The Refugee Welcome Zone Action Plan 2018-2021 was developed by the shire in partnership with Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine and Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services.

It aims to develop a welcoming, supportive and socially inclusive community.

“The plan identifies 17 actions to be delivered in partnership with local service providers and community groups,” Mount Alexander Shire mayor Bronwen Machin said.

“It outlines a collaborative approach to connecting refugees to employment, education, housing and health services that will also help ensure support structures are established for all culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) members in our community.”

Two community forums as well as consultation with local refugees, asylum seekers and stakeholders helped form part of the actions that make up the plan.

Priority actions include participating in networks to address issues for refugee and asylum seekers, promoting and delivering on the shire’s commitment to being a Refugee Welcome Zone, nominating postcodes in the shire for Safe Haven Enterprise Visa holders and encouraging local service providers to register with a national translating and interpreting service.

The plan will also work to establish support networks and services for refugees and asylum seekers who move to the area.

“This action plan is the culmination of a few years of work and we are confident it will help us deliver on our commitment to being a Refugee Welcome Zone by working in partnership with the community and other service providers,” Cr Machin said.