SHELLHARBOUR City was officaly declared a Refugee Welcome Zone last week.
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On Thursday Mayor Mariaane Saliba signed the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration which would formalise council’s position on refugees and cultural diversity in the region.
In October council resolved to sign the document.
Nationally 87 local government areas have signed the declaration in effort to demonstrate their compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity within the community.
Almost 18 per cent of Shellharbour’s population were born overseas, and almost 10 per cent are from non-English speaking backgrounds, which is almost double the state average for regional areas.
Mayor Marianne Saliba said formalising council's position signified ‘‘compassion and willingness to create a welcoming atmosphere and assist the settlement of refugees’’.
"Our community already welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and by signing this mandate we are declaring our willingness to the national community," Cr Saliba said.
CEO of the Refugee Council of NSW, Paul Powers was on hand to sign the declaration.