This year we celebrate 50 years of the incredible work that the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra have done bringing people together.

MCCI in 1975, with nine visionary community leaders gathering to give migrants a voice, has grown into one of our region's most respected organisations. From those humble beginnings, MCCI has played a central role in our community, supporting people from CALD backgrounds right across the Illawarra, the Shoalhaven and now the ACT and Queanbeyan.

Over the past five decades MCCI has provided essential services in aged care, youth programs, community development, cultural training and settlement support. They have been there for new arrivals, strongly supported by the Albanese Labor government with $321,000 through the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity and more than $4 million to deliver the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program.

During the election I also secured a $5 million commitment to establish a new regional multicultural community centre in the Illawarra, and I look forward to delivering on that commitment. With around 300 staff and volunteers, speaking more than 50 languages, MCCI proudly reflects the diversity and strength of our community.

On this golden anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to CEO, Chris Lacey; Chair, Ken Habak OAM; the board; and every staff member and volunteer, past and present.