Welcoming International

Western Downs Regional Council has officially become a member of the Welcoming Cities Network, demonstrating their dedication to fostering inclusiveness and equality within the region. By joining this expanding national network of local councils, the Council is committed to nurturing a sense of belonging and ensuring socioeconomic participation and equality for everyone. Mayor, Andrew Smith said that joining Welcoming Cities progresses the regions work in attracting new arrivals to the community and building a thriving, diverse community. “We are committed to building a future based on equity, respect and acceptance for all,” the Mayor said. “Welcoming Cities will help us achieve this goal by introducing a systemic and organisational approach to attracting and retaining new arrivals into the community and supporting migrants to belong in this community and build a life here”, he said. “We are also really excited to be part of such a strong network of councils committed to welcoming, inclusion and belonging, and look forward to connecting and collaborating with them to further this work”. Welcoming Cities now has a membership of 93 Councils across Australia, representing over 50% of the population, and with 40% of the councils in regional and rural areas. Inside Local Government https://lnkd.in/geJc9KSS Medianet https://lnkd.in/gRUK2m3e About Welcoming Cities https://lnkd.in/gQBc79VH

👇 The welcoming story of a citizenship ceremony from Mildura Rural City Council, a member of Welcoming Cities Australia!

Yesterday, the American public cast their votes and re-elected former President Trump. Regardless of our reactions — celebration or mourning — one truth remains: our strength in the days ahead will come from leading toward, and not away from, our shared humanity. This election carries immense consequences. It is hard to overstate the impact on people around the globe and those affected by promises to restrict immigration, separate families, and weaken basic civil rights and core democratic norms. Movements and networks like ours are built for moments like these — moments that call for courageous, compassionate, and aligned action from local leaders in cities and towns. These leaders will be the first line of action and last line of defense for protecting the safety and dignity of all residents. Together, we will meet this moment, taking one step at a time, side by side, with our members, supporters, and the global movement of welcomers to build a nation of neighbors. It’s a future where our humanity is at the center and our belonging is at the forefront. 📣 In the wake of the election, your support is crucial. Donate now to build welcoming communities where everyone belongs: https://lnkd.in/eiHa5RSi 💡 Read the full letter from our executive director, Rachel Perić: https://lnkd.in/e5nAEtqy

Welcoming Week was a tremendous success in Mount Isa this year, featuring a diverse array of activities and experiences that united the community. Highlights included significant events such as the Citizenship Day celebrations, where new members of the Mount Isa community were honored in a ceremony and enjoyed an evening filled with food and entertainment. Smaller gatherings, like paper crafting at the library, also contributed to the festivities. Wonderful to see the community actively saying Welcome! 

Did you host a #WelcomingWeek2024 event? Attend an event? We’d love to hear from you! ⭐ Please take our survey and help us improve the future of Welcoming Week: https://lnkd.in/d6ac9nn4

#WelcomingWeek2024 has officially come to a close! Thank you to the community organizations and local governments that hosted nearly 1,000 events, highlighting a commitment to creating more welcoming places during Welcoming Week and beyond. We'd also like to thank our sponsor, One Percent For America, as well as our partners who made #WelcomingWeek2024 possible. You can learn more about our incredible partners here: https://lnkd.in/eet3MQAA Keep up with us on social media and in our newsletter to hear additional stories from the communities that participated in this year's Welcoming Week! Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://bit.ly/4ehr9bn

Today's #WelcomingWeek2024 focus is on the government and community leaders creating more welcoming places worldwide. Our Welcoming Network members and the members of our Welcoming International Alliance work closely with their residents to ensure everyone, including immigrants, can access the resources they need to thrive personally, professionally, academically, and socially. Does this sound like your community, or what your community is working to achieve? The Welcoming Network and the Welcoming International Alliance can further support your work by providing tools, resources, and a community of practice to help deepen your welcoming initiatives. Learn more about the Welcoming Network and Welcoming International below. Learn more about the Welcoming Network: https://lnkd.in/eVVexPY8 Learn more about Welcoming International: https://lnkd.in/ei9t5KQD

It's time for our next #WelcomingWeek shout-out of Welcoming Cities member councils! Did you know that Ararat Rural City Council have hosted an amazing Welcoming Week BBQ for the past 2 years? It's becoming such a standout community gathering that they're even already excited to plan for next year's event already! Here are some photos from this year's gathering co-hosted with Ararat Neighbourhood House, Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Rural Australians for Refugees - can you smell the delicious food and feel the community love? Food is definitely #WhatBringsUsTogether! #WelcomingWeek2024

On Friday, Minister Miller proudly welcomed 61 new Canadians from 24 different countries at a ceremony in Ottawa to start off Welcoming Week 2024. Congratulations to everyone who became a Canadian citizen! As we look forward to Welcoming Week, let’s continue to celebrate and support the newest members of our Canadian family! #MyCitizenship #ImmigrationMatters #WelcomingWeek2024

Today's #WelcomingWeek2024 theme, Connected Communities, is all about creating trust and understanding among community members. This year, Welcoming Week event hosts are connecting community members across 8 countries, including France and Poland: two countries hosting Welcoming Week events for the first time! 🎉 Here are just a few of the events happening internationally this #WelcomingWeek2024. In Canada, Silent Voice will host a Welcoming BBQ for deaf and hard of hearing newcomers. https://lnkd.in/e2vwBQGX In Australia, newcomers to the Gladstone region are invited to a morning tea event hosted by the Gladstone Regional Council, where neighbors can connect with one another and meet local service providers. https://lnkd.in/eHkw--rw In France, ANVITA will provide more information about Europe's Library Bridges project, which includes a focus on inviting new community members to their libraries. https://lnkd.in/eSybHMB8 And just a few weeks ago, Poland's Foundation Pol celebrated and explored Middle Eastern history through a walking tour of Kraków. https://lnkd.in/e-eCV_jY Will you host or attend a #WelcomingWeek2024 event focused on connected communities this week? Tell us about it in the comments, or tag us in a post about the event!