Being Welcoming is Part of Who We Are

11 Nov 2020 4:55 PM -

Leeton Shire Council becomes the 51st member to join the growing Welcoming Cities initiative, a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.

Council has a long and important history of building a unique and diverse community where everyone is invited to call the Shire home.

Leeton Shire joins the Welcoming Cities network of 50 Capital cities, regional centres and metropolitan councils who have committed to cultivating communities where all people have equal opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.

Leeton Shire Mayor Paul Maytom, said “Leeton Shire is a community for everyone to belong; our welcoming stance to refugees, migrants and newcomers is declared in our community strategic plan, written on our town entrance signs, and woven into the fabric of who we are as a community.

“We are delighted to be the newest members of the Welcoming Cities network and remain committed to ensuring that each and every one of our residents feels included and safe in our community.”

Welcoming Cities supports its members to harness the benefits of migration and enhancing social cohesion. An initiative of Welcoming Australia, founded by the Scanlon Foundation, the Welcoming Cities network now represents more than 30 percent of the Australian population.

Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia, said “We are excited to welcome Leeton Shire Council to the Welcoming Cities network, in recognition of their strong and vibrant history welcoming newcomers, migrants and refugees to their community.

“Amongst the many positive case studies of successful migrant settlement, one of the most critical factors has been the presence of a welcoming community, cultivating a sense of belonging.

“The Welcoming Cities network will be particularly important as we seek to recover from COVID-19 and it’s important to remember that migrants make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy and the vibrancy of community life.”