On Monday 2 May, 2022 at Australian Multicultural Community Services Ltd. (AMCS) -owned Millennium House in Footscray, The Honourable Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition in Victoria, committed $1.8m to assist with the venue’s renovations if elected. The significant support will help upgrade the not-for-profit community centre for multicultural groups to hold culturally appropriate meetings, workshops, education and training, information sessions and celebrations. These renovations will see 30,000+ people using the space annually with 42+ culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities represented.
“2nd of May is known as a Polonia Day, which is a celebration and acknowledgment of Polish migrants who over many centuries have settled in various parts of the world, fleeing wars, the communist regime, martial law and lack of freedom,” AMCS CEO Elizabeth Drozd said. “Millennium House was built by a community organisation known as the Polish Association of Kingsville and Ladies Auxiliary (PAKLA) whose members were post Second World War refugees.”
In 2016, 43% of City of Maribyrnong residents spoke another language at home compared to 32% in Greater Melbourne. CALD groups, families and individuals will have a safe environment to connect with their traditions and identity, especially seniors, who are most at risk of social isolation. In turn, the City of Maribyrnong and Melbourne’s Western Region will receive social and economic benefits.
Guy (who has Ukrainian heritage) said, “We cannot forget those European stories and halls like this…We love it and we want to preserve it and help it grow, and we want to show future new communities of Australia that it’s important to keep your roots as an Australian and to preserve and keep your community going at a place like this.”
Craig Ondarchie MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and Mr Bernie Finn MP, Member for Western Metropolitan Region were also in attendance and enjoyed performances by the Melbourne Polish Children’s & Youth Choir.
Australian Multicultural Community Services Ltd. (AMCS) provide a range of support services to Victorians from diverse backgrounds, especially to those who may experience disadvantages because of age, language barriers, social isolation, gender, disability or health issues.