Consultation with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

The culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community is defined as those people who were born in countries that are not 'main English-speaking countries'. At the time of the 2011 Census this community totaled approximately 4,700 people in the Blue Mountains.

In June 2016 the Council held a consultation with members of the CaLD community to gain their input on the review an update of the Community Strategic Plan. This consultation was integrated with the monthly luncheon coordinated by Blue Mountains Food Services, with 13 people from the CaLD community participating in guided discussions and completing a paper questionnaire.

The top priorities for action identified by participants were:

• Personal safety in public spaces and on public transport;
• Improved access to, and frequency of, trains and buses;
• Improved resources for new immigrants and those without family networks;
• Better health services; and
• More safe work and recreation opportunities.

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community Consultation Report contains more information on the consultation outcomes.