Draft Multicultural Inclusion Plan 2026-30

Ku-ring-gai Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Ku-ring-gai is a proud, welcoming and culturally diverse community. The many cultures, languages and traditions represented across our local government area enrich our community, strengthen social connections and contribute to the unique character of Ku-ring-gai.

As Mayor, I am pleased to present Council’s Multicultural Inclusion Plan 2026–2030, which provides a practical framework to strengthen inclusion, belonging and respect for everyone who calls Ku-ring-gai home. This Plan reflects Council’s commitment to fostering a community where every person feels seen, valued and able to participate fully in community life.

Cultural diversity is one of Ku-ring-gai’s greatest strengths. Whether you have newly arrived, have lived here for many years or have deep local connections, your contribution helps shape our community. Through this Plan, Council will continue to work in partnership with residents, community organisations, businesses and government agencies to promote understanding, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for meaningful participation.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas, insights and lived experience to this Plan. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive, connected and culturally vibrant Ku-ring-gai.

Councillor Kim Wheatley
Mayor 
 

Ku-ring-gai is a culturally diverse local government area, with more than 42% of residents born overseas and one in three households speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity brings a wealth of knowledge, traditions, languages and perspectives that enrich our community, strengthen our local economy, enhance civic life, and deepen our global connections.

These characteristics shape community needs, expectations and participation and are an important consideration in Council’s planning, service delivery and decision making.
Ku-ring-gai is home to people from a broad range of ancestries and cultural identities, contributing to a rich and evolving community profile that informs Council’s approach to inclusive community engagement, planning and service delivery.

The Importance of Inclusion

To fully realise the benefits of cultural diversity, it must be supported by an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and included.  

Inclusion enables people of all backgrounds to participate fully in community life, experience a genuine sense of belonging, and contribute meaningfully to community life while maintaining the freedom to express and celebrate their cultural identity.

Creating an inclusive community requires a shared commitment across government, business, education, community organisations and residents. Through collaboration, understanding and mutual respect, we strengthen social cohesion, build community resilience and create a more connected and welcoming Ku-ring-gai for the benefit of all.

Snapshot of cultural diversity in Ku-ring-gai

Ku-ring-gai is a culturally diverse and internationally connected community. 

According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census: 

•    52,849 residents (42.6%) born overseas. 
•    More than one-third of residents (41,469 people) speak a language other than English at home.
•    There are 66 community languages spoken across the local government area.

The most commonly spoken community languages are Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi, and Japanese. Ancestry data further highlights this diversity, with residents identifying a broad range of cultural backgrounds. The most commonly identified ancestries are English, Chinese and Australian, followed by Irish, Scottish, Indian, Korean, German, Italian, and South African.

Compared with Greater Sydney, Ku-ring-gai shows a higher proportion of residents with English and Chinese ancestry, alongside a similar representation of many European ancestries, reflecting both long-established communities and more recent migration trends.

While these statistics provide valuable insight into our community, they do not capture the full picture. Many second and third generation Australians continue to identify strongly with their cultural heritage, language and traditions, demonstrating that cultural identity extends beyond country of birth or language spoken at home.

Birthplace

In 2021, 52,849 residents (42.6%) were born overseas, compared with 38,775 residents (35.5%) in 2011.This reflects the continuing growth in Ku-ring-gai’s cultural diversity over the past decade.

The largest overseas-born population groups are:
•    China – 12,911 residents
•    United Kingdom – 7,085 residents
•    South Africa – 3,740 residents
•    Hong Kong – 3,602 residents
•    India – 2,633 residents
•    South Korea – 2,531 residents
•    New Zealand – 2,052 residents
•    Malaysia – 1,529 residents
•    Iran – 1,504 residents

This diversity contributes significantly to the social, cultural and economic life of Ku-ring-gai and highlights the importance of ensuring Council's services, communication and engagement remain inclusive and responsive.

