Multicultural - Townsville City Council - Queensland Government

Multicultural
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014

cover image >>
In a descriptive sense, ‘multicultural’ is simply
a term which describes the cultural and ethnic
diversity of contemporary Australia.
“We all should know that diversity makes for a
rich tapestry, and we must understand that all
the threads of the tapestry are equal in value
no matter what their color.” –
Maya Angelou, 1928
pattern >> kapok and brolga
townsville’s flora and fauna emblems
The Kapok tree is native to the Townsville
region and is recognisable from its vibrant
display of yellow flowers. Just like the Kapok,
Townsville is a vibrant and energetic city being
recognised throughout Australia.
Brolgas are gregarious creatures gathering
into large flocks, which appear to be many
self-contained individual groups rather than a
single social unit, representative of Townsville
— a community made up of a number of different
groups.

Townsville, a city where rights, interests and well-being are promoted
and protected; a city where both women and men from culturally
and linguistically diverse backgrounds enjoy equal opportunity and
participation.

The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
recognises the significant role played by the
multicultural community in Townsville.
The plan has been developed from a variety of
engagement activities and discussions with key
community representatives, organisations and
individuals from the multicultural community.
Our aim through this engagement and for the
coming implementation of the Multicultural
Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 is to develop true
partnerships between council and people with
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,
as we strive to meet the needs of our community.
We look forward to implementing the Multicultural
Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 and the
development of partnerships with community
stakeholders to build capacity, support and
respond to current and future identified needs.
Cr Les Tyrell oam
Mayor of Townsville

Contents
Introduction 2
Methodology 3
About Townsville 4
Demographic Profile 5
Integration 6
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan: Priority Areas 10
Priority Area One: Community Cohesion and Social Connection 11
Priority Area Two: Community Capacity Building 12
Priority Area Three: Communication 13
Implementation of the Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 14
Acknowledgements 16
Related Documents 17
References 18
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
1

Introduction
Townsville City Council’s Multicultural Strategic
Action Plan 2011-2014 sets out council’s plan to
work with the whole community, to improve the
status and lives of people from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds who live in
Townsville. The plan is guided by the Community
Plan 2011-2021 which was developed with
the feedback received from consultation with
services and stakeholders from the multicultural
community.
The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
provides a strategic framework to guide council’s
work with the community by outlining the
identified priority areas of community cohesion
and social connection, community capacity
building, communication, and strengthening
multiculturalism in Townsville.
The focus of the plan is to enable council and
the community to respond effectively and in an
appropriate and timely manner, to the needs
and aspirations of people from the culturally and
linguistically diverse community in Townsville,
both at an organisational and community level.
2 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Methodology
Townsville City Council has used a multi-faceted,
inclusive, community engagement methodology
to inform the development of the Multicultural
Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014. The objective
of the methodology is to achieve community
engagement that adheres to the council’s
Community Engagement Policy, and develop a
planning document that reflects the values and
aspirations of the Townsville community.
Council believes in, and is committed to, fostering
democratic representation, social inclusion and
meaningful community engagement to assist in
the delivery of a high quality local government.
Council’s Community Engagement Policy is based
on the following principles:
>> provision of inclusive opportunities for
informed community involvement in council’s
decision making
>> ensuring that all groups in the community are
provided with opportunities to engage with
council
>> commitment to the provision of culturally
appropriate processes to encourage increased
access by Aboriginal people, Torres Strait
and South Sea Islander people, people
from culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds and people with disabilities,
to participate in discussions about council
initiatives
>> adherence to an organisational Community
Engagement Policy and framework that
focuses on achieving meaningful community
engagement, and
>> to foster a council-wide culture of community
engagement.
The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-
2014 outlines actions that respond to the
issues identified by the community and key
stakeholders. The community engagement
process included both broad-based and targeted
engagement, and multiple techniques relevant to
the target groups. A comprehensive outline of this
engagement process can be found on council’s
website.
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
3

