The History of MCCI by CEO Chris Lacey

“Steady rain fell across the Illawarra on Wednesday 25 June 1975. As the day unfolded, nine of the region’s ethnic community leaders were increasingly anxious. For weeks they had planned an important assembly of the Illawarra’s many migrant communities. The meeting was called to discuss how best to work together for all migrants in the region. Representatives of local ethnic associations were invited. And top of the agenda was to seek their agreement about setting up a new body as a unified Illawarra voice for migrants. The question was now, on this miserable wintry night, would they still come?”

So starts the book about MCCI’s history, written by the current CEO Chris Lacey. He has dived into the archives and spoken with number people involved in multicultural affairs in NSW and MCCI since it was established in 1975 to better understand the organisation he has been leading since 2016. In ‘Voice, Participation, Service – a 50-Year History of MCCI’ he takes the reader through the history of the organisation from its very beginning until the present day.

“Australia today is a successful modern multicultural nation, yet that hasn’t just happened by accident. It has come about because of deliberate social policy decisions made by successive governments with the overwhelming support of its citizens, and the development of civil society institutions like MCCI have played a vital role in multiculturalism’s success. A 50th anniversary is a milestone for any organisation. I wanted to document MCCI’s history to honour the people whose shoulders we stand on today and to in some small way show the impact that can derive when people come together with shared vision and commitment to improve our society for everyone,” said Chris Lacey.

The book can be purchased and collected from 117 Corrimal St Wollongong for $25 + GST. If you would like to place an order including postage for $40 + GST, please complete the form below or phone us on 1800 11 6224.