The Shire of Dalwallinu’s efforts to implement the principles of multiculturalism were recognised in April with the awarding of the Implementing Multiculturalism Locally Award at Perth’s Government House.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan presented the award to Shire President Robert Nixon, and congratulated the Shire on its outstanding achievements, commitment and enthusiasm for its work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The award recognised the Shire of Dalwallinu for its implementation of the principles of multiculturalism through innovative planning, programming, reporting and community engagement practices.
“The Shire and its community can be proud of being awarded the Implementing Multiculturalism Locally Award and its continued achievements in welcoming new residents to the Shire,” said Councillor Nixon.
The Shire of Dalwallinu, aligned with the Regional Repopulation Plan, identified the influx of culturally diverse migrants into Dalwallinu and Kalannie, a satellite town of the Shire. This influx and indications of continuing resettlement highlighted areas of focus in the aim to repopulate the Shire.
The Shire works to repopulate and retain existing residents through initiatives such as English classes, Immigration seminars, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) master classes, New Residents’ Information Packs and the appointment of a Community Liaison and Support Officer who is tasked with promoting positive interaction and communication between new and existing members of the community.
Since commencement of the Regional Repopulation Plan, linked to an Economic Development Strategy, the population has increased by over 100.
For these efforts the Shire of Dalwallinu was described as “The best Shire in the Wheatbelt to have engaged and formed strong ties with its culturally and linguistically diverse community.”
