NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL
Media Release

8 March 2006

G'day, ho ma, konichiwa, ni hao - welcome!

An African fashion parade, musical entertainment and a range of ethnic food will feature at a special information day for, and celebration of, migrants to North Sydney.

The event, organised by North Sydney Council and the Crows Nest Community Centre, will be held on Harmony Day, March 21, which is also the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Hatred.

North Sydney Mayor Genia McCaffery welcomed the opportunity to shine a positive spotlight on the contribution migrants made to North Sydney.

"There is no doubt that our community is richer, more diverse and tolerant, thanks to the significant number of our residents who choose to settle here from overseas.  This day is partly about saying 'thank you for choosing to live here, and welcome'."

About 34 per cent of North Sydney residents are estimated to be born overseas. A high proportion of these - about 14 per cent - come from a non-English speaking background. Cantonese or Mandarin is the most popular non-English language spoken, followed by Japanese.

Cr McCaffery said the day was also organised to ensure that new residents, particularly those from non-English speaking countries, were aware of the services provided for them by various government and community agencies.

"Coming to a new country can be overwhelming for many people, and if you don't speak the language it's often more difficult to find out what services are available to help you settle in."

Staff from a range of organisations, such as Centrelink, the Department of Education, Relationships Australia and the Australian Chinese Community Association, along with interpreters, will be on hand to explain how they can help people start their new lives in North Sydney.

The event will be held at the Crows Nest Community Centre, 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest on 21 March from 10am - 2pm.

Ends

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