Cultural Perspectives Celebrates 30 Years of Impactful Service at a Spectacular Anniversary Event
On Thursday, October 24th, Sydney’s iconic Museum of Contemporary Arts (MCA) transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and community as Cultural Perspectives marked its 30th anniversary. Held in the stunning Harbourside room, the event was a perfect blend of reflections on a rich past, the celebration of current achievements, and an inspiring glimpse into the future of fostering cultural inclusivity across Australia.
The evening began at 6 pm, as guests were warmly welcomed by Cultural Perspectives staff. They were guided into the Harbourside room, where they were greeted by beautiful views of Sydney’s harbour and the alluring melodies of Veneno, who had completed their soundcheck earlier in the day. The night took on a significant tone with a powerful Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon, grounding the celebration in respect for the traditional custodians of the land.
Nicole He opened the formal proceedings with a warm welcome and necessary housekeeping notes, setting the tone for the evening. The crowd then heard from Cultural Perspectives’ founder and Managing Director, Pino Migliorino, who took the stage to recount the organisation’s impressive three-decade journey. Pino spoke of how Cultural Perspectives has become a trusted partner in communicating with Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. His reflections were complemented by heartfelt presentations by special guests, including Jeff Pope, AEC Deputy Commissioner, who praised Cultural Perspectives for its invaluable contribution to Australia’s multicultural landscape.
One of the highlights of the evening was an informal panel discussion led by Cultural Perspectives’ key directors – Lena Etuk (Director of Research and Evaluation), Sarah Migliorino (Director of Communications), and Rea Singh (Director of Engagement). They discussed the future of Cultural Perspectives and its mission to keep innovating the way Australia engages with its diverse communities. The panel painted a picture of an organisation poised to deepen its impact, expand its reach, and continue breaking down barriers for marginalised voices. This insight provided the audience with a hopeful glimpse into the future and demonstrated Cultural Perspectives’ unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity.
Following the panel, Nicole He and Pino Migliorino thanked staff, partners, and clients for their enduring support and dedication to the organisation’s vision. The formalities wrapped up, giving way to a more relaxed and festive atmosphere as Veneno took the stage for an energetic musical set that lasted for an hour. Guests enjoyed hot and cold canapés served by The Big Group, while dessert offerings capped off the evening. Attendees relished the opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate the achievements of an organisation that has made a lasting impact on Australia’s multicultural fabric.
The evening saw the presence of several dignitaries and notable figures, including Padma Raman, Professor Andrew Jakubowicz, Violet Roumeliotis AM, and Professor Peter Shergold, alongside Jeff Pope from the Australian Electoral Commission. Their attendance underscored the influence and deep respect Cultural Perspectives has garnered over its 30-year journey.
More than just a celebration of the past, the event was a launchpad for the next chapter of Cultural Perspectives. As they looked ahead, the promise of further initiatives and ongoing dedication to bridging cultural gaps was clear. The evening ended with guests leaving inspired, reaffirming the vital role Cultural Perspectives plays in uplifting Australia’s diverse communities.
The 30th anniversary of Cultural Perspectives was a night filled with gratitude, recognition, and inspiration. It celebrated not just the achievements of the past three decades but also ignited excitement for what lies ahead—continuing to foster understanding, break down barriers, and amplify the voices of Australia’s many cultural communities.
