Advancing a Welcoming Future: Western Downs Joins the National Welcoming Cities Network
Western Downs Regional Council has officially joined the Welcoming Cities Network affirming their commitment to promoting inclusiveness and equality in the region.
Western Downs Regional Council joins a growing national network of local councils who are committed to fostering a sense of community belonging and socioeconomic participation and equality for all people.
Mayor of Western Downs Regional Council, Andrew Smith, said that joining Welcoming Cities progresses the regions work in attracting new arrivals to the community and building a thriving, diverse community.
“We are committed to building a future based on equity, respect and acceptance for all,” the Mayor said.
“Welcoming Cities will help us achieve this goal by introducing a systemic and organisational approach to attracting and retaining new arrivals into the community and supporting migrants to belong in this community and build a life here”, he said.
“We are also really excited to be part of such a strong network of councils committed to welcoming, inclusion and belonging, and look forward to connecting and collaborating with them to further this work”.
Launched in March 2016, Welcoming Cities is an initiative of Welcoming Australia which aspires to see Australia advance as a welcoming and cohesive nation with strong focus on the transition of migrants into society.
Welcoming Cities’ Queensland Coordinator, Cate Gilpin said that having Western Downs join the Network is very exciting for the Darling Downs Southwest region, and she will support Western Downs to connect with other councils doing this work and draw on resources and support to attract and retain new arrivals.
Welcoming Cities provides local governments with opportunities to connect and learn from each other’s best practices that improve the quality of life and potential of immigrants and all others in the community.
About us:
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, 93 Local Councils are members of the Welcoming Cities network across Australia, representing over 50% of Australia's population.
Learn more about Welcoming Cities at www.welcomingcities.org.au/
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:
Kate Leaney
Campaigns and Communications Manager
Welcoming Australia
0411 712 930
kate@welcoming.org.au
Cate Gilpin
Coordinator Queensland, Welcoming Cities
0411 562 103
cate@welcoming.org.au
Aleem Ali
CEO
Welcoming Australia
ceo@welcoming.org.au
