Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
initial proposal
Initial Proposal
The proposal is set to portray some of the
challenges and benefits of living in a highly
diverse society from a local government
perspective.
In excess of AUD $60 billion worth of projects
represented in various emerging industries
including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and
Steel have been announced and approved
by Queensland State government to be
established in the Gladstone Region. These
emerging industries have anticipated that a
minimum of 25,000 skilled workers (at peak
of construction) will be required plus the
required manpower to sustain the associated
ongoing flow-on effect in other support
industries such as hospitality and retailing.
Due to Australia’s major and ongoing skills
shortages in areas such as tradespeople and
engineering, it is anticipated that the majority
3
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
of skilled workers will come from overseas.
This 30 minute workshop will attempt to
explain some of the strategies (as well as
the challenges and difficulties encountered)
adopted by Gladstone Regional Council to:
▪▪ Evaluate current social infrastructure to
effectively deal with an increase of 30%
in population.
▪▪ Manage Cultural Diversity across the
Region by implementing a Welcome Settlement - Integration model.
▪▪ Develop community capacity (within
community based organisations) to cope
with rapid change.
▪▪ Further enhance cooperative relationships
with Federal and State government
authorities to ensure available funding
meets emerging community needs.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
index
Index
Initial Proposal . ............................................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................... 5
Acronyms Guide ............................................................................................................ 5
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... 6
Introduction . ................................................................................................................. 7 - 11
Can the Gladstone Region's current social infrastructure
cope with an estimated increase of 30% in population? . ............................................. 12 - 14
Manage Cultural Diversity across the Region by
implementing a Welcome - Settlement - Integration model (WSI) ............................... 15 - 16
The three-stage Model ..................................................................................................
Welcome ..........................................................................................................
Settlement ........................................................................................................
Integration ........................................................................................................
Key Principles of the WSI Model ......................................................................
Challenges encountered during its implementation ........................................
17
18
19
20
21
22
How Gladstone Regional Council has developed
community resilience to cope with rapid change? . ...................................................... 23
Further enhance cooperative relationships with Federal and
State government authorities to ensure available funding
meets emerging community needs ............................................................................... 24
Bibliography . ................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 26
4
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
The establishment and development of the Welcome - Settlement
and integration (WSI) Model has been possible due to commendable
and combined efforts from various community stakeholders
including:
▪▪ Veronica Laverick - GRC’s Manager of Social and Community
Services
▪▪ Andrea Hughes - GRC’s Community Development Officer
▪▪ Vernetta Perrett - GRC’s Youth Development Officer
▪▪ Nicole Turner - LGAQ LAMP Coordinator
▪▪ Members of the Gladstone Region Intercultural Reference
group (GRIRG) and the Local Area Multicultural Partnership
(LAMP) and
▪▪ Gladstone Local Industry and Businesses.
ACRONYMS GUIDE
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
5
ABS - Australian Bureau of Statistics
AUD - Australian Dollar
CALD - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background
FIFO - Fly in Fly out workers
GMAI - Gladstone Multicultural Association Incorporated
GRC - Gladstone Regional Council
LGAQ - Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)
LAMP - Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)
QLD - Queensland
NESB - Non English Speaking Background
SIMP - Social Impact Management Plans
SISP - Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan (SISP),
WIN - Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours
WSI - Welcome Settlement Integration
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Luis Arroyo
Multicultural Community Relations Officer
Community Advisory Service, Gladstone Regional Council
Gladstone, Queensland, Australia
Born in Colombia (a migrant to Australia myself); Holder of
a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, a Master in Business
Administration (focused in Human Resources) and a Diploma
in Community Development; Performing Gladstone Regional
Council Multicultural Community Relations role since 2006
Keynote Speaker Presentations at:
▪▪ Darebin Council Conference 2007 ('Sense of place and
belonging')
▪▪ Melbourne Metropolis Project 2008
▪▪ Gladstone Regional Council Intercultural Forums 2008, 2009
and 2011
▪▪ Gladstone Botanical Gardens Conference 2010
▪▪ Local Government of Queensland Economic Conference
2011
Also,current member of the Intellectbase National Consortium
(Since 2010)
▪▪ Co-facilitator of the paper: 'What makes a welcome?' (2008)
▪▪ Co-author of the paper 'Examination of key factors to
attract and retain skilled and professional migrants: The
case of Australian Regional and very remote areas'(2010)
▪▪ Member of the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP)
Program
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
executive summary
Executive Summary
Whilst Gladstone Regional Council (GRC)
welcomes industrial expansion, it is vital that
the process is well managed so all residents
benefit from the experience. In this regards,
the development of both hard and soft
social infrastructure will be an essential key
of success.
The initial focus of the partnership between
Council and industrial proponent has been
on reinforcing hard infrastructure; however,
it is equally acknowledged the importance of
working on a cooperative and collaborative
approach for the betterment of the soft
infrastructure as well. Consequently,
Gladstone Regional Council and community
stakeholders have joined efforts to
implement a framework system called the
Welcome - Settlement - Integration (WSI)
Model, in which all newcomers to the great
''Region of Choice'' are equally welcomed
to participate in community activities
regardless of where they come from (i.e.
interstate, intertown or overseas).
increase systemic advocacy but also narrow
systemic gaps.
Furthermore, this model will deliver a range of
programs and activities to ensure community
cohesion and inclusion, through addressing
people's physical, mental, emotional and
social needs. Those community-based
strategies include Welcome to Gladstone
Morning Teas, Welcome to Gladstone packs,
information sessions (on a variety of topics
including health services, sport & recreation
opportunities, volunteering etc), Come &
Try Days, social events and a new Resident
Mentoring Program to increase newcomers'
ability to integrate successfully into the
community.
The creation of sustainable partnerships
with key stakeholders (industry, community
groups and various level of government)
has been a critical factor of success for the
development and delivery of the WSI model.
The implementation of Industry Social
Impact Management Plans (a pre-requisite
be met by every industrial proponent at
initial feasibility stages) has financed social
investment, resulting in increased physical
and soft infrastructure.
This ultimately highlights the close
correlation between economic development
and regional development, which is the
main principle that underpins steady
sustainability within regional and remotes
areas of Australia.
On the other hand, the severe shortage of
childcare places, escalating cost of private
rentals, lack of transport and social isolation
of spouses are some of the more prominent
social challenges stemming from the rapid
industrial growth within Gladstone Region.
This has triggered the need for implementing
a Welcoming, Settlement and Integration
model strategies to enable newcomers to
develop a sense of belonging and ownership
to the place in which they live.
Gladstone Regional Council's 'social
approach' contrasts with the traditional
approach assumed by a large majority
of local government authorities in which
main roles revolve around Rates, Rubbish
and Roads (commonly know as the 3Rs).
Council's social approach is the result
of ongoing community consultation and
community development processes to
6
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
about the region of choice
7
About the Region of Choice
Gladstone Region is a modern urbanised area with a remarkable
balance between lifestyle and employment opportunities for
approximately 60,000 residents in the heart of Central Queensland,
which is located 550 kilometres by road north of Brisbane (the
State's capital city).
Gladstone Region makes a significant contribution to State of
Queensland (QLD) and the Australian economy. The region currently
generates some 29% of Queensland’s exports by tonnage carried by
sea (in 2005-2006), which is 20% of Queensland's exports by value
and 4.7% of Australia's export value (http://www.gladstoneindustry.
org.au/about-gladstone/overview/, 2012).
Balanced with large areas of green open space, including several
national parks, historical sites, bush walks and marine activities,
including fishing and boating, residents have a wide choice to explore
and experience the great outdoors. A strong sense of community
with a “can do” attitude and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
permeates throughout the region.
Well developed infrastructure and services, including a regional
airport, continue to support the localised identity of the communities
across the region, providing choice in lifestyle.
After Council's amalgamation process (in 2008) Gladstone Region
has experienced unprecedented territorial expansion from 500 km2
to 10,000 km2. These communities include the urban centres of
Gladstone and Tannum Sands/Boyne Island, plus the smaller towns
of Agnes Water, Ambrose, Baffle Creek, Benaraby, Bororen, Builyan,
Calliope, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Mount Larcom, Many Peaks,
Nagoorin, Raglan, Rosedale, Seventeen Seventy, Turkey Beach,
Ubobo and Yarwun.
The Gladstone Region truly is a Region of Choice, offering a great
place to live, work, play and invest.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
about gladstone regional council
8
About Gladstone Regional Council
Local Government’s role as the third tier of
government (Federal, State and Local) in
Australia is defined by State Government
legislation in the Local Government Act 1993.
Gladstone Regional Council was formed on
15 March 2008 through the amalgamation of
the former Gladstone City Council, Calliope
Shire Council, Miriam Vale Shire Council and
the Gladstone Calliope Aerodrome Board.
All the local laws and policies of these former
authorities continue to apply within the
former areas until they are amended by the
new Council. This process is expected to take
a significant amount of time (http://www.
gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/aboutgladstone-region, 2012).
Council comprises of a Mayor and eight
Councillors, elected on an undivided basis
every four years.
Vision Statement
To be the region of choice with strong leadership, delivering quality infrastructure and services.
Key Values
Leadership respected for its integrity, strong, transparent and ethical representation of the
region.
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
Valuing community input into local decision-making
Strong relationships with key partners
Sustainable, environmentally managed growth
Quality of life for our community
A community rich in cultural diversity, civic pride and regional identity
Valuing teamwork and partnerships
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
social service department
9
About Gladstone Regional Council Social Service Department
Over the past 50 years, Gladstone Regional
Council has built a strong record of
accountability, currently reporting to and
acquitting approximately AUD$ 5 million
per annum of State and Federal Funds. This
lump sum also includes Council own financial
contribution towards Social infrastructure,
which is estimated approximately AUD$ 2
million per annum (http://www.gladstone.
qld.gov.au/web/guest/about-gladstoneregion, 2012)
Furthermore, Gladstone Regional Council
(GRC) has extensive experience in delivering
community support to Gladstone Region
residents while partnering with community
groups through referrals and capacity
building.
