Paroo Shire Welcoming Plan 2021 by SixtybyTwenty Designs

PAROO SHIRE Welcoming Plan 2021

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR THE PAROO SHIRE LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS INTO OUR COMMUNITY AND HELPING THEM SETTLE INTO A DIFFERENT WAY OF LIFE IN THE QUEENSLAND OUTBACK. We have a number of migrants from many different countries who have settled in the shire and are now happy to call our towns of Yowah, Eulo, Cunnamulla and Wyandra home. For those who are thinking of moving to our shire, there are many opportunities for work and business that would suit a wide range of skills. The people who make up the shire community support each other and ensure newcomers are made to feel welcome and invited to join in activities. Those activities are wide-ranging, encompassing sport, health and wellbeing, art and craft, leisure activities on the river and community events. We find new residents particularly like our stress free lifestyle and feeling safe within our community. There are a number of service providers available to help you settle in to the

community and so that you are aware of these services, the Council holds a Welcome function at the beginning of each year. Everyone who has recently arrived in the shire is invited to attend the Welcome function where they can meet each other and also the people involved in most of the community organisations. On behalf of the Paroo Shire community I extend a warm welcome to any migrants who would like to live and work in south west Queensland and take advantage of the many opportunities we have to offer.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Paroo Shire is Country to a number of First Nations Peoples; the Kunja people from around Cunnamulla, the Kooma people towards Bollon, the Budjiti people from the Eulo and south area, the Kullilli people from towards Thargomindah, and the Mardigan people from north of Eulo towards Quilpie. We would like to Acknowledge the Elders both past and present of each of these peoples; and thank them for their contibutions to country and our communities.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK: COMMUNITY CULTURAL HERITAGE CONNECTIONS Lorenda Hodges is an artist and proud Budjiti woman who grew up on properties around Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah and Hungerford. As one of the last Budjiti kids to grow up on country, her artwork tells the stories of life on this country. She is passionate about the opportunities for Budjiti youth to learn about their anscestors, country and cultural heritage; and believes that the sharing of stories, knowledge, dance art and history with our young people strengthens family dynamics and demonstrate motivation and initiative. This painting represents the community in which I live and work. The Traditional Country and Lands of the Kunja people. Aboriginal people sustain cultural heritage in the community of Cunnamulla. The non-Indigenous people are fully supportive of any event which keeps this community connected as a whole. We have the Kunja peoples family, right beside the Warrego River; known as the River of Sand. Cunnamulla has its cultural heritage of bush berries, yams, bush melons and witchety grubs and now includes agricultural farming including cultivation of the soils for the growing of crops such as grapes, hay or cotton. Cunnamulla is made up of several aboriginal groups. Kunja, Budjiti, Mardigan, Kooma, Budgerie and non–Indigenous people. It doesn’t matter how many groups of Indigeous people or non-Indigenous people live here in Cunnamulla. We are a community. We are a community that stand side by side during hard times, during sorry business, celebrations and milestones. To each and every one of us…it’s our home.

FOSTERING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NEWCOMERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS The Welcoming Communities Program aims to encourage and support local Councils and their communities to take a greater leadership role by fostering connections between newcomers and local community members. The Paroo Shire Council and community, through their collaboration with Welcoming Cities and the Queensland Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs are working to ensure all newcomers to the Shire have knowledge and access to the services they need to live well in the first instance, and then to help their families to develop connections to encourage them to be welcome and valued members of the community. This emphasis drives the shared community approach we have taken to develop our Welcoming Plans. We all live, work, play and connect with others in our district and in true outback fashion, pride ourselves on being friendly, open and good hosts. Each organisation in the Paroo Shire has a role to play in

increasing the level of understanding and appreciation of the value of all community members - and with that comes positive social, economic and cultural benefits for our district.

People of different religions and cultures live side-by-side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us in very different groups. - Kofi Annan

WELCOMING NEWCOMERS AND MIGRANTS TO THE OUTBACK Living in the Outback is a life experience like no other and not everyone is suited to living in a remote community. Whilst all essential services are available – health, education, employment, groceries, there are unique twists on their provision. The Paroo Shire team has undertaken extensive research into the information that migrants to the area need to know, wish to know and didn’t realise they needed to know until they arrived. The team has also worked with the community to understand their capacity and interest in bringing newcomers into the fold and embracing their culture as a part of our own.

HOW BEING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT THE PAROO SHIRE The Paroo Shire is a remote outback shire in the far south west of Queensland at the junction of the major north-south inland route from Melbourne to Darwin and the outback east-west route from Brisbane to Adelaide. Historically, agriculture, and in particular sheep and cattle grazing has been the major industry for the shire with tourism emerging as a significant employer. Paroo Council has identified population drift and subsequent decline as a major challenge to the long-term viability of our small communities. Young people who move from the region to major centres to further their education and professional qualifications often do not return. This is not because positions do not exist for them, but rather, due to national (and international) demand for their qualifications and their wish to see and experience more of the world. Changes to the nature of agricultural businesses and labour demands has reduced the numbers of unskilled/labouring type roles and increased the use of contract labour for specific operations. At the same time, the demand and availability of skilled professional roles has increased with community expectation for provision of healthcare, education and social services. Severe shortages of tradespeople has evolved due to competition with the mining and construction sectors. The Paroo Shire already has a significant presence of migrants working in our communities, most notably in the health and social welfare and education sectors and these professionals are well regarded in the community. These professionals do however turn over at a high rate and it is hoped that by becoming a Welcoming Community and improving the connections between professionals and locals, that this employment churn will decrease, with some of these professionals becoming permanent, or at least long term community members. Welcoming Communities is a vehicle that can help to enhance and support many of the current services and initiatives in place (or being developed) to attract and retain business, support social cohesion and resilience and improve the livability of our communities by connecting and fostering a community of acceptance and inclusion. Through our community groups, businesses and organisations there are increased opportunities to engage with and celebrate population diversity, learn about each other and those new to our district. Like our existing community, newcomers settling in our district are an asset and are needed. They are innovative, entrepreneurial, skilled, contribute to community wealth, health and well-being, and all want to be connected to their communities just like us. Communities that intentionally connect and actively include people from all cultural backgrounds in social, civil and economic life set themselves apart. By fostering a community of acceptance and inclusion, quality of life for all residents is improved.

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES THE STANDARDS WE ASPIRE TO MEET The Welcoming Communities Standard has a framework of six categories which guide the policies and activities of a Welcoming Community. By actively seeking to improve in each of these key areas, the Paroo Shire improves the quality of life of all residents, not just the newcomers.

ABOUT OUR WELCOMING PLAN The Paroo Shire Welcoming Plan belongs to our community and the enthusiasm and involvement of the people will allow the plan to develop and improve over time. The Paroo Welcoming Plan has been developed by a local Steering Group and incorporates feedback and assistance from key delivery partners. Surveys, personal discussions and investigation of service availability, community organisation capacity and community perception have been considered in the formulation of the plan; particularly with respect to the issues faced by migrants and the limitations and adaptability of current service providers in the community. Pleasingly, much of the activity and engagement originally envisaged as necessary for the Welcoming Plan is already in place in the community – with just a few ‘tweaks’ required for deliberate inclusion of migrants. The Paroo Shire Welcoming Plan seeks to formalise and then extend on the many activities that are already in place in our community 6

to assist newcomers and in particular migrants to live their best life in a friendly and supported manner. The broad scope of the Welcoming Plan, together with the time constraints for its’ development does mean that there are likely people who were not able to participate and there may be current activities that have not been included. At the conclusion of the 3 year pilot project, and then on a regular basis it would be prudent to revisit the content of the plan and include new knowledge, aspirations and activities that have been developed by the community. Our Welcoming Plan will focus on the six Welcoming Standard categories; how we will ensure the whole community is involved and what we believe becoming a Welcoming Community will look and feel like. Each of the six categories will be addressed in the context of our key focus areas and the relevant programs that apply to them.

