Released 01/09/2023
11 Canberrans from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the ACT’s newly legislated Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism.
The Council will directly advise the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on the aspirations, needs and concerns of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who call Canberra home.
It builds on the strong support to Canberra’s multicultural community provided by the previous ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and Honorary Ambassador Program.
The 11 Council members were selected through a competitive nomination process which saw over fifty-nine people express their interest to promote and advocate for multiculturalism across Canberra.
“I congratulate all Council members for their appointment and look forward to working with them to strengthen Canberra as an inclusive and welcoming city for all,” said Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne.
“As an important advocate for multiculturalism, the new Council will continue to be a culturally diverse representative of the community and well-regarded by new and long-time Canberrans.
“Their expertise and community engagement will be key to directing the needs and priorities of the ACT Government and ensure Canberra is a city where everyone can belong and participate.
“The formal recognition of the Council is a key part of the reforms which saw the Multiculturalism Act passed earlier this year.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and Honorary Multicultural Ambassadors and thank them for their contribution to date to promoting Canberra as a culturally diverse and welcoming city.”
The new Council will commence a three-year term from 1 September 2023.
The new members are:
- Ms Izabela Barakovska (Chairperson)
- Dr Shanti Reddy (Deputy Chairperson)
- Mr Arun Bharatula
- Ms Chin Wong
- Mr Efe Momoh
- Ms Ivapene Seiuli
- Ms Lew Ching Yip
- Ms Sukriti Kapoor
- Dr Sultana Lubna Alam
- Mr Timothy Sunwoo
- Ms Zakia Patel
Their profiles are available on the ACT Community Services Directorate website.
Quotes attributable to Izabela Barakovska, Chairperson, Ministerial Advisory Council of Multiculturalism:
“The ACT is home to a highly creative, dynamic, diverse, and growing multicultural community – one that is interwoven with rich and unique cultures, lived experiences, ideas, challenges, and passions from our local region and around the globe.
I am honoured and excited to work with a remarkable team, and our local community, as Chair of the new Council, to facilitate forums for storytelling, ideation, problem-solving and future-planning; to celebrate unity in diversity, and promote an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant multicultural Canberra.”
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases