Multicultural Programs & Projects
Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to supporting our communities to celebrate their culture, history and traditions. Supported by the Multicultural Policy 2016-2020, we are dedicated to ensuring the histories, beliefs, traditions, cultures and languages that make up our residents’ sense of identity are respected and celebrated. Council is involved in different community development programs which are aimed at celebrating diversity and supporting the culturally and linguistically diverse(CALD) communities of Hobsons Bay in a variety of ways.
From Little Things Big Things Grow documentary
Hobsons Bay New and Emerging Communities Youth Leadership Program has been running since 2006 with the aim of assisting newly arrived young people settle in Hobsons Bay. Over the years, the program has grown significantly in number of participants and organisations involved.
Council is very proud of this program and its impact in our community, so we wanted to share the achievements with others. The documentary showcases the program’s successes and the stories and achievements of the young people involved.
We are hoping the DVD will help to increase understanding about the refugee experience but most importantly demonstrate young people’s resilience and share successful settlement stories to promote harmony and inclusion.
We would like to thank Paw Paw Po San Ba, E’mer San Shwe and Rick Kiembe Mwamba for sharing their stories.
You can watch the documentary on YouTube
Learn to Swim & Water Education Programs
In 2013 Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Life Saving Victoria (LSV), Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) and the Western Bulldogs to work in partnership to deliver a range of water safety and learn to swim programs for newly arrived people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Hobsons Bay.
In 2013-2014 LSV delivered 10 beach programs and 14 water education sessions, reaching a total of 927 participants. Additionally, LSV runs two learn to swim programs for newly arrived communities at Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre.
In partnership with ARV, Council also delivered two Mums and Bubs programs for newly arrived communities. One program provided at Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre and the second one was delivered at Bayfit Leisure Centre in Newport.
Multicultural Arts Exhibitions
Council partners with the Louis Joel Community Arts Centre to host multicultural art exhibitions featuring different local communities.
In 2016 we explored the cultural heritage of our local Karen community, through a textile installation called 'From within we grow'. An exhibition was held at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in August 2016.
In 2013 we celebrated the Maltese community through sharing personal stories and photos of Maltese people and their families. An exhibition was held at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in June 2013.
Contacts
If you would like more information on any of the above mentioned programs, please contact Council’s Community Development Officer, Multicultural on 9932 1638.