Community leaders and Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage gathered at a roundtable, with special guest the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt.
The roundtable brought together several multicultural leaders from the City of Whittlesea to discuss topics ranging from the opportunities and challenges faced in the north, designated places of celebration and worship, days of celebration, access to mental health and upcoming events.
The meeting included groups such as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, BAPS, Sarbojanin Puja Utsav of Victoria, SPUVIC, Melbourne Malayalee Association, MMA, and The Doreen Mernda Nepalese Community, DMNC.
Shital Patel, a volunteer at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Mill Park, said the meeting was helpful.
“This initiative has proven invaluable in understanding the challenges faced by various communities and in conveying our concerns and recommendations to the Minister of Multicultural Affairs,” he said.
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said it was a great opportunity for the Minister to meet with community leaders.
“It was fantastic to have the Minister out in the North once again to meet with community leaders. It was a productive meeting, and I was proud that the North was represented so well by these wonderful community leaders,” she said.