The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for people from different cultural backgrounds to become intercultural ambassadors to help build relationships and connections between all members of the community.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Community Partnerships Steven Abbott said the new Greater Bendigo Intercultural Ambassadors initiative is part of the City’s commitment to being a liveable and welcoming community.
“This is a voluntary leadership opportunity for multicultural or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community members from across Greater Bendigo to share their culture, connect with others, enhance understanding and cultural diversity,” Mr Abbott said.
“We are looking for people aged over 18 who are passionate about human rights, social cohesion, inclusion and diversity who want to make a positive contribution by sharing their culture with others.
“No prior experience is required to become an intercultural ambassador, just the enthusiasm and passion to support and promote culturally diversity and inclusion.
“The ambassadors are likely to be involved in hosting and supporting events relevant to their culture such as Reconciliation Week, Harmony Day, Refugee Week and Cultural Diversity Week, council meetings and other activities that contribute to inclusion policy for the City so they will need to have good social skills, a friendly welcoming nature, good communication and intercultural skills, as well as good knowledge of their local cultural community.
“The ambassadors will have a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, share their culture, inform policy and connect and network with others. They will all undertake a flexible leadership training program and an induction program which includes an explanation of the City of Greater Bendigo’s policies and processes.
“The Greater Bendigo population is growing and becoming increasingly culturally and religiously diverse and the initiative is based on a similar program running in the City of Ballarat that has seen over 40 Ambassadors act as champions for intercultural relations with that local community.
“It’s proven very successful in Ballarat and we believe it will in Greater Bendigo too.”
The City has received funding from the Victorian Government to implement the program.
People interested in becoming a Greater Bendigo Intercultural Ambassador can apply online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Community-and-Care by 5pm Monday, June 10.
