Police multicultural adviser Anthony Abate, Migrant Resource Centre director Jenny Semple, Superintendent Chris Ferguson, Chief Inspector George JohnsBy Nathan Johnston
DANDENONG police acknowledged the support of the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) staff with a special presentation of a framed photograph depicting the two units working together last Thursday.
Superintendent Chris Ferguson said the MRC teamed up with Victoria Police, and in particular the Victoria Police Multicultural Advisory Unit, for many programs and initiatives.
“The valuable input the MRC has in improving police understanding of multicultural societies, particularly within the Greater Dandenong district, has assisted with providing a better police service for the community as a whole,” Supt Ferguson said.
“The MRC facilitates many meetings between local ethnic communities and police in order to resolve emerging issues.
“It has also provided the police with crosscultural training, and is often used as a referral service for members who encounter issues dealing with ethnic communities.”
Supt Ferguson said the training included lectures by the elders of various communities who explained cultures and customs associated with life prior to their arrival in Australia.