English Proficiency and Linguistic Diversity

Ku-ring-gai is home to a highly multilingual community. While most residents who speak a language other than English at home also report speaking English well or very well, the number of residents with limited English proficiency has increased over the past decade. In 2021, 5,858 residents (4.7 per cent) reported speaking English "not well" or "not at all", compared with 2,870 residents (2.6 per cent) in 2011. This highlights the importance of ensuring Council information, communication and services remain accessible to all members of the community.

Language diversity continues to grow across Ku-ring-gai. In 2021, 33.4 per cent of residents spoke a language other than English at home, an increase from 21.0 per cent in 2011. Over the same period, the number of residents speaking a language other than English at home increased by 18,517 people, reflecting the changing demographic profile of the local government area.

Chinese languages are the most widely spoken community languages, with 23,059 residents speaking Mandarin or Cantonese at home. Other commonly spoken languages include Korean (3,100), Persian (Farsi) (1,578), Hindi (1,134) and Japanese (1,010). Together, these languages reflect the rich cultural diversity of Ku-ring-gai and reinforce the importance of culturally responsive communication, community engagement and service delivery.

The increasing linguistic diversity of Ku-ring-gai presents opportunities to strengthen community participation, improve access to Council services and ensure information is communicated in ways that are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of residents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Religious Affiliation in Ku-ring-gai

Religion is an important aspect of cultural identity for many residents and contributes to the rich diversity of the Ku-ring-gai community. 

According to the 2021 Census, the largest religious affiliation is Western (Roman) Catholic, representing 16.5% of the population, closely followed by Anglican at 15.2%. A significant proportion of residents (41.2%) reported having no religious affiliation, while 4.1% chose not to state a religion.

Other religious affiliations represented in the community include:
•    Uniting Church – 3.7%
•    Buddhism – 3.1%
•    Hinduism – 2.4%
•    Judaism – 2.3%
•    Islam – 1.0%

This diversity of faiths and beliefs reinforces the importance of inclusive communication, culturally responsive service delivery, and consideration of religious and cultural observances when planning Council services, programs, events and engagement activities.

For further demographic information, refer to Council’s Community Profile available at: https://profile.id.com.au/ku-ring-gai

Cultural diversity is a defining characteristic of both Ku-ring-gai and contemporary Australian society. The community is enriched by a broad range of cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds that contribute to its identify, social cohesion and community life. 

As the community continues to diversify, Council recognises that some residents may experience barriers to accessing information, services and opportunities to participate in community life. Creating an inclusive community requires more than recognising diversity; it requires removing barriers and ensuring all people can participate equitably.

Inclusion is reflected in the systems, practices and environments that enable equitable access to information, services, facilities and decision-making, while fostering a strong sense of belonging for all members of the community.

Council’s commitment to our multicultural community

Our Commitment

Ku-ring-gai Council is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive and connected community where diversity is recognised as a strength and everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life. 

Council values the contributions of people from all cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds and is committed to supporting equitable participation in civic, cultural, social and economic life. 

Council does not tolerate racism, discrimination or exclusion in any form and recognises its responsibility to identify and address barriers to participation, promote equity and create opportunities for inclusion.

Through leadership, partnerships and culturally responsive service delivery, Council is committed to strengthening social cohesion, promoting mutual understanding and ensuring Ku-ring-gai remains a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all.

Principles of Multiculturalism

Council’s commitment to multicultural inclusion is guided by the principles of the Multicultural NSW Act 2000 (amended 2014) which recognise cultural diversity as a strength and promote equitable participation across the community.

These principles affirm that:
•    the people of New South Wales come from diverse linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and are free to maintain and celebrate their cultural heritage, 
•    the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and equality under the law unite all people, regardless of background,
•    all individuals should have the greatest possible opportunity to participate in the social, cultural, economic and political life of the State,
•    mutual respect and recognition of cultural, linguistic and religious diversity should be promoted, while recognising English as the common language.
•    Government programs and services should be delivered in ways that are accessible, inclusive and responsive to the diversity of the community and population.
•    the cultural and linguistic diversity of New South Wales is a valuable asset that should be recognised, preserved and celebrated.

Purpose and Strategic Intent

The Multicultural Inclusion Plan 2026–2030 establishes Council’s strategic framework for strengthening multicultural inclusion across the community.

The Plan provides a coordinated approach to embedding multicultural inclusion across Council’s planning, service delivery, communication, workforce capability and community engagement. It supports equitable access to services, encourages meaningful participation, strengthens community belonging and provides a framework for collaboration between Council, its partners and the community.

The Plan responds to Ku-ring-gai’s evolving demographic profile by recognising the growing diversity of the community and embedding culturally responsive practices across Council’s operations.

Council’s commitment to social inclusion is supported by the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework, which require councils to understand community needs, promote equitable access to services, and support meaningful participation in local decision-making.
These principles are reflected throughout Council’s integrated planning framework, including the Community Strategic Plan 2035, Delivery Program 2026–2030 and Operational Plan.

The Plan is underpinned by four key principles:
•    Equity – ensuring fair and equitable access to services, programs, facilities and opportunities. 
•    Access – reducing barriers so all members of the community can obtain information, services and support. 
•    Participation – enabling meaningful involvement in community life and Council decision-making. 
•    Rights – supporting the right of every person to participate in community life free from discrimination and barriers to inclusion. 

Council is committed to leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion. The Plan is structured around seven strategic goals:
•    Leadership 
•    Strategy 
•    Communication 
•    Workforce Development 
•    Programs and Events 
•    Service Delivery 
•    Community Engagement and Participation 

Together, these goals translate Council’s commitment into practical actions that strengthen organisational capability and support an inclusive, welcoming and connected community.

The Multicultural Inclusion Plan aligns with Council’s broader planning framework, while supporting NSW Government priorities relating to multi-culturalism, social cohesion, anti-racism and inclusive service delivery.

The Multicultural Inclusion Plan has been developed by Ku-ring-gai Council in collaboration with community members, local organisations, Council staff and the Ku-ring-gai Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Development of the Plan was informed by demographic analysis, place-based research and a review of the social, economic and cultural characteristics of the Ku-ring-gai community. A strategic context review was undertaken to ensure alignment with relevant Commonwealth, State and local legislation, policies and strategic directions. Contemporary and international examples were also considered to identify approaches that strengthen multicultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion. 

The Plan also draws on previous community engagement undertaken by Council, including consultation that informed the Community Strategic Plan 2035, community satisfaction research and other relevant engagement activities. These insights have helped shape a practical and evidence-based framework that responds to the current and emerging needs of Ku-ring-gai's diverse community. 
 

Overview

Council provides visible leadership by embedding multicultural inclusion across governance, organisational culture and decision making, fostering an inclusive organisation and a connected community.

Council’s planning, policies and decision making are informed by evidence, community insight and the principles of multicultural inclusion.
 

Council communicates in ways that are clear, inclusive and accessible, ensuring people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access information, services and opportunities to participate in community life.

Council develops a culturally, inclusive and diverse workforce that delivers respectful and responsive services to the community.

Council delivers programs and events that celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen social cohesion and encourage participation across the community.

Council delivers accessible, culturally responsive services that remove barriers to participation and respond to the diverse needs of the community.

Council enables culturally and linguistically diverse communities to participate meaningfully in civic life, community decision-making and local leadership.

The Manager Community Development will coordinate the implementation, monitoring and annual review of the Multicultural Inclusion Plan 2026–2030 to ensure it remains responsive to changing community needs and aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.

The annual review will:
•    monitor progress against the actions contained within the Plan
•    review priorities in consultation with relevant Council business units
•    analyse demographic trends, community feedback and advice from the Multicultural Advisory Committee to identify emerging issues and opportunities
•    monitor participation trends and service outcomes to identify barriers and gaps in access 
•    prepare an annual progress report for consideration by the Executive, the Multicultural Advisory Committee and Council, and
•    inform continuous improvement of Council policies, programs, and service delivery. 

Council will develop and maintain an Outcome Measurement Framework to support consistent evaluation of the Plan by:
•    monitoring progress against strategic actions
•    embedding equity and lived experience into evaluation  
•    supporting evidence-based planning and continuous improvement  
•    strengthening accountability and transparency, and
•    informing future reviews of the Multicultural Inclusion Plan. 

