For over fifty years, the ECCNSW has worked tirelessly to assist individuals from multicultural communities and community organisations in navigating the complexities of Australian laws, policies, and procedures. We have strived to create an environment that fosters integration, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and live with dignity. This has been our shared mission and continues to guide us as we move forward.
I would like to acknowledge and express my thanks to the incredible individuals who make this work possible. To Mr Peter Doukas OAM, our Chairman and Board , for their leadership and vision; to Ms Mary Karras, our dedicated and hardworking CEO and our invaluable staff who ensure that everything runs smoothly; and, and to our predecessors Jack Passaris OAM , Ian Lacey AM, Tasha Vanos OAM and many others who have since passed, for their vision, guidance, mentorship, and tireless commitment. It is what has made this organisation grow and thrive.
Now, in the face of challenges, some might say that multiculturalism has failed or hasnโt worked. I disagree. We must remember the love we have for our Australian identity, a love that transcends race, culture, and background. Our multiculturalism has been one of the greatest successes of this country. It is from this melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions that some of humanityโs most significant advancements have been born.
Of course, we recognize that there is still much work to do. We must strive to transcend racial divides, reject all forms of racism, and promote religious tolerance. These valuesโpeace, harmony, love, and mutual understandingโare at the heart of the multicultural Australian experience. They are what unite us, regardless of our differences.
In this beautiful country of ours, we live as equal children of the divine creator. And with that in mind, we must defend our sacred democratic freedomsโthe very freedoms afforded by the Westminster system. The law of the land must be upheld, and anyone who seeks to undermine the unity and peace weโve built will be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
The ECCNSW stands strong with all our brothers and sisters in combating all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and any other forms of hate. We will not allow forcesโwhether internal or externalโthat seek to divide us. We will continue to fight for a united, harmonious Australia, one that remains a beacon of multiculturalism and acceptance.
We are proud to stand together as one united, multicultural Australian nation, where every individual, no matter their race, creed, or background, is respected, valued, and empowered.
Let us continue to work together for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Georgeย Bouteris
Board Director
