Community Relations Program - Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)
The LAMP program was created to increase the opportunities for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in community life. This program is implemented by and in partnership with, Local Government Association of Queensland and Multicultural Affairs Queensland. Funding assistance from the Queensland Government has enabled Townsville City Council and a number of other Queensland council’s to engage multicultural workers.
The role of LAMP includes:
- Identifying current and emerging cultural diversity issues in the community and to inform development projects in the areas of community relations, access and equity.
- Supporting the celebration of cultural diversity and its integration into Townsville’s festivals and events.
- Developing inclusive consultation processes to ensure more effective participation of culturally diverse groups in decision making.
- Helping members of culturally diverse communities to access services and programs provided in local areas.
Townsville residents are encouraged to become involved in our growing multicultural community. This can include getting involved in one of the many programs available, supporting wonderful community events such as Culture Fest or simply getting to know your culturally and linguistically diverse neighbours.
The Translating and Interpreter Services (TIS) is also available at council’s Community and Cultural Development Department to provide language support.
Alternatively, if you require a translating or interpreting service, please call 131450. For more information about translating and interpreting services, visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's website.
The Multicultural Strategic Action Plan 2011-14 sets out council's plan to work with the whole community, to improve the status and lives of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live in Townsville. More.
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Council Support Cultural Event
Townsville celebrates multiculturalism in many ways throughout the year – with music, performance and arts in theatres and galleries, with International food stalls at markets and festivals, but also with specific events to share the diversity of the region such as the annual Cultural Fest. Townsville City Council supports a range of events including some which are conducted at various times: The Greek Festival, River Festival, the North Queensland Basque Festival, Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights) , PNG Cultural Night and many others. For more information on upcoming events, please visit the Events Calendar.
Every year, the Townsville City Council welcomes hundreds of Townsville residents as new Australian citizens. Citizenship Ceremonies are held every month throughout the year to present certificates and gift packs to formally welcome new citizens. More.
A Taste of Harmony is an annual event that provides Australian workplaces with the opportunity to celebrate the diversity in their workforce. Participation in A Taste of Harmony is free and council's Multicultural LAMP Officer can assist you prepare for your office's event.
Register online, set a date and ask work mates to bring in their favourite cultural dish to share and swap stories over cultural cuisine. For more ideas and to register visit www.tasteofharmony.org.au
Harmony Day is an event held across Australia on 21 March, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day is an effort to demonstrate the Australian Government's commitment to promoting community harmony and to addressing issues of racism in Australia. The events' major objectives are focused on reducing racial prejudice and intolerance in Australia.
Presented by the Townsville Intercultural Centre, supported by Townsville City Council, this festival celebrates Townsville's richness and diversity of cultures with the participation of over 65 cultural groups. Musical and dance performances, cultural displays and information, and international food stalls supply the crowds with a feast of choices. More.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit the Events Calendar.
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Inclusive Community Advisory Committee
Following the election in April 2012 the new council adopted that the Advisory Committees would be merged into one Inclusive Community Advisory Committee which will include membership from the Multicultural Community.
Nominations for membership on the Inclusive Community Advisory Committee is now open.
Should you require further information please contact the Coordinator Community Planning & Development on 1300 878 001.
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Council Supported Cultural Programs
The Inclusion Support Agency aims to build the capacity of eligible child care services to include children from the following groups who require additional support to access these child care services. More.
Townsville City Council's City Libraries is committed to the provision of resources for diverse cultural groups. Library Services maintain a rotating collection of over 600 titles in 27 languages, drawn from the State Library of Queensland collection. More.
Council Supported Cultural Initiatives
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Cultural Outreach Schools Program
Townsville City Council supports the Townsville Multicultural Support Group to facilitate the delivery of workshops in both primary and secondary schools. The aim of the program is to promote a better understanding of the diverse cultures in Townsville and to raise awareness of issues faced by migrants and refugees who now make Townsville their home.
Volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds visit classes and share their experiences and stories with children. These sessions enhance cross-cultural understanding and enable the facilitators to gain presentation skills and have their life experiences valued.
For more information contact the Townsville Multicultural Support Group on (07) 4775 1588
The main aim of Sister City contact is to create friendship and understanding between peoples and to lay a foundation of goodwill and exchange for future generations. All of Townsville's Sister Cities are situated in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past fifteen years, Townsville has signed Sister City agreements with six cities. More.
The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery presents a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, and has a strong commitment to representing culturally diverse artforms to the public. These exhibitions are supported by floor talks and guided tours with guest curators, artists and experts, to encourage understanding and celebration of the arts. More.
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Support for migrants and refugees
To find out more about starting your new life in Townsville the following links to council programs and community organisations and agencies:
Disaster Information for Townsville Residents
Townsville settlement agencies
- Townsville Multicultural Support Group
Townsville Intercultural Centre
For more information, please phone 1300 878 001 or contact Community Services.
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