Project Brief Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan · Project Brief Cultural Diversity and...
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Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 1 of 30
Project Brief
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan
May 2015
1. Introduction
Greater Bendigo is located on Jaara land and the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Clans are the
traditional owners of the municipal area. Bendigo, as we know it today, has been shaped by a history
of cultural diversity. The gold rush period attracted different nationalities to Bendigo, the most
culturally different being the Chinese. Though diverse the community may have been in these early
years, not all cultural groups shared equal rights and power. This was particularly the case for the
Chinese communities and Aboriginal people who were displaced and whose cultural heritage sites
were significantly desecrated. Bendigo has continued to be a destination for people around the
world for a range of reasons: agriculture, education, business, refugee settlement. Immigrant
settlement patterns in Bendigo have largely reflected broader national immigration patterns.
Though it is important to note the cultural diversity of migrants has not been to the scale of other
major Australian cities or Victorian regional centres of comparable size. However, this diversity is
changing and Bendigo has seen immigration numbers increase significantly in the last decade1,
including an impressive 178% increase in people taking citizenship between 2011/20012 to
2013/2014. The increase in people from non-English speaking backgrounds becoming citizens is a
main contributor to this increase. Bendigo is becoming increasingly multicultural and is positioned to
reap the many advantages of this diversity.
In 2013 an independent review was conducted of the City of Greater Bendigo (the City). The review
noted that the City remained the only local government of its size (i.e. over 100.000 residents) not to
have a cultural diversity strategy, and thus recommended the development of such a strategy2. The
City recognises the social and economic benefits of a stable and cohesive community and its
responsibility to respond to all groups living in the community. A key ambition of the City is to
position itself as the most livable regional city in Australia; a strategy that ensures ‘livability ’ for all
community groups including those of diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds (CALD).
Therefore this vision, as the most livable regional city, involves how people will live well and prosper
together.
A Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan (CDIP) will provide a planned approach and strategic direction
to the City and broader community to ensure social inclusion of cultural difference and social
1 ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011 2 Independent Review of the City of Greater Bendigo Final Recommendations, recommendation 47, 2013
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cohesion is attained. A strategic plan ensures that the City acts in accordance with federal and state
legislation and policies. The absence of a strategic approach to foster community inclusion
responsive to the needs of CALD residents places the City at risk of inadvertently neglecting the
human rights of such groups. Of particular concern are those rights contained in the Victorian
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2007 (the Charter Act), of which all local
government authorities are legally obligated to uphold:
Freedom: of thought, consciousness, peaceful assembly, movement, expression
Respect: of culture including religion, language, and background without discrimination.
Equality before the law and opportunity to particulate in public life.
Under the Charter Act the obligations of local government is not limited to compliance but extends
to actively developing an enabling culture and advocating for human rights specified by the Charter
Act.
Whilst legislation in some respect represents a formal approach to human rights principles and
multiculturalism, the legal framework is left at risk of remaining largely symbolic, or at most
educational,3 if not supported by a strategic action plan. Research tells us that cultural inclusion is
not a given, it does not evolve naturally as a result of people of diverse cultures living in the same
area, rather it demands leadership and a considered strategic approach4.
A Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan will not only mitigate the risk of not fulfilling responsibilities
placed upon local government by the legislative frameworks; it will also ensure the City is able to
harness and advance the civic, economic and cultural opportunities made available by a culturally
diverse community. Further the Plan will be instrumental in supporting the advancement of
indicators of liveability and the following key objectives in the Council Plan5:
increasing the proportion of the population of Greater Bendigo born overseas,
continuing partnerships with organisations such as Bendigo Business Council and the Bendigo
Manufacturers Group to develop strategies to build the skilled workforce derived for
overseas migration and to provide local employment opportunities for recent immigrants
and international students, and;
increasing the percentage of local businesses with international export/trade links.
There are clearly human rights as well as economic and cultural rationales for developing a cultural
diversity and inclusion plan for the City of Greater Bendigo.
Irrespective of the size of Bendigo’s culturally diverse population, it is important the City has
mechanisms in place to ensure meaningful and sustainable responses to the needs of all members of
the community, as indeed is required under the Local Government Act 1989.
3Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, 2008, Harnessing Diversity: addressing racial and religious discrimination in employment p iii 4 State Government Victoria, 2014, Victoria’s Advantage, Unity Diversity Opportunity, Victoria’s Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy, p6 5Council Plan 2011-2017
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1.1 Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
“……if cultural diversity is nurtured, harnessed and respected. It can engender a more creative
productive and cohesive society” (Victoria’s Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy)
Australia ranks as one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries with the hallmark of very high
social cohesion.6 Victoria is recognised as a leading state in responding to cultural diversity7 and is
among the most diverse in Australia.8
What does cultural diversity mean?
Diversity refers to “the mix” of people in a community. Hence cultural diversity refers to people from
different cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. It has race, nationality and cultural
dimensions. These dimensions encompass the broad concept of identity and relates closely to
social constructs of citizenship and belonging. Culture, in this respect, embodies the wide gamut of
history, relationship norms, values, customs, food, beliefs, the way we see ourselves, the way others
see particular groups and their role and position in society. Diversity does not in itself imply all
cultural groups are equal and provided the same opportunities, rather only that people from
different cultures coexist in the same location.
What does inclusion mean?
