15/12/00
The inspirational stories of people working in one of the world’s most diverse workplaces can be found in a new publication called Voices of Diversity.
Voices of Diversity traces the journeys of 14 migrants now working in Western Australia’s public sector and is a joint project of the Office of Citizenship and Multicultural Interests and the Office of Equal Opportunity Employment.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson said Voices of Diversity provided a unique insight into the experiences of migrants in the workplace.
“Many State public sector employees were born overseas and their contributions highlight the importance of this sector as an equal opportunity employer able to support difference and promote diverse management practices,” Mr Johnson said.
“Specifically, these authors provide inspiration for dealing with obstacles, relay positive experiences and offer suggestions to new recruits who may find themselves in similar positions.”
One of the employees, Iluka’s Moona Antoon, was born in Egypt.
“My father was a banker and my mother an accountant and as Christians, we were minorities in our own country,” Ms Antoon said.
“My parents have been a major influence in my life, encouraging us to be open with each other, to talk about everything and not hide things just because they were difficult or odd.
“After my husband’s contract came to an end in Abu Dhabi, we came for a holiday to Perth and fell in love with the place. We decided to buy a house long before we arrived.”
Ms Antoon said she found the move difficult but after passing the public sector entrance exam, came into contact with a manager who encouraged her abilities.
She is currently working as a customer service officer with the Women’s Policy Office.
Voices of Diversity features the stories of migrants from Canada, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Copies are available from State Government agency libraries or by calling Public Affairs at the Office of Citizenship and Multicultural Interests on 9426 8690.
Media contact: Fran Hodge (08) 9215 4800
