About multicultural affairs in NT
The Northern Territory (NT) Government provides information to multicultural residents on:
You can also get the multicultural affairs newsletter as well as fact sheets about religious groups on the Department of People, Sport and Culture website.
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs by calling 08 8999 3894 or emailing dpsc.multiculturalaffairs@nt.gov.au.
Minister’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs
The Minister’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs (MACMA) is a non-statutory advisory group.
It was established by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and consists of members from:
- relevant organisations
- multicultural communities.
These members participate on a voluntary basis and are not remunerated.
What MACMA does
The MACMA:
- provides advice on matters facing multicultural communities in the NT
- collaborates with government to improve policy and service delivery outcomes
- explores and discusses:
- issues that are impacting the social, economic, and civic life of multicultural Territorians
- how community needs can be met by service providers, so multicultural communities can take part in all aspects of life in the NT
- directs specific tasks to relevant working groups to address issues such as employment, community safety, and population growth
- meets at least twice a year.
How members are selected
Community members are selected by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs:
- for their skills, experience and knowledge of issues in multicultural communities
- to reflect a range of:
- cultural and settlement backgrounds
- professional expertise
- age, gender and geographic location.
They are usually appointed for a term of 2 to 3 years, with the possibility of re-appointment for a subsequent term.
Organisations are selected for their role in representing or providing services to multicultural communities.
They are invited by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs to nominate a representative.
Current members
Members come from multiple organisations and the community.
Organisations
Dr Edwin Joseph
Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory
- Edwin migrated to Australia as an adult and has been volunteering for community groups, not-for-profit organisations and professional associations. Edwin’s contributions include serving as Secretary of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA), Vice Chair of the Australia Day Council NT, President of the Multicultural Council of the NT and others.
- Edwin brings experience in governance and community development to MACMA.
Ms Jamuna (Mona) Ulak
Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia
- Mona has lived in Mparntwe Alice Springs for 17 years. She has 25 years of experience in business development, tourism, policy, strategy and not-for-profit leadership work. In Alice Springs, Mona has worked in business development and research at Charles Darwin University and is currently working on gambling amelioration.
- Mona was a founder of the Nepalese Community Alice Springs and has been the Chair of Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia for 4 years.
Mr Kwame Selormey
Melaleuca Australia
- Born in West Africa, Kwame serves as CEO of Melaleuca Australia, a non-profit supporting humanitarian entrants, migrants and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. A strong advocate for human rights and a founding committee member of the NT Human Rights Awards, Kwame is recognised for his leadership in driving systemic change in refugee and migrant health.
- With over 25 years’ experience across sectors including disability, mental health and family services, Kwame has led large teams and represents the NT nationally through roles with the Refugee Council of Australia, Settlement Council of Australia and the SBS Multicultural Advisory Council.
A/Commander Tianfang (Terry) Zhang
Northern Territory Police Force
- Terry is a police officer with 20 years’ experience serving communities in New Zealand and the Northern Territory. He currently leads a large policing district covering Katherine and remote communities in the Top End. He holds qualifications in management and law.
- Being of Chinese descent and a fluent speaker of Mandarin, Terry brings strong lived multicultural experience. He is passionate about fostering a culturally diverse and inclusive Territory, with a focus on intercultural engagement, equitable access to services and building trust between culturally diverse communities and government agencies.
Councillor Wayne Bayliss
Local Government (Observer)
- Wayne is the son of Maltese parents who immigrated to Australia in March 1960. He was raised in a non-English speaking household which gave him a strong understanding of the challenges faced by new migrants and the important role of community organisations and government.
- Wayne served the NT community for 29 years as a member of the NT Police Force, primarily within the Territory Intelligence Division and Youth Diversion Unit. Throughout his career, he worked with diverse communities and organisations, earning recognition for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to public safety.
Community members
Prof Sivaram (Ram) Vemuri
MACMA Chair
- Ram is an economist with over 50 years of experience, having lived and worked in multiple countries including England, India, and Papua New Guinea. His work involves the nexus between migration, health and ageing. He served as the Chair of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies and led the Diversity and Recognition hub for the Interdisciplinary.net Oxford conferences, both of which provided him with insights into the shifting and continuing challenges faced by migrant and refugee populations.
- Ram’s involvement with multicultural communities in Darwin spans over 35 years. Since his retirement, Ram has contributed to various multicultural health and ageing boards.
Mr Shilvin Mathews
Mr Sakeasi Tawaketini
- Sakeasi is a community leader with formal qualifications in Governance and Public Policy, Commerce, Management, and Psychology. He is experienced in working across government, non-profit and community sectors, with expertise in organisational governance, evidence-based policy development, strategic planning and community development.
- In Sakeasi’s leadership roles, he has overseen major multicultural and community initiatives that promote social inclusion, civic participation, and youth development throughout the Northern Territory.
Mr Gagandeep Singh Ralh
- Gagan is originally from Punjab, India and has lived in Mparntwe/Alice Springs for more than 12 years. During this time, he has worked in the disability sector and been actively involved with multicultural and community organisations including the Alice Springs Indian Association, the Central Australia Sikh Cultural Centre, and the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia.
- Gagan teaches Bhangra to children to keep his culture alive and believes strongly in a multicultural Australia where people from all backgrounds feel included and can contribute to a vibrant, diverse community.
Ms Suyana Shrestha
- Suyana has been actively involved in multicultural organisations in the Northern Territory for over a decade including through the Nepalese Association of Northern Territory and the Non-Resident Nepali Association Australia, helping organise and volunteering at cultural and community events.
- As a CPA NT Division Councillor, Suyana also mentored new migrants and aspiring accounting professionals by guiding them through CPA pathways, job readiness and professional development.
Ms Elena Gomatos
- Elena is an experienced Service Manager with a strong background in community engagement and multicultural affairs. With over a decade of leadership serving on the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, she has played a role in fostering cultural understanding and supporting inclusive initiatives. Her professional expertise spans retail, service delivery and stakeholder collaboration and engagement.
- Elena’s life experiences reflect a deep commitment to strengthening intercultural dialogues, community development, multicultural networks, and creating opportunities for future generations to preserve their heritage while thriving in modern day Australia.
Dr Tamoor Mirza
- Tamoor is a Darwin-based psychiatrist, with experience working across both public and private mental health sectors. He has a special interest in youth mental health and culturally responsive care for diverse communities.
- An active academic and researcher with Charles Darwin University and Flinders University, Tamoor represents the Northern Territory at national and international professional forums. He regularly volunteers mental health support for culturally and linguistically diverse community, particularly migrant and international students with limited access to Medicare.
Ms Nivia Jimena Espitia Gonzalez
- Originally from Colombia, Jimena is experienced in program delivery and business development, with a record of delivering high-impact programs and translating community and market gaps into strategic opportunities that drive growth, partnerships, and cultural connection.
- Jimena co-founded Kindness Shake, has led the kindness Festival, and revitalised the Multicultural Youth Council of the NT with Melaleuca Australia. Deeply connected to her cultural roots, Jimena is Secretary of the Colombian-Australian Association of the NT, helped start Viva Colombia Festival and performs Colombian folklore dances with the Macondo dance group.
Mr Fred Marrone
- Fred has been in the NT for 54 years and have been involved in various ethnic clubs and committees including the Italian Club, the United Nations Association in the NT and the NT Police Ethnic Advisory Group.
- Fred’s experience as liaison officer for South East Asia and as a representative for valuation programs in Indonesia and Vietnam taught him leadership skills, experience in inter-country diplomacy and teaching at foreign and local universities. Fred is currently writing a manuscript on the Forgotten Italians from 1845 to 1945.
Ms Laura Nguyen
- Laura has over a decade of experience in social change communication and strategic partnerships and was recognised for fundraising and donor engagement to advance women’s, children’s and disability rights. Her expertise is in using art to prevent gender-based violence which led to presentations at the Global Conference of Women’s Shelters.
- Each year, Laura organises over 30 fundraising and community events across the Top End. She also hosts and performs at major events, showcasing culture, diversityand inclusion to thousands across the NT.
Mr Charles Pitia
- With over a decade in the Northern Territory Government as a teacher, Child Protection Practitioner, and Government Engagement Coordinator with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Charles brings extensive expertise in community development and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies and is pursuing a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management at Charles Darwin University, building strong foundations for inclusive and resilient communities.
