Melbourne

Multicultural Organisations and Their Activities in Melbourne

Melbourne is a culturally diverse city, with people from all over the world calling it home. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many multicultural organisations operating in the city. These organisations cater to the needs of various ethnic communities and provide them with support and resources. In this article, we will discuss a few of these organisations and the activities they undertake to promote multiculturalism in Melbourne.

1. Australian Multicultural Foundation (AMF)
The Australian Multicultural Foundation (AMF) is a national, independent, non-profit organisation committed to promoting multiculturalism in Australia. The foundation focuses on creating social cohesion through fostering intercultural understanding and respect. They achieve this through research, community programs, education, and advocacy. Some of their notable programs include the Community Hubs Initiative, which supports parents and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and the Diversity in the Workplace program, which promotes inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Contact Details:
Address: Suite 2, Level 3, 50 Market Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9602 2800
Email: info@amf.net.au

2. Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is a statutory body established by the Victorian Government in 1983. The Commission's role is to promote cultural diversity and support multiculturalism in Victoria through policy advice, community consultation and engagement, and fostering intercultural understanding. They are responsible for the development and implementation of the Multicultural Policy Statement of Victoria and the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011. The VMC also manages the Community Harmony program, which aims to address and prevent racism and discrimination in Victoria.

Contact Details:
Address: Level 2, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 1300 182 032
Email: info@vmc.vic.gov.au

3. Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) is the peak national body representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Established in 1981, FECCA advocates and promotes the rights and interests of multicultural communities through research, policy development, and community engagement. They also organise the biennial FECCA Conference, which is the largest multicultural gathering in the country, bringing together individuals and organisations from diverse cultural backgrounds to discuss issues impacting multicultural communities in Australia.

Contact Details:
Address: Suite 4, Level 3, 107 York Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9689 8222
Email: fecca@fecca.org.au

4. Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV)
The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) is the peak Islamic body in Victoria, representing the state's 200,000 Muslims. Founded in 1963, the ICV works to promote the interests and welfare of the Muslim community in Victoria through advocacy, social services, community engagement, and interfaith dialogue. They also organise community events, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, and run the ICV Youth program, which provides support and resources for young Muslims in Victoria.

Contact Details:
Address: 66-68 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003
Phone: (03) 9328 2067
Email: icv@icv.org.au

5. Chinese Community Social Services Centre (CCSS)
The Chinese Community Social Services Centre (CCSS) is a community-based, non-profit organisation that provides services and support to the Chinese community in Victoria. Founded in 1978, the CCSS offers a range of services, including aged care, youth services, family support, and community development. Their programs include the Chinese Elderly Welfare Association, which provides aged care services, and the Chinese Family Support Group, which offers counselling and support services for families in crisis.

Contact Details:
Address: Level 1, 198 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9662 2244
Email: ccss@ccss.org.au

multiculturalism is an important aspect of Melbourne's cultural identity, and the various multicultural organisations operating in the city play a vital role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion. The organisations discussed in this article undertake a range of activities, including advocacy, community engagement, social services, and cultural celebrations, to support their respective communities. These organisations provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard and for cultural differences to be celebrated, contributing to the vitality and richness of Melbourne's social fabric.