Manningham Council plays a key role in enhancing inclusion for its diverse people and communities through the Manningham Council Plan 2017-2021 and Healthy City Strategy.

With 40% of residents born overseas, and 42% speaking a language other than English at home, Manningham Council has a proud commitment to welcoming refugees, migrants and people from a diverse range of backgrounds into the community.

As part of its commitment to inclusivity, Manningham has implemented a range of initiatives, including a ‘Welcome Bench’ located at the MC Square Civic Plaza. The Welcome Bench is filled with messages of welcome offered by Manningham residents and sits underneath the canopy of a Welcome Tree.

Manningham also has an Interfaith Network that brings together people from a range of faith traditions to promote respect, harmony and the understanding of each other’s beliefs. Unity across differing faiths is demonstrated through the sharing of information about programs and activities.

In 2015, Manningham was declared a Migrant and Refugee Welcome Zone. This declaration is a commitment to welcome people from a range of backgrounds into our community, value their contributions and enhance the cultural and religious diversity of the municipality.

Manningham Council was recognised for its work in welcoming migrants and refugees as the recipient of a 2016 Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence.