Attachment 1 - Frontpage

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Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017 | Manningham City Council (Trim Ref:D14/12573) 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Overview

It is a fundamental right of every individual to have the opportunity to participate equally in society.

Manningham City Council’s Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017 provides the strategic framework for how Council will promote and celebrate diversity and address access and social inclusion issues over the coming three years.

Council will aim to remove language, cultural, religious, racial, gender, sexual orientation, disability-based and age-based barriers from interactions with and within the Manningham community; and wants all local people to ‘receive a fair go and a fair share’, regardless of their background.

This is a strategic document that represents Council’s commitment to Human Rights and its values of freedom, respect, equality and dignity.

In particular, the strategy targets the following key access, equity and diversity areas:

Cultural diversity Religious diversity Linguistic diversity Age

Gender equity Sexual identity Disability

The aims of the Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy are to:

Provide an integrated framework to support Council in addressing and incorporating access, equity and diversity goals in a coordinated manner

Maximize the benefits of this coordinated delivery to improve opportunities for all local people to participate equally in local community and civic life; and to be treated with respect, equality and dignity.

Definitions

A socially inclusive society is defined as one where “all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity”1.

Access – Local government services should be available to everyone who is entitled to them and should be free of any form of discrimination on the basis of a person’s ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, English language skills, ability or age.

Equity – Local government services should be developed and delivered on the basis of fair treatment of those who are eligible to receive them.

The concept of diversity includes acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognising our individual differences. These can include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs or other ideologies. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity that are contained within each individual (and community).2

1 Cappo, D Monsignor, 2002, Quoted in VicHealth Research – Social inclusion as a determinant of mental health & wellbeing 2005

2 University of Oregon, Definition of Diversity


Figure 1 (below) depicts an example of diversity i.e. types of identities and background. It is important to consider that every person and community is unique and that a person’s identity is made up of a variety of identities. For example it is one thing to have a disability, but another to be a woman with a disability and yet another to be a migrant woman with a disability. The size of each bubble will be different for everyone and denotes the importance of an identity, which can vary across individuals, groups and even the same individual over time.

Figure 1: Diversity - People have multiple, intersecting identities and backgrounds3

2. INTEGRATED ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY FRAMEWORK

Manningham City Council’s commitment to access, equity and diversity is reflected in the following overarching principle of social justice and human rights and the associated pillars which form the framework of this strategy.

The social justice and human rights overarching principle affirms and guides Council’s commitment to actions which address and advocate for equitable access to local services and which affirm the inherent right of all people to be treated with respect, equality and dignity. This overarching principle will guide Council in implementing its strategic objectives.

Overarching Principle Social Justice and Human Rights

Pillar 1: Empowerment, Access, Inclusion and

Participation

This Pillar affirms and guides Council's commitment to

supporting meaningful participation of all local

people in community life

This Pillar affirms and guides Council's

commitment to recognising and respecting the diversity

of Manningham's community

Pillar2: Promotion and Celebration of Respect, Diversity and Harmony

Pillar 3: Leadership, Partnerships, Communication and Accountability

This Pillar affirms and guides Council's commitment to:

having effective and accessible information & communication;

building organisational competence in access, equity

and diversity practices; listening to and working with the

community; advocating on important local issues; and

evaluating the effectiveness of Council in meeting these

guiding principles and associated objectives

Gender Language

Sexual Identity Ethnicity Religion

Age Location

Employment Status

Disability


The Strategy focuses on access, equity and diversity in order to achieve a socially inclusive society; one in which people are not excluded from community life because of their identity or background. This is because exclusion can lead to lower social standing, often accompanied by lower outcomes in terms of income, social capital, health, access to employment, access to services, voice in decision making and quality of life

4.

3. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

All spheres of government respond to the growing diversity of the Australian population by developing appropriate legislation and policies to ensure equality of treatment for all members of the community. The fundamental principle underlying all these laws and policies is that regardless of race, religion, language, gender, ability, age or other attributes, all residents must be guaranteed equal opportunity and equal access to services.

