More than 70 people representing multicultural community groups throughout the ACT region have taken part in a series of governance and leadership workshops organised by the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc.
The sessions were practical and hands-on. They gave multicultural community leaders a chance to learn more about the administration of a community organisation, how to conduct meetings, the legal requirements of an incorporated association, the submission of annual reports and the audit of finances.
Participants were able to share their experiences and ask questions about real life situations.
CMCF chair Sam Wong said the workshops were aimed at improving the way multicultural community groups conducted their affairs. “Many of these organisations face special problems,” he said.
“Often their members come from countries with very different systems of governance, in some cases where associations of this kind are actually against the law. Language can also be a barrier.
“There has been a special focus on youth leaders during these sessions because CMCF believes they can be an invaluable bridge between their groups’ senior members and the community at large.”
Mr Wong paid tribute to the ACT Government which had funded the program and the Chief Executive of the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chris Peters AM, who had acted as facilitator and presenter.
All participants were presented with certificates of achievement at the end of the final session.