Swinburne pledges commitment to migrant community

An iconic Australian tree will soon become the symbol of ongoing commitment and support to all migrants from established and emerging communities at Swinburne University of Technology.

For many years, Swinburne has welcomed migrants into its community. Professor Glen Bates, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Advancement says students and staff from diverse migrant backgrounds form an important part of university life.

“To reinforce our long-standing support to migrants, we are planting a gum tree to signify that we welcome all migrants, including migrants from emerging communities. We want members of these communities to benefit from the power of education and grow with us,” says Professor Bates.

“We are very proud of our many high achieving graduates from migrant backgrounds, who have gone on to make significant contributions to our society,” says Professor Bates.

Special guest Sam Bashiry, a Swinburne graduate and former Iranian refugee will be joining the ceremony. At the age of 10, Mr Bashiry fled his home country with his family to start a new life in Australia. Now the founder of US $15 million start-up Broadband Solutions, Mr Bashiry will share his inspirational story.

“The Welcome Tree Planting Ceremony is an important step for us as a university to enhance participation, a sense of belonging and social inclusion and appreciation among diverse cultures on campus,” says Swinburne’s newly appointed Director of Multicultural Engagement, Mr Chin Tan.

As the traditional owners of the land on which our Australian campuses are located, Wurundjeri Elders will join university students, staff and community leaders at this important event.

A host of migrant support service providers and advocates will alsojoin the ceremony as Swinburne declares that it is a place that warmly welcomes all our migrant communities.

Date:
Thursday 3 March 2016
Time: 9.40am to 11:30am
Venue: Wakefield Gardens Hawthorn Campus
Website: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/events/departments/current-students/2016/03/welcome-tree-planting.php