Greater Shepparton Candidate Greg James gives a statement on the meaning of multiculturalism and the services required.
Greater Shepparton Council Elections
All candidates were asked to respond to these questions.
- What does multiculturalism mean to Shepparton?
- What specific services should Council provide to support these communities?
Responses in ballot paper order are given herewith without comment.
Greg James
What does multiculturalism mean to Shepparton?
Multiculturalism means to identify the best of every culture and adapting it to an Australian way of life. Multiculturalism dissipates the ignorance; it describes the manner in which a given society deals with cultural diversity. This diversity can coexist peacefully if good will and acceptance and an improved understanding of the many different respects within our society. Our community in the Greater Shepparton region is characterised by people of different races, ethnicities and nationalities and we all need to continue to demonstrate a positive and proactive way of living together in a harmonious balance of acceptance.
What specific services should council provide to support these communities?
Council and councillors can actively engage in cultural awareness training programs that improves the knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse peoples, celebrate traditional holidays, support and promote cultural festivals and contribute financially where relevant, promote an understanding of the various languages, seek to recruit specific employees or Elders with diverse cultural heritage or ancestry. This strategy can assist and enhance communication difficulties, improve productivity and unity in the workplace and the broader community.
Source: Candidate’s statements supplied to Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District.