Inclusion goes beyond diversity and means that people feel they are valued in different spheres of
life. Social inclusion embodies human right principles of respect and equality regarding the
relationships between diverse groups in our community. An inclusive society spans all societal
sectors and is embedded in community attitudes and values of acceptance and respect for
difference. Inclusion places the onus on the dominant group and culture to change practices,
attitudes, systems and structures to allow and facilitate equal participation of diversity.
2.0 Significance of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
[Cultural diversity]…….”the fact that those cities which do not have an ethnic mixture are now the
ones which seem provincial and backward in some ways” 9.
Cultural diversity and inclusion extends beyond Human Rights issues. It greatly affects the, mental,
social, cultural and economic wellbeing10,11,12,13 of any city and its citizens thereby the overall
liveability of the City and its surrounding areas. Local incidents of social exclusiveness, intolerance
and prejudice not only hurt local community members, but may indeed impede the City image,
6 Scanlon Foundation,2014, Mapping Social Cohesion. The Scanlon Foundation Survey, Melbourne,p1 7 Ibid., p 24 8Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network and Municipal Association of Victoria, 2014, Background Paper. The Role of Local Government in Settlement and Multiculturalism p32. 9 Sudjiic, D & Sayer,P., 1992, The 100 Mile City, Harper Collins, London 10 Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission 2008, Harnessing diversity: addressing racial and religious discrimination in employment 11 VicHealth 2007, More than tolerance: Embracing diversity for health: Discrimination affecting migrant and refugee communities in Victoria, its health consequences, community attitudes and solutions- A summary report Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne 12 VicHealth 2012, Preventing race-based discrimination and supporting cultural diversity in the workplace. An evidence review: full report, Melbourne 13 VicHealth, 2013, Findings from the 2013 survey of Victorians’ attitudes to race and cultural diversity
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which in turn risks impacting on future progress and economic development that relies on attracting
professional capital so vital for a leading City. The City’s Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020
specifically acknowledges that any sustained adverse media publicity has the potential to cause
damage and that “….. the city must remain alert and responsive to this potential at all times”14.
Cities that have embraced cultural diversity and leveraged its advantages of increased civic
participation, engagement and economic mobility stand culturally and economically vibrant
remaining competitive and capable of attracting and retaining newcomers.6,15 Diversity of
perspectives, experiences and ideas strongly associated with increased innovation and productivity,
can be leveraged for everyone’s benefit and competitive advantage. However the prerequisite to
reaping these rewards of diversity requires an inclusive community, which depends upon a planned
strategic approach to multiculturalism. Local government, being the level of government closest to
the community, plays a crucial role in facilitating the inclusion and participation of all its community
members. A strategic approach to cultural diversity and inclusion will emphasise the City’s
commitment to a fair community free of racial and religious discrimination – one that embraces
diversity and supports and acknowledges the clear advantages of diversity.
3.0 Local Context
The City of Greater Bendigo is the third largest urban area in Victoria. It is located 150 kilometres
north-west of Melbourne. The municipal boundaries are on traditional Jaara land and the Dja Dja
Wurrung and Taungurung Clans are the traditional owners.
The 2011 census recorded 1.4% of the City‘s population as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islanders, compared to 1.5% in Regional Victoria16, and comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders from many different nations.
Whilst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders clearly contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the
municipality, The City recognises and emphasises the special status of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander people as the first people of Australia. The City is committed to further strengthen its
relationship with its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, of which will be addressed in a
separate strategic plan, the City of Greater Bendigo Reconciliation Action Plan.
3.1 Demographics of Bendigo
The population of Bendigo was, in 2014, estimated to be 106,971 predicting a population increase to
145,600 in 2031. This involves a projected annual population growth of 1.62% per annum per year
until 2031.17
The most reliable statistics to measure cultural diversity are the 2011 census data. However, we are
aware that particular cultural groups are not represented at all in the data, and anecdotally there
appears to have been an increase in cultural diversity since 2011; this trend is anticipated to continue
to grow. The City saw more people than ever coming from non-English speaking backgrounds
between the 2006-2011 timeframe; people born in India accounted for the greatest increase,
14 The City Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020 15 Blueprints for Immigrant Integration http://www.nyc.gov/html/imm/bii/html/home/home.shtml 16 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census Population 2011
17 Population and household forecasts, 2011 to 2031, prepared by .id the population experts, June 2011.
http://www.id.com.au
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consistent with regional Victoria in general. People from non-English speaking backgrounds
increased by a staggering 43% between 2006 and 2011 - a greater increase compared to the rest of
regional Victoria.
However relative to other local government areas, the demographics of Bendigo can still be
characterised as very homogenously Anglo-Celtic Christian, with a large majority of people
identifying with Anglo Celtic ancestry (99%)18 and 62.7% identifying with Christianity19. The 2011
census data revealed that the City was the least culturally diverse of all the major regional areas in
Victoria. However census data also indicated that cultural diversity of the City is growing; whilst
relatively few people are born overseas (7%) - indeed fewer than compared to regional Victoria
(10.6%), this demographic group rose by 26% between 2006 and 201120. Census data also showed
that people born overseas are relatively evenly settled across the whole city.21 The results of the
next census will provide a more accurate picture of cultural diversity in the municipality.
(See appendix 1 for the CALD profile of Bendigo).
18 Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011 19 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home 20Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home 21 Source: Data of Population and Housing data 2011
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4.0 The Legislative Mandate
Australia has a robust legal framework to protect against discrimination and to promote
multiculturalism. Cultural diversity and inclusion is supported by key legislation and policies at
international as well as federal, state and local government levels. Below is an overview of key
legislation and policies that government agencies are obligated to comply with and therefore will
provide the foundations for the development of the CDIP.
International
Australia is signatory to:
The International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination 1975 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)
Commonwealth
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cwlth)
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 (Cwlth)
Access and Equity Strategy and Policy Framework
Australian Human Rights Framework 2010
Australian Multicultural Policy, The People of Australia 2011
Charter of Public Service in a
Culturally Diverse Society 1996
State
Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
Local Government Act 1989
Victorian Equal Opportunity Act
Victorian Multicultural Act 2011
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
Whole-of-Government Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy -Victoria’s Advantage: Unity, Diversity, Opportunity, 2014
Local Government
City of Greater Bendigo Human Rights Charter City of Greater Bendigo Customer Service Charter City of Greater Bendigo Municipality Plans:
The Greater Bendigo +25 Community Plan
Municipality Public Health
and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017
City of Greater Bendigo
Council Plan 2013-2017
City of Greater Bendigo Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020
Cultural Diversity and
Inclusion Plan
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5.0 Project Objectives and Principles
The City has a clear commitment to ensure human rights for all its residents; to foster a community
free of racial and religious discrimination; it acknowledges, supports and embraces the contributions
cultural diversity brings to the City .
5.1 Project Objectives
The project objective is to develop a Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the City of Greater
Bendigo to guide the City’s strategic approach to:
Fostering positive community attitudes towards multiculturalism.
Providing and increasing opportunities across different sectors of the community for
inclusion and participation of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse residents.
Reducing racial and religious discrimination, and
Strengthening organisational (the City) capacity for cultural inclusion.
5.2 Project Outcomes
A literature review informing on key issues pertaining to cultural diversity and inclusion.
Development/identification of key strategies and actions to ensure and enhance access and
inclusion for CALD communities across all aspects of civic life.
Development/identification of key strategies and actions for engagement and
communication with CALD communities.
Development/identification of key strategies for advocacy for CALD groups
Development /identification of strategies to enhance leadership opportunities for CALD
community members
Identification of potential partnership development between community groups and
industry, arts, education and recreational areas
Development of the demographic CALD profile of the City of Greater Bendigo
Identification of emerging issues, opportunities and potential solutions within the scope of
the project.
6.0 Technical Scope (Methodology)
This is the inaugural Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the City of Greater Bendigo. It is
important that it is grounded in best practice and responsive to the local community. Whilst the City
of Greater Bendigo has a significant sphere of influence, to increase impact, the plan is seeking to be
a community owned and implemented plan, rather than an organisational plan. The process for
developing the CDIP will engage and form strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders
representing different sectors. The City and stakeholders representing different sectors and spheres
of influence will be responsible for the implementation of actions in the final plan. See appendix 2.
The methodology will include meaningful community engagement with a range of stakeholders that
represent different sectors and, most importantly, with people from culturally diverse backgrounds
to understand what works, the barriers, prevalence and types of discrimination experienced and
opportunities. Furthermore, although there is state and national data on social attitudes towards
multiculturalism, religious diversity and social cohesion, Bendigo is lacking in local data and therefore
the City does not have a robust baseline to measure changes. Therefore, the development of the
CDIP will involve substantial local research.
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Key Project Stages:
The project will involve the following six distinct but inter-related phases:
Phase 1: Establishment: project planning and development of key project documents.
Phase 2: Research and consultation: involving the following key tasks:
literature review to identify best practice.
Comparable Community Attitudes survey to assess attitudes towards cultural diversity in
Bendigo.
Focus group discussions and in depth interviews with people of culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds to understand experience of social inclusion, opportunities and interest.
Consultations with relevant stakeholders (see Appendix 2) to understand benefits, barriers
and opportunities for social inclusion.
Survey of workplaces in Bendigo.
Integration with other City survey and consultation approaches.
Phase 3: Analysis of research and consultation data, including development and exhibition of a
community discussion paper.
Phase 4: Development of the draft CDIP, public exhibition and community feedback/consultation.
Phase 5: Endorsement of CDIP.
Phase 6: Implementation of Plan and monitoring of the Plan.
7. Project Management and Governance
Figure: Project Governance Structure
The governance diagram above illustrates the entities involved in the development, management,
endorsement of the CDIP. The diagram depicts the multifaceted involvement and influence. This
Council
Community Reference
Group
Project Working Group
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approach ensures the development of a CDIP will have strong community pull rather than focus on
organisational push. The governance structure for the development of the CDIP involves two main
groups:
1. CDIP Community Reference Group, and
2. CDIP Project Working Group
The two governance groups are equal in authority.
1) The CDIP Community Reference group is built upon members of the Multicultural Round
table who have expressed an interest in forming a reference group for the development of
the CDIP. The Community Reference group will involve leaders from a cross section of the
community who represent and have an influence within their respective sectors. Sectors
include: corporate, local business, health, education, sport, ethnic and cultural groups,
government, the community sector and other specialist groups or individuals who have an
interest in cultural inclusion. As community leaders, Councillors will also be invited to join
the Community Reference Group. The purpose of this group will be to support the
development of the CDIP by:
Providing local knowledge of current organisational practices and processes.
