Members for Yerrabi, Suzanne Orr and Deepak-Raj Gupta, have today moved a motion in the Assembly calling for the ACT Government to investigate the feasibility of a new large-scale venue that is suitable for multicultural community events at EPIC.

With Gungahlin’s population continuing to grow, Ms Orr and Mr Gupta noted the need for the ACT Government to continue investing in social infrastructure to ensure that the Gungahlin community has access to essential facilities.

“We are proud to represent the Gungahlin region in the Assembly, which is home to Canberra’s most culturally and linguistically diverse community,” Ms Orr said.

“With existing facilities such as the Gungahlin College Theatre only providing capacity for up to 350 people, a new venue at EPIC would provide our community with more space to come together and celebrate.

“It is important that as our community grows, the ACT Government continues to invest in the social infrastructure that the people of Gungahlin need,” Ms Orr concluded.

New Yerrabi MLA Deepak-Raj Gupta said that he is proud of the ACT Government’s efforts to support Canberra’s growing multicultural community, but more can be done.

“Canberra’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities play an important role in fostering a respectful and inclusive city,” Mr Gupta said.

“This type of work has been an ongoing priority for me, and I am delighted that our ACT Labor Government is committed to improving the infrastructure for our multicultural community in Gungahlin.

“Under the ACT Multicultural Framework 2015-2020, the ACT Government is committed to ensuring Canberra is an inclusive and cohesive society that celebrates and promotes cultural diversity, so a new venue for multicultural community events would build on the Government’s existing commitments,” Mr Gupta concluded.

The motion called for the ACT Government to report back to the Assembly on the feasibility of such a centre within 12 months, noting that the ACT Government is currently undertaking a review of EPIC to inform its future requirements as a venue.

Statement ends