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Membership currently includes 29 cultural and faith associations; 11 community, government, NGO and business sector leaders; and 48 individuals.
BRMC’s mission is to work in partnership with our members, key government and community stakeholders, and the wider Ballarat community to actively promote multiculturalism, cultural diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of all migrant communities throughout the region.
Our purpose is to actively promote and develop goodwill, understanding and harmony in our culturally diverse community.
BRMC provides opportunities for all people of all cultural backgrounds to come together to celebrate multiculturalism and cultural diversity, and provides advisory services, support and advocacy for the particular needs of both older established migrant groups, plus new arrivals.
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BRMC staff deliver programs, build trust within communities, navigate systems alongside people, and strengthen partnerships with services and government. They bring professional expertise and lived experience to create inclusive, responsive environments where people are heard and valued.
BRMC’s Board of Governance provides strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring the organisation remains accountable, sustainable, and connected to community priorities. Board members bring professional expertise and lived experience, guiding BRMC’s vision and direction.
Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, also known as BRMC, is a registered charity and a not-for-profit community service organisation. Established in 1999 BRMC is an incorporated association accountable to members through the BRMC Executive Committee.
BRMC manages the Ballarat Welcome Centre and a team of staff, volunteers and partners with government, community and business to promote our objectives.
BRMC is a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, formed and driven by culturally and linguistically diverse community members. The creation of the BRMC was also enabled through a consultation organised by the City of Ballarat in 1999, which determined the need to provide a voice and range of culturally sensitive services and support for migrant communities throughout the Central Highlands Region.
BRMC is also accredited under the Aged Care Quality Standards. BRMC offers a core set of services that support engagement and advocacy for new and emerging migrant communities and multicultural communities in the region, including multicultural sector coordination, settlement, community development, aged support, training and education, as well as arts and events
In early 1999, a Steering Committee of 10 people was formed. BRMC constitution was drafted and the association was incorporated in December 1999. Today, BRMC headquarters is located at the Ballarat Welcome Centre, 25-39 Barkly St, Ballarat VIC 3350.
BRMC Original Steering Committee:
Dr Sundram Sivamalai
Sulaika Dhanapala
Frank Williams
Ron Males – German-Austrian Assoc. Member
Felicity Stehlik – German-Austrian Assoc. Member
Claudia Tresoldi-McLean
Lakshmi Maksay
John Lawrence
Joe Pavlovic – Commissioner, VMC
John Pandazopoulos – Commissioner, VMC
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1999 – Steering Committee appointed
2000 – BRMC Incorporated
2001 – BRMC’s first office opens in Norman Street, Wendouree
2001 – Early 2001, BRMC’s first paid worker employed, HACC program
2001 – Late 2001, Mentor Coordinator Litsa Chung appointed, 10 hours per week
2001 – Late 2001 Talia Barrett appointed as English Language Tutor/Coordinator, 5 hours per week
2002 – Evie Dichiera, Cultural Officer appointed
2002 – Migration Law Outreach Program began
2003 – Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs/Service Delivery from the Victorian Multicultural Commission
2004 – July, BRMC relocated to 504 Mair Street
2004 – Telelink Program began
2004 – BRMC’s first Coordinator appointed (8 hours per week)
2006 – Mentor Coordinator Program became funded full time and became the SGP Program.
2006 – IHSS Program Coordinator appointed.
2008 – December, BRMC’s office at GPLACE at 102 English Street, Golden Point opens and appointment of Shigekazu Yamawaki as Chief Executive Officer
2009 – October, Talia Barret elected as Chairperson
2010 – October, Frank Williams elected as Chairperson
2012 – Dr Jeff Langdon as Executive Officer
2012 – Ann Foley hired as Executive Officer
2016 – Relocation to Ballarat Welcome Centre
2018 – BRMC office and Ballarat Welcome Centre relocation from 145 Victoria Street to Barkly Square
2020 – Joy Sawiche elected as Chairperson
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