2018-11-06 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               6 NOVEMBER 2018


3.     Process

The process for becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone is very straightforward. It involves the
Council signing the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration – See Attachment 1. Many Councils
choose to hold public signing ceremonies to mark becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone. These
provide an opportunity to highlight the initiative and acknowledge the work of local groups (such
as Noosa Welcomes Refugees) and individuals that support refugees and asylum seekers. If
possible, a representative from the Refugee Council of Australia will attend the ceremony to
present a Certificate of Appreciation.

The Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration does not confer any formal obligations and Refugee
Welcome Zones are not required to uphold any statutory responsibilities, to make financial
commitments or enter into reporting accountabilities. The actions or activities undertaken by
Refugee Welcome Zones are not specific requirements of the Declaration. However, any
additional initiatives, which help to create a welcoming atmosphere and assist the settlement of
refugees and their communities, are encouraged.

The Noosa Welcomes Refugees group have already run a number of local events and activities
in support of refugees. If Council agrees to become a Welcome Refuge Zone, the Noosa
Welcomes Refugees group will work in partnership with Council’s Community Development team
to plan additional activities that build on this initiative and raise community awareness.


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting, 16 August 2018, Item 6, Page 6
That Council note the report by the Community Development Manager to the Infrastructure &
Services Committee Meeting dated 7 August 2018 on the Social Strategy Implementation Plan
after 2 years of operation and;
A.     Request the Chief Executive Officer provide Council with an update and a revised action
       plan after a further twelve (12) months of operation;
B.     Request the Chief Executive Officer to commence a review and update of the Noosa Social
       Strategy in 2018/19 for Council’s consideration in 2019/2020; and
C.     Adopt the Social Charter as set out in Attachment 2 of the report noting that the document
       will be renamed the “2018 Noosa Council Social Justice Charter”.

Finance
Nil.

Risks & Opportunities
This commitment has very limited risks in that it is unlikely to have adverse effects on residents in
the area and has no financial implications. While the Noosa Council local government area is not
a primary place of settlement for refugees, this declaration will raise awareness of the
contribution of refugees and build on Noosa’s reputation as an inclusive and tolerant community,
which embraces diversity.

A commitment to tolerance and inclusiveness is also reflected in Council’s recently adopted
Social Justice Charter, and in many ways this declaration is an extension of the Charter. This
declaration provides an opportunity for Noosa to become part of a wider movement which
supports refugees and creates and inclusive environment for diverse communities




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