The role of MCNT

The Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) is the peak body dedicated to advocacy and representing the interest, concerns and aspirations of Territorians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, newly arrived migrants and refugees particularly those from Non-English Speaking Background (NESB). The aim of MCNT is to promote multiculturalism as a policy for all Australians and to work for social justice.

MCNT was established in 1977 as the Ethnic Communities Council of the Northern Territory (ECCNT). In 2000, the name was changed to Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory in order to reflect the inclusive nature of the Council (inclusive of all cultures) and to forge greater linkages with the wider community.

As the peak organisation for Territorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, it:

    • Advocates on behalf of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the Northern Territory, i.e. represents the needs, interests, concerns and aspirations of these people and communities;
    • Raises the profile and awareness of the needs of CALD communities particularly those newly arrived migrants and refugees of Non-English Speaking backgrounds (NESB);
    • Represents and provides support services to its members;
    • Undertake specific projects aimed at addressing the needs of CALD communities and NESB people; and
    • Provide services and cultural support groups and workshops in response to identified service gaps and needs in particular of NESB communities in the Territory.

    Message from our Interim President

    McRoberts AgaaI am proud to be serving as the first African born Interim President of the MCNT. I arrived in Darwin in 2001 as a refugee from Sudan. I look forward to assisting this great organisation move forward and engage with its members, clients and stakeholders.

    I believe that the MCNT has an important role to play in our multicultural society and I applaud recent initiatives of the MCNT such as the International Women’s Day march and the social soccer match on Harmony Day between the NT Police and a multicultural youth team. I invite all of you to join us in future events and activities.    

    I am a member of the Africa-Australia Friendship Association and the Sudanese Australian Association of the NT and have been on the board of the MCNT representing Darwin’s diverse African community since September 2008.

    I believe that MCNT is a vibrant and growing organization that can and will continue to provide advocacy and help to those in existing and emerging communities who need assistance, particularly to people who come from CALD backgrounds, the refugees recent arrivals.

    I would conclude by thanking those who have been involved with MCNT, the passion, knowledgeable and dedicated staff, EXCO committee members and stakeholder management, with one strength we stand strong.

    McRoberts Agaa
    Interim President/EXCO Member

    Would you like to be a member of the MCNT?

    As a community based organisation, the MCNT values its broad based membership comprised of people and organisations with an interest in promoting the benefits of multiculturalism and welcoming migrants and refugees to the Australian family.

    There are three categories of membership of the MCNT:

    • Organisational Membership – non-profit community-based organisations with primarily an ethnic or multicultural focus;
    • Individual Membership – members of the community with a demonstrated interest in ethnic or multicultural issues; and
    • Associate Membership – institutions, government agencies or non-profit associations with an interest in ethnic or multicultural issues.

    All applications for membership need to be approved by the MCNT Management Committee. Organisational and individual members are entitled to vote at the AGM in September. The cost is only $11 per year for individual membership and $33 per year for organisational and associate membership.

    There are great benefits of membership of the MCNT. We keep our members informed and updated about current and significant issues affecting our local and the wider community with, and we welcome contributions to our newsletter Multiculturalism Matters and notices for our website.

    Membership also entitles you to use our community room at our Malak office for your functions and meetings. Throughout the year the MCNT invites its members to participate in community forums and information sessions.

    Through our extensive and diverse membership base and network, you can inform the multicultural community of your organisation’s upcoming events and activities.

    To find out more about becoming a member, contact the MCNT office on 8945 9122 or email admin@mcnt.org.au, or drop in and see us.