Brimbank Settlement

Action Plan 2019–2023

Wide-ranging cultural and linguistic diversity is one of Brimbank’s greatest strengths.

Welcoming migrants and refugees has fostered our dynamic community and sense of

community pride, while building local industry through increased population, participation

and productivity.

In 2019, Brimbank settled 5,253 people from 24 different countries. Below provides an overview of the

number of settlers by country (where the number is greater than 40 people).

Afghanistan, 529

Burma, 559

Syria, 461

Iran, 255

Congo, 253

Thailand, 245

Ethiopia, 164

Eritrea, 133

Pakistan, 121

Malaysia, 106

India, 92

Burundi, 55

Lebanon, 52

Tibet, 41

Iraq, 2,064

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The settlers living in Brimbank spoke many different languages in 2019. Below provides an overview of

the number of settlers by language (where the number is greater than 40 people).

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The Brimbank Settlement Action Plan sets our priorities and steps to achieve positive outcomes

for people from culturally diverse backgrounds who arrive and live in Brimbank. It aims to ensure

the journey of migrants and new and settling communities is sustainable and optimises

opportunities for all.

Arabic, 2,441

Dari, 317

Hazaragi, 213

Karen, 197

Burmese, 160

Chin Haka, 158

Assysrian, 149

Oromo, 136

Farsi (Persian) 136

Tigrinya, 103

Tibetan, 81

Persion, 74

Amharic, 60

Kiruni/Nyarwanda, 48

Farsi (Afghan), 42

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Access to learning, education and employment

opportunities is one hallmark of a fair and just

community and encourages active citizenship while

enabling community and social inclusion.

Worked in partnership with Victoria University to

provide “Skills Now for the Future” courses and the

Brimbank Learning Futures program

Promoted diverse learning and educational

opportunities through our Brimbank Lifelong

Learning Strategy for example establishing a

Brimbank learning Hub on the Library website.

Provided new settlers the opportunity to learn

English in our libraries and Neighbourhood Houses

Facilitated a forum of Brimbank service providers

to establish key partnerships to increase

employment prospects for these communities

Advocated to government and key agencies

in transforming Brimbank projects to create

employment opportunities

Positive connections with family and members of

the community increases community resilience,

strengthens social cohesion and community harmony.

Hosted a range of activities to celebrate both

Refugee Week and Cultural Diversity Week in 2019

and 2020

Hosted two Iftar

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dinners with the Brimbank

Interfaith Network recognising the important

role of cultural and faith based connections for

migrants and newly arrived communities

Hosted community Conversation Forums with the

Brimbank Australian Muslim Community

Involved in the Australian Human Rights

Commission National Consultation process and

the ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ Campaign

Delivered interactive Living in Your Neighbourhood

information sessions to build participant

knowledge of Council services and Australian

Government Systems

Settlement and support services are an important for

migrants and new arrivals to achieve full participation

and adjust to their new society.

Delivered cultural awareness programs and

sessions to strengthen the capacity of Council

staff and other services to deliver culturally

sensitive programs and activities.

Facilitated Brimbank Service Providers Network

meetings to identify service gaps for people in

these communities, reduce duplication of effort

and distribute relevant data

Advocated for reliable and affordable options for

people who cannot afford to drive including more

comprehensive community bus services.

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Evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset

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The provision of affordable, accessible and appropriate

housing is amongst the most significant challenges that

continue to face our migrant and new arrivals.

Endorsed a Homelessness Implementation Plan to

guide our response to homelessness in Brimbank

Prepared a Brimbank Neighbourhood Character

Study and reviewed our Housing Strategy to

ensure the urban environment supports a growing

population in designated areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted particularly hard

on our new settlers and other members our culturally

diverse community. It was important that Council was

able to respond quickly and pivot our services and

partnerships to respond to emerging needs.

Worked with Department of Human and Health

Services (DHHS) to ensure material regarding

COVID-19 was translated to community languages

Facilitated COVID-19 information and emergency

messaging to keep the community informed

and safe.

Coordinated local COVID-19 recovery responses

and specific culturally-based responses to help the

community to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic;

for example working with IPC health to develop the

Health Champions Program.

Facilitated Settlement Provider Meetings so

providers and community groups could jointly

address key issues affecting newly arrived

communities during the pandemic.