The Migrant Information Centre provides a range of support services for migrants and refugees living in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. In recent years Maroondah has seen an increase in migrants from Sudan and Burma and now has one of the largest Burmese populations within Metropolitan Melbourne.

The Migrant Information Centre organises regular events to provide opportunities for these migrant groups and the organisation approached the Rotary Club of Ringwood to assist in delivering a barbecue as part of a soccer and volleyball tournament for the Burmese and Sudanese communities.

The event was held in Greenwood Park, located along Greenwood Avenue in Ringwood with people participating in volleyball and soccer. The Rotary Club of Ringwood provided a barbecue, food and refreshments as part of the event.

I was one of several Rotary members who volunteered to assist with the barbecue and it was great to receive such a positive response from the participants who appreciated the efforts of the Migrant Information Centre and the Rotary Club.

As the local Ward Councillor for the Mullum Ward I also had the pleasure of presenting the trophies to the competing teams. The event attracted a large number of attendees and it is wonderful to see community organisations working in partnership to strengthen our community and to assist newly arrived migrants in Australia.