The Community Relations Commission visit to Wagga Wagga

12 November 2009

This year the Commission visited Wagga Wagga on 12 and 13 November, 2009. This visit is part of the Commission's on-going program of consultations and engagement with regional communities to familiarise itself with major issues of concern and to enable it to address the issues identified.

The Commission decided to visit Wagga Wagga because of the significant numbers of new arrivals from Africa and the Middle East that have been resettled in Wagga Wagga in recent years.

Civic Reception hosted by Wagga Wagga City Council

The Mayor of Wagga Wagga, His Worship Kerry Pascoe hosted a civic reception which was attended by 130 people representing government departments and other organisations, cultural, welfare, religious, social and volunteers as well as various key people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

In his speech, the Mayor acknowledged the work of the Commission and all other organisations that have been providing support services for the newly arrived people in Wagga Wagga and emphasised the need to maintain services and cooperation to facilitate access to services and integration.The Chair of the Commission, Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian spoke about the work of the Commission in regional NSW and acknowledged the work of the Multicultural Communities Council of Wagga Wagga, the City Council, government departments and the volunteers who work tirelessly to facilitate integration.

The reception provided the guests and Commissioners with the opportunity to interact informally and share views and information.

Visit to the Multicultural Communities Council of Wagga Wagga

The Multicultural Communities Council provides direct settlement services for newly arrived people. It is highly regarded by service providers and community organisations which deal with cultural diversity issues in the area.

The organisation hosted a luncheon which was attended by members of the management committees past and present, staff, community organisations and other agencies.

Again this event provided another great opportunity for more interactions, information sharing and familiarisation with issues.

Visit to Cargill Meats

Cargill Meats is a global company, its plant in Wagga Wagga relies heavily on a multicultural workforce representing some 30 different ethnic backgrounds. (24% Chinese and other)

The General Manager, Mr Andrew MacPherson and other senior staff members welcomed the Commission in the boardroom of the company and conducted a comprehensive briefing on the company's operations and its progressive multicultural and management policies.  Mr MacPherson acknowledged the support and cooperation the company is getting from local organisations to deal with these challenges.

The visit was successful and attracted excellent media coverage.