Multicultural

Thai Dancer

Home to people from every corner of the globe

The 2006 census showed that 34.6% of Waverley’s population was born overseas, and 18.3% were born in a country where English is not the first language. Russian is the language most commonly spoken other than English (1.9%).

Many of our older residents speak a community language. Non-English speakers are over-represented in the 65+ age category. More than half the speakers of Hungarian, Polish, Italian and Greek, and a third of Russian and Ukrainian speakers are over 65.

Our vision

  • everyone is welcome to participate positively in community life
  • we can express our essential selves through our traditions, our arts, our cultures and our lifestyles
  • we act together as a compassionate society.

Our Plan

Our first multicultural policy was written in 1990. Much has happened since. Taking stock of the changes after 20 years, Council has expressed its commitment and support in a new Cultural Diversity Policy [add link] and action plan. The Plan outlines many activities that Council and the community are working on. The plan is divided into five main themes:

  • Leadership
  • Community harmony
  • Planning and engagement
  • Access and equity
  • Economic and cultural opportunities.

Our services

Waverley Council recognises and celebrates our culturally diverse community. We are committed to providing appropriate, equitable and accessible services for everyone.

Waverley Council:

  • employs a multicultural community worker
  • helps you communicate in your language through the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) and language aides on staff, who can assist with:
  • Polish
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Cantonese
  • Mandarin
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • translates key information
  • produces a directory of multicultural services and ethnic groups
  • offers community language collections at the Library in:
    • Chinese
    • Polish
    • French
    • Hungarian
    • Spanish
    • Russian
  • provides culturally stimulating activities at Council’s childcare and Seniors' centres
  • keeps bus and facility hire affordable
  • seeks your participation on the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
 

Our events

Waverley celebrates and promotes the benefits of diversity with events such as:

  • South American Festival
  • Festival of the Winds
  • Ocean Care Day
  • Global Table Multicultural Street Festival
  • Harmony Week
  • Refugee Week.

Want to know more?

Contact Council's Community Officer Multicultural/ATSI
Phone: 02 9386 7923
Email: joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au

Publications

Waverley Council Cultural Diversity Policy 2010-14
Directory of Multicultural Services & Groups

Cultural diversity newsletter

June 2008 to July 2009 newsletter
July 2009 to June 2010 newsletter