2009 Diversity@Work Awards

Media Release
 
28 October 2009

A prestigious award recognising the employment and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds has been presented to the City of Whittlesea.

The Council scooped The Employment and Inclusion of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Australians Award for a Small to Medium Organisation at the 2009 Diversity@Work Awards held at Docklands, Melbourne.

Whittlesea Mayor Cr Mary Lalios said the award was based on outcomes reached under Council’s work experience program.

“We are enormously proud to receive this award which is a very much appreciated recognition of Council’s active commitment to promote diversity in the workplace,” Cr Lalios said.

“The Judges comments said the work experience program provided meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for participants and the community, and had opened a path to employment for people who experience multiple barriers.

“The Judges also said the program provided individuals from the wider community with the opportunity to embrace cultural diversity.”

The Work Experience Program is an action identified in the Multicultural Plan 2007 – 2011.  Other actions include the encouragement of the employment of bi-lingual workers within the Council that are reflective of the community.

Over the two years to date the program has assisted 12 participants,(with a commitment of five per year). Of those 12 participants, six are of refugee background, four are skilled migrants, one is a student and one an Australian Citizen.

Of the 12 participants, six have achieved ongoing employment as a result, four with the Council and two with external agencies.

The Mayor Cr Mary Lalios, Cr Kris Pavlidis and staff from the Community Cultural Development and Health and Aged Services departments accepted the award on behalf of Council.

The 2009 Diversity@Work Awards were attended by Reverend Tim Costello, World Vision Australia, The Hon Bill Shorten MP and Graeme Innes AM, Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission.

Further information on the 2009 Diversity@Work Awards can be found on the website: www.diversityatwork.com.au

Media enquiries:
Communications Officer
Alistair Walton
(03) 9217 2199