Manningham’s Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy and its ongoing implementation is guided by the following Australian legislation and policy:

Federal Government State Government

Racial Discrimination Act, 1975

Sex Discrimination Act, 1984

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act, 1986

Disability Discrimination Act, 1992

Racial Hatred Act, 1995

Age Discrimination Act, 2004

Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act, 2013

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act, 2013

National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy 2011-2015

The People of Australia, 2011 - The Federal Government’s Multicultural Policy

Multicultural Access and Equity Policy: Respecting Diversity. Improving Responsiveness

National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020

The Gender Equality Blueprint, 2010

National Strategy for Young Australians, 2010

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Ageing and Aged Care Strategy, 2012

Local Government Act, 1989

Racial and Religious Tolerance Act, 2001

Child, Youth and Families Act, 2005

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2006

Victorian Disability Act, 2006

Victorian Equal Opportunity Act, 2010

Victorian Multicultural Act, 2011

Carers Recognition Act, 2012

Public Health and Wellbeing Act, 2008

Commission for Children and Young People Act, 2012

Victoria’s Advantage: Unity, Diversity, Opportunity, 2014 – Victoria’s Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy

The Victorian State Disability Plan 2013-2016

Future Directions – Action agenda for young Victorians

Plan Melbourne, 2014

Priorities for Victorian Women’s Health 2014-2018

3, 4 World Bank, 2013, Inclusion Matters


Council’s Role

Council has an important role to play in the development of a socially inclusive community where all people, irrespective of their ability, ethnicity, gender, age or socio-economic background can fully and fairly participate in civic and community life.

As such, Manningham City Council has adopted a whole-of-Council approach to ensuring that the principles of access, equity and diversity are incorporated into all areas of community service provision.

This focus is consistent with Council’s Generation 2030 Community Plan (long-term community led strategic framework) and Council Plan 2013-2017 goals of having:

An inclusive and harmonious community that celebrates our diversity and draws strength from our differences;

A community that is involved and well connected, strengthening community spirit;

Accessible services and facilities for people of all ages and abilities.


4. DIVERSITY IN MANNINGHAM5

Overview

Manningham has a unique combination of city and country lifestyles. With a population of approximately 117,000 people (ABS 2013), Manningham includes the suburbs of Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Nunawading (part), Park Orchards, Ringwood North (part), Templestowe, Lower Templestowe, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South and Wonga Park.

Gender Male: 48.6%; Female: 51.4%

Culture and language

Manningham has a diverse multilingual and multicultural community. Our residents come from over 140 countries worldwide and speak 106 languages. 36.5% of residents (40,629 people) were born overseas and 39% speak a language other than English at home. Furthermore, over 50% of our residents had at least one of their parents born overseas.

Traditionally, the largest migrant populations in Manningham have been Italian and Greek communities. However in 2006 China became, and continues to be, our dominant migrant country-of-origin. Immigration from countries with Chinese affiliations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia also continues to increase. Manningham is also home to Victoria’s largest Iranian community.

The top five overseas countries of birth are now China, Italy, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Greece.

The top five languages spoken are English, Cantonese, Greek, Mandarin and Italian. 6% of our residents (7,020 people) are not fluent in English or do not speak English at all.

Volunteering

The level of volunteering can indicate the cohesiveness of the community and how readily individuals are able to contribute to that community. Factors impacting the level of volunteering in Manningham include our age structure, level of proficiency in English, income and education levels. 18% of the Manningham population reported doing some form of volunteering in 2011.

SEIFA Index of Disadvantage

In 2011, Manningham scored 1,071.4 on the SEIFA Index of disadvantage. This indicates a low level of socio-economic disadvantage.

Disability

Disability can occur at any stage throughout life. While it can be present at birth, the vast majority of people acquire their disability as an adult. Some disabilities occur suddenly while others may develop over time. Some are permanent, others episodic or temporary in nature. A disability can be physical or intellectual. Some are obvious while others are hidden; and a person can have more than one disability.

Approximately 20% of Victorians have some form of a disability. Within Manningham, 5,026 people report needing a high level of assistance in their day-to-day lives with self-care, body movements or communication. Many more people requiring less daily assistance face challenges due to their disability. Our ageing population will increase these numbers. The Victorian Government projects that the number of people with a disability will rise by 47% over the next 12 years (2011-2023). Furthermore, 11,150 people in Manningham provide unpaid assistance to a person with a disability.

Sexual and Gender Identity

While many GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) people live healthy, connected, happy and positive lives, the GLBTI population is known to have poorer wellbeing outcomes than other Victorians across a number of areas. Social factors, such as experience of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and reduced access to appropriate services, can directly contribute to poorer health and wellbeing outcomes.

