Key Facts:
- SydWest Multicultural Services celebrated its 40th anniversary with over 200 attendees at the Novotel Parramatta alongside its Annual General Meeting
- The organisation, formerly known as Blacktown Migrant Resource Centre, has provided essential support services to migrants and multicultural communities since its inception, including disability support.
- Key speakers including former board chairs and employees, politicians, and community leaders shared personal stories of the organisation's impact on diverse communities
- CEO Elfa Moraitakis acknowledged the collective impact on elders, youth, women, newcomers, and families throughout the organisation's history
- The organisation pledges to continue its mission through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation as it enters its fifth decade of service
SydWest Multicultural Services marked a major milestone on Thursday 27th November, celebrating 40 years of service and community impact alongside its Annual General Meeting at the Novotel Parramatta.
The event brought together over 200 attendees, including past and present leaders, staff, partners, and community members, to honour four decades of courage, connection, and resilience.
The celebration featured heartfelt reflections from key figures who shaped SydWest's journey. Maria Teresa Landivar, representing one the organisation's first-ever employees, described the early days of the Blacktown Migrant Resource Centre (as SydWest was formerly known) as "not just a weekly gathering but a lifeline."
The Hon Stephen Bali MP shared a personal story, noting that his father found "a new lease on life" through SydWest after facing health challenges.
Former Chair Noel Hiffernan credited SydWest's success to its people, saying, "The secret sauce to 40 more years of impact is our staff"
The event welcomed Sneha Chaterjee (First Assistant Secretary for the Office of Multicultural Affairs) who shared Minister Dr. Anne Aly's message and spoke about the shared commitment with SydWest to welcoming diversity, and former Centre Manager Irene Ross who spoke about SydWests's enduring vision where all people have equal opportunities to grow and thrive.
CEO Elfa Moraitakis thanked everyone in the room for their impact saying ''Your fingerprints are on every life we have touched. Every elder who has lived with dignity. Every young person who found direction. Every woman who found safety. Every newcomer who found purpose. Every family who found hope''
As SydWest enters its fifth decade, it is committed to driving positive change through advocacy, strategic collaboration, and innovation.
Visit https://sydwestms.org.au/news-and-events/annual-reports/ to read SydWest's latest annual report showcasing their client's growth stories, inspiring community messages and SydWest's 40-year journey.
About us:
SydWest Multicultural Services is a leading organisation for cultural diversity issues responding to community needs and opportunities throughout Greater Western Sydney, the Inner West and City of Sydney.
