Temora Shire secures funding to strengthen inclusion and community connection

Temora Shire Council has been awarded $49,500 through the NSW government's NSW Social Cohesion Grants for local government program to deliver a new initiative that will strengthen inclusion, address racism and help ensure everyone feels welcome and valued in the Temora Shire. The project, Embracing Diversity in Temora Shire: Anti Racism and Inclusion Action Plans, will build on Council's recently adopted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and the success of the Embrace Temora initiative. Over the next 12 months, council will work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) residents, community organisations and the broader community to co design two practical action plans. The project will also include staff training, community education, targeted engagement activities and the development of long-term actions that embed inclusive practices across Council's services and decision making. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said the funding would help council continue building a community where everyone feels they belong. "Respect For All is one of Temora Shire Council's core values, and this project is a practical demonstration of that commitment. “We want every citizen who lives here, works here or chooses to make Temora their home to feel respected, valued and included,” Cr Firman said. Cr Firman said creating an inclusive community was about much more than responding to discrimination. "A welcoming community benefits everyone. It strengthens our quality of life, encourages participation, supports volunteering and community leadership, and helps build stronger relationships between people from different backgrounds." He said the project also aligned closely with council's long-term vision for population growth and economic development. "Like many regional communities, attracting and retaining workers is one of our biggest challenges. Whether people are moving here from another part of Australia or another part of the world, they need to know they will be welcomed, supported and able to build a life here." "Creating that sense of belonging makes Temora a more liveable community and strengthens our ability to attract the workforce and skills our local businesses, schools, health services and industries need to thrive." The project recognises that Temora is becoming increasingly diverse and builds on extensive community consultation already undertaken through Council's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework. Rather than starting from scratch, the project will translate community feedback into practical actions that improve inclusion, strengthen community connections and help prevent racism and discrimination before they occur. The initiative is one of 13 projects funded across New South Wales under the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program, which supports councils to develop locally led solutions that strengthen community cohesion and address hate, racism and discrimination. Community members will have opportunities to contribute throughout the project, with consultation and public exhibition of the draft Action Plans scheduled during 2027 before the plans are presented to Council for adoption.

Temora Shire secures funding to strengthen inclusion and community connection

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