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 development of the Multicultural Plan was guided by the expertise, knowledge and lived experiences of the Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people living in Albury, through surveys, workshops and interviews.
The key priorities 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.
Council has also allocated $50,000 to enable the implementation of the proposed review and translation of important Council documents in-language, and the development and roll-out of a local anti-racism campaign.
Mayor Kylie King said the plan is a long-term commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.
"Albury has a rich and vibrant multicultural community, and it's amazing to see people celebrating and sharing in the many different cultures that make our city so special."
"My fellow Councillors and I are proud to be part of this milestone plan for our city, reaffirming our commitment to creating a sense of belonging for everyone that calls Albury home," Mayor King said.
The Multicultural Plan an be viewed on the AlburyCity website.
*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021).