Purpose: Salisbury seeks the participation of all residents through community workshops and surveys
Process:
The adoption of the Intercultural Strategic Plan 2017-2027 of the City of Salisbury was heavily informed by extensive and meaningful community engagement, focussing on culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This consultation was done at multiple stages and at varying depths throughout the process. Five workshops were delivered, with heavy participation of culturally and linguistically diverse residents. A survey was completed by 600 people, with substantial completion by culturally and linguistically diverse members. Previously, in 2016, a test survey of 91 culturally and linguistically diverse young people was conducted and it helped the construction of the following survey.
Complementing this action, the voices of the community were also heard through informal engagement. With the help of 850 people from 8 different culturally and linguistically diverse communities who accessed programs at the Community and Seniors Centres, the City staff was able to consider information which was anecdotally passed onto cultural group coordinators. Then, they were able to extract meaningful conclusions through their relationships with the culturally and linguistically diverse communities and their depth of understanding of the cultural issues.
In addition to these practices, the existence of the organisations “Salisbury Intercultural Community Alliance” and “Salisbury Intercultural Strategic Alliance” elevate the level of participation of the residents. They act as platforms for members to advocate on behalf of their cultural communities as well as in the assistance of the implementation of the Intercultural Strategic Plan. “Salisbury Intercultural Community Alliance” and “Salisbury Intercultural Strategic Alliance” are public participation networks which enable all residents to participate in the decision-making processes.
Membership of the “Community Alliance” is open to anyone and of any background living in Salisbury.
The Community Alliance is comprised of 10-15 members from diverse cultural backgrounds. Their role is to advocate on behalf of culturally diverse community members. The Alliance offers an effective platform for any citizen to voice an issue or idea which is communicated to the City Council, as three staff members meet with the Alliance bi-monthly.
Additionally, three members from the Community Alliance are part of the Intercultural Strategic Alliance which is comprised of Elected Members, Industry Professionals and senior management from the Council with the objective to inform and influence the city strategy and policy.
