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Ipswich City Council 2008 - 2013 Community Relations Plan www.ipswich.qld.gov.au “including everyone” Prepared by the Ipswich City Council's Community Development Branch October 2007 Endorsed by Ipswich City Council on 12 November 2007

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Ipswich City Council

2008 - 2013

Community Relations Plan

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

“including everyone”

Prepared by the Ipswich City Council's Community Development Branch October 2007

Endorsed by Ipswich City Council on 12 November 2007

Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

A Message from the Mayor - Paul Pisasale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

A Message from the Committee Chairperson - Charlie Pisasale . . . . . . 3

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

What is Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Dimensions of Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Why a Community Relations Plan for the City of Ipswich? . . . . . . . . 4

Synergies with State and other Council Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Demographic Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Australian Bureau of Statistics - 2006 Census . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Role of Local Government in Community Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Needs Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Aim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Key themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Key Strategies and Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

1. Leadership and Symbolic Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2. Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3. Human Resource Management and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. Access to Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5. Communication and Information Dissemination. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Monitoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Time-frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Table of Contents

1

A sense of place and feeling of well-being is at the centre of what sets Ipswich apart from many

towns and cities. Ipswich has taken nearly 150 years to reach a population of 150,000. In less

than 20 years our population will more than double to an estimated 318,000.

We are going to witness growth like we have never experienced before.

Along this journey strong partnerships between the community, business and government will be

key to creating the kind of Ipswich we want it to be, not just for the current generation, but more

importantly for our children's children and beyond.

To help guide us along that journey I am proud to present the Ipswich Community Relations Plan:

including everyone 2008 – 2013.

Ipswich City Council is committed to fostering positive community relations between community

members, community groups and Council as we work together towards a positive future; one of

an inclusive, harmonious and cohesive community.

Ipswich is fortunate to have a significant strength in our culturally diverse community, with

residents from over 115 countries and with over 80 different languages spoken. Ipswich is

recognised as a city of great strengths drawn from the diversity and involvement of the people in

our community.

Ipswich is committed to engaging with and investing in our communities to further

multiculturalism, changing how we plan and deliver programs and activities to make them

accessible to all and ultimately strengthening the sense of belonging residents have in Ipswich.

Our Community Relations Plan demonstrates Council's commitment to our diverse community and

to raising community awareness of our cultural diversity. Our city is fulfilled and rewarded through

our diverse multiculturalism.

Cr Paul Pisasale

Mayor of the City of Ipswich

2

A Message from the Mayor – Cr Paul Pisasale

A Message from the Chairperson – Charlie Pisasale

3

A Message from the Committee Chairperson –

Cr Charlie Pisasale

Ipswich is rich in diversity of culture. This diversity strengthens the community and Council of

Ipswich.

Our commitment to strengthening the positive interactions with and within communities is

expressed through the Ipswich City Council Community Relations Plan.

With this Plan adopted through all Council departments, effective strategies will be developed to

engage with and support the culturally and linguistically diverse communities of Ipswich.

The Community Relations Plan focuses on the key themes of Leadership and Symbolic Gestures,

Community Engagement, Human Resource Management and Training, Access to Services and

Communication and Information Dissemination. These themes form the structure of the Plan's

strategies and actions to ensure that community relations in Ipswich continue in a positive

manner.

The goal of the Community Relations Plan is to foster a positive community relations environment,

including everyone in Ipswich, where cultural diversity is valued, embraced and celebrated.

Council is committed to developing and maximising the opportunities and strength of the

culturally and linguistically diverse communities of Ipswich.

Cr Charlie Pisasale

Chairperson

Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee

Every person has their own values, practices and stories that make up their culture. Ipswich is

privileged to be a part of the extensive representation of people from different cultures making up

our community, and Ipswich City Council is proud to be leading the way in positive community

relations for Ipswich.

Ipswich has a proud Aboriginal history that dates back some 40,000 years and is the traditional

lands of a number of clan groups including Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people; these groups are

still part of this country today.

The original custodians of Ipswich continue to maintain and teach their cultural ways to many of

their young people through song & dance, story telling, art and language.

What is Community Relations?

Dimensions of Community Relations

Why a Community Relations Plan for the City of Ipswich?

Community Relations is about how we work together as one people from many different

backgrounds.

