5 August 2016 – Media Release
In the age of digital communication, where Facebook and Twitter dominate the media landscape, Cumberland Council is going ‘old school’ to introduce a ‘word of mouth’ approach to engaging with sections of its local community.
The Cumberland Council area is one of the most culturally diverse Local Government Areas in Australia, with residents from more than 150 countries. In addition, the area has one the highest populations of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia – over the past 25 years more than 20,000 refugees have settled in the area.
This cultural mix presents unique challenges and opportunities to the newly amalgamated Cumberland Council, as it embarks on a communication strategy to engage with a community where more than 61% of residents speak a language other than English.
Cumberland Council Administrator, Viv May, has set on a communication blitz to meet with as many volunteer and grass roots organisations operating across Cumberland Council LGA as he can. He recently met with the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON) to discuss issues in the local community such as the Connect to Work project which provides job search and application support to local residents seeking employment.
Mr May said Council was committed to genuine community participation.
“We need to engage with the community on decisions and issues affecting their lives, but with such a diverse community Council needs to re-think the way we communicate with residents. We need innovative ways to consult with the community, to maximise community awareness and participation,” Mr May said.
“There are many voluntary, grass roots organisations that operate across Cumberland, and Council recognises the important role they play in the community as information providers and advocates for change.
“We’ll be seeking to partner with these groups to gather feedback and promote new programs and ideas. It’s a ‘word of mouth’ approach to engaging with our community, which in our hi-tech communication world may seem a little obsolete, but its tailored to the needs of sections of our community,” Mr May said.
Inclusive Cumberland Future Forums will run throughout September to help shape the vision for a new Cumberland:
- Auburn Town Hall Tuesday 13 September, 6pm- 8pm
- Holroyd Centre (TBC) Thursday 22 Sept, 10am – midday
- Granville Town Hall Wed 28 Sept, midday – 2pm
