Hume City Council wins for strength in diversity
2 June 2009
Hume City Council's leadership in generating opportunities for its diverse community has won it the 'strength in diversity' category of the 2009 National Awards for Local Government, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
The council won the award, which is sponsored by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, for its Passport to Work program.
'It is a mentor-protégé program which breaks down barriers and increases workplace diversity,' Mr Ferguson said.
'The mentor gains insight into the life and circumstances facing the protégé, while the protégé gains valuable skills and contacts that increase employment opportunities, self–confidence and participation in society.'
Hume City Council is now a contender for the National Award for Excellence, to be announced at a presentation function at Parliament House in Canberra on June 24.
'I congratulate Hume City Council for its initiative and would also like to express my appreciation to all councils that nominated a project for the Strength in Diversity Award,' Mr Ferguson said.
'Local government authorities are often in the best position to identify and address the issues that arise in their communities.
'Programs such as Hume City Councilvs encourage engagement between people, make real differences in people's lives and strengthen a sense of belonging for all.'
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09031.htm
Last update: 02 June 2009 at 09:06 AEST