Monash University receives medal for contribution to multiculturalism

13 March 2007

The FECCA medal for contribution to multiculturalism, was handed to Professor Richard Larkins AO, Vice Chancellor and President of Monash University (left) by Dr Bulent (Hass) Dellal OAM, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation.

At the Fourth Diversity Matters Forum held at the Monash South Africa campus at the end of February, Monash University was presented with a medal from the Federation of Ethnic Communities of Australia (FECCA) in recognition of its contribution to multiculturalism.

The medal was handed to Professor Richard Larkins AO, Vice Chancellor and President of Monash University, by Dr Bulent (Hass) Dellal OAM, Executive Director, Australian Multicultural Foundation.

During the forum, themed ‘Media and Diversity in the Commonwealth’, approaches to the reporting and representation of cultural diversity in both the traditional and emerging media were explored.

The forum provided a unique opportunity for people from across the Commonwealth to come together to discuss and share their views and experience, trends, emergency issues and solutions The forum was hosted by the Commonwealth Foundation, the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, Monash University Australia, Monash South Africa, the Statesman and the Australian Multicultural Foundation..

Established in 1965, the Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation resourced by and reporting to Commonwealth governments. It works to enhance the role of civil society organisations in governance, democracy, sustainable development and culture and diversity. South Africa became a member of the Commonwealth Foundation in 2006, bringing the total membership to 46 countries. This forum was the first significant event supported by the Foundation in South Africa since it became a member.

In his address, Prof Larkins emphasised the fact that diversity is a defining characteristic of Monash University. He said that student life at Monash is enriched by the exposure to a diversity of culture language and beliefs. The university is proud of the fact that it has alumni throughout SE Asia and worldwide and that, during their time at Monash, students form invaluable lifelong links and relationships based on mutual respect.

Monash University has six campuses in Australia, one in Malaysia and one in South Africa. Of its approximately 50 000 student population, there are 15 000 international students from 100 countries outside Australia.