Western Downs Regional Council has officially joined the Welcoming Cities Network, affirming its commitment to promoting inclusiveness and equality in the region.
The Council joins a growing national network of local councils who are committed to fostering a sense of community belonging and socioeconomic participation and equality for all people.
Mayor, Andrew Smith said that joining Welcoming Cities progresses the regions work in attracting new arrivals to the community and building a thriving, diverse community.
“We are committed to building a future based on equity, respect and acceptance for all,” the Mayor said.
“Welcoming Cities will help us achieve this goal by introducing a systemic and organisational approach to attracting and retaining new arrivals into the community and supporting migrants to belong in this community and build a life here”, he said.
“We are also really excited to be part of such a strong network of councils committed to welcoming, inclusion and belonging, and look forward to connecting and collaborating with them to further this work”.
Launched in March 2016, Welcoming Cities is an initiative of Welcoming Australia which aspires to see Australia advance as a welcoming and cohesive nation with strong focus on the transition of migrants into society.
Welcoming Cities’ Queensland Coordinator, Cate Gilpin said that having Western Downs join the Network was very exciting for the Darling Downs Southwest region, and she will support Western Downs to connect with other councils doing this work and draw on resources and support to attract and retain new arrivals.
Welcoming Cities provides local governments with opportunities to connect and learn from each other’s best practices that improve the quality of life and potential of immigrants and all others in the community.