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
For example, Gladstone Regional Council
(GRC) has participated in the Local Area
Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) since its
inception in 1998 and it has been recognised
as one of the most innovative and forward
thinking Councils in designing, developing
and delivering a cross cultural training
framework for all of its staff.
their local region.
The LAMP program was established in 1998
and the Local Government Association
of Queensland (LGAQ) has coordinated
this program since its inception. The aims
of LAMP (and LGAQ) are to support local
government councils to integrate the
principles and practices of multiculturalism
throughout their organisations and to
promote positive intercultural relations in
The aims of the LAMP program include:
The strategic vision of LAMP is to develop
strong, inclusive and informed communities
across Queensland where people feel
connected, valued and supported to
participate fully in all aspects of community
life, regardless of their cultural, linguistic or
religious backgrounds.
▪▪ Strengthening multiculturalism in the
local government sector; and
▪▪ Promoting positive intercultural relations
and social cohesion in participating local
council areas
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
economic profile
About Gladstone Region's Economic Profile
Gladstone Region is a significant Regional
Economic 'Hub'.
With two of the world’s largest alumina
refineries, Queensland’s largest multi
commodity port and a number of other
major industrial giants sited locally, the
Gladstone region is known for its employment
opportunities and skilled workforce.
The Gladstone State Development Area
continues to attract large industry to the
region, including the fledgling Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) industry.
A strong retail and service sector within the
modern urbanised city of Gladstone, together
with tourism and primary production
(particularly beef cattle and timber),
provides abundant choice for workers and
opportunities for business people. Other
world class infrastructure is represented in:
▪▪ Transport - Gladstone Region has
Queensland’s largest multi-commodity
port – Gladstone Port Corporation and a
major operations hub for Queensland rail.
10
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
▪▪ Energy - Gladstone Region has Central
Queensland’s largest Power Station,
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Shale Oil
(Petroleum)
▪▪ Natural resources - Extensive deposits
of natural resources such as coking and
steaming coal, oil shale, limestone, salt
and mineral sands, which are available
within economic transport distance.
▪▪ Water - The Awoonga dam currently holds
an equivalent of 10 years water supply, or
777,000 ML.
▪▪ Alumina and Aluminium Industry
represented by Rio Tinto, Queensland
Alumina Limited, Cement Australia, Orica.
All these industries (approximately AUD$80
billion worth of investment) have been built
steadily over the past 60 years. This contrasts
from the emerging LNG industry, which will
be established in record period of five (5)
years (estimated investment of AUD$80
billion) (http://www.gladstoneindustry.org.
au/about-gladstone/overview/, 2012).
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
gladstone region's social profile
11
Gladstone Region's Social Profile
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
'Estimated Resident Population' for the
Gladstone Region, for the year ending June
2010, was 60,316. However that figure is
generally considered obsolete due to the
large numbers of people who have flocked
to the area from intertown, interstate and
international destinations to take advantage
of employment opportunities associated
with industrial development.
Whilst the region is considered relatively
affluent there are households and areas
within our local Government's jurisdiction
that are regarded as economically
disadvantaged (16.6% in rural areas to the
north and south as well as some suburbs
within Gladstone itself).
Furthermore
the high cost of housing is now placing
families who would normally be considered
prosperous at risk.
The Gladstone Region has a young
population with the last census revealing
that 85.7% of our residents are under 60
years of age, but the reality is that figure
is more likely to be around the 90% mark
considering the many young families who
are now calling Gladstone home and the
number of early retirees who have recently
left the area.
A majority of people coming to the Region
of Choice are either seeking employment
or have secured employment. However,
increasing numbers of new residents are
also looking for a 'sea change'. Twenty five
per cent of our base population (60,000
people) are families aged between 30 and
39 years, which is the largest group. Children
under 11 years old represent only 10% and
residents over 60 years of age stand for
nearly 15% of our community (ABS, 2006).
Gladstone Region has a slightly higher male
(51.5%) to female (48.5%) ratio likely as a
result of the strong demand for engineering
and trade skills. However it should be noted
that we also have females in the community
with the same or similar qualifications who
have been unable to access employment
because a lack of proficiency in the English
language or unavailability of childcare
places (ABS, 2006)
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
A comparatively high level of income is
one of the key attractions the Region of
Choice has to offer to skilled migrants. Last
census result shows that there was a larger
proportion of high income households
(those earning $1700 per week or more)
and a smaller proportion of low income
households (those earning less than $500
per week).In the region overall, 25.3% of
the households earned a high income, and
16.6% were low income households (ABS,
2006).
Due to ongoing industrial growth, the
Gladstone Region has a long standing history
of cultural diversity and multiculturalism.
However, it has also been observed that the
population fluctuates with the peaks and
downs of the workforce demand.
