Report by AMMC March for Say No to Family Violence in DandenongAMMC is proud to report on today’s powerful march held in Dandenong under the banner Say No to Family Violence The event was attended by dozens of community members who gathered to raise awareness about the urgent need to end domestic violence.The march commenced at Dandenong Market and proceeded to the Dandenong City Council, where emotional speeches were delivered by survivors of family violence, sharing their personal stories and urging the community to take action.This march is part of ongoing efforts to address the critical issue of family violence, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all families. AMMC was honored to cover this significant event, highlighting the voices of those affected and showing solidarity with victims.Watch the video summary of the march here:Southern Migrant & Refugee CentreRhonda Garad for CleelandJim MemetiFix Dandy Buses: 7 day buses for Greater DandenongLee Tarlamis MPCouncillor Sean O'ReillyCity of Greater DandenongZahra Haydarbig Advocate & Former Councillor Candidate - Greater DandenongAngie Venuto-ColeCr Phillip Danh - Greater Dandenong CouncilCr. Sophie TanCr. Bob Milkovic- City of Greater DandenongFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCA
The Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC) covered the South East Melbourne Education Forum, where Hon. Jason Clare, the Minister for Education, delivered a keynote speech on the transformative role of education in building a more diverse and equitable Australia. Sharing his personal story as the first in his family to complete high school and university, the minister emphasized how education can be a powerful tool to change lives and break cycles of poverty, especially in underserved regions.The minister highlighted Australia’s significant educational progress since the 1970s, noting the increase in high school completion rates from 19% to 80% and university graduates from 8% to nearly 50%. However, he stressed that access to education remains unequal, particularly in communities such as Dandenong and the western suburbs of Melbourne, where opportunities are often influenced by socioeconomic factors.Minister Clare underscored the need for comprehensive educational reform across all stages—from early childhood through university—to ensure equal opportunities for everyone. He emphasized the importance of adequately funding public schools and investing in early childhood education, citing research that shows early education increases the likelihood of higher education.He concluded with a call to action, highlighting education as the primary tool for achieving social justice and inclusive growth across Australia, where every child can access equal opportunities.AMMC commends Minister Jason Clare’s vision and is proud to have covered this forum, reflecting its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote multiculturalism and sustainable development in its communities. #multiculturalism Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerEthnic Communities' Council of VictoriaSouthern Migrant & Refugee CentreMulitcultural Youth GroupFederation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia - FECCAJulian Hill MPReza Andesha
Earlier this month, the Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC) provided coverage of Berhe Jamal, a young candidate running in the North Melbourne council elections. During the coverage, his friends and colleagues from the Greens Party expressed their support and admiration for him. They praised his ongoing efforts to advocate for environmental and social issues, as well as his passion for effectively representing his diverse community. This coverage reflects AMMC’s commitment to highlighting humanitarian causes and providing a platform for young voices in Australian politics.
In his interview with the Australian Multicultural Media Centre (AMMC), Ian Cook, a candidate for the Noble Park Yarraman Ward, emphasised the need for local councils to prioritise community services over politics.
He stressed that modern technology, such as apps, should be used to make council services more accessible, especially for younger residents. Cook suggested that whether people need information about local issues like dog regulations or waste collection, they should be able to get quick answers through easy-to-use technology. However, he also recognised the needs of older residents who are less familiar with modern tools, advocating for manned phone lines to ensure they can easily access services.
Cook strongly believes that politics should have no place in local council operations. He argued that council funds should be used to provide essential services like street cleaning, waste management, and community support, rather than being influenced by political affiliations.
He also proposed the idea of directly electing the mayor, rather than having councillors choose, to break the perceived dominance of any political party, such as Labor, within the City of Dandenong. His message centred around transparency, efficiency, and the fundamental role of the council in serving the community rather than promoting political agendas. Ian Cook for Noble Park - Yarraman. Ian Cook for Noble Park - YarramanYarraman Community
We’re just 6 weeks away from the 11th Annual African Music and Cultural Festival at the iconic Fed Square! This year will be the biggest yet, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.SAVE THE DATE: Friday November 15th - Sunday 17th, 2024 at Fed SquareJoin us for a FREE, family-friendly event with vibrant music, food, and cultural performances.Be sure to RSVP on the Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/959676928807634
Shillar Sibanda OAM, a prominent African Australian community leader, praised the youth during an award ceremony, highlighting their potential and resilience. She emphasized the critical role they play in shaping the future and fostering unity within their communities.Shillar SibandaFred Tayo AlaleViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commissioner
In a speech for AMMC on the occasion of awarding young individuals with talents and achievements in the state of Victoria, MP Lee Tarlamis commended the vital role that multicultural communities play in strengthening the social fabric of the state. Although he speaks little at events, his commanding presence and unwavering commitment to attending and responding to all multicultural community events reflect his strong support for them.Tarlamis emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to continue pursuing their ambitions, praising the impressive accomplishments they are achieving across various fields, making them a source of pride for their communities and the state of Victoria as a whole. Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerLee Tarlamis MPScanlon Foundation Research InstituteAustralian Multicultural Women AssociationEthnic Communities' Council of VictoriaMulitcultural Youth Group
AMMC continues its efforts to highlight the visions of candidates in the local election campaign, providing a platform for the community to engage with key issues.In an interview with AMMC, Rhonda Garad a candidate for Cleeland Ward in the Greater Dandenong City Council emphasised the need to improve the integration of multicultural communities within council structures. She expressed surprise at the lack of effective methods to engage with the community, despite 70% of the population being first or second-generation migrants Garad stressed the importance of involving these communities in decision-making processes through advisory committees, influential panels, and other council structures. She also pointed out that many council staff are not from Dandenong, which limits their ability to fully understand the diverse needs of the community. Therefore, she believes that direct involvement from multicultural communities is crucial for the council to better address their specific needs.Garad’s goal is to strengthen close collaboration between the council and the community to ensure greater representation and inclusivity in decision-making processes.In conclusion, AMMC remains committed to promoting constructive dialogue and active participation for a better future for all.Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerScanlon Foundation Research InstituteAustralian Multicultural Women AssociationEthnic Communities' Council of Victoria
AMMC in this interview, Angela Hall emphasised that she is the only candidate among the three who actually lives in the Springvale North area. This gives her a deep understanding of the community and its needs. She pointed out that the other candidates do not reside in the area, meaning they won’t even be able to vote for themselves, which underscores her unique responsibility as a genuine resident committed to the success of her neighbourhood.Angela also highlighted that she is an independent candidate not affiliated with any political party. This independence allows her the freedom to make decisions based on the community's needs rather than party agendas. She expressed the importance of having more independents on the council.Additionally, she mentioned her qualifications in law and finance which equip her to navigate the complex legislation and budgets that council members deal with.Regarding her top priorities she began discussing the revitalisation of the area as a primary focus, highlighting her commitment to improving and developing the local community .Angela Holl for Springvale North WardViv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural CommissionerScanlon Foundation Research InstituteAustralian Multicultural Women AssociationEthnic Communities' Council of Victoria
In line with the previous meetings conducted by AMMC in support of Mr. Andrew's candidacy, we continue our efforts to highlight the candidates' visions and provide a platform for the community to engage with important issues. Our aim is to foster constructive dialogue and encourage active participation for a better future.
