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The City of Boroondara is committed to:
- supporting our diverse community by offering a range of multicultural and bilingual programs. These programs aim to support cultural diversity, promote inclusion and ensure that everyone can access important services in their preferred language.
- fostering an inclusive community where all residents can thrive and participate fully, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background.
If you’ve just moved to Australia, there are a range of support services and programs available in Boroondara and the eastern region. Below is a list of programs provided by us. You can also visit our Multicultural support services and community organisations page.
Council services
Bilingual library activities for kids
We have bilingual storytime sessions in Mandarin and English for children aged 0 to 5 years at Greythorn Library.
Visit our Children's storytime and activities page to find out more.
Boroondara cultural champions volunteer program
Our cultural champions volunteer program includes volunteers from multicultural backgrounds who help us engage with the community. If you want to use your connections within your multicultural or faith community to be a cultural champion, you can email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4938.
Boroondara Interfaith Network
The Boroondara Interfaith Network, run by Council, provides an opportunity to connect with people from different religions, faiths and traditions in the community. We host activities that encourage relationship building through conversation to nurture harmony and deepen understanding and respect.
For more details, email [email protected] or call us (03) 9278 4938.
Chinese supported playgroups
Chinese playgroups are held at Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres in Balwyn North and at Greythorn. For information on session times visit our Maternal and child health page. Contact the MCH service to request parent groups and play groups in languages other than English.
English conversation clubs
Join these free group sessions at our libraries to improve your conversational English and meet new people. These clubs are run by volunteers at:
- Balwyn Library
- Kew Library.
You can see the addresses and hours of these library locations on our Contact the Library page.
You can see upcoming English conversation club meetings on our Events page.
Interpreting and translating services
If you would like information in languages other than English, we offer a free telephone interpreter service in a number of languages. For more information, visit our Council information in your language page.
Non-English language library resources
We have a collection of materials in Chinese, Greek, French, Italian, Korean, Arabic and German at all our libraries. Materials include children and adult books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and CDs.
Youth services
Our youth services support new international students with life skills, connections to services and opportunities to meet other people through activities at the Boroondara Youth Hub. For more information, visit our Young people page.
Other services
Community Grants
Our grants program actively supports multicultural groups to host events that share their cultures in ways that are authentic, locally driven, and meaningful. For mor information, visit our Community grants page.
Free business mentoring
The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) together with Council helps to guide you in planning, starting or growing your business. Sessions are available in English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese or Hokkien.
For more information, visit our Business mentoring page.
Sport club accreditation program
To promote more inclusive sport practices in our community, the City of Boroondara has a Sport Club accreditation program that awards clubs that recognise and celebrate inclusion and diversity.
For more information, visit our Accredited sports clubs page.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering means giving your time and skills to help others without getting paid. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and meet new people.
Visit our Volunteering page to explore volunteer opportunities that suit your interests, skills and availability.
Y International Student Programs
The Y runs an International Student Program, providing opportunities for international Students to improve their health and wellbeing, or keep active. For more information about the program visit International Students Program Boroondara Leisure and Aquatic Facilities.
Reporting discrimination and racism
Visit our Report discrimination and racism page to find out how to make a report if you experience or witness racism or discrimination.