Victoria’s largest transport and housing project has taken a step forward in engaging multicultural communities, with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) launching a dedicated steering committee. The initiative marks a first for the state, introducing a platform that brings together diverse voices to guide the Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East) project.
The newly established Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Steering Committee is comprised of members drawn from local organisations, councils, and community groups. All participants live or work around the six SRL East station areas spanning Cheltenham to Box Hill. Led by an independent chair, the group has been tasked with ensuring meaningful collaboration with Victoria’s multicultural communities throughout the project’s delivery.
SRLA Chief Executive Officer Frankie Carroll highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that the committee would support communities during construction and beyond. He emphasised the benefits SRL East will bring, from affordable housing to improved connectivity, ensuring neighbourhoods become vibrant hubs for generations to come.
With Melbourne’s population expected to grow to nine million by the 2050s, SRL is central to the city’s evolution. It will deliver 70,000 homes and transform areas around the new stations into thriving neighbourhoods. Construction is well underway, and detailed plans are being shaped with extensive community consultation.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, Bwe Thay, who also sits on the committee, described the initiative as a vital step in supporting equity and inclusion. Reflecting on his own experiences as a Burmese-Australian in Melbourne’s east, Thay noted how diversity enriches society and drives innovation. He expressed pride in contributing to a project that prioritises engagement with multicultural communities during its planning and execution.
This steering committee symbolises a collective commitment to creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and shaping Melbourne’s future in partnership with its people. As work progresses on SRL East, these conversations will ensure the project delivers benefits that truly resonate across Victoria’s diverse population.
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