A RECENT community consultation by Multicultural NSW, held in Grafton, provided a valuable opportunity for the Coffs Harbour community to provide a voice on the future of multicultural support and engagement in the region.
President of the Coffs Coast Multicultural Society (CCMS) and well-known advocate in the multicultural space, Htun Htun Oo, attended the consultation session along with other community leaders, local service providers, and residents from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“The event was part of a wider consultation series taking place across NSW to better understand the needs, experiences, and aspirations of multicultural communities,” he said.
“It was a great chance to provide feedback from a local perspective.
“They will use this information to develop a new Strategic Plan to build a more inclusive, connected, and socially cohesive NSW including communities along the Mid North Coast such as Coffs Harbour.”
Htun praised the forum for creating a respectful space for discussion.
“It provided a great opportunity to strengthen engagement, build networks, and share meaningful insights on multicultural issues at a local level,” he said.
Htun provided broad input from a regional perspective including on topics such as community safety, better access to services, social cohesion, and employment pathways.
He highlighted specific priorities for migrants and refugees such as skills recognition and improved access to services such as healthcare, legal support, and interpreters.
“I’d like to see Multicultural NSW increase its engagement with regional communities like Coffs Harbour.
“Regular and meaningful interaction would build trust and collaboration and help deliver real improvements for diverse communities in our area.”
Coffs Harbour is recognised for its diverse multicultural community with 15.6 percent of the population born overseas, compared to the regional NSW average of 12.2 per cent.
The most common countries of birth include England, India, New Zealand, Myanmar, and South Africa.
In the early 2000s, the city welcomed those fleeing conflict from African countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
In 2008, it was also recognised as a Refugee Welcome Zone for people from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine.
Coffs Harbour also has a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, making up 5.6 percent of residents.
Community projects like the International Food and Dance Festival Spectacular, All One Under the Sun initiatives, and the upcoming NAIDOC Week celebrations, are just a few examples of a rapidly growing multicultural community.
Htun invites individuals and groups in the Coffs Community who would like to provide input into the strategy, to contact him on 0400 496 150 or via email at ccms2450@gmail.com or secretary@ccmsnsw.org.au.
By Leigh WATSON
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