Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
- Inclusive Emergency Management with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities
- Guidelines for Emergency Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
Inclusive Emergency Management with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities
The Australian Government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), has provided funds for four years (2006 - 2010) to the Attorney-General's Department as part of the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP). Emergency Management Australia EMA is one of the divisions involved.
EMA’s program is aimed at enhancing community resilience to the effects of disasters. The program addresses issues of community awareness, prevention and preparedness in CALD communities.
A National Reference Group, with representation from peak emergency management agencies and CALD community groups, provides guidance to EMA’s CALD program. They meet annually and additionally by teleconference as required.
The following components comprise the program:
- A National Workshop was held at the commencement of the program to explore current and emerging issues and trends in emergency management with CALD communities.
- Culturally specific national school education emergency management resources for youth.
- People, Get Ready, a web-based resource for teachers and students in Yrs 8-10 is available on the EMA Schools Website
- EMA is currently developing digital stories to further enhance the resource. These are due to be completed by June 30 2009
- Strategies to engage culturally diverse community members in volunteer groups that have roles in emergency management.
- A workshop was developed with support from the Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum to increase the recruitment and retention of CALD community members and has been delivered in Mount Macedon, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
- Jurisdictional Community Partnership projects based on action learning process.
- Seven projects have been established with representatives from the emergency management and CALD community sectors
Experienced cultural diversity practitioners have been contracted to assist EMA.
Guidelines for Emergency Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
Launched at the Diversity in Emergency Services Conference Oct 31 – Nov 2nd 2007 by EMA’s Director General, Tony Pearce.
Being one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world, Australia is recognising the importance of equal access to services and information for all people, regardless of background.
It is therefore imperative that the emergency management sector is proactive in developing strategies and policies for working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist the sector to work proactively with local CALD groups, thereby creating a safer, more sustainable community.
The original set of Guidelines for Emergency Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities arose out of a workshop conducted in March 2001 by Emergency Management Australia (EMA) in partnership with the then National Police Ethnic Advisory Bureau and Kangan Batman TAFE. A writing team pursued their development and a significant consultation process was undertaken with State and Territory emergency management agencies.
A review of the guidelines arose out of the Security Summit on 27 September 2005, where the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) noted the importance of a consistent and co-ordinated response by Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government at the onset of any national emergency.
All jurisdictions that attended the summit reported on proposed initiatives aimed at strengthening links with Australian communities and promoting tolerance and understanding.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) provided funds to the Attorney-General's Department to undertake a number of initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at helping communities to prepare for, respond to, and assist recovery from incidents, crises and other emergencies in Australia.
EMA is one of the divisions within the Attorney-General's Department that has been given the responsibility for a number of these initiatives. One of these initiatives was for EMA to bring together relevant emergency management personnel and community leaders to participate in a National Workshop at Mt Macedon in May 2006.
The purpose of this workshop was to review the guidelines, taking into account changes in both Australia’s emergency management policies and practices and its demographic profile. The draft guidelines were then disseminated for comment.
The new set of guidelines is expected to be a useful resource for emergency management agencies, including planning committees when engaging with diverse community groups.
To download these guidelines, please visit the Australian Emergency Manuals series page.