Social cohesion, diversity and inclusion
Council has an important role to play in creating a diverse, inclusive and connected community.
What is social cohesion?
A socially cohesive community is one in which people from all backgrounds are welcome, have positive relationships and social connections and feel a strong sense of belonging.
The Scanlon Foundation defines social cohesion as “the extent of shared values, mutual respect and acceptance of difference, as well as trust between people and trust in institutions”.
What is Council doing?
- Provides information and welcomes new residents and migrants.
- Supports volunteerism.
- Celebrates our diverse community and supports programs and initiatives that focus on First Nations, older persons, multicultural communities, LGBTIQA+ communities, women, young people and people with disability.
- Provides community grants to support community led projects and programs that promote social cohesion and festival and events in our community.
- Advocates to Federal and State Government about our local place-based community needs.
- Supports the Port Phillip Multifaith Network that promotes interfaith dialogue.
- Supports meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with First Peoples through reconciliation.
- Works collaboratively with our communities, support and service organisations, Victoria Police and State Government to improve community safety.
- Enables accessible and low-cost community spaces for our community to celebrate and connect.
- Offers library services which are vibrant community hubs that offer diverse resources, programs, services, and spaces for social interaction, learning, and cultural enrichment.
- Engages our diverse community in Council decision-making through Advisory Committees.
- Stands with our community when facing adversity, such as our Statement on Adass Israel firebombing.
- Works together with the service providers to find opportunities to create new housing and reduce rough sleeping by activating Port Phillip Zero.
