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VLA's first Harmony Day

Date : 26 Mar 2009

Victoria Legal Aid held its first Harmony Day event on Tuesday 17 March, at the Lionel Murphy Centre in Queen St.

The audience of about 45 people included representatives from community legal centres and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, as well as VLA staff.

Domenico Calabrò, acting manager of VLA's Criminal Law Division, welcomed participants and shared a wonderful DVD of his family and friends making tomato sauce.

Snjezana Milakovic, of VLA's Legal Information Service, spoke about the importance of learning English and the challenges refugees face in gaining employment, while Meena Singh, VLA training coordinator, spoke about growing up with a strong appreciation of her Aboriginal and Indian heritage, and the privilege of working at VLA with people with a wide range of backgrounds.

Belinda Lo, of the Fitzroy Legal Service, spoke of her childhood in Victoria, the negative effects of Hansonism and the importance of events which promote anti-racism, respect and diversity.

Audience members commented on the particular challenges for new arrivals in regional areas, and  the value of retaining one's culture while learning to value and respect others.

Thanks to our panellists and to our audience for being part of VLA's first Harmony Day event.