Support Services for Multicultural Communities during COVID-19
For support during COVID-19, please see COVID-19 Updates
Our approach
We acknowledges 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 2016, 42% of people in the Georges River were born in countries where English was not their first language. Many Georges River residents come from places including China, Nepal, Greece, Philippines and India.
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 encourages inclusion and participation of multicultural communities and ensure their needs and aspirations are met 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'.
The Georges River local government area is an official Refugee Welcome Zone. We welcome refugees and endeavour to highlight their achievements in our community.
Community Engagement
We encourages 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.
Multicultural Reference Group
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The group provides support and feedback to Council to improve residents' wellbeing and access to services.
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The reference group meets four times a year.
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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 - communitydevelopment@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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