Celebrating Victoria's Cultural and Religious Diversity

March 19, 2007

Source: Media Newswire

http://media-newswire.com/release_1045923.html

Premier Steve Bracks today announced that today was the beginning of festivities as part of Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week. Mr Bracks said over 200 events would be held across the state to highlight cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

"Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week, marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism on March 21 and reaffirms our belief in the right of all Victorians to live without fear of racial and religious discrimination," Mr Bracks said.

Mr Bracks said this week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of migrants and to promote mutual respect.

"Victorians are a great mix of people from all walks of life, language and heritage and this week we join together to acknowledge the many benefits that multiculturalism has brought to all aspects of our daily life."

Through the Victorian Multicultural Commission ( VMC ), the Government has provided more than $165,000 to more than 200 schools and community organisations to host their own activities for the week.