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 President
I feel privileged to be elected as the president of MCNT for the year 2009/2010. I have taken it over when MCNT has gone through a difficult period. I am taking this as a challenge and hopefully end of my term the organisation will be able to function as an efficient organisation. With in the short period the new committee has achieved many milestones and will continue to do so in the future.
Our vision is to work towards connecting communities. We will try to engage with different communities and build partnerships. We will endeavour to empower people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through advocacy and by direct service delivery.
Our organisation will strive to be efficient in operation and open in accountability.
I am looking forward to work with the new committee and all the member organisations.
Sabaratnam Prathapan
President
April 2010
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.