I write this as I dust myself off from walking the Kokoda Trail for Anzac Day 2025. The 146 km trail gives you a lot of time to reflect. Particularly, about the resilience of our Australian soldiers and the sacrifices they made, supported by PNG locals, to keep us safe, and Australia protected and free.
Over the last few years, our resilience as a multicultural society has been tested. In the face of these challenges, the people of NSW continued to stand united against forces that seek to divide.
We’ve been building this resilience for some time. Through programs like COMPACT, we’ve inspired and empowered more than 80,000 young people as champions for harmony in the last 10 years.
Earlier this month, our valued COMPACT partners came together online for our first meeting of the year. We now have 20 new projects working with over 60 partner organisations to deliver youth-led solutions for social cohesion across the state.
While I was away, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Pope Francis’ commitment to inter-faith dialogue and to the compassionate treatment of people seeking asylum are values we hold dear at Multicultural NSW. My thoughts are with the Catholic communities of NSW during this time.
I was also troubled by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. It’s a timely reminder to us all of the important work we must do to counter divisive forces and keep our community united in NSW.
Joseph La Posta
CEO
