City to introduce new Intercultural Ambassadors 2019/2020

The City of Greater Bendigo’s new Intercultural Ambassadors 2019/2020 will be formally introduced when the program is launched by Greater Bendigo’s Deputy Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe at the Capital on Thursday September 26.

A booklet which profiles each of the ambassadors has been produced by the City of Greater Bendigo and will also be launched on the evening.

City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason said the Intercultural Ambassadors initiative aims to increase connections, broaden understanding and support the participation of diverse cultural groups in community life.

“This new initiative is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to being a liveable and welcoming community.  It is also a key action of the City’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2016-2019,” Ms Mason said.

“The City has recruited ten Intercultural Ambassador volunteers who represent a diverse range of multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds in our community.

“The ambassadors will participate in community events and projects, City advisory and reference groups and attend civic functions.  They will also act as champions for their existing communities and gain valuable leadership and development opportunities.”

The City has received funding from the Victorian Government to implement and trial the program with its achievements to be evaluated in 12 months.

Introducing our Greater Bendigo Intercultural Ambassadors 2019/2020:-

Ma Aye Paw

Ma Aye Paw is a 23 year old Karen woman. She came to Australia in 2016 from the Mae La Refugee Camp on the borders of Thailand and Myanmar and since arriving in Bendigo has completed numerous courses and certificates.

Justin See

Justin is Filipino-Chinese who was born in the Philippines. He moved to Australia in 2017 to pursue a PhD at La Trobe University Bendigo.

Janet Bromley

Janet is a proud Yorta Yorta woman and was born in South Gippsland in Victoria. . She moved to Bendigo several years ago after working most of her life in Melbourne.

Edith Muñoz

Edith was born in Mexico City, Mexico and speaks Spanish and English. She came to Australia in 2012 to be with her partner, and now husband, Rod.

Dr Marthin Nanere

Marthin was born in Ambon, Indonesia and completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Indonesia and Canada. . He has lived in Bendigo since 2004 and continues to serve the community as a marketing lecturer.

Bruno Spandonide

Bruno was born in Paris, France in a refugee family. He arrived in Australia 12 years ago to undertake a doctorate in Tasmania. He moved to Bendigo in 2015.

Benjamin Ato Sam

Benjamin and his wife, Amanda, arrived in Australia in 2008 from Cape Coast, Ghana. He began his studies and career in the health care sector at Melbourne Polytechnic. In 2016, Benjamin and his wife moved to Bendigo to raise their two children.

Preeti Gulati

Preeti was born and raised in India. She and her husband moved to Bendigo in 2009. She is an early childhood educator and accredited swim teacher.

Salwa Dastgeer

Salwa is originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. She came to Australia in June 2012 with her husband and children. She is currently studying a Master’s of Social Work at La Trobe University, Bendigo.

TAN See Tuang

Tan was born in Malaya (Malaysia) and came directly to Bendigo in 1970 to study Electrical Engineering. Tan believes after nearly 50 years he is as Bendigonian as any local.