From the Mayor: Migrants part of the fabric of our City

As Mayor of the City of Stirling, the events of recent days have only reinforced how proud I am to be the elected leader of one of the most culturally diverse communities in Western Australia.
 
I’m a strong believer in healthy debate and the right to protest, but some of the discriminatory messages surrounding the “March for Australia” have been aimed at community division rather than social cohesion, and simply ignored the rewards of our cultural diversity.
 
While migration levels are the responsibility of the Federal Government, fostering a harmonious community where everyone feels like they belong is a responsibility of local government. Belonging starts with us.
 
Our City is situated on Mooro Country, home to the Wadjak Nyoongar people for more than 40,000 years.
 
We also have a proud migrant history, from the Chinese and European settlers who ran market gardens in the early 1900s to the many refugees who now call Stirling home after fleeing conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia.
 
My parents arrived in Australia in 1970, after they decided to leave the UK in search of a better life for our family.
 
Around 40 per cent of City of Stirling residents were born overseas and around 30 per cent speak a language other than English at home.
 
These figures are well above state and national averages.
 
After eight years as Mayor, I can tell you that migrants are woven into the fabric of our community – and they make it stronger, richer and more vibrant.
 
One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is presiding at citizenship ceremonies, where you see the joy on people’s faces as they finally become citizens of our great country.
 
Last year, more than 2,000 new Australians made the pledge at our citizenship ceremonies.
 
Our City puts a lot of effort into empowering these newcomers to get involved in the local community, enter the workforce and put their skills to use.  
 
After the scenes of disunity across Australia in recent days, I want to reaffirm to our residents that we remain committed to fostering inclusion and belonging so that everyone feels safe, welcome and supported.

Mark Irwin,
City of Stirling Mayor