Logan City Council has been branded a “national leader” for its cultural diversity and inclusion after securing a Queensland-first accreditation.
It has become the first Queensland local government to be assessed and accredited by Welcoming Cities, a national initiative that provides councils with a framework to achieve social cohesion objectives.
Logan council achieved an “advanced accreditation” – the third in Australia to do so – meaning it has successfully implemented initiatives and policies that “foster economic, social and cultural inclusion”.
Logan’s mayor Darren Power said council was proud to be recognised for the work it was doing with the city’s diverse community, which includes people from more than 230 different cultures.
The most recent census data shows almost 28 per cent of Logan’s 360,000 residents were born overseas.
This is around 96,000 people.
“We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia and look forward to liaising with Welcoming Cities and other key stakeholders to build further on our work in this area,” Cr Power said.
Welcoming Cities CEO Aleem Ali congratulated Logan City Council for becoming the third in Australia to reach the advanced accreditation level.
“I especially congratulate them for becoming the first council accredited in Queensland as a Welcoming City,” Mr Ali said.
“The assessors were impressed by the examples of the city’s welcoming efforts and Welcoming Australia recognises and commends council’s role in facilitating and supporting this work.
“The city’s accreditation at an advanced level positions Logan as a national leader and celebrates the collective contribution from diverse community stakeholders in fostering economic, social and cultural inclusion for all residents.”
There are two accreditation levels below ‘advanced’, and two above.
The levels below, ‘committed’ and ‘established’, are given to councils that have signed up with Welcoming Cities and are showing leadership in cultural diversity.
Welcoming Cities works with 84 local government areas, servicing 47 per cent of the Australian population.
Logan council was the 70th in country.
