Victoria’s multicultural communities will have new voices advocating for their interests, with the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) welcoming three new Commissioners, and the reappointment of three more.
The new cohort of Commissioners includes Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, Walter Rapoport and Rosaria Zarro.
“I am excited about this new position and can’t wait to start,” Sukhjit told SBS Punjabi in an interview.
“My family and upbringing played a big role in this selection....always speaking up for the truth, standing up for human rights and making sure all voices are heard, this is what I learnt to be a true Sikh.
Sukhjit told SBS that she is committed to represent Sikh values and wishes to spread the message of universal love and peace.
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"I think it is important to go back to the basics or to go back to the roots," said Ms Khalsa.
“I am trying to blend my passions, politics and performing arts.
“My passion is in arts, which is one of the reasons why I am chosen to represent as a youth commissioner."
“I am not afraid of any challenges. I have come up strongly after my recent TV performances. I love the support I have from my family and friends.
“During my two year tenure, I will try to be the voice of different multicultural youth communities.
Being a talented TV star, Sukhjit has already become famous for her ‘spoken-word poetry’ performance in Australia’s Got Talent.
The video of her performance had gone viral and was shared thousands of times on social media .
VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos said each Commissioner brings a wealth of experience and insight to their role.
“The role of a Commissioner requires compassion to listen to people and understand their challenges and aspirations; it requires innovative thinking to find lasting, meaningful solutions; and it requires the courage to provide frank and fearless advice to the Victorian Government,” said Ms Kapalos.
“Our new and reappointed Commissioners will help the VMC continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Victorians.”
“I welcome these strong advocates to the VMC and look forward to working alongside them to support Victorians of all cultural backgrounds,” said Ms Kapalos.
As a statutory authority, the VMC provides independent advice to government on the development of policy and programs for Victoria’s multicultural communities.
