Supporting Interculturalism: Intercultural Strategy 2023-2026 endorsed

Published on 13 December 2023

Council has reaffirmed its commitment to our culturally diverse communities by endorsing its first ever Intercultural Strategy 2023-2026 at the December 2023 meeting.

The Strategy, which builds on the community’s strengths and experiences as a multicultural city, embraces interculturalism to help grow a socially cohesive city, as well as promoting inclusivity and diversity. It seeks to foster learning, dialogue and relationships between cultures.

Endorsement follows a six week conversation with the community on the draft document during which Council spoke to over 650 community members directly at in-person events, and received nearly 250 responses through our online engagement platform, Your City Your Voice, and a postcard campaign to residents via Maribyrnong Messenger.

While feedback confirmed a strong appreciation for arts, cultural and festival programming supported by Council, our community also asked for more actions to address language discrimination and support language diversity.

Mayor Cr Cuc Lam, says the level of engagement has helped ensure the endorsed Strategy reflects the vision and values of Maribyrnong’s diverse community.

“We know Maribyrnong is one of the most diverse communities in Victoria – nearly half of our residents were born overseas and more than 80 languages are spoken. There was strong community support for inclusion and diversity, and our Intercultural Strategy is a visible statement that Maribyrnong embraces cultural pluralism and is taking action to actively engage its diverse community in building the social fabric of the City,” said Mayor Lam.

An update will be shared each year to report on the actions within the Strategy.

For more information and to view the endorsed Strategy, visit Council’s website.