Support Services for Multicultural Communities during COVID-19

For support during COVID-19, please see COVID-19 Updates
 

Our approach

Georges River Council acknowledges and values the wide range of attributes of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities that play a key role in forming the strong social and economic character of the Georges River area.

In 2016, 42% of people in the Georges River Council were born in countries where English was not their first language. Many Georges River residents come from places as diverse as China, Nepal, Greece, Philippines and India.

A more complete picture of the cultural diversity of the Georges River Local Government Area is available via the Georges River Community Profile. 

Council's services are based on the principles of multiculturalism that encourages inclusion and participation of multicultural communities to ensure their needs and aspirations are addressed through culturally appropriate services.

Community Development Programs

We offer a variety of community development 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'. 

Council is a major sponsor of the annual St George Migrant Information Day which is hosted every October by the St George Multicultural Network. This event provides newly arrived migrants and refugees in the region with information on services, facilities and support groups. 

The Georges River local government area is an official Refugee Welcome Zone and welcomes refugees and endeavours to highlight their achievements in our community.

Community Engagement

Council welcomes and encourages members of multicultural communities to get involved and contribute in discussions about what happens in the Georges River area. Council's community engagement activities are guided by our Community Engagement Strategy. 

If you want to know what's happening in the local area and to make a comment, visit Your Say.

Multicultural Reference Group

The Reference Group has been formed to provide an opportunity for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and representative organisations to work closely with Council to improve residents' wellbeing and access to services. 

Resources 

We develop resources that can improve our communications with multicultural communities.
Georges River Council, in partnership with community organisations, has 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

Council offers 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 or instead through the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) 131 450. The Translating and Interpreting service (TIS National) provides a range of promotional materials, and instructional posters for non-English speakers on the TIS National promotional materials catalogue page. 

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 Diversity and Inclusion Officer on 9330 6261 or communitydevelopment@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Useful Links

Settlement Services International
Multicultural NSW
Department of Social Services
Centrelink Information in your language - or 13 12 02 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)