- His background and lived experience enable Charles to champion inclusion, ensuring diverse voices are celebrated.
Dr Guzyal Hill
- Guzyal is a lawyer and specialist in the governance, regulation and legislative design of Artificial Intelligence. She is the author of National Uniform Legislation, a book articulating a comprehensive theory of legislative harmonisation across the federation.
- Originally from Kazakhstan and proudly calling the Northern Territory home for more than two decades, Dr Hill brings a uniquely global perspective paired with deep NT expertise. Her work intersects with law, technology, and public governance, helping government agencies, corporates and institutions navigate AI risks, compliance and strategic adoption with clarity and confidence.
Ms Paula Milatos
- Paula’s experience spans decades across education, business ownership and community service. Her early teaching years in Darwin allowed her to work closely with Greek-speaking families, strengthening her role as a cultural liaison within the school community.
- Paula’s lifelong commitment to the Territory’s multicultural community is reflected in her extensive volunteer work, including decades of involvement in Greek community events such as the Glenti festival and her current service on the St Savvas Church committee.
Ms Martha Gawa
- Martha moved to Darwin from Indonesia in 1984. She worked as a Registered Nurse before transitioning into the Information Technology field.
- Martha is passionate about football (soccer), played for various clubs and remained actively involved in the sport through volunteer roles after retiring. She also volunteers with the City of Darwin Launch Youth Program, supporting after-hours activities to engage young people and reduce street roaming.
Dr Devaki Monani
- Devaki is a Senior Lecturer at Charles Darwin University teaching Leadership in Social Policy. She completed her PhD in 2008 from the University of Melbourne and is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Zelman Cowen Centre, Victoria University.
- Devaki is currently undertaking collaborative research in partnership with Adelaide University, Latrobe, Charles Sturt (NSW) and several industry partners to examine whole-of-community approaches to regional migration, settlement and retention (2026-2029).
Ms Jovelyn Lora
- Jovelyn is passionate about building inclusive communities where people from all backgrounds feel connected and valued. She enjoys bringing people together and using technology, knowledge and collaboration to create opportunities and break down barriers, with a strong interest in multicultural affairs and diverse perspectives.
- Jovelyn’s interests centre on community engagement, inclusion and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to participate and thrive.
Meeting highlights
Contact
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs by calling 08 8999 3894 or emailing dpsc.multiculturalaffairs@nt.gov.au.
Multicultural communities and religions
There are many diverse multicultural groups in the Northern Territory (NT).
The following community and religious profiles have been developed in collaboration with various community groups.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs acknowledges and thanks all those who have contributed to the development of these profiles. The information has been approved by the relevant communities and the NT Government takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
If you would like more information, use the contact details on each profile.
If you believe your community or religion should be included, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs by emailing dpsc.multiculturalaffairs@nt.gov.au.
Community profiles
The following profiles include information on the history of the community’s settlement in the NT, languages spoken, religions practised and events celebrated by the community.
Religious profiles
The NT is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural society. Religious freedom and mutual respect for different religions is an integral part of our shared culture.
These fact sheets aim to provide information and raise awareness and understanding of religious and cultural practices in the NT.
Multicultural events
There are 2 major multicultural events held each year in the Northern Territory (NT):
- Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree
- Big Day Out in Harmony in Alice Springs.
Read below for more information.
Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree
The Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree is a celebration of the NT's cultural richness, diversity and a display of harmony as a multicultural society.
The event is organised by the NT Government, Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Darwin Community Arts and the Multicultural Council of the NT.
The event includes:
- stage performances
- cultural community stalls
- delicious food from different parts of the world
- a children's lantern competition
- a lantern parade and flotilla release into the lagoon.
The Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree will be held on Saturday 30 May at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.
Big Day Out in Harmony
Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia and the Alice Springs Town Council run a harmony event for Alice Springs.
This year, the Big Day Out in Harmony will be held on 30 May 2026.
It will showcase food, films, music and dance from the town's multicultural community.
For more information, contact the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia by calling 08 8952 8776 or emailing info@mcsca.org.au.
