The Wagga Multicultural Council was established three decades ago to assist those who immigrated to Australia. 

Bernadette Kelly, a lifelong member and the driving force behind setting up the council, was thrilled at how far the organisation has come.  

Ms Kelly said the inaugural meeting of, what was then, the Ethnic Communities Council of Wagga was held on March 30, 1988. 

“The organisation grew,” she said.

“The number of refugees coming to Wagga grew and so did the staff.

“In the last 10 years, the numbers increased tremendously and more of the people are coming from a background of torture and trauma, so are in need of resources.” 

The early years involved a lot of lobbying for funding and services for the refugees, Ms Kelly said. 

Belinda Crain, manager of the Multicultural Council said the organisation had come a long way. 

“I was born in Wagga and the actual fabric of the society of the city looks very different to 30 years ago,” she said.

“We have many other cultures here now, but when I was going to school there was no one that looked any different to I.

“When you walk down the street now you see the diversity and that diversity really showcases what Wagga has achieved in that time.”

Ms Crain said she has the best job in the world, one that she is extremely passionate about. 

“So many of our community members say how much they learn from us, but really I learn so much from them.” 

At the celebratory dinner Constance Okot, from South Sudan, said her family was one of the first to arrive in Wagga.

“My husband and six children and I came to Australia and Wagga in 2005,” she said. 

“We now call Wagga our home, this is because of how the Multicultural Council supports us.

“For me Wagga is the heart of Australia for refugees.

“The Multicultural Council is our shield as they protect us and make us feel safe.”

Jason Nanghe, from Kachin Myanmar, expressed similar sentiments. 

“I would say that the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga is our parent and second home,” he said. 

“This is where our mind and hearts automatically connect to, to ask for help.”

To mark the occasion, the Multicultural Council have released their new website. For more information click here.