Holroyd Council provides information and services to residents of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the Holroyd local government area. Council also resources and supports local ethnic groups and organisations, particularly emerging communities, and can be contacted on 02 9840 9948.

The library provide multicultural services such as English language classes, computer classes, multilingual desktop publishing, non-English collections and Bubba Time.

Council provides a food service for frail, aged or disabled house bound residents who are unable to provide for themselves. Conditions apply to this service.

There is a Maltese Seniors Group and Arabic Dementia Care available.

Some of the events held in Holroyd that feature multicultural issues are Carnivale, Refugee Week, Harmony Day, the Community Education Program, and ‘How to Vote’ workshops. Many events are planned, held and implemented in collaboration with local service providers.

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Consultative Committee plans, implements and evaluates festivals and events. The Kaleidoscope Conference held in the Holroyd Centre on 10 March 2008 was a joint project that addressed issues around CALD youth and the migration experience.

The committee is made up of fourteen members, two of whom are Councillors. Other members represent various ethnic organisations, service providers or residents. The Committee meets quarterly at Council. Recommendations of the committee are reported on to Council for consideration and resolution. You can read the CALD terms of reference.

If you are interested in nominating for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Consultative Committee complete the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Consultative Committee Nomination Form 2012-2013.

The Community Development Officer – Multicultural is responsible for convening, supporting and resourcing Council’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Consultative Committee. You can contact the officer 02 9840 9948.

Council conducts two Community Education ‘Getting to Know Your Local Council’ programs each year. These programs are aimed at informing local ethnic communities about the roles and responsibilities of local government.

Each program takes 2 hours per week for three weeks, and is delivered in English and the relevant community language. Accredited interpreters are used to translate the information.

Topics covered include:

• Three tiers of government
• Council meetings
• Engineering Services
• Environmental and Planning Services
• Library, Children’s and Community Services
• Community buses and facilities

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Community Development Officer – Multicultural on 02 9840 9948.