The Community Relations Commission Visit to Orange

11 and 12 November 2010

Deputy Mayor Jeff Whitton, Chris Gryllis, Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chair, CRC and Mosha Gryllis

 

Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chair, CRC

 

Local Government & Community Members

 

Commissioner David Knoll, Mr. Jamie Newman, Commissioner Seini Afeaki

Each year the Commission holds a meeting outside the Sydney Metropolitan area as part of the Commission’s ongoing program of consultation and engagement with regional communities. Regional meetings provide the Commission with an opportunity to become familiar with major issues of concern to the locality and enable it to address those issues more effectively.

This year the Commission visited Orange on 11 and 12 November 2010.

The Deputy Mayor of Orange, Cr Jeff Whitton hosted a civic reception that was attended by approximately 70 people including representatives of government departments, community organisations, cultural groups, welfare agencies, religious organisations, social groups and volunteers as well as various key people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

In his speech, the Deputy Mayor acknowledged the work of the Commission and all other organisations that have been providing support services for the newly-arrived people in Orange. He emphasised the need to maintain services and cooperation to facilitate access to services and integration.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian, spoke about the work of the Commission in regional NSW and acknowledged the work of Orange City Council, locally-based government agencies and volunteers to facilitate integration.

The Council hosted a luncheon which was attended by councillors and senior staff of the Council.