Many of us at Multicultural NSW (some rising earlier than others!) watched along with billions around the world as the football World Cup reminded us of the capacity of people to come together across cultures and languages. It was wonderful to see how we can hold on to our ancestral links – whether with Norway, Colombia, or Senegal – while shouting just as loudly for our home team, Australia.
This month, we also launched seven new COMPACT projects using sport, storytelling and art to empower NSW’s next generation of young leaders. One grant will help the Local and Independent News Association expand its Know Your Neighbour program, giving more aspiring young journalists hands-on newsroom training and the chance to tell stories that reflect their diverse local communities.
Like many of you, Multicultural NSW also marked the 50th NAIDOC Week, celebrating half a century of community-led advocacy and progress. This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, highlights the strength and determination of First Nations peoples in the face of decades of challenges. NAIDOC also reminds us that Australia has always been multicultural, multilingual and multifaith. It should encourage us all to honour that history and meet today’s challenges with the resilience shown by those who first called this land home.
James Jegasothy
Acting CEO, Multicultural NSW
