Congratulations to Lawrence Dimech on his re-appointment for another year to the People of Australia Ambassador Programme. The appointment coincided with Australia Day 2013.

Judge Raul Soulio, the chair of the Australia Multicultural Council, said he was struck not only by the commitment and enthusiasm of the inaugural ambassadors but by the insights that have been offered by the local communities. He said he was pleased to see Mr Dimech re-appointed for another year.

The principal role of the People of Australia Ambassadors is to promote the principles of Australia’s multicultural policy and to emphasise that we should have a strong commitment to inclusion, social cohesion and action to unite all Australians.

These ambassadors are a critical link providing feedback from local communities on issues of interest to the Australian Multicultural Council and the Australian government.

The appointees of the People of Australia Ambassador Programme were initially to serve for 12 months but some of them have now been committed for a further 12 months, which according to the Australia Multicultural Council is a very pleasing and encouraging result.

The ambassadors, coming from all states and territories, meet at least twice a year in Canberra to discuss issues relating to multiculturalism. The 2013 new faces, yet to be announced, will continue to play a strong monitoring role.

Dimech is a veteran journalist both in Malta and Australia, the first editor of The Maltese Herald, and was the first Consul-General for the Maltese government in New South Wales.