Project background

Between 10 November and 14 December 2025, Council undertook a comprehensive community engagement process to inform the development of the City of Port Phillip Multicultural Strategy.

The engagement aimed to understand what matters most to residents from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds, and to identify priorities and actions Council should focus on over the next four years to strengthen inclusion, belonging and cultural safety.

What we did

We used a mix of broad and targeted engagement methods to ensure diverse voices were heard, including:

• An online and hard‑copy survey available in eight languages
• Targeted conversations and activities with multicultural seniors, young people, new citizens, faith networks, ESL groups and community organisations
• Library based engagement activities in St Kilda and Emerald Hill
• Two facilitated Codesign Sessions with community members and community organisations
• Translated and accessible communications via Council newsletters, social media, stakeholder networks and community channels

Approximately 375 people participated across all engagement activities.

What did we hear?

Across all engagement activities, participants highlighted the following priorities:

• Feeling safe and welcome in public spaces, with strong expectations that Council actively stands against racism, antisemitism and discrimination
• Accessible information and services, including clear, multilingual communication and support with navigating Council and other services
• Welcoming and inclusive community spaces, such as neighbourhood hubs, libraries and public facilities that are easy to access and culturally safe
• Opportunities to celebrate and share culture, including cultural events, festivals, storytelling and visible recognition of diverse communities
• Stronger social connection and belonging, particularly for new migrants, families, young people and seniors
• Meaningful participation in local decision making, including codesign approaches and ongoing engagement with multicultural communities

Participants also emphasised the importance of recognising the unique role of First Nations peoples and ensuring multicultural work is grounded in respect for Traditional Owners.

What happens next?

We're now drafting the Strategy. Once it is ready, we will share the draft with you and ask if we got it right. This will likely be in June 2026.