It is about promoting inclusion, participation, access, respect and communication as we shape our

future and our social, cultural and economic development together. (p. 2 Department of the

Premier and Cabinet: Office of Ethnic and Multicultural Affairs; The Community Relations Manual:

A Guide for Local Government)

A positive and effective culturally diverse society is about working together as one, respecting and

valuing our individual differences. The dimensions of community relations include:

�encouraging acceptance, respect and communication between cultures;

�promoting inclusiveness and cohesion;

�ensuring all people have full access to services and programs; and

�recognising and overcoming the barriers faced by some groups to full participation in their

social, cultural and economic life. (p. 1 Department of the Premier and Cabinet: Office of

Ethnic and Multicultural Affairs; The Community Relations Manual: A Guide for Local

Government)

Positive community relations benefit the whole of the Ipswich community - Council and

community members alike. Some of these benefits include:

�greater participation in Ipswich for all community members;

�enriched cultural life and positive identity for Ipswich;

�promotion of resilient communities, better able to make their own decisions;

�improved service delivery;

�increased sense of belonging and community cohesion; and

�increased understanding of the Ipswich community.

4

Background

Synergies with State and other Council Documents

Partnerships

The Community Relations Plan (Plan) is guided by the core principles of the policy commitment

Multicultural Queensland: making a world of difference (2004), and the Queensland Community

Relations Plan (1999).

The development and implementation of the Plan aligns to and supports the Council adopted

strategic documents (detailed below). These documents are used by Council to:

�set departmental objectives, performance measures and targets;

�support decision making, development and implementation of projects; and

�ensure appropriate use of available resources.

These strategic documents include:

�Ipswich 2020 and Beyond (2005): provides Council with the framework to grow and develop

the city consistent with identified community values and vision.

�Corporate Plan 2007-2012: defines how Council will meet the future growth whilst continuing

to develop and deliver high quality services to the community.

�Annual Operational Plan (2007-2008): identifies activities and outcomes that Council

Departments will deliver each year.

�Multicultural, Access and Equity Policy (1999): provides policy direction to promote harmonious

community relations in Ipswich.

�Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity Policy (2005): Council endeavours to ensure

that in the application of all Council's policies, practices and procedures, no unlawful

discrimination and harassment will take place and that all employees enjoy equal access to

opportunities within Council.

�Cultural Policy For Ipswich (2007): recognises the important role of Government, business and

Community sector in the support and implementation of strategies to achieve the cultural goals

of Ipswich City Council.

Ipswich City Council is committed to continued improvement of community relations within

Ipswich. To achieve this it is essential that we identify and foster partnerships with all relevant and

appropriate stakeholders in, and for, our Ipswich community.

Ipswich City Council will continue to enhance existing, and develop new partnerships to achieve

best practice and outcomes in community relations for all residents of Ipswich. These partnerships

include:

�Ipswich City Council and community groups;

�Ipswich City Council and non-government organisations;

�Ipswich City Council and businesses; and

�Ipswich City Council and government departments.

5

Demographic SnapshotThe data taken from the 2006 census show that there are a total of 140,181 people in Ipswich

(local government area); of which 50.2% are female and 49.8% are male.

The indigenous population of Ipswich makes up 3.4% of the entire population, well above the

national percentage of 2.3%.

A total of 15.4% of Ipswich residents were born overseas (lower than the national figure of 22.2%);

the main countries of birth being England (4.0%), New Zealand (3.5%), Samoa (0.7%), Viet Nam

(0.7%) and Scotland (0.6%). The number of residents born overseas has risen since the 2001

census data by 14.84%.

Birthplace of the 15.4% of Ipswich

residents born overseas

4.00%

3.50%

0.70%

0.70%

0.60%

5.90%

England New Zealand SamoaViet NamScotland Other countries

The 2006 Census states that English is the only language spoken at home by 88.0% of Ipswich

residents. The most common languages spoken at home other than English were Samoan 1.5%,

Vietnamese 1.0%, Spanish 0.5%, German 0.3% and Dutch 0.2%.

The most common responses for religious affiliation for Ipswich residents were Catholic (21.8%),

Anglican (19.5%), no Religion (17.9%), Uniting Church (8.0%), and Presbyterian and Reformed

(3.5%). (www.abs.gov.au 2006 Census Data for Ipswich Local Government Area)

6

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Everyone needs to be involved in striving for positive community relations. All levels of

government, non-government organisations, service providers, community groups, businesses and

individuals are responsible and capable of being involved in impacting positively on community

relations in Ipswich.

