CMY advocates for youth and equity in Victorian Multicultural Review
The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) recently participated in a State Government consultation for the Victorian Multicultural Review, voicing critical insights on issues affecting multicultural young people and communities.
The review is gathering community feedback to make recommendations ensuring Victoria’s policies, institutions and programs better reflect and support the needs of our multicultural and multifaith communities.
George Lekakis AO, Chair of the Multicultural Review, together with Advisory Group member Miriam Suss OAM, visited CMY’s headquarters on 7 April to provide an opportunity for staff to respond to a series of questions raised by the review.
Led by Chief Executive Officer Carmel Guerra OAM with a team of senior leaders and program staff, CMY emphasised the need for a renewed approach to multiculturalism. Specifically, one rooted in equity, human rights, anti-racism, and youth empowerment.
Key themes from CMY’s consultation included:
- Interculturalism over multiculturalism: Shifting focus from differences to shared values and fostering meaningful connections across communities.
- Anti-racism action: Addressing systemic racism in education, employment, and justice systems to dismantle barriers for young people.
- Youth and regional voices: empowering multicultural young people to speak up about the challenges they face, often amplified in regional settings, and advocating for culturally safe spaces in schools.
- Community-led solutions: Calling for grassroots programs like Community Support Groups (CSG) and Le Mana Pasifika Project to be expanded and sustainably funded.
CMY also contributed feedback on the draft Social Cohesion Pledge, proposing an alternative grounded in human rights and Government accountability.
The Victorian Government continues to gather community feedback to inform the Multicultural Review. Community consultations are being held throughout May across the state and online. Find out more or make a written submission here.
As the review progresses, CMY remains committed to ensuring multicultural youth voices and perspectives shape Victoria’s policies.