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Council releases draft Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Policy Action Plan

Latrobe City is seeking comment from the community on its draft Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Policy (CALD) and Action Plan, produced to address any cultural or language barriers that may prevent access to Council services.

By Latrobe City Council - 13th January 2004 - Back to News

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said that the municipality comprised a socially and culturally diverse community, made up not only of indigenous people and those born in Australia, but also a number of different migrant populations from Europe and the rest of the world.

"Many residents speak languages other than English at home and we need to ensure that these members of the community have the same equality of access to all of Council’s services, as others in the community.

"We need to create an inclusive and harmonious community that both acknowledges and nurtures the assets of our diversity. This Action Plan will set out guidelines to ensure a continuous improvement in addressing these needs," Cr Middlemiss explained.

Latrobe City’s Manager, Community Development Strategy, Heather Farley, said that in order to get the necessary feedback required to create a successful CALD Action Plan, a Reference Group was established.

"The group was made up of representatives from the Gippsland Migrant Resource Centre and Anglicare, as well as each of Council’s departments.

"Following consultation, a list of objectives was drawn up, including access to Council material in languages other than English; access to an interpreter service; training for staff on how to use the interpreter service; how to be inclusive when targeting the community and skills development of Council staff and management with regard to the City’s ethnic communities," Ms Farley explained.

"Under the banners of access, equity, communication, responsiveness, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability, the document identifies the objectives for each of these areas. The Plan also identifies the strategies and actions required for Council staff to meet the objectives listed," Ms Farley said.

The Draft Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Action Plan is now open to public comment before going to Council for endorsement.

English language copies of the document are available from Latrobe City Service Centres and libraries. The Plan is also available in electronic format via Latrobe City’s website www.latrobe.vic.gov.au and in alternative formats – large print, audio cassette, languages other than English, electronic format via diskette or email and Braille, upon request. To receive a copy by mail or alternative format phone 1300 367 700.

Please direct comments and enquiries to Heather Farley on 5128 5648.

All responses must be received by close of business Tuesday 10 February 2004.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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