Our vision
An
inclusive and cohesive society which draws on its cultural and
linguistic diversity to enhance the social, economic, cultural and civic
development of Western Australia and the wellbeing of all community
members.
Our purpose and role
The role of the Office of
Multicultural Interests is to assist the Minister for Citizenship and
Multicultural Interests and the State Government to achieve the full
potential of multiculturalism.
This requires strategies that
relate to the whole community including business and industry groups,
government and non-government agencies, culturally diverse communities
and the wider community.
The role of the office is as an
‘enabler ’ — providing information, advice, funding, training and support,
and facilitating partnerships and collaboration to achieve:
- a society that values, respects and maximises the benefits of its cultural, religious and linguistic diversity
- the
development of organisations whose policies, programs and services are
accessible and responsive to the needs of a diverse community
- strong
communities whose members foster and share their diverse cultures and
actively participate in all aspects of Western Australian life.
Our values
Diversity
We
value cultural diversity, recognise and promote its benefits and are
responsive to the needs of Western Australia’s diverse community.
Respect
We are respectful in our interactions and encourage mutual respect between groups and individuals in our community.
Leadership
We
demonstrate leadership in multicultural interests and recognise the
leadership and capacity in our culturally diverse communities.
Fairness and integrity
We are ethical, fair, equitable, open and transparent in our work.
Collaboration
We
build and nurture relationships, collaboration and partnerships between
government, non-government, business and the community sectors to
achieve outcomes that strengthen culturally diverse communities,
individually and collectively.
Excellence
We strive for excellence and are committed to making a positive difference that benefits all Western Australians.
Our plan
Strengthen the capacity of culturally diverse communities
- Fund and support community initiatives to maintain, share and promote diverse cultures, traditions and languages.
- Skill
community members and groups to represent, plan for and address the
needs of communities with a focus on newly arrived migrants.
- Facilitate
partnerships and collaboration between culturally diverse communities,
local, State and Australian governments and non-government agencies to
address community needs.
Support the development of culturally inclusive policies, programs and services
- Provide
information, data and advice to guide the development of inclusive
policies, programs and services across the government, non-government
and business sectors.
- Develop policy, guidelines and tools to increase cultural competency and encourage the delivery of language services.
- Support
the consistent collection of relevant data to inform service planning
and delivery to culturally diverse community members.
Facilitate full participation by culturally diverse communities in social, economic, cultural and civic activities
- Facilitate
engagement of culturally diverse communities in government decision
making processes through promotion of consultative processes.
- Promote
equitable access to government and non-government services,
particularly for specific groups such as youth, seniors, people with
disability and carers, and in areas such as settlement, education,
training, employment and health.
- Identify opportunities and/or
fund initiatives which enhance the participation of culturally diverse
communities in social and cultural life.
- Promote active citizenship and representation in the democratic process.
Develop intercultural understanding and promote the benefits of Western Australia’s cultural diversity
- Develop,
support and fund initiatives to increase intercultural interaction and
awareness, and counter racism and discrimination.
- Encourage employers to maximise and promote the benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace and marketplace.
- Work with the media to promote the benefits of cultural diversity and counter myths and stereotypes.
- Recognise
the achievements of members of Western Australia’s culturally diverse
communities and their contributions to the State.
Disclaimer
The information and advice within this document is provided
voluntarily by the Office of Multicultural Interests as a public
service. The information
and advice is provided in good faith and is derived from
sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No representation or
warranty, express or
implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness
for purpose of this document. The reader of this document should
satisfy him or herself
concerning its application to their situation. The State of
Western Australia, the Department of Local Government and Communities,
the Office of
Multicultural Interests, and their officers expressly
disclaim liability for any act or omission occurring in reliance on this
document or for any
consequences of such act or omission.