Official opening of the Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services with special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells today officially opened the Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre with local member for Stirling, The Hon. Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Justice.

“Here we have a place that welcomes all cultural groups under one roof. A place that will contribute to social cohesion and cross-cultural communication and a place where everyone in the community can come for meetings, cultural celebrations or training,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“It is also appropriate that the Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre was opening just before the celebration of Harmony Day nationally on 21 March. This year the theme of Harmony Day is Everyone Belongs and there will be more than 6,000 events held across the country to celebrate our cultural diversity.

“Making sure that everyone belongs is what the Mirrabooka Centre will no doubt strive to do.”

Federal Member for Stirling, Michael Keenan said, “Strong and prosperous communities are central to the Coalition Government’s plan to build a safer and more secure nation and this is an excellent new facility for the Stirling community.”

“Mirrabooka is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country and this facility will help newly settled families to engage with their local community as well as provide them with necessary services including English lessons and counselling.

“I would like to thank Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells for attending the opening today,” Mr Keenan said.

The Australian Government also awarded the City of Stirling a two-year, $182,700 grant under the Settlement Grants Programme to develop and run programs at the centre for groups and for individuals.

It is expected that the Centre will be used for a wide range of activities including English language classes, homework classes, transition to work programs, cultural events and celebrations, community meetings, private consultations and counselling services, informal drop-in and casual computer use for community groups.

The Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre project has been managed by Stirling Council.

“Securing full-funding support from the Australian Government was vital in making the Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre a reality and the City of Stirling is delighted to have managed the project. This centre is a great resource that everyone can be proud of,” Stirling Mayor Giovanni Italiano said.