Religion

Over 25 faiths are practiced in Manningham.

Age / Life Stages

The age structure of Manningham provides key insights into the level of demand for age based services and facilities. Manningham’s population is ageing.

Babies and preschoolers (0-4): 4.9%

School children (5-17):15.4%

Tertiary education and independence (18-24%): 9.3%

Young workforce (25-34): 10.4%

Parents and homebuilders (35-49): 20.9%

Older workers and pre retirees (50-59): 13.5%

Empty nesters and retirees (60-69): 12.1%

Seniors (70-84): 11.3%

Elderly aged (85+): 2.3%

5 All data from ABS 2011 Census unless otherwise indicated


5. ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Pillar 1: Empowerment, Access, Inclusion and Participation

The empowerment, access, inclusion and participation pillar affirms and guides Council’s commitment to supporting meaningful participation of local people in community and civic life.

Council will:

1.1 Seek to identify and reduce barriers experienced by people because of their identity or background (e.g. their ability, culture, faith, language, age, gender, sexual identity)

1.2 Enhance participation by people with diverse identities and backgrounds in Council services, programs, activities and events

1.3 Strengthen opportunities for people with diverse identities and backgrounds to participate in civic life and decision making

1.4 Continue to increase community awareness of the full range of Council services and facilities available

1.5 Continue to improve access for all to Manningham’s built environment, transport, facilities, events and services

1.6 Support initiatives that create or strengthen pathways that create better outcomes for vulnerable people

1.7 Support the varying needs of people at different life stages (age) and with different abilities

1.8 Encourage local community organisations to be accessible and inclusive of people with different identities and backgrounds

Pillar 2: Promotion and Celebration of Respect, Diversity and Harmony

The promotion and celebration of diversity affirms and guides Council’s commitment to recognizing and respecting the diversity of Manningham’s community, and achieving an inclusive and harmonious community that celebrates our diversity and draws strength from our differences.

Council will:

2.1 Support activities that strengthen, acknowledge and promote the diversity of Manningham’s community

2.2 Continue to develop connections between diverse communities within Manningham

2.3 Acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions that people with diverse identities and backgrounds bring to the community



Leadership, partnerships, communication and accountability affirm and guide Council’s commitment to having effective and accessible information and communication; building organisational competence in access, equity and diversity practices; listening to, and working with the community; advocating on important local issues; and evaluating the effectiveness of Council in meeting its guiding principle and objectives.

Council will:

3.1 Embed access and inclusion measures and values as a priority across Council

3.2 Increase awareness of the human and legal rights of people with different abilities and backgrounds across Council

3.3 Advocate to State and Federal Government on measures that will increase social, civic and economic participation and reduce local disadvantage

3.4 Actively involve Manningham’s diverse communities (people of different identities and backgrounds) when considering how Council services and facilities are to be prioritised, designed and delivered

3.5 Ensure that infrastructure, service provision and facilities planning takes account of demographic change

3.6 Provide Council officers with the information, tools and systems to communicate services, projects and issues with diverse communities in a more targeted manner

3.7 Ensure that Council information is accessible to everyone and create awareness of its availability

3.8 Continue to enhance connection and integration between Council services

3.9 Continue to strengthen collaborative and organisational partnerships across services and programs

3.10 Support community stakeholders to engage with and support at risk and vulnerable community members

3.11 As an employer, lead by example through inclusive and flexible recruitment and employment practices

3.12 Monitor and evaluate Council’s strategic plans to measure progress being made in achieving equitable access to local services; and in respecting the inherent right of all people to be treated with respect, equality and dignity.

The process of fostering equity and inclusion is incremental. It requires time and unwavering commitment6.

6World Bank, 2013, Inclusion Matters


6. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY STRATEGY

Manningham’s Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017 provides the opportunity for social justice and human rights issues to be considered strategically, in a coordinated manner, across a broad range of social policy areas.

Previously, a suite of specific strategies and action plans have been developed, each focusing on different social policy areas. There are currently four Council documents with associated action plans that have been endorsed by Council over recent years that will be honoured and delivered upon in a coordinated manner within this new Access, Equity and Diversity Framework. These include:

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 - 2017

Early Years Plan 2013 - 2018

Youth Policy and Action Plan 2012 - 2017

Multicultural Communications Strategy 2011 - 2014

In addition, the Framework also incorporates social policy areas that are not addressed by current policies or strategies. These include:

Cultural and religious diversity

Volunteering

Sexual identity equity

Gender equity

Two associated strategies have recently expired and are being replaced by this Strategy and its Action Plan (Multicultural Strategy 2009-2013 and Volunteer Policy 2009-2013). The issues of gender equity and sexual identity are new areas of focus for Council.

Access, Equity and Diversity Action Plan

An Action Plan accompanies this document. It addresses the principles and strategic objectives of the Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017 and coordinates its delivery (i.e. it specifies how Council will achieve the objectives of this document within the scope of available resources). The Action Plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and targets emerging issues as well as longer term strategic issues.

The Action Plan will guide the way forward for Council on delivering actions that will address and advocate for equitable access to local services and that will affirm the inherent right of all people to be treated with respect, equality and dignity.

7. EVALUATION OF THE ACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY STRATEGY

Evaluation will enable Council to measure its effectiveness in influencing ongoing positive change. The findings of the evaluation processes will inform the development of ongoing action plans.

• Are the targeted medium-long term benefits being achieved? Outcome Evaluation

• Are we having the influence we expected? Impact Evaluation

• Have we done what we said we would? Process Evaluation

Manningham City Council Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017: July 2014 to Dec 2015 Action Plan Trim Ref: D14/54216 Draft date: 9/10/14 Page 1

Access, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2014-2017: Action Plan (July 2014 – December 2016)

Goal 1: Empowerment, Access, Inclusion and Participation

Objective Actions Completed by:

Resources Responsibility Performance Measure

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1.1

1.2

1.3

Seek to identify and reduce barriers experienced by people because of their identity or background

Enhance participation by people with diverse identities and backgrounds in Council and community services, programs, activities and events.

Strengthen opportunities for participation in civic life and decision making

1. Plan and commence implementation of anew initiative encouraging social inclusionin Bulleen as part of the ‘Live Well inBulleen’ community strengthening project.

2014/15 Funding may be required

SACS Project Plan developed and implementation commenced.

2. Research best practice approaches toavoiding discrimination in how Counciladdresses correspondence and designsCouncil forms with regard to gender andtitle specification.

3. Develop a consistent Council-wideapproach to addressing correspondenceand designing Council forms asappropriate.

2014/15

2015/16

Existing SACS C&M

C&M

Research completed and if appropriate:

Updated adviceprovided to all staff oncorrespondenceprotocols

All Council formsreviewed and updated

4. Create more inclusive services for peoplewith GLBTI backgrounds through deliveryof the capacity building program ‘LivingGLBTI’.

2014/15 Existing SACS Delivery of program to 10 organisations across Manningham

5. Investigate developing a program ‘Voice ofPeople with a Disability’, a photo-voiceprogram which would empower andanalyse the needs, barriers and what is

2014/15 Existing SACS Project scoped in partnership with key stakeholders

Attachment 2


Objective

Actions Completed by:


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important for people living with a disability in Manningham.

6. Conduct research into disability services and disability housing options that are located within and in proximity to Manningham, to support advocacy for an increase in the provision of such services locally.

2014/15 Existing SACS Data mapped and available to be used to support advocacy around the provision of disability services and disability housing options in Manningham

7. Seek Council endorsement to declare Manningham a Refugee (and new migrant) Welcome Zone. Prepare an associated Action Plan to support this initiative and seek any funding required through the budgetary new initiative process.

2014/15 Funding may be required

SACS Council endorsement of the RWZ declaration and its associated Action Plan.

8. Sign up to the State Government “Racism, it stops with me” campaign and promote it across Council.

2014/15 Existing SACS C&M

Council endorsement

Staff briefings

9. Update Council’s “Have Your Say” / “What Matters Manningham” web page with key overview information provided in Manningham’s top five community languages.

2014/15 Existing ECD C&M

Information translated and uploaded

10. Continue to work in partnership with Volunteering in Manningham (ViM) to

Ongoing Existing SACS VIM adherence to Service


Objective



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support volunteering within the Manningham community.

