds Camera, has been remembered as a hardworking and compassionate family man.

You May Also Like

Greek food connects family across the world during Christmas

However, Greeks across the world come together as one during the time of Christmas, as they use Greek food as a bridge to bring together their families and loved ones during this special time of year.

Europa Conference League: Pafos FC make history, Panathinaikos advance to group stage

It was a busy day in the Greek football world at the Europa Conference League. We take a look at results for Pafos FC and Panathinaikos FC.

Thanasi Kokkinakis upset gives Australia shock Davis Cup win over US

A nail-biting win for Thanasi Kokkinakis has led Australia into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Spain.