Racism Not Welcome in Maribyrnong
Published on 19 August 2021
The community is being called on to help tailor a new campaign to call out racism in Maribyrnong, as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing racist attitudes within our City and beyond.
The project references Sydney’s Inner West Multicultural Network’s Racism Not Welcome campaign, which utilised street signs in busy inner-city streets to encourage locals to call out racism and create a community where they place equal value on different cultures, languages and histories.
Mayor, Cr Michael Clarke is inviting our community to help determine the wording for similar street signage for Maribyrnong, and identify locations it could be installed to spread the message in our City.
“The aim of the campaign is to spark conversations within the community and promote positive change,” he said.
“Though this will only be possible with strong community buy-in,” he continued, “which is why Council is engaging the community to take ownership and shape the campaign’s look and feel – as well as the ability to nominate their street as a location to have a sign erected.”
Maribyrnong’s population is one of the most culturally diverse and fastest growing in Victoria. Residents come from more than 135 different countries and speak more than 80 languages. Recognising this diversity, Council is keen to foster and promote a sense of belonging amongst the community that highlights the advantage of diversity and importance of respecting differences.
“Our community is wonderfully welcoming and diverse, which is exactly what makes Maribyrnong a great place to live, work and play,” Cr Clarke continued. “We know they will want to come forward and get on board to stamp out prejudiced behaviour and reinforce that racism is not welcome here.”
In June 2021, Council voted to endorse the “Racism Not Welcome” campaign, developed by the Inner West Multicultural Network in Sydney, making Maribyrnong the first Council in Victoria to adopt the campaign.
For further information and to have your say, visit Your City Your Voice.
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