In Greater Dandenong, social cohesion means we can all live together in peace and safety even when times are challenging.
We’re the country’s most diverse community and this right to peace and safety is an Australian value we all share, regardless of our culture or religion.
Sometimes conflict overseas, a natural disaster or local disagreement on important issues means we need to work together to strengthen our social cohesion.
One of the most powerful ways to foster social cohesion is through meaningful dialogue. To us, this means we share stories, sometimes painful or in conflict with other people’s truths, and listen respectfully, to better understand each other, build resilience and move forward.
So that we have the tools for this important job, we’re taking part in a new Intercultural Dialogue and Social Cohesion Initiative Working Group (South-East Melbourne).
The working group was established in partnership with the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and is being supported by the Department of Home Affairs.
The group will work with an independent facilitator to establish a series of community engagement sessions in November and December to promote social cohesion and community resilience.
An important early step took place on Tuesday evening (14 October) when we met with several members from different parts of our community to assist in early work to design the upcoming sessions.
Their contributions are helping to ensure the engagement sessions are representative of everyone’s needs including:
- Community members with different genders, cultural backgrounds, ages and abilities
- Community leaders
- Faith leaders
- Schools
- Cultural associations
- Sporting associations
- Service providers
- Neighbourhood centres
- Community and health care services
- Businesses
- Councils
As well as intercultural dialogue, the sessions will focus on opportunities for building trust through mentorship opportunities, public awareness campaigns on inclusion and respect, as well as cultural and social activities to strengthen community bonds.
Marjan Hajjari, Executive Director Strategy and Corporate Services