Multicultural Advisory Committee — 2026-09-17

2. Collaborative Discussion

2. Collaborative Discussion

Members and External Advisors are invited to bring to the meeting knowledge and ideas to contribute during a brainstorming session.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

DISCUSSION

The committee discussed a variety of matters relating to multicultural issues which included the following:

· An outline of some of the highlights of Council’s current Community Development Strategy 2021-2026 over the last five (5) years. Members asked what goals have been implemented and what has been delivered. The Chairperson asked external members to review the Community Development Strategy and advise if anything is missing or needed.

· Disaster awareness and how this could be promoted and translated into different languages for the various multicultural areas of the community. The external members were made aware of Council’s Disaster Management Dashboard and the fact that it can be translated into over 100 different languages.

· Sharing information with Multicultural Community Leaders – one of the main questions raised by members of the community is how do they access the range of services available and how does council communicate with the community.

· Domestic Violence in the community and how to make the community aware of where they can go for assistance. The members were made aware of Council’s information page on its website and of the work of community organisations. Members were also made aware of the Just in Case card and where to find it on Council’s website. One of the concerns raised was that a lot of the community leaders were men and not women and that a group of women from different linguistic groups were needed. It was suggested that a representative from Domestic Violence Action Centre be invited to attend one of the next meetings of the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

· Protocols for liaising with the committee and requesting information.

· Skills recognition for community members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Ms Ker provided information on an initiative to connect community members with volunteering and employment opportunities through an employer/s in the health sector.

ACTIONS

General Manager, Community Cultural and Economic Development:

· Provide members with Ipswich social and demographic data.

· Provide members with Council funding and support channels for members to consider how these may be communicated to communities.

· Provide the Chair with advice on the development of the next Community Development Strategy for future consideration by members.

3. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 8 October 2026.

4. GENERAL DISCUSSION (within the purpose and scope of the committee)

The Chairperson asked members if the timing of the meetings was suitable. It was requested that if possible the meetings be held in the afternoon to allow members to finish work before attending.

PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS

The meeting commenced at 10.02 am.

The meeting closed at 11.48 am.

Mentions: Ipswich

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