Hume City is a welcoming community that is rich in diversity, with residents of many ethnicities, faiths and beliefs, sexualities and gender identities, abilities and socio-economic status.
Today, almost 40 per cent of Hume residents were born overseas and come from 156 different countries. Hume residents speak over 150 languages.
Together we are working towards a more inclusive community where services and programs are accessible for all residents.
The Multicultural Framework is Council’s commitment to take a whole-of-organisation approach to responding to the needs of the community, including established migrant communities and newly arrived and emerging communities. It provides direction and sets expectations for how Council will assist and better support diverse communities in Hume City. The Framework encourages the consideration of diversity across all Council strategies, action plans, service and activity planning.
Through this Framework, Council will continue to take a leadership role in how cultural diversity is celebrated in all aspects of life in Hume City. Four Framework Goals are outlined in the document, each highlighting a set of principles and practices. These will guide Council to deliver stronger outcomes for Hume’s multicultural community. The four framework goals are: are:
- A harmonious community
- An informed organisation
- A culturally responsive organisation
- An accessible Council
The Hume Interfaith Network (HIN) was established in 2001, with the aim to:
- Develop harmonious relationships between all people who live, work or practice faith in the City of Hume
- Creating peace, understanding and respect with one another’s beliefs, cultures and traditions
- Foster social harmony, inclusivity and dialogue rather than promoting one religion over another or debating religious beliefs
- Provide a space to celebrate our similarities and share our differences to foster peace and goodwill.
Members of the HIN have collaborated with Council to deliver initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, deepen mutual respect and promote community participation and wellbeing for community members of different faiths. Activities have included Harmony Week and Refugee Week celebrations, Places of Worship Tours, Multi-faith Planting Day and interfaith and community forums and events.
More information
If you would like to find out more about the Hume Interfaith Network and how to be involved, please contact: Celia Chang, Multicultural Community Development Officer via phone 0477 177 920 or email celiach@hume.vic.gov.au.
Refugees and people seeking asylum deserve dignity, respect and safety.
Hume City Council is committed to raising awareness of the issues affecting refugees and people seeking asylum, advocate for their rights, as well as create a culture of welcome and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to the Hume community.
Refugee Welcome Zone Leadership Group
Hume City Council, as part of the Refugee Welcome Zone, has made a commitment in spirit to:
- Welcoming refugees into the community,
- Upholding the human rights of refugees,
- Demonstrating compassion for refugees and
- Enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.
Hume City Council has also joined the Leadership Group to further strengthen the strategic direction of the initiative and enable the Refugee Council of Australia to provide greater support for the initiative and ultimately enhancing social cohesion and inclusion across our communities.
Local Government Mayoral Taskforce People Seeking Asylum and Back Your Neighbour Campaign
Hume City Council is an executive member of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, working with 39 Councils across Australia to advocate for the rights of people seeking asylum to the Federal Government and Victorian Government.
The Taskforce’s Back Your Neighbour Campaign advocates for
- people seeking asylum living in limbo for up to 8 years while their applications for asylum are stuck in a broken system
- people seeking asylum who live in the community who are denied access to a number of critical support services such as Medicare, income support, public housing, homelessness, education, mental health and material aid.
Refugee Week
Refugee Week aims to both raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees around the world and also celebrate the contributions refugees make to Australian society. Refugee Week in Australia is always held from Sunday to Saturday of the week which includes 20 June (World Refugee Day).
Hume City Council celebrates Refugee Week every year with local activities, events and festivals.
More information
For more information contact Celia Chang, Multicultural Community Development Officer via phone 0477 177 920 or email celiach@hume.vic.gov.au.
Welcoming Cities is a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.
Hume City Council is a signatory to the Welcoming Cities Network since 2016.
Welcoming Cities Awards for Change 2022
The Welcoming Cities Awards for Change celebrate leading practice and innovation in advancing welcoming and inclusive communities.
Hume City Council was a winner in the local council category for our continued engagement with diverse communities during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Hume Health Champions program where a team of community leaders from diverse backgrounds, deployed to engage with members of their own communities.
Council is committed to the support and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, gender diverse and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities.
In Hume City, there are a range of resources, groups and services available to LGBTIQA+ people. This includes:
GLITTER
GLITTER is a safe place for same sex attracted, gender diverse and LGBTIQA+ young people and supporters in Hume City. The groups meet in Craigieburn and Sunbury. For more information contact youth@hume.vic.gov.au or call 9205 2556.
Sunbury and surrounds LGBTIQ social club
The Sunbury and surrounds LGBTIQ social club is a community run group who meet regularly in Sunbury and surrounding areas. The group welcomes new members and people who interested in joining can visit the Facebook group.
All LGBTQIA+ Matter
All LGBTQIA+ Matter is a welcoming community run support group where older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual or questioning can meet like-minded people in the Hume City area. To join, visit the Facebook page.
LGBTIQ Community Connect (Northern Melbourne)
LGBTIQ Community Connect (Northern Melbourne) is a group for LGBTIQ people who live in Whittlesea and Hume. The group provides a safe and supportive space for the community and provides social events, trivia, film, book clubs and more.
DPV Health
DPV Health offer a range of health care services including medical, dental, disability, mental health, physical health and community support, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Staff at DPV Health have completed an inclusion training program on the needs and experiences of LGBTIQ people. The training features the perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds, information on inclusive language as well as the use of correct pronouns and names to ensure that everyone feels welcomed.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health provide information on health, social and support services and resources for parents, young people and older individuals in Sunbury and surrounds.