Local Government has an imperative role as the leader in community relations. As the level of

government closest to their community, it is essential for Ipswich City Council to be actively

planning and implementing strategies to achieve positive community relations.

Local Government in Queensland has demonstrated its leading role in supporting positive

community relations across the state through the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)

program.

Needs Analysis

To ensure the development of the Plan included feedback from key stakeholders, a survey was

distributed to all Ipswich City Council staff to complete, with a further community survey

distributed to culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and groups working within the

Ipswich region. The surveys were also available via the Ipswich City Council website for residents

and the intranet for Council staff to complete.

The main community relations issues identified through the survey were:

�cultural understanding and acceptance

mutual valuing, acceptance and respect

opportunities for cultural interaction

need for cultural identity

�communication and language

language barriers

lack of spoken and written English

�access and services

unfamiliar services provided

unsure how to access services

As this Plan is an internal tool for Ipswich City Council it is essential to incorporate the

observations and issues raised by staff of Ipswich City Council when they are engaging with

culturally and linguistically diverse community members. The main issues raised by staff through

the survey results were:

�knowledge and understanding of other cultures

need for information on cultures and customs

need for cross cultural awareness training

�communication and language

need for knowledge of interpreting and translating services

difficulty in communicating effectively with customers that do not speak English as a first

language

�access and services

lack of knowledge in how to support members of diverse communities9

The Role of Local Government in Community RelationsThe Role of Local Government in Community Relations

10

In addition, meetings were held with Human Resources, Library and Customer Service key staff to

discuss the services and community engagement activities that are currently provided by Council.

Future methods to improve access to services and what assistance Council's current Multicultural

Project Officer could provide to support delivery of identified actions were also discussed. The

Plan will assist in providing improved access to services by the Ipswich community, and address

the issues as stated by the residents and Ipswich City Council staff to ensure an all-encompassing

approach to positive community relations.

The issues of the Ipswich community and Council staff are broad and comprehensive, and the

methods of addressing them complex and multi-faceted – there is no quick fix.

Ipswich City Council will strive to have a positive impact upon local community relations, and begin

to tackle these issues by implementing strategies identified under each of the Key Themes (listed

below).

Aim

Outcomes

To foster a positive community relations environment, including everyone in Ipswich, where

cultural diversity is valued, embraced and celebrated.

The Plan identifies a range of strategies to achieve the above aim, with the following specific

outcomes:

�broader understanding of cultures and diversity in our community;

�increased respect for and celebration of diversity;

�reduced levels of discrimination and prejudice;

�broader participation of community members in planning and promoting positive community

relations;

�increased community capacity to address issues of community relations; and

�increased opportunity for international economic growth.

Key Themes

1. Leadership and Symbolic Gestures

Ipswich City Council will lead the way, promoting positive community relations by facilitating

the planning, implementation and evaluation of community relations strategies

2. Community Engagement

Ipswich City Council is committed to a holistic approach to positive community relations,

providing resources and opportunities to promote community representation, consultation

and participation

3. Human Resource Management and Training

Ipswich City Council will continue to develop, and evaluate workplace strategies for diversity

management and Equal Employment Opportunities

4. Access to Services

It is important to Ipswich City Council that all residents and visitors are able to access with

ease all Council services and programs

5. Communication and Information Dissemination

Council will be proactive in using communication and dissemination of information tools

that are easily accessed and understood by people for whom English is not their first

language

11

Key Themes

The development and implementation of this Plan forms part of Council's support for the

community. Each of the action statements are consistent with and linked to the Ipswich 2020 and

Beyond Plan - Community Spirit and Wellbeing theme and related strategies.

Ipswich City Council will lead the way, promoting positive community relations by facilitating the

planning, implementation and evaluation of community relations strategies.

1. Leadership and Symbolic Gestures

Key Strategies and Actions

12

Time-frame for Delivery

A statement welcoming the contribution of people from all

backgrounds to the Australian community will be included

within citizenship ceremonies

Ongoing

Ongoing Council reports, including the Annual Report, will identify

achievements made in promoting positive community

relations.

Annually in MarchImplementation and promotion of annual national

Harmony Day celebrations.

Continue to promote and develop our Sister City

relationships.

