Hunter Multicultural Communities launches re-designed logo in hope of building engagement

Hunter Multicultural Communities (HMC) unveiled a new logo and branding on Monday in an effort to stimulate engagement with the social organisation.
At a ceremony at their hall in Waratah, the logo – crafted by TAFE student Bailey Cleaver after HMC called for designs through a re-brand competition – was revealed to stakeholders and guests.

The competition sought to harness local design talent, and form stronger connections and partnership opportunities between younger generations and established migrant communities.

Multicultural NSW chief Hakan Harman, Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp and Newcastle police chief Superintendent Brett Greentree all spoke at the gathering, recognising the important role HMC plays in the Hunter community.

As a facilitator and provider of many local programs with focuses on health and wellness; prevention of social isolation; social and aged care services; awareness, education and training for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and organisations, re-engaging the public is a crucial step of progression for new HMC chief Annette Gebhardt.
“We’d dropped off the radar a little bit and serving the communities that we want to,” Ms Gebhardt said.

“We want to broaden our audience and I think the best way to do that was probably re-engage the people that we actually serve to help us design a new logo that actually represents them and us in the same breath.
“I think the only way we will be successful is by other people joining us and participating with us.”

Finalists of the logo competition received awards from Superintendent Greentree before HMC president Bob Bell gave the winner’s award.
Ms Cleaver, 21, of Mayfield, said her design was inspired by the Olympic rings and what they represent in bringing people together.
“I wanted warm colours that we’re inviting and represented comfort,” she said.
Mr Crakanthorp commended HMC’s history, extending back to many of the migrants who worked in the city’s steel industry.

“HMC has been going for over 40 years and they’ve played a vital role in helping people from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds,” he said.

“They were formerly the Ethnic Communities Council and are always supporting different communities from different parts of Newcastle and the Hunter.”

 

Photo: Newcastle Herald

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Newcastle Herald