Last night, Council unanimously endorsed a Motion from Councillor Wade, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, and taking a clear stand against racism and extremism.
With 29% of Yarra residents born overseas, our diversity is not just a statistic - it's our strength. It shapes the vibrant, welcoming character of our City and enriches every corner of community life.
In Yarra, we don't fear difference — we celebrate it. We amplify voices across cultures, backgrounds, and identities, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
We stand in solidarity with our First Peoples community, committed to truth-telling, healing, and justice.
We condemn the presence and actions of far-right extremists in our streets. Their ideologies have no place in our City.
We also recognise the corrosive and harmful impacts of disinformation and misinformation — threats that fuel division and undermine our democracy.
Council urgently calls on the Victorian Premier, Minister for Police, and Federal Attorney-General to collaborate across all levels of government and community to understand and address the rise of far-right extremism.
This work is vital to protect social cohesion, uphold community safety, and ensure Yarra remains a place where inclusion, diversity and everyone thrives.