Multicultural organisations
If you'd like to get involved or contact an ethnic or cultural group in Darwin and other regions, find their details below.
You can also add your organisation or update details.
Darwin
Other regions
Multicultural performance groups
To get involved, attend their events, or simply to show your support, check out these performance groups' contact details and websites below.
You can also add your group or update details.
Support for communities
Below are organisations that provide support and information for migrants and multicultural communities in the NT.
Multicultural service organisations
Australian Red Cross
Australian Red Cross runs Connected Women and their Families, a project co-designed with migrant women.
The project aims to bridge structural, language and cultural barriers to participation in community life in the NT.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Learn practical English skills with STEPS AMEP to help you access services, work, study and enjoy your life in Australia.
For more information, call 1300 585 868 (Casuarina and Palmerston) or 08 8950 7600 (Alice Spring).
You can also go to the STEPS website or visit their Facebook page.
Anglicare NT
Anglicare NT provides settlement support, services and referrals to clients (up to 5 years from arrival).
To find out more, call 08 8985 0000 or email anglicare@anglicare-nt.org.au.
You can also go to the Anglicare NT website.
Canossian Sisters (Catholic Church of the Diocese of Darwin)
The Canossian Sisters provide support services to the Italian and East Timorese community.
They help these communities preserve their unique identity and culture.
To find out more, call 08 8942 6000 or email canossianmulticulturalservice@gmail.com.
Colombian-Australian Association of the NT
The Colombian-Australian Association of the NT support Colombians and Latin Americans in the Territory.
It supports them through a series of integrated community projects that promote cultural, social and economic wellbeing.
These projects include welcome programs, dance group and language and culture lessons.
To find out more, email hola@colant.com.au or visit their Facebook page.
Council on the Ageing NT (COTA NT)
COTA NT manages 2 seniors’ groups, Italians and Portuguese-Timorese.
These groups are brought together weekly for various engagement activities to:
- combat social isolation and
- preserve cultural identity.
To find out more, call 08 8941 1004 or visit the COTA NT website or Facebook page.
Ignite Potential
Ignite Potential runs employment training and emotional wellbeing support programs for migrants living in the NT.
To find out more, call 0452 603 446, email info@ignitepotential.org.au or visit the Ignite Potential website.
Melaleuca Australia
Melaleuca Australia provides settlement programs for humanitarian entrants, including case management and counselling.
It also runs MyNT Kaleidoscope, a service designed to connect multicultural youth in the NT to:
- empower them to access needed supports
- grow their leadership skills and
- engage as active members of their community.
To find out more, call 08 8985 3311 or email admin@melaleuca.org.au.
You can also go to the Melaleuca Australia website or Facebook page.
Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia (MCSCA)
MCSCA assists with the settlement of migrants in Alice Springs.
To find out more, call 08 8952 8776 or email info@mcsca.org.au.
You can also go to the MCSCA website or Facebook page.
Multicultural Council of the NT (MCNT)
MCNT is the multicultural peak body in the NT that advocates for and provides services to:
- individuals
- families and
- communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To find out more, call 08 8945 9122 or email admin@mcnt.org.au
You can also go to the MCNT website or Facebook page.
Overseas Qualification Unit
The Overseas Qualification Unit offers free and confidential overseas qualification assessments for NT residents.
The assessment helps demonstrate what your overseas qualification compares to in Australia for employment purposes.
To find out more, call 08 8946 7316 or email info@skillsrecognitioncentre.edu.au.
You can also go to the Skills Recognition Centre website.
Rural Business Support Service
Rural Business Support Service’s Business Basics Health Check program aims to build financial literacy and business capacity in:
- small-to-medium family business owners and
- managers in Cambodian and Vietnamese communities in the NT.
To find out more, email info@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au or go to the Rural Business Support Service website.
Family and community support
If you witness or experience domestic or family violence or want to request a welfare check, call the police on 131 444.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
They provide a service directory, as well as a 24-hour counselling helpline.
You can call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800RESPECT website.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides assistance and support for people to recover from alcoholism.
You can call 1300 222 222 or go to the AA website.
Family Planning NT
Family Planning NT promotes sexual health and rights for everyone.
You can call 08 8948 0144 or go to the Family Planning NT website.
Health Direct
Health Direct provides 24-hour access to health information and advice. You can:
- talk to a health professional
- find trusted advice online about the appropriate care for your health issue
- find the closest local services that are open when you need them.
To find out more, call 1800 022 222 or go to the Health Direct website.
NT Council of Social Services (NTCOSS)
NTCOSS is the peak body for the social and community sector in the NT.
It advocates for social justice on behalf of people and communities who may be affected by poverty and disadvantage.
To find out more, call 08 8948 2665 or go to the NTCOSS website.
Ruby Gaea
Ruby Gaea provides free and confidential counselling and support to women and children who have experienced sexual assault.
You can call 08 8945 0155, email admin@rubygaea.net.au or go to the Ruby Gaea website.
Other helplines
- Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
- Relationships Australia: 1300 458 600
Other directories
- Service Seeker: www.serviceseeker.com.au
- NTcommunity: www.ntcommunity.org.au
Community legal services
If you witness or experience domestic or family violence or want to request a welfare check, call the police on 131 444.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS)
CAWLS delivers a holistic, culturally safe, trauma-informed legal service for women.
To find out more, call 1800 684 055, email enquiries@cawls.com.au or go to the CAWLS website.
Darwin Community Legal Service
Darwin Community Legal Service publishes useful fact sheets about a range of legal topics.
The service also provides a range of free legal and advocacy services.
To find out more, call 1800 812 953 or go to the Darwin Community Legal Service website.
Domestic Violence Legal Service
Domestic Violence Legal Service is a free legal service for persons who:
- have experienced or
- are at risk of domestic or family violence in the greater Darwin region.
To find out more, call 08 8999 7977, email info@dvls.nt.gov.au or go to the Domestic Violence Legal Service website.
Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service (KWILS)
KWILS is a not-for-profit community legal centre based in Katherine.
It provides women in Katherine and across the Big Rivers region access to free and professional legal services.
To find out more, call 1800 620 108, email info@kwils.com.au or go to the KWILS website.
NT Legal Aid Commission
The NT Legal Aid Commission provides legal services to Territorians with offices in:
- Darwin and Palmerston
- Katherine
- Tennant Creek and
- Alice Springs.
You can get free and confidential legal information, referral to other services and legal advice.
To find out more, call 1800 019 343 or go to the NT Legal Aid Commission website.
Refugee Legal
Refugee Legal is a free legal service in the NT for:
- refugees
- asylum seekers and
- other disadvantaged migrants seeking help with visas and immigration law.
To find out more, call 08 7926 8799, email admin@refugeelegal.org.au or go to the Refugee Legal website.
Top End Women’s Legal Service
The Top End Women’s Legal Service provides free and confidential:
- legal advice
- community legal education and
- advocacy on issues of importance to women in the Top End.
To find out more, call 08 8982 3000 or go to the Top End Women's Legal Services website.
Immigration assistance
To make sure you're using a registered migration agent, check the Register of Migration Agents.
You can access the register via the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority website.
Legal practitioners directory
Australian legal practitioners (lawyers) may provide immigration assistance without being a registered migration agent.
As a result, lawyers do not appear on the Register of Migration Agents.
To find a legal practitioner in the NT, or to check if someone is a legal practitioner in the NT, refer to the Law Society NT register.
Government services
Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs
The Australian's Government's Department of Home Affairs provides immigration and citizenship services.
To find out more, go to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
Australian Government's Department of Social Services
The Australian's Government's Department of Social Services provides social security and welfare services.
To find out more, go to the Australian Government's Department of Social Services website.
Australia's NT
Australia's NT provides information about migrating, living and working in the NT.
To find out more, go to the Australia's NT website.
Interpreting and Translating Service NT (ITSNT)
ITSNT provides interpreting and translating services for migrants and Territorians who speak languages other than English.
Visit the ITSNT website to see if you qualify for free interpreting services.
You can also call 08 8999 8506 or 1800 676 254 (free call for the NT), or email itsnt@nt.gov.au.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
TIS National is an interpreting service for:
- people who do not speak English
- agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
It is provided by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs.
To find out more, call 131 450 (24/7 service), email tis.freeinterpreting@homeaffairs.gov.au or go to the TIS National website.