Kingborough Council celebrated the launch the Multicultural Action Plan on Tuesday 13 August, with the community members who helped develop the plan.
“Kingborough has one of the highest multicultural populations, and to support the needs of this growing community Council established a Multicultural Advisory Group in July 2023,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Eleven residents of Kingborough, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, helped develop the community consultation to gain a broader understanding of the issues being experienced by the multicultural community.
“The community engagement survey reported many people had experienced and/or witnessed racism in the community.
“We were not naïve about racism in Kingborough, though we were somewhat surprised and saddened by the reports.
“But as well as Council showing leadership on this issue it’s up to all residents to stand up against racism and to embrace our newest residents, making them feel part of the local community.
“Just reaching out to a new neighbour can be a powerful way of making people feel welcome and part of our community, which is so important.
“The Multicultural Action Plan, which was developed after the consultation period, outlines the many ways Council can address racism through the delivery of positive events and activities to promote social cohesion and celebrate diversity.”
Council will be delivering a range of initiatives from the Multicultural Action Plan over the next two years.
Photo below: Cr Kasper Deane, Tomomi Van Harten, Nazli Sheikh, George Ekhair, Sajini Suma, Mayor Paula Wriedt, Cr Aldo Antolli, Misbah Shah, Catherine Muburi, Julian Punch