River's Edge Building , Inveresk campus
Summary:Hear the 2023 Tasmanian Australian of the Year discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities with increasing cultural diversity.
Presenter(s):
- John Kamara, 2023 Tasmanian Australian of the Year
As the cultural diversity of Tasmania increases there is a new vibrancy created in our cities and towns. The number of Tasmanians born overseas has increased by more than fifty percent in the last twenty years, stimulating exciting transformations.
Our taste and exposure to food is changing, entrepreneurs are starting new business ventures, and cultural experiences are shared at festivals and community events. However, with these new layers to our social fabric there are challenges faced by new arrivals and marginalised groups as they adjust to the Tasmanian way of life, find employment, housing, and social support.
Join Tasmanian Australian of the Year, John Kamara, as he takes us on a journey exploring the ways that people from diverse communities contribute to a better Tasmania, both culturally and economically. Hear how we can help them overcome systemic disadvantages.
Complimentary refreshments
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments with the speakers from 5.30pm.
Attend online or in-person
Join this talk in-person, or online. To attend online, register via Zoom, and we'll email you details on how to join. To register for the in-person event, Get your tickets on Eventbrite.
About the Speaker
John Kamara is the 2023 Tasmanian Australian of the Year and Humanitarian and co-founder, Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania and African Communities Council of Tasmania.
John Kamara escaped war-torn Sierra Leone 19 years ago and started a new life in Tasmania in 2004. He now does all he can to assist migrants, refugees and people from culturally diverse communities.
His own experiences and work in child protection mean he understands the challenges new arrivals and marginalised groups face.
Sitting on multiple boards and involved in many community groups, John highlights systemic disadvantages for migrants such as racism, labour exploitation and recognition of overseas qualifications. He also assists with migrants’ resumes and their search for jobs and housing.
John co-founded the Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania to support education and promote social cohesion, as well as the first ever African Communities Council of Tasmania. It strives to cement relationships among African Australians and the wider community.
He and his wife, Mavis, have also since established Kamara’s Heart Foundation, a charity to assist children in Sierra Leone.
Held in partnership with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and the Tamar Valley Peace Festival.
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