News Alert |

The City of Ballarat’s work to promote cultural diversity has been recognised through its nomination as a finalist in the Government Award category at the 2018 Human Rights Awards.

The Human Rights Awards, presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission, is the pinnacle of human rights recognition in Australia. Each year the awards recognise the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations in promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms.

The Government Award recognises a local, state, territory or federal government body that has contributed to the advancement and protection of human rights in the Australian community.

The City of Ballarat was nominated for the award for its work in promoting cultural diversity through the Intercultural Cities Strategic Plan and previously through the Cultural Diversity Strategy, which has included the award winning intercultural ambassador program and CALD Education and Employment Pathways program.  

Other nominees for the Government Award were the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, the Charter Education Project and New South Wales Coordinator-General for refugees resettlement Professor Peter Shergold.  

Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh said the nomination reflected the City of Ballarat’s long-term commitment to promoting cultural diversity.

“We’re honoured to be nominated as a finalist for this award. Our nomination recognises the efforts of Council and our community partners over many years to promote cultural diversity in our city. It follows Ballarat’s endorsement by the Council of Europe as Australia’s first intercultural city in 2016.” 

“Through our Intercultural Cities Strategic Plan, we will continue to strengthen and support our culturally diverse communities.”