Provide input into key aspects of the project, including methodology, community
engagement, objectives and scope.
Provide access to relevant information from their organisation or sector.
Advocate and support the process of developing the CDIP
Provide a conduit for promoting and disseminating information related to the
Project to the interest groups they represent.
Provide input on the development of the CDIP and be advocates within their
sector for cultural diversity.
Comment and provide feedback deliverables and findings of the strategy.
Where applicable, provide in kind support
This group will meet on a quarterly or as needed, basis, throughout the term of the Project. A
complete Terms of Reference will be drafted.
2) The CDIP Working group will comprise of relevant staff across the organisation whose
responsible functions can influence cultural inclusion. The Community Partnerships Unit will
be responsible for supporting and chairing these meetings. The Working Group will be
responsible for:
The Working Group will be responsible for: Assisting with the development of the CDIP in accordance with the project brief.
Assisting with the integration of the CDIP within the organisation.
Facilitating connections to community stakeholders and engagement broader networks.
Ensuring involvement and consultation of relevant stakeholders.
Providing advice on the development of project processes and approaches.
Contributing, reviewing and providing feedback on key project documents such as the
communications strategy, engagement strategy and final documents.
Assisting with data collection (e.g. community consultation, research and
organisational data) and project events.
Assisting with identifying enablers and inhibitors of implementation of the CDIP.
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Contributing to monitoring and evaluation processes.
Providing feedback on communications collateral.
Contributing to the interpretation of research findings.
The Project Working Group will meet on a monthly basis and a complete Terms of Reference will be
developed.
The Project will be managed by the Community Partnerships Unit. Staff of this Unit with involvement
from the Strategy Unit will form the Project Control Group which will be responsible for the
development, progression and quality of the CDIP.
8. Budget and Resources
A short term position EFT 0.5 has been created to develop project documentation. The continuation
of this position will rely upon a successful budget bid which includes other funds to support the
development of the CDIP such as consultation, publication and survey costs.
9. Community Engagement Plan
The community engagement plan for the CDIP will align with the City’s Community Engagement
Policy22. Further to this the CDIP will incorporate the best practice principles for engaging with CALD
communities. Specifically these are: engage the community as early in the process as possible, build
trust, recognise diversity within each community, allow time, build capacity, avoid over-consultation,
provide accessible communication, demonstrate respect, provide feedback on the outcomes of
engagement23
It is important that everybody who is interested in participating in the development of the CDIP is
provided the opportunity. The qualitative community research component seeks to engage with a
diversity of people; of different ages, sexes, different experiences and different ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. In order to achieve this, volunteers will be recruited and identified and
gatekeepers will be engaged to different social groups. The City is uniquely positioned with a
number of education institutes available with students who have an interest in cultural diversity and
are required to undertake placements. Discussions will be held with various education institutions
to further explore opportunities for students to implement community engagement strategies. The
final community engagement plan will be developed at the beginning of the project. It will document
modes of consultation and time frames.
10. Project Management Program
Refer to Gantt chart appendix 3 for further details
11. Reference Documents
Refer to the Bibliography appendix 2 for further details
22City of Greater Bendigo Community Engagement Policy 2010 23 Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities. A Guide for the Western Australian Public Sector, Office of Multicultural Interests - Department of Local Government WA
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Appendices
Appendix 1: CALD Profile for Bendigo
Appendix 2: Stakeholder List
Appendix 3: Bibliography and Reference Documents
Appendix 4: Gantt Chart (timeframes and project milestones)
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Appendix 1: CALD Profile for Greater Bendigo
The following section is a preliminary snapshot of the Cultural Diversity of the City of Greater
Bendigo. This information will inform the development of the Cultural Diversity and
Inclusion Plan, whilst recognising that the 2011 census data may not accurately reflect
Bendigo ‘as is in 2015’. Presently we know for example that Bendigo is home to a small
number of Nepalese and Afghan Hazzara people, which are not reflected in the ABS 2011
census data.
The data narratives (interpretations) we seek to highlight in the following sections are
representative of interpreted trends, based on low numbers, only. These trends will require
further consideration, investigation and analysis as we progress the development and
implementation of the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan; as such the demographic profile
of Bendigo will be evolving, as more data becomes available, through the span of the project
and release of new census data.
3.2.1 Ancestry
Ancestry is an indicator of cultural diversity and background that is not necessarily
connected to country of birth. It refers to the the cultural association and ethnic
background of a person going back three generations. The following table show how the
population of the City of Greater Bendigo identify in terms of ancestry.
