The organisation was presented with the prestigious Award at Government House on Thursday night, after being shortlisted in the Public Sector Award category, for supporting and celebrating cultural diversity and social inclusion.
Initiatives recognised by the nomination included becoming a Refugee Friendly city in 2003, the annual All Culture Fest celebrating Refugee Week in July each year and becoming accredited as a Welcoming City in January 2022.
Mayor Wayne Thorley said the acknowledgement was testament to the Council’s commitment to supporting diversity in the region, in meaningful and practical ways.
“It’s an honour to be recognised as Highly Commended Finalist for this prestigious award, which speaks to our leadership in this area and the highlights the great work this Council is doing to support inclusive and Thriving Communities,” he said.
“We have new neighbours from more than 30 different cultures living and working in our Rural City and each one of them, along with the experiences and the knowledge they bring, help form part of the rich tapestry that makes our community unique.
“When we embrace our differences, appreciate each other and come together, we are stronger, wiser and more resilient for it.”
Mayor Thorley said engaging and working in partnership with the community was key to creating meaningful ways to encourage and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
“Our Community Development Team does tremendous work in connecting with all sectors of our community and finding ways to collaborate and celebrate cultural diversity,” he said.
“I’d like to thank our community partners, including the Murraylands Migrant Resource Centre and Genuine Support Services Australia, for putting their trust in us and working with us, to ensure the continued success of our endeavours to create inclusive and Thriving communities for all.”
Caption: The Rural City of Murray Bridge staff received the Governor’s Multicultural Award for Highly Commended Finalist at Local Government House: Team Leader Community Development Faith Box, Chief Executive Officer Heather Barclay and Senior Community Development Officer Simone Zrna