Ararat Rural City Council is pleased to continue its membership with Welcoming Cities for 2026/2027, reinforcing Council's commitment to creating a place where people from all backgrounds feel respected, included, and able to participate in community life.
Welcoming Cities is a national network that supports local governments, organisations, and communities to strengthen inclusion and belonging. Council's annual membership investment of $1,000 provides access to practical resources, shared learning, professional development, and connections with councils and organisations across Australia.
Council's involvement also places Ararat Rural City within the new Welcoming Map, an online tool that provides a visual snapshot of the Welcoming Australia network and the initiatives and partners working to build welcoming communities across the country.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the membership represented strong value for Council and the broader community. "Ararat Rural City is a place where people look out for each other, and we want everyone who lives here, visits here, or is thinking about making their home here to feel welcome," Mayor Sanders said.
"Our membership with Welcoming Cities gives us access to ideas, resources, and connections that can help Council continue doing that work well. For a relatively small investment, the returns can be many times greater through the knowledge we gain, the partnerships we build, and the opportunities it can open up for our community."
The Welcoming Map can be explored at welcomingaustralia.github.io/welcoming-map/. It identifies Welcoming Australia network members and partners across Australia, with Stories of Welcome expected to be added in coming months.
Ararat Rural City Council looks forward to continuing its work with Welcoming Cities and sharing local initiatives that celebrate inclusion, connection, and community participation.
