Multicultural recognition is a Queensland-first

Published: 15th November 2023

Council applied last August to join Welcoming Cities, a national initiative that provides a framework for local governments to achieve social cohesion objectives.

It has now become the first Queensland local government area to be assessed and accredited by Welcoming Cities.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Council was proud to be recognised for the work it was doing with the City of Logan’s extensive multicultural community.

Cr Power said Council’s advanced accreditation level meant it was successfully implementing initiatives and policies to support the city’s 234 different multicultural communities.

“We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia and look forward to liaising with Welcoming Cities and other key stakeholders to build further on our work in this area,” Cr Power said.

Welcoming Cities CEO Aleem Ali said Logan City Council was the third council in Australia to reach the advanced accreditation level.

“I especially congratulate them for becoming the first council accredited in Queensland as a Welcoming City,” Mr Ali said.

“The assessors were impressed by the examples of the city’s welcoming efforts and Welcoming Australia recognises and commends Council’s role in facilitating and supporting this work.

“The city's accreditation at an advanced level positions Logan as a national leader and celebrates the collective contribution from diverse community stakeholders in fostering economic, social and cultural inclusion for all residents."

The City of Logan is home to an increasingly diverse population.

The latest (2021) data figures show approximately 27.9 per cent of the city’s 360,000 population, or 96,000 residents, were born overseas.

Council became the 70th Australian Local Government to join Welcoming Cities last year.

The Welcoming Cities network represents 10 million residents across Australia.