Multicultural Action Plan - kingston.vic.gov.au · 3 RESPONSIVE ORGANISATION ... informal dialogue....

Multicultural Action Plan2013-2017

Kingston Language Line

1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, VIC 3192 PO Box 1000, Mentone, VIC 3194

1300 653 356 03 9581 4500

[email protected]

kingston.vic.gov.au

= The implementation of some of the actions in this Plan is supported by financial assistance from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

Council acknowledges the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the municipality is a part and pays its respects to their Elders past, and present. Council is a member of the Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee (ICACC)

It gives me great pleasure to present this Multicultural Action Plan to the Kingston community.

Multiculturalism is a core ingredient in the success of our city and enhances our livability, economic prosperity, physical health and social lives. I would like to thank the individuals and community groups who participated in the consultation sessions which formed the basis of this plan.

I would also like to thank the Access and Equity Multicultural Subcommittee who were instrumental in providing feedback throughout the development of this plan. The ideas, thoughts and experiences of our community have been an essential ingredient in creating a plan which aims to both respond to the current community needs, as well as anticipate and adapt to needs in the future.

This plan forms part of an ongoing dialogue with local residents to help build and grow our community spirit and strength; supporting diversity and encouraging understanding, participation and cooperation.

Council looks forward to continuing to work with all members of our community to enhance and promote multiculturalism in the City of Kingston.

Cr Ron Brownlees OAM KINGSTON MAYOR

Kingston City Council Multicultural Action Plan 2013-2017 1

Contents

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

1. INTRODUCTION 5

2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN 7 3. POLICY CONTEXT 11

4. ACTION PLAN 2013 – 2014 14

APPENDIX 21

The plan draws together information about the access and equity concerns of the community with demographic data about the changing diversity of Kingston’s residents. This information has been used to identify priority areas, objectives and actions to ensure the City of Kingston embraces and engages with a diverse range of people to achieve positive social, economic and health outcomes for the community.

From these priority areas and objectives (as illustrated in Figure 1) an action plan has been developed and will be reviewed for each year of the life of the MAP.

Kingston’s Multicultural Action Plan 2013–2017 (MAP) provides a framework for Council to be more responsive to cultural diversity, and ensure diversity is an intrinsic part of its services, programs, policies and employment practices.

Kingston City Council Community Safety Strategy 2013-2017 3

Executive Summary

PRIORITY OBJECTIVES

1 EQUITABLE SERVICES1.1 Actively promote Council services to raise community awareness and access to information that is culturally inclusive and

accessible.

1.2 Programs and services are accessible, flexible, culturally appropriate, and informed by community need.

1.3 Access to and use of council facilities and services reflects the needs and composition of the local community.

1.4 Respond to emerging needs in the local community

2 STRONG AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES2.1 Support and develop volunteers from multicultural communities.

2.2 Support the development of children and young people from new and emerging communities.

2.3 Support information and education programs that reflect community needs and are delivered in locations that are accessible by CALD community members

2.4 Coordinate local community events that celebrate diversity and encourage intercultural dialogue and exchange between local communities.

2.5 Play a lead role in promoting messages that espouse respect and valuing of all community members.

2.6 Take action to promote the safety of all residents and respond to the specific vulnerabilities of key groups.

3 RESPONSIVE ORGANISATION3.1 Staff are confident to engage with and support people from CALD communities.

3.2 Encourage recruitment practices that are culturally responsive and support a diverse workforce.

3.3 Councillors and senior management promote multiculturalism in the community.

3.4 All strategic plans are informed by Council’s Multicultural Action Plan.

3.5 Council advocates on behalf of CALD communities in key areas such as housing, employment, education and health.

Figure 1 Priority Areas

1. Introduction

The City of Kingston Multicultural Action Plan 2013-2017 (MAP) aims to celebrate and nurture this diversity. The MAP outlines Kingston’s priority areas and commitment to equitable, inclusive and responsive service provision, community engagement activities and organisational development to support Kingston’s multicultural communities. This plan supports the Council Plan’s Vision for “a diverse, dynamic community, where we all share a sustainable, safe, attractive environment and a thriving economy.”

