Our Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan has been shaped by the voices and experiences of Darebin’s culturally diverse and migrant communities from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Through this plan, Council aims to respond to the needs of people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and racial backgrounds, including addressing racism and discrimination and improving access to services and opportunities such as employment, arts, and civic participation.

Council aims to advance a fair, inclusive and equitable community where Darebin’s culturally diverse and migrant communities can fully participate in civic, social, political and economic life, with equitable access to opportunities and resources

The Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 sets out Council’s four-year, whole-of-organisation roadmap to strengthen equity, rights, inclusion and wellbeing for culturally and linguistically diverse and migrant communities in Darebin. The Action Plan has been informed by extensive community engagement, contemporary evidence-based practice, ongoing consultation with Darebin Welcoming Cities Community Reference Group, and alignment with Council’s broader strategic commitments and the national standards.

As part of the engagement process, from May to August 2025, and in collaboration with PaperGiant and community partner organisations, Council engaged with communities of focus, prioritising direct outreach, particularly to groups who face barriers to participation—such as language, location and access to technology —alongside other engagement channels and consultation with key stakeholders.

A summary of the community engagement process is provided below, outlining the key methods and activities undertaken during the consultation period.

For a copy of the full community engagement report and findings, please check the library section on the right-hand side of this page.

Council has a long-standing commitment to working with and for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, recognising the profound contribution that migrants across generations have made to the social, cultural and economic fabric of Darebin. This includes support for refugees and people seeking asylum, and a clear commitment to standing up against racism in all its forms. Council has reaffirmed this commitment through initiative 2.1.2: Finalise and implement the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan in the Our Darebin Plan 2025-29.

Development of the action planaction has been underway since late 2024, building on Council’s accreditation as ‘Excelling’ under the national Welcoming Cities standards in August 2024.