Sponsored by the Department of Social Services
About the sponsor
The Department of Social Services works to improve the lifetime wellbeing of people and families in Australia, responding to need across people's lives, encouraging independence and participation, and supporting a productive and harmonious diverse society. The department's services are delivered through offices in every state and territory.
The department manages a range of projects that assist migrants to settle into life in Australia and promote respect, fairness and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Further information on these projects can be found at the Department of Social Services website.
Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity Category
This Award is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. In scoring entries against the selection criteria below, the judges will be looking for projects which:
- will improve the wellbeing of people and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in your community while building a cohesive society
- detail what the project is about and the positive difference it has made in your community
- celebrate and recognise the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in your community
- are inclusive in the design, development and implementation of the project itself
- are innovative
- are sustainable, such as: regular events which take place throughout the year; or annual events, where there is a commitment to hold the event on an ongoing basis, and
- have generated some positive outcomes (with these outcomes being evidenced in the entry).
About the Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity award
The award recognises local initiatives that promote the benefits of and/or respond to opportunities and challenges arising from Australia's cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
For example, councils could enter projects for this award which involve:
- improvement of local employment outcomes and opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse communities;
- innovative approaches to bring people together to build local social cohesion and community harmony;
- promotion and celebration of local cultural diversity, for example through multicultural policies, interfaith/intercultural initiatives; or
- development of inclusive programs which engage and support youth throughout your community.