Council will develop an anti-racism strategy which recognises that racism exists in all communities and that local government has a role and responsibility in combatting race discrimination in all its forms.
At the Tuesday 8 March Council Meeting, Council resolved unanimously to develop a local Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy in consultation with the Inner West Council Multicultural Advisory Committee and Inner West Multicultural Network.
“The Inner West is proudly the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism, fostered on land owned by the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation,” said Councillor Mat Howard, who moved the motion.
“Our suburbs are home to people from across the world and we can proudly celebrate the success of our diverse, inclusive and harmonious community.
“Still, racism exists in every community and continues to limit access to opportunity and full participation for people from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“I’m proud that we were one of the first Councils to adopt the RacismNotWelcome campaign, which is growing across the country.
“But we can and should do more,” Councillor Howard said.
Council also resolved to continue to host and support events on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, today, Monday 21 March.
“Council marks International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination annually to raise awareness about racism and its harmful impacts on health and wellbeing for many community members,” Councillor Howard said.
“Through the power of storytelling and conversation, we can hopefully move towards an anti-racist and socially cohesive community.
“I hope everyone will take the time to visit innerwest.nsw.gov.au/StoriesOfRacism to hear how racism affects the everyday lives of so many Australians,” Councillor Howard said.
“Developing an Anti-Racism Strategy will further empower our community to confront and eliminate racism.
“Thank you to those in the Inner West Council Multicultural Advisory Committee and Inner West Multicultural Network who have advocated so strongly and so passionately for council to develop an Anti-Racism Strategy.
“It will provide us and our communities with further opportunities to raise awareness of racism and host programs that reduce racism and promote inclusion,” Councillor Howard said.
