Australia is often showcased to the world on how well multiculturalism works in practice. Generally this is true, but there are particular challenges for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live in rural and regional locations. Poor access to services, high levels of unemployment among young people, an ageing population, and social and cultural isolation are just some of the issues that impact on people’s lives. FECCA aims to promote a greater understanding of these issues to government, business and the general community.

The FECCA Regional Development Committee was formed in November 2003. It’s brief includes:

• policy development – including revising policy to reflect changing circumstances
  (eg. new legislation or demographic changes)
• providing comment on the policies and programs of other organisations, particularly government agencies, when invited to do so
• contributing to submissions
• building alliances with other organisations with a similar focus
• community consultation about regional development issues in the context of a multicultural Australia.