The Mornington Peninsula Shire is home to a community shaped by diverse cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, long‑standing migrant communities, and people with many different ancestries.

Almost one in five residents of the Mornington Peninsula were born overseas. Census data shows that most people on the Mornington Peninsula have English or Australian ancestry, alongside long‑standing European communities. The region is also home to smaller but diverse communities from across Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific, reflecting a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

While English is the main language spoken at home, many residents also speak other languages, most commonly Italian, Greek, German, Mandarin and Spanish. Together, these communities make valuable social, cultural and community contributions that help shape the Peninsula’s shared sense of belonging.

Being part of the Welcoming Cities network supports Mornington Peninsula Shire to strengthen inclusive practices, learn from other councils, and continue building connected and welcoming communities.

This commitment is guided by We All Belong: Towards an Inclusive Mornington Peninsula 2024–2029, Council’s strategy for inclusion and belonging. The strategy recognises that everyone in the Mornington Peninsula community, regardless of age, ability, culture, gender, sexuality, beliefs, or background, should feel safe, supported, accepted, included, heard, and valued. Through this work, Council focuses on building strong social connections, improving access to environments and services, supporting people to participate and have their voices heard, and delivering inclusive programs and leadership that help our community thrive across all stages of life.