In a city where 72 different languages are spoken in our homes, joining the Welcoming Cities program was an obvious move for Cairns.
Cairns Regional Council is launching its membership in the world-wide Welcoming Cities program by bringing together cultural and community groups this weekend for an event and workshop.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said joining the Welcoming Cities program made sense in Cairns – a city in which a fifth of people living here now were born overseas.
"Cairns has always been proud of its diverse communities, which already make a significant contribution to the way we live," Cr Manning said.
"We share food, customs and cultures in Cairns and our economy and community are enhanced by this diversity.
"Committing to the Welcoming Cities program is another way we can support cultural diversity, social inclusion and economic engagement for all.
"We are proud of our strong and successful multicultural community – sharing our cultural heritage is part of celebrating what it means to be Australian."
The Cairns region is uniquely diverse with the 2016 Census showing 21.5 per cent of people living in the Cairns Local Government Area were born overseas, including 12.5 per cent from non-English speaking backgrounds.
"The work we are embarking on with Welcoming Cairns is bigger than individuals, no organisation, community group or businesses owns this process – the whole community owns it," Cr Manning said.
As part of the program, Council will work to support the success and sustainability of local cultural groups and organisations, benchmark its own cultural diversity and inclusion policies, and partner with community organisations.
Welcoming Australia Chief Executive Officer Aleem Ali said Cairns was the 10th Queensland council to join the Welcoming Cities Program, and the 52nd council in Australia. More than 250 councils belong to the program world-wide.
"Migrants, whether they are skilled workers, international students, or families seeking safety and belonging, make a significant contribution to community life and the Australian economy – and they will continue to play a key role as we work to recover from COVID-19," Mr Ali said.
"Cairns Regional Council's leadership in joining the Welcoming Cities network, will realise significant benefits both for newcomers and established residents."
