Many of our residents were not born on the Northern Beaches, or even in Australia, but are fortunate to now call this place home.  

For some residents, their journey here is one that followed persecution or adversity in their place of birth. Many spend years awaiting visas, effectively living in in limbo, denied access to health care, income support and crisis support.

So it’s timely that the Mayor and Councillors have made a commitment to welcome refugees into the community by joining the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum and supporting the Back Your Neighbour Campaign.

The taskforce – supported by 40 other member councils across Australia – seeks to advocate to the Federal Government for fairness, compassion and dignity for people seeking asylum.

Council is dedicated to recognising, celebrating and supporting the many people and cultures in our community.  Their contributions undoubtedly help make our community one that is stronger and richer.  

And by joining the taskforce we’re seeking to further highlight the challenges faced by local refugees and those seeking asylum and help give them stability and certainty. 

Joining the taskforce further enhances that commitment to supporting and growing our multicultural community.

For more information about the taskforce, please visit the Back your Neighbour website.