OBJECTIVE 2
Ensuring community cultural EQUITY and DIVERSITY
Accessibility and choice are at the heart of an inclusive, engaged and civil society. As the community evolves, we witness a complexity of cultural layering and shifting patterns of integration that embody a diverse range of values, beliefs and aspirations. An informed and flexible community is able to withstand change and absorb and utilise these influences to its advantage, creating a rich and healthy cultural milieu. By championing equity and nurturing diversity, an ongoing sense of tolerance and understanding is achievable.
GOALS
Given the rapid growth of the LGA, our challenge is to ensure that community profiles be socio-economically diverse and be characterised by a range of factors - eg, incomes and age profiles - not merely mono-cultural suburban subdivisions. This is particularly important for newer residents and residents from Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Populations need to develop a sense of belonging and social networks are to be encouraged, allowing attachments to be formed. This can all occur at a grass-roots level through strategic cultural development initiatives.
In order to ensure all residents have the opportunity to access and contribute to the arts throughout the LGA, both an active and passive approach must be taken. In some cases, specific programs must be developed while, in others, the inclusion of public art into the environment may be sufficient. These programs should be culturally and age appropriate and should aim to involve, where appropriate, all members of the community.
Art and culture provides greater opportunities for young people to participate in diverse community activities. Young people need spaces and facilities to express their social values, beliefs and individuality and to demonstrate their talents. The NSW Government supports the provision and need for cultural, artistic and sporting programs for young people, in partnership with local government and community organisations. A commitment to funding innovative youth development programs to connect with ‘at risk’ young people through arts and cultural programs is one of the many ways that the State Government seeks to engage (NSW Youth Policy, 2002-2006).
Another key area of focus is people with a disability. The definition of disability is broad and can include physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological, and learning as well as debilitation brought about by disease-causing organisms. There is always scope for increasing accessibility to resources and services for these people. Indeed, in the cultural realm, what would otherwise be considered a disability may actually constitute a unique approach to creativity, thereby empowering the individual.