In a short period of time our cultural diversity
has also expanded significantly from 5.8% of
residents possessing overseas backgrounds
in 2001 to an estimated 25% in 2011. And
that trend is increasing with skilled migrants
now populating the region. Furthermore,
this significant change in demographics (in
a relatively short period) has influenced the
way service providers deliver their services
for all Gladstone residents including those
from Non-English speaking background (or
NESB e.g. Filipinos, South Africans, Indian,
Chinese and Iranians) (ABS, 2006).
Over 40% of households in 2006 either
did not own a car or had access to only
one vehicle, largely for the use of the
breadwinner, and the ability to move
freely around the community is further
compromised by a poor and, in some cases,
non-existent public transport system.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
can the gladstone region cope
12
Can the Gladstone Region's current social infrastructure cope with an
estimated increase of 30% in population?
Not surprisingly, the short answer is no.
The Region cannot cope and economic
investment is urgently needed from
government and industry to enhance
existing social infrastructure to effectively
cater for existing and future community
needs.
Gladstone Regional Council acknowledges
the importance of enhancing the Region's
current physical and social infrastructure
to effectively cope with the increased
population influx directly associated with
industrial growth. The State Government's
introduction of Social Impact Management
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Plans (SIMP) in 2006, targeted at new
Industry proponents, has greatly assisted
all stakeholders in establishing roles
and responsibilities to mitigate and
manage social impacts and opportunities
during construction, operation and the
decommissioning of major resource
development projects.
The SIMP Policy was developed as a result
of the Queensland Government’s strong
interest in securing the best outcomes for
those communities directly and indirectly
affected by large resource development
projects. This Policy is also part of the
Queensland Government implemented
Sustainable
Resource
Communities
Framework. (http://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/
cg/resources/guideline/simp-guideline.pdf,
2004)
The LNG's SIMP plans recognise that
although local recruitment is a main
priority, a large proportion of workers will
come from interstate and overseas on
working visas Those coming from overseas,
in particular, will need to be sponsored by
a local employer under a very stringent
assessment process.
The LNG's SIMP is also set to be managed
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
can the gladstone region cope
through the provision of more resource
industry funded social infrastructure to
meet the needs of growing communities.
This has resulted in the establishment and
development of the Social Infrastructure
Strategic Plan (SISP), which will essentially
lead the development of the required
infrastructure to address overall community
needs through a 'community foundation'.
This foundation will manage resource project
proponents' voluntary financial contributions
towards the provision of hard social
infrastructure in the Gladstone Region.
This hard social infrastructure includes a wide
range of built facilities, services and networks
of organisations (http://www.deedi.qld.gov.
au/cg/resources/guideline/simp-guideline.
pdf, 2004).
These include:
1. Community facilities like schools,
hospitals, police/fire/ambulance stations,
childcare centres, youth facilities, cultural
facilities like libraries and theatres,
recreation and sporting facilities*,
facilities for older people including
accommodation,
public
transport,
pedestrian/walking trails and bikeways,
and social (non-private) housing.
2. Community services such as health
13
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
services,
children's
and
family
services, aged care services, disability
services, multicultural services, youth
development, welfare and support
services,
housing
services,
and
employment and training services
3. Community services
interagency groups.
networks
like
4. Work in this area will draw on the findings
of previous local government open space
and recreation studies.
While the primary focus of new proponents'
SIMP plans have been concentrated on 'hard
social infrastructure' issues such as housing
and rental accommodation, environment,
and support services enhancement, they have
also shown a conscious and willing attitude
to address social and community issues
associated with community wellbeing, mental
health and sense of place and belonging.
All those factors are closely associated with
community sustainability. This paper does
not intend to elaborate or focus on hard
social infrastructure developments within
Gladstone Region.
It is important to highlight that Industrial
proponents and Gladstone Regional Council
acknowledge the importance of investing
on 'soft social infrastructure', which is an
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
can the gladstone region cope
14
essential part of community long-term
legacy. Soft Social infrastructure is the core
structure of social capital and describes a
complicated structure, the study of which
requires a system approach integrating all
individuals within the whole social unit as a
system (Danchev, 2007).
local service providers, which are either
State or Federal government funded.
This severely disadvantages them and
creates major systemic barriers to achieve
community cohesiveness and inclusiveness.
(Intercultural Reference Group Forum, 2007
- 2012)
As identified by SIMP, 25,000 skilled workers In this regards, the main identified 'culprit
are expected to move to the Region at issues' are as follows:
construction peak. Clearly, this will heavily ▪▪ Many young families relocate to the
impact on hard and social infrastructure.
area leaving behind family support and
This migration process includes the following
established friendships which places
features:
individuals at risk of social isolation;
▪▪ A large majority of those skilled workers ▪▪ Severe shortage of childcare places which
will come from either interstate or
is compounded by the situation above as
overseas
there are no options to take the place of
▪▪ Only 10% of this influx of people will be
families and the remaining balance will
be either Fly in Fly out (FIFO) workers
directly employed by the LNG or LNG
subcontractors
accredited childcare;
▪▪ Escalating cost of private rentals has
forced families to relocate to outlying
areas where there is no transport,
services, or supports in place to meet
families emotional and physical needs;
▪▪ It is additionally estimated that another
1,000 families will come to Region to ▪▪ A need for settlement and integration
assist other industries such as retailing
strategies to enable people to develop
and hospitality (flow-on effect).
a sense of belonging and a stake in the
Recognition.
