April 2008

Sectors get together for forum on cultural and linguistic diversity

The first Department of Human Services Cultural Diversity Forum was held during Cultural Diversity Week. 

More than 100 participants from a range of sectors, Department staff and Ministers responsible for Department portfolios discussed the implications of cultural and linguistic diversity for health and human services. 

Organised in partnership with the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) and the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), the forum marked a new way to support engagement between the Government, the Department, cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) community groups and ethno-specific, multicultural and mainstream agencies and service providers.

The keynote address was given by author Alice Pung.

Ms Pung told her personal story—growing up in a Chinese-Cambodian family.

She described the many areas of her life—and her family’s—that had been touched by the Department.

ECCV Chair Sam Afra also addressed the forum as did Minister for Health Daniel Andrews, Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne.

Key elements of the forum were two facilitated sessions where participants discussed CALD issues across broad themes. 

These included workforce development, social connectedness, language services, rural and regional issues, access and equity and ethno-specific and multicultural services. 

The afternoon discussions explored CALD issues—children and families, new arrivals, ageing and young people—across four population groups.  

The forum finished with a panel discussion on future responses to cultural and linguistic diversity for health and human services. 

VMC Chair George Lekakis reflected on Victoria’s strong history of welcoming refugees and migrants and the Victorian Government’s support for multiculturalism. 

Department Secretary Fran Thorn acknowledged the importance of responding to the needs of Victorians from CALD backgrounds for both the department and funded agencies.

She further encouraged innovation to meet the needs of individuals and communities at a local level. 

Western Region Health Centre Chief Executive Officer Clare Amies described how the centre had responded to the changing needs of the community by creatively using a mixture of funding, people and partnerships.

A report discussing key themes of the forum will be distributed to participants before a meeting of representatives to further discuss key issues and possible actions. 

The forum will be an annual event.