The City of Canterbury Bankstown has joined the fight against racial intolerance and discrimination, by endorsing the #RacismNotWelcome campaign.

The campaign, launched by the Inner West Multicultural Network last year, seeks to make communities across Australia safe and welcoming for all.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour said he was proud of the work Council was already doing in this area, but while racism is not a major issue for our Council, it does exist beyond our borders and we must show our support.

“Canterbury-Bankstown is one of the most harmonious, culturally and linguistically diverse Cities in Australia, but we are not immune to racism,” Mayor Asfour said.

“So, we are supporting the #RacismNotWelcome campaign not only because it is the right thing to do as a leader of our City, but I want people to know racism is not acceptable in our community and will not be tolerated.

“With more than 130 nationalities, it is all the more reason to ensure we live in harmony and respect each other.”

During last week’s Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to join other councils in supporting campaign by: 

• Flying Racism Not Welcome banners in key locations across our City;
• Instigate a Racism Not Welcome petition; and
• Continue working with the community and social networking groups to develop programs focused on building harmony, awareness and understanding of cultural diversity.

To further show support for the different cultures that call CBCity home, Council:

• Designed and installed a Mother Language Monument, honouring the conservation of native languages;
• Will fly the Greek flag for seven days at Earlwood Senior Citizen Centre, to mark the 200th anniversary of Greece’s revolution and war of independence; and
• Fly the Jordanian flag on Saturday 27 March at Paul Keating Park, to celebrate the country’s centenary. 

“These communities are very much a part of our City’s rich diverse culture,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Since the first Greeks arrived in 1829, Greek Australians now make up the seventh largest ethnic group in this country.

“And the centenary marks a significant moment for most Jordanians living in our City, as they celebrate the struggles and triumphs their country has endured.”