City of Port Philip

Statement of Support for ECCV’s All One Together campaign

City of Port Phillip is home to people from over 163 different countries, speaking 114 different languages. This rich, cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and why our City is proud to be an All One Together Campaign Ambassador. This campaign is very close to our heart as we are strong advocates for inclusion.

The First People of the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay are the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung. Our Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the steps we are taking to promote respectful relationships and create meaningful employment opportunities with this community. We were the first Council to hold a We Akon Dilnja ceremony on Australia Day, extending community dialogue, truth telling and respect. This event was developed in partnership with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council.

In 2002, we were one of the first councils in Australia to become a Refugee Welcome Zone. This declaration formed a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into our community. Consequently, we joined the Racism – It Stops with Me campaign launched by the federal government in August 2012.

In 2006, Council endorsed the Statement of Commitment to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities, which stated that, ‘We welcome refugees, migrants, asylum-seekers and visitors to our City.’ This statement also acknowledged the significance of Station Pier as a point of arrival for thousands of migrants and refugees and acknowledges their contributions to Australian society.

We are also proud of the ongoing support for people with disability, those who are experiencing homelessness, and strive to ensure that our City is a welcoming hub for people from the LGBTIQ+ community.

Our recent Live Love Local campaign was launched at the end of 2020 to inspire local residents to love where they live, support local businesses and enjoy time in our many outdoor spaces in a safe and inclusive way. Belonging and celebrating diversity is at the heart of the campaign, emphasising the fact that the City of Port Phillip is an inclusive place to live and spend time. This campaign was a direct response to impact of COVID-19 on how we live, work and play.

As a community we are indebted to the work of our Multicultural Advisory Committee who provide the voice of lived experience in Council planning. This work has enabled greater understanding of racism in our community and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly new and emerging communities, and temporary visa holders.

As part of our All One Together Campaign, we are committed to:

• Strengthening policies and practices that positively impact diversity of our workforce and,
• Promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging as part of the Live Love Local campaign. 

These are just some of the ways we are supporting and advocating for our diverse community, which makes Port Phillip the vibrant and welcoming City it is.