Hume council has adopted a multicultural action plan to help non-English-speaking residents engage with and access council services more easily.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2011 shows 41 per cent of Hume residents speak a language other than English at home – more than 10 per cent above the state average.
The new plan also aims to enhance cultural awareness through activities that make community connections and celebrate diversity, such as multicultural story-time events.
Mayor Casey Nunn said the council was proud of Hume’s rich cultural diversity. “Our residents come from more than 160 countries and speak over 120 languages,” she said.
“Council uses a range of methods to raise awareness, provide information and involve and engage with its diverse community.
“But not all these methods are accessible to people who speak a language other than English or who have limited English.
“The action plan has been developed to identify gaps in servicing our culturally and linguistically diverse community.”
