History

Many Hopes; One Dream, the story of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria

Emotion carried them from all corners of the globe.  For most, it was a heady mix of excitement, ambition, and the thrill of adventure.  For others, curiosity tinged with uncertainty and a little trepidation.  For a desperate few, a sobering weight of anguish, fear and tragic loss.  Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons – all with their own stories, hopes and expectations, but sharing a common dream.  Of a better life in a land of untold abundance and infinite promise.

For three and a half decades, the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) has been part of that journey, sharing every heroic step forward and hesitant setback, and echoing every emotion inside and out: the resilience and resourcefulness as migrants’ talents and qualifications were constantly overlooked; the defiance and solidarity as cherished traditions were disparaged and discriminated against; and the generosity and perseverance as old cultural barriers were broken down and new bridges of understanding were forged together.

In this landmark compilation, researcher and writer Bronwyn Hinz has reunited many of the key figures involved in the development of ECCV, capturing the spirit of revolution and reinvention that epitomised the rise of the multicultural movement in Victoria and nationwide.

Among the wealth of personal anecdotes and reflections, there are sure to be surprises and a few points of contention.  As a political memoir, competing versions of events are almost expected, yet there is no mistaking the common nostalgia running throughout each recounted protest, policy stoush and procedural call-to-arms.

While I suspect that it will take more than one volume to fully encapsulate 35 years of service and the tumultuous journey faced by so many migrants to overcome hardship, adjustment, and the struggle for acceptance, this comprehensive publication makes a fitting tribute to the courageous souls who have chased the dream of a fair go in the country our postmarks call Australia, but our hearts call home.

Launch of the ECCV History

Many Hopes; One Dream by Bromwyn Hinz was launched at a gala dinner attended by over 300 people at the Springvale Town Hall on 23 September 2009. Copies of the History are available for sale. For purchase download the order form

Click here to view a slideshow presentation of the Dinner and Book Launch as presented at the ECCV Annual General Meeting.

Click here to view a slideshow presentation featuring photos from our 35 year history

Click here to view photo highlights of the launch and celebratory dinner.

Minister Merlino addresses the gathering		Federal Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner is passionate about diversity
The eccv Chairperson Sam Afra JP welcomes the crowd		The crowd attending the eccv History launch at Springvale Town Hall were entertained by some wonderful performers
Akok Manheim from the Lost Boys of Sudan provided the comedy for the night		We were all honored to have former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser with us on the night