ECCV is proud to announce The Hon Steve Bracks AC as our new patron at our Annual General Meeting, where the former Premier was keynote speaker.
In his speech, Mr Bracks reflected on his enduring relationship with ECCV, which was instrumental in shaping Victoria’s multicultural policy and law reforms during his term as Premier. He particularly acknowledged the strong advocacy and contribution of George Lekakis AO, who was then Chair of ECCV and who went on to become one of the longest-serving Chairs of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
In another AGM highlight, Mr Lekakis and former Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia Voula Messimeri AM were bestowed ECCV Life Membership for their outstanding contributions to ECCV and multicultural Victoria.
More than 100 people attended the AGM, where elections for the 2023-2025 Board of Directors were also held. We warmly congratulate newly elected directors Richard Ogetii, Kenny Tran and Minwen Wu, as well as re-elected directors Abiola Akinbiyi, Joe Caputo, Dr Medha Gunawardana, Gabrielle Marchetti, Jenny Matic, Eddie Micallef and Jill Morgan AM. The election of Office Bearers will take place at the next Board meeting in the new year.
The AGM was a fitting end to a busy year, and as always, it was great to connect with our members and supporters in person. Read more about ECCV's work across 2022-23 in our newly released Annual Report.
As this will be our last eBulletin for the year, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, volunteers, members and partners for your ongoing support, tireless spirit and dedication. We look forward to continuing to work together in the new year and beyond to create a fairer, more inclusive Victoria.
Highlights
ECCV funded to build multicultural resilience
The Victorian Government this week announced ECCV as joint recipient of a $1.5 million grant to help multicultural Victoria plan for, respond to and recover from emergencies. ECCV is working with Burnet Institute and LanguageLoop, and our partner Neighbourhood Collective Australia, on the project, with former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp AM as special adviser.
Read our Annual Report 2022-23
ECCV is pleased to share our Annual Report 2022-23. The Annual Report offers an overview of our work over the past year, and the major policy and advocacy areas in which we have made an impact, with particular emphasis on the work we achieved via partnerships with our members and sector stakeholders. Thank you to our members, friends, partners and communities who helped shape our work.
ECCV pays tribute to two new Life Members
Congratulations to esteemed community leaders George Lekakis AO and Voula Messimeri AM MAICD, who were bestowed Life Membership at our AGM last Thursday. Voula was the first female FECCA Chair and CEO of Australian Greek Welfare Society for 27 years. She is currently Chair of NAATI and SSI. George has served as Chair of ECCV, VMC and VITS, and is currently President of VicScreen.
Steve Bracks announced as new ECCV patron
Having held the office from 1999 to 2007, The Hon Steve Bracks AC is one of Victoria's longest-serving Premiers. During this period, Mr Bracks also served as Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Mr Bracks assumes the role of ECCV patron following the retirement of our previous patron, the Hon Justice Linda Dessau AC CVO.
Excellent turnout at ECCV's 2023 AGM
Browse photos from our Annual General Meeting last week in our full event gallery. This year's event was one of the most well-attended AGMs in recent times, and affirmed the importance of multiculturalism and social cohesion now more than ever. The AGM featured reports by ECCV Chair Eddie Micallef, CEO Mo Elrafihi and Treasurer Jenny Matic as well as the election of a new Board.
Opportunities and Resources
Help improve reporting pathways for racism
Have your say on how to better support Victorians who experience racism. We invite you to take a short survey for a research project led by Victoria University in partnership with ECCV and the Islamic Council of Victoria, with funding from VicHealth. The project will inform recommendations on how to improve reporting pathways and support services for people who experience racism.
Speak My Language (Disability) broadcasts
ECCV partnered with three radio stations to broadcast Speak My Language (Disability) podcast episodes to raise awareness about the importance of supporting people with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds as part of International Day of People with Disability, which took place on 3 December.
- Listen to episodes in Arabic, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese on 3ZZZ, 3CR and Cherry Radio.