Albury has a unique multicultural heritage. Traditionally the home of the Wiradjuri people, Albury and the surrounding region became home to German, Dutch, Italian, Greek and Polish migrant communities after World War II, with settlements located at Bonegilla.
More recently, Albury has seen a rise in Indian, Filipino, Bhutanese, Nepalese, South African and Congolese migrants making a home in our city.
In June 2015, AlburyCity committed to our community being a safe haven for displaced populations fleeing war zones and political conflicts in their own country by becoming recognised as a 'Refugee Welcome Zone'.
AlburyCity also partnered with the NSW Government, Federation Council and Greater Hume Council in June 2021 to launch the Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) Project in the Murray region, a 3-year pilot program that connects interested migrants living in Western Sydney with lifestyle and employment opportunities.
Today, around 12.5% of residents living in Albury were born overseas, originating from 61 different countries, with almost 10% speaking a language other than English at home.*
The Draft Multicultural Plan was developed in close consultation with the multicultural community through surveys, workshops and interviews. The key priorities highlighted include:
- Leadership: Facilitating opportunities for CALD communities to advocate for themselves, and bringing CALD community leaders and service providers together.
- Communication and Language: Thinking of alternative ways to communicate and engage to ensure information is received and understood, including providing information in language where appropriate, and facilitating CALD community forums.
- Information: Ensuring information on services, community networks and hubs is easily accessible by identifying and removing any barriers.
- Employment and Volunteering: Leading the conversation on diversity and inclusion with local employers, including increasing employment opportunities at Council.
- Diversity: Ensuring there are opportunities available to celebrate cultural diversity, and offering opportunities for residents to exchange and experience different cultures, through things such as events and grants programs.
- New Refugees and Migrants: Being proactive in supporting the integration of newcomers including participating in programs such as NSW GROW.
- Youth: Supporting diversity in youth leadership, sporting activities promoting integration, or multicultural youth programs.
Mayor Kylie King said the plan is a positive step towards ensuring that our multicultural community are being heard.
"Every member of our community has the freedom to express their cultural, linguistic, and religious traditions without fear or discrimination," said Mayor King.
"Our Multicultural Plan is a commitment to ensuring that everyone that chooses to make a home in our city feels welcome and has access to equal opportunities."
Feedback is invited on the Draft Multcultural Plan by making a submission on the AlburyCity website.
Submissions close 5pm Tuesday 31 January 2023.
*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021).