By NSW Premier Mike Baird @MikeBairdMP
We’ve heard many people talk about multiculturalism in the public domain. Some people say they are not sure whether multiculturalism is a great thing and I say to each and every one of them, they are wrong.
We are very proud of our multicultural history in New South Wales, it is part of what makes us so great and should be celebrated. People from more than 200 countries have come here to create one incredible state and we should respect the cultures, the backgrounds and the vibrancy that makes this state such a great place to call home.
The concept of cohesion is not something we should take for granted and we have to do everything possible to continue to keep us together and the media plays such an important role in trying to achieve this.
The media’s job is to challenge and to break, at times, heartbreaking news, such as the tragedies we’ve seen overseas in recent times. The benefit and beauty of multiculturalism is the opportunity the multicultural media has to bring us together.
On that note, I would like to congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2016 Multicultural Media Awards.
A series following the experiences of Syrian refugees resettling in Australia, reports of caste-based discrimination in Australia’s Indian community, and the opportunities faced by third generation Greek Australians were among the winning entries for this year’s awards. The quality of this year’s nominations reflects the strength of the state’s multicultural sector and I would like to congratulate everyone who won or was nominated for an award.
I’m sure the Italian community will join me in congratulating Mr Armando Tornari OAM, who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award for his service to the community and his work at La Fiamma newspaper.
To other news, we’re asking the public to help us name six new ferries that are due to hit the water this summer.
The ferries are under construction in Tasmania and are expected to arrive in Sydney in the coming months. They will operate on Sydney Harbour and will be bigger than the current ones, each holding up to 400 people.
Anyone is welcome to put forward suggestions for names between now and August 11. The only requirement is that names should be related to one of three categories: Arts and Culture, Connections to Sydney Harbour or Science, Environment and Innovation.
Entries will be judged on their originality and connection they have with NSW, and a shortlist will be put to a public vote from late August. Visit www.nameyourferry.com.au to take part.
