Local Government Case Studies
City of Whitehorse
Valuing our culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Goal
To established mechanisms that encourage and facilitate community engagement, consultation, involvement and participation in civic and community life by culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
How?
Through the development of a Multicultural Policy and Action Plan.
More…
The City of Whitehorse is a socially and culturally diverse municipality with about 28% of its residents born overseas and 23% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Whitehorse is committed to recognising and encouraging diversity as contributing to the cultural richness that influences the social, economic, and cultural development of the community. Considerable work has been undertaken to ensure that the city is responsive and accountable to its culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The Multicultural Policy and Action Plan was developed in four stages: research, consultation and audit, policy formulation and refinement of the policy. The process was overseen by a community reference group. A model designed to reflect key policy outcomes was subsequently designed. The model contains the following policy components: advocacy, participation, inclusion, accessibility, responsive services, promotion of diversity/community spirit.
The policy itself, and the stronger relationships between council and diverse cultural communities that resulted in the course of its development, have both increased the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the development and implementation of subsequent policies – particularly the Municipal Public Health Plan and Disability Action Plan.
Contact
Helen Killmier
Manager, Community Development
City of Whitehorse
Telephone: 03 9262 6334
Email: Helen.Killmier@whitehorse.vic.gov.au