The Minister for Community Development, Cassy O'Connor, today congratulated the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Northern Tasmania on 30 years of valuable community work.  

Speaking at the 30^th anniversary event today, Ms O'Connor said the Migrant Resource Centre had helped support new Tasmanians settling in this state, to build connections and to participate in a new society in a new country.

"The employees and volunteers of the Migrant Resource Centre have worked very hard assisting new Tasmanians settle successfully into their new communities," Ms O'Connor said.

"The support that is provided by MRC has contributed to Tasmania becoming an inclusive community that respects diversity and multiculturalism.

"Tasmania is made up of people from almost 200 countries, creating a rich society with diverse social, linguistic and cultural abilities.

"Centuries of migration have brought people to Tasmania with many different experiences, skills and an ability to contribute, even though their circumstances of arrival may differ greatly.

"Only a few days ago I was happy to launch the Better Access to Government Services report, and look forward to it aiding the smooth and easy transition for people who chose to make Tasmania their home," Ms O'Connor said.   

"I am proud that Tasmania is a place where differences are valued and respected and it is this cultural diversity that enriches all Tasmanian lives."