Ongoing

Ongoing Continue to promote and develop international

relationships by facilitating workshops for Japanese aged

health care professionals.

Leadership and Symbolic Gestures Actions

13

Key Strategies and Actions

Ipswich City Council is committed to a holistic approach to positive community relations, providing

resources and opportunities to promote community representation, consultation and

participation.

2. Community Engagement

Time-frame for DeliveryCommunity Engagement Actions

Promote and celebrate cultural diversity through hosting

an annual multicultural festival

Annually as part of the

broader Ipswich Festival

OngoingInvolvement of members of Ipswich's culturally and

linguistically diverse (CALD) community withinthe

multicultural festival planning group

OngoingEstablish, facilitate, support and participate in a

Multicultural Advisory Group representative of Ipswich's

culturally and linguistically diverse community

Every 2nd year Evaluate Community Relations Plan in partnership with

community

OngoingContinue to facilitate and promote the Ipswich

International Honorary Ambassador Program

Every 2nd yearReview of Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and

Multicultural Access and Equity Policies

Monthly from October

2008

Development of new innovative event – Music in the Park:

including everyone. Diverse music groups will perform

monthly in parks (rotating around each Division),

showcasing cultures and bringing communities together

through music

OngoingAssist existing or developing neighbourhood markets to

make available a diverse range of goods and services

provided by and accessible to CALD communities

OngoingEngage with seniors through the Seniors Consultative

Committee to facilitate effective engagement in local

government decision-making processes, including the

specific needs and contributions of CALD seniors

OngoingEngage with young people through the Ipswich Youth

Advisory Council to facilitate effective engagement in local

government decision-making processes, including the

specific needs and contributions of CALD young people

Ipswich City Council will continue to develop, and evaluate workplace strategies for diversity

management and Equal Employment Opportunities.

3. Human Resource Management and Training

14

Key Strategies and Actions

Time-frame for DeliveryHuman Resources Management and Training Actions

OngoingResearch, develop and maintain a demographic profile that

includes information on birthplace of residents, languages

spoken, unemployment by birthplace and other relevant

information

OngoingResearch demographic population and trends that will

assist in informing Council for future planning

Commence May 2008Provide bi-monthly cross-cultural awareness training for

Council staff

Commence May 2008Incorporate cross-cultural information in Council's

compulsory staff induction program

Commence May 2008Develop online training resources for staff providing an

overview of culturally and linguistically diverse

communities in the Ipswich region; how to access relevant

services (eg. translating and interpreter services,

community support groups); an overview of the service

delivery challenges to Council; cultural protocols; an

overview of Council policies relevant to interacting with

CALD groups; and effective cross-cultural communication

To begin March 2008Provide training and resources to customer service staff on

using interpreter services

From July 2008Develop a profile of Council staff that will include their

birthplace and languages spoken

OngoingThrough staff induction, capture language information to

develop an internal interpreting pool for access by Council

staff

15

Key Strategies and Actions

It is important to Ipswich City Council that all residents and visitors are able to access with ease all

Council services and programs.

4. Access to Service

Time-frame for DeliveryAccess to Service Actions

OngoingAs telephones are upgraded within Council, provide dual

handsets at customer service counters to assist with the

facilitation of telephone access to the Translator and

Interpreter Service

OngoingAs mobile phones are upgraded within Council, provide

conferencing facilities to staff who may be required to visit

homes and businesses in the course of their work to

ensure access to the Translator and Interpreter Service

Commence May 2008Develop a language directory listing staff who are willing to

assist with translation for some initial interactions with

Council customers

OngoingEnhance existing website content of community and

government contacts to adequately provide access and

services information to culturally and linguistically diverse

community members

OngoingContinue to provide diversity in language with books and

resources in Council libraries (currently over 60 languages)

OngoingActively seek opportunities to promote initiatives of the

library, including diverse language books and display

cabinets that communities can use to promote their

culture

Key Strategies and Actions

Council will be proactive in using communication and dissemination of information tools that are

easily accessed and understood by people for whom English is not their first language.

