Social cohesion projects
Moreland City Council advance inclusion and social cohesion in the community through the Moreland Human Rights Policy 2016- 26 (PDF 1Mb).
In September 2020, Council endorsed the Moreland Social Cohesion Plan 2020-2025 (PDF 855Kb) (Download the Social Cohesion plan visual version (PDF 145Kb)). This plan builds on the many social cohesion activities and projects we are currently undertaking across Council and with our community partners.
The purpose of this plan is to provide a framework for the Council’s agenda to promote social cohesion in Merri-bek over the next five years. We will focus our actions on five key themes:
- Social and cultural connection
- Learning and economic participation
- Civic and political participation
- Inclusive places and spaces
- Diversity and discrimination
Moreland Social Cohesion projects 2019 – 2020
Connecting Women in Merri-bek
This project is run by VICSEG New Futures, a Coburg based not for profit, community organisation.
The project will establish four intercultural women’s groups in the north of the municipality to foster gender equity and social cohesion. It will include women from newly arrived backgrounds and existing communities. The New Futures Training and Second Stitch Refugee Enterprise will provide training and employment pathways.
For more information contact: Sayanti Bhatta sbhatta@vicsegnewfutures.org.au
Fawkner Grows, Fawkner Eats
Fawkner Food Bowls is a resident-led group growing food, sharing skills and socialising in a family-friendly space.
The project will strengthen social cohesion across the diverse communities of Fawkner by:
- Inviting newly arrived diverse communities to Fawkner Food Bowls
- Promoting intercultural connection through gardening, cooking and sharing food and food knowledge
- Holding food events, activities and workshops organised with residents from multicultural communities
For more information contact: Sally Beatie fawknerfoodbowls@gmail.com
The Merri-bek Democracy Lab
The project is a partnership between Merri-bek City Council and The Public Value Studio. The Merri-bek Democracy Lab is for people who are new to getting involved in their community or leading projects.
The groups meet weekly to discuss and plan ways to build greater participation in the community life of Merri-bek.
Interested in finding out more about the Democracy Lab? Email The Democracy Lab or phone 0423 533 144
Glenroy Social Cohesion Project
Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre is a community development and education services provider, neighbourhood house, and Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The Glenroy Social Cohesion project supports local outreach activities with a focus on increasing the social and economic participation of young people, people from migrant backgrounds and people seeking employment.
Find out about Master Cook in your Neighbourhood program
For more information contact Maria on 03 9304 3910 or email nhcoordinator@glenlink.vic.edu.au
Asylum Seeker and Refugee Program - Stepping Stones,
Stepping Stones is a small business training program run by Brotherhood of St Laurence. It is only for women from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
Applications are now open to Stepping Stones to Small Business Starting on 25th February 2020.
This is 5-week Stepping Stones program held on Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at Oxygen Youth Centre, 4-8 Gaffney Street, Coburg North. The program includes:
- Mentor support to achieve business goals
- Referral pathways for employment and education opportunities.
- Business networking and new social connections
Free childminding provided, booking essential. For more information please contact Angie Basdekis on 0427 349 017 or at angie.basdekis@bsl.org.au or visit the website.