Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Ministers statements: Centre for Multicultural Youth

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:25): I rise to update the house on my recent visit to Melton’s Centre for Multicultural Youth, known by many as CMY. I was joined by Steve McGhie, the hardworking member for Melton in the other place. If I may add, he also shares my passion for fostering an inclusive and safe community for all young people in our state. For more than 30 years CMY has been a pioneering organisation that supports migrant and refugee young people across our state. I had the pleasure of meeting the CEO Carmel Guerra, senior manager James Wynd, many others of the dedicated team and former participants in the program. During my visit I had the opportunity to tour the community support group in Melton and see firsthand the incredible work being done to empower young people from diverse backgrounds, work such as the CMY mentoring program, which is helping change the lives of South Sudanese and Pasifika young people, especially in our growth corridors. Backed by over $1.3 million of investment by the Allan Labor government, this program offers crucial support to young people with lived experience of the justice system by pairing them with mentors who can help them on a better path.

I was particularly impressed by the passion and dedication of the CMY team, including their innovative and robust approach to mentoring. The mentors are trained through a microcredential course designed by 16 Yards, and many – after speaking to them – bring their own perspectives on life and have a genuine connection to and interest in the young people that they are working with. This approach ensures that mentors are well equipped to meet the unique needs of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This government is proud to support CMY and other organisations that play such a vital role in making our community safer and more vibrant. Through continued investment in programs that build resilience and provide meaningful opportunities, we are working to foster a more inclusive society where every young person has the chance to have the best possible life. I want to thank Carmel Guerra OAM and the entire CMY team for their outstanding contribution to our community.