▪▪ Mothers of young babies and Australian
women from non-English-speaking
(NESB) backgrounds have been identified
as seldom engaging in physical activity.
New mothers and NESB mothers face
special barriers to physical activity
participation including lack of childcare,
having no one to exercise with, little time
and cost.
All above-mentioned reasons have triggered
the need for designing, building and
developing a coordinated framework system
that becomes responsive to the Gladstone
Region community's fast-changing needs
but also complements and articulates with
both hard and soft social infrastructure
implementations.
This
coordinated
framework will manage diversity across the
Region through community inclusiveness,
connectedness and cohesiveness.
place in which they live.
Specifically, skilled workers coming from
overseas will need to be granted with a ▪▪ Lack of English language Service
working visa before arrival, which provides
providers for newcomers from Non
them with temporary visa status. On a
English Speaking background.
previous industrial boom, it was identified
that these working visa holders are ineligible ▪▪ High unemployment rates within
spouses due to limited Professional and
to receive any support from majority of the
or conversational English skills, Skills
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
implementing a wsi model
Manage Cultural Diversity across the Region by implementing a
Welcome - Settlement - Integration model (WSI)
Local government community development
practitioners' main role is not only to
recognise evolving community needs but
also to identify the most suitable framework
or model to ensure the entire community
needs are addressed and met in a sustainable
manner. In this sense, it is believed the
Welcome - Settlement -Integration Model
will address community issues in a more
holistic manner by evaluating community
issues as a whole as opposed to a single
perspective (e.g. Multicultural). Furthermore,
this also increases the sense of community
consultation, belonging and place, which will
truly allow Council to empower community
to develop and carry out community projects.
The Welcome - Settlement -Integration
Model provides all residents with a 'safety
net' regardless of a newcomer's visa status
which could also be defined as a social bridge
to narrow a systemic gap (Gladstone Region
Intercultural Reference Group, 2007 -2012).
This model relies on Council:
1. Taking a leading role to coordinate
community activities and resources
2. Working with volunteer organisations
and individuals in a coordinated and
structure manner (referrals)
3. Improving Community Cultural
15
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
awareness and competence
4. Advocating before other tiers of
government
5. Enhancing local service providers
capabilities
6. Promoting Cultural Diversity as a
Community asset
In the previous section it was identified that
a large proportion of people coming to the
Region are on working visas. This type of visa
allows a temporary status in the country (no
long terms commitments to Australia) and a
majority of these visa holders are ineligible
to access any State or Federally Government
funded programs. The underlying principle
of this situation is that employer sponsors
are responsible, and indeed liable, for all
the aspects of their sponsored employees
and family dependants (including social,
economic, health, etc) (www.immi.gov.
au, 2012). From this perspective, the WSI
model allows us to build a system addressing
community needs from a local point of view
while building compelling arguments for
Council to increase advocacy before State
and Federal Governments (Intercultural
Reference Group Forum, 2006- 2012).
In the meantime, evidence gathered from
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
implementing a wsi model
16
various community consultation processes
indicates that the majority of spouses (on
working visa as well) become the family's
'weakest link' at early stages of settlement.
They become socially isolated as quite often
they do not have any support system to rely
on. Social isolation fragments community
and creates 'community pockets', which
ultimately has severe consequences on
individuals' integration and cohesiveness.
On the other hand, isolated spouses also
tend to become a 'decision maker' as to
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
whether they stay or relocate into another
region. This situation has encouraged local
employers to develop new strategies and
partner with local government as well as
to allocate further resources towards their
employees (and family dependants) in
order to improve skills retention within the
Region.
Hence, Gladstone Regional Council has
undertaken the challenge to design,
develop and implement a model by the
name of Welcome - Settlement - Integration
(WSI) model, in which all newcomers to
the great ''Region of Choice'' are equally
welcomed to participate in community
activities regardless of where they come
from (interstate, intertown or overseas).
Furthermore, this model will deliver a
range of programs and activities to ensure
community cohesion and inclusion, through
addressing people's physical, mental,
emotional and social needs.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
the three-stage model
The three-stage Model
Community Referrals
Community Networks including
Youth, Age, Multicultural,
Services Providers and
Disability




WELCOME
INITIATIVES
New Resident Registration Form
Welcome Packs
Intercultural Training
Town Tours
City Key entry Points
Industry and Businesses
Ref Group
 Bi-monthly Meeting
 Information about
incoming demographics
 Funding Opportunities
SETTLEMENT
INITIATIVES
(Community Settlement Coordinator)
 Overall responsibility for Welcome,


Integration & Settlement activities
Oversee the GRV Migration Mentor
Program
Liaise with sectors re incoming group's &
individual's needs
Intercultural Ref Group
Advocates, advises, supports
and feedback the WSI Model
INTEGRATION


INITIATIVES
Advanced Information Sessions
(Applications for Permanent Residency,
Citizenship Applications etc)
Training/information to services and
community groups on best practices to
encourage and incorporate newcomers
into their activities
17
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
welcome
Welcome
Gladstone Regional Council acknowledges
that all newcomers to the Region, regardless
of where they come from, must be welcomed
and encouraged to participate in community
activities.
