City of Canning’s Hillview Intercultural Community Centre has won the Local Government Award at the 2023 Western Australian Multicultural Awards.
Held during Harmony Week (15-23 March), the WA Multicultural Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations who have contributed to multiculturalism in Western Australia.
The award is the second the City has received since the Centre opened in February last year, having taken home last year’s National Local Government Award for Cohesive Communities.
With more than 50% of City of Canning residents born overseas, and nearly 40% of them speaking a language other than English at home, the Centre was established in support of the City’s vision of a welcoming and thriving community.
Hillview has already established itself as a vibrant community centre with a diverse array of activities, including language classes, cultural events, social groups, workshops, citizenship classes, business forums and more, Council said in a statement.
“To date over 100 community groups, from well-established to emerging communities, have benefitted from funding, space or mentorship offered by the City,” it said.
“Individuals have gained employment, enhanced social inclusion, economic empowerment, and health and well-being support, as well as the confidence to lead, market and run community-led initiatives at the Centre.
“Following on from the launch of the Centre, the City looked to grow the Cultural Ambassador program, originally developed in partnership with Curtin University and Multicultural Futures, as a mechanism for helping to break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing City information or services.”
A total of 24 Cultural Ambassadors have since been engaged to facilitate information flow and feedback between culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities and Council.
With a combined ability to speak over 20 languages/dialects, the Ambassadors can reach out to community members in their own language.
Mayor, Patrick Hall said the award was testament to the vital work the City, Hillview team and Cultural Ambassadors were doing to foster an inclusive and welcoming community for all.
“The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre is an incredibly unique space – the very first of its kind in Perth’s South East Corridor – and one that truly embodies our vision of creating a welcoming and thriving City,” said Mayor Hall.
“Recognising and celebrating our diversity is important – it is what makes us a stronger and more connected community.
“Thank you to all City of Canning staff, grant funders, tenants and community groups for their contribution to this landmark community project.”
