Multicultural Action Plan Working Group The City of Greater Geelong is deeply grateful to the members of the Multicultural Action Plan Working Group (MAPWG) who have generously given their time and expertise to help us shape the Multicultural Action Plan 2011-2014. Cr Eddy Kontelj Council Portfolio Holder, Multicultural and Aboriginal Affairs (Chair) Dr Linda Petkovic President, Geelong Ethnic Communities Council and Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission Monsignor James Murray Chairperson, Geelong Interfaith network Mr Michael Martinez Chief Executive Officer, Diversitat Mrs Helen Nicholls-Stary International Students Advisor, Division of Student Life, Deakin University Ms Brenda Harrison Consultant, Multicultural Aged Care Services Geelong Inc. Ms Christine Silvestroni Industry Facilitator, Economic Development Unit, City of Greater Geelong Ms Irene McGinnigle General Manager, Community Services, City of Greater Geelong (to December 2010) Ms Jenny McMahon Current General Manager, Community Services, City of Greater Geelong Ms Jane Wager Coordinator, Community Development Unit, City of Greater Geelong Ms Nicolina Scarcella Community Education Officer, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Ms Veema Mooniapah Community Development Officer, Community Development Unit, City of Greater Geelong Snr Constable Victor Robb Multicultural Liaison Officer, Victoria Police
Executive Summary Background A big part of Geelong Community A key ingredient in Geelong's successful post World War II development has been the contribution made by successive waves of immigrants. More than 16 per cent of our residents were born overseas. The present day CALD communities are made up of: • established migrants and their families • recently arrived skilled migrants • refugees and humanitarian entrants mostly from Burma, Sudan, Afghanistan, Congo and Liberia, including unaccompanied refugee minors • international students Cultural diversity has many benefits that support economic, social and demographic development. CoGG has been active in promoting Geelong's assets, including access to housing, employment, recreation, the coast and country and a healthy lifestyle, to encourage new arrivals to make this their destination of choice. CoGG recognises its responsibility to put in place policies and practices which strengthen and promote community wellbeing. We want residents of CALD backgrounds to participate fully in civic life. “People are friendly and willing to help each other. The community is relatively harmonious with a diverse variety of ethnicity”. ZURAINI RAMLI 1
38 List of Abbreviations List of Consulted Organisations ABS CALD DIAC Bureau of Statistics Culturally and Linguistically Diverse City of Greater Geelong Department of Immigration and List of government and non government organisations, community groups and agencies consulted to gather information to inform the City of Greater Geelong Multicultural Action Plan 2011-2014: DIIRD DPCD GIN IT MACS Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development Department of Planning and Community Development Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia Geelong Interfaith Network Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Information Technology Multicultural Aged Care Services • • •••• • •• • • members Geelong Settlement Planning Committee young CALD people Skilled migrants MACS service users Community Aged Care Package / Extended Aged Care at Home package provider network G21 Cloverdale Community Centre Department of Planning and Community Development Diversitat Immigration and Community Services Geelong Police Geelong Interfaith Network Deakin University International Students MAP Multicultural Action Plan The following City of Greater Geelong departments and units were also consulted: MAPAC Multicultural Action Plan Advisory Committee • Organisational Department • Aged and Disability Services MAPWG Multicultural Action Plan Working • Community Development Group • Customer Service MAV NESB SWB VITS VMC Municipal Association of Victoria Non-English speaking background Sports Without Borders Technical and further education Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service Commission •••••• Arts and Culture Health and Local Laws Sport and Recreation Leisure Services Family Services Youth Development