OUR KEY FOCUS AREAS Throughout development of this Welcoming Plan, the Paroo Community has identified three overarching project strategies that will ensure the successful transition from visitor to entrenched community member. Our aim is to ensure that each of these strategic areas is considered under each of the Welcoming Communities Standard.

EDUCATE & INFORM The focus points of this strategy are both inward looking at our own and reaching out to the wider migrant community with the goal of having the knowledge needed to embrace newcomers, and migrants having an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of living in the Outback. Specific actions include; • The ‘LiveOutback’ website to promote the opportunities and provide information about living in the Bulloo and Paroo Shires. • Business/Employer workshops to promote understanding around the concepts and requirements for skilled, business and working holiday visa holders. • Community based cultural competence training – from local and migrant perspectives

ACCOMMODATE Accommodate refers to both the obvious, in the availability and co-ordination of housing, but also to being able to, accommodate other needs such as dietary, faith and language needs of migrants. Housing is limited in the Paroo Shire and Council is working to increase the pool of available homes to allow for a variety of rental and purchase requirements. In the interim, the project team will be working to educate employers and local home owners, and to ensure that accommodation is investigated as a part of any recruitment process. The Paroo Shire as a Welcoming Community will try to ensure new residents are comfortable to voice their desires and aspirations through open and sincere communication channels to service providers and general businesses.

CONNECT & SUPPORT Community connection is the key element in retaining new community members. The Paroo Shire will be actively working through programs such as; • Key to our Welcoming Plan is to involve each family in an “Induction” process to assess their specific needs and make personal introductions to relevant service providers and businesses. This will be run through the Library, providing support for needs such as health connections, education and English support. • Our Buddy program will ensure that newcomers are invited to community events in a conscious and targeted manner. Sporting and social opportunities are somewhat limited in the Shire and it is important that newcomers are included in all local activities and are made to feel welcome to participate in some capacity where they do not have the skills required for a particular sport. • The ’LiveOutback’ website will be developed in such a way that pages will be available in language to facilitate greater communication and connection within the community. • Our ‘Big Kids Playgroup’ is to be developed in conjunction with Bulloo, Murweh and Quilpie Shires to connect young people from the four shires, especially those who do not have children. An initial focus of this group is to connect health professionals and educators. The idea is to facilitate connections and then encourage involvement in community organisations such as Race Clubs, Show Societies, P&C’s etc for specific community events. 7

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP Local government and other community leaders work together to create, advocate for and continue to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. Indigenous communities are engaged and are actively involved in opportunities to share cultural histories and understanding between all shire residents. EDUCATE & INFORM

Formally acknowledge the traditional owners and encourage their participation in community and public events • Welcome to Country utilised where appropriate by council and encouraged for other organisations • Council to maintain a register of suitable persons to assist other organisations • Acknowledgement of Country to be encouraged at all meetings and community gatherings • Ensure indigenous input into the activities planned by the Steering Committee through personal consultation via Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health and other appropriate channels

Council supports narratives that promote the positive contribution migrants and indigenous families make to the Community Council to assist in the development and production of “Telling Our Stories Video Series”

Facilitation of opportunities for whole of community to learn about the various cultures in the community Invitation for all community members to undertake Cultural Competence training as it occurs

“There is only one way to look at things until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes” - Pablo Picasso

Council and Community Leadership understand and consider the diversity of the community Council maintains a list of the countries of origin of migrants to the community and ensures activities and imagery reflect this diversity

Our Leadership reflects what we aspire for our community - inclusion, tolerance, support and confidence that we are on the right path...