Ancestry - ranked by size24 City of Greater Bendigo 2011 2006
Change
Ancestry Number % Regional VIC
% Number %
Regional VIC %
2006 to 2011
Australian 43,073 42.8 40.9 45,334 48.6 45.8 -2,261
English 42,805 42.5 39.9 35,184 37.7 35.8 +7,621
Irish 13,928 13.8 12.6 11,609 12.5 11.3 +2,319
Scottish 10,835 10.8 10.9 8,546 9.2 9.4 +2,289
German 4,478 4.5 4.6 3,861 4.1 4.4 +617
Italian 2,722 2.7 3.6 2,363 2.5 3.5 +359
Dutch 1,458 1.4 2.3 1,283 1.4 2.3 +175
Chinese 1,012 1.0 0.7 744 0.8 0.6 +268
Welsh 513 0.5 0.5 443 0.5 0.5 +70
Greek 427 0.4 0.5 367 0.4 0.6 +60
Indian 409 0.4 0.5 192 0.2 0.2 +217
New Zealander 378 0.4 0.5 381 0.4 0.5 -3
French 357 0.4 0.4 313 0.3 0.3 +44
24
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home
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Filipino 340 0.3 0.4 240 0.3 0.3 +100
Polish 334 0.3 0.6 284 0.3 0.6 +50
Maltese 319 0.3 0.5 263 0.3 0.5 +56
Burmese peoples 295 0.3 0.1 9 0.0 0.0 +286
Inadequately Described 256 0.3 0.3 158 0.2 0.2 +98
Danish 200 0.2 0.2 149 0.2 0.2 +51
Spanish 198 0.2 0.2 192 0.2 0.2 +6
Sinhalese 194 0.2 0.1 129 0.1 0.1 +65
Maori 176 0.2 0.2 144 0.2 0.2 +32
Australian Aboriginal 171 0.2 0.2 102 0.1 0.2 +69
South African 169 0.2 0.2 117 0.1 0.1 +52
Croatian 165 0.2 0.5 136 0.1 0.5 +29
Swedish 153 0.2 0.1 150 0.2 0.1 +3
American 134 0.1 0.2 123 0.1 0.2 +11
Serbian 121 0.1 0.3 136 0.1 0.3 -15
Hungarian 118 0.1 0.2 124 0.1 0.3 -6
Swiss 115 0.1 0.1 108 0.1 0.1 +7
Austrian 111 0.1 0.2 102 0.1 0.2 +9
Russian 105 0.1 0.2 94 0.1 0.1 +11
Some people identify with multiple ancestry backgrounds (refer to below table: Ancestry –
totals). This is reflected in the 2011 and 2006 census data where 33% of people identified
with more than one ancestry background and 30% in 2006 respectively25.
Ancestry - totals26
City of Greater Bendigo
2011 2006 Change
Ancestry totals Number % Regional VIC
% Number %
Regional VIC %
2006 to 2011
Not stated 6,201 6.2 6.6 6,285 6.7 7.1 -84
Total people 100,611 100.0 100.0 93,231 100.0 100.0 +7,380
Total responses 134,195 121,079 +13,116
Between 2006 and 2011 the English (+7,621 persons), Irish (+2,319 persons), Scottish
(+2,289 persons) and Australian (-2,261 persons)27 ancestries saw the most significant
change.
25
Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011 26
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011. Compiled and
presented in profile.id by .id, the population experts. 27
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home
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Snapshot of Ancestry for the City of Greater Bendigo
A majority of people, 99%, identify with Anglo Celtic ancestry – slightly higher than
other regions in Victoria.
German, Italian, Dutch and Chinese ancestries were the largest (10%) non- Anglo
Celtic ancestry group people identified with.
33% of people identified with more than one ancestry - an increase of 3% from
2006.
Less than 1% (0.2%) identified with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
ancestry, however 1.4% of the population identified as being Aboriginals and/or
Torres Strait Islander at point of 2011 Census.
3.2.2 People Born Overseas
Country of birth signifies where people are born. It provides a picture of cultural diversity as well as the historical settlement patterns of Australia’s immigration policies.16
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Birthplace - ranked by size28 City of Greater Bendigo
2011 2006 Change
Birthplace Number % Regional VIC
% Number %
Regional VIC %
2006 to 2011
United Kingdom 2,391 2.4 3.5 2,176 2.3 3.5 +215
New Zealand 663 0.7 1.0 567 0.6 0.9 +96
India 320 0.3 0.4 119 0.1 0.2 +201
Netherlands 299 0.3 0.6 281 0.3 0.6 +18
Philippines 253 0.3 0.3 177 0.2 0.2 +76
Germany 242 0.2 0.5 247 0.3 0.5 -5
China 212 0.2 0.2 122 0.1 0.1 +90
Thailand 181 0.2 0.1 36 0.0 0.0 +145
South Africa 169 0.2 0.2 119 0.1 0.2 +50
Italy 163 0.2 0.6 157 0.2 0.7 +6
Burma (Myanmar) 154 0.2 0.0 3 0.0 0.0 +151
Malaysia 143 0.1 0.1 104 0.1 0.1 +39
Sri Lanka 143 0.1 0.1 92 0.1 0.1 +51
Ireland 124 0.1 0.2 105 0.1 0.1 +19
United States of America
124 0.1 0.2 122 0.1 0.2 +2
Birthplace - summary29
City of Greater Bendigo 2011 2006 Change
Birthplace Number % Regional VIC
% Number %
Regional VIC %
2006 to 2011
Total Overseas born 7,023 7.0 10.6 5,564 6.0 10.1 +1,459
Non-English speaking backgrounds
3,465 3.4 5.5 2,417 2.6 5.2 +1,048
Main English speaking countries
3,558 3.5 5.1 3,147 3.4 4.9 +411
Australia 88,822 88.3 84.3 82,853 88.8 84.3 +5,969
Not Stated 4,768 4.7 5.0 4,838 5.2 5.6 -70
Total Population 100,613 100.0 100.0 93,255 100.0 100.0 +7,358
The majority of people living in the City of Greater Bendigo were born in Australia – more so
than regional Victoria, and this demographic group continued to grow between 2006 and
2011. However the cultural diversity of the City also continued to expand; whilst relatively
few people were born overseas - indeed fewer than compared to regional Victoria, this
demographic group rose by 26% between 2006 and 2011. The increase were largest among
people born in United Kingdom, India, Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand The City saw more
people than ever coming from non-English speaking backgrounds; people born in India
accounted for the greatest increase, consistent with regional Victoria in general. People
28
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home 29
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 16 of 30
from non-English speaking backgrounds increased by a staggering 43% between 2006 and
2011 - a greater increase compared to the rest of regional Victoria.
Top 15 Countries of Birth by Year of Arrival30
Year of Arrival
Country of Birth
1895-1940
1941-1960
1961-1980
1981-2000
2001-2011
Not Stated
Total Persons
England 17 422 854 317 226 106 1,942
New Zealand
3 10 185 259 166 42 665
India 3 4 34 22 248 13 324
Scotland - 87 154 44 20 13 318
Netherlands - 191 55 26 16 9 297
Philippines - - 16 110 121 5 252
Germany - 142 48 29 18 7 244
China - 7 4 32 167 4 214
Thailand - - - 15 153 13 181
South Africa - - 19 69 73 8 169
Burma - - 3 4 144 11 162
Italy 6 76 56 8 5 9 160
Malaysia - - 41 47 55 5 148
Sri Lanka - 3 23 39 70 4 139
USA - - 31 36 57 7 131
The table above shows the migration patterns in key stages through history. Before World
War II migration to Australia was almost entirely from the British Isles. However this changed
post World War II where more than 60% of migrants came from other countries than Britain.
They arrived in Australia in distinct waves: Eastern European refugees were followed by
migrants from Western Europe, who later was followed by migrants from the Mediterranean
Basin and then people from Asia and the Middle East.31
30
Victorian Multicultural Commission (2013) Population Diversity in Victoria by Local Government Areas: 2011 Census Local Government Areas [online]. Available: http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/population-and-migration/victorias-diversity/population-diversity-in-local-councils 31
Krunpinski, J (1984) Changing patterns of migration to Australia and their influence on the health of migrants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6740340
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 17 of 30
Top 15 Countries of Birth by Age32
Age Group (in years)
Country of birth
0-11 12-18 19-25 26-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Total Persons
England 31 46 39 281 420 459 359 306 1,941
New Zealand
28 31 36 228 143 117 63 20 666
India 37 14 35 170 24 16 21 7 324
Scotland - 3 6 28 65 86 81 49 318
Netherlands 6 3 - 20 20 102 91 57 299
Philippines 18 18 21 110 41 32 8 4 252
Germany - - 3 30 30 73 63 44 243
China 7 26 59 78 19 9 7 8 213
Thailand 68 42 32 22 13 4 - - 181
South Africa 14 18 12 51 31 24 17 - 167
Italy - - 3 9 24 48 32 45 161
Burma 3 17 38 79 12 8 3 - 160
Malaysia 8 10 17 50 24 27 11 - 147
Sri Lanka 19 3 3 45 30 12 13 14 139
USA 23 10 5 36 17 25 9 6 131
The demographic data for country of birth and age for the City of Greater Bendigo indicate
that the European immigrants are entering ageing. The traditional working age groups (26-
64 years of age) are dominated by immigrants form United Kingdom, New Zealand and India.
Young people (12 to 25 years of age) are predominantly represented by China (85, possibly
reflecting international students) England (85) and Thailand (74). Children of pre and
primary school age (0-11 years of age) have the largest representation from Thailand (68)
and India (37). However it must be noted that it is unknown if children born in Thailand is
reflective of Thai nationality or Burmese (Karen children) born in refugee camps in Thailand.
The below table indicates the spatial distribution of people born overseas for the City of
Greater Bendigo. As evident the settlement of immigrants has been very even across all
suburbs of the City.
32
Victorian Multicultural Commission (2013) Population Diversity in Victoria by Local Government Areas: 2011 Census Local Government Areas [online]. Available: http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/population-and-migration/victorias-diversity/population-diversity-in-local-councils
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 18 of 30
Snapshot of Birthplaces for the population of the City of Greater Bendigo
7 % of people were born overseas – slightly less compared to regional Victoria
(10.6%).
People born overseas increased by 26.2% between 2006 and 2011
3.4% of the total population in the City of Greater Bendigo was from a non-English
speaking background.
49% of people born overseas were from a non-English speaking background – an
increase of 43% between 2006 and 2011.
People born overseas are relatively evenly settled across the City of Greater
Bendigo.
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 19 of 30
3.2.3 Proficiency in English33
The English proficiency data indicates that Bendigo is linguistically homogeneous considering
93% of people only speak English. The data also indicates a very small proportion of people
who have no proficiency or very little proficiency in English - however small in numbers, this
demographic group has more than doubled between 2006 and 2011, whilst it has remained
(almost) steady in regional Victoria.
Proficiency in English City of Greater Bendigo - Total persons (Usual residence)
2011 2006 Change
English proficiency Number % Regional
VIC % Number %
Regional VIC %
2006 to 2011
Speaks English only 93,365 92.8 90.4 87,703 94.1 91.1 +5,662
Speaks another language, and English well or very well
2,795 2.8 4.6 1,907 2.0 4.0 +888
Speaks another language, and English not well or not at all
514 0.5 0.8 240 0.3 0.7 +274
Not stated 3,941 3.9 4.1 3,400 3.6 4.1 +541
Total population 100,615 100.0 100.0 93,250 100.0 100.0 +7,365
3.2.4 Religion34
2011 census data on religion (refer to table below) highlight the major concentrations of
religious affiliations in the City of Greater Bendigo. Whilst 26.8% of the population do not
affiliate themselves with any religion, a majority of people (62.7%) affiliate with Christianity,
slightly more people than in regional Victoria. A small proportion of the City’s population,
1.6%, indicate non-Christian affiliation; however small numbers, this represents a significant
increase of 61.5% from the 2006 census data, consistent with general trends in regional
Victoria. Possibly these trends have recently been directly observable as increased needs
for other than Christian worship sites. The City of Greater Bendigo recently received and
approved planning applications to two new worship sites: a mosque and a Karen Buddhist
monastery.
33
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home 34
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 20 of 30
Snapshot of Linguistic and Religious Diversity of the City of Greater Bendigo
93% of people living in the City of Greater Bendigo only speak English.
The number of people with no or little proficiency in English has more than doubled
between 2006 and 2011.
The number of people indicating non-Christian affiliation has increased by 61.5%
between 2006 and 2011.
Bendigo has seen an Increased need for non-Christian religious worship sites
(applications for a mosque and Buddhist monastery were submitted to and
approved by council)
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 21 of 30
3.2.5 Citizenship35
Persons who acquired Australian citizenship at ceremonies held by The City 2013/2011
2013/14 Number of Clients
India 64
Thailand 51
Myanmar 47
United Kingdom 27
South Africa 15
Philippines 14
China 14
Mauritius *
Sri Lanka *
Bangladesh *
Iran *
Nepal *
Zimbabwe *
Australia *
Pakistan *
New Zealand *
Malaysia *
USA *
Canada *
Kuwait *
Egypt *
Sudan *
Burundi *
Hungary *
Bhutan *
Vietnam *
Fiji *
Ireland *
Nigeria *
Zambia *
Mozambique *
Solomon Islands *
Switzerland *
Botswana *
Bulgaria *
Soviet Union *
Ethiopia *
Hong Kong *
Afghanistan *
Croatia *
Romania Pre 1/2/2002 *
Total 340
35
Data provided by Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection, 2014. *Denotes 10 or less people.
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 22 of 30
Appendix 2
Stakeholder List
Further stakeholder identification, analysis and a full contact list will be developed and
continually evolve during the project.
Stakeholder Project Impact Priority Means
Councillors Councillors are required to endorse
the CDIP.
High Representation on the
Community Reference Group.
Updates via Councillor Bulletins.
Invite to community forums.
Internal The City
business units, e.g.,
economic
development, active
and healthy, capital
venues and events.
Develop whole of organisation
approach and integrate inclusion
into different functions of The City
.
Increase reach into the community
as different units have
relationships with different
community sectors.
High Involvement in the Project
Working group.
Internal communication and
consultations.
Different ethnic,
religious, and cultural
groups and
communities, e.g.,
Chinese association,
Karen Group
Understand experiences of social
inclusion in Bendigo to ensure the
relevancy of the CDIP.
Improve connections between
CALD groups and other sectors of
the community through the
process of developing the CDIP
High Focus group discussions.
Key informant interviews and
experiential active engagement
techniques.
Engage as facilitators, speakers
at workshops.
Engagement with diverse age,
CALD background, and
residency pathways (e.g.,
refugee, skilled migrant, second
generation Australian)
Local Businesses and
industry
Understand benefits of diversity in
the workplace, barriers, and
inclusion approaches.
Employment key factors in social
inclusion, also site of
High Representation in the
community reference group.
Aim a community forum at
businesses / workplaces.
Seek inclusion information from
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 23 of 30
discrimination business and share good
practice.
Settlement and
culturally diverse
services and bodies,
LCMS, BCHS, TAFE,
settlement network.
Assist with access to CALD groups.
Understand needs of particular
CALD groups.
Opportunity to develop integrated
planning and sector wide
coherence of roles and
responsibilities
High Representation on the
community reference group.
Ongoing discussions regarding
the development of the plan
and partnerships formed.
Expert bodies, e.g.,
VMC Regional
Advisory Council,
relevant academics.
Could provide expertise, academic
rigour to processes and
methodology and relevant
comparisons
Medium. Share project documentation
and individual meetings with
project control group members.
Community groups
and facilities, e.g.,
sports clubs,
neighbourhood
houses, libraries.
Presents excellent platforms for
social inclusion.
Venues for research and
consultation during project
development.
Medium Representation on community
reference group.
Targeted consultation during
exhibition stage.
Education, schools,
early years, TAFE and
University
Opportunity for discrimination or
social inclusion of children and
parents.
Need to understand current
experiences and challenges
Medium Representation in the reference
group.
Involvement in forums
General public Gain understanding of level of
support for cultural diveristy,
concerns, community attitudes.
New ideas can be generated
Medium Invited to participate during
community consultation period,
through forums or writing.
Can receive Project Bulletins.
Police Opportunity to further strengthen
relationship and responsiveness
between CALD group and the
police.
low Representation on the
Community Reference group.
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 24 of 30
Appendix 3
Bibliography
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011
City of Greater Bendigo Community Engagement Guidelines and Toolkit, April 2011
Department of Local Government WA - Office of Multicultural Interests - Engaging
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities. A Guide for the Western Australian Public
Sector, WA
Krunpinski, J., 1984, Changing patterns of migration to Australia and their influence on the
health of migrants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6740340
Municipality Association Victoria, 2014, Position Statement, Melbourne
New York City Council, Blueprints for Immigrant Integration,
http://www.nyc.gov/html/imm/bii/html/home/home.shtml
Scanlon Foundation, 2014, Mapping Social Cohesion. The Scanlon Foundation surveys 2014,
Melbourne
Sudjiic , J. & Sayer, P., 1992, The 100 Mile City, Harper Collins, London
State Government Victoria,2014, Victoria’s Advantage, Unity Diversity Opportunity, Victoria’s
Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy, Melbourne
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, 2008, Harnessing Diversity:
addressing racial and religious discrimination in employment, Melbourne
Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network and Municipal Association of
Victoria, 2014, Background Paper. The Role of Local Government in Settlement and
Multiculturalism, Melbourne
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 25 of 30
VicHealth 2007, More than tolerance: Embracing diversity for health: Discrimination
affecting migrant and refugee communities in Victoria, its health consequences, community
attitudes and solutions- A summary report. Victorian Health Promotion Foundation,
Melbourne.
VicHealth 2012, Preventing race-based discrimination and supporting cultural diversity in the
workplace. An evidence review: full report, Melbourne
VicHealth, 2013, Findings from the 2013 survey of Victorians’ attitudes to race and cultural
diversity, Melbourne
Victorian Multicultural Commission,2013, Population Diversity in Victoria by Local
Government Areas: 2011 Census Local Government Areas [online]. Available:
http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/population-and-migration/victorias-
diversity/population-diversity-in-local-councils
Legal Framework:
Australian Access and Equity Strategy and Policy Framework
Australian Human Rights Framework 2010
Australian Multicultural Policy, The People of Australia 2011
Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society 1996
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 (Cwlth)
Local Government Act 1989
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cwlth)
Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2011
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966
The International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination 1975 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 26 of 30
Victorian Multicultural Act 2011
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
Whole-of-Government Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Policy – Victoria’s Advantage: Unity, Diversity, Opportunity 2014
The City Municipality Plans:
The City Human Rights Charter, 2014
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/.../HUMAN_RIGHTS_CHARTER
The City Municipality Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017,
https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=U0R-
VYbtEdLu8wfhrKa4Cw#q=Municipality+Public+Health+and+Wellbeing+Plan+2013-
2017+Bendigo
The City Council Plan 2014-2017, https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=U0R-
VYbtEdLu8wfhrKa4Cw#q=City+of+Greater+Bendigo+Council+Plan+2013-2014
The City Economic Development Strategy 2014-2020,
https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=U0R-VYbtEdLu8wfhrKa4Cw#q=The City
+Economic+Development+Strategy+2014-2020
The City Community Engagement Policy, 2010,
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About_the_City/Publications/Policies#.VX5IOrccSUk
The City +25 Community Plan,
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/files/.../Bgo25CommunityPlan
Independent Review of the City of Greater Bendigo Final Recommendations, 2013,
https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=U0R-
VYbtEdLu8wfhrKa4Cw#q=Independent+Review+of+the+City+of+Greater+Bendigo+Final+Rec
ommendationshttigo.vic.gov.au/About_the_City/Publications/Policies#.
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 27 of 30
Act 2011
Appendix 3 Gantt Chart (project timeframe and key milestones)
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 28 of 30
2015
2015 Jan FEB March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec 2016 Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec
Governance and communication
Project control group meetings (monthly)
Community Reference Group
Councillor bulletin items
Community bulletin
Project Working Group meetings
Stage 1 Establishment
Project Brief
Literature Review
Establish Project Control Group
Establish Community Reference Group
Stakeholder analysis
Community Engagement Plan
Communication Plan
Basic demographic analysis
Develop TOR for Community Reference Group
Develop TOR for Project Control Group
Stage 2 - Research
Development / methodology of community attitude survey
Implementation of community attitude survey
Sourcing stakeholder information, workplace survey
Workplace focus groups, qualitative
Focus groups of CALD groups
1st Community Forum (presenting situational information, collecting info)
The City Cultural Inclusion Audit
Research with children and schools.
Community group focus groups, sports, neighborhood house etc.
Stage 3 - Analysis
Analysis of community attitude survey
Analysis of focus group discussions
Analysis of other information
Identification of themes, opportunities, needs
Community Discussion paper
2nd Community Forum (presenting discussion paper of findings)
Stage 4 - Draft Plan
Draft strategy and plan
Council forum
Council report and endorsement for community exhibition
Community Exhibition and consultation
3rd Community Forum presenting (launch of draft plan)
Review and amend
Stage 5 - Endorsement
Final strategy and plan endorsed by Council
Design and publication of strategy and action plan
Public Launch
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 29 of 30
Stage 6 - Implementation, M&E
External governance committee
Internal working group
Mid action plan review
Community Access and Inclusion 2015 - 2018 –Project Brief Page 30 of 30