The New South Wales (NSW) Government has a range of initiatives in place to help protect and build resilience within the community in relation to countering terrorism. These range from security measures to engaging with the community to build understanding.
The following are examples of some of the key community initiatives currently in place. For information about broader activities, view our stategies and initiatives page.
Community Relations Commission
In NSW, the Community Relations Commission (CRC) has a lead role in working with communities to strengthen and build capacity and resilience and to promote a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society with mutual respect for and understanding of cultural diversity.
The Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 underpins the work of the CRC and recognizes and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of residents of NSW, and promotes equal rights and responsibilities for all residents of NSW. The CRC has a key role in countering terrorism through its promotion of the principles of multiculturalism and the advantages of a multicultural society.
The following community initiatives are examples of the CRC’s work in this area:
Community Relations Crisis Management Plan
The Community Relations Crisis Management Plan was developed pursuant to the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000, and interfaces with the NSW emergency management arrangements. It was released on 3 January 2006.
It details the arrangements for a coordinated response by NSW state agencies to the local impact on the relationships between people and communities that may occur as a result of local and international events. Details of the plan can be found at: www.crc.nsw.gov.au/publications/complan
Regional Advisory Councils
Regional Advisory Councils are a vital part of the CRC structure. Ten regional advisory councils assist the CRC in its interaction with people representing the multicultural community in rural and regional areas. The councils advise on matters affecting their specific regions. Membership of the councils comprises relevant local and regional government agencies and individuals to reflect the diversity of each region.
The ten councils are:
- Albury
- Central West
- Griffith-Leeton
- Hornsby - Central Coast
- Hunter
- Illawarra
- Macarthur - Liverpool
- Nepean - Blacktown
- New England
- Northern
For information on CRC Regional Offices contact:
Telephone: (02) 4244 9922
Facsimile: (02) 4244 9933
Newcastle
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
117 Bull Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Wollongong
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
84 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW 2500
Multicultural Youth Network
The NSW Multicultural Youth Network comprises young advocates from a range of cultural backgrounds who are committed to building a bright future for multiculturalism in Australia and working together to promote cultural identity, awareness, understanding and acceptance.
The network currently meets every month to discuss current issues and projects related to multiculturalism. The network also enables young people to build leadership skills that help them work more closely with and for their local communities. It provides opportunities for young people to raise issues with the CRC and the NSW Government.
Telephone: (02) 8255 6767
Website: www.communilink.org.au/crcmyn
Date established: 28 September 2005
Membership: Young people
Chairpersons: Angelique Vongsaya and Katrina Bhan
Interpreting and Translation
The CRC provides interpreting and translation services in over 85 languages and dialects (including Auslan) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The services are available to all Government departments and agencies, private and commercial organisations, community groups and individuals.
Face-to-face interpreting is provided in areas such as legal situations, police investigations, education, housing, licence testing, insurance matters, business negotiations as well as individual and/or client-group interviews, workshops and seminars.
Translation services are provided for all documents including multilingual pamphlets/brochures and audio/video recordings. Most translations and interpreting services are on a user-pays basis, with exemption granted on a needs basis.
For bookings and further enquiries contact 1300 651 500 for the cost of a local call anywhere in NSW.
Website: www.crc.nsw.gov.au
Email: languageservices@crc.nsw.gov.au
NSW Police Force community engagement
The NSW Police Force has establi