Australia is a vibrant multicultural society according to the findings of the Migration Committee report tabled in the Parliament today. The report received bi-partisan support and made 32 recommendations after receiving over 500 submissions and holding 27 public hearings over a two year period.The report found that Australian multiculturalism is a success story, and stands as a good example to the world on how to build a cohesive society.

Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou has welcomed Acara‟s decision to include Modern Greek in the National Curriculum as a language for second language learners, rather than one pitched at background learners.

The new flyover ramp from the Tullamarine Freeway onto the M80 Ring Road (Altona bound) officially opened today.Federal Member Wills, Kelvin Thomson, and Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou, joined Victorian Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, at this important milestone for the M80 Ring Road Upgrade.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program, which is teaching healthy eating habits to primary school aged children all over Australia, will receive a further $5.4 million investment from the  Government. This will build on the $12.8 million committed in 2008-09 over four years for the development of the program.

Local community organisations in Calwell are among 4,800 across Australia to benefit from the Gillard Government’s $16 million Volunteer Grants program. Across Calwell, 21 organisations will share in $82,567.78 to support the work of their volunteers.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten and Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou today expressed concern for employees and families affected by the closure of the LTQ Engineering aircraft maintenance facility at Tullamarine.

Year 8 students and teachers at Gladstone Park Secondary School today got a lesson in internet safety under the  Federal Government’s ThinkUKnow Program. Local Member Maria Vamvakinou helped organise the presentation at the school following community concerns about cyber-bullying and internet safety.

The Labor Government and local community groups have joined forces to strengthen education opportunities and tackle unemployment in Hume. Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr today announced $523,586 for 10 projects, including $96,000 to the Salvation Army to develop a program to train and mentor young parents and jobless families in the retail sector.
“It’s exciting to see so many local community groups come forward with innovative ideas to help improve the lives of people in Hume,” Senator Kim Carr said.