Victoria’s multicultural affairs leader has urged governments to strengthen the way they engage with communities, arguing that lasting social cohesion depends on listening, careful policy development and collaboration across sectors.
Victorian Multicultural Commission chairperson Louise Perry delivered the keynote address at the Think Social Cohesion National Summit in Parramatta on Tuesday, outlining what she described as three essential steps for governments seeking to build stronger and more cohesive communities.
Speaking to representatives from community organisations, settlement agencies and government, Perry said governments should adopt a “Listen, Think, Act” approach, encouraging institutions to engage deeply with communities before translating those conversations into practical action.
She said governments can “listen actively and deeply to communities, think about what they’ve heard and how different ideas fit together, and act by building and uplifting others across sectors and borders to achieve outcomes.”
The summit brought together about 160 participants from across Australia to discuss practical responses to social cohesion at a time of increasing attention on community inclusion, migration and settlement.
Convened by SydWest Multicultural Services, Settlement Services International and the Settlement Council of Australia, the event sought to move beyond discussion by encouraging organisations to commit to ongoing collaboration and shared responsibility.
Organisers said the gathering established the foundations for a continuing national approach to cooperation rather than a one-off event, with attendees expected to take responsibility for actions identified during the summit.
The conference focused on how governments, community organisations and settlement services can work together to strengthen social cohesion through sustained partnerships and coordinated action.
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