A Refugee Council of Australia initiative, a Welcome Zone aims to uphold the human rights of refugees, to demonstrate compassion for refugees and enhance cultural and religious diversity.
The former Auburn LGA was previously been a Refugee Welcome Zone, and Cumberland Mayor Greg Cummings said as part of the new declaration, the council would be putting up signage in community facilities.
“We celebrate our diversity and the Refugee Welcome Zone is a wonderful, inclusive initiative that will foster a culture of harmony and social cohesion,” he said.
Councillor Ola Hamed said that by making a public declaration, the council was also acknowledging the tremendous contribution refugees have made to the local community.
“Cumberland Council already undertakes a vast variety of initiatives which help to create a welcoming atmosphere and assist in the settlement of refugees,” she said.
The council has also run the award-winning Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood project at the Auburn Centre for Community for the past six years, providing an interactive experience of a refugee’s journey, with tours delivered by people with lived experiences as refugees.
LGA now signed up as an official ‘Welcome Zone for Refugees’ win
OFFICIALLY now signed up as a Refugee Welcome Zone, Cumberland is already home to one of the highest populations of refugees and individuals and families seeking asylum in Australia.
