The City of Greater Bendigo has been accredited as the first Mentoring Welcoming City, marking another milestone in its decade-long leadership in building welcoming, inclusive communities. Since joining the Welcoming Cities network in 2016, Greater Bendigo has consistently demonstrated what it means to create a community where everyone belongs, thrives … Read More
Understanding Accreditation: Insights from the team behind the Standard
Understanding Accreditation: Insights from the team behind the Standard What does accreditation actually mean? How does it work? Does accreditation mean an organisation has everything figured out? (Quick spoiler alert: it doesn’t!) What does it tell us about an organisation’s commitment to welcoming and belonging, and what does the process look like … Read More
Stories of Welcome – Volume 7
Ideas for building a culture of welcome, Volume 7 Stories of Welcome Volume 7 showcases the people, councils, organisations and communities demonstrating what belonging looks like across Australia. From local government systems reform to community-led sport, to inclusive public spaces and culturally responsive services, this year’s stories demonstrate that meaningful … Read More
Celebrating communities of welcome in action
Welcoming Cities Awards for Change 2026 At the Welcoming Australia Symposium in Adelaide on Tuesday 19 May, community leaders from across Australia were recognised for their exceptional contribution to building a welcoming Australia where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive. Now in its fifth year, The Welcoming Cities Awards for … Read More
2025 Year in Review
2025 was a terrific year for Welcoming Cities, we were joined in the network by 11 new members, continued to connect with our international partners, including setting up peer to peer connections. 1. Membership Growth: 2. Network support: Welcoming Cities run many significant events throughout the year including: 3. Accreditation: … Read More
Racism in School Conversations Series
Racism remains a significant barrier to creating inclusive, equitable and culturally safe school environments across Australia. Recognising both the urgency and the opportunity for local action, the Darling Downs African Communities Council (DDACC), Ethnic Communities Council Queensland (ECCQ), and Welcoming Cities together initiated the Racism in Schools Conversation Series in … Read More
Community leaders awarded for advancing a welcoming Australia
At the Opening Reception for the 2025 Welcoming Australia Symposium in Western Sydney on Tuesday 6 May, community leaders from across Australia were awarded for their exceptional contribution to building a welcoming Australia where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive: 2025 is the fourth year of the Welcoming Cities Awards … Read More
Stories of Welcome – Volume 6
Ideas for building a culture of welcome, Volume 6 Each year case studies from some of Welcoming Cities’ member councils are collected and compiled in this series. They offer examples of programs, policy shifts, new initiatives and strategic collaborations that highlight the excellent work happening in the country. As Welcoming … Read More
2024 Year in review
2024 was a terrific year for Welcoming Cities, we were joined in the network by 10 new members, continued to connect with our international partners, including setting up peer to peer connections. released two publications, 1. Membership Growth: 2. Network support: 3. Accreditation: City of Darebin (VIC) became the first … Read More
Welcoming Australia Symposium 2024
The Welcoming Australia Symposium 2024 was our most successful yet. With over 250 people in person and over 80 online attendees. The speakers were amazing, and the care taken to honour each individual, honesty and intelligence, and academic and emotional intelligence, far exceeded my expectations. Feeling very grateful. Participant Over … Read More
‘Belonging is our next step’: Reflections from rural leaders on building welcoming communities in the U.S. & Australia
Around the world, immigrants and refugees come to different countries searching for education, employment, safety, and ultimately, to be part of a thriving community. Many newcomers follow the steady employment, reasonable cost of living, and opportunities for social cohesion that can be found in smaller cities and rural areas. As … Read More
Stories of Welcome – Volume 5
Ideas for building a culture of welcome, Volume 5 Each year case studies from some of Welcoming Cities’ member councils are collected and compiled in this series. They offer examples of programs, policy shifts, new initiatives and strategic collaborations that highlight the excellent work happening in the country. As Welcoming … Read More
Welcoming Cities Awards for Change 2024
The Welcoming Cities Awards for Change recognise the progress that strengthens social cohesion with newly arrived and receiving communities to ensure everyone has a chance to participate, belong and thrive. These awards celebrate leading practice and innovation in advancing welcoming and inclusive communities. There are three categories: Local Government – Wollongong City Council Wollongong City Council recognises … Read More
Tracey Grosser – Welcoming Cities Award Winner 2024
Tracey Grosser is the Community Development Officer at Tatiara District Council in regional South Australia. One of the leading voices on social cohesion in small towns in Australia, she works tirelessly to advocate, support and walk beside people who have either moved to the Tatiara area recently or have lived … Read More
Welcoming Australia Symposium 2023
The Welcoming Australia Symposium 2023 was our most successful yet. With over 250 people in person and over 70 online attendees. Over two days, the Welcoming Australia Symposium featured inspiring speakers on the power of place based organisation to increase belonging in Australia.participants were challenged, motivated and energised to return … Read More
Welcoming Cities Awards for Change 2023
The awards, in their second year, have grown in both quantity and quality. Thank you to all the people and organisation who took the time to apply, you made the judging panel’s life exceedingly difficult! The Welcoming Cities Awards for Change recognise the progress that strengthens social cohesion with newly arrived and … Read More
Welcoming Cities Standard launched for public consultation
After an extensive revision process the Welcoming Cities Standard 2.8 is open for public consultation until 30 June. Feedback can be sent to Standard@welcomingcities.org.au. Revision Process In line with leading practice in standard setting, we made a commitment when creating the 2018 version of the Welcoming Cities Standard to review … Read More
Stories of Welcome – Volume 4
Strategies and case studies for building a Welcoming City Stories of Welcome is a growing collection of case studies from some of Welcoming Cities’ member councils, offering a brief example of some of the great work that is happening in communities across Australia. Volume 4 shares 10 case studies from … Read More
The Welcoming Cities Award – Sarah Janali
Sarah Janali and Ken Dachi share the inaugural Welcoming Cities Award, given to outstanding individuals in the sector. This award recognises those who go above and beyond to cultivate a culture of welcome and inclusivity in their communities. Sarah Janali Sarah Janali is a community development practitioner with more than … Read More
Welcoming Cities Award – Ken Dachi
Sarah Janali and Ken Dachi share the inaugural Welcoming Cities Award, given to outstanding individuals in the sector. This award recognises those who go above and beyond to cultivate a culture of welcome and inclusivity in their communities. Ken Dachi, Multicultural Affairs Advisor and Program Coordinator at Leeton Shire Council … Read More