Cultural Diversity
Inclusive community participation is key to sustaining a strong and vibrant community, and ensuring that people of all faiths, cultures, languages, genders and abilities are welcome and connected.
Council commits to achieving this through leadership and the development of inclusive policies and plans that recognise, respect and value cultural, linguistic, ethnic, religious, gender and ability diversity. A community where diversity is not only accepted but welcomed and celebrated.
According to the 2021 Census, the Macedon Ranges is home to a culturally diverse population, with a notable proportion of residents either born overseas or having parents born overseas. Statistics show:
- 18.4% of residents are born overseas
- 32% of residents have least one parent who was born overseas
- Residents speak 38 languages at home
Information about Council Cultural Diversity initiatives will be shared throughout the year. Check this page regularly for updates.
Harmony Week and Cultural Diversity Week
Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week are annual initiatives, which celebrate multiculturalism, promote inclusion, and coincide with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21).
Harmony Week is the National Australian multicultural celebration and Cultural Diversity Week is the Victorian state multicultural celebration.
Local activities and events will be listed below as details are confirmed.
Back Your Neighbour
Council is a supporter member of the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, working with over 40 councils across Australia to advocate to the Federal and State governments for fairness, compassion and dignity for people seeking asylum.
The Back Your Neighbour Campaign is a coalition of Australian local governments, community groups, welfare organisations and individual Australians who oppose cuts aimed at the most vulnerable members of our community, coordinated by the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum.
Refugee Welcome Zone
Council, as part of the Refugee Welcome Zone, has made a commitment in spirit to:
- Welcome refugees into the community
- Uphold the human rights of refugees
- Demonstrate compassion for refugees
- Enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community
The Refugee Welcome Zone initiative began in June 2002 as part of Refugee Week celebrations.
Refugee Week
Refugee Week aims to both raise awareness about issues affecting refugees around the world and celebrate the contributions refugees make to Australian society.
Refugee Week in Australia is always held from Sunday to Saturday of the week which includes 20 June (World Refugee Day).