The Culturally Diverse Working Group provides a mechanism for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds to consult and work with Council to identify issues that impact on the local CALD community and implement activities to address these issues.

The Group also provides an opportunity for people from CALD backgrounds to become involved in Council’s planning and decision making processes, for example, under the Social and Community Plan, Cultural Plan and Community Safety Plan.

The Group operate under the following Terms of Reference:

• To plan and implement multicultural activities and events to help extend the social and support networks of culturally and linguistically diverse residents of the Bathurst region.
• To raise awareness and promote understanding of the varied cultures of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds residing in the Bathurst region.
• To raise awareness of the issues faced by people with language barriers in connecting with the community.
• To raise awareness of the issues faced by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in finding work experience and permanent employment in their new community.
• To provide guidance to Council in its community leadership role and social, community and cultural planning processes to ensure the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are included.
• To develop programs which make the Bathurst Region a welcoming place for people of all culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• To promote and support human rights in the global community.

The Culturally Diverse Working Group meets bi-monthly on the second Monday of the month from 12.30pm-1.30pm. The group meets in the Committee Room located at the Council Chambers, 158 Russell Street, Bathurst.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the Culturally Diverse Working Group, please contact Janelle Middleton on 6333 6218.