Local Government Case Studies
Shire of Johnstone
Community relations planning
Goal
To foster a positive local community relations environment where diversity is valued and accepted.
How?
Develop, adopt and implement a community relations plan outlining Johnstone Shire's commitment to multiculturalism through clear and achievable actions.
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Johnstone Shire's Community Relations Plan was adopted by council on September 26th 2002. It targets seven key areas to work within: leadership, partnerships, community involvement, inclusive service delivery, human resource management, symbolic gestures and anti-racism.
For example, under inclusive service delivery, council engages professional trainers from Multicultural Affairs Queensland to provide cross-cultural awareness training to staff and councillors. In 2003, 80% of council staff participated in the training.
In the field of anti-racism, Johnstone Council co-produces the Kulture Karnivale. This festival promotes positive community relations and community cohesion by bringing together diverse cultures to share through music, dance, food and traditional practices.
The Community Relations Plan was developed under the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) Program, a joint initiative between some Queensland local government areas and the Queensland Government.
Contact
Lyndal Scobell
Community Relations Officer
Johnstone Shire Council
Telephone: 07 4030 2250
Email: ScobellL@jsc.qld.gov.au