Reporting cycle

•    Annual Review: Progress reported to the Multicultural Advisory Committee and Council. 
•    Mid-Term Evaluation (2028): Evaluation of implementation progress and refinement of priorities where required. 
•    Public Reporting: Outcomes included through Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.

CALD
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse. Refers to individuals or communities who identify with cultural heritages and/or speak languages other than English.

Community Strategic Plan (CSP)
Council’s long-term plan that outlines the community’s vision and priorities over a 10-year period. All other Council plans align with the Community Strategic Plan.

Cross-Cultural Communication Training: 
Education and development activities that build staff capacity to communicate effectively and respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This training focuses on increasing cultural awareness, reducing unconscious bias, and developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills in intercultural settings. It supports frontline staff, leaders and customer-facing teams in understanding cultural norms, avoiding miscommunication, and improving service delivery to multicultural communities.

Cultural Competency: 
The ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and the skills to communicate and work inclusively.

Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP):
The Delivery Program sets out the work Council will do over four years to deliver the Community Strategic Plan. The Operational Plan breaks this down into actions and budgets for each year.

Inclusive Language Guide: 
A written resource that provides staff with guidance on using respectful, accurate and culturally sensitive language in all Council communications. The guide covers inclusive terminology relating to culture, race, gender, disability and other diversity markers. It encourages strengths-based, people-first language and helps staff avoid stereotypes or exclusionary phrases. It is intended for anyone producing written content such as reports, media, signage, policies, or public information. See also: Multilingual Communication Practice Guide.

Interpreter Services (TIS): 
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides access to interpreters in over 150 languages for people who have difficulty communicating in English.

Multiculturalism:
The coexistence of diverse cultures, where cultural differences are accepted and valued as part of a shared society.

Multilingual Communication Practice Guide: 
A practical tool that outlines how and when to use interpreters, translated materials, bilingual staff and plain English to communicate effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This guide helps staff plan accessible communication strategies by matching the method (e.g., interpreter vs translated document) to the situation. It includes advice on identifying key community languages, working with translation services, and ensuring equitable access to information across all platforms.
See also: Inclusive Language Guide.

Plain English: 
A style of writing that is clear and straightforward, avoiding jargon or complex terms. It ensures information is easily understood by a wide audience, including those with limited English proficiency.
 

The Multicultural Inclusion Plan supports and aligns with Ku-ring-gai Council’s integrated planning framework, including the Community Strategic Plan 2035, Delivery Program 2026–2030 and Operational Plan 2026–2030*. These documents outline Council’s long-term vision and short- to medium-term actions to achieve a connected, inclusive and resilient community.

This appendix identifies how the goals and actions of the Multicultural Inclusion Plan contribute to:
•    Community Strategic Plan, long-term objectives related to social equity, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
•    Delivery Program, term achievements that address access, engagement and cultural participation; and
•    Operational Plan, annual tasks that support implementation of inclusive services, programs and communications.

The Multicultural Inclusion Plan is intended to contribute to the development of future strategic and operational plans, ensuring that cultural inclusion remains embedded across Council’s planning processes and reflects the evolving needs and priorities of our diverse community.
*Refer to Integrated planning and reporting on Council’s website for updated plans.
 

Diversity and inclusion extend beyond culture, ethnicity, language and religion. They also encompass equitable access, meaningful participation, and freedom from discrimination for people with disability, older adults, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and closing the gap with First Nations peoples is also central to this work.

At its core, diversity and inclusion are about removing social barriers and upholding the human rights and dignity of all people.

This Plan forms part of a broader suite of strategies that guide Council’s inclusive approach. It should be read in conjunction with the following documents to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of how diversity and inclusion are embedded across the Ku-ring-gai community.
 
a.    Community Strategic Plan
b.    Delivery Program and Operational Plan 
c.    Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan
d.    Equity and Diversity Policy
e.    Community Engagement Strategy
f.    Access and Disability Inclusion Plan 
h.    Community Needs Analysis