Community consultation open for draft Cultural Diversity Plan

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Graeme Moore said: “At Cardinia Shire Council, we are proud of our shire’s rich cultural diversity and are committed to ensuring an inclusive and connected community for one and all”.

“We have an important role to play in fostering an accessible and welcoming community for everyone and for providing support and opportunities for our residents from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds.

“Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and contributes to making our shire such a vibrant and welcoming community in which to live. We can all play our part in promoting harmony, social cohesion and respect for human rights by continuing to support and welcome cultural and religious diversity in our community, he said.

The new Cultural Diversity Action Plan 2019−23 builds on our commitment to our culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The four-year plan focuses on inclusion, partnership building, strengthening community participation, promoting, and celebrating diversity.

The 2016 census data reported that 19 percent or 17,839 Cardinia Shire residents were born overseas. Of those 17,839 residents, 14 percent had arrived from overseas within the last five years.

In 2016 in Central Ward 22 per cent of residents spoke a language other than English, with the primary languages other than English being Punjabi, Sinhalese, Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish.

The census data also highlighted that 1,194 people reported difficulty-speaking English.

Cr Moore encourages all residents to review the document and provide feedback that may help to improve the plan.

For more information and to have your say visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay