Multicultural Centre or arm of Government?
Greens MLA Deb Foskey today expressed concerns that the relocation of the Act Office of Multicultural Affairs to the Theo Notaris Centre suggests that the building has not delivered the vitality the multicultural community might have hoped for.
"It makes sense to fill up empty spaces in the Theo Notaris Centre with activities related to the various multicultural communities, but I am not sure that relocating the government office responsible for funding those organisations really fills the bill" said Deb Foskey today.
“I am concerned that occupation of the Centre by the funding body might work against plans for increased community use, and result in the facility’s use reflecting the Department’s – rather than community – priorities.”
"I fear that this raises issues of conflict of interest and would like to see the measures that will be put in place to mitigate against this."
"I have been advised that the Centre lacks the vitality hoped for when the refurbishment began because, although there is office space for many community organisations, most are not funded adequately to staff them."
"Like so many community organisations, they rely upon volunteers and very part time staff to do the work. That is why many offices sit empty for part of the week."
"And while the Children's Room was a good idea, it is hardly used because family groups and women with children do not yet see a lot of reason to visit the centre. The prayer room is also rarely used for its purpose, although again, it seemed like such a good idea at the time."
"I hope that the relocation of the Office is a short term measure, and that while Government officials are there they consult with ethnic and multicultural organisations about ways that the Centre can draw in more people and activity."
"For instance - staffing the children's room for specified periods and working with women's organisations to hold events to bring mothers together; extending the work of the Family Relationship Centre to encourage people to come through the Centre; and organising activities to bring groups together on a regular basis."
"While the Office is there, it might bring young people in and ask them if there are ways that they can use the space too."
"That way the relocation of the Multicultural Office would assist in building community among multicultural organisations, which in my view is a major part of its job," said Dr Foskey.
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