Cultural Diversity in Cockburn

Cultural diversity statistics

Australian Census 2016 results shows that the City of Cockburn is becoming increasingly diverse:

• In 2011, 32 per cent of our residents had both parents born overseas. This has increased by 12 per cent in 2016 to 44.5 per cent which is above the average percentage for Western Australia (40 per cent). 
• 21.45 per cent of people spoke languages other than English at home making the City rank 6th in the top diverse cities in Western Australia.
• Top languages spoken at home (other than English) are Mandarin (2.7 per cent), Italian (2.4 per cent), Tagalog/Filipino (2 per cent), Croatian (1.4 per cent), and Portuguese (1.4 per cent).
• 44.5 per cent of people had both parents born overseas while 34.5 per cent of people had both parents born in Australia.

The City's Strategy Plan

Given the aforementioned significant diversity, the City of Cockburn has developed its first Cultural Diversity Strategy plan (2018-21) approved by elected members in September 2018. The strategy plan reflects the aspirations of a growing and increasingly diverse community. The strategy can be downloaded in the 'related documents' below or hard copy can be requested from City of Cockburn Administration Office.
 

What we offer

The City has created a Cultural Diversity Officer position in July 2017. The position caters for multicultural interests and needs focusing on the following:

Current services

Conversational English class

The City's Coolbellup and Success libraries host conversational English classes to help people practice speaking English. The classes are a great way to practice speaking and listening in English with people from many different countries and backgrounds. All levels are invited.

The classes runs at Coolbellup every Tuesday during school terms, between 10am and 11.30am. Participants are encourage to bring their children along. Crèche is available during this class.

English conversation classes run on Mondays at Success library between 10.30am and midday.There is no crèche service during this class. Participants are unable to bring children to the sessions.

Interpreting and Translating Services

City of Cockburn residents have the right to access programs and services provided by the City equitably, regardless of their cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds.

Interpreting services are available for non-English speaking residents. This service is free for residents and ratepayers who do not speak English when accessing the City's services.

There are many types of services available, including immediate phone interpreting, and pre-booked phone and onsite interpreting.

The City can also translate relevant documents into other languages upon resident’s request.

More information and contact 

Please contact the City's Cultural Diversity Officer for more information on 08 9411 3444 or at customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au