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Multicultural Community

Our City attracts a large number of newly-arrived residents each year

Many of our new residents come from refugee and non-English speaking backgrounds, and represent diverse religions, languages, races and cultures. Some have experienced extreme hardships and have settled in Australia for safety reasons.​

Refugee Welcome Zone

As a 'Refugee Welcome Zone', the City of Canterbury Bankstown works hard to proudly create an environment that fosters social harmony and promotes social inclusion to ensure all residents are richer for living in our City.

In June 2020 Council joined the Refugee Welcome Zone Leadership Group along with other councils including the City of Sydney, City of Melbourne, Darebin, Danndenong, Fairfield, Inner West, Liverpool and Blacktown councils, to further enhance the direction of the Refugee Welcome Zone initiative.

Refugee Week​

It is important that opportunities such as Refugee Week are used to experience and celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities throughout our City.

During Refugee Week, Council holds community events in collaboration with local service providers. All members of the community are invited to attend, no matter their background. It is a great opportunity for residents to hear the moving stories that so many of our local refugees unfortunately have to tell, while also discovering the real facts about refugees and reminding everyone of their humanity. Live music, films and other art also forms part of these event.

Refugee Charter​

On Thursday 26 June 2008, the former Bankstown City Council made history as the nation's first Council to officially sign the Refugee Council of Australia's Refugee Charter.

CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia, Paul Power and Councillor Khal Asfour signed the Charter confirming the commitment to respecting and supporting refugees. The Charter contains 12 principles that recognise the difficulties faced by refugees and their right to live without fear of persecution.

The City of Canterbury Bankstown is honoured to continue with these values.

Download the Refugee Charter in seven community languages below:

Contact

For more information, contact Council's Diversity Officer