Multiculturalism Minister visits OBK, Emanuel
“Giving back to the community is so important, and it’s groups like these that play such an important role."
COOKING, classroom interaction, and connecting with a shule congregation and the NSW Board of Deputies (JBD), were all experienced by NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure on May 25.
Coure, who began his ministerial role in December, arrived at Our Big Kitchen (OBK) mid-afternoon, where he met JBD vice-president Nathalie Samia, and was given a tour of OBK by its founders Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin Laya Slavin. Clearly impressed when shown a list of more than a dozen organisations that would this week be receiving prepared meals, made by hundreds of volunteers, to distribute to people in need, Coure put an apron on, rolled up his sleeves and joined them to chop up some fresh vegetables.
Coure said it was a “wonderful opportunity to come and see firsthand the wonderful work that Rabbi Dovid Slavin and the team do here at OBK, and of course the local school students here [volunteering] today”.
“Giving back to the community is so important, and it’s groups like these that play such an important role, particularly over the last two years through the pandemic.
“Thank you for the opportunity to help a little bit, but more importantly, to see the great work you do.”
Rabbi Slavin also gave Coure a tour of Sydney Shul and Yeshiva College Bondi, where the minister popped into a classroom to chat to the students.
“I have one of the best jobs in NSW Parliament, as I get to meet people from so many different cultures and communities every day, all of whom contribute so much to our state and our nation,” Coure said.
“And I’m so pleased to be here today to meet you.”
Coure then visited Emanuel Woollahra Preschool, where he spoke to director Fiona Ozana and the school’s educators about how they teach their preschoolers about Reconciliation Week.
And to cap off a busy day, Coure also popped into Emanuel Synagogue.
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