The two-year, State Government funded Hello Neighbour project developed an innovative response to promote and build connected communities across Monash. With the recent, rapid changes due to COVID, meaningful community engagement is critical to ensuring our city remains a vibrant, thriving multicultural community that accepts people of diverse cultures.
A key feature of the project was the Monash Community Ambassadors, providing a unique opportunity for our culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse ambassadors to advise Council and influence project directions. They helped mobilise their networks to reach the broader community, create stronger cross-cultural connections, and share their culturally diverse perspectives and experiences to support mainstream groups.
Some of the key initiatives delivered include:
- ‘Longing for Home’ Textile Art project
- We Stand Together as One Community ‘Say No to Racism’ forums
- Resilience Against Racism workshop series
- Cultural Awareness and Bystander Intervention training
- Places of Worship Open Day
- Monash Youth Interfaith Panel Discussion
- Flavours of Monash cookbook
The Community Ambassadors have become a sought-after resource across Council, local service providers and community groups. Despite the impacts of COVID, the Hello Neighbour project has assisted Council to achieve its priority of promoting inclusion and participation for all, ensuring that our diverse community feel valued and included.
Photo caption: Neighbour Community Ambassadors – Lizzy, Andreas, Helen, Judson, Tess, Eman, Amit, Daphne, Jayden, Manal
