Sunshine Coast Council has reinforced its commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion by signing a commitment letter and becoming a member of the Welcoming Cities Network.
Community Portfolio councillor David Law said Welcoming Cities was a national network of local governments, committed to an Australia where everyone can participate in social, cultural, economic and local life.
“Our region is home to migrants from 150 countries, with 96 different languages spoken and one in five residents born overseas,” he said.
“As we celebrate Multicultural Queensland Month this August, this is a time to reflect on how wonderfully diverse our region is.
“As a Welcoming Cities member, we are provided a framework to formalise, capture and celebrate our inclusion and diversity work.
“It also expands the ways in which the Sunshine Coast welcomes international guests, investors and skilled migrants to the region and support them.
“Together we can continue to build a more connected and inclusive community.”
Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas said this was a great step forward for the region.
“We place importance on inclusion and being a welcoming organisation and this commitment is a natural progression to translate throughout our Council and the Sunshine Coast region,” Ms Thomas said.
“We look forward to working with the Welcoming Cities team and strive to keep improving our region to make sure everyone feels welcome.”
Welcoming Australia CEO Aleem Ali said the Sunshine Coast was joining a network of 78 councils representing more than 40 per cent of the Australian population.
“Members of the rapidly growing Welcoming Cities network value the diversity of their communities and a fair go for all,” he said.
“We’re excited to support Sunshine Coast Council showcase the great work already happening in the community and advance the region as a place where people of all backgrounds can find a sense of value and belonging.”
Welcoming Cities is an initiative of Welcoming Australia which is supported by the Scanlon Foundation who are on the forefront of research on social cohesion.
There are more than 250 member cities across the world with 76 in Australia. including a mix of cities, regional and remote councils.
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