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Monash Bulletin - 2 May 2006

Many Different Threads in Monash's Multicultural Tapestry

We all know we live in a multicultural community, but perhaps you may not realize just how multicultural.

Here are a few facts to illustrate the true picture:

• Monash has the largest Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) population in the Eastern Metropolitan Region.
• It is ranked 5th out of 79 Victorian Local Government areas in terms of diversity.
• 37% of it residents come from 30 different countries.

Council has developed a Multicultural Framework and Action Plan for 2006-2008, with the assistance of a Multicultural Advisory Committee, to guide its support and interactions with residents from CALD backgrounds.

Four priority areas have been identified and objectives developed for each of them. They are:

1. Enhance partnerships and actively promote a culture of access and inclusion in Council.
2. Facilitate and deliver services that are meaningful and accessible to the CALD communities.
3. Improve Council's responsiveness to CALD communities.
4. Promote and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Monash community.

Some Other Interesting Facts

• 36% of Monash residents were born overseas
• 76% of residents follow 30 different religions
• 33% of residents speak a language other than English at home, with more than 30 different languages and dialects spoken
• 48.6% of residents in Clayton and Notting Hill were born overseas, the highest concentration in Monash.

Overseas Country of Birth ( more than 1,000 persons)

Non-English Languages Spoken (more than 1,000 persons)

New Arrivals by Country of Birth

Characteristics of Major and Emerging CALD Communities in 2005

Community by Birthplace	Key Characteristics
Greece	Number and % over the age of 65 years rapidly increasing. Large 2nd.
China	60% of this group aged 25-54 years. Persons over 65 likely to have poor English skills, significant numbers under Family Migration Stream.
Malaysia	High % aged 13-24 years. Large community of Monash University students.
Italy	Long-term settlers. More than 40% greater than 65 years.
Sri Lanka	High proficiency in English. Majority aged 25-54 years, settling under Skill Stream, profile of young families.
India	High proficiency in English, settling under skill stream, profile of young families.
Hong Kong	Significant community of Monash University students.
Vietnam	Smaller profile in this community compared to regional and metropolitan Melbourne.
Germany	Ageing well established population.
Indonesia	80% settling via the Skill Stream.
Poland	Ageing well established population.
Sudan/North Africa	Predominantly Humanitarian Migrants with high support needs.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population & Housing, 2001.

Demographics - more information.

For more information on the Multicultural Framework and Action Plan please phone Fee Harrison on 9518 3526.

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Published: 1 May 2006

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