CEO message: May
It’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June): an opportunity to learn and reflect on how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ explores how the past, present and future are all connected. It urges us to continue on this journey together, working to shape a more united and respectful Australia.
Last week the Allan Government released the 2025-26 Victorian Budget. While we welcomed the Government’s continued support for programs that directly support multicultural young people, the Budget fell short in delivering targeted responses to racism and youth homelessness — two areas where urgent action is needed. Read our release on what the Budget means for multicultural young people and their communities.
During National Volunteer Week (19-25 May) earlier this month, we asked some of our incredible volunteers what they love about volunteering with CMY. Read what they had to say here. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our 450+ volunteers for the role you play in supporting our programs. This year’s theme of ‘Connecting Communities’ sums up the contribution so many volunteers make in the lives of young people we work with, to ensure they feel connected and empowered to reach their potential.
Finally, earlier this month multicultural young people played a key role in the outcome of the Federal Election, with many signalling their intention to vote according to their priorities of housing, mental health, cost of living and climate change. Now it is on the Government to make sure these issues are at the forefront of a national agenda. Read more on what the results of the Federal Election for young people here, and also in MYAN Australia’s post-election statement.
Carmel Guerra OAM
CMY CEO