The Multicultural Network Inc. (TMN) belongs to numerous steering committees of other services, is a member of government forums and works collaboratively with government agencies to bring about positive improvement to communities. This has also opened channels of communication with decision makers, allowing for effective advocacy. TMN strategically builds relationships with government and non-government organisations to increase its advocacy power, to bring awareness of the need for cultural competency in services and to have input into policy, bills, rules and legislation that affect TMN’s clients and members.

Examples of TMN’s work in partnership with Local Government include:

• The SWS HACC Aboriginal Access / Development Project Officer attending the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference being held in Narrandera from 10-12 September 2014 at the invitation of Bankstown Council (BCC). The Officer represented BCC on issues that involve or impact the Aboriginal community of Bankstown as well as core conference topics including celebrating storytelling, showcasing talent, future leaders and cultural change within councils will nest under the three key topic areas of Community Engagement, Partnership and Reconciliation
• Input into Local Government Social Planning

Examples of TMN’s work with the NSW State Government include working in partnership with NSW Health, NSW Family and Community Services, Ageing Disabilities and Home Care (ADHC), and TAFE NSW to produce resources such as Planning Ahead, Getting the Right Help, and the development of the Bilingual Community Workforce project.

At the federal level, TMN’s expertise is well recognised and sought. An example includes receiving an invitation extended to TMN’s Multicultural Access Program worker by the Productivity Commission to speak at the 2011 inquiry into Caring for Older Australians.