Belonging South West Forum Sparks Conversations and Actions on Inclusion

The inaugural Belonging South West Multicultural Forum was a sold-out event at the Lighthouse Theatre Studio on Wednesday 22 October, bringing together community leaders, employers, educators, services, and multicultural representatives to explore how South West Victoria can become a more welcoming and inclusive region for all. An initiative of Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC), the forum featured keynote speakers Dr Judy Tang, Tasneem Chopra OAM, and Sam Atukorala, along with interactive workshops, a panel discussion with Melinda Hitchcock, Mohan Bam, Ulke de Kleine and Mai Thi Phuong Thao and a cultural performance Shivashakthi Kalari, an ancient Indian yogic martial art.

Forum MC and co-organiser, Daisy Ye said the idea stemmed from her volunteer work building intercultural connection through the Warrnambool Multicultural Festival.

“After three years of organising the festival, I felt it was time to go deeper,” Ms Ye said. “While music, dance, and food celebrate culture, this forum created space for honest conversations about inclusion and belonging.”

Ms Ye said the forum highlighted the region’s growing cultural diversity and the need for stronger networks and collaboration.

Developed by participants of the 2025 LGSC Community Leadership Program - Libby Swayn, Bob Wake, Dominic Carswell, Daisy Ye and James Habel - the event received overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

The team is now compiling insights from the discussions into an Event Framework Report to guide future action. 

The forum was proudly supported by Leadership Great South Coast, the Gardiner Foundation, and the South West Community Foundation.