Ukrainian community leader named to multicultural council in Australia (06/27/04)

Ukrainian community leader named to multicultural council in Australia

RICHMOND, Australia - Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) appointed Ukrainian community activist Stefan Romaniw as its new chairman at the annual general meeting held in Richmond Town Hall on April 21.

Mr. Romaniw, immediate past chairman of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, has held a range of leadership positions within state and commonwealth government agencies, as well as in the non-governmental and community sectors.

The annual general meeting heard reports from the outgoing chairman, John Boglis, Treasurer Peter Thomas, Lee Christofis and Executive Officer Jill Morgan.

The well-represented membership and board members in attendance praised the work of Ms. Morgan over the past year, which has brought a new, vibrant perspective to the organization. Ms. Morgan, in turn, acknowledged the efforts of her predecessors in building a strong base.

Participants acknowledged the work of the outgoing chairman, board members and staff. Representatives from Arts Victoria, the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Ingenious Affairs and the arts sector attended.

"We are now moving into exciting times in ensuring the arts in Victoria and nationally reflect the strong involvement of artists from multicultural backgrounds," Mr. Romaniw stated.

"We will endeavor to work strategically to ensure government and other stakeholders understand, appreciate value and support the important work this all embracing umbrella organization undertakes," he added.

Mr. Romaniw pointed out that MAV is central to ensuring individual artists and communities in a wide range of fields are represented in the broader community and are able to showcase their work and talents. "Challenges before us are our strong representation in arts festivals, exhibitions, Commonwealth Games and other major events," he said.

The newly elected chair explained that "One of the first initiatives of the new board will be to host a state roundtable seeking involvement of the minister for the arts, senior arts and other Victoria government agency representatives, tertiary institutions and media among others. The roundtable will discuss the role MAV can play in delivering state arts and multicultural policies, as well as how all stakeholders can work in partnership and more cooperatively."

"Partnerships, inclusiveness and being smart about how we all work together will guide the work of the board," Mr. Romaniw commented.

The board has strong professional and diverse representation. Board members are: Mr. Romaniw, chair; Mr. Boglis and Natalia Moravski, deputy chairs; Mr. Thomas, treasurer; John Vanderleest, secretary; Hakan Akyol, Marcello D'Amico, Jean Kereopa, Roger Ouk and Pina Nania, members.

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