Ross Barnett City of Whittlesea Exploring Policy Approaches: Specific, universal and mixed approaches to council policies supporting multicultural communities Ross Barnett City of Whittlesea

Multiculturalism to Inclusion City of Whittlesea Multiculturalism to Inclusion

City of Whittlesea Third fastest growing municipality in Victoria Designated growth area Population of 202,700 expected to hit 300,000 by 2030 Lower year 12 completion Higher unemployment Higher type 2 diabetes rates High rates of problem gambling

City of Whittlesea Migrants from over 140 countries Over 40 per cent of residents speak a language other than English at home - 30 per cent speak English ‘not well or not at all’ An estimated asylum seeker population of 900 to 1500

Inclusion Policy Structures Multicultural Action Plan 2014-2018 Building Respect: Whittlesea’s Anti-racism Strategy 2015 -2019 Asylum Seeker Policy Other policy structures also address inclusion eg; Reconciliation Action Plan, Disability Action Plan and Gender Equity Strategy

Multicultural Action Plan Evolution 2003 – 2005 Access and Equity 2007 – 2011 Multicultural Action Plan 1 2014 – 2018 Many Faces One Community: Multicultural Action Plan 2

Anti-Racism Strategy Evolution LEAD 2009-2013 (Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity) VicHealth and MAV Partnership Which lead to a significant increase in Council’s understanding of health and social impacts of race based discrimination

Asylum Seeker Policy Evolution 2013 - A significant increase in the number of Asylum Seekers living in Whittlesea led to an Asylum Seeker Discussion Paper 2014 - Councillors voted to become a signatory to the Joint Statement by Victorian Local Governments on Asylum Seekers 2015 – Councillors endorsed an Asylum Seeker Policy

Drivers of Policy Development These policies are driven by; Political leadership Commitment to inclusion Maintenance of social cohesion Community consultation Engagement (service providers, key agencies)

Council Commitment to Inclusion Shaping Our Future: Whittlesea 2030 Council Plan Theme: We share an open expression of cultural heritage Theme: We provide support to new and emerging communities Theme: There are programs to promote cultural diversity and address race-based discrimination

A Partnership Approach Achievable through partnership approach with local service providers eg; BSL, AMES, Life without Barriers, WCC Achievable through partnership approach with local networks eg; WIN, WCLN, WCF Achievable through partnership approach with local community organisations eg; WMCC, Multifaceted...

The video viewed can be accessed here: https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/community-services-and-health/multicultural-services/anti-racism-strategy