Merri-bek Council team recognised at the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence
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We are incredibly proud to share that Merri‑bek City Council’s Accessible and Inclusive Communications team has been recognised at the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence, winning the Public Sector Diversity and Inclusion Award for 2026.
The prestigious award recognises initiatives that respond to the needs of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities. It acknowledges work that improves access to services, strengthens participation, builds cultural awareness and supports social cohesion.
The recognition acknowledges Council’s work to embed accessible, culturally inclusive and equitable communications into everyday practice, guided by Merri-bek’s Accessible and Inclusive Communications Policy and our determination to empower everyone in Merri-bek with communications meeting their needs.
This achievement reflects our communication values: equity, inclusion and meaningful participation for everyone. Merri-bek is home to a culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse community, and ensuring everyone can access Council information and services is central to this commitment.
Our work is designed to strengthen how we communicate with our community, making Council information easier to find, understand and use through plain language and multilingual communications and accessible formats. This helps people understand what Council offers, how to access services and where to find support.
From enrolling a child in kindergarten and accessing maternal and child health services to joining library programs, understanding waste and recycling services, and finding community activities, accessible and inclusive communication helps residents navigate everyday Council services.
The work also supports people from diverse backgrounds to share their views with Council, contribute to consultations and participate in decisions that affect them.
Through practical guidance and support, the team has helped staff consider language, cultural and access needs from the start of communications planning.
Working with community members and initiatives such as the Community Connectors Program helps Council understand barriers, develop relevant information and reach residents through channels they know and trust.
The award is an opportunity to celebrate these contributions and share practical learning across Council and with other councils, continuing to make accessible and inclusive communications part of everyday practice. We are proud to provide access to services in many community languages spoken across Merri-bek. Contact us via phone, jump onto our website or visit us in-person to connect with Council services in your language.