In 2003, Council resolved that the city of Bathurst become a Refugee Welcome Zone. This recognises Bathurst's past history with migrants through the former Bathurst Migrant Centre. The Welcome Zone welcomes refugees into the Bathurst Community, upholds human rights of refugees, aims to understand their experiences and acknowledges that refugees bring cultural and religious diversity to the region.

Council supports and administers the activities of the Bathurst Culturally Diverse Working Group which meets bi-monthly at Council and provides opportunities to identify and address the needs of the local Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community.