By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A state MP has unveilled a banner Our Community Embraces Diversity and plans for a cultural event in an effort to unite Casey’s communities.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Couacaud Graley launched the campaign during her community forum for cultural harmony at Oakgrove Community Centre on 20 October.
The banner will be hung at the front of her office’s Princes Highway frontage passed by an estimated 5000 vehicles a day.
“I’ve been upset by some of the statements by some of your so-called community leaders,” Ms Graley said.
She wished “those statements” hadn’t been given the airing they had, and it was up to others to “develop a more powerful voice” to counter them.
“It’s more important than ever to put our hands up and say we like each other for who we are.”
She pledged to organise an event in Casey in which communities could share their talents, experiences and cultural backgrounds.
“We can raise our voices and make a really strong statement about diversity in the City of Casey.”
At the forum, Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott announced State Government plans to support multicultural events and groups that encouraged cross-cultural contact in Casey.
“It won’t be a forum where we listen and nothing happens. We as a state government are determined to take action.”
The Government had recently launched a trial of educating employers on “often unconscious” biases against hiring a diverse workforce.
It included talks with media outlets to offer “more inclusive” internship programs, better reflecting Melbourne’s diversity.
Mr Scott re-iterated the State Government’s belief that “diversity is our greatest strength” – noting more than 27 per cent of Casey’s residents were born in a non-English speaking country.
At the heart of multiculturalism was our common humanity, he said. He also spoke on values of “mutual obligation” and “a fair go”.
“There’s no reason for prejudice in the Victorian community. It should always be challenged.”
Mr Scott said that the State Government was willing to “extend the hand of support and friendship” to Casey council to promote multiculturalism.
He praised the neighbouring City of Greater Dandenong for its “really strong” commitment to multiculturalism.
There had been “unfortunate comments from some members of the public” amidst a heated debate over a proposed mosque in Narre Warren North in April.
Islamophobia – “an irrational fear” – partly came from people not having direct experience of others from different backgrounds, he said.
People frightened by “events around the world” should not project those fears on a section of the community, he advised.
Mr Scott described mosques as a part of a community that respects religious freedom.
“They are no just places of worship. They serve as places where people can gather and organise youth programs.
“Every person in a free and democratic society has the right to peacefully practise their religion.
“Everyone is human and fundamentally worthwhile.”