It is critical to engage newcomers through
welcoming initiatives within the initial 12
weeks as there has been strong evidence
suggesting that newcomers, who have been
poorly engaged within this settlement period
tend to stay for shorter amounts of time than
those ones who tend to engage within the
same initial period.
Furthermore, building partnerships with
local Industry and businesses is another
key element of success. Specifically around
where, when and who is coming to the
Region. On the previous industrial cycle
(2002 -2008), it was virtually impossible to
identify who was coming to the Region and,
therefore, the majority of the welcoming
18
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
strategies were implemented on a trial-error
capacity.
Some of the key initiatives at the Welcome
Stage:
▪▪ Welcome to Gladstone Morning Teas
▪▪ Welcome to Gladstone Packs
▪▪ New comers Database
▪▪ Communities Profiles
▪▪ New Resident Registration Form
▪▪ Welcome to Gladstone events (GRC)
▪▪ Welcome Packs (GRC)
▪▪ Intercultural Training (GMAI, WIN &
Indigenous Community)
▪▪ Calendar of Events (WIN, GMAI, CALD
GROUPS)
▪▪ Education & Promotion of Interpreter
Services and placement of Interpreter
Signage in businesses and services
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
settlement
Settlement
The second stage of the model aims to
deliver services which assist newcomers to
become self reliant and participate equitably
in Australian society as soon as possible
after arrival. This settlement stage ranges
between three and 12 months depending
on variables such as cultural and linguistic
background, individual ability to cope with
rapid change, etc.
Under the current Australian Settlement
Scheme, only Australian permanent
residents and refugees are eligible to access
settlement assistance through government
funded programs, which also excludes
overseas skilled workers (and family
dependants) on working visas. This places
19
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
significant pressure on local government
areas experiencing massive skill shortages
and also obliges them to assume a leading
role to engage and advocate before other
government tiers and Industry for the
enhancement of regional services to be
responsive to fast changing community
trends.
It is equally important the role performed
by individuals and volunteer organisations
supporting and assisting the settlement
of newcomers into the community. In this
regards, Gladstone Regional Council has
deployed significant resources to maintain
close and regular engagement and feedback
with their residents to consult about the
implementation of settlement strategies.
Some of the settlement strategies, which
have taken place include:
▪▪ Recruit & train Migration Mentors (''A
buddy System'')
▪▪ Receive industry and community
referrals and match with Migration
Mentors
▪▪ Monitor and support Migration Mentor
& Mentee relationships
▪▪ Arrange for reimbursement of volunteer
expenses.
▪▪ Facilitate recognition
volunteers
events
for
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
integration
Integration
While the majority of local government
authorities seem to allocate vast amounts
of resources and efforts to attract a skilled
workforce into regional and remote
Australia, there has been very little evidence
suggesting similar resources have been
invested into newcomers' integration into
community activities. The use of resources
to integrate newcomers will ultimately
assist local corporate and businesses,
and the community in general, to retain
skilled staff members and valuable citizens
(LGAQ, 2007 'What makes a welcome:
Strengthening
Queensland's
regional
and rural communities through skilled
migration').
The Integration stage encompasses a wide
range of activities, which range from
Council adopting community inclusive
policies to increase access of social and
20
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
physical infrastructure to provision of
venues and community activities to engage
all Gladstone residents into grass root and
community driven Projects (Ghassam Hage,
2008).
Some the integration strategies as follows:
▪▪ Council Community Inclusion Policy
(GRC)
▪▪ 'The Corner' - A place at the local Library,
in which parents teach English and their
own language by accessing Multilingual
resources and also have the opportunity
to mingle with other parents.
▪▪ Assistance with implementing internal
and external Community Inclusion Plans.
▪▪ Gladstone
Settlement
Network
(Education Queensland, Queensland
Police, Queensland Health, Employment
Representatives, etc) to lobby for
needed activities/services: English
Classes, Spouse Employment Training
Programs etc.
▪▪ Advanced
Information
Sessions
(Applications for Permanent Residency,
Citizenship Applications etc)
▪▪ Training/information to services and
community groups on best practices to
encourage and incorporate newcomers
into their activities
▪▪ Public Education activities re migration
benefits
▪▪ Establishment of Healthy Active
Initiatives (e.g. Come & Try Days, sports
and recreation activities) to improve
social isolation while increasing physical
and mental wellbeing
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
key principles of the wsi model
21
Key Principles of the WSI Model
The WSI model is based on the following
principles:
▪▪ Community strengths-based approach
- A community development approach
is used to strengthen and develop the
intrinsic capacities and resources within
the community and mobilise resources
to achieve sustainable community
outcomes and more widespread inclusion
in community life (Kretzmann J.P. and J.L.
