Mount Isa City Council says it has strengthened its commitment to the city as a vibrant and multicultural community by joining the Welcoming Cities Network.
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Welcoming Cities is a national network of local governments that are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life, for greater social cohesion.
It is an initiative of Welcoming Australia to provide regional councils with support around welcoming work and regional migration, to advance a diverse and inclusive Australia.
Council said it has endorsed its commitment at a recent Ordinary Meeting and it means it will implement the Welcoming Cities Standard in future planning.
Mayor Danielle Slade said joining the initiative was the right and the smart thing to do.
"According to the most recent Queensland Government statistics, more than 3000 Mount Isa residents - or about 16pc of the population - were born overseas, with about half of these from non-English-speaking backgrounds," Cr Slade said.
"And dozens of different nationalities are represented in our community, so it was only logical for Council to become a member of the network and join the initiative."
As a member, Council has committed to participating in a network of cities committed to becoming more welcoming and inclusive, identifying at least one key staff contact for the project to liaise with the Welcoming Cities team, and communicating regularly with the Welcoming Cities team, to progress planning and share and learn from practices of other welcoming cities and communities.
"It's a significant step that recognises the importance of a whole-of-community approach to embracing and supporting cultural diversity, to ensure all people feel like they belong," Cr Slade said.
"When people feel welcome and included, they actively take part in, and contribute to, community life, which enriches our community and benefits everyone."
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