Creative communication for migrants wins top award
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, today congratulated Moreland City Council for its community initiative to teach new migrants and refugees about life in Australia, which was honoured with a National Award for Excellence in Local Government.
The Council was recognised for its CALDCOM (culturally and linguistically diverse communication) project which uses storyboards to visually communicate information about Australian society to new arrivals, helping them to settle and establish a new life.
Senator Lundy, who attended the presentation last night of the 2012 National Awards for Local Government, congratulated Moreland City Council for its creativity in conveying important messages to vulnerable community members.
'I wish to commend Moreland City Council on winning this fantastic award and for finding a creative way to communicate on issues such as water safety, cyber-bullying, aged care, and voting in Australia,' Senator Lundy said.
'CALDCOM will greatly assist new migrants and refugees to adjust to life in Australia.
'In addition, this will also support Victoria's existing migrant population, which represents communities speaking more than 132 different languages.'
Moreland City Council edged out other category entrants to be announced the winner of the 2012 National Awards for Excellence in Local Government announced by Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean.
'These awards reflect the important partnership between the federal government and local councils,' Senator Lundy said.
'They recognise, reward, and promote the innovative work of local governments across Australia.'
In May, Moreland City Council won the Strength in Diversity award for the innovative response to the challenge of engaging with a diverse community.
Further information about CALDCOM project.
See: CALD COM storyboards
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/parlsec/media/kl/2012/kl187775.htm
Last update: Wednesday, 20 June 2012 at 17:04 AEST