Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

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.

(Continued from 5 March 2025.)

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (17:14): I rise briefly as the lead speaker on behalf of the opposition in support of the Hon. Jing Lee's motion to acknowledge the achievements of the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia, which is currently celebrating its 50^th anniversary. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the enduring dedication and hard work of all those involved, from staff to volunteers.

Almost one-third of Australians were born overseas. Many of us know the struggles associated with being a stranger in a foreign land: navigating cultural differences, language barriers, homesickness, social isolation, access to services and even identity struggles. The Multicultural Communities Council has a longstanding history of representing and supporting the needs of culturally diverse communities as they find their feet within the broader South Australian community. Founded in 1975, the council prides itself on its commitment to cultural exchange and empowerment, and it has grown to represent 125 member organisations.

Among its many achievements, the council has advocated for policy changes at local, state and national levels, provided settlement services to facilitate smooth transitions into Australian life, organised celebrations and events that build bridges cross-culturally, conducted research into the evolving needs of multicultural communities, and supported the provision of language and translation services. Through their ongoing services, leadership and community engagement the council has helped migrants and their families integrate, contribute to society and realise their full potential in Australia.

In celebrating 50 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and strengthening the multicultural fabric of South Australia, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can continue to contribute meaningfully to our society.

The Hon. T.T. NGO (17:16): I rise today on behalf of the Malinauskas Labor government to speak on this motion, which recognises the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) for reaching its 50^th anniversary in 2025. On behalf of the government, we thank the honourable member for her motion, as we acknowledge the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia's remarkable milestone.

The boom in migration to Australia after the Second World War saw the rise of community organisations, and it became apparent that a voice representing and supporting all our multicultural communities was absolutely vital. Migrant communities embraced their new home, but they also wanted to share and pass on their culture in a way that included everyone. The foundations of the MCCSA were laid in 1975 with the formation of the Ethnic Communities Council of South Australia, followed by its official establishment in 1995. Since then, MCCSA has grown into a peak body that represents over 120 multicultural organisations, making an invaluable contribution to the social, economic and cultural fabric of our state.

For half a century, this is an organisation that has been at the forefront of supporting and empowering our multicultural communities, ensuring that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have the opportunities, services and representation they deserve. This has included offering targeted programs in community development and social support groups for the aged, youth, children and people with disabilities. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme connects bilingual volunteers with socially isolated older Australians. This program is especially valued by our older socially isolated Australians from diverse backgrounds, as it offers companionship as well as the opportunity to preserve their cultural heritage.

Through advocacy and programs that have brought people together, the Multicultural Communities Council of SA has helped countless individuals and communities find their voice, strengthen their identity and fully participate in Australian society. The culturalQ program helps businesses and organisations learn how to work better with people from different cultures. The MCCSA's training and advice is helping to make workplaces more inclusive and welcoming for everyone in South Australia.

These are just some of the many services that the MCCSA offers to our community. I would like to personally acknowledge the dedication of its entire team, including past and present board members, leaders, staff, and past and present volunteers. This team includes the patron, the Hon. Hieu Van Le AC; the chairperson, Mrs Miriam Cocking; and the CEO, Ms Helena Kyriazopoulos OAM. Thank you all for the significant contributions you have made, especially the CEO, Helena Kyriazopoulos, who has been a stable hand and inspirational leader with the MCCSA since 2014.

The Labor Malinauskas government commends the MCCSA's legacy of service and leadership. I do acknowledge that our multicultural affairs minister, the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, values its expertise and the support it gives to her role in shaping a more inclusive and diverse future for South Australia.

The team of the MCCSA continue with their tireless efforts in fostering multiculturalism and inclusion and sharing diverse traditions so that our understanding about other cultures can continue to grow. This is an organisation that deserves our deepest gratitude, and may it continue its vital work for many years to come. With that, the Malinauskas government wholeheartedly supports this motion and once again congratulates the MCCSA on this special milestone.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:22): I would like to thank the Hon. Laura Henderson and the Hon. Tung Ngo for their very generous remarks in congratulating the MCCSA on their 50^th anniversary. I am sure their contributions will be cherished and appreciated by the MCCSA. I commend the motion.

Motion carried.