For Immediate Release – 21st March 2025
CORE Community Services, in collaboration with Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF), Western Sydney University, and the Diplomacy Training Program, proudly hosted the Breaking Barriers and Building Belonging Symposium. The event was an important opportunity to address the realities of racial discrimination and look beyond the symbolic celebrations of unity.
Since its introduction in 1975, the Racial Discrimination Act has played a crucial role in ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, colour, national or ethnic origin—are treated equally under the law. It marked a significant step toward an inclusive Australia, making racial discrimination unlawful and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to human rights and social cohesion. It has been 50 years since its inception and while significant progress has been made, speakers at the symposium acknowledged that racism persists in both overt and subtle ways. Discussions highlighted the need for collective action to continue dismantling discrimination in all its forms.
The symposium challenged conventional narratives around racial harmony by shifting the focus from celebration to critical discussion. Panellists and speakers shared lived experiences and discussed the complexities of race, identity, and belonging in Australia.
Keynote speaker, Professor Azadeh Dastyari highlighted that the common goal among attendees was to eliminate racial discrimination. Professor Dastyari emphasised that those in attendance have the power to make a difference by working together toward a more cohesive society. While acknowledging that there is still significant work to be done, she reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving progress.
Shama Pande, Multicultural Communities Manager at CORE Community Services, emphasised the importance of addressing subtle and systemic racism, stating: “Racism often has an undertone—subtle digs, passive remarks, and the ‘othering’ of migrants and refugees. It’s these everyday experiences that shape exclusion and inequality.”
The event strengthened a shared commitment by all partners and attendees to eliminate racial discrimination—a goal that, while challenging, remains possible through collective advocacy, policy reform, and education.
CORE Community Services focuses on supporting multicultural communities in Western Sydney, by advocating for racial justice, and fostering true social cohesion. The voices, insights, and lived experiences shared at the symposium will continue to guide future initiatives and policy discussions.
We thank all speakers, partners, and attendees for their contributions to this meaningful and necessary dialogue.
Media Contact:
Jenny Liem
Marketing and Communications Officer
media@corecs.org.au
0472 864 445