C&M Agreement specifications

Provide links to volunteering websites via the Council website

1.4 Continue to increase community awareness of the full range of Council services and facilities available

11. Continue to update and enhance information provided on the Council website.

Ongoing Existing C&M All Units

Information updated as required

12. Maintain Council’s Community Directory and facilitate community information being uploaded onto it.

Ongoing Existing

C&M All Units Information within the

directory is up to date.

Five per cent annual increase in traffic to the site.

1.5 Continue to improve access for all to Manningham’s built environment, transport, facilities, events and services

13. Improve access to Aquarena via the construction of a bridge to the complex from the car park, lifts and the construction of a new warm water therapy pool with in-

built spa and ramp.

2015/16 Existing SP Construction works completed

14. Engage with the Whitehorse-Manningham Library to investigate options to review the Doncaster Library opening hours

2014/15 Existing SACS

Discussions held and options considered


Objective



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15. Investigate options to improve access for people to comfortably engage with customer service, planning and cashier staff at Council’s Customer Service Centre and develop a Plan to address issues identified.

2014/15 Existing C.S. SACS SP Finance

Action Plan developed to guide any recommended changes.

16. Investigate options to improve access for people in a wheelchair to use the Function Centre stage and commit to a suitable DDA compliant solution.

2014/15 Required C.S. SACS ACP

Investigation undertaken and present report to EMT for consideration.

Consideration in the mid-year budget review process as appropriate.

17. Improve the pedestrian environment (for pedestrians and mobility scooter users) to ensure accessible crossings are well located, user friendly, are DDA compliant and are safe and convenient locations.

Ongoing

Required

EO ETS EEP

Completion of a prioritized list of safe road crossing points on Council roads and identify the highest priority projects associated with arterial roads.

18. Develop a Transport Behavior Change Plan in consultation with the Doncaster Hill community to identify future actions to encourage and enable greater uptake of sustainable transport modes.

2014/15 Existing ETS Transport Behavior Change Plan developed

19. Support a 5 per cent target for affordable housing in the urban areas of the

Ongoing Existing EEP Calculate the percentage of affordable housing included within new urban housing


Objective



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municipality. developments

1.6 Support initiatives that create or strengthen pathways that create better outcomes for vulnerable people

20. Establish a Student Wellbeing Network in conjunction with Boroondara Council to provide training, resources and support to student wellbeing staff across government, private and independent schools.

2014 Existing SACS Minimum of two network meetings held per annum

21. Engage with young people (students) through the Manningham - Boroondara School Focused Youth Services Program to support at risk young people who require prevention or early intervention strategies to assist their learning, development, health and wellbeing.

Programs to be delivered in 2014/15 shall include: Martial arts therapy, Body image therapy, Hip hop program, Good Life Farm program, Childhood Trauma program, Suicide Assist training, School refusal training and Working with families’ therapeutic work; and an Expo will be held in March 2015.

2014/15 Existing SACS Quarterly data report submitted to DEECD outlining the programs delivered and number of participants.

Programs delivered.

22. Continue to work in partnership with Manningham’s Neighbourhood Houses to provide skills development / educational programs for community members, including young people, new arrivals, people with a disability, job seekers,

Ongoing Existing SACS Neighbourhood House adherence to Funding and Service Agreement specifications.


Objective



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seniors etc.

1.7 Support the varying needs of people at different life stages (age) and with different abilities

23. Review Manningham’s Healthy Lifestyle Week program to pilot a new initiative that supports greater access to health and wellbeing activities for people from all backgrounds and abilities.

2014/15 Existing SACS Review undertaken and Pilot commenced.

24. Facilitate older people to participate and engage in all aspects of community life including social, recreational, educational, spiritual, employment and decision making opportunities, accommodating the diversity of backgrounds from which they may come.

Ongoing Existing ADS Implementation of the Aging Well Strategy

25. Continue to work in partnership with the Manningham YMCA to provide a specified range of age-appropriate youth services, including: information, support and referral; school programs; non-school programs; youth counseling; participation and leadership initiatives; co-ordination and partnership initiatives; strategic development initiatives; an early intervention program; and to investigate youth health related initiatives.

Ongoing Existing SACS (MYMCA)

YMCA adherence to Funding and Service Agreement specifications

26. Finalise and distribute an “Employment Tip Sheet” which supports employers in

2014 Existing SACS EEP

Distribution of Tip Sheet to employers.


