Mr. Bwe Thay, Deputy Chairperson, VMC
The Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc (RCAA) congratulates Bwe Thay for assuming the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. RCAA would like to thank the Victoria Government for the appointment of Mr Thay who have extensive expertise and in-depth knowledge and issues challenging the multicultural communities, particularly in the space of new and emerging communities and recently arrived refugees and migrants.
RCAA Chairperson Juma Piri Piri said, “I am immensely proud for the choice made by the Victoria Government to appoint Mr Thay as deputy chair who is RCCA founding member and advisor. Mr Thay’s contribution to refugee communities through RCAA, particularly in RCAA COVID-19 Relief Taskforce has made significant contribution to refugees, Asylum Seekers and international students affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Thay a refugee who arrived in Australia in 2009 has been serving as a VMC Commissioner since September last year and has been a member of the VMC Eastern Metropolitan Regional Advisory Council since 2017. Mr Thay Said, “he is very proud as former refugee for the opportunity to be appointed as the Deputy Chairperson of Victoria Multicultural Commission and this shows the greatness and uniqueness of our multicultural Australia”.
Victoria’s Premier, Hon Daniel Andrews MP said that “Mr Thay will support Chair Vivienne Nguyen in steering the Commission and working to identify and address issues faced by Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities”.
Elijah Buol OAM said, “building an inclusive and a harmonious Australia where everyone belongs requires us to empower and give opportunities to members of refugee and migrants community in the decision-making positions”. I am pleased to acknowledge that VMC is always led by former refugees and wholeheartedly thank the Victoria government for setting an example to other States and Territories” he said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon Ros Spence MP, “I’m pleased to be welcoming Bwe as the deputy chair of the Commission, where I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for people from diverse backgrounds”.
VMC Chair Vivienne Nguyen, “I look forward to working with Bwe to deliver a range of initiatives that achieve positive outcomes for culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse Victorians – and to foster harmony and understanding between communities.”
RCAA is led by refugee communities and their members in every states and territory as a unified peak national body that advocates for people of refugee background with lived experience in Australia.
RCAA looks forward to continuing to work with Victoria Multicultural Commission and Mr Thay in his new role.
For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]