First National Multicultural Youth Summit

The MYAN was thrilled to host Australia's first-ever national multicultural youth summit in Sydney between 22nd and 24th October.

Senator Concetta-Fierravanti-Wells and Ms. Megan Mitchell with FUSE delegates (photo courtesy of GWS Giants).

FUSE brought together 40 of the brightest multicultural young leaders from across Australia, to equip them with the skills, confidence and networks to create change and become influential Australians. Read the media release here.

Through workshops and panel presentations, FUSE delegates learnt from eachother, heard from experienced advocates and met MPs and other decision-makers. The program also included a powerful performance from Tasmania's Students Against Racism, followed by a Q&A with Dr. Tim Soutphommasane, Australia's National Race Discrimination Commissioner, on issues of racism, identity and belonging.

FUSE concluded a jam-packed 3-days at the GWS Giants Learning Life Centre with delegates presenting to a panel of MPs - Senator the Hon.Concetta-Fierravanti-Wells, Mr. Craig Laundy MP, and Mr. Matt Kean MP - and Australia's National Children's Commissioner, Ms Megan Mitchell.

FUSE delegates with Mr. Craig Laundy MP, Mr Tony Shepherd AO, Chairman GWS Giants, GWS Giants Staff, Ms. Carmel Guerra, Convenor MYAN (Australia), Nadine Liddy (MYAN Australia National Coordinator), MYAN State/Territory representatives.

FUSE - Reflections from Delegates

Ram - NSW

FUSE was an amazing learning experience that effortlessly showed how multiculturalism has made Australia a wonderful nation - with diversity of vibrant colours from across the world in a single periphery. FUSE provided insights on how and where to go for funding and tips on running a successful project. I learnt that small contributions in our own local community can make a big difference and will open up more opportunities for us.

Wahida - WA

FUSE was one of most exciting and motivating events that I have ever experienced! It was significant in supporting all of us from diverse backgrounds to understand our differences and similarities, share our passions and work with eachother towards something great. FUSE taught us new skills and ideas in tackling issues and we learnt about effective communication, culture, taking action, advocacy and leadership. It was particularly great to present to the politicians and apply what we had learned.

From our FUSE experience we are inspired to start a MYANWA Action Group and work together to create local solutions and new initiatives.

Paul - QLD

FUSE was such an unforgettable experience. Through 3 days of input, discussion, games and bonding I was able to discover different ways of looking at things. I heard heartfelt stories from asylum seekers and tips on how to be successful in advocacy. The time for bonding and sharing stories in small groups was a huge growth experience, and sharing with like-minded people was so fulfilling. FUSE opened my eyes and ignited a passion within me - it has inspired me to take action on things I am passionate about.

Antonnette - WA

FUSE taught me that for me to take care of other people, I need to take care of myself. What I gained the most is friendship and ideas from the other young people from across Australia. We also had opportunities to speak to MPs and others on what we learnt at FUSE and how we might apply this in WA.

Hadi -TAS

During my journey to Sydney, for the 2014 FUSE summit, I experienced many amazing opportunities. The greatest thing was the interaction with the other young people - everyone respected our different cultures and encouraged each other to share their stories and to speak up about their experiences and the issues they faced. This was wonderful because people wanted to hear my story. The presentations to politicians were also great - they listened and I felt confident that we could change things.

Arif - VIC

Almost everything at FUSE summit was beyond my expectations! We got the opportunity to hear from the impressive ‘Students Against Racism’ from Tasmania - their story-telling performance left everyone in complete awe. On top of this top- notch performance, a bonus was hearing from Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane – Tim’s work truly inspired the delegates. Invaluable was my experience, learning from and engaging in conversation with youth delegates – all of whom were filled with so much passion, potential and resilience. The professionalism and the desire to make a difference demonstrated by every delegate took me with great surprise. The overall experience was enriching, enlightening and delightful.

Thomas - QLD

FUSE was such an amazing experience - coming together with a group of inspiring and passionate group of young people from all different kinds of backgrounds and discussing national issues as a group. I learnt more skills on how to become a leader and a role model and will take these leadership skills back to my state to be a great role model through athletics.

Zee - WA

FUSE - wow what an amazing journey! It was ONE OF A KIND, particularly coming from a small regional town. FUSE changed the way I think...meeting others who shared the same journey means I now feel connected, I feel I belong and I feel more able to make change in my local community.

FUSE delegates with volunteers at the Amnesty International stall.