Georges River has a wide range of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. These communities are an important part of the social and economic fabric of the area.
Nearly half the people who live in Georges River were born overseas.
You can learn more about our cultural diversity in the Georges River Community Profile.
Our services are based on the principles of multiculturalism. These encourage the inclusion and participation of multicultural communities. We work to meet their needs and aspirations through culturally appropriate services.
Community Capacity Building Programs
The Knowing Your Council program improves access of multicultural groups to our services. Harmony Day and the Interfaith and Peace Forums promote cultural and religious diversity.
Anti-racism strategies are a high priority for our Council. We provide staff training on cultural competency and support the national campaign 'Racism. It stops with me'.
In 2022, We launched the Better Together anti-racism campaign. This promotes diversity, encourages social cohesion and calls out discrimination.
Georges River is an official Refugee Welcome Zone. We welcome refugees and highlight their achievements in our community.
Refugee Welcome Zone Councils commit to:
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Engaging and supporting local refugee communities.
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Consulting with the community to develop programs to welcome refugees.
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Raising awareness and promoting the positive contributions of refugees.
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Building a sense of belonging to the community.
Refugee Week: Multicultural Poetry Slam
Join us for a magical night of poetry and hear locals share stories of resilience, strength, and unity. Poems will be recited in the storyteller’s native language and English.
An open mic opportunity will also be available for members of the audience.
Canapés and refreshments will be served on arrival.
If you would like to recite a poem, please register your interest.
Event details:
Date: Thursday 20 June 2024.
Time: 5.00pm - 7.30pm.
Place: Hurstville Library, 12-22 Dora Street, Hurstville.
Cost: Free, however bookings are essential. Book your spot at the Multicultural Poetry Slam.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Community Engagement
Council's Community Engagement Strategy helps determine what happens in the area. We encourage members of multicultural communities to contribute.
Our Better Together campaign supports those affected by racism. You can share your ideas for events or initiatives (and provide general feedback) via our Your Say survey. You can also safely share instances of racism you have seen or experienced in the community.
To find out what's happening in the local area or to comment, please visit Your Say.
Multicultural Advisory Committee
The 2024-2025 Multicultural Advisory Committee provides feedback and advice to Council. It advises on policies, plans and services to support multicultural communities.
Its objectives are to:
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Assist council with its ‘Better Together’ anti-racism campaign and advance Council’s commitment.
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Assist Council’s engagement with multicultural communities.
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Raise concerns and make recommendations to Council.
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Strengthen partnerships and collaborations among groups that work with culturally diverse communities.
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Celebrate the benefits of cultural diversity.
For further information, please read the Advisory Committee's Terms of Reference.
To learn more Council's Advisory Committees, please see our Social Justice webpage.
Resources
The following resources can improve our communications with multicultural communities:
The 2024 English Classes Directory can help migrants read and speak English. This will make it easier to access local services.
The Multicultural LGBTQIA+ Support Directory.
Our Libraries offer resources, services and community language collections.
Language Aide Program
We help non-English speaking residents get Council services and information.
Staff who speak other languages train as Language Aides. Residents can talk to a Language Aide face-to-face or on the phone.
We have Language Aides who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Greek and Italian.
Contact
For further information on any of the above, contact our Community Capacity Building Team on (02) 9330 6400 or email communitycapacitybuilding@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
For a free interpreter call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, contact the National Relay Service:
Useful links
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