Logan City Council today gave the green light to a program to further its commitment to being a more welcoming and inclusive city.
Council has applied to join Welcoming Cities, a national initiative that provides a framework for local governments to achieve social cohesion objectives.
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Welcoming Cities membership would provide Council with networking, support and accreditation.
“It will broaden Council’s commitment as a Refugee Welcome Zone and further enhance our community connections and activities that embrace all migrants in our city,” Cr Power said.
“Our membership will create a framework for us to demonstrate and showcase our commitment to the values we hold dear when it comes to the city’s diverse multicultural tapestry.
“It will reinforce the City of Logan as one of the most culturally diverse local government areas in Australia.”
City Lifestyle Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski, said Welcoming Cities was a great fit for the City of Logan.
“I’m excited about the way it aligns with Council’s vision of celebrating and valuing our city’s diversity,” Cr Koranski said.
“Given our role as one of Australia’s top 10 humanitarian migrant settlement areas, it is vital we support the many diverse groups that call our city home.
“Welcoming Cities will offer us the chance to access opportunities so we can create even more connections with our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”
The City of Logan is home to an increasingly diverse population.
The latest (2021) data figures reveal approximately 27.9 per cent or 96,000 residents were born overseas.
Welcoming Australia CEO, Aleem Ali, welcomed Council’s application for membership.
“Welcoming Australia is delighted that Logan City Council has committed to join the Welcoming Cities network,” Mr Ali said.
“We are excited to work alongside the City of Logan, as one of Australia’s most culturally diverse regions, to advance communities where people of all backgrounds can belong, contribute and thrive.”
Logan City Council will become the 70th Australian Local Government to become a member of Welcoming Cities.
The Welcoming Cities network now represents 10 million residents across Australia.
Access Community Services, a subsidiary of SSI Group, will host the inaugural World of Cultures event from 4pm to 6pm this Friday (August 26) at Gould Adams Park Sports Club in Kingston to mark the occasion.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, performances, cultural food and sports activities.
