Tom Ingleton
Three northern Melbourne councils are launching an anti-racism support booklet to help residents report incidents and access local and statewide support services.
Hume , Darebin and Merri-bek councils developed the resource following a 2023 survey that found three-quarters of respondents had experienced racism in the past year.
Many said they didn’t know where to report it or feared they wouldn’t be supported.
The booklet was launched on March 21 to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and will be available in hard copy and online, translated into 10 languages.
It provides guidance on reporting racism, making complaints and seeking support.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said the survey findings were confronting and highlighted the need for greater awareness.
“Hume is home to people from 170 different countries speaking more than 155 languages. Everyone has the right to live as their true self, and these resources aim to keep people safe and hold offenders accountable,” he said.
