Lithgow Council has unanimously agreed to sign the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration at Monday night’s meeting.
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The decision was made after the matter was previously deferred at the meeting on September 25 to allow council to seek further information.
“We are a fast changing, ever expanding, culturally diverse nation. In signing this agreement we are moving into the future along with the rest of the country,” Councillor Cassandra Coleman said.
The report presented to council used an information sheet produced by the Refugee Council of Australia to outline the responsibilities of Refugee Welcome Zone towns.
“The Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration does not confer any formal obligations and Refugee Welcome Zones are not required to uphold any statutory responsibilities or financial commitments,” the report said.
“The signing of the Declaration is a way of demonstrating broad support for the principles it contains. Any actions or activities undertaken by Refugee Welcome Zones to implement the Declaration are entirely voluntary.
“While signatories to the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration are not required to undertake any specific activities, any initiatives which help to create a welcoming atmosphere and assist the settlement of refugees and their communities are welcomed and encouraged.
“Becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone is a way to formally acknowledge and recognise the work that is currently being delivered by Council and the local service network, and is another step towards growing and diversifying the local community.”
Cr Wayne McAndrew supported the move for Lithgow to become a Refugee Welcome Zone mentioning how surrounding councils including Bathurst, Mid-Western, Blue Mountains and Cowra were already signatories to the declaration.
Cr Coleman finished by saying signing the declaration “takes us into the 21st century”.
“We have been a migrant country since the time the first fleet came here,” she said.
“Refugees, immigrants, those looking for a home always add to the community they come to with businesses, with skills, with other opportunities.
“I think this is a wonderful thing. Other councils have done it and they’ve actually advantaged from it.”
