Celebrating diversity – and making all residents feel welcome – is very important to the City of Belmont. This means the City looks for ways to:
 

• Show respect and support for cultural, religious and linguistic differences;
• Share experiences and acknowledge the benefits diversity brings;
• Face any challenging issues which could stand in the way of becoming a more inclusive and connected community.

Our multicultural community at a glance

• More than 40% of people living in the City of Belmont report being born overseas;
• 63 languages are spoken within the City;
• More than 29% of residents speak a language other than English at home;
• The number of people in the City who identify as Islamic is more than three times that of the WA average and more than double the national average.

(ABS Census 2016)
 

Special projects

Our Multicultural City: A Collection of Poems by Students in the City of Belmont

To commemorate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May, in 2017 local students were invited to write poems that would capture their perspective, including their hopes and aspirations, families, culture and traditions.
 
These poems were collated into a booklet. Some hard copies of the booklet are available at the Civic Centre front desk and at the Ruth Faulkner Library.

‘My Story, My Home’ Photographic Project

To commemorate United Nations Day on 24 October, the City of Belmont in partnership with World Press Photo Perth and the students at Australian Islamic College launched a photographic exhibition called 'My Story, My Home' in 2016. The exhibition aimed to combat stereotypes and show the community the diversity and common connections within, between and across the Muslim and wider community.
 
Students shared their stories about multiculturalism online and the City also collated them into a booklet.
 

Programs and events

The City offers a range of programs and events throughout the year to celebrate and embrace its diverse community.

Harmonise Cultural Festival

This outdoor event is held in March to coincide with Harmony Week, a celebration of multiculturalism in Australia. The festival highlights the wonderful diversity within the City of Belmont with cultural performances, music, activities and cuisines.
 
You will find details of this and other events on the City’s Events Calendar.

For more information, please email community.development@belmont.wa.gov.au or phone the City on 9477 7219.