The ACT Government has appointed 11 members to the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism (MACM) for the 2026-2029 term.
The incoming council represents Canberra’s diverse multicultural community.
Established under the Multiculturalism Act 2023, the MACM provides advice to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on issues affecting multicultural communities and helps ensure the voices of culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans are reflected in ACT Government policies, programs and services.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Pettersson congratulated the members on their appointment.
“Canberra wouldn’t be Canberra without our diversity. We want our city to be a place where our multicultural community continues to thrive. We want it to be a place where culture is celebrated.”
“This council brings representatives from Canberra’s multicultural community to the table to help make this happen.”
“I am pleased to welcome the new Council and look forward to working closely with members over the coming term.”
Minister Pettersson said the appointments build on the work of the inaugural legislated Council established following the passage of the Multiculturalism Act 2023. The MACM has played a key role in strengthening engagement with multicultural communities, promoting understanding of the Charter for Multiculturalism, and advising government on issues affecting people from diverse cultural, faith and linguistic backgrounds.
The next MACM membership for the 2026-2029 term brings together community members with a broad range of professional expertise, community connections and lived experience across Canberra’s multicultural communities.
The 2026-29 MACM members are:
- Chair – Shanti Reddy
- Deputy Chair – Constance Rudo Makoni-Thodhlana
- Rubay Tessema
- Jayanti Gupta
- Zakia Patel
- Alex Donato
- Vanessa Wong
- Dylan Ek
- Barbara Trojanowska
- Nilofar Ebrahimi
- Ivapene Seiuli
Of the 11 members on the council, there are three returning for the new term. Dr Shanti Reddy will lead the Council as Chair after serving as Deputy Chair during the previous term. A long-standing contributor to Canberra’s multicultural sector, Dr Reddy has been an active advocate for multiculturalism through his involvement in community organisations and cultural associations over many years.
Other returning members Zakia Patel and Ivapene Seiuli bring continuity and experience from the outgoing Council, having contributed to community consultations and advice to government throughout the Council’s first term.
Minister Pettersson also thanked outgoing members for their service.
“I thank the outgoing Council members for their dedication, leadership and commitment to strengthening multiculturalism in the ACT.”
“Their contribution has helped ensure Canberra continues to be a city where people from all backgrounds can belong, participate and thrive.”
The new Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism commenced its term on 1 September 2026.
Quotes attributable to Dr Shanti Reddy, Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism:
“I welcome the opportunity to lead the new Council and build on the excellent work of previous MACM members. I look forward to working closely with the Minister and Council members to promote the principles of the ACT Charter for Multiculturalism that all Canberrans feel safe, respected and able to celebrate their cultural, religious and spiritual identities.
Over the next three years, we look forward to engaging with the broader ACT community and contributing to a more inclusive, connected and harmonious Canberra.”
