Local government response to diverse communities project
Town of Gawler, Cities of Tea Tree, Playford and Salisbury, South Australia
Background
The northern region of Adelaide is characterised by a growing older population from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. From 1996 to 2006, it is projected that this region will experience growth of 44.2% (from 4,927 to 7,105) in the proportion of the population aged 65 years and over from a CALD background. Residents born in Italy will account for the majority of this increase with 25%. Other major birthplace groups include Greek-born which will account for 15% of the increase and German-born with 9% (Department of Human Services Strategic Direction for Older People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background 2002).
Initiative
Local government response to diverse communities is a collaborative project across the northern region of Adelaide covering the Town of Gawler, City of Tea Tree Gully, Playford and Salisbury. The project is auspiced by the City of Salisbury and has been funded from February 2004 to September 2005 under the Home and Community Care program.
The goal of the project is to increase access for older people from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to local government Home and Community Care services. Specific project objectives include the following:
- identify barriers and implement practical strategies to improve access for older people from CALD backgrounds to local government services
- integrate best practice principles into local government action plans
- enhance knowledge of local services available to CALD communities
- develop a sustainable communication network between local council services, CALD services, and the community
- facilitate an improved entry process into Home and Community care services for CALD communities.
Achievements
Since February 2004, the project has achieved the following outcomes:
- developed relationships and networks with CALD communities and organisations
- held two northern region CALD forums
- conducted two cross cultural workshops for staff
- held 'Know Your Local Council' workshop for CALD leaders
- identified barriers/issues facing CALD communities accessing local government HACC services
- provided advice and assistance to other departments with regard to culturally appropriate services
- managed Harmony Day with the Royal Society of the Blind
- developed a multi-language resource publication
- developed a comprehensive CALD contact list for local council staff
- raised awareness of CALD communities and issues with local council staff
- distributed a CALD E-newsletter.
Currently, the project is developing a CALD resource and best practice guide for staff, including the development of appropriate promotional material.
Contact for further information
- Kelly Fowler
- Project Officer
- City of Salisbury
- Ph: 08 8406 8591
- kfowler@salisbury.sa.gov.au