McKnight. 1993. Building Communities
from the Inside Out —- A Path Towards
Finding and Mobilising a Community's
Assets. Chicago: Center for Urban Affairs
and Policy Research, Northwestern
University)
▪▪ Commonalities rather than differences
- While Cultural diversity is a term used
to mean that a group or area contains
people from many different cultures and
backgrounds with various set of values
and beliefs, the WSI model reinforces
the commonalities across different
Cultures represented family unity, sense
of progress, Cultural appreciation and
mutual respect. (Elleke Boehmer, 2008,
Mandela's Ethical Legacy: A brief insight,
Sterling Publishing)
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
▪▪ Australian 'fair go' principles - The
WSI model also incorporates the main
principles of the traditional Australia
fair go including respect, individuals
sharing Community prosperity and
everyone looking for each other. Fair
enough: egalitarianism in Australia
(Elaine Thompson, 1944, Fair enough:
egalitarianism in Australia, Southwood
Press)
▪▪ Community inclusive approach (through
partnerships) - Gladstone Region WSI
Model values and recognises every new
and existing community members based
on the principle they all have something
to contribute in a positive manner
towards community wellbeing.
▪▪ Community Partnerships (Seven years
in the making) - This relates to the
consolidation of long-term partnerships
with community groups, industry,
businesses, volunteers and NGOs.
▪▪ Flexible Step by step model (funding
attainment) - The WSI has been designed
to be delivered and implemented on
progressive stages (or modules) as this
model full implementation is estimated
around $ 500,000 per annum.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
challenges encountered
22
Challenges encountered during its implementation
1. Community and Social Services Access
and equity (distinction between
temporary and permanent visa holders)
- The Gladstone Regional Council WSI
model is a community based approach,
which mainly assists all Gladstone
residents including those who, due
to their visa temporary status, can
not access mainstream government
funded programs. It also, provides local
residents to volunteer their efforts and
contribute in a positive manner towards
the settlement and integration of new
comers to the Region.
2. Settlement of skilled people is 'no-one's'
responsibility - Whilst Department of
immigration and Citizenship allocates
significant funding per annum to assist
refugees and asylum seekers coming
to Australia, there is no provision to
support skilled workers from either the
State or Federal governments. There is
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
significant evidence pointing to the fact
that local government is increasingly
inheriting this 'responsibility' without
extra funding. From this end, the WSI
model also provides local communities
with the ''what's the best we can do
with what we got?" approach which,
essentially, relies on community
synchronised and coordinated efforts.
In addition, several surveys have
shown that skilled migrants coming to
the Region perceive there is a lack of
resources to support skilled migrants.
No-one is actually funded to provide
support in most places. People feel
they need more paid people to assist
with this process so it is not all based
on voluntary efforts, which are causing
people to burn out in some places.
3. Lack of understanding of social to
support economic infrastructure - As
the implementation of SIMP plans in the
community is a relatively new concept,
there are sectors of the community that
have not visualised its role in the Council
driven model. An example of this could
be observed at the bottom level of
the retailing and support industry that
can not see the correlation between
settlement activities and long term skills
retention strategies.
4. Regional development vs. economic
development - This is perhaps the biggest
dilemma and challenge that developed
countries are facing. Knowing that
population decentralisation is a must, at
what point should government decisively
implement economic investment into
regional and remote areas? Gladstone
Region is a perfect example of this as
it has a highly transient and fluctuating
population (fly-in fly-out workers) as
well as a base population.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
developing community resilience
23
How Gladstone Regional Council has developed community
resilience to cope with rapid change?
Gladstone Region has a rich, long-standing
and diverse history that has shaped what
the community is and represents today.
Long before English settlers arrived, the
Region was home to three major traditional
owners groups including Gooreng Gooreng,
Gurang and Balai. Furthermore, there is
significant evidence indicating that migrants
(from both interstate and overseas) have
actively contributed to the cultural, social
and economic machinery of the great
Gladstone Region.
This makes Gladstone Region an inclusive
intercultural community that focuses on
commonalities rather than differences. We
may all come from different backgrounds
and cultures, but as a community, we share
the same schools, businesses, work places,
recreation spaces and much more. Our
intercultural city builds on the concept of
‘all of us’ living together in a vibrant, diverse
and harmonious community.
In addition, Gladstone Region is a place,
where ‘diversity’ is not only appreciated but
also encouraged. It is also a place where
there is open communication, long-term
interaction and community based projects
as a result of social cohesion. People
from diverse backgrounds communicate,
understand and learn from each other and
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
establish increased productive diversity,
innovation and growth by bringing together
people of all cultures for the benefit of the
community.
