The City of Port Adelaide Enfield has become the first council in South Australia to join the Welcoming Cities Network.
The Council is one of the largest Councils in metropolitan Adelaide and is home to the third largest population in the state. One third of the municipality’s residents were born overseas.
Council voted in June to become part of the Welcoming Cities Network – a national network that encourages local leaders to share knowledge on multicultural inclusivity.
Mayor Gary Johanson said it was an important step for the diverse community.
“Welcoming Cities is an initiative for cities that want to demonstrate their commitment to providing a place where people from all walks of life can feel safe, secure and welcome.
“As the first South Australian council to officially join Welcoming Cities, we have committed to take steps toward creating an environment that unlocks the full potential of all members of our community.”
“We recognise that cities which proactively foster an environment of belonging and participation for new arrivals as well as emerging communities, increase their social cohesion, economic capability and resilience.
“Joining the network highlights unity, shared values and will ensure that diverse voices are listened to and celebrated.”
Council will now work towards becoming accredited under The Australian Standard for Welcoming Cities to benchmark policy and practice in cultural diversity and inclusion.
