Townsville City Council has joined eight other Australian municipalities as an Established Welcoming City, highlighting the city’s success in developing and implementing initiatives and policies to help all residents and visitors feel welcome.
Welcoming Cities is a national initiative of more than 100 local government organisations, which supports the growth their cities’ inclusivity practices.
Townsville became the 40th council and the fifth Queensland council to join the Welcoming Cities network in 2019, ensuring Townsville had an inclusive community where all residents have a sense of belonging regardless of ethnicity, cultural background or religion.
More recently, Council was assessed across six key criteria to become an Established Welcoming City:
- Community leadership
- Social and cultural inclusion
- Economic development
- Learning and skills development
- Civic participation
- Places and spaces.
Townsville joins the ranks of Albury City, Gladstone, Unley, Hobart, Murray Bridge, Manningham, Port Adelaide Enfield and Frankston City Council as an Established Welcoming City, reflecting the city’s status as a key member of the Welcoming Cities network and Council’s commitment to being a driver of cultural change.
Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee chairperson Councillor Vera Dirou said this accreditation was a fantastic step in the right direction for the City of Townsville.
“As a Council it’s important that we continue to champion the pillars that make us a Welcoming City,” Cr Dirou said.
“One in seven of our residents was born overseas, and almost one in 12 residents identify as being First Nations, so it’s essential for Council to continue shaping our city into a place that is welcoming, supportive and embraces our city as a cultural melting pot.
“To be accredited as an Established Welcoming City, Council has had to go through assessment which looked at our policy framework, our programs and our partnerships, while also looking at ways we can strengthen our outcomes and deliver stronger community impact.
“I’m very proud to say that Council has not only been commended and accredited as an Established Welcoming City, but we have also been encouraged to apply to become an Advanced Welcoming City thanks to our strong performance and continued commitment to welcoming practices.”
Welcoming Australia CEO Aleem Ali congratulated Council for actively advancing welcoming, inclusion and belonging for all.
“From their commitment to reconciliation and partnerships with First Nations communities, to inclusive employment practices, accessible library services and targeted programs supporting migrant and refugee communities, Townsville has demonstrated that creating a welcoming community is about more than good intentions.
“It’s about the way a city leads, plans, and works alongside its community every day. Importantly, this accreditation is not an endpoint. Rather, it celebrates a council that is continually looking to improve, innovate and deepen its impact.”
To learn more about Townsville’s accreditation as a Welcoming City, visit Welcoming Cities.