CONNECT & SUPPORT

Council promotes the concept of a Welcoming Community to the broader community and support this with action Council to coordinate new residents’ nights to introduce new community members to civic leaders and senior council staff

Candidates from a broad cross section invited to apply for council roles Council to ensure recruitment activities actively seek to expand the range of potential candidates for all positions

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INCLUSION Newcomers understand the unique outback personality and are comfortable with this before they arrive and as they settle into the community. People feel safe with their own cultural identity whilst being connected to and belonging to their new community. There are high levels of trust, acceptance and curiosity between members of the current and new community members. Information on a wide range of cultural matters is available to all community members.

EDUCATE & INFORM

Essential information relating to outback and Paroo Shire living and activities to be readily available and in translatable format LiveOutback Web platform will be developed in such a way as to enable online translation into necessary language.

Sporting and Social clubs consider the diverse needs of all POTENTIAL members when organising functions and other events SixtybyTwenty and CACH to introduce the Welcoming Clubs concept to sporting and social organisations in the community.

ACCOMMODATE

> Translation Apps are available and utilised within the community SixtybyTwenty and Library staff are to seek out the most appropriate live translation phone apps for necessary languages, with this information communicated to community members to utilise where communication is difficult.

CONNECT & SUPPORT

> Coordinated, comprehensive and appropriate initial welcoming support services are available from council, other agencies and community organisations Induction & Buddy Program - Library staff initiate contact with new residents, provide welcome packs and facilitate connection and communication with service providers and relevant organisations. Suitable buddy for the family allocated for ongoing support. 10

Translation Services Availability All new residents have available Queensland Government Interpreter card. Council, Government and Business to ensure they have the correct contacts for necessary language services on record.

Active participation in sporting and cultural activities Ensure buddies facilitate introductions and personal invitations for family interests and age appropriate activities. Investigate opportunities to recognise and celebrate significant cultural events for all residents. Involve residents in planning and educating community members about the history and significance of their events.

Adult community members are connected socially with newcomers Across Bulloo, Paroo, Quilpie and Murweh Shires, young people are connected through a series of regular social gatherings focused on an activity such as a meal or community service.

“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice and belonging is having that voice be heard”

Young Migrant children and their non-working parent connect with locals and are comfortable sharing their culture The First5 Forever program for pre-schoolers run through libraries across Queensland will be customised to include ESL and cross-cultural education. Book reading activities to include migrant readers and their jobs.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS, The community, through business and service providers understands the possibilities and benefits of a diverse population and skills base in their Shire. As a result, employers are comfortable and willing to make long term commitments to encourage and support newcomers with in-demand skills who wish to make a home in the Paroo Shire.

EDUCATE & INFORM

Workforce of the Shire becomes more diverse, more stable and expands Council leads by employing a workforce that is inclusive and diverse. Where opportunities exist for sponsorship of skilled migrants they should be pursued.

> Opportunities that exist for employment,

professional development, and business ownership are communicated outside the traditional sphere Through the Live Outback website, maintain a free register of employment and business opportunities and communicate this information to migration and recruitment agencies.

The Community understands the opportunities for migrants as employees and business owners Council host workshops with presenters including Business and Skilled Migration Queensland, Department of Home Affairs, Migration Agents and Employers who have sponsored migrants in the past.

SUPPORT & CONNECT

Newcomers are supported with local knowledge and skills to ensure they can operate a business successfully in the Paroo Shire Connect intended business owners with appropriate council staff for advice and assistance. Assist those who are interested in running a small business with connections to www.business.qld.gov.au/ starting-business

Success in business and employment is promoted Telling Our Stories - Create a series of profiles for web/ social media/ print distribution of businesses who have employed migrants, or migrants who are enjoying their life in the shire.

EMPLOYMENT & HOUSING

ACCOMMODATE

Suitable housing is available that takes into account cross cultural requirements and expectations. > All employers understand the varying needs of staff and ensure suitable arrangements are made prior to an employee arriving in the shire Councils’ Housing policies reflect the need for expansion of the residential housing market in the shire. Council continue to work with the community to increase the availability of both private and council owned accommodation.

Local employers and workforces develop their intercultural competency and understand the resources available to assist Employer Workshops - Work with Council to include businesses and employees in Cultural Competency and Safety Training on a regular basis.

Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success - Henry Ford. 13

LEARNING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT New residents are confident that the educational needs of their spouse and children are not just met but are exceeded in such a way that the unique learning opportunities of the outback are in fact advantageous to their families. Unique professional development opportunities in the Paroo Shire are sought after as a valuable step in an ongoing career. Newcomers promote these opportunities to their external networks.

EDUCATE & INFORM

Schools become involved in age appropriate curriculum activities that reflect the Paroo Shire history of migration and current population External migrant organisations, Project Manager and schools collaborate to develop relevant resources to support curriculum areas such as celebration for the junior schools and with a focus on history of the Paroo Shire for the senior students.

Physical Isolation reduced as much as possible - All adult residents attain their Provisional or Open Driver’s Licence Where a need identified by Induction Meeting - Liaise with Police and new residents to ensure the currency of Driving Licences for Queensland. Where necessary provide connections for further training and assessment.

SUPPORT & CONNECT

New residents have options to improve their or their family’s English skills in a supported manner Regular chat buddy sessions are organised via the library where this is the appropriate means. Enable online English education options.

Families are confident the educational aspirations for their children will be met Schools in the shire to document and promote the unique learning possibilities and outcomes achieved by the school community.

ACCOMMODATE

Ongoing Higher Education options are available to all community residents Develop Higher Education partnerships with organisations such as Open Colleges/Open Universities for the benefit of all residents. Provide distance learning facilities and Exam Supervisors to enable strong adult remote learning opportunities. 14

(EDUCATION)

“We want the Paroo Shire to be a community that is inclusive of everyone and where everyone who lives here feels they have the opportunity to succeed and grow”

Through the use of technology and adapting this to our needs, our Community has access to learning and professional developement that is comparable to any regional centre...

CIVIC PARTICIPATION Newcomers feel welcome and are confident to participate in the local, regional and national community in a full range of activities and responsibilities.

EDUCATE & INFORM

The Council’s elected members and staff effectively communicate with newcomers to promote their engagement in local, state and federal government processes Ensure that all community members are aware of the voting process in the lead up to any elections.

ACCOMMODATE

Professional and community perspectives of new residents are included in community consultation and management Council to include new community members in Steering Committees, Working Parties or other where their experiences are relevant.

SUPPORT, CONNECT & CELEBRATE

Citizenship and other milestones such as granting of Permanent Residence visas are celebrated by the community Council to continue to host and better promote citizenship ceremonies as a way of acknowledging and celebrating newcomers into the community.

Increased volunteer participation and recognition of all community members Buddies ensure new community members are aware of, and invited to activities within their interest. Council to promote the recognition of volunteer efforts of all community members. Connecting Our Young People Group is a means to encourage young people who have connected to extend this connection into the wider community as volunteers.

WELCOMING & SAFE PUBLIC PLACES & SPACES Public spaces in the Paroo Shire celebrate the diverse history and culture of the shire in a way that ensures all community members feel safe and welcome.

EDUCATE & INFORM

Public spaces are utilised safely by all residents and visitors. Council will ensure all safety signage uses international standard icons.

Those utilising public spaces understand the cultural and/or historical significance of the facility and the social norms required for respectful use. LiveOutback website provides information about the history, development and use of public spaces within the Paroo Shire.

ACCOMMODATE

The design and operation of public spaces and facilities are culturally appropriate do not inadvertently impact utilisation by sectors of the community Consult with current community members, Cultural Atlas tools and external designers to ensure public facilities designed by today’s community do not inadvertently exclude future community members.

SUPPORT, CONNECT & CELEBRATE

Culturally diverse activities are developed and promoted in public spaces such as the library, art gallery, main street and parks and gardens Utilise public spaces to celebrate diverse events throughout the year and consult with diverse community members for advice.

www.paroo.qld.gov.au 18

www.liveoutback.com.au

The Regional Partnerships project is an initiative of the Queensland Government.