The City of Stirling has been named the leading Local Government in Australia for welcoming multicultural communities at the Australian Migrant & Settlement Awards held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday evening.
Hosted by the Migration Council Australia (MCA), the Awards recognise the world-class services and support provided by individuals, organisations and businesses to assist new migrants settle in Australia.
Newly elected Mayor Mark Irwin said he was very proud that Stirling had won the ‘The Welcoming Australia Award for Local Government’ for its highly successful Multicultural Framework that supports and welcomes multicultural communities.
“Stirling is one of the most diverse local governments in Australia with nearly 40 per cent of residents born overseas, more than 15,000 residents having lived in Australia for less than five years, and a large proportion of recent humanitarian entrants to Western Australia settling in our local suburbs,” Mayor Irwin said.
“The City understands and embraces our responsibility as a Local Government to create a welcoming community for migrants and refugees, and this award demonstrates the amazing work achieved through our Multicultural Framework to create thriving communities where our people are empowered, engaged and connected.”
Some of the initiatives of Stirling’s Multicultural Framework include the Kaleidoscope program aimed at increasing at increasing employment opportunities for skilled migrants, the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a drum circle, Inter-faith tours and the Welcome Hub and Settlement Transition Support Services in Mirrabooka.
Mayor Irwin thanked and acknowledged the Australian and Western Australian Governments and the many NGOs who were integral partners in delivering the Framework and providing inclusive opportunities.
“Thanks to the support of our partners, the real winners of this award are the community who we welcome with open arms to establish a new life in Stirling” Mayor Irwin said.
Mayor Irwin also wished to congratulate Andrea Creado, CEO of Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Centre in Mirrabooka, for winning the Empowering Women Award, saying she was a great ambassador for the City.
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