Canberra is the second city in Australia to be accredited as an Advanced Welcoming City, “celebrating success in initiatives and policies that foster economic, social and cultural inclusion”, NGO Welcoming Australia announced. Only 38 cities around the world have this status.
The Welcoming Cities Network is a national network of cities, shires, towns, and municipalities that are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate. The Network has 76 members, representing more than 40 per cent of the Australian population, and is part of a movement of more than 135 municipalities around the world.
The ACT Government joined the Welcoming Cities Network in 2019. In 2021, Canberra became Australia’s fourth city to hold an ‘Established’ level of accreditation.
Attaining the Advanced level of accreditation was a commitment under the 10th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement.
Welcoming Australia assessed Canberra’s application for Advanced accreditation against the Welcoming Cities Standard. It provisionally approved Canberra in March.
“This accreditation celebrates Canberra’s success in fostering economic, social, and cultural inclusion,” Welcoming Australia’s CEO, Aleem Ali, said. “An Advanced Welcoming City is a national leader and vital member of the Welcoming Cities network…
“The assessors were impressed by the depth of the application and the diverse examples of welcoming efforts in the ACT.
“Welcoming Cities recognises and commends the ongoing work of the ACT Government and the genuine efforts undertaken to build an inclusive community where all residents can have a sense of value and belonging.”
Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said: “The ACT Government has had a longstanding commitment to ensuring everyone in Canberra has a deep sense of belonging and feels welcome regardless of where they come from.
“We provided extensive evidence against each of the indicators under the leadership, social and cultural inclusion, and economic development categories of the Welcoming Cities Standard. We are pleased to have been advised that Canberra meets the criteria to be accredited as an Advanced Welcoming City.
“The accreditation is a testament to the strength of our partnerships with the community and our joint and collaborative hard work to make Canberra an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.”
Mohammed Ali, former Canberra Citizen of the Year, said Canberra deserved this accreditation. “You are a dream of a city to live,” he wrote on Facebook. “I came 32 years ago and have enjoyed your hospitality, your care, your love, your collaborative nature, your human values. Love you.
“As a member of ACT Multicultural Advisory Council, I have seen the hard work that has gone into achieving this status. I commend all professionals and volunteers who have shaped and are continuously shaping the city as a caring and loving city.”
The ACT Government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is also reflected in the implementation of the new Multiculturalism Act 2023.