The multicultural population of Kingston has increased by 1.5% between 2006 and 2011 (ABS Census). A total of 31.7% of Kingston’s residents were born overseas, a figure which increases to up to 67% in Clayton South, and 56% in Clarinda. The largest populations of people born overseas in Kingston are from England, India, Greece and China.

The City of Kingston is a proudly diverse municipality, with residents from over 150 countries of origin, speaking 120 languages and following over 28 faiths.


The intrinsic benefit of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity has long been recognised in Australian and Victorian policy, with multiculturalism becoming embraced as a core value of our society. Multiculturalism supports cultural difference within a framework of shared values, human rights and the rule of law. Increasing levels of multiculturalism present an opportunity to embrace and engage with a diverse range of people to achieve positive social, economic and health outcomes for the community.

Multiculturalism promotes equality, mutual respect and full participation in civic, social and economic life, regardless of linguistic, religious, racial or cultural background. Kingston has an important role to play in identifying and offering opportunities to multicultural groups. Kingston will develop and support conditions that nurture trust, community goodwill and participation and promote values that unify all members of the community.

Participation is vested in programs and actions that capture and harness our diversity and respond to communities in inclusive and meaningful ways, fostering a sense of belonging and valuing of all members of our community. Whilst the majority of Victorians believe all races are equal, cultural intolerance still exists in a minority of the community.

The City of Kingston MAP was developed during 2012 following extensive community consultation, data analysis and a review of multicultural planning policy and literature. Council’s Access and Equity Multicultural Subcommittee also informed the development of three priority areas, objectives, and actions of the MAP. Kingston’s MAP sits within a framework of policy and legislation from local to international levels. The MAP represents best practice in terms of its consistency with international human rights and federal and state government policy, while also being reflective of the needs and aspirations of local people and families.

6 Multicultural Action Plan 2013-2017 Kingston City Council


3. Development of the Plan

The development of the Multicultural Action Plan included undertaking a literature review, establishing an internal steering committee, development and implementation of a community consultation plan, detailed analysis of consultation feedback, detailed analysis of census data, and development of a draft Multicultural Action Plan. This was followed by a second round of internal and external consultations.

We note that the experience of Aboriginal people is markedly different to the experiences and needs of migrant groups in Australia. As such, the City of Kingston’s Aboriginal Policy is aimed at addressing the unique needs and history of Aboriginal people in Kingston, and the MAP focuses on CALD communities.

The Multicultural Action Plan 2013–2017 was developed to meet the current and future needs of the community.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

The process of community consultation actively involved local multicultural communities, service providers, Council committees and Council staff. The data gathered in these consultations informed the development of the Multicultural Action Plan. Consultations included community forums, online participation, workshops, interviews, meetings and informal dialogue. These were undertaken with open, inclusive and culturally appropriate practices and principles. In addition, the Access and Equity Multicultural Subcommittee was instrumental in advising and providing feedback on the Plan’s actions.

ACCESS AND EQUITY MULTICULTURAL SUBCOMMITTEE

The Access and Equity Advisory Committee was established by the City of Kingston in August 2000 to provide information and advice to Council on accessible and equitable service delivery to all residents, and particularly to people with a disability, people from multicultural backgrounds, and indigenous communities.

The Multicultural Subcommittee meets bi-monthly to:

• Plan and support activities and events that promote access and equity for multicultural communities across Kingston;

• Review Council policies that impact on multicultural communities;

• Review outcomes from the implementation of Council policy;

• Advise on Council operations and activities in regard to multicultural communities;

• Assist in effective communication between the community and Council; and

• Support Council in its advocacy to State and Federal Governments.

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

A demographic analysis was undertaken to inform the development of the MAP. Multiculturalism and diversity has been explored by analysing data on country of birth, ancestry, language, and religion.

There are 142,425 people living in Kingston (ABS, Census 2011), with residents who come from over 150 countries of origin and speak over 120 languages.

Country of BirthThirty one per cent of Kingston residents were born overseas. The most common countries of origin are listed in Figure 2 below.

A large proportion of migrants are from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, however it is not possible to ascertain through census data how these migrants identify themselves culturally. Both the UK and New Zealand have very diverse populations and it is not possible to ascertain the ancestry of migrant arrivals beyond their country of origin.

AncestryOver 52% of residents in Kingston have at least one parent who was born overseas (refer to Figure 3 below) which is higher than the Victorian average (46%). Forty percent of Kingston residents have both parents who were born overseas which is also higher than the state average (35%).


Figure 2 Top 10 overseas countries of birth of Kingston residents

COUNTRY OF BIRTH NUMBER

England 5,899

India 4,396

Greece 2,917

China 2,575

New Zealand 2,321

Italy 1,657

Sri Lanka 1,607

Vietnam 1,345

Philippines 1,136

Scotland 1,086

Total overseas born 43,003

ANCESTRY NUMBER

Both parents born overseas 58,082

Father only born overseas 9,521

Mother only born overseas 6,952

Both parents born in Australia 59,854

Not stated 8,018

Total persons 142,427

Figure 3 Ancestry of Kingston residents by birthplace of parents

Development of the Plan


Language DiversityApproximately 26% of people in Kingston speak a language other than English at home. This has increased from 23% in 2006 and is higher than the Victorian average (24.1%). Refer to Figure 4 for further information.

English ProficiencyEnglish proficiency among migrants reflects trends in migration. The most vulnerable groups in terms of low English proficiency are older adults and recent arrivals. Migrants who arrived in Australia prior to 1997 and since 2008 are the most likely groups to have poor English skills.

The total number of migrants settling in Kingston has remained reasonably consistent each decade since the 1960s, until the decade 2001-2010 in which migrant numbers almost doubled from the previous decade. Refer to Figure 5.

In the period 2006–2010, thenumber of migrants with another language and good English skills decreased, and those with another language and poor English skills almost tripled. Refer to Figure 6.

Religious DiversityChristianity is the dominant religion within Kingston, with 22 denominations represented. The most prominent denomination is Catholic (47% of Christians) followed by Anglican (21% of Christians).

Ten percent of the Kingston population follow a non-Christian religion; the main religions are Buddhism (4,490 people), Hinduism (2,538 people), Islam (2,188 people), and Judaism (1,289 people).

TRENDS AND FORECASTS

AgeingA greater proportion of post war migrants from Italy and Greece are aged over 55 years; 81% of the Italian-born and 78% of the Greek-born population compared to the general population aged over 55 either within Kingston (26%) or Victoria (24%).

Changes in migration patterns Post War migration from Italy and Greece, which was strong even until the 1980s, has now decreased to negligible numbers. “Traditional” migration from the United Kingdom and New Zealand has remained strong in recent years, however, migration from India and China has overtaken the UK and provides the largest migrant groups currently settling in Kingston. In addition, Mandarin speaking Chinese migrants have increased in number over Cantonese speaking Chinese migrants for the first time in Australian history.

LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME NUMBER

Greek 6,892

Mandarin 2,755

Italian 2,605

Cantonese 1,711

Russian 1,683

Vietnamese 1,356

Punjabi 1,141

Arabic 1,019

Hindi 1,014

Khmer 936

Figure 4 Top 10 Languages other than English spoken at home

ENGLISH PROFICIENCYYEAR OF ARRIVAL

2006 2010

Speaks English only 401 468

Speaks another language and speaks English very well or well

744 572

Speaks another language and speaks English not well or not at all

61 176

Figure 6 English proficiency of migrants in Kingston by year of arrival, 2006 and 2010

DECADE NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ARRIVALS

1951-1960 3,123

1961-1970 6,264

1971-1980 5,620

1981-1990 7,084

1991-2000 6,244

2001-2010 11,694

Figure 5 Number of migrants arriving in Kingston, 1951 - 2010


Development of the Plan

New and Emerging CommunitiesNew and emerging communities are defined as being small in number, newly arrived to Australia and have had an increase in numbers over the last five years. These communities may face greater settlement challenges if they have arrived from countries with civil unrest, have low levels of education and poor language skills.

Some new communities within Kingston have increased over the past five years and have the potential to grow into larger communities. While the total number of people within these groups is low, they are consistent with broader growth patterns within Australia at large. These emerging groups include people arriving from the Republic of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Mauritius and Bangladesh. There have also been small rises in the numbers of migrants coming from a number of African countries including Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Nigeria. The Multicultural Action Plan will seek to respond to the needs of new communities as they emerge.

Continuing trends of settlementSuburbs with the highest proportion of overseas born residents remain largely unchanged from previous years, although the numbers of overseas born residents have increased. Refer to Figure 7.

These suburbs are very diverse with a great number of different cultural groups. Refer to Figure 8.

Cheltenham is the most diverse suburb of Kingston. While only 32% of the population was born overseas, residents of the suburb represent 97 different countries of origin.

IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

The Multicultural Action Plan is a whole-of-Council plan. An annual review of the implementation of the MAP will be undertaken with guidance from the Access and Equity Multicultural Subcommittee.

The review will focus on what actions have been implemented, tracking progress and ensuring that actions remain relevant to the community need. The MAP will be updated as required to continue to respond to community need.

SUBURBPOPULATION BORN OVERSEAS

NUMBER %

Clayton South 7,758 67%

Clarinda 4,176 56%

Oakleigh South 2,020 48%

Waterways 1,024 47%

Kingston Total 43,001 31%

Figure 7 Kingston suburbs with a total overseas born population over 45%

SUBURB COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (PERCENT OF TOTAL POPULATION)

Clayton South India (14%) China (6%)

Clarinda India (9%) Greece (6%)

Oakleigh South Greece (6%) India (4%)

Waterways China (5%) Vietnam (5%)

Figure 8 Largest communities by country of origin in Kingston’s suburbs with an overseas born population above 45%


3. Policy Context

INTERNATIONAL

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – United Nations (UN)

The UN General Assembly proclaimed this Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be a common standard of achieve¬ment for all peoples and all nations.

The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001)

The declaration describes cultural diversity as “the common heritage of humanity”. The defence of cultural diversity is consequently held to be an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity.

The development of the Multicultural Action Plan was informed by legislation and policy documents from international, federal, state and local levels. A summary of key policies is provided on the following pages.


FEDERAL

It Stops With Me – Human Rights Commission National Anti-Racism Strategy (2012)

The Strategy aims to:

• Ensure more Australians recognise that racism is unacceptable in our community;

• Give more Australians the tools and resources to take practical action against racism; and

• Empower individuals and organisations to prevent and respond effectively to racism.

The People of Australia – Australia’s Multicultural Policy (2011)

The policy addresses “the importance of the economic and social benefits of diversity, as well as our need to balance the rights and obligations of all who live here”.

Australia’s Human Rights Framework (2010)

The Framework outlines a range of key measures to protect and promote human rights in Australia.

The Australian Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda (2007)

The Australian Government’s vision of a socially inclusive society is “one in which all Australians feel valued and have the opportunity to participate fully in the life of our society”.

The Racial Hatred Act (1995)

The Racial Hatred Act aims to strike a balance between two valued rights: the right to communicate freely and the right to live free from vilification.

The Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) (1975)

The RDA aims to ensure that everyone is treated equally, regardless of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. The RDA makes racial discrimination unlawful.

STATE

The Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) Statement of Commitment to Cultural Diversity (2012)

The MAV Statement of Commitment to Cultural Diversity aims to promote and facilitate good multicultural practice and leadership within and across Victorian local government. This commitment outlines the MAV’s role in supporting the building of strong communities free of inequity, by harnessing and nurturing the richness of cultural diversity.

Vision for Citizenship in a Multicultural Victoria (Draft) (2012)

The Vision for Citizenship is a vision document which will form the basis of a new Victorian Multicultural Policy. This policy will re-affirm the Victorian Government’s commitment to promoting and supporting a socially cohesive, multicultural society, and will serve as a national and international example on how to better promote and support unity in diversity.

Multicultural Victoria Act (2011)

The Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 outlines a set of principles that accord respect for Victoria’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.

Equal Opportunity Act (2010)

The objectives of the Act include:

• Promoting everyone’s right to equal opportunity;

• Eliminating as far as possible discrimination and sexual harassment;

• Providing redress for people whose rights have been breached; and

• Empowering the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to enter into enforceable undertakings where systemic discrimination exists within organisations.

All of Us – Victoria’s Multicultural Policy (2009)

This policy builds on the principles of the Multicultural Victoria Act 2004 and addresses the following themes; advancing equality; supporting cultural, linguistic and religious diversity; fostering and promoting community harmony; and boosting our economic advantage.

Policy Context


The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (The Charter) (2007)

The Charter came into effect in 2007 and establishes a framework for promoting and protecting human rights in Victoria. It defines 20 human rights that reflect the four basic principles of freedom, respect, equality and dignity.

Racial and Religious Tolerance Act (2001)

The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 promotes racial and religious freedom; and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.

Local Government Act (1989)

Section 3C (2) states that in seeking to achieve its primary objective, a Council must have regard to the following facilitating objectives;

(c) to improve the overall quality of life of people in the local community; and

(e) to ensure that services and facilities provided by the Council are accessible and equitable.

With respect to the role of a Council, Section 3D (2) states that the role of a Council includes-

(a) acting as a representative government by taking into account the diverse needs of the local community in decision making; and

(f) fostering community cohesion and encouraging active participation in civic life.

LOCAL

Council Plan (2009–2013)

The City of Kingston Family and Children’s Services Strategy (2013-2016)

The City of Kingston Youth Strategy (2010-2013)

The City of Kingston Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (2009-2013)

The City of Kingston Disability Action Plan (2009-2013)

The City of Kingston Community Safety Strategy (2009-2012)

The City of Kingston Positive Ageing Plan (2008-2013)

Figure 9 Council’s Planning Framework

Positive AgeingStrategy

Kingston Indigenous

Policy

Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan

Disability Action

Plan

Multicultural

Action Plan

Community Safety

Strategy

Arts & Cultural Strategy

Community Road Safety

Strategy

Open Space Strategy

Plan

Kingston Library

Strategy

Kingston Activ e Youth Spaces

Strategy

Community Service And Facility

Review

Youth Services Strategy

Activity Centre Structure

Plans

Kingston Planning Scheme

Park Master Plans

Walking & Cycling Strategy

Family& Children’s

StrategyActive Leisure


4. Action Plan 2013-2014

PRIORITY AREA 1

EQUITABLE SERVICES

Knowledge of and access to Council programs and services was identified as essential to support and sustain participation, inclusion and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Kingston. Ongoing promotion within CALD community settings, removing barriers to access and developing culturally responsive service delivery models will support access to services.

Particularly vulnerable groups from new and emerging communities including the aged, women, and youth, require additional support to identify and access services. Council’s response to these vulnerabilities will include fostering external partnerships and collaboration that creates access pathways and enables Council to respond to community needs.

1.1 Actively promote Council services to raise community awareness and access to information that is culturally inclusive and accessible.

1.1.1 Create an effective Multicultural Communications Plan, developed in consultation with CALD communities.

1.1.2 Review the languages offered through the Language Line service to ensure that the languages used are representative of community need.

1.1.3 Develop relationships with multicultural community groups and assist groups to access information.

1.2 Programs and services are accessible, flexible, culturally appropriate and informed by community need.

1.2.1 Ensure that promotion of and access to Council HACC services is targeted at hard to reach and multicultural communities.

1.2.2 Ensure Council’s HACC services policies and work instructions support equity of access to services, culturally sensitive practice and are inclusive of diversity issues.

1.2.3 Promote Family Day Care and Long Day Care services within CALD communities to increase awareness, understanding and utilisation of this service.

1.2.4 Promote the Clarinda Parents’ Group at Clarinda Library to increase participation in the program.

1.2.5 Promote CALD Young Women’s Group Program to English Language Centres.

1.2.6 Provide universal and inclusive Maternal and Child Health and Immunisation Services that build capacity for participation by families who are marginalised, have a disability and those from a CALD background.

1.2.7 Coordinate support for CALD communities to access Council’s grants programs.


“Public transport is too dangerous when you are old and we struggle to get to appointments. We don’t know about support available from council.”

“We have lots of important things to say but how do we do this if our English is not good?”

“We don’t have issues like depression back home, women don’t know where to go and what to do when they get to Australia and they are emotionally unwell.”

1.2.8 Seek feedback and advice from various CALD communities on new emerging matters relevant to young people.

1.2.9 Consult with the new and emerging communities to identify opportunities to assist them to access services and participate in community life.

1.2.10 Identify and address barriers within Council that prevent CALD participation in programs and activities.

1.2.11 Use and promote the Community Engagement Kit throughout the City of Kingston to ensure participation in community engagement activities from hard to reach and multicultural communities.

1.3 Access to and use of council facilities and services reflects the needs and composition of the local community.

1.3.1 Continuously assess the suitability of meeting spaces (location, accessibility and availability) to meet local community need.

1.3.2 Assess Council’s recreation and leisure facilities to ensure promotional material is accessible, that programs offered are inclusive and that fees are affordable.

1.3.3 Undertake a mapping of community transport resources and services, review and collate the information to assess where existing capacity can meet unmet needs.

1.3.4 Promote the TravelSmart Map and ptv.vic.gov.au website to assist communities to use existing public transport to access facilities and events.

1.3.5 Assist CALD youth to be engaged in activities.

1.3.6 Ensure Early Years Hubs with community spaces are accessible and used by people from diverse backgrounds.

1.3.7 Explore alternative youth space conducive to CALD community needs.

1.4 Respond to emerging needs in the local community.

1.4.1 Work in partnership with local service providers and community groups to identify emerging needs and support access services

Action Plan


PRIORITY AREA 2

STRONG AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

Council plays a key role in building strong and healthy communities. Having processes and resources in place that respond to the needs of multicultural communities in inclusive and meaningful ways ensures that all can participate in society and are empowered to contribute with all they have to offer. Our community’s sense of wellbeing and belonging is affected by the extent to which all members of that community feel welcomed, included and supported to express their cultural identity.

Factors that enable multicultural communities to achieve a sense of inclusion, engagement and participation include social interaction opportunities, freedom from racism and discrimination, economic development and access to civic life.

2.1 Support and develop community volunteers from multicultural communities.

2.1.1 Support multicultural people to be active volunteers within their communities.

2.1.2 Provide Leadership Training to young volunteers.

2.1.3 Publicly promote and acknowledge contributions made by volunteers and multicultural communities.

2.1.4 Provide membership opportunities for Council led networks and committees to representatives from CALD communities.

2.1.5 Promote Youth Specific Committees to CALD young people.

2.2 Support the development of children and young people from new and emerging communities.

2.2.1 Provide leadership training for community groups and individuals.

2.2.2 Implement an early years working group in the Clayton South / Clarinda area to enhance the sustainability and accessibility of children and family services for multicultural families.

2.2.3 Investigate opportunities to foster leaders in the multicultural community.

2.2.4 Promote and support sporting opportunities for multicultural young people and their families within established clubs and programs.

2.2.5 Notify sport and recreation clubs of grant opportunities for funding to assist in attracting CALD participants to their club.

2.2.6 Support Homework clubs for local CALD young people.

2.2.7 Develop mentoring opportunities for young people in CALD communities and provide support for new leaders.

2.2.8 Promote the benefits of CALD employees to local businesses.

“We are here to contribute not to do harm. Racism does us a lot of harm and stops us from contributing.”

“Being involved in groups is very important. It is the only way to exchange and receive information.”

“Groups exist in pockets, socialising occurs in cultural groups because of language problems. Now more are making an effort to integrate with the community.”

“Though I look different, I want to feel safe”

2.3 Support information and education programs that reflect community needs and are delivered in locations accessible by CALD community members.

2.3.1 Promote access to computer classes for CALD groups.

2.3.2 Promote access to English language classes.

2.3.3 Promote opportunities for CALD participation in parent workshops and family services information sessions.

2.3.4 Encourage and increase participation from CALD communities in the “Greening Our Place Greening Kingston” program.

2.3.5 Identify and promote opportunities for newly arrived people and groups to learn about opportunities for civic engagement, governance processes, citizenship rights and responsibilities to enable them to participate in community life.

2.4 Coordinate local community events that celebrate diversity and encourage intercultural dialogue and exchange between local communities.

2.4.1 Continue to host annual events to celebrate Refugee Week, Globe to Globe and Harmony Day.

2.4.2 Ensure engagement with older people from a multicultural background during the annual Kingston Seniors Festival events and activities.

2.5 Play a lead role in promoting messages that espouse respect and valuing of all community members.

2.5.1 Promote respect, inclusion and the benefits of multiculturalism by promoting citizenship ceremonies.

2.5.2 Work with local schools to develop initiatives that combat racism and promote intercultural understanding and acceptance.

2.6 Take action to promote the safety of all residents and respond to the specific vulnerabilities of key groups.

2.6.1 Host an annual White Ribbon Day event that is inclusive to multicultural groups.

2.6.2 Host or support events which build trust between CALD communities and emergency services to reduce barriers to accessing their services and to promote community safety.

2.6.3 Support the Friends of Westall Group and encourage participation from international students.

2.6.4 Promote and increase patronage of women-only swimming and other leisure programs.


Action Plan


PRIORITY AREA 3

RESPONSIVE ORGANISATION

Local government is well placed to understand and respond to the needs of the community. Kingston’s cultural diversity offers opportunities for engaging with our communities and challenges us to ensure everyone who lives in Kingston can access services that meet their needs.

To achieve this, service planning and delivery needs to be culturally responsive. Council will invest in service development, communication strategies and diversity training to enhance our cultural competence and service delivery.

3.1 Staff are confident to engage with and support people from CALD communities.

3.1.1 Develop an online cultural awareness and diversity information resource for staff that includes an overview of the diversity within Kingston and the needs of new and emerging communities.

3.1.2 Deliver staff training to support communication with people from CALD backgrounds.

3.1.3 Encourage Council staff to engage with diverse communities and share good practice models of program and service delivery internally; efforts to achieve this will be recognised, such as through Connect Magazine and the Kingston Excellence Awards where appropriate.

3.1.4 Provide support to staff undertaking accredited courses relating to language and cultural diversity via the employee development assistance program.

3.1.5 Maintain a voluntary list of staff members who speak a community language and investigate opportunities to utilise these skills where appropriate.

3.2 Encourage recruitment practices that are culturally responsive and support a diverse workforce.

3.2.1 Ensure recruitment processes are accessible and appropriate for people from diverse backgrounds.

3.2.2 Encourage, promote and support bilingual staff as a valuable organisational asset.

3.2.3 Explore opportunities to provide work experience to members of new and emerging communities.

“It needs to be a welcoming place when you walk in. The person at the reception desk is important. They have to prove that they are helpful and that they care about you otherwise we will never go back.”

“Multicultural communities are the council’s communities. What do your rate payers need? All rate payers need to play a part in discussions. There should also be staff training to build cultural competence so they can understand access issues for ethnic communities.”

3.3 Councillors and senior management promote multiculturalism in the community.

3.3.1 Councillors and senior managers to be invited to attend and participate in multicultural community gatherings and events.

3.4 All strategic plans are informed by the Multicultural Action Plan.

3.4.1 Strategic and Annual Plans within Council have regard for the Multicultural Action Plan.

3.5 Council advocates on behalf of CALD communities in key areas such as housing, employment, education and health.

3.5.1 Become a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria and participate in relevant sub committees.

3.5.2 Pursue opportunities to join relevant Advisory Councils to share information and participate in joint advocacy campaigns.

3.5.3 Attend the Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network.

3.5.4 Advocate to Federal and State Governments on key issues of concern raised by the local community.


Appendix


The Multicultural Action Plan uses a range of abbreviations and acronyms including:

CALD Culturally and linguistically diverseLOTE Languages other than EnglishMAP Multicultural Action Plan DOHA Department of Health and AgeingVMC Victorian Multicultural Commission ECCV Ethnic Communities Council of VictoriaCBCHS Central Bayside Community Health ServiceSEAAC Southern Ethnic Advisory and Advocacy Council UPCOV United Pasifica Councils of VictoriaVLGMIN Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues NetworkHACC Home and Community Care This Plan uses the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s features to describe CALD communities: country of origin, languages spoken at home, family ties, cultural and religious background, and self-identification.

Appendix 1


APPENDIX 1: LIST OF TERMS

1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, VIC 3192 PO Box 1000, Mentone, VIC 3194

1300 653 356 03 9581 4500 [email protected]

kingston.vic.gov.au

For further information visit Kingston Council website

kingston.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Care on 1300 653 356.

Kingston Language Line

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