Melton City Council has embraced welcoming as one of the key areas of its recently launched Intercultural Plan 2017-2021. A key action of the City’s Intercultural Plan is to join the Welcoming Cities network which Mayor Sophie Ramsey formally endorsed on August 2. The City joins a growing national network of local councils who are committed to fostering a sense of community belonging and socioeconomic participation for all people, including newly arrived migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum.

Mayor of the City of Melton, Cr Sophie Ramsey, said she was proud of the many steps Council had taken to make the municipality an accepting and inviting place for everyone to live and work.

“We are so proud to become the latest members of the Welcoming Cities initiative, and we want each and every one of our residents to feel included and safe in our community,” Cr Ramsey said.

Launched in March 2016, Welcoming Cities is an initiative of the Scanlon Foundation and Welcome to Australia helping local councils become more welcoming and inclusive.

Welcoming Cities’ Victorian State Manager, Elizabeth Young, said that Welcoming Cities members will continue to pave the way, setting the standard for welcoming in Australia.

“Members of the network are acknowledging the significant contribution that migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum make to our communities, and seek to encourage and support the vibrant multicultural nation we live in”, Young said.

“Welcoming Cities draws on the knowledge that local councils have of the communities within their LGAs, and encourages partnership development and knowledge sharing to grow together, ensuring everyone feels welcome in their city”.