Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA) is hosting an event titled, Diverse Voices, Inclusive Views: Multicultural Media’s Vital Role in Shaping Australia’s Media Landscape, at NSW Parliament on Wednesday, May 15.
The free event will be held in the NSW Parliament Fountain Court & Theatrette, with arrival drinks from 5.30pm to 6.30pm before the official program begins from 6.30pm to 8.45pm.
IMMA consists of 33 members and growing, representing a diverse range of multicultural outlets that reflect multicultural Australians across all generations.
IMMA is giving attendees a rare opportunity to convene and hear a range of speakers discuss the role of multicultural media in public interest journalism. Key questions for discussion include how multicultural media engage with their communities; multicultural media’s relationship with government; what are the next best steps for multicultural media to strengthen its cross-platform journalism; and what does the “public’’ in public interest journalism mean in the multicultural context.Â
Keynote Speaker on the day will be prominent figure in Australian multiculturalism Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian AO.
Dr Kerkyasharian, a steadfast advocate for multiculturalism in Australia, has served on the National Australia Day Council (NADC) Board since 2019. Over five decades, he has spearheaded initiatives to foster community harmony and inclusion. Notably, as Chair and CEO of the Community Relations Commission of NSW, he drove policy changes benefiting under-represented communities. He also led the Anti-Discrimination Board, championing minority rights. Recognised for his contributions, he has received numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia and the Presidential Medal for “Outstanding Achievement” from Cyprus. Dr Kerkyasharian’s extensive involvement includes leadership roles in various organisations and as a NSW Australia Day Ambassador for over two decades.
The event will also feature a panel discussion, canvassing current issues of government engagement, crisis communications and digital transformation. Panellists include:
- David Giang, Managing Director of Vietnamese language newspaper, Chieu Duong (The Sunrise Daily) and Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Member
- Wendy Huang, Managing Director of Chinese News and Media Group Pty Ltd & Publisher of the Chinese Herald
- Sid Merhi Managing Director of 2ME Arabic Radio
- Dimitra Skalkos, Managing Director of Foreign Language Press Pty Ltd and Publisher of The Greek Herald & Ellinis Magazine
- Pawan Luthra, Publisher and Founder of Indian Link Media Group
- Julius Larobina, Managing Director, Italian Media Corp and Publisher of Il Globo & La Fiamma
- Fotis Kapetopoulos, moderator and Secretary of Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA)
Event Details:
- What: Diverse Voices, Inclusive Views: Multicultural Media’s Vital Role in Shaping Australia’s Media Landscape
- Where: NSW Parliament Fountain Court & Theatrette
- When: Wednesday, May 15 2024
- Time: Arrival drinks 5.30-6.30PM, Event commences 6.30-8.45PM
- Cost: Free
- Register here: https://bit.ly/4botTlR
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to explore the narrative prowess of independent multicultural outlets, the role they play in bridging gaps in mainstream coverage and their positive impact on cultural maintenance.
An Independent Multicultural Media Australia event.