About Townsville
The traditional owners of the Townsville region are
the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples, and are the
first known people to have lived in the Townsville
area. Captain James Cook mentioned the region
in 1770. The name Townsville was created by an
employee in recognition of his employer Robert
Towns. This was the name adopted by the
Queensland Government when the township was
surveyed in 1865 and declared a municipality in
1866.
Townsville is the largest city in north Queensland
and has one of the fastest growing populations in
the state. At 30 June 2010, the estimated resident
population of Townsville was 185,768 people,
and was ranked the seventh largest growth from
2009 to 2010. Townsville’s population in 2031
is projected to be 270,500 people, which will
account for 4.3 per cent of Queensland’s total
population.
Townsville is located approximately halfway
between the tip of Cape York and Brisbane. Our
region is characterised by diverse landforms and
natural environments. In the low lying coastal
plain there are a number of rivers, creeks and
freshwater wetlands. Hills and mountains rise
out of the coastal plain, creating distinctive
landmarks.
These natural habitats support a wide range of
flora and fauna including 53 mammal species,
a large number of reptiles and amphibians
including land snakes, estuarine crocodiles, and
a diverse range of lizard and frog species and at
least 365 bird species.
Some of Townsville’s distinguishing
characteristics include:
>> Townsville has one of the largest population
growth areas in Queensland
>> employment in Townsville is significantly
stronger than the national and state averages
>> Townsville has one of the busiest regional
hospitals in Queensland
>> Townsville has the third busiest port in
Queensland
>> economic growth in Townsville is significantly
stronger than national and state averages
>> Townsville is home to a large defence force
presence
>> internationally recognised James Cook
University is based in the city, and
>> Townsville is a service and administrative
centre for North Queensland.
4 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Demographic Profile
The fabric of Townsville’s community is woven
with people from many cultures, backgrounds and
life experiences. Each person has a unique story
and brings valuable contributions and individual
aspirations to the diverse community. The rich
diversity amongst the Townsville community is
cause for celebration.
At the time of the 2006 Census, there were 17,982
persons in the Townsville Local Government Area
who stated they were born overseas (11.6 per cent
of the total population). In comparison, 17.9 per
cent of the Queensland population were born
overseas.
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
5

Integration
global trends
Article one in the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),
Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,
adopted in November 2001, states ‘cultural
diversity is the common heritage of humanity and
should be recognised and affirmed for the benefit
of present and future generations.’
Article four in the UNESCO states ‘the defence of
cultural diversity implies a commitment to human
rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular
the rights of persons belonging to minorities and
those of indigenous peoples.’
australian government
The People of Australia – Australia’s Multicultural
Policy is the Australian Government’s policy
statement on multiculturalism. This policy was
adopted in 2011 in acknowledgement that
Australia is a multicultural nation.
Since 1945, seven million people have migrated
to Australia. Today, one in four of Australia’s 22
million people were born overseas, 44 per cent
were born overseas or have a parent who was, and
four million speak a language other than English.
identify with more than 270 ancestries. The policy
is underpinned by the following principles.
>> The Australian Government celebrates and
values the benefits of cultural diversity for
all Australians, within the broader aims of
national unity, community harmony and
maintenance of our democratic values.
>> The Australian Government is committed
to a just, inclusive and socially cohesive
society where everyone can participate in
the opportunities that Australia offers and
where government services are responsive to
the needs of Australians from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds.
>> The Australian Government welcomes the
economic, trade and investment benefits
which arise from our successful multicultural
nation.
>> The Australian Government will act to
promote understanding and acceptance while
responding to expressions of intolerance
and discrimination with strength, and where
necessary, the force of law.
Australians speak over 260 languages and
6 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Integration
queensland government
Over the past 200 years, Queensland has become
home to people from more than 150 countries,
and Queensland’s cultural diversity is of social
and economic benefit to the state. It encourages
an environment that supports and rewards
participation in the cultural, social and economic
opportunities that Queensland offers. It also
necessitates the delivery of flexible, culturally
appropriate and client-focused services by
government agencies to ensure equitable access
to programs and services by all Queenslanders.
Multicultural Affairs Queensland co-ordinates
whole-of-government implementation of the
Queensland Government’s Multicultural Policy
by developing strategies and providing advice to
government agencies on the best way to deliver
programs and services to a culturally diverse
society. Multiculturalism Queensland – making
a world of difference is a new blueprint for
how to best mange the increasing diversity of
Queensland for the economic and social wellbeing
of the community. This policy aims to:
>> promote the economic and cultural benefits of
having a diverse population
>> ensure fair access to programs and services
for all Queenslanders regardless of cultural,
language and religious backgrounds
>> assist individuals and communities to
participate in the political and cultural life of
the state, and
>> promote positive community relations among
all Queenslanders.
local government
The Australian Local Government Association’s
(ALGA) vision for the local sphere of government is
that council’s provide local leadership that is open
and accountable, effective and efficient, develops
cooperative partnerships with state and federal
governments and quality people organisations
which will result in customer-focused service to
the community.
The ALGA has a Statement of Cultural
Inclusiveness policy which was endorsed at the
National General Assembly of Local Government
2001. The statement affirms a local government
commitment to the right of all Australians to enjoy
equal rights and be treated with equal respect,
regardless of race, colour, creed or origin.
The Local Government Association of Queensland
(LGAQ) supports councils to better assist, engage
and foster connections with their culturally diverse
communities through council planning, policies,
and services.
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
7

Integration
The LGAQ Policy Statement 2003 states that:
‘Local government recognises the importance
of cultural and linguistic diversity to the social,
cultural, and economic life of local communities.
It is committed to inclusion of that diversity, in
order to enhance and celebrate the richness of
community identity and to capture the benefits of
the diversity for the benefit of all.’
Townsville City Council’s Corporate Plan 2009-
2014 states council has an ongoing commitment
to creating an inclusive community. A community
development framework underpins the services,
programs and projects that council delivers to the
multicultural community of Townsville.
Community Grants and Sponsorship Scheme
Through the Community Grants and Sponsorship
Scheme, Townsville City Council is a significant
contributor to enhancing the well-being of our city.
Council supports the multicultural community
with this program through ongoing funding for
community projects, including major events,
aimed at celebrating the community’s diverse
cultural fabric. These programs and celebrations
aim to facilitate and encourage members from
non-Australian backgrounds to participate in
Townsville’s community life.
Community Grants and Sponsorship Scheme
Snap Shot:
The Community Grants and Sponsorship Scheme has
supported multicultural projects/activities including:
>> Townsville Greek Fest and Cultural Fest
>> Townsville Multicultural Support Group Schools
Cultural Outreach Program and event to declare
Townsville a Refugee Welcome Zone
>> Spirit of Africa Cultural Association Inc. (costumes
for performance)
>> Cootharinga Society of North Queensland
employing Indigenous and multicultural presenters
to deliver workshops on their culture and traditions
>> Malayali Association of Townsville Inc get-togethers
for people whose ethnic background is Kerala
>> Sudanese Association of Townsville supplying
sewing machine and instruments for ‘Continuing
the Sudanese Culture’ event
>> Filipino Australian Affiliation of North Queensland
Inc Filipino Festival, and
>> Puawai Aroha Group celebrating New Zealand and
Waitangi Day.
8 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 9

Multicultural Strategic Action Plan:
Priority Areas
Community consultation has identified the themes
of community cohesion and social connection,
community capacity building and communication.
These identified priority areas are further detailed
by strategies, actions and initiatives.
Townsville City Council has developed the
following three priority areas including their goals,
strategies, actions and initiatives, on behalf of the
local community.
These priority areas have been informed by
targeted sector engagement and the Speak Up
Townsville community engagement which informs
the development of the Community Plan 2011-
2021, and is linked to the council’s Corporate Plan
2009-2014.
10 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Priority Area One:
Community Cohesion and Social Connection
goal >> Provide a broad range of inclusive social networking opportunities for the
culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community within Townsville.
strategy 1 >> improve the participation of the cald community in
accessing and delivering sport and recreation, cultural, and
social activities in townsville.
Action
Provide opportunities for the CALD community to
access and participate in existing and new events.
Initiatives
>> Undertake consultation with the CALD
community to identify barriers in accessing
and participating in events and social
networking opportunities within Townsville.
>> Identify opportunities to promote and
celebrate the diverse multicultural community
in Townsville.
Action
Ensure accessible and appropriate information
about community services and recreational
activities is supplied to the CALD community.
Initiatives
>> Work with existing service providers to ensure
appropriate information is provided to new
migrants in an accessible manner.
>> Work with settlement support and migrant
resource agencies to have relevant translated
information on the council website.
Action
Provide information to CALD services and
individuals on the availability of relevant grants
to enable the creation of social networking
opportunities.
Initiatives
>> Provide information to CALD services and
individuals within Townsville about council’s
Community Grants and Sponsorship Scheme.
>> Provide appropriate training and assistance in
completing grant applications.
Action
Provide opportunities for members of the CALD
community to develop and display art and cultural
works within the Townsville community.
Initiative
>> Assist members of the CALD community to
apply for Regional Arts and Development
Funding.
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 11

Priority Area Two:
Community Capacity Building
goal >> An empowered and resourceful culturally and linguistically diverse
community in Townsville.
strategy 1 >> utilise a community development framework to build
the capacity of the cald community.
Action
Continue to engage the CALD community in a
culturally appropriate manner to ensure that the
community is involved in key decision making.
Initiatives
>> Provide opportunities for the CALD community
to be involved in council decision making.
>> Identify key stakeholders and existing
networks within the CALD community to
enable inclusive engagement.
Action
Strengthen relationships and networks between
CALD community organisations, individuals
and council to support information-sharing and
collaborative work.
Initiatives
>> Continue to attend key network meetings to
share and receive relevant information.
>> Continue to deliver Local Area Multicultural
Partnership funded activities and outputs.
Action
To ensure an inclusive and culturally diverse
workforce.
Initiatives
>> Develop and implement staff attraction,
recruitment and retention strategies and
processes to ensure that the diversity of the
workforce reflects that of the community.
>> Continue to promote diversity within the
council workplace through the Diversity and
Equity Reference Group.
Action
Promote awareness of the challenges faced by the
CALD community.
Initiative
>> Develop and implement a program of
community relations activities, events
and resources to increase community
understanding of multiculturalism and the
benefits it brings to the community.
12 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Priority Area Three:
Communication
goal >> An informed culturally and linguistically diverse community in Townsville.
strategy 1 >> to provide information to the cald community in an
inclusive and accessible manner.
Action
Promote the importance of cross-cultural
awareness training within our community
organisations, businesses and levels of
government.
Initiatives
>> Deliver cross-cultural awareness training to
relevant staff in council.
>> Promote the value of cross-cultural awareness
training within the community.
>> Ensure important community information is
delivered to the CALD community.
>> Work with relevant emergency services to
deliver disaster management information to
the CALD community in an accessible manner.
>> Ensure relevant information about council’s
services, programs and events is disseminated
to the CALD community in an accessible
manner.
Action
Support information sharing and collaborative
work between sectors.
Initiatives
>> Identify and utilise opportunities to establish
and strengthen relationships and networks
between council and the CALD community and
services.
>> Support and participate in networks and other
mechanisms through which information can
be shared.
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 13

Implementation of the Multicultural Strategic Action
Plan
The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
provides a framework to guide the Townsville City
Council’s work with the community by outlining
priority areas for the multicultural community of
Townsville. This plan will be implemented over a
three year period.
The implementation of this plan will grow
and develop partnerships with community
stakeholders to build capacity, support and
respond to the identified priority areas. Council
invites the community to be actively involved in
the implementation of initiatives and projects
outlined in this plan.
Council will annually review the progress of the
initiatives outlined within this plan, the outcomes
of these reviews will be recorded on the council
website.
Copies of the Multicultural Strategic Action
Plan 2011-2014 will be available at CityLibraries
branches, the Community Information Centre and
council’s website.
The initiatives within this plan are those that
have been identified through the engagement
process, however, these are not the only methods
available to reach the goals. Council welcomes
contributions and ideas from community
members, groups and organisations which could
assist in achieving the goals identified in the
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014.
Please email multicultural@townsville.qld.gov.au
or visit council’s website at:
www.townsville.qld.gov.au to provide your feedback.
14 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 15

Acknowledgements
The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
was developed from the information provided
by the community through the consultation and
engagement process.
Townsville City Council would like to thank
and acknowledge the expertise, input, advice,
comments and thoughts shared by individuals,
groups and organisations who have assisted in
shaping the development of this action plan.
Australian's just like to
help us and they don't
even know our family,
they are nice people.
– townsville community member, 2010 –
16 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

Related Documents
related townsville city council
policies
>> Community Engagement Policy
>> Local Laws and Subordinate Laws
>> Information Privacy Policy
related townsville city council
planning documents
>> Community Plan 2011-2021
>> Corporate Plan 2009-2014
>> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic
Action Plan 2011-2014
>> Community Safety Strategic Action Plan 2011-
2014
>> Disability Inclusion Strategic Action Plan 2011-
2014
>> Families Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
>> Women’s Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
>> Senior’s Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
>> Youth Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014
>> Arts and Culture Development Strategic Action
Plan 2011-2014
>> Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan
2011-2014
>> City Plan
>> Economic Development Plan
related queensland legislation
>> Queensland Government Multicultural Policy
2004
>> Local Government Act 2009
>> Sustainable Planning Act 2009
>> Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991
Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014 17

References
Local Government Association Queensland 2003, Cultural
Diversity, viewed 1 March 2011,
Queensland Government Multicultural Policy 2004,
Multicultural Queensland – making a world of difference,
viewed 1 March 2011,
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011, Guide
to Migrant Statistical Sources, Cat. No. 3414.0,
Ed. 2,
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation 2001, Identiy, Diversity and Pluralism, viewed
1 March 2011,
18 Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

townsville city council
Sport and Recreation
action plan >> 2011-2014
Community Strategic
Action Plans
2011-2014
Community Safety
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Arts and Culture
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Senior’s
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Multicultural
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Disability Inclusion
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Youth
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Women’s
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014
Families
strategic action plan >> 2011-2014