5. Communication and Information Dissemination

16

Time-frame for DeliveryCommunication and Information Dissemination Actions

OngoingAs signage is designed and replaced throughout Ipswich

(eg parking signs) basic/plain English wording will be

adopted to aid in the understanding of the sign

OngoingCollect, retain and analyse data on requests for interpreter

services to ensure that adequate training and resources

have been developed, and to assist with future planning

OngoingProfessionally translate material as required

OngoingActively promote (including posters at all customer service

areas) the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS ph. 131450)

for all staff to use to assist in communicating with

residents and visitors requiring interpreting

Commence March 2008Develop and distribute Welcome Kits that provide

culturally and linguistically appropriate information to all

new Ipswich residents

Ongoing Provide support to new and emerging non-government

organisations and community groups

OngoingHave an interpreter present at Council Chat Times based

on the majority non-English speaking population of the

area, with additional interpreting services available upon

prior request

Ongoing Research appropriate translation of Ipswich City Council

website resources

Ongoing Provide display points for residents to showcase their

culture or community groups within the library

Ipswich City Council will endorse the Community Relations Plan for implementation across all

Council Departments: Engineering Services; Planning & Development; Finance & Corporate

Services; Ipswich Water; Health, Parks & Recreation; and Economic & Community Development.

As Council is applying a holistic approach, all staff are responsible for implementing the

Community Relations Plan.

Ipswich City Council will:

�work in partnership with the community, other government and non-government agencies,

businesses and schools to develop and implement appropriate responses to the Community

Relations Plan; and

�adopt and adapt elements of the Community Relations Plan as relevant and appropriate to

their programs and services.

The Multicultural Project Officer (employed through the Local Area Multicultural Partnerships

(LAMP) Program) and the Community Development Branch will:

�provide support, training, resources and information to assist Council with the implementation

of the Community Relations Plan;

�promote the Community Relations Plan and all of its initiatives throughout Council and the

community; and

�monitor, and review the Plan annually, and fully evaluate the Community Relations Plan every

two years.

The Plan is intended to be a “living” document which will be monitored and reviewed annually by

the Community Development Branch to ensure it remains responsive to identified needs. A report

on progress of the Plan will be prepared annually for Council.

A full review and evaluation will occur every second year and will consider the positive changes

that can be implemented to improve the Plan and community relations in Ipswich.

Time-frame

Draft completed October 2007

Briefing to Council November 2007

Community information session November 2007

Revise and finalise December 2007

Final Plan to Council for endorsement December 2007

Evaluate Community Relations Plan Every two years commencing February 2010

17

Implementation

Monitoring and Evaluation

Multiculturalism is the continuing development of one cohesive, harmonious society within a

dynamic and diverse society of many cultures, language and religions. It aims to ensure that all

Australians have equality of opportunity to benefit from and contribute to all aspects of life

without prejudice or discrimination.

It exists within the structures and principles of Australian Society – the rule of the law,

Parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech and religion, English as the national language and

equality of the sexes. It promotes the ideals of human rights based on mutual respect, cooperation

and a fair go for all. ( 1999 Queensland Government, Multicultural Affairs Queensland: Queensland

Community Relations Plan)

Access: All Queenslanders enjoy equitable access to services and programs.

Participation: All Queenslanders enjoy equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities to

participate in, contribute to and benefit from all aspects of life in Queensland.

Cohesion: All Queenslanders share responsibility for the continuing development of

Queensland as a cohesive and harmonious society.

Equity: Services will be developed and delivered on the basis of fair treatment of clients

who are eligible to receive them.

18

Glossary

Australian Local Government Association; Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action

Plan 2004–2008 (2004)

Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, Queensland Government;

Multicultural Action Plan 2006-2009

Ipswich City Council; Annual Operational Plan 2007-2008

Ipswich City Council; Corporate Plan 2007-2012

Ipswich City Council; Cultural Policy For Ipswich (07)

Ipswich City Council; Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity Policy (2005)

Ipswich City Council; Ipswich 2020 and Beyond (2005)

Ipswich City Council; Multicultural Access and Equity Policy, (1999)

Local Government Association of Queensland

Office of Ethnic and Multicultural Affairs, Department of the Premier and Cabinet; The Community

Relations Manual: A Guide for Local Government

Multicultural Affairs Queensland

Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Community Engagement Division, Department of the Premier

and Cabinet; Local Area Multicultural Partnership Program (LAMP) Program Guidelines:

Attachment E – Sample Community Relations Plan

Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet; Multicultural

Queensland – making a world of difference 2004

Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet; Multicultural

Queensland Policy 2001

19

Acknowledgements