Nine school leaders were selected to represent the college at the event, which was hosted by the state government at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.

Paralympian and tennis champion Dylan Alcott addressed the 100 attendees, who came from a range of Victorian schools.

Victorian Multicultural Commission youth commissioner Tina Hosseini was also among the speakers.

The luncheon, on May 8, was intended to thank schools for their contributions to their communities.

It was arranged as part of the Victorian. And proud of it. campaign, which reflects the state government’s multicultural policy statement.

A statement from the government indicates Crusoe College was recognised for its inclusiveness

The college was last year invited to be part of a pilot program with the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Service, which resulted in the production of films about the lives of some of its Karen students.

Year 7 students will participate in the Cultural Diversity project again this year.

Karen people account for most of the college’s multicultural student cohort.

Members of the school community also have Persian, Hindi, Dari, German, Filipino, Thai, Solomon Islands and Cambodian roots.

Twenty Indigenous students attend Crusoe College.

In a submission to the government, the college said it was proud to be part of the Bendigo community.

“We are proud of our Chinese heritage stemming from the Gold Rush. Our Easter Festival showcases our Chinese heritage each year during this time,” it said.

The school’s statement also highlighted the importance of students being given the opportunity to learn about how young people experienced life in other parts of the state.

“This will give our students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and be inspired by other young leaders, it said.

“It will provide an opportunity for them to meet other students from around Victoria to share their stories and ideas”.