Objective



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employing people with a disability.

1.8 Encourage local community organisations and businesses to be accessible and inclusive of people with different identifies and backgrounds


Pillar 2: Promotion and Celebration of Respect, Diversity and Harmony

Objectives Actions Completed by:

Resources Responsibility

Performance Measure / Evaluation

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2.1

2.2

2.3

Support activities that strengthen, acknowledge and promote the diversity of Manningham’s community

Acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions that people with diverse identities and backgrounds bring to the community

Continue to develop connections between diverse communities within Manningham

1. Support and promote celebrations such as Manningham YMCA National Youth Week initiatives, Cultural Diversity Week, c, International Day of People with a Disability, Mental Health Week initiatives, Refugee Week, Children’s Week, White Ribbon Day etc

Annual Funding may be required

SACS ACP

Minimum of 3 celebrations held

2. Investigate opportunities to celebrate Manningham’s GLBTI community and plan an event for 2016

2014/15 Existing SACS ACP

Event project brief developed

3. Consider Council signing up to become a friend of Australians for Peace.

4. Investigate opportunities to observe the UN International Day of Peace (21 September) and commemorate and strengthen ideals of peace and promote respect for all human rights.

2014/15

2015/16

Existing

Required

SACS ACP

Report to Council

5. Provide opportunities for Wurundjeri people to reconnect with and preserve cultural heritage sites in Manningham and develop an associated program for public education.

2014/15 Existing ACP Launch of the Pound Bend Interpretive Signage Trail and development of associated school excursion program


Objectives Actions Completed by:

Resources Responsibility

Performance Measure / Evaluation

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6. Enhance Council officer’s awareness of the rich diversity of Manningham and of the associated events that occur throughout the year (e.g. Chinese New Year, Moon Cake Autumn Festival, Ramadan, Lent, Iranian New Year etc) through mediums that could include lunchtime information sessions, M-Focus, email/calendar reminders of significant events etc.

2015 and ongoing

Existing SACS Information provided to staff about a minimum of three cultural/religious events per annum



Objectives Actions Completed by

Resources Responsibility Performance Measure / Evaluation

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3.1

3.2

Embed access and inclusion measures and values as a priority across Council

Increase awareness of the human and legal rights of people with different abilities and backgrounds across Council

1. Incorporate various aspects of diversity and inclusion into the annual corporate learning calendar.

2015/16 Required HR SACS

Training conducted and number of participants

2. Support gender equity in the workplace by undertaking research and developing a program addressing required gaps.

2015/16 Existing SACS HR

Research undertaken and program conducted

3. Conduct disability awareness training for relevant Council officers

2015/16 Existing SACS

Training conducted and number of participants

3.3 Advocate to State and Federal Government on measures that will increase social, civic and economic participation and reduce local disadvantage

4. Advocate for:

- amendments to Electronic Gaming Machine regulatory reform

- the Doncaster Rail link and other improvements to local public transport

- health and aged care reform

- disability services

- increased funding to the not for profit sector to facilitate affordable housing for low to moderate income households.

- planning mechanisms that facilitate innovative accommodation models

Ongoing Existing SACS ADSS EEP

Summary of advocacy undertaken and any results




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-initiatives that promote sustainable urbanization and resilient cities in response to climate change, peak oil and food security issues.

3.4 Actively involve Manningham’s diverse communities when considering how Council services and facilities are to be prioritised, designed and delivered

5. Convene a CALD communications and engagement working group to investigate options to enhance Council engagement with diverse groups and to assist in the development of a CALD communications tool kit for Council staff.

2014/15 Existing C&M ECD SACS C.S.

Working Group Convened

3.5 Ensure that infrastructure, service provision and facilities planning takes account of demographic change

6. Conduct a review of Manningham libraries to assess whether their location, standard and services offered meets the current and predicted needs of the existing and changing demographics of the community and develop a medium to long term plan to guide any infrastructure changes required.

2014/15 Existing SACS Review completed and presented to Council

3.6 Provide Council officers with the information, tools and systems to communicate services, projects and issues with diverse communities in a more targeted manner

7. Develop and promote a range of best-practice CALD communications resources / tip sheets for staff including:

Clear guidance on preferred CALD communications methods specifically related to each of the top 10 CALD community groups in Manningham

CALD communications general staff tip sheet

2015/16 Existing C&M SACS ECD

Set of tip-sheets developed, promoted to all staff via M- Focus and Information Sessions and uploaded onto Council’s intranet




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Writing for translation tip sheet

Using and briefing interpreters tip sheet

How to simplify written promotion and/or correspondence (writing in plain / simple English)

8. Incorporate CALD best practice communications information and associated tip-sheets within employee induction, ongoing corporate customer service training and Equal opportunity training.

2015/16 Existing C&M Information included as a standard component of this training.

9. Encourage and support additional bilingual staff members (with relevant local CALD community language skills) to become accredited interpreters/translators.

Ongoing Existing HR C&M

Minimum of one additional staff member accredited as an interpreter in 2014/15

10. Conduct targeted ‘Working with CALD communities’ and ‘Working with an Interpreter’ training with units that interact with CALD communities regularly e.g. Health and Local Laws and Maternal and Child Health. (Use Council’s bilingual language accredited staff to assist with this training).

2015/16 Existing C&M HR

Two training sessions held

11. Conduct an annual presentation/feedback/ evaluation session of CALD communications with relevant Council committees such as the

Annual Existing C&M Attendance and presentation at a minimum of




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Access and Equity Advisory Committee and the Seniors Reference Group.

one of each of these committees per annum

3.7 Ensure that Council information is accessible to everyone and create awareness of its availability

12. Investigate alternative options for a direct access interpreter language phone link service

2014/15 Existing C&M Customer Service

New service provider engaged and service live

13. Include a range of CALD media in regular media distribution and ensure that media outlets that service Manningham’s key cultural groups are all represented in this distribution

Ongoing Existing C&M The number of media releases distributed to CALD media

14. Develop short podcasts in community languages to place on the Council website explaining key Council services (such as responsible pet ownership, immunisations, planning permits, building permits, what rates are used for).

2015/16 Existing C&M Podcasts developed and uploaded

15. Review the process by which Council determines what to have translated each budget cycle and ensure that all Council units are regularly and actively invited to make submissions to C&M to have key information translated.

2015/16 Existing C&M Translation Policy developed




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16. Produce a range of translated brochures/fact sheets to promote Council’s main services and events. Make these resources easily available via Council’s website and promote their existence to staff and targeted communities.

Ongoing Existing C&M A minimum of three new translated brochures per annum

17. Develop posters, flyers and pull up banners promoting Council services at a glance for use at community events, Council’s customer service areas, libraries, neighborhood houses, CALD community groups and organisations, translated into Chinese in the first instance.

2015/16 Existing C&M Suite of promotional material developed

18. Conduct community information sessions for different CALD community groups and organisations as required on key Council services, using an interpreter.

Ongoing May require additional funding

C&M Sessions conducted

3.8 Continue to enhance connection and integration between Council services

19. Investigate and, if appropriate, implement an integrated planning and reporting approach across SACS policies and frameworks.

2014/15 Existing SACS Integration of social policies

3.9 Continue to strengthen collaborative and organisational partnerships across services and programs

20. Continue to facilitate Council-community networks and committees

Ongoing Existing SACS Minimum of two meetings per annum of each network/ committee

Minimum of two partnership




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initiatives developed per annum

21. Implement the revised Community Grants program

2014/15 Existing SACS Number and range of successful applicants

3.10 Support community stakeholders to engage with and support at risk and vulnerable community members

22. Conduct a 2014 White Ribbon event with the theme of “Faith, Cultures and Community”. Engage faith and cultural groups to help stop violence against women.

2014/15 Existing SACS ACP

Number and representation of participants

3.11 As an employer, lead by example through inclusive and flexible recruitment and employment practices

23. Review Council’s recruitment practices to support positive discrimination practices, ensuring that our workforce reflects our diverse community.

2015/16 Existing HR

Recruitment Policy reviewed

24. Map out current practices that support gender equity across Council

2015/16 Existing SACS Mapping exercise completed and gaps identified

3.12 Monitor and evaluate Council’s strategic plans to measure progress being made in achieving equitable access to local services; and in respecting the inherent

25. Conduct a review of the 2014 – 2016 Action Plan, report to Council on progress to date and update with appropriate new initiatives.

2015/16 Existing SACS Report to SBS




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right of all people to be treated with respect, equality and dignity

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