MCCSA celebrated 45 years of service to CALD communities at Government House on Tuesday 30th of July 2019. Themed ‘45 Years Strong and 70 years of Tradition’ the event was hosted by his Excellency the Hon Hieu Van Le Governor of South Australia.

       

The event was attended by the Hon Jing lee, Assisting Minister to the Premier and the Hon Emily Burke Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition, a host of Executives from Government and not for profit organisations and some of our members.

In his opening remarks the Governor commended the MCCSA for their ongoing service to South Australia’s multicultural community, acknowledging the important role the MCCSA has played over the years in strengthening and supporting our CALD communities.

      

MCCSA Vice Chairperson Dr Ian Harmstorf OAM gave a brief recount of the MCCSA history dating back to the formation of the Good Neighbor Council (GNC) in 1949. The GNC was formed to assist migrants settle in Australia. According to Ian “with the increasing number of migrants and their changing needs it was considered that a new approach was necessary” and in 1974 the Ethnic Communities Council (ECC) of South Australia was established. However, some years later the United Ethnic Communities of South Australia was established and this duopoly was to continue until August 1995 when the merger of these two Councils led to the formation of the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) as we know it today.

          

Certificates of appreciation were presented by the Governor to past MCCSA pioneers, acknowledging their longstanding service and commitment to the ideals of the MCCSA and its predecessor the Ethnic Communities Council.

Helena Kyriazopoulos, CEO of MCCSA said it was great day for MCCSA to reflect on the work the organisation has achieved and also recognise the efforts of our past Presidents, Boards, staff and volunteers who have collectively over the past 45 years contributed to work and programs of the organization.

Approximately 100 people comprising of community leaders, government representatives and service providers were in attendance. After the formalities the guests enjoyed the hospitality of the Governor and Government House.

Our next celebratory event is planned for the 29th September at the Migration Museum, a save the date note has been sent out to all our members. Hoping to see many of you at this special function.