Culture Card in Victoria [23.05.2010]
A new initiative to enhance the experiences of international students in Melbourne, the Culture Card, was jointly launched today (Sunday May 23) by the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Bronwyn Pike and the Committee for Melbourne’s CEO, Andrew MacLeod.
Images from the launch can be seen here.
The Culture Card, an initiative of the Committee for Melbourne, will welcome students into Melbourne’s many great attractions, building their understanding of our Victorian culture, sports and way of life.
Speaking at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Ms Pike said we need to make sure the 165,000 international students living in Victoria get the most out of their study experience.
But where did this idea come from?
The Committee for Melbourne recognized a number of years ago that International education is the most valuable industry export for Victoria and established a Higher Education Task Force.
CfM Higher Education Taskforce looked at a number of important issues impacting our education sector and business community, and the economic contribution of education to our state. The task force created the VC/CEO forum, and the Airport Welcome Desk now run by OKC with Government support.
The CfM Higher Education Taskforce also conceived the idea of Culture Card Victoria to be developed in partnership with Government, cultural and education partners.
“ A positive cultural experience by international students is vital for Australia and Melbourne’s long term interests” Andrew MacLeod, CEO of the Committee for Melbourne said today.
“Culture Card is about giving that positive experience.”
This is not the only work Committee for Melbourne is doing in this ‘cultural space’.
“Having worked in many foreign cultures I know of the problems and opportunities of working in foreign lands” MacLeod said.
“We now have began with VECCI a program with employers aimed at ensuring safe access to and from part time places of employment.”
Now through the Culture Card, their key to Victoria, students can also discover and enjoy more of our many great attractions and events.
Organisations providing special offers through the Culture Card include the MCG and the National Sports Museum, the Melbourne Aquarium, the Arts Centre, the Shrine of Remembrance, Museums Victoria and Zoos Victoria, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Upcoming Culture Card events will include foodie tours of Queen Victoria Market and guided tours of the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Melbourne Golden Mile.
And many more venues and attractions will continue to be made available through the Culture Card Victoria Program.
Mr MacLeod, said the Culture Cards would be distributed through universities and other education providers at orientation weeks or from student services. More than 45,000 cards have already been ordered.
“International students can also register directly for the Card and keep up to date with special offers at www.culturecardvictoria.com.au”, he said.
“The Culture Card is an example of how the Victorian Community can work together to ensure a high quality experience for international students in Victoria. We thank the Brumby Government for their support in funding this initiative,” Mr MacLeod said.