ABSTRACT
The Kurdish community has been in Australia since the late 1960s. The various phases of immigration, settlement and multicultural policies provide the contextual background to the study of ethnic affairs. The intake of immigrants to Australia has occurred through a variety of programs including family reunion, independent skill, humanitarian and employer sponsorships. Multiculturalism has changed the status of immigrant communities. The development of immigration and ethnic affairs policy and programs occurs through a constant process of dialogue and negotiation between stakeholders, including ministers, government agencies and community sector organisations. It is important to have a basic map of these stake-holders in order to understand how the Kurdish community came to be recognised and get access to services. In December 1988 the inaugural annual general meeting of the new Kurdish Association of Victoria was held, a constitution adopted and a management committee elected.
