After reviewing the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2018, officers conducted conversations with the community, service providers, local organisations, education providers and different levels of government to develop the strategy.
Based on the 2016 census, 14.8 per cent of the Greater Shepparton population identifies as being born in a country other than Australia.
While the ABS is the only formal measure of population, evidence from local sector organisations suggest that the overall numbers of people born overseas is likely to be higher than that.
The strategy will build on achievements already gained by Council and the community in past initiatives such as Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) pilot program and Racism. It Stops With Me.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said it will also support large-scale cultural events held in Greater Shepparton like Converge on the Goulburn and the St George’s Rd Food Festival.
“You only had to look as far as Converge on the Goulburn at Victoria Park Lake on Saturday to see how many different cultures and backgrounds we have in Greater Shepparton,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Council is proud that our region is a home to people from all around the world and this strategy highlights our dedication to supporting every single person in Greater Shepparton.”
The strategy and action plan is inclusive of all multicultural communities regardless of age, socio economic status, sexuality and gender.
“The new Multicultural Strategy is based on valuing communities, recognising their contribution to our society and celebrating the many cultures and the diversity it brings to the area,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
The Multicultural Strategy 2019-2022 and associated action plan aligns with the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) Statement of Commitment to Cultural Diversity.
The statement aims to promote and facilitate good multicultural practice and leadership within and across Victorian local government.
Council will be officially launching the Multicultural Strategy 2019-2022 at the Shepparton Library Friday, 22 March at 5pm.
The public is invited to attend the launch and celebrate multiculturalism in Greater Shepparton.
