You're invited to register your interest to be part of STAND Project Australia, an initiative to help better understand community narratives affecting migrant and multicultural groups living in Monash.
STAND (Strengthening Towns' Activation for New Narratives on Diversity) is an international initiative that supports local governments to better understand and respond to harmful and divisive narratives that can impact community inclusion, trust and social cohesion. Australia joins the project, following successful implementation across Europe.
Council will host two Community Workshops where participants will explore local experiences and perspectives to:
Build an understanding of how community narratives work and how they impact others.
Explain how harmful narratives impact migrants and multicultural communities.
Contribute to the development and testing of positive alternative narratives.
Co-design community-led initiatives to foster inclusion, mutual respect, and a stronger sense of belonging in Monash.
We want Monash to be a safe, respectful, and supportive city, where all people feel safe and free from harm. Council is committed to delivering and advocating for programs and initiatives that address all forms of discrimination, including racism.
Stakeholder workshops
Workshop 1 (In person or online): Uncovering the Deeper Issues
Thursday 12 November 2026, 6pm - 7:30pm
Monash Youth Services, Level 1, 2 Euneva Avenue, Glen Waverley
Workshop 2: Developing Positive Narratives: Testing Concepts and Messaging
February 2027 (date to be confirmed)
Attendance at both workshops is required. We will let you know the outcome of your expression of interest by Monday 2 November.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Council taking part in STAND?
Monash is one of Australia's most culturally diverse communities, with more than 50% of residents born overseas. This diversity is a significant strength, enriching community life and contributing to social connection, wellbeing and belonging.
However, many people from migrant and multicultural backgrounds continue to experience racism, exclusion and harmful public narratives that can affect their sense of safety, belonging and participation in community life.
By participating in STAND, Council will look to better understand these experiences, challenge harmful narratives, and support a more inclusive, respectful and cohesive Monash.
Which narratives have been identified in Monash?
In Monash, this initiative is being led in partnership with Council's Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), a committee comprised of people from migrant and multicultural backgrounds who live, work and contribute to daily Monash life.
MAC members bring lived experience, deep community connections and insights gained through their ongoing engagement with local multicultural communities.
Drawing on this, MAC has identified two community narratives they believe are impacting migrant and multicultural communities in Monash:
The expectation that migrants will "integrate" into Australian society; and
The perception that migrants are responsible for current cost-of-living pressures.
How are participants selected?
Participants are required to indicate their commitment to attending both workshops to allow for full participation and a successful co-design process.
Council will work in partnership with Polaron Connect to ensure participants reflect Monash's diverse community, including cultural background, age, and ability.
Polaron Connect is an award-winning, community-led multicultural communications, engagement and research services provider with extensive experience in facilitating workshops to enhance communications and empower migrant and multicultural voices.
How does Council support STAND?
Council is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels respected, valued and able to participate fully in community life.
Through its Annual Plan, Council supports initiatives that address racism and discrimination in social all forms including capacity building and cultural events.
Council is committed to listening to and elevating the voices of multicultural communities, recognising the expertise that comes from lived experience, and will work in partnership with the community to strengthen positive narratives around inclusion, belonging and social cohesion.