This kind of positive cultural exchange
has been evidenced through various
community forums and mainstream
activities. 'Gladstonians' generally provide
newcomers with a warm welcome and
migrants reciprocate this by interacting
and participating in Community activities
through a shared and common Regional
Cultural Heritage (LGAQ, 2007 'What makes
a welcome: Strengthening Queensland's
regional and rural communities through
skilled migration').
and embrace change on a continuous basis
(proven throughout its history). In addition,
Gladstone Regional Council has virtually
capitalised on the community strengths to
build and develop a 'social bridge' between
newcomers and traditional residents based
on community cohesiveness, inclusiveness,
sense of place and belonging.
The Community of Resilience & Regional
Resilience Institute defines Resilience as
"The capability to anticipate risk, limit
impact, and bounce back rapidly through
survival, adaptability, evolution, and growth
in the face of turbulent change" http://
www.resilientus.org/about-us/definitionof-community-resilience.html (2010)
On this environment, Gladstone Region
Community is equipped to manage and
cope with rapid change to minimise social
impacts associated with Industrial boom
as individuals have strong ability to adapt
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
ensuring funding meets needs
24
Further enhance cooperative relationships with Federal and State
government authorities to ensure available funding meets emerging
community needs.
The current situation represents an
opportunity for governments, Federal, State
and Local, to take leadership roles on an
issue of key importance to the economic and
social development of Queensland. This also
reinforces the point previously raised, which
points out that Regional Development goes
hand in hand with economic development
(a decision made by government).
It is important to highlight that government
efforts around WSI initiatives need to be
streamlined in order to assist newcomers to
the Region, it must be equally emphasised
that the business sector must be involved
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
in the planning, coordination and
implementation process of those initiatives
as well.
It is also evident that tourism and regional
development organisations (government
funded bodies) must take on a greater
leading role to not only attract skilled
migrants but also retain them once they
have settled (LGAQ, 2007 'What makes
a welcome: Strengthening Queensland's
regional and rural communities through
skilled migration').
Finally, Gladstone Regional Council needs to
continuously advocate to other government
tiers for community responsive investment
to be represented in physical and social
infrastructure. This also has to be tied with
Industry positive footprint or community
long-term legacy. Unfortunately, there
is very little evidence of successful
partnerships between government and
emerging Industries, which are conducive
of integrated and sustainable long-term
legacy in regional and remote communities.
This is without a doubt the most significant
challenge to be overcome by regional areas
experiencing economic growth.
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
bibliography
Bibliography
▪▪ Ashford G. and Patkar, S. (2001). The
positive path: using appreciative inquiry
in rural Indian communities, Winnipeg.
▪▪ Hugo, G. (2004a), A new paradigm of
international migration: implications
for migration policy and planning
for Australia. Parliamentary Library,
Research paper no. 10.
▪▪ Hugo, G. (2004b) Regional migration:
a new paradigm for international
migration. Parliamentary Library,
Research Note no. 56. Available
▪▪ Hugo, G. (2004c) ‘Australia’s most
recent immigrants’ Australian Census
Analytic Program,
▪▪ Australian Bureau of Statistics, July.
Accessed 20 May (2007). Available at
http://www.abs.gov.au/
▪▪ Hugo, G. (2005) ‘Australia’s
international migration transformed’,
Australian Mosaic. Issue 9 no. 1.
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▪▪ Hugo, G. (2006) Temporary Migration
and the Labour Market in Australia.
Australian Geographer. Volume 37 (2):
211-231.
▪▪ Weik, A. (1992). ‘Building strength
based perspective for social work
▪▪ http://www.resilientus.org/about-us/
definition-of-community-resilience.html
(2010)
pdf,(2004)
▪▪ Gladstone Region Intercultural
Reference Group Forum, 2007 - 2012
▪▪ LGAQ, 2007 'What makes a welcome:
Strengthening Queensland's regional
and rural communities through skilled
migration'
▪▪ (http://www.gladstoneindustry.org.au/
about-gladstone/overview/, 2012).
▪▪ Kretzmann J.P. and J.L. McKnight.
1993. Building Communities from the
Inside Out —- A Path Towards Finding
and Mobilising a Community's Assets.
Chicago: Center for Urban Affairs
and Policy Research, Northwestern
University
▪▪ (http://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/
guest/about-gladstone-region, 2012)
▪▪ Elleke Boehmer, 2008, Mandela's
Ethical Legacy: A brief insight, Sterling
Publishing
▪▪ Hage, G (2008). Cultural capital and
cultural diversity: some problems
in Ghassan Hage’s account of
cosmopolitan multiculturalism, Journal
of Australian Studies, P. 509-20
▪▪ http://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/cg/
resources/guideline/simp-guideline.
▪▪ Danchev A.(2007), A Soft Social
Infrastructure as a Multicultural System,
Fatih University, Volume 1, Number 1
▪▪ www.immi.gov.au, 2012
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged
appendix
26
Appendix
Gladstone Region: The Region Of Choice,
Where diversity is not only appreciated but also encouraged