Intercultural city promotes inclusiveness

City of Maribyrnong, Victoria, has signed a statement of intent to become a member of the Intercultural Cities Programme. Following the official signing, a ceremonial signing was held on Wednesday 24 October at a Children’s Week event with local families in Braybrook.

Mayor, Cuc Lam, along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stephen Wall, hosted a bilingual storytime session in English and Vietnamese, explaining the importance of cultural diversity in the City, and Council’s commitment to promoting inclusivity.

The Mayor said that becoming an Intercultural City demonstrates Council’s commitment to being a community where everyone feels welcome.

“People from all around the world now call Maribyrnong home, and we want to make sure that everyone feels a sense of belonging and is given the opportunity to thrive.

“We are proud of our diversity, and we want to continue to foster and promote interculturalism.”

The Intercultural Cities Programme is an initiative that supports cities internationally to review their policies through an intercultural lens and develop comprehensive intercultural strategies to enable them to manage diversity positively and realise their diversity advantage.

The programme helps cities to empower all members of their community, regardless of where they are from, and to promote interaction between people of different backgrounds.

Building on a commitment to a strong and resilient community that celebrates its diversity, Council will work across the organisation and community to create an Intercultural Strategy that builds and promotes intercultural learning, dialogue and relationships.