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Public Feedback Sought On Draft Cultural And Linguistic Diversity Action Plan A draft action plan to support council in communicating with Latrobe City’s culturally diverse community is now available for public comment, following consideration by council on Monday. By Latrobe City Council - 11th December 2009 - Back to News Over an eleven week period, the community is being encouraged to provide feedback and make submissions before the draft ‘Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Action Plan 2010’ is considered for adoption.
Latrobe City mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, said that the action plan was designed to ensure that culturally and linguistically diverse members of the community have access to culturally relevant and sensitive services provided by council.
"Latrobe City has a vibrant diverse community comprised of people from many different nations across the world.
"At the time of the 2006 Census, there were over 9,000 Latrobe City residents who were born overseas and more than 4,000 residents who speak a language other than English at home. Over the past ten years, a total of 1,014 migrants and refugees have settled directly in the Latrobe City area.
"The action plan will help council to build an inclusive and cohesive community. Council is seeking to ensure the cultural and linguistic diversity in Latrobe City is recognised, valued and supported. It is our aim to seek a harmonious community that acknowledges diversity, engages with residents and nurtures neighbourhoods," Cr O’Callaghan explained.
"It is a policy of council to ensure Latrobe City services, information and facilities are inclusive of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, in accordance with the Charter of Public Service in a Diverse Society.
"The Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Action Plan promotes this policy as well as taking into account council's other areas of responsibility such as advocacy, community consultation, and celebrating diversity."
Latrobe City's acting manager community capacity building, Jody O’Kane, said that the role of local government is to develop creative strategies which address local needs and directives.
"Latrobe City Council is not a direct provider of settlement services, yet it does support our diverse community by providing responsive and appropriate council services, advocating on behalf of the community, and working closely with settlement communities," Mr O’Kane explained.
"The action plan is intended to be a long-term strategic document that guides council’s response to cultural and linguistic diversity. It will evolve over time to ensure ongoing alignment with socio-demographic changes and community priorities," Mr O’Kane concluded.
The draft Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Action Plan will be on display at council's service centres and on council's website www.latrobe.vic.gov.au for public comment from Wednesday 9 December.
Written submissions should be made to Latrobe City Council, PO Box 264, Morwell 3840; no later than 5pm on Thursday 25 February 2010.
For further information contact Jody O’Kane at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities. - Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs. - Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases. - Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation. - East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement. - Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families. - East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents - Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin. - Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes. - Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits. - East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives. - Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026. - Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants.
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