Multicultural Action Plan (PDF - 2.5MB) - City of Greater Geelong

20
Key Achievements in Multicultural Affairs
In practice and in spirit
Key Council Achievements in Multicultural Affairs
In order to express its support to the new and emerging
communities, not only in practical terms but also in spirit,
in 2002 the Council formally declared the City of Greater
Geelong as a “Refugee Welcome Zone”, based on the
commitment of Council to welcome refugees into our
community and reaffirm the City of Greater Geelong’s ongoing
commitment to cultural diversity and humanitarianism. 11
CoGG proactively supports cultural diversity through many
direct and indirect activities. These are listed in detail in Table 1.
Involvement spans many departments within CoGG including
Family Services, Community Development, Arts and Culture,
Sport and Recreation, Leisure Services, Community Facilities,
Aged and Disability Services (including Home Care, Meals on
Wheels) and the Geelong Regional Library.
CITy OF GREATER GEELOnG
Key Achievements of Partner Organisations
Diversitat, formerly the Geelong Migrant Resource
Centre, was established 30 years ago by the Geelong
Ethnic Communities Council to help post war migrants
with welfare and community issues. Today, Diversitat
provides important education and training services, aged
care, youth services, arts, food services and community
radio for all sections of the community, including CALD
communities. The annual Pako Festa is one of its higher
profile events. It attracts more than 100,000 people to
celebrate diversity. Many CALD communities have created
their own associations, which serve the social, cultural,
sporting, recreational and welfare needs of their members.
Mainstream service providers are also important to our
CALD communities.
Table 1: Key CoGG Activities
Global Skilled Provincial Victoria program to attract and retain skilled migrants to fill skill shortages in the region
Aged and Disability Services, Home and Community Care Program Cultural Action Plan
Meals on Wheels program
Support to annual Pako Festa, and other cultural events
Whittington Community Renewal program supports the African refugees in providing free facilities and expertise
Safe Start Project which provides support to refugee Karen Families at Corio Bay Family Centre
Annual financial support to Neighbourhood Houses for inclusive programs/activities for the local communities
Municipal Early years Plan includes a focus on diversity and inclusive practice
Supported Playgroup and Multicultural Playgroup
new Residents Aquatic Education Program, with yMCA & Diversitat teaches refugee children water safety skills
Financial and in kind support to key organisations, including Diversitat and United Way
Support to agencies/church groups and projects supporting CALD community in the north
Subsidised access to Community Halls and Buses for CALD communities to perform and express cultural practices
Ongoing support to Geelong Interfaith network
Councillor Community Grants Program of $240,000 per year to community groups
Community Arts and Festivals Grants Program of more than $220,000 per year
Youth Development Officer with a focus on diversity and place based community development officers
Welcome events for new arrivals to Geelong
Participation in various committees, including the Geelong Settlement Planning Committee
Annual contribution to Geelong Regional Library and additional programs for 2010–2011 for CALD inclusive initiatives
11 Council Report presented on 25 June 2002