Skip to content
Culturally and linguistically diverse, Research Development

Excelling: City of Darebin leads the way in welcoming

Welcoming Australia 2 mins read

The City of Darebin recognised in Australian-first as the first local council to achieve Welcoming Cities accreditation at the Excelling Level 

This week, the City of Darebin was awarded the first Excelling Accreditation in the Welcoming Cities network.   

Welcoming Cities accreditation recognises the commitment local government organisations make to advancing inclusion in their community. The recognition of accreditation at the Excelling level highlights Council’s reputation as a sector leader in welcoming and inclusion practice, programs and initiatives. 

The City of Darebin has made that commitment to inclusion through:  

  • becoming a member of Welcoming Cities in 2017  

  • Key actions and contributions across all of council 

  • benchmarking this process and becoming an accredited Welcoming City at the Excelling level, with an overall score of 4.7 out of a possible 5.   
     

This successful accreditation acknowledges the significant work of Council and the Darebin community to make the City more welcoming and inclusive. Achieving Excelling level both reflects and builds on the City’s commitments to being a welcoming city to all. These commitments include equitable access to services and facilities, safe and inclusive neighbourhoods, economic development opportunities, and respect for human rights for all people who live in and visit the city. It also provides an opportunity to plan for further improvement and change. 

 

Welcoming Australia's CEO, Aleem Ali, congratulated Darebin City Council, the first to be awarded accreditation at the Excelling level. He said, 

 

“Darebin has a long-term approach to this work. They understand that welcoming and inclusion are about continuous engagement and learning, and we congratulate them on their success. Becoming the first council in Australia to be accredited at the Excelling level underlines their role as a leader in welcoming work in Australia.” 

 

Responding to the accreditation, City of Darebin Mayor, Councillor Susanne Newton, said, 

  

“I am so proud that Darebin is the first Council in Australia to be awarded ‘Excelling’ status in our Welcoming Cities accreditation. This reflects what I see every day in our community: a place where everyone can find their people, a place to call home and connect with community, whatever their background. This award acknowledges the commitment and significant work of Council and the Darebin community to build a truly inclusive and equitable City.  

  

We are fortunate in Darebin to be home to people from over 112 countries who speak more than 88 languages, and we are always striving to be a city where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to contribute to our wonderful community.” 

 

Welcoming Cities is a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. Currently, 87 Local Councils are members of the Welcoming Cities network across Australia, representing almost 50% of Australia’s population.  

 

Ends — 

Learn more about Welcoming Cities at www.welcomingcities.org.au/. 

Learn more about Welcoming Cities Accreditation here:  www.welcomingcities.org.au/accreditation/  

 

 


Key Facts:

This week, the City of Darebin was awarded the first Excelling Accreditation in the Welcoming Cities network.   


About us:

Welcoming Australia is a non-partisan movement and organisation committed to cultivating a culture of welcome and advancing an Australia where people of all backgrounds have equal opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.


Contact details:

For further comment or information contact: 
 
Shannon Reid 
Corporate Communications Officer 
City of Darebin  
Shannon.Reid@darebin.vic.gov.au l 03 8470 8888  
 
Kate Leaney 
Campaigns & Communications Manager 
Welcoming Australia 
kate@welcoming.org.au | 0411 712 930 
 
Aleem Ali 
CEO 
Welcoming Australia 
aleem@welcoming.org.au | 0400 917 756 

Media

More from this category

  • Building Construction, Culturally and linguistically diverse
  • 17/03/2025
  • 12:46
PlanRadar

Leadership Beyond The Plan: Strengthening Minority Representation in Australian Construction Leadership

Sydney, Australia – March 2025: Despite over $200 million in government investment since 2019, minority representation in Australian construction leadership remains alarmingly low, according…

  • Contains:
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse, General News
  • 17/03/2025
  • 12:00
Australian National Maritime Museum

Sunset Nasara – Celebrating Australian South Sea Islander traditions

The Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to present Sunset Nasara. Sunset Nasara is a one-day cultural exchange showcasing and celebrating Australian South Sea Islander traditions through stories, music, performance, art, food, and skill-sharing – it is where traditions come alive. Visitors can participate in hands-on craft workshops, experience the flavours of the Pacific with free tastings, and join in dance workshops. Experience the warmth and richness of Australian South Sea Islander culture and kinship with First Nations and the Pacific through a day of dynamic programming at the museum. Supported by City of Sydney Sunset NasaraSunday 23 March11am –…

  • Contains:
  • Community, Culturally and linguistically diverse
  • 13/03/2025
  • 16:08
Ahmadiyya Muslim Commuity Perth

One of Perth’s Biggest Interfaith Iftar Dinner Returns at Nasir Mosque: 300+ expected to attend for a glimpse into Islamic tradition

Members of the Press are invited to capture this celebration of WA’s multicultural fabric. Interview opportunities withorganisers, faith leaders, and dignitaries available. FOR IMMEDIATE…

  • Contains:

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.