Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:39): I move:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) for reaching the significant milestone of its 50^th anniversary in 2025;

2. Recognises MCCSA has been supporting migrant communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds since it was established in 1995 and that its foundations were laid in 1975;

3 Acknowledges that MCCSA is the peak organisation representing more than 120 multicultural organisations and delivers a wide range of programs to increase the capacity of its member organisations and advocate for the needs and aspirations of CALD organisations, communities and individuals;

4. Thanks the MCCSA Patron, the Hon. Hieu Van Le AC; Chairperson, Miriam Cocking; Chief Executive Officer, Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM; executive team members; board members; staff; and supporters for their dedication and contributions to serving and empowering the diverse multicultural community in South Australia; and

5. Commends MCCSA for its significant contributions toward enhancing multiculturalism and interculturalism in our state and for supporting all people from CALD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, political, social and cultural life of South Australia.

It is a great honour to move this motion to congratulate the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia on reaching the remarkable milestone of its 50^th anniversary in 2025. For over 50 years, as a peak body for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the MCCSA has continuously worked towards building an equitable, cohesive and thriving multicultural South Australia through its comprehensive support programs and by representing more than 120 multicultural organisations.

As a first-generation migrant, I experienced firsthand what it was like for my family and I to settle in Australia. Many honourable members may not realise that I did not speak much English at all when I first arrived in Australia in 1979, and I went to a special intensive English language centre to learn English before attending a mainstream school.

It certainly was not easy for me and my family trying to integrate into the new society and I fully understand how it can be overwhelming and intimidating for new arrivals and migrants when it comes to adapting to the new Australian way of life, reconciling the differences in culture, language and tradition and trying to find that sense of belonging, developing confidence to be a part of the South Australian community. As the longest continuing serving member of parliament in multicultural affairs, I have a deep appreciation of MCCSA work because I have seen firsthand the impact it has for multicultural development in South Australia.

I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to the current and past leadership of the MCCSA. The Hon. Hieu Van Le AC, former Governor of South Australia, serves as the MCCSA's patron and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, compassion and lived experience as a refugee and a champion of multiculturalism across South Australia. Having also previously served as the chair of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, the Hon. Hieu Van Le works alongside the MCC executive board, headed by the chairperson, Miriam Cocking.

The wonderful Miriam, whom I have had the pleasure to work with over the last 15 years, is doing an amazing job. Her selfless dedication and her longstanding relationship with MCCSA are highly respected. She has been serving the council in various capacities since 1983 and served as its chairperson since 2015. Heartfelt congratulations to Miriam for celebrating her 10^th anniversary this year as MCCSA chairperson.

Throughout her career, Miriam has served on numerous boards and committees as a multicultural advocate in education, health care and aged care. She has also served as the first culturally and linguistically diverse ambassador for Carers SA and has previously been the chair of the MCCSA Women's Council. Through her unwavering passion and dedication, Miriam has always advocated for equitable access to resources and appropriate services for both emerging and established multicultural communities.

I would also like to place my special thanks and acknowledge the other executive board members including Dr Ian Harmstorf OAM, Deputy Chairperson; Silvio Iadarola, Treasurer; Gosia Skalban OAM; Patrizia Kadis, Manju Khadka, Suren Edgar, Ranielson Santana and Nasir Hussain. These community leaders all bring valuable skills and knowledge to MCCSA. I convey my appreciation to them for their tireless support and great work.

I also want to acknowledge CEO, Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM. I have known Helena very well and worked with her closely over a decade. I found her to be an inclusive leader who leads a diverse group of staff and volunteers in the operation of MCCSA programs and towards accomplishing its vision. Helena has over 30 years of experience in the multicultural sector and extensive board experience, having also worked at the Council on the Ageing, Aged Rights Advocacy Service and Mental Health Foundation Australia.

Helena has worked for many years as the secretariat for Alzheimer's Australia, National Cross Cultural Dementia Network, and has used her experience in this role to shape the way in which health services are delivered to culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Helena has also undertaken social research in the areas of CALD carer and ageing needs.

The board and staff of MCCSA not only play an important role in the work they do with the council but many of them also participate in boards and committees for many other organisations. Currently, MCCSA staff sit on 25 other boards and committees across South Australia, including in areas of aged care, health, education, social services, arts and sports. I commend them for their excellent contribution.

While the MCCSA is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, leading up to its 50^th anniversary on 21 November, its roots can be traced back to over 75 years ago. I have spoken on other occasions—in May 2023 as well as in July 2019—about MCCSA. I think some of their history has already been recorded, so I will not be repeating it here today.

MCCSA initially operated from Gawler Place before establishing its long-term home at 113 Gilbert Street in Adelaide's CBD, where it continues to serve the community. Over the years, MCCSA has grown significantly, now representing over 120 multicultural organisations and more than 85 per cent of South Australia's CALD population. MCCSA runs numerous programs addressing specific community needs, often in areas where the government recognises that a community organisation such as MCCSA can be more effective.

Their critical work balances practical support with advocacy, ensuring the government understands the evolving needs of both recent arrivals and long-established migrant communities, including ageing members. The multicultural hub acts as a commercial meeting place for many of the community projects that MCCSA runs, including social support groups, the Men's Council, the Women's Council and the Community Connections program.

MCCSA also runs specialised programs to assist those who are most vulnerable within the multicultural community, including those with disabilities, children and young people, and elderly people. Many of these programs, while organised and managed by the staff at MCCSA, could not have existed without the dedication of its strong and diverse volunteer base.

According to their 2023-24 impact report, MCCSA employs the help of 170 volunteers. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers for their amazing work, their compassionate work to helping others to access government services and also for being able to speak the languages and understand the culture of many migrants and multicultural communities.

There is always something happening at MCCSA. The hardworking and capable team runs fantastic programs and events throughout the year. I certainly look forward to seeing what other special events will be held this year in celebration of their 50^th anniversary. Once again, I express my heartfelt congratulations and special thanks to MCCSA for their significant contribution towards enhancing multiculturalism and interculturalism in our state and for supporting all people from CALD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, political, social and cultural life of South Australia. With those remarks, I wholeheartedly commend the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. M. El Dannawi.