BALLARAT Regional Multicultural Council has received a significant State funding boost to drive anti-racism campaigning.<\/p>\n
In line with a new Victorian Anti-Racism Taskforce, a $70,000 grant is going towards BRMC\u2019s No to Racism campaign in Western Victoria.<\/p>\n
Aimed at engaging and educating the community, the program will seek to decrease racist attitudes and actions.<\/p>\n
Anti-racism and bystander campaigns will be co-designed and presented, while intercultural arts and music sessions, and interfaith activities will target young people.<\/p>\n
BRMC executive officer Ann Foley said racist behaviours and attitudes are poisonous.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacism isn\u2019t funny, isn\u2019t casual, isn\u2019t sporting. It isn\u2019t free speech. It is thwarting… and it is illegal. Nevertheless, it continues to be tolerated in our communities, poorly understood and often unreported,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacial abuse, as well as the micro-aggressions that occur every day in public, workplaces and community settings, destroy confidence and connection between people. Not just in the moment of the insult, put-down or refusal to welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ripple effect is that racism thwarts careers, relationships, corporate entities, even countries. Racism is the small-minded voice that says, \u2018I\u2019m scared of difference. I hate what I can\u2019t know or be, so I\u2019ll bring it down and squash it\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
BRMC chair Joy Sawiche Juma will represent the organisation on the Taskforce, alongside 10 others.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe applaud the Victorian Government\u2019s decision to appoint a Victorian Anti-Racism Taskforce to address this issue with the leadership, determination and thoroughness we need to grow into a thriving and unashamedly welcoming and diverse community,\u201d Ms Foley said.<\/p>\n
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said racism has no place in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with wide and diverse groups, BRMC will help to spread the message of tolerance and understanding,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI congratulate Joy, as she will be able to ensure the unique experiences of rural and regional multi-cultural communities are heard,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT Regional Multicultural Council has received a significant State funding boost to drive anti-racism campaigning. In line with a new Victorian Anti-Racism Taskforce, a $70,000 grant is going towards BRMC\u2019s No to Racism campaign in Western Victoria. Aimed at engaging and educating the community, the program will seek to decrease racist attitudes and actions. Anti-racism […]<\/p>\n