Our approach
We acknowledge and value the wide range of attributes of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities that play a key role in the social and economic life of Georges River.
In 2021, 46% of people in the Georges River were born overseas. Many Georges River residents come from places including China, Nepal, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Greece.
You can learn more about the cultural diversity of the Georges River area on the Georges River Community Profile.
Our services are based on the principles of multiculturalism that encourage inclusion and participation of multicultural communities and ensure their needs and aspirations are met through culturally appropriate services.
Community Capacity Building Programs
We offer a variety of community capacity building programs and initiatives that foster a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community.
Knowing Your Council program aims to improve access of multicultural groups to Council's services. Many of our projects aim to promote harmony and enhance cultural and religious diversity in our community such as Harmony Day and the Interfaith and Peace Forums.
Anti-racism strategies are a high priority for our Council. We continue to work with our leaders to provide training to staff on cultural competency and support the national campaign 'Racism. It stops with me'.
On 21 March 2022, Georges River launched the Better Together anti-racism campaign to promote diversity, encourage social cohesion and call out discrimination in our community.
The Georges River local government area is an official Refugee Welcome Zone. We welcome refugees and endeavour to highlight their achievements in our community. Refugee Welcome Zone Councils must show their commitment to engaging and supporting the local refugee community. This includes developing programs in consultation with the community. Programs aim to welcome refugees, raise awareness, promote the positive contributions of refugees in our community and build a sense of belonging to the Georges River region.
To celebrate Refugee Week 2023, Georges River Council is hosting a talk from an Ambassador of the Refugee Council of Australia, Shahri Rafi. We will listen to Shari’s powerful story and hear her discuss what freedom means to her, and how she found it in Australia. This is an opportunity to hear how we can support refugees and celebrate the resilience that makes up parts of our wider community.
The event will take place on 22 June 2023 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Hurstville Library. The event is free but registration is essential. Please join us by registering for this event.
Community Engagement
We encourage members of multicultural communities to contribute to discussions about what happens in the Georges River area. Our community engagement activities are guided by our Community Engagement Strategy.
If you want to know what's happening in the local area and make a comment, please visit Your Say.
We currently have a Your Say survey open asking for community feedback on the Better Together campaign, so we can continue to work with the community and support those affected by racism. If you have any ideas for future events or initiatives, or general feedback, we are eager to hear from you. We have also included a safe space for you to share whether you have seen or experienced racism in the community.
Multicultural Reference Group
- The group provides support and feedback to Council to improve residents' well-being and access to services.
- The reference group meets four times a year.
- For further information, see the Multicultural Reference Group Terms of Reference. If you are interested in joining this Reference Group, please complete the Expression of Interest form.
Resources
We develop resources that can improve our communications with multicultural communities.
In partnership with community organisations, we have produced the latest English Classes Directory. This resource is vital for migrants to improve their English language skills, to gain confidence with reading and speaking English, and to learn and access local services.
The Multicultural LGBTQIA+ Support Directory contains information related specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups, with the aim of providing assistance and social support in Sydney.
Our Libraries offer a variety of resources, services and several community language collections.
Language Aide Program
We offer language assistance to support residents from non-English speaking backgrounds to access Council services and information.
Staff who work for Council and speak languages in high demand are appointed and trained as Language Aides. Residents who need language assistance face to face or on the phone can request to talk to one of our Language Aides.
Currently our Language Aides speak the following languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Greek and Italian.
Contact
For further information on the Multicultural Reference Group or programs for multicultural communities, please contact our Community Capacity Building Team on 9330 6400 or by email: communitycapacitybuilding@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
For a free interpreter call us via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the National Relay Service:
- Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727
- TTY number: 133 677
Useful Links
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