Experts coming to Sunshine Coast Uni to discuss racism: Minister

The Queensland Government continues to tackle racism head-on through a range of initiatives including $10,000 for a Sunshine Coast University conference on the subject.

It is the second International Conference on Racisms in the New World organised by the university and will be held in Caloundra on December 6-7.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the grant was part of the Queensland Government’s $3.4 million Multicultural Assistance Program which encouraged the community to celebrate diversity through respect and understanding of different cultures and religions.

“This conference will bring together academic, government, community and media to discuss racism and identify strategies to promote harmony,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Attending the conference are national and international speakers, including Canadian Professor Peter S. Li.

Director of the university’s Centre for Multicultural and Community Development Narayan Gopalkrishnan said the nature and manifestation of racism had been exacerbated post-September 11.

“This conference will bring together a diverse range of people to identify issues of racism and draw out new ideas and directions to build a more harmonious and inclusive society,” Mr Gopalkrishnan said.

For more information, contact the Centre for Multicultural and Community Development at the University of the Sunshine Coast on 5430 1259.

Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Narayan Gopalkrishnan 